Around 130 members of the Lok Sabha and 63 members of the Rajya Sabha have signed a notice requesting the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, according to sources on Thursday. Sources indicated that the notice may be presented in one of the two Houses of Parliament on Friday, although it remains uncertain which House will introduce it first.

An opposition leader stated that MPs showed strong interest in supporting the move. Many lawmakers continued to sign the notice on Thursday even after the required number of signatures had already been reached. As per parliamentary rules, at least 100 MPs in the Lok Sabha must sign a notice to initiate proceedings for the removal of the Chief Election Commissioner, while the Rajya Sabha requires a minimum of 50 signatures. The notice has reportedly been supported by MPs from all parties in the INDIA bloc, including members of the AAP, even though the party is no longer formally part of the alliance. This marks the first instance in which a notice has been introduced seeking the removal of a Chief Election Commissioner.

Sources also said that the notice outlines seven allegations against Kumar. These include accusations such as biased and discriminatory behaviour in office, intentionally obstructing investigations into electoral fraud, and contributing to large scale voter disenfranchisement. Opposition parties have alleged that Kumar has favoured the ruling BJP on several occasions, particularly during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, which they claim is intended to benefit the party at the national level.

Concerns have been especially raised regarding the voter roll revision in West Bengal. Trinamool Congress leader and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the Election Commission of removing genuine voters from the electoral list. The procedure to remove the Chief Election Commissioner is similar to the process used for removing a judge of the Supreme Court or a High Court. An impeachment can only take place on the grounds of proven misconduct or incapacity.

Article 324 of the Constitution states that the CEC cannot be removed from office except through the same procedure and grounds applied to Supreme Court judges. It also specifies that the service conditions of the CEC cannot be altered to his disadvantage after appointment. A motion seeking removal can be introduced in either House of Parliament. For it to pass, it must receive a special majority, meaning a majority of the total membership of the House as well as support from two thirds of the members present and voting.

Under the law governing the appointment of the CEC and election commissioners, the Chief Election Commissioner can only be removed through the same process as a Supreme Court judge. Other election commissioners, however, can only be removed based on the recommendation of the CEC. According to the Judges Inquiry Act of 1968, if notices are submitted in both Houses on the same day, a committee will not be formed unless the motion is admitted in both Houses.

Once admitted, the Lok Sabha Speaker and the Rajya Sabha Chairman will jointly set up an inquiry committee. This committee will include the Chief Justice of India or another Supreme Court judge, the Chief Justice of one of the High Courts, and a distinguished jurist. The committee proceedings will function similarly to court hearings, where witnesses and the accused can be examined and cross examined. The Chief Election Commissioner will also have the opportunity to present his defence before the committee.

After completing its inquiry, the committee will submit its report, which will be presented in Parliament. The Houses will then begin discussions on the impeachment motion. For the removal to take effect, the motion must be approved by both Houses of Parliament. During the debate, Kumar will also be allowed to defend himself in the House chamber.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI.

Congress MPs staged a protest on Wednesday in the Parliament premises over the alleged shortage of commercial LPG cylinders across the country. Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also joined the demonstration. Opposition MPs carried banners and raised slogans while demanding that the government address the issue and hold a discussion in Parliament. Leaders from the INDIA bloc called for an immediate debate on the reported LPG shortage, which they said has been aggravated by the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

Congress MP Sukhdeo Bhagat demanded a detailed discussion on the situation in West Asia and criticized the central government for failing to handle the situation properly. He said that the government had earlier promised to reduce dependence on imports but the country still relies heavily on foreign supplies. According to him, the impact of the conflict has already started affecting energy supplies and the government must explain its plan to deal with the situation.

The shortage of LPG has emerged amid global energy supply disruptions triggered by the conflict in West Asia. In response, the Union government has invoked the Essential Commodities Act to prioritize domestic LPG distribution. Higher allocations have been reserved for households, hospitals, and other essential services, while commercial distribution has been restricted in several regions. The government has also introduced a 25 day mandatory gap between bookings for domestic LPG refills.

Congress MP Pramod Tiwari also criticized the Centre, stating that the government failed to anticipate the risks arising from the West Asia conflict. CPI M MP V Sivadasan said the issue would be raised both inside and outside Parliament, claiming that many hotels and families are suffering due to the shortage. CPI MP P Sandosh Kumar also submitted a notice in the Rajya Sabha seeking a discussion on the issue.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Monday demanded a discussion in the Lok Sabha on the ongoing West Asia conflict, pressing the government to clarify its foreign policy and alleging that India is acting under pressure from the United States. Addressing reporters outside Parliament, Yadav stressed that the government should explain its approach, particularly given the large number of Indians living and working in Gulf countries. He raised concerns about the safety of these citizens amid the escalating tensions.

