Ahead of the upcoming civic body elections, former Indian cricketer Kedar Jadhav on Tuesday joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the presence of state unit chief and Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule and former minister and state executive president Ravindra Chavan.

By joining the BJP, which leads the Mahayuti government in the state, Jadhav is set to start his new innings.

Bawankule said that it was a great moment to welcome a former cricketer, Kedar Jadhav, into the party fold.

Ahead of Bihar Assembly elections, the poster war between the ruling Janata Dal-United and Opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has intensified with the rivals now exchanging punches over the Waqf Amendment Bill's passage in Parliament.

On Saturday, a poster in Hindi appeared on Patna streets questioning Lalu Prasad Yadav's alleged double standards on the Waqf issue.

The poster referred to the RJD leader’s 2010 Lok Sabha speech in which he had strongly advocated for a stricter law to check Waqf properties’ mismanagement.

Contrasting that with his current opposition to the Waqf Amendment Bill, the poster asked: “Who is the real Girgit (chameleon)?”

The term “chameleon” was earlier used by supporters of Lalu Prasad Yadav to target Chief Minister Nitish Kumar over the latter’s alleged shifting political stance.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann presented its 4th Budget today named  'Badlda Punjab Budget 2025-26'. Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema termed it as a visionary blueprint aimed at transforming Punjab into a vibrant, prosperous, and equitable state.

Addressing the media after his Budget speech, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema launched a scathing attack on the previous governments for their failures and mismanagement, which plunged Punjab into financial and social turmoil. "The Akali Dal and Congress regimes systematically destroyed Punjab's economy and society with corruption, drugs, poor policies, and lack of vision. They left us a state riddled with drugs, unemployment, and crumbling infrastructure. In just three years, we have reversed this decline and set Punjab on a path of progress," said Cheema.

Haryana's Public Works and Public Health Engineering Minister Sh. Ranbir Gangwa has said that there will be no compromise on quality in government work.

The Nitish Kumar government is set to present the Bihar Budget 2025-26 on Monday, with Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Samrat Choudhary tabling it in the Assembly.

This will be the government's last budget before the upcoming Assembly elections in Bihar.

The state government is likely to focus on key voter groups: women, farmers, and youth and is expected to include special schemes targeting rural areas, the unemployed, and the economically weaker sections. New programmes for self-help groups, subsidies for entrepreneurs, direct benefit transfers, special incentives for irrigation, crop insurance, input subsidies, subsidies for industrial investment to address rising unemployment, expansion of rural roads, housing projects, and electrification would be the key highlights of this budget.

The Nitish Kumar government is expected to give special focus on education and youth to increase scholarships, skill development programmes, and job-oriented training.

With Bihar heading towards Assembly elections, this budget could see populist measures aimed at boosting the NDA’s appeal.

Haryana Energy, Transport, and Labour Minister, Anil Vij, expressed pride in Haryana’s daughter being appointed as the Chief Minister of Delhi. He said that the people of Haryana are also celebrating this achievement, as another daughter of the state has reached this prestigious position. Minister Vij also recalled that Haryana’s daughter, Sushma Swaraj, had previously held the same role. He extended his heartfelt congratulations to Rekha Gupta on her appointment as the Chief Minister of Delhi.

Haryana State Election Commissioner, Sh. Dhanpat Singh said that a meeting with representatives of political parties will be held on 24th February, Monday, at 12:00 PM at the Nirvachan Sadan in Panchkula in view of the upcoming Municipal Elections.

During the Delhi Assembly elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had assured that if the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power, the Yamuna River would be cleaned. Staying true to that commitment, the cleanup work has already begun, even before the formal establishment of the new government. On Sunday, in the heart of the national capital, advanced machines such as trash skimmers, weed harvesters, and dredging utility crafts were deployed to initiate the cleaning process.

The Assam government has decided to file a police case against Pakistani national Ali Sheikh, citing his close professional association with Elizabeth Gogoi, the wife of Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi. This connection has fueled speculations about potential links between the Pakistani national and the Congress leader.

Haryana's Public Works and Public Health and Engineering Minister Sh. Ranbir Gangwa said the state government has given respect to Deprived Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes. Whether it is about making provisions for reservation or giving jobs on merit, the government has given a clear message that only those youth who study and work hard will progress.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expressed confidence on Thursday that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will emerge victorious in Delhi and form the government.

After securing control over five municipal corporations in Punjab, the Aam Aadmi Party today elected its mayor in the Bathinda Municipal Corporation as well. AAP councillor Padamjit Mehta has been elected as the Mayor of Bathinda Municipal Corporation.

Voting for the by-election in the Milkipur Assembly seat, located in Ayodhya, began at 7 AM today and witnessed a moderate turnout in the initial hours. According to the Election Commission, the voter turnout reached 29.86% by 11 AM.

As voting for the 70-member Delhi Assembly continued on Wednesday, the city recorded a 33.31% voter turnout by 1 PM, with both young and elderly residents heading to the polls.

