Category Archives: POLITICS

Rahul Gandhi Signals Supreme Court Move After Meeting President Over ‘Vote Theft’ Allegations

Posted on by
Reply

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said President Droupadi Murmu had asked opposition leaders to provide evidence for their allegations of “vote chori” (vote theft) after a delegation of INDIA bloc leaders met her on Friday to raise concerns about alleged electoral irregularities and the functioning of the Election Commission.

The delegation, which included Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, submitted a memorandum at Rashtrapati Bhavan alleging attempts to undermine Indian democracy. The opposition has been demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar and has criticised the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Gandhi alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Kumar were conspiring to undermine Indian democracy.

“We submitted a memorandum to the President of India, informing her that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar are conspiring to destroy Indian democracy,” Gandhi said.

He said Murmu had asked the delegation to substantiate its claims and that the opposition would submit supporting material when she was available.

“She asked us to provide evidence to substantiate what we have said. We will submit the evidence to her whenever she is available,” he said.

Gandhi described the meeting as satisfactory, adding that the President had neither rejected nor questioned the delegation’s submissions. He also announced that opposition leaders would approach the Supreme Court on Monday with a memorandum addressed to the Chief Justice of India.

Kharge Demands Ballot Papers Instead of EVMs

Kharge said the President had listened patiently to the delegation and was briefed on the opposition’s protests over alleged electoral irregularities.

“Leaders from our alliance met the President and submitted a memorandum. We apprised the President of the agitation we launched four days ago regarding the theft of votes,” he said.

Kharge alleged serious lapses in the functioning of the Election Commission and criticised Kumar. He also demanded that electronic voting machines (EVMs) be set aside and elections be conducted using ballot papers.

“We underlined the issue of vote theft and the grave error committed by Gyanesh Kumar. We demanded that EVMs be set aside and elections be conducted using ballot papers,” he said.

The opposition’s allegations have centred on the Election Commission’s conduct, the revision of electoral rolls and what opposition parties describe as irregularities in the electoral process. The allegations remain claims made by the opposition, rather than established findings.

Mamata Banerjee Says President Will Examine Details

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said the delegation had submitted a memorandum and that the President had indicated she would examine the details and required evidence.

“We have submitted a memorandum. We have seen from a positive outlook that she said she will investigate; she will go through the details, and she needs evidence,” Banerjee said.

She added that the delegation had agreed to provide the requested material and urged the President to protect democratic institutions.

“She has asked us to send evidence, which we said we will do. The country is very concerned, and you, as a custodian of the Constitution, should take proper care so the democracy remains,” she said.

The delegation included Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Banerjee, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) MP Supriya Sule, CPI(M) general secretary M.A. Baby, RJD Rajya Sabha member Manoj Kumar Jha, CPI general secretary D. Raja, Samajwadi Party MP Rajeev Rai and VCK president Thirumaavalavan Tholkappiyan.

The meeting followed several days of opposition protests targeting the Election Commission and Kumar. The next steps include the submission of evidence to the President and the proposed approach to the Supreme Court on Monday.

What the Cockroach Janta Party is Planning Today in Delhi on EC Row

Posted on by
Reply

The opposition parties plan to intensify their protest by hitting the streets of Delhi today, 10th October 2026, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. The developments follow an Indian Express Investigation which exposed an internal rift in the Election Commission, revealing how EC commissioners SS Sandhu and Vivek Joshi raised at least 14 formal complaints in 10 months.

Their complaints pertain to Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, unauthorized changes to form 6, unauthorized appeals and decisions made by CEC Gyanesh Kumar without sharing the knowledge with the other commissioners.

The Cockroach Janta Party has organized a large-scale protest in Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, joining hands with various student organizations. Some of these include All India Students Organization (AISA), members of the Student’s Federation of India (SFI) and All India Student’s Federation (AISF) among others.

AISA President Neha Bora has pledged to “lead this fight unitedly” and “take to the streets to raise people’s issues and defend their rights.” However, the CJP has been denied permission by the Delhi Police to protest in Delhi on Saturday, Oct. 10. These protests have been blocked, citing Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita. Additionally, train services will be cancelled, restrictions will be imposed at 57 metro stations, and liquor shops will remain closed for two days as part of security measures.

What the Delhi Police Said

Joint Commissioner of the Delhi Police, Nupur Prasad has grounded the denial of permission stating that the CJP was “not following the conditions as part of undertaking during the past protest,” referring to the July protests over NEET-UG paper leaks. CJP co-convener Saurav Das had submitted a letter informing the Delhi Police about the protest, three days before on October 7, 2026.

However, under the official guidelines, the application had to be submitted ten days in advance, a requirement the CJP dismissed as unnecessary to inform the police, given that Jantar Mantar is a designated protest site.

Apart from this, the INDIA bloc continues to push for CEC Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation and upholds their ‘vote chori’ claims. They will meet President Droupadi Murmu at 8pm on 9 October, 2026 to address the ongoing SIR row. The members of the delegation include Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, West Bengal’s Ex-CM Mamata Banerjee, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, CPM general secretary MA Baby, RJD leader Tejaswi Yadav and CPI general secretary D Raja among others.

Aam Aadmi Party’s National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal has urged people to participate in the October 10 protests at Jantar Mantar. Kejriwal stated that he will be going and “my entire family will be going” as well. He further claimed that people who did not vote for the BJP were being deleted off the electoral list, openly under ECE Gyanesh Kumar.

Apart from this, the Karnataka Congress has launched their “Save Vote, Save Country” campaign at the block level panchayat from October 10 to 20, creating awareness about vote theft. There would be other meetings held from October 25 to November 25 as well for grassroot mobilization and outreach. KPCC President BK Hariprasad had reiterated the commitment of the Congress in identifying the names deleted through Form 7 and later restoring them via ground-level surveys.

