Senior Congress leader Pramod Tiwari has criticised the Election Commission over recent decisions and called for a probe into allegations concerning the poll body to be conducted under the supervision of the Supreme Court. Speaking to ANI, Tiwari questioned why BJP leader Sambit Patra was responding to allegations directed at Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Election Commission.
Referring to the Hindi proverb “Begani Shaadi Mein Abdulla Diwana”, Tiwari said the Election Commission itself should have addressed the allegations rather than the BJP responding on its behalf. He argued that the development raised questions that required an independent investigation. Tiwari also urged the Supreme Court to take up the matter and ensure that an FIR is registered and the investigation is conducted under its monitoring.
His comments followed reports by The Indian Express claiming that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had raised objections on at least 14 occasions over a 10-month period regarding decisions and orders linked to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. Another report cited by the Congress leader said Goa's Chief Electoral Officer wrote to authorities in Delhi eight times within seven days seeking access related to the process, but did not receive the requested access.
The issue has also drawn criticism from RJD MP Manoj Jha. Referring to the reported correspondence from Goa, Jha alleged that the electoral system had been manipulated and questioned whether an impartial inquiry could be conducted while the same officials remained involved. Jha also appealed to the Supreme Court to take suo motu cognisance of the matter. He said petitions concerning the SIR process are already before the apex court and argued that judicial intervention was necessary to examine the allegations.
The claims made by the opposition leaders come amid a wider political dispute over the Election Commission's handling of the SIR exercise. The allegations and the reported objections remain matters of political contention, while any formal investigation or judicial proceedings would determine the facts.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
US President Donald Trump has backed the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) as the United States and its regional partners look for alternative trade and energy routes amid growing concerns over disruptions linked to Iran and the Strait of Hormuz. Trump's support for the corridor comes at a time when tensions in West Asia have renewed attention on the vulnerability of major energy and shipping routes. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important pathways for oil and gas shipments, making any disruption in the area a concern for energy-importing countries and global markets.
The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor was announced in 2023 as a major connectivity initiative involving India, the United States, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and European partners. The proposed network is intended to connect India with the Gulf and then link the region to Europe through a combination of maritime and rail infrastructure.
Trump's backing gives the project additional strategic significance. While IMEC was initially promoted largely as a trade and connectivity initiative, the latest focus on energy security highlights how alternative infrastructure could help countries reduce their exposure to individual transportation chokepoints.
The corridor could provide stronger connections with Gulf economies and European markets. The proposed system would combine shipping links with rail networks, allowing goods to move through multiple modes of transportation. Such connectivity could eventually help businesses diversify supply chains and reduce their dependence on a single maritime route.
The energy component is particularly significant because Gulf producers rely heavily on established routes to transport oil and other energy products to international markets. Any prolonged disruption around the Strait of Hormuz can increase shipping costs, create delays and contribute to volatility in global energy markets.
Countries in the region have therefore been examining alternative infrastructure, including pipelines and other routes that can move energy without relying entirely on the Strait. These measures do not eliminate the importance of Hormuz, but they can provide additional options during periods of heightened regional tension.
IMEC also carries wider geopolitical importance. A functioning corridor would strengthen economic links between India, the Gulf and Europe while creating another major trade network across a strategically important region. The project has also been viewed in the broader context of efforts by the United States and its partners to develop resilient supply chains and deepen economic cooperation.
The corridor is not an immediate replacement for existing oil shipping routes. Building the necessary railways, ports and other infrastructure will require substantial investment and coordination among several countries. Political instability and security concerns in the region could also affect the pace at which different parts of the project are developed.
The renewed US interest in IMEC comes as the country continues to seek greater connectivity with the Middle East and Europe. If the proposed network advances, it could eventually become an important trade link connecting Indian markets with Gulf logistics hubs and European destinations. Trump's support therefore places IMEC back in the spotlight at a time when energy security and resilient supply chains have become central concerns for governments around the world. The project's long-term impact will depend on how quickly infrastructure plans move forward and whether participating countries can maintain the cooperation needed to turn the proposed corridor into a functioning trade network.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from NDTV.
Punjab Police on Tuesday rejected claims that it had issued instructions asking police personnel not to wear their uniforms while travelling to or from work, describing messages circulating on social media as false. In a statement posted on X, the Punjab Police clarified that neither its headquarters nor any office operating under it had issued an advisory directing personnel to travel in civilian clothes while commuting to or from duty.
The police department urged both the public and its personnel to disregard such messages and rely only on official communication channels for verified information. The controversy comes after Leader of Opposition in the Punjab Assembly, Partap Singh Bajwa, raised the issue and questioned the state government's approach to law and order. Bajwa claimed that police personnel had been advised to travel without their uniforms and wear them only after reaching their respective police stations.
