Raghav Chadha, formerly of AAP, has joined the BJP, a party he previously labeled as 'illiterate goons.' Chadha cited AAP's deviation from principles for personal gain as his reason for leaving. He now praises PM Modi's leadership and vows to continue raising citizen issues under the BJP banner.

Raghav Chadha's defection from AAP to BJP, along with six other Rajya Sabha members, significantly weakens the party's parliamentary strength and national positioning. This move, which qualifies as a merger under anti-defection rules, erodes AAP's credibility and its ability to represent Punjab's interests nationally, potentially impacting upcoming elections.

RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale clarified the organization's identity as a civilizational movement, not religious, emphasizing cultural values and societal betterment. He addressed regional tensions, advocating for dialogue, and refuted claims of Hindu supremacy, highlighting India's global image beyond common misconceptions.

In a significant political shift, Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha has resigned from the Aam Aadmi Party and joined the BJP, citing the party's deviation from its founding principles for personal gain. Chadha expressed feeling like the 'right man in the wrong party.' He announced that seven AAP MPs, including Swati Maliwal and Harbhajan Singh, are also making the move.

Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha has resigned from the Aam Aadmi Party, citing a deviation from its core principles and a focus on personal gain. He announced his departure alongside two other Rajya Sabha MPs, Sandeep Pathak and Ashok Mittal, who are joining the Bharatiya Janata Party. Chadha stated he felt like the 'right man in the wrong party'.

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of staging his recent «jhalmuri» break during a campaign stop, alleging pre-planned arrangements and camera installations. She countered PM Modi's jhalmuri reference by listing diverse foods she consumes, questioning the BJP's confidence and suggesting EVM tampering. PM Modi had previously used the jhalmuri anecdote to target the TMC.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi claimed the «wave of change» in West Bengal is evident after the first phase of polling, signaling a BJP victory. He alleged the TMC has «crushed the temple of democracy» and urged voters to reconstruct it, while also criticizing the party over women's safety.

Independent MP Pappu Yadav defends his statements on the Women's Reservation Bill. He asserts his commitment to protecting women entering politics. Yadav alleges exploitation of young girls by leaders and capitalists. He claims his remarks highlight the struggles women face in the political arena. The Bihar State Women's Commission has sought an explanation for his offensive statements.

The BJP has announced that Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami will lead the party in the 2027 Uttarakhand assembly elections. Party president Nitin Nabin highlighted Dhami's focus on development and governance, with senior leaders like Prime Minister Modi, Rajnath Singh, and Amit Shah also praising his leadership and the state's progress.

India anticipates targeted dengue treatments within two to three years as ongoing trials progress. Experts warn climate change and urbanization are increasing cases, making a specific treatment crucial. Efforts are underway to develop therapies and build climate-resilient health systems to combat the growing threat.

The Supreme Court has directed officials deputed for election duty in West Bengal to approach the appellate tribunal regarding their exclusion from voter rolls. While acknowledging the issue of their continued inclusion in electoral rolls will be examined, the court stated it cannot alter its orders daily, emphasizing the need to follow prescribed legal channels for voting rights.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated that the high voter turnout in the first phase of the West Bengal assembly elections signals a desire for change. He asserted that the Bharatiya Janata Party is poised for victory and will form the next government with an absolute majority.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared moments from his visit to the Hooghly river banks in Kolkata, including a boat ride. He expressed gratitude to Maa Ganga and met with local boatmen and morning walkers. The visit occurred amidst ongoing political campaigning for the West Bengal assembly elections, with the BJP aiming to unseat the ruling Trinamool Congress.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah's social media interaction with a supporter waiting for his roadshow in West Bengal went viral. Shah, who had posted a sunset video with a swipe at the ruling TMC, apologized for the delay to a user waiting in the heat. He later held the roadshow, highlighting public sentiment against TMC's alleged atrocities.

Record-breaking polling in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, with 92.9% and 85.1% respectively, validates the special intensive revision exercise and people's faith in elections. Female voter turnout also reached historic highs in both states, surpassing male participation. EC officials lauded the high turnout, calling it a watershed moment for West Bengal and highlighting efforts to curb electoral malpractices.

Japanese firm ONESTRUCTION and Indian Institute of Science-backed DataKaveri have partnered to integrate construction data into urban AI platforms. This collaboration aims to unlock valuable building information, previously lost after project completion, for use in smart city applications and digital twins across India and Japan.

The Congress has submitted a preliminary response to the Election Commission's notice concerning party president Mallikarjun Kharge's «terrorist» remark. The party alleges the notice, citing discrepancies and a rushed deadline, indicates ulterior motives and a lack of due diligence. They have requested a week to provide a detailed reply and seek an audience with the EC.