Rahul Gandhi says Modi, Shah, Bhagwat and CEC Gyanesh Kumar will face action

Posted on by
Reply

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar of undermining democracy through alleged “vote chori”, warning that none of those responsible would escape accountability.

Gandhi made the remarks during a confrontation with police after an INDIA bloc protest march from Parliament towards the Election Commission headquarters in New Delhi. More than 300 Opposition MPs participated in the protest, according to Gandhi.

Rahul Gandhi alleges ‘vote chori’

“I am not interested in what the BJP says. I am standing here to protect democracy in the country. Along with me, 300 Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs had come and they are also trying to protect democracy,” Gandhi told reporters from inside the Akashvani Bhawan premises.

He alleged that Modi, Shah and Bhagwat had “hijacked” the country through “vote chori”, with the Election Commission under Gyanesh Kumar allegedly helping them.

“None of them will be spared, be it PM Modi, Home Minister Shah, RSS chief Bhagwat or CEC Gyanesh Kumar. What has been done to our country is treason. Nobody is going to escape,” Gandhi said.

Gandhi also claimed that the alleged assault on democratic institutions was widely recognised across the country, including among young people and even police personnel who were deployed to stop the protest.

The allegations are part of the Congress-led Opposition’s broader campaign against the Election Commission over alleged irregularities in the electoral process. The ruling BJP and the Election Commission have rejected such allegations.

Opposition march stopped by police

Earlier, Gandhi said on X that more than 300 Opposition MPs had marched from Parliament to meet the Election Commissioners.

“We represent crores of Indians. Why aren’t the Election Commissioners meeting us? Why is the police stopping and threatening us?” he said.

The march was stopped by police near Parliament Street, with Gandhi, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and several other MPs entering the Akashvani Bhawan premises while attempting to proceed towards the Election Commission office.

Several Opposition leaders were detained after police halted the march, including Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and Trinamool Congress MPs Abhishek Banerjee and Derek O’Brien.

The Opposition protesters were demanding accountability from the Election Commission and calling for Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation. The confrontation comes amid escalating political tensions over allegations of electoral irregularities and the conduct of the poll panel.

Brazil election: Right-Wing Bolsonaro’s first-round lead puts Lula on the defensive

Posted on by
Reply

Brazil’s presidential election is heading for a decisive October 25 runoff after right-wing Senator Flávio Bolsonaro unexpectedly finished ahead of incumbent Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in the first round, giving the Bolsonaro movement fresh momentum while leaving the final outcome far from settled.

With 99.99% of the votes counted, Bolsonaro won 56.1 million votes, or 47.03% of valid ballots, while Lula secured 53.9 million votes, or 45.16%, according to Brazil’s Superior Electoral Court. Neither candidate crossed the 50% threshold required to win outright. The first round recorded 125.27 million valid votes, along with 2.30 million blank ballots and 3.67 million invalid votes.

The result overturned the expectations of several pre-election polls, which generally showed Lula with a narrow advantage going into voting. It also means that Brazil’s deeply polarised electorate will now be asked to choose between an 80-year-old incumbent seeking a fourth non-consecutive term and a 45-year-old political heir to former President Jair Bolsonaro.

The runoff will be fought over voters who backed the other 10 presidential candidates, as well as millions who may be dissatisfied with both leading contenders.

Bolsonaro turns a polling deficit into a political advantage

Flávio Bolsonaro’s first-round performance is significant because it gives the right-wing candidate the psychological advantage of entering the runoff as the vote leader.

Political analyst Rafael Favetti told Reuters that the result could represent a “protest vote” against Lula that moved toward Bolsonaro earlier than expected. “The protest vote foreshadows what is to come in the run-off,” Favetti said, warning that Bolsonaro may have already captured some voters who otherwise would have shifted to him only in the second round.

That creates a complicated calculation for the Bolsonaro campaign. The first-round result demonstrates that he can mobilise voters beyond his core supporters, but it may also mean that some of his potential second-round gains have already been exhausted.

Lula acknowledged that the result was unexpected but sought to project confidence.

“I admit, I was convinced I would win in the first round. The game is about to start. We are in extra time. In extra time, we will win over the Brazilian people,” Lula said after the results.

The former union leader now faces the challenge of converting his incumbency into a positive argument while preventing the runoff from becoming a simple referendum on his government.

Crime, living costs and economic sentiment are likely to dominate that contest. Bolsonaro has campaigned heavily on public security and political change, while Lula has sought to frame the election as a defence of democracy, social programmes and Brazilian sovereignty.

The contest is also likely to remain entangled with former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is serving a 27-year sentence after being convicted of plotting to overturn the 2022 election result. Flávio has pledged to seek an amnesty for his father if elected.

The bigger warning for Lula is the strength of Brazil’s right

The presidential result cannot be viewed in isolation. The first round also produced a strong performance by Bolsonaro-aligned candidates in congressional and state races, suggesting that the political infrastructure behind the Bolsonaro movement remains intact despite Jair Bolsonaro’s imprisonment and exclusion from the presidential race.

The Liberal Party, or PL, was on course to become the largest force in the Chamber of Deputies and also made gains in the Senate. Bolsonaro’s stepmother, former first lady Michelle Bolsonaro, won a Senate seat in the Federal District, while his brother Carlos Bolsonaro was elected to the Senate in Santa Catarina.

“The fact that far-right candidates for the legislature have exceeded all expectations suggests a deeper popular grounding for the bolsonarista project than many expected,” Andre Pagliarini, an assistant professor of history and international studies at Louisiana State University, told Al Jazeera.

“Millions of Brazilians right now evidently feel the right best reflects their values and vision for the future,” he said.

That congressional shift could become crucial after October 25. Even if Lula wins another term, a stronger conservative legislature could make it harder for his administration to advance legislation. A Bolsonaro presidency, by contrast, would inherit a political environment more receptive to the right’s agenda.

The other major uncertainty is the electorate that rejected both leading candidates in the first round. Ronaldo Caiado and Renan Santos, who together received about 5.3 million votes, have previously indicated they would not endorse either candidate. Their supporters therefore cannot automatically be treated as Bolsonaro voters.

Turnout could also become decisive. Voting is compulsory for Brazilians aged 18 to 70, although exemptions apply to some groups, including people over 70. A large number of voters who are legally required to participate may still be reluctant to choose either candidate.

The US factor adds another layer to the runoff. President Donald Trump has maintained political ties with the Bolsonaro family, while Lula has accused Washington of attempting to influence Brazil’s election. The Trump administration has denied seeking to interfere, but US tariffs, sanctions and diplomatic pressure have made Brazilian sovereignty a central campaign issue.

The October 25 runoff will therefore be about more than Lula versus Flávio Bolsonaro. It will test whether the first-round result reflects a durable rightward shift in Brazil or a temporary consolidation of voters determined to prevent Lula from securing another term.

For Lula, the immediate task is to turn the two-point deficit into a case for continuity. For Bolsonaro, it is to convert a stronger-than-expected first round into a majority without alienating voters who supported other candidates.

The first round has given Bolsonaro momentum. It has not, however, given him the presidency.

Delhi court allows 7 Ukrainian, US nationals in NIA case to travel abroad for a month

Posted on by
Reply

A Delhi court has allowed a US national and six Ukrainian nationals facing an NIA investigation to travel to their respective home countries for a month, after granting them default bail and releasing their passports.

Special NIA Judge Prashant Sharma of the Rouse Avenue Courts permitted American national Matthew Aaron VanDyke to travel to the US and the six Ukrainians to travel to Ukraine to meet their families. The court directed all seven to return to India after one month and inform the court within 72 hours of their return.

The order comes as the National Investigation Agency continues its investigation into alleged offences under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), while a chargesheet filed earlier this month accused the seven only under provisions of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025.

Court cites fundamental right to travel

The court said the right to travel abroad is an extension of a fundamental right under the Constitution. It also noted that the accused had expressed their willingness to cooperate with the NIA investigation whenever required.

As conditions for travelling, the seven must provide their residential addresses, working phone numbers and email addresses to the NIA within 24 hours. Those without functioning phone numbers can initially provide a family member’s number and must provide their own working number within a week of reaching their destinations.

They must also join the NIA investigation through video conference or physically whenever directed by the agency.

UAPA investigation remains open

The seven were arrested on March 13 and were initially booked under Section 18 of the UAPA. According to the NIA’s case, they had allegedly entered restricted areas in Mizoram, crossed into Myanmar and interacted with ethnic armed organisations, including groups banned in India. The allegations have not been established at trial.

The NIA subsequently filed a chargesheet under Sections 21 and 23 of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, covering alleged illegal entry and visa-related violations. The agency has maintained that its investigation into the UAPA allegations is continuing and that the absence of UAPA charges from the current chargesheet does not mean that the broader probe has been closed.

The six Ukrainian nationals were also discharged from the immigration-related offences after paying a ₹5.5 lakh penalty, while VanDyke’s lawyers have sought his discharge from the immigration offences after their compounding.

The latest court order therefore allows the seven to leave India temporarily while keeping them subject to the ongoing investigation and the condition that they return after one month.

Election Commission faces fresh questions over voter rolls and internal dissent

Posted on by
Reply

India’s Election Commission is facing fresh scrutiny after reports that two election commissioners raised objections to decisions on voter registration, electoral-roll management and election data, exposing internal disagreements at the constitutional body responsible for conducting the country’s elections.

The reported dissent comes as the commission undertakes a nationwide Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, an exercise that has triggered a political confrontation with opposition parties over the deletion and verification of voter names. The opposition has alleged that the process could disenfranchise legitimate voters, while the Election Commission has defended the revision as necessary to remove ineligible entries and maintain accurate electoral rolls.

The reported differences within the commission have added a new dimension to an already contentious political dispute: whether concerns about India’s electoral process are limited to disagreements between the Election Commission and opposition parties, or whether they also reflect substantive differences within the institution itself.

Internal disagreements raise questions over transparency

The controversy follows a report by The Indian Express that commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had raised concerns or objections on several occasions involving the electoral database and voter-registration process.

According to the report, the two commissioners raised concerns in at least 14 instances over a 10-month period and, in one case, wrote to a state chief secretary. The commissioners have not publicly commented on the report.

The Election Commission has described differences of opinion as a normal part of institutional deliberations. It has also said that major reforms undertaken during the period were approved unanimously by the full commission.

The significance of the reported disagreements therefore depends on what the underlying objections concerned, how they were resolved and whether the relevant records demonstrate procedural or substantive problems.

SIR becomes the centre of the political dispute

The internal controversy comes against the backdrop of the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, which the Election Commission says is intended to identify deceased, duplicate, shifted and otherwise ineligible voters.

Opposition parties have strongly criticised the exercise, arguing that verification requirements and deletions could exclude legitimate voters. The Election Commission has rejected those allegations and maintained that voters have established procedures through which their names can be included or restored.

The dispute has been particularly intense in West Bengal, where political parties have challenged the scale and implementation of the revision and its potential impact on the electorate.

The latest reports have given the opposition another basis for questioning the commission, with leaders arguing that internal objections strengthen their concerns about the way electoral rolls are being managed. The BJP and the Election Commission have rejected the broader allegations of electoral manipulation.

The credibility issue goes beyond one election

The immediate political dispute centres on the Election Commission, the voter-roll revision and the reported disagreements among commissioners. But the larger issue is the credibility of India’s electoral administration.

For the commission, the challenge is to explain how disputed decisions are made, how internal objections are considered and resolved, and how voters can effectively challenge errors in electoral rolls.

For the opposition, the challenge is to establish its allegations through identifiable cases and documentary evidence rather than treating every administrative dispute as proof of electoral manipulation.

An electoral-roll error, an internal disagreement and deliberate manipulation of an election are different claims requiring different evidence.

The reported dissent therefore does not, by itself, establish that India’s elections have been rigged. It does, however, put greater attention on a question that is central to public confidence in the electoral process: how transparent and accountable are the decisions governing who gets to vote.

Trump Speech Goes Nearly Silent After White House Media Ban

Posted on by
Reply

President Donald Trump’s speech at a White House ceremony was nearly inaudible on television Monday after major US networks pulled out of the presidential media pool in protest against the administration’s ban on CNN, MS NOW and Politico.

Footage broadcast by Newsmax showed Trump speaking during a ribbon-cutting ceremony to open a new White House helipad, but the event lacked the cameras and microphones normally supplied by the rotating White House television press pool. As a result, viewers could see Trump speaking but could barely hear what he was saying.

“There’s no microphone because the pool cameras aren’t there,” a Newsmax presenter said while the footage was being broadcast, adding that the situation could be “one example of it backfiring just a little bit.”

Major Networks Pull Out of TV Pool

Trump announced Friday that CNN, MS NOW and Politico would be barred from the White House, accusing the three outlets of “FAKE NEWS” in a post on Truth Social.

The decision triggered a broader dispute over the White House television pool, a system in which major networks rotate responsibility for providing cameras and video from presidential events and share the footage with other broadcasters.

ABC, CBS, CNN, Fox News and NBC said Monday that the public has a vital interest in receiving accurate and independent information about the government and that administrations should not restrict news organisations because of their reporting.

CNN had been scheduled to provide pool coverage for Monday’s event but could not do so following the White House ban.

“There will be no replacement pool put in place,” Fox News Washington bureau chief Bryan Boughton, who chairs the television pool, said in a memo to the White House press corps, according to Politico.

The disruption meant the White House event proceeded without the usual shared television production infrastructure, exposing the practical consequences of the dispute between the administration and major news organisations.

CNN, MS NOW and Politico have separately announced legal action, saying they are seeking to protect their First Amendment rights. Their emergency request is expected to be considered by a federal judge in Washington.

White House Launches Trump TV

The media confrontation has also coincided with the White House launching a new digital broadcast called TRUMP TV on YouTube.

The livestream, which began Monday, promises to provide presidential footage and “must-see highlights” around the clock. Its programming has included recordings of Trump’s recent speeches, including remarks at Mount Rushmore during celebrations marking America’s 250th anniversary and his 2025 commencement address to West Point graduates.

Trump has repeatedly clashed with major US media organisations and accused outlets whose coverage he dislikes of being biased or inaccurate.

The launch of Trump TV gives the White House a direct digital distribution channel at a moment when the traditional television pool has been disrupted by the dispute over press access.

The near-silent footage from Monday’s helipad ceremony illustrated the immediate effect of that breakdown: without the shared cameras and microphones normally supplied by the television pool, one of the president’s public appearances became difficult for television audiences to hear.

Uttar Pradesh minister Om Prakash Rajbhar claims state will be split into four

Posted on by
Reply

Uttar Pradesh Minister and Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP) chief Om Prakash Rajbhar has claimed that the state will eventually be divided into four parts, with a separate Purvanchal state having a Chief Minister from the Rajbhar community.

Addressing a public meeting in Ambedkarnagar on Sunday, Rajbhar said the proposed four regions would be Purvanchal, Madhyanchal, Bundelkhand and Harit Pradesh.

“In the coming days, the state is going to be divided into four parts. The day a separate Purvanchal state is created, the first Chief Minister will be a son of the Rajbhar community,” he said.

Rajbhar also referred to what he described as a conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He claimed that the division of Uttar Pradesh could be taken up after the completion of the caste census.

Rajbhar links state division to caste census

Rajbhar said he had discussed the issue of sub-categorisation within the 27 per cent OBC reservation quota with the Prime Minister.

“Once the caste census is completed, there will be no problem in carrying out the division. We will divide the state after the caste census. This is what the Prime Minister of the country said,” Rajbhar claimed.

There has been no corresponding announcement from the Centre or the BJP confirming a plan to divide Uttar Pradesh into four states. Rajbhar’s remarks therefore represent his stated position rather than an announced government decision.

Demand for smaller states has a long history

The demand for dividing Uttar Pradesh has been raised several times, with proponents citing the state’s size and regional administrative concerns.

In 2011, the Mayawati-led BSP government passed a resolution in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly proposing that the state be divided into four regions. The proposal did not progress at the Centre.

Rajbhar’s latest comments come ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections and have brought the long-standing debate over the state’s reorganisation back into focus.

White House Launches ‘Trump TV’ As Media Fight With CNN, Politico Escalates

Posted on by
Reply

The White House has launched a 24/7 streaming service called “TRUMP TV: The Essentials Station”, giving viewers direct access to President Donald Trump’s speeches, administration announcements and other official footage as his administration faces a growing dispute with major US news organisations.

The digital channel went live on Monday evening on the White House’s YouTube platform, hours after CNN, MS NOW and Politico filed a federal lawsuit challenging the administration’s decision to block their reporters from White House access. The White House says the new service will bring the administration’s “biggest moments” together in one place and update the feed in real time.