He also highlighted that several journalists who accompanied Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his recent Israel visit are now stranded in the region, forced into covering the conflict as war correspondents. “A large number of Indians are stuck in Gulf countries. Journalists who went with the prime minister to Israel as political reporters are now functioning as war journalists. How will they return?” he asked.

Criticising the Centre’s foreign policy, Yadav alleged that India is following US directives rather than acting independently. “While we speak of becoming Atmanirbhar, we are simultaneously taking instructions from the US. It is dictating how much oil we can buy and for how long,” he said.

Urging a parliamentary debate, Yadav called on the government to clearly explain its stance on the West Asia conflict and India’s broader foreign policy. “There must be a discussion on these issues and the manner in which the government has managed its foreign policy,” he added. Yadav’s statements reflect growing political scrutiny over India’s approach to the conflict, with opposition parties pressing for transparency on the safety of Indians abroad and the country’s strategic decisions in the region.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI.

In a high-stakes political maneuver, the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) ambitions in Bihar rest squarely on maintaining a smooth alliance with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, as whispers of his potential Rajya Sabha move intensify. Sources close to the development suggest that a "happy Nitish" is non-negotiable for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) to install Bihar's first-ever BJP chief minister without rocking the boat.

Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal (United) remains the glue holding the NDA together in Bihar, thanks to his stronghold among Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs) and women voters who propelled the coalition's assembly majority. BJP insiders stress that sidelining him could fracture this voter base, a risk they're unwilling to take unlike in states like Rajasthan where solo rule allowed easier leadership changes. Even as JD(U) supporters voice frustration outside his residence, Delhi's top brass is prioritizing his buy-in to safeguard grassroots loyalty.

The succession race heats up with Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary leading as Nitish's reported favorite, followed by Union Minister Nityanand Rai from the Yadav community and Industries Minister Dilip Jaiswal representing OBC interests. BJP aims for a measured transition, possibly timed post-legislative council elections to elevate Nitish's son Nishant, steering clear of disruptions before Parliament's March 9 session. Home Minister Amit Shah's impending Patna visit signals central leadership's direct oversight.

RJD leaders decry the shift as a "sophisticated Maharashtra-style coup," arguing it undercuts the people's verdict. Yet Nitish's recent assurance of "full cooperation" to any new government underscores alliance resilience, ensuring JD(U)'s 12 Lok Sabha seats bolster BJP nationally. This fulfills an alleged post-2025 pact: Nitish's interim leadership yielding to BJP control, marking a saffron milestone in the Hindi heartland.

Nitish's departure leaves a massive void in state politics, but a BJP CM endorsed by him could blend social justice appeal with aggressive development, eyeing 2029 battles. Protests may simmer if family interests like Nishant's are sidelined, but NDA's focus on infrastructure and stability might steady the ship. Bihar's equation remains: content partners today secure electoral wins tomorrow.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from NDTV.

On Tuesday morning, the prime minister revealed that Australia will be deploying aircraft, missiles, and personnel to the Gulf amid ongoing conflict in the region. However, Anthony Albanese insists this does not imply that Australia is participating in the war or officially at war. Reged Ahmad discusses with Josh Butler whether Australia is being drawn into what he calls Trump’s “war of choice.”

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian

A group of 34 Australian women and children, who were held by the Islamic State for years without facing charges, have been sent back to a detention camp after trying to escape Syria and return home. Reged Ahmad talks with senior reporter and former foreign correspondent Ben Doherty about the heated discussion surrounding their repatriation and the implications for Australian citizenship.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.

At least nine people were killed and numerous others wounded in a mass shooting in the small British Columbia community of Tumbler Ridge. The violence began at a residence and continued at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, where victims included both students and adults, making it one of the deadliest school shootings in Canadian history. The suspected shooter, an 18‑year‑old, was also found dead at the scene from what appeared to be a self‑inflicted injury. Authorities confirmed there is no ongoing threat as they continue to investigate the motive and circumstances behind the attack.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian

Keir Starmer’s prospects as prime minister took a hit after Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar demanded his resignation. While the cabinet continues to back him, his position appears secure—for the moment. Pippa and Kiran explore what could unfold next.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian