Uttar Pradesh police increased security in several districts as Rahul Gandhi and Congress MPs plan to visit Sambhal. Prohibitory orders are extended till December 31. The district administration denied their visit after November 24 clashes led to deaths and injuries, including police personnel, during a court-mandated survey of the Jama Masjid, claimed to be originally a temple.
Amid uncertainty over Maharashtra's new chief minister, posters suggesting Devendra Fadnavis as the frontrunner were seen in Mumbai. A significant BJP meeting is set to decide the leader, who will stake a claim to form the government. Preparations for the swearing-in ceremony at Azad Maidan are underway, with several VVIPs, including the Prime Minister, expected to attend.
Opposition leaders criticized the AAP government in Punjab for a security failure at the Golden Temple where a man fired at SAD leader Sukhbir Singh Badal. BJP, SAD, and Congress leaders condemned the incident, calling for a judicial enquiry and highlighting the deteriorating law and order situation, with demands for accountability and strict punishment for the attacker.
A Congress delegation raised concerns with the Election Commission over anomalies in Maharashtra electoral rolls and post-poll voter turnout surge. The EC responded with clarifications, noting additions matched population growth and deletions were minimal. Procedural formalities caused the voter turnout gap. The EC urged Congress to raise objections during the draft roll scrutiny.
Israel’s economy minister Nir Barkat highlighted the challenge posed by Iran and its proxies in West Asia. He emphasized Israel's goals in Gaza to eliminate Hamas and secure hostages, while supporting stronger economic ties with India. Barkat also reaffirmed Israel's willingness to normalize relations with Saudi Arabia and praised India's support for Israel.
Delhi's Rose Avenue court extends police custody of AAP MP Naresh Balyan by one day in an extortion case involving gangster Kapil Sangwan. His bail application awaited, Delhi Police directed to respond. AAP and Balyan allege political motivation behind arrest, claiming innocence.
Several school districts, including Haywood, Jackson, Madison, and Mitchell counties, face closures with provisions for remote learning or optional teacher workdays amid weather disruptions. While Swain County schools offer an optional workday for staff, Transylvania County schools implement a two-hour delay. Both Watauga and Yancey counties schedule remote learning and workdays due to inclement conditions.
Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman revealed in the Lok Sabha that she faced ridicule in Tamil Nadu for learning Hindi during her school years, accusing the state of treating Hindi and Sanskrit as foreign languages. Responding, DMK's Thoothukudi MP K Kanimozhi stated that Tamil Nadu opposes the imposition of Hindi, not the learning of it.
Residents of Aragandapuram in Tamil Nadu protested during forest minister K Ponmudy's visit, hurling mud at him due to inadequate flood relief. The protest, held on Chennai-Trichy National Highway, highlighted the lack of essentials after Cyclone Fengal's devastation. Chief Minister MK Stalin announced compensation and relief packages, while Prime Minister Modi assured central support following Stalin's request for assessment.
Bangladesh summoned Indian high commissioner Pranay Verma to discuss a breach at the Bangladesh assistant high commission in Agartala. The MEA condemned the incident involving demonstrators. Tensions have escalated due to rising attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh and the arrest of Iskcon priest Chinmoy Krishna Das, raising concerns about minority safety.
Jharkhand's cabinet expansion will take place on December 5, with 11 ministers expected to take oath. Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) General Secretary Supriyo Bhattacharya assured that the cabinet will be inclusive, representing all sections, including women, youth, and farmers. This follows a meeting with Congress' central leadership regarding the cabinet appointments. Meanwhile, Maharashtra will also swear in its chief minister on December 5.
Authorities in Uttar Pradesh have restricted entry to violence-hit Sambhal until 10 December, urging Rahul Gandhi to reconsider his visit. Officials aim to prevent further tensions following recent clashes that left five dead and multiple injuries during an ASI survey at a mosque. Critics call for independent investigation.
The Taj Mahal in Uttar Pradesh's Agra received a bomb threat via email, which turned out to be a hoax after thorough investigation by bomb disposal and dog squads. Incidents of hoax threats have significantly increased, prompting the civil aviation ministry to plan amendments to existing laws and implement stringent measures to handle such situations.
Congress MP Manickam Tagore dismisses the idea of Mamata Banerjee leading the INDIA bloc, calling it a 'joke,' despite TMC leaders advocating for her, based on her track record against BJP and Narendra Modi. TMC asserts Mamata's leadership qualities and preparedness within the opposition bloc.
The Supreme Court has raised concerns about the reinstatement of Tamil Nadu Minister V. Senthil Balaji in the state cabinet, after his bail in a money laundering case. In response, the BJP has urged Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to immediately remove Balaji, questioning the legal and ethical implications of his retention.
In Parliament, opposition parties staged protests demanding discussions on issues including the Adani controversy and Sambhal violence. While Congress highlighted the Adani case, Samajwadi Party emphasized the Sambhal issue, calling it a top priority due to the loss of five lives. TMC raised concerns about minorities in Bangladesh, urging India to seek UN intervention.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, along with five MPs, plans to visit Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, following unrest during the ASI's examination of a Mughal-era mosque, which resulted in four deaths. UP Congress chief Ajay Rai alluded to the possibility of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra joining the visit. Police attempts to obstruct the visit have been criticized.
External affairs minister S Jaishankar briefed Lok Sabha, noting India's ties with China have been abnormal since 2020 due to border disturbances. He highlighted recent diplomatic engagements and the agreement for coordinated patrols in friction areas, which reflect some improvement in bilateral relations and support de-escalation efforts.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accompanied by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, visited an exhibition in Chandigarh showcasing the implementation of new criminal laws. These reforms prioritize justice over punishment and aim to modernize India's legal system, addressing issues like cybercrime and organized crime effectively.
Maharashtra caretaker chief minister Eknath Shinde was admitted to a hospital in Thane for a full health examination, days after returning from recuperation in Satara. BJP is preparing for the swearing-in of the Mahayuti government on December 5, while discussions continue over the chief ministerial position.