The launch comes as the traditional White House television pool has effectively been disrupted. ABC, CBS, Fox News, NBC and CNN had shared responsibility for providing video coverage of presidential events, but the four networks other than CNN suspended their participation after CNN was removed from a scheduled pool assignment.

Trump TV follows ban on three news outlets

Trump announced last week that CNN, MS NOW and Politico would be barred from the White House, accusing the organisations of publishing what he called “FAKE NEWS”. Their reporters were subsequently denied entry and had their press credentials confiscated.

The three organisations have challenged the restrictions in federal court, arguing that the administration violated First Amendment protections by restricting their access in response to their reporting. The White House has defended its position, arguing that press organisations do not have an automatic right to special access to the White House.

The dispute has now affected the traditional system through which television networks collectively provide footage of the president. The White House has its own video operation and can distribute footage directly, making the new streaming service particularly significant at a time when independent television coverage of presidential events is being disrupted.

White House builds direct-to-viewer media channel

The Trump TV feed includes recent announcements, presidential remarks and footage from earlier Trump appearances. The first programming included footage from Trump’s July appearance at Mount Rushmore and his 2025 inauguration.

The White House has presented the platform as a way for Americans to see presidential events and administration material that may not receive television airtime. Deputy Assistant to the President Kaelan Dorr described it as a livestream of the administration’s “greatest hits, unfiltered”, according to reports.

The development marks a further shift toward the White House communicating directly with audiences through its own digital channels rather than relying entirely on traditional news organisations to distribute presidential footage.

That shift is unfolding alongside an unresolved legal battle over press access. CNN, MS NOW and Politico are seeking to restore their access, while the administration maintains that the outlets can continue reporting on the president even without the access it previously provided.

The immediate significance of Trump TV, therefore, extends beyond the launch of another streaming feed. It gives the White House a direct distribution channel at a moment when the administration’s relationship with several major news organisations has entered a new and legally contested phase.

Reuters/Ipsos figures show Trump’s approval rate falling to 32% from Jan 25 rating of 47%

Posted on by
Reply

President Donald Trump’s approval rating has fallen to 32%, the lowest level of his political career, according to the latest Reuters/Ipsos poll. The figure marks a 15-point decline from the 47% approval recorded shortly after his second inauguration in January 2025, with economic concerns and the war with Iran emerging as major issues in the latest survey.

Approval Erodes From Second-Inauguration High

The latest reading extends a broader decline in Trump’s approval rating over the past 18 months, despite brief periods of recovery. The Reuters/Ipsos figures show his approval moving as follows:

  • January 2025: 47% shortly after his second inauguration
  • March 2026: 36%
  • August 2026: 33%, matching his previous first-term low
  • September 14, 2026: 35%
  • September 21, 2026: 32%

At 32%, Trump’s current approval rating is three points below former President Joe Biden’s lowest Reuters/Ipsos rating of 35%, recorded in October 2024.

The latest decline also extends to Trump’s Republican base. His approval among Republicans fell from 82% to 73% in a week, according to the poll.

Cost of Living Emerges as Key Pressure Point

Economic concerns are particularly pronounced in the latest survey. Only 17% of Americans approve of Trump’s handling of the cost of living, while even among Republicans, 51% disapprove of his performance on the issue compared with 44% who approve.

The war with Iran is another area where the administration faces weak public support. Just 34% of respondents approve of the US strikes on Iran, while 82% expect the conflict to continue for an extended period. The conflict has also coincided with higher fuel prices, adding to concerns about household costs.

Trump retains substantially stronger support on immigration. Seventy-nine per cent of Republicans approve of his handling of the issue, although approval falls to 36% among Americans overall. His handling of crime receives 35% approval nationally, compared with 50% who disapprove.

The political impact is also visible in the generic congressional ballot. Democratic candidates lead Republican candidates 43% to 35% among respondents, an eight-point gap that represents the largest Democratic advantage recorded by Reuters/Ipsos this year.

The poll does not establish that economic concerns or the Iran conflict alone are responsible for the shift in voting preferences. It does, however, show that Trump’s overall approval has declined alongside weak ratings on several issues that are central to his second-term agenda, while Democratic candidates currently hold an eight-point advantage on the generic congressional ballot.

Ukraine Begins Truce, Hands Russia List of 1,000 Prisoners to Swap

Posted on by
Reply

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine has submitted a list of 1,000 detainees to Russia as part of preparations for a major prisoner exchange between the two sides amid the ongoing conflict.

According to Ukraine’s presidential press service, Zelensky said the proposed “1,000 for 1,000” prisoner exchange was being actively prepared and was expected to take place soon.

“The prisoner exchange, 1,000 for 1,000, is being prepared and must take place. The Americans assumed responsibility for these guarantees,” Zelensky said in his evening address on Sunday. He also reiterated the need to end the conflict with Russia and ensure long-term security guarantees for Ukraine.

Referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Zelensky said Moscow was now indicating readiness for direct talks. “Now Putin himself says that he is finally ready for real meetings. We pushed him a little toward this, and we have long been ready for such meetings ourselves, now a format must be found,” he said.

3-Day Ceasefire in Effect

Russia and Ukraine had on Friday agreed to a three-day ceasefire coinciding with Victory Day commemorations, along with the planned exchange of 1,000 prisoners from each side.

However, both countries on Sunday accused each other of repeatedly violating the temporary truce.