Zuhaib Khan, a talented artist from Amroha, paid a unique tribute to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the ongoing Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj with an extraordinary piece of art. Using only coal, the young painter meticulously created an 8-foot-high portrait on a wall, capturing the essence of the Prime Minister’s presence at this sacred event.

Haryana Energy, Transport, and Labour Minister, Sh Anil Vij, said that every budget presented by the Central Government prioritizes all-round and holistic development. He said that the government is committed to uplifting every section of society and region, with special focus on the development of backward areas.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) hit back at the statement made by Union Minister and BJP leader Ravneet Bittu regarding the raid on the Delhi residence of Punjab’s Chief Minister. AAP MP and senior spokesperson Malvinder Singh Kang criticized the incident, stating that the BJP is continuously trying to defame Punjabis as part of its larger conspiracy.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Raghav Chadha led a massive roadshow in the Rajendra Nagar Assembly constituency on Friday, seeking support for party candidate Durgesh Pathak. The event witnessed an overwhelming response filled with energy and enthusiasm. Raghav Chadha reminded the people that this was the very seat where he once served as an MLA, and this time, he was seeking their votes for Durgesh Pathak.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, while campaigning for AAP candidates in Delhi on Thursday, addressed massive Jansabhas in Tuglakabad and Greater Kailash, and led vibrant roadshows in Kalkaji and Kasturba Nagar. CM Mann urged the people of Delhi to choose progress, education, and healthcare over conflict, divisiveness, and corruption in the upcoming elections.

The Bharatiya Janata Party is jubilant after its candidate, Harpreet Kaur Babla, emerged victorious in the mayor election of the Municipal Corporation held today.

Reacting to reports of internal conflicts within the Congress party, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated on Thursday that there is no factionalism within the party, and there are no differences between him and Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar.

The roadshow witnessed a huge turnout as thousands of youth and women took part in it, rallying their support. AAP Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha addressed the gathering and sought their support in re-electing the incumbent government to power, to embolden the good works under the stewardship of Arvind Kejriwal.

The party also pledged nutritious meals for slum dwellers at Rs 5, free treatment worth Rs 10 lakh under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, and free OPD services for senior citizens above 70 years. Additionally, senior citizens would receive a pension of Rs 2,500, while widows and the elderly above 70 would get Rs 3,000.

Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that the people of Delhi have made up their minds in favor of the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP). Under the leadership and guidance of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi, the BJP is poised to form a government with a full majority in the upcoming assembly elections scheduled for February 5.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate from Jangpura and former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister, Manish Sisodia, filed his nomination on Thursday for the upcoming Assembly elections.

After filing the nomination, he said, "Today I have filed my nomination from Jangpura with the hope that public will give the same support that it has been giving to Arvind Kejriwal's team for the last 10 years."

"If I am elected as the MLA of Jangpura, I will support the people of Jangpura in their happiness and sorrow and will help in building their future by augmenting the education and health sector. With this feeling, I have filed my nomination," he added.

"During Kejriwal's government, there have been changes in the lives of Delhiites. Kejriwal has a vision for the city and its residents," he said, citing the AAP's promises of welfare schemes like Mahila Samman Yojana, Sanjeevani Yojana and Pujari-Granthi Samman Yojana.

GERB-UDF, the largest political force in the Bulgarian Parliament, on Wednesday proposed the formation of a three-party coalition government, two and a half months after the parliamentary elections.

Rosen Zhelyazkov, GERB-UDF's nominee for Prime Minister, proposed the new government moments after Bulgarian President Rumen Radev handed him an exploratory mandate.

The coalition also includes the parliamentary groups of Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP)-United Left and There Is Such People, Zhelyazkov said, adding that it would be supported by Democracy, Rights and Freedoms - DRF when voted by the National Assembly, the country's parliament.

The three-party coalition and DRF have together 126 seats. The proposal for cabinet needs to be approved by legislators in a simple majority vote in the 240-member parliament.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor and candidate from the New Delhi Assembly constituency, Arvind Kejriwal, filed his nomination papers on Wednesday for the February 5 Assembly elections.

He was accompanied by his wife, son, daughter, and sister.

After filing his nomination, Kejriwal urged voters to choose the AAP over the "abusive" BJP, claiming that the latter has not done anything for Delhi and does not have any vision for the people of the national capital.

Before filing his nomination, Kejriwal visited the Maharishi Valmiki Temple and Pracheen Hanuman Mandir in Connaught Place to seek divine blessings.

Speaking to reporters after the temple visits, Kejriwal said, "From here, we will go to the party office, and then proceed together to file my nomination." He also mentioned that many "mothers and sisters" from across Delhi would accompany him to the election office to bless him.

After a failed attempt a day earlier, Delhi Chief Minister Atishi on Tuesday filed her nomination papers from the Kalkaji constituency and lashed out at police and local election officials for acting promptly on poll-related complaints given by the BJP and ignoring the ones filed by the AAP.

