AI-generated summary
The BJP has been working since 2014 to expand its support base among OBC and SC communities, which were not part of its traditional core constituency. This effort intensified under Narendra Modi's leadership. The party has previously fielded diverse candidates in Rajya Sabha elections from Uttar Pradesh, including OBCs and SCs alongside upper castes.
NEW DELHI: President Droupadi Murmu on Monday appointed four new governors - Sudha Yadav of Karnataka, Dhal Singh Bisen of Uttarakhand, Dushyant Gautam of Sikkim and Braj Mohan Ram of Odisha. While Yadav, who hails from Haryana, and Bisen, who is from the agriculturist Bhoyar Pawar caste from MP, belong to the OBC category, both Gautam (Jatav) and Ram (Dhobi) are from SC community, underlining BJP's focus on two demographics which are crucial voting segments in many states, including in poll-bound Uttar Pradesh. Yadav, also a member of BJP parliamentary board, entered politics after her husband, BSF deputy commandant Sukhbir Yadav, was killed in the 1999 Kargil War. The other three appointees are former BJP MPs. The preference for Dalits and OBCs is in line with party's push since 2014 to consolidate the support it has gained among communities which were not part of its core base until PM Narendra Modi's emergence as its mascot. The choices come before assembly elections in party's strongholds of UP and Uttarakhand. Early on, party had fielded a diverse slate of candidates for Rajya Sabha polls from UP, with the coveted berths going to, apart from upper castes, OBCs and SCs. Meanwhile, according to an official communication, Keralam governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar was shifted to Tamil Nadu, and Sikkim's Om Prakash Mathur will take charge in Keralam.
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The BJP will likely emphasize these gubernatorial appointments in its campaign messaging for the upcoming Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand assembly elections to appeal to OBC and SC voters.
Likely · Within weeks
President Donald Trump said he is 'looking at' firing US Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle after reports alleged she engaged in improper and possibly illegal conduct, including threatening a Greek official, accepting improper gifts, and offering influence for payment of a large credit card bill. Guilfoyle's lawyers deny wrongdoing, claiming the money sought was for services predating her ambassadorship.
Over 60% of the 3.3 million voters who received SIR notices in Delhi have been verified after the Election Commission simplified the verification process, allowing BLOs to collect documents at homes and correct minor issues without extensive documentation. The process, which began in September, aims to finalize the SIR roll by December 4, with resolution efforts continuing until November 30.
BJP leaders accused Congress's 'visionless' leadership and Rahul Gandhi of causing the party's electoral losses, labeling Gandhi as unstable and anarchist for turning to street protests. They criticized his march and memorandum to the CJI as a threat to the judiciary, alleged foreign-backed hooliganism in protests, and defended BJP's constitutional record, contrasting it with Congress's actions during the Emergency.
Delhi police have designated Ramlila Maidan, Burari ground, and CBD ground in Shahdara as new protest venues following the denotification of Jantar Mantar Road, citing traffic congestion, security concerns, and lack of amenities, after a Supreme Court directive to find a suitable alternative with basic facilities.
Indian authorities have raised security concerns about regulating Starlink, a satellite internet service controlled by foreign operator SpaceX, citing risks related to data protection and law and order, while Elon Musk has criticized the government for allegedly blocking the service due to Mukesh Ambani's influence, a claim dismissed by officials who emphasize national interest and a level-playing field.
As of June 30, 2026, over 3.85 lakh appeals and complaints were pending across 28 information commissions in India, with 14 commissions having a waiting time of one year or more, according to a report by Satark Nagrik Sangathan based on RTI data from 29 commissions.