Russia’s Defence Ministry claimed Ukrainian forces committed 16,071 ceasefire violations over the previous 24 hours. Moscow said its troops responded with retaliatory strikes targeting artillery systems, command centres and drone launch sites. A day earlier, the ministry had reported 8,970 alleged ceasefire breaches across several regions.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian authorities said at least one person was killed and 15 others injured in Russian attacks across Ukraine despite the ceasefire arrangement. The General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces said Russian troops carried out around 60 attacks on Ukrainian positions on Sunday.

The temporary ceasefire was scheduled to remain in effect from Saturday through Monday during Russia’s Victory Day celebrations.

Prime Minister inaugurates Sindhu Hospital in Hyderabad

Posted on by
Reply

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi today inaugurated Sindhu Hospital in Hyderabad.

The Prime Minister said that the hospital is a laudable effort to improve healthcare infrastructure in the city and surrounding areas. He also appreciated the emphasis on integrating latest technology and innovation by the hospital team.

The Prime Minister posted on X;

“Inaugurated the Sindhu Hospital in Hyderabad. It’s a laudable effort to improve healthcare infrastructure in the city and surrounding areas. The emphasis on integrating latest technology and innovation by the hospital team is appreciable.”

 

Also Read: 

Vijay takes oath as Tamil Nadu CM, signs free power and women’s safety orders

Dr Mansukh Mandaviya To Launch Nationwide Free Annual Health Check-Up Drive For Workers On May 7

 

 

 

Putin says Ukraine war ‘nearing’ end, echoes Trump’s post

Posted on by
Reply

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said the war in Ukraine may be “coming to an end,” days after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a temporary three-day ceasefire and urged both Moscow and Kyiv to move toward a broader peace agreement.

Speaking after Russia’s Victory Day events in Moscow, Putin said he believed “the matter is coming to an end,” while indicating that direct negotiations with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy could be possible if both sides agree on a long-term settlement framework.

Putin’s remarks came after Trump earlier announced what he described as a “three-day ceasefire” between May 9 and May 11, brokered through U.S.-led diplomatic efforts. Trump said he hoped the temporary truce would become “the beginning of something much bigger” and lead to a permanent cessation of hostilities.

He also confirmed a major prisoner exchange involving 1,000 detainees from each side, calling it “an important first step toward peace.”

Trump had earlier described the war as “madness” and said Washington was prepared to send senior officials to Moscow to help facilitate negotiations if the ceasefire holds.

5 Years of Pain for Europe, Other Nations

The Russia-Ukraine war, now in its fifth year since Moscow’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, has become Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War II, killing or wounding hundreds of thousands and displacing millions.

Russia currently controls nearly 20 per cent of Ukrainian territory, though its military has failed to fully seize the eastern Donbas region despite sustained offensives.

This year’s Victory Day parade reflected the strain of the prolonged conflict. For the first time in nearly two decades, no tanks rolled through Red Square. Instead, large digital displays showcased missile systems and drones as heavily guarded troops marched before the Kremlin.

Zelenskyy responded cautiously to Putin’s comments, saying Ukraine would judge Russia by “actions, not statements.”

Although both Kyiv and Moscow have accused each other of minor ceasefire violations, no major escalation has been reported during the temporary truce.

Diplomatic observers say Putin’s statement appears to align with Trump’s recent push for direct negotiations, though Western governments remain cautious and insist that any peace agreement must guarantee Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Who’s who? Vijay’s first Cabinet is a mix of veterans, technocrats and first-timers

Posted on by
Reply

Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Sunday unveiled a nine-member Cabinet that reflects a calibrated blend of political experience, administrative expertise and youthful representation as Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam formally assumed power in the State.

The team includes former AIADMK heavyweights, ex-bureaucrats, political strategists, professionals and first-time legislators, signalling Vijay’s attempt to balance continuity with disruption.

N. Anand, popularly known as “Bussy” Anand, emerges as the second-most powerful figure in the new government. The TVK general secretary and Vijay’s longtime organisational lieutenant was elected from Chennai’s T. Nagar constituency. A former Puducherry MLA, Anand has remained central to Vijay’s political mobilisation since the fan-club days.

Veteran leader K.A. Sengottaiyan brings decades of legislative experience to the Cabinet. The 78-year-old 10-time MLA, who shifted from AIADMK to TVK in late 2025, served under both J. Jayalalithaa and Edappadi K. Palaniswami and is seen as the administration’s institutional anchor.

Aadhav Arjuna, elected from Villivakkam, represents Vijay’s strategic political expansion. A former DMK consultant and one-time VCK deputy general secretary, his earlier suspension from VCK following demands for greater power-sharing had sparked controversy. He is also known for his ties to lottery baron Santiago Martin through family connections and his leadership roles in sports administration.

Vijay Takes over as Tamil Nadu CM

Former Indian Revenue Service officer Dr. K.G. Arunraj adds technocratic heft. The Salem-based leader, an MBBS graduate who later served in the Income Tax Department, is expected to shape policy and governance reforms.

C.T.R. Nirmalkumar’s induction underlines TVK’s digital-era political strategy. The former Tamil Nadu BJP IT wing chief and later AIADMK social media functionary switched to TVK in 2025 and quickly became one of its sharpest public communicators.

A. Rajmohan’s rise from digital commentator to Cabinet minister marks one of the most unconventional political transitions. The Chennai-based YouTuber and public speaker built his profile through social advocacy content and Tamil political commentary.

P. Venkataramanan, an advocate and TVK treasurer elected from Mylapore, brings legal and financial expertise to the Cabinet. He is also among only two Brahmin legislators elected to the new Assembly.

Dr. T.K. Prabhu, a dentist from Karaikudi with international academic credentials, represents TVK’s outreach to professionals entering active politics.

At 29, S. Keerthana becomes one of the youngest ministers in Tamil Nadu’s history. The first-time MLA from Sivakasi, with degrees in mathematics and statistics, symbolises Vijay’s emphasis on youth leadership and women’s participation.