Bajwa criticised the Bhagwant Mann-led government and said the alleged instruction raised questions about the security of police personnel as well as their morale. He also questioned who was responsible for maintaining law and order in Punjab. The dispute appears to have stemmed from a purported memorandum dated September 18 concerning the personal security of police personnel and measures to strengthen security at duty locations and checkpoints.
The document reportedly included directions relating to security arrangements at checkpoints, monitoring of movement routes, vigilance against suspicious individuals and activities, night patrolling and coordination with agencies including the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF), Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) and intelligence units.
Punjab Police has specifically denied that the memorandum or any other official communication from its headquarters instructed personnel to avoid wearing uniforms while commuting. The department reiterated that social media messages making such a claim should not be treated as genuine unless verified through official sources.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
Kerala Higher Education Minister Roji M John has dismissed reports that student politics has been banned at Kerala University, saying no such decision has been taken. The minister said the document being cited in reports is only a draft set of proposed regulations and has not been approved by the university or the government.
The controversy began after a draft of the Kerala University Students’ Code of Conduct Regulations 2026 surfaced, with several provisions reportedly seeking to regulate political activities on university campuses and affiliated colleges. The proposed rules have triggered concern among student organisations and political groups over provisions dealing with protests, demonstrations, slogans, posters, graffiti, fundraising and other political activities on campus.
John said the draft is still under consideration and will go through the appropriate process before any final decision is made. He also said student organisations would have an opportunity to present their views during the consultation process. The minister maintained that the government does not support preventing students from participating in democratic and political activities. He noted that student politics has historically played a role in Kerala’s public life, with several political leaders beginning their careers through student organisations.
The preparation of the draft is understood to be connected with earlier directions from the Kerala High Court concerning campus discipline and the need for universities to frame appropriate guidelines for student activities. Kerala University Vice-Chancellor Mohanan Kunnummal has also indicated that the circulating document should not be treated as a final set of university regulations. The university's proposed code remains under discussion. Any restrictions that ultimately become part of the regulations would depend on the outcome of the university's formal review and approval process.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Hindustan Times.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday criticised the BJP and Election Commission of India after the ECI temporarily barred rival Trinamool Congress factions from using the party’s name and “Flowers and Grass” symbol. Gandhi alleged that the BJP and ECI were working together to weaken opposition parties, calling the development part of a broader pattern of what he termed “party theft”. He also accused the Election Commission of failing to protect the electoral mandate, saying the issue concerns every political party and voter seeking free and fair elections. The ECI’s interim order came after a hearing involving rival factions led by Arup Roy and Mamata Banerjee. The restrictions will remain until the leadership dispute is resolved.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
Donald Trump has organised a major political convention aimed at energising Republican supporters ahead of the upcoming midterm elections. However, several Republican officials seeking re-election have chosen not to attend, instead focusing on campaigning in their home states and districts. Their absence raises questions about whether some Republicans are concerned that Trump’s current political standing and unpopularity could hurt their own chances at the polls. The discussion examines the growing tensions within the party as candidates weigh their loyalty to Trump against their own electoral prospects. This week, Jenna Amatulli hosts the discussion with Guardian US politics correspondent Rachel Leingang.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
Reform UK has suspended two senior party figures following an undercover investigation that allegedly showed them discussing ways to circumvent electoral rules governing overseas donations. The investigation, conducted by Channel 4 News in collaboration with investigative group Verbatim, was released just before Nigel Farage was due to deliver his speech at the party’s conference in Birmingham. The party has launched an internal investigation into James Orr, its head of policy, and Dan Jukes, a senior adviser to Farage, over their alleged conduct in the footage. Lucy Hough is joined by senior political correspondent Peter Walker to discuss the allegations, the party’s response and what the controversy could mean for Reform UK and Farage.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
Two years after taking office as Australia's Governor-General and representative of King Charles, Sam Mostyn has expressed concern over what she describes as a widespread lack of understanding among adults about the foundations of the country's democracy, particularly its Constitution. In an interview with Guardian Australia political editor Tom McIlroy at Admiralty House in Sydney, Mostyn said improving civic education has become one of her key priorities. She argued that strengthening public knowledge of Australia's democratic institutions is essential to tackling what she called a "growing catastrophe" that threatens informed civic participation and the health of the nation's democracy.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
India's education minister has stepped down, and the youth-led Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) is celebrating the development as a significant win. What started as a humorous online campaign has rapidly transformed into one of the country's most closely watched youth-driven movements. By tapping into widespread concerns over unemployment, limited opportunities, and the lack of political representation, the movement has captured national attention. In this discussion, Genevieve Woo speaks with correspondent Neha Poonia about how a campaign centred on the unlikely symbol of a cockroach managed to influence India's political conversation and what it says about a generation determined to make its voice heard despite the odds.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