CM Atishi raised questions over the impartiality of the Election Commission (EC) and police, claiming, "I hope the commitment of free and fair elections given by the EC to us will be fulfilled. "

Reacting to the registration of an FIR in Kalkaji for alleged misuse of a Public Works Department (PWD) van for transporting AAP election campaign posters, CM Atishi said, "When we complain against BJP candidate Parvesh Verma for distributing money and spectacles, we are told an inquiry is on. But, in my case, an FIR has been filed in Kalkaji without even an inquiry."

"Something is fishy," she said, adding that lower-level election officials are under pressure and the police are also favouring a particular party.

Security forces said on Saturday that a major anti-terror operation has started along the Line of Control (LoC) in J&K’s Akhnoor sector of Jammu district.

“After reports of movement of three to four suspected terrorists in the Jogwan forest area of Akhnoor sector of the LoC in Jammu district, a massive anti-terrorist operation was started by the security forces. Some locals had reported to police having seen armed suspects moving in the area on Thursday. The area was cordoned off and anti-terrorist operation started there,” officials said.

Security forces have started an aggressive campaign against terrorists, their over ground workers (OGWs) and sympathisers. Lt Governor, Manoj Sinha has directed the security forces to go all-out against the terror ecosystem to wipe it out completely from J&K.

Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) Councillor Vineet Dhir (Ward Number 62) elected as the new Mayor of the Jalandhar Municipal Corporation. Balbir Singh Bittu Dhillon has been appointed Senior Deputy Mayor, and Malkeet Singh will serve as Deputy Mayor.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann congratulated the three newly elected office-bearers and stated that the Aam Aadmi Party government is committed to the development of Jalandhar. He added that the city’s development and modernization remain a top priority.

As soon as the three names were announced, AAP leaders and workers celebrated outside the Red Cross Building with drumbeats, welcoming the new office-bearers and rejoicing in the party’s victory.

AAP Punjab President Aman Arora also congratulated the three office-bearers, stating that the appointment of an AAP mayor will accelerate Jalandhar’s development. He said that the Aam Aadmi Party has always prioritised work, and now Jalandhar will write a new chapter of development.

Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his ministers allegedly swindled over Rs 2,026 crore as the liquor excise policy lacked transparency and thrived on illegal decision-making to benefit some favoured licencees, said a Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) report whose excerpts came into public domain on Saturday.

The document of the government's auditor that has exposed the liquor scam is named, "Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India on Performance Audit on Regulation and Supply of Liquor in Delhi."

The damning findings of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India, Girish Chandra Murmu, over the AAP government’s controversial liquor policy come as a big setback to the ruling AAP ahead of the February 5 Assembly elections, giving fresh ammunition to the Opposition BJP and the Congress who have dubbed the scam “Liquorgate”.

“Responsibility and accountability should be fixed for the lapses observed and the enforcement mechanism should be strengthened,” said Murmu in his final recommendation in the report for the year ended March 31, 2022. The report was also signed by Principal Accountant General (Audit), Delhi, Aman Deep Chatha.

AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal has written a letter to Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat seeking answers to some questions on the BJP's politics.

In the letter, Kejriwal has posed questions like -- Does RSS support whatever wrong BJP has done in the past few days? BJP leaders are openly distributing money, does RSS support vote buying? Dalit and Purvanchali votes (from the voter list) are being cut on a large scale. Does RSS think this is good for democracy? Doesn't RSS feel that the BJP is weakening democracy?"

The former Delhi Chief Minister had on December 29 launched a scathing attack on the BJP, accusing the party of attempting to manipulate the voter lists, and also claimed that 'Operation Lotus' has been going on since December 15 in his Assembly constituency. He highlighted voter deletion issues in the Shahdara constituency, where the BJP allegedly submitted applications to remove 11,008 voters.

While the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) engage in a war of words, accusing each other of manipulating the voters’ list ahead of the imminent Assembly elections, the Chief Electoral Office (Delhi) is set to 'settle' the controversy by publishing the final list of electoral rolls, early next month.

Sharing information about registration of new voters, the Electoral office said that since November 28 this year, about 4.8 lakh forms have been received for New Voter Registrations and the final Electoral rolls would be published on January 6, 2025.

The battle for Delhi has heated up recently, with both AAP and BJP upping the ante against each other.

Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva on Saturday accused AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal of trying to rig elections and cited cases of property owners whose addresses have allegedly been used to create fake voter IDs and bogus votes.

Sachdeva presented details of homeowners whose addresses were used to create fake Muslim votes, stating that households with five members were suddenly recorded as having 60 or more Muslim voters.

BJP leader and legal counsel Sanket Gupta, who oversees legal matters for the election committee, was also present at the press conference.

Sachdeva alleged that Kejriwal, along with his MLAs, has been running a fake voter scheme for the last 10 years to win elections.

He cited a case from Tughlakabad, where the address of resident Mohit Mavi has been used for voters like Mohammed Suleiman and Imran Khan, and five others.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), a member of the opposition INDIA bloc, on Thursday issued a stern ultimatum to the Congress, demanding action against its Delhi leader Ajay Maken within 24 hours, else the party would push for the Congress' removal from the alliance.

AAP leaders Sanjay Singh and Delhi Chief Minister Atishi, at a press conference here, demanded clarification from the Congress leadership and immediate disciplinary