Political observers say the Cabinet’s composition reflects Vijay’s larger political message, combining cinematic mass appeal with administrative seriousness as Tamil Nadu enters a new political era after decades of DMK-AIADMK dominance.

Vijay takes oath as Tamil Nadu CM, signs free power and women’s safety orders

Posted on by
Reply

Popular Tamil hero and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam founder C. Joseph Vijay on Sunday assumed office as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and immediately announced a series of welfare and governance measures, marking an assertive start to his first term in office.

Soon after taking charge, Vijay signed official files approving 200 units of free electricity for domestic consumers, the formation of a dedicated women’s safety force, and the establishment of special anti-drug trafficking units across the State.

ALSO READ: Curtains Down on Tamil Nadu’s 5-Day Drama: Vijay gets 120 last minute

The actor-turned-politician was sworn in at a grand ceremony held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai, where Governor R.N. Ravi administered the oath of office to him and members of his Council of Ministers.

In his maiden address as Chief Minister, Vijay described his government as the beginning of “a new era of real secularism and social justice” and promised decisive governance.

“This is the start of a people-centric administration committed to justice, equality and development,” Vijay said, asserting that his government would function with clear leadership and accountability.

‘I alone will be responsible’: Vijay

He also underlined that there would be no parallel power structure in his administration. “I alone will remain the centre of responsibility and decision-making in this government,” he said.

Thanking alliance partners including the Congress, CPI, CPI(M), Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi and the Indian Union Muslim League for supporting TVK in government formation, Vijay credited young voters and children for helping his party secure victory.

“It was the children who persuaded their families to believe in change and vote for us,” he said.

The new Chief Minister’s remarks triggered an immediate political response from DMK president and former Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, who rejected Vijay’s claim that the previous government had left the State with a debt burden of Rs 10 lakh crore.

Stalin urged the new administration to continue welfare schemes launched during the DMK’s tenure and called for political continuity in key public welfare programmes. Vijay’s swearing-in drew congratulatory messages from leading Tamil film personalities including Kamal Haasan, R. Madhavan, Prakash Raj and Sathyaraj, many describing the victory as historic.

With his first executive decisions focused on welfare relief, law enforcement and social security, Vijay has signalled a governance model aimed at delivering quick public impact as Tamil Nadu enters a new political chapter.

 

Curtains Down on Tamil Nadu’s 5-Day Drama: Vijay gets 120 last minute

Posted on by
Reply

For five days, Tamil Nadu witnessed a political battle that swung wildly between uncertainty and inevitability. Actor-turned-politician C. Joseph Vijay, who entered the Assembly election as an outsider challenging the state’s entrenched Dravidian order, spent nearly a week struggling to bridge the final gap between electoral victory and constitutional legitimacy. By Friday night, his party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) had finally crossed the halfway mark with support from nearly 120 legislators, ending one of the most dramatic government-formation deadlocks in recent state history.

The numbers triggered the crisis from the very beginning. In the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly, the majority mark stands at 118. TVK emerged as the single-largest party with 108 seats, but Vijay vacated one constituency after winning from two seats, reducing the party’s effective strength to 107 MLAs. That left him 11 short of power despite delivering the biggest electoral upset in the state in decades.

Raj Bhavan became the centre of the storm almost immediately after the results. Vijay met Governor R. V. Arlekar within hours of the verdict, staking claim to form the government with assurances of outside support. But the Governor reportedly refused to invite him to take oath without documentary proof that he could survive a floor test. The decision transformed what should have been a straightforward swearing-in into a prolonged constitutional and political showdown.

How Day-2 Turned Feverish

By the second day, Tamil Nadu’s political atmosphere had turned feverish. Rival camps accused each other of attempting “horse-trading” as parties scrambled to prevent defections. TVK insiders claimed the party was in touch with independents and smaller regional groups, while opposition formations explored counter-combinations to stop Vijay from taking office. Reports surfaced that several MLAs had been moved to resorts and secure locations amid fears of poaching.

The uncertainty deepened after dramatic shifts among potential allies. Congress legislators backed Vijay early, taking the tally beyond 110, but support from other parties fluctuated through the week. At one stage, the Indian Union Muslim League publicly denied extending support to TVK, creating fresh doubts about whether Vijay could reach the majority mark before the Assembly deadline.

As negotiations intensified, TVK leaders began direct outreach to Left parties and the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK). Behind closed doors, discussions reportedly centred on preventing a rival coalition led by the DMK or AIADMK from claiming power through post-poll arithmetic. Political circles in Chennai were also rocked by speculation that the two Dravidian rivals were considering tactical cooperation solely to keep Vijay out of office — a possibility unthinkable in Tamil Nadu politics until this election.

When VCK Joined Chorus Last Minute

The breakthrough came late on Friday when VCK formally announced “unconditional support” to the TVK-led bloc. The CPI and CPI(M) also backed Vijay, arguing that the state required stability and should avoid prolonged uncertainty or President’s Rule. The support dramatically changed the numbers. TVK’s tally climbed from 107 to around 120 MLAs, finally crossing the constitutional threshold required to form government.

VCK chief Thol. Thirumavalavan said the decision was aimed at “protecting democratic stability” in Tamil Nadu and preventing a governance vacuum. CPI(M) leaders also publicly indicated that the oath-taking process was expected to move forward once formal support letters were submitted to the Governor.

On the fifth day of the deadlock, Vijay returned to Raj Bhavan carrying written support from allied parties and independents. Sources indicated that this was his third major meeting with the Governor since the election results were announced. Outside the Governor’s residence, thousands of TVK supporters gathered through the day as speculation mounted that the stalemate had finally ended.

Final Arithmetic Reflects Dramatic Turnaround:

  • TVK: 107 MLAs after vacancy adjustment
  • Congress: 5 MLAs
  • CPI: 2 MLAs
  • CPI(M): 2 MLAs
  • VCK: 2 MLAs
  • IUML and others: remaining support taking the bloc to nearly 120 MLAs.

For Tamil Nadu politics, the implications extend far beyond one government formation battle. The five-day crisis exposed the vulnerability of the traditional DMK-AIADMK structure and demonstrated how Vijay’s entry has disrupted electoral equations that dominated the state for nearly half a century. What began as a celebrity-led insurgency has now turned into a full-scale political realignment with consequences likely to reshape the state’s future.

ECINET Enabled Faster Reporting And Enhanced Cybersecurity During 2026 Elections

Posted on by
Reply
  1. Election Commission of India’s (ECI) robust IT platform ECINET played a central role in streamlining election processes including real-time monitoring, enabling faster reporting, and enhancing transparency during the General Elections to Legislative Assemblies and Bye-elections 2026.
  2. Since its official launch in January 2026, ECINET app has witnessed a significant surge in usage and has over 10 crore downloads till date. The beta version of ECINET was used in Bihar elections in November 2025.
  3. On poll-days, i.e., April 9, 23 and 29, ECINET recorded over 98.3 crore hits and on the counting day i.e. May 4, 2026, ECINET recorded an average of 3 crore hits per minute.
  4. ECINET cybersecurity protocols resulted in effectively countering over 68 lakh malicious hits on counting day originating from both within India and overseas, targeting key election platforms, including the results portal.
  5. In a significant step towards enhancing security at the Counting Centres, a new QR code–based Photo Identity Card system was used for the first time on counting day across all States/UTs in these elections through ECINET.
  6. On counting day, over 3.2 lakh QR codes were generated to ensure that only authorised personnel could access counting venues, thereby preventing any unauthorized entry in the Counting Centers.

 

Also Read:

General Elections And Bye-Elections 2026: Seizures Cross ₹1,000 Crore Mark In Tamil Nadu And West Bengal

General Elections to Legislative Assemblies and bye-elections 2026; Implementation of Dry-Day

Cabinet Approves Increase In Supreme Court of India Judges To 37 From 33

Posted on by
Reply

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today has approved the proposal for introducing The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026 in Parliament to amend The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956 for increasing the number of Judges of the Supreme Court of India by 4 from the present 33 to 37 (excluding the Chief Justice of India).

Point-wise details:

Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026 provides for increasing the number of Judges of the Supreme Court by 04 i.e. from 33 to 37 (excluding the Chief Justice of India). 

Major Impact: 

The increase in the number of Judges will allow Supreme Court to function more efficiently and effectively ensuring speedy justice.

Expenditure:

The expenditure on salary of Judges and supporting staff and other facilities will be met from the Consolidated Fund of India.

Background:

Article 124 (1) in Constitution of India inter-alia provided “There shall be a Supreme Court of India consisting of a Chief Justice of India and, until Parliament by law prescribes a larger number, of not more than seven other Judges…”. 

An act to increase the Judge strength of the Supreme Court of India was enacted in 1956 vide The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act 1956. Section 2 of the Act provided for the maximum number of Judges (excluding the Chief Justice of India) to be 10.

The Judge strength of the Supreme Court of India was increased to 13 by The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Act, 1960, and to 17 by The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Act, 1977. The working strength of the Supreme Court of India was, however, restricted to 15 Judges by the Cabinet, excluding the Chief Justice of India, till the end of 1979, when the restriction was withdrawn at the request of the Chief Justice of India.

The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Act, 1986 further augmented the Judge strength of the Supreme Court of India, excluding the Chief Justice of India, from 17 to 25. Subsequently, The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Act, 2008 further augmented the Judge strength of the Supreme Court of India from 25 to 30.

The Judge strength of the Supreme Court of India was last increased from 30 to 33 (excluding the Chief Justice of India) by further amending the original act vide The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Act, 2019.

 

Also Read:

ECI mandates all political Parties to get pre-certification of all political advertisements on electronic media

 

PM Modi Kicks Off Football Session With Youngsters In Gangtok, Sikkim

Posted on by
Reply

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today participated in a vibrant football session with youngsters during a pleasant morning in Gangtok, Sikkim.

​The Prime Minister wrote on X:

“Nothing like playing some football with my young friends in Sikkim on a lovely Gangtok morning!”

“Clearly, an energising football session with these youngsters!”

” A football morning in Gangtok! We learnt, we played, we celebrated and above everything else, we enjoyed the game….”

Also Read:

PM Modi Lauds Retiring Rajya Sabha Members, Calls Their Experience ‘Nation’s Asset’

PM Modi flags off Vande Bharat Express from Una in Himachal Pradesh to New Delhi

 

Envoys Of Four Nations Present Credentials To President Of India [Photos]

Posted on by
Reply

The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu accepted credentials from the Envoys of Lao PDR, Congo, Namibia and Guinea Bissau at a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan today (April 23, 2026).

Those who presented their credentials were:

1.   H.E. Mrs Vithaya Xayavong, Ambassador of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic

2.   H.E. Mrs Emilie Ayaza Mushobekwa, Ambassador of the Democratic Republic of the Congo

3.   H.E. Wing Commander Alex Lunyazo Tukuhupwele (Retd.), High Commissioner of the Republic of Namibia4.   H.E. Mr Antonio Serifo Embalo, Ambassador of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau

 

Also Read:

President Murmu Highlights Welfare, Women, Tribal Schemes In Republic Day Address

President Murmu presents National Service Scheme Awards for the year 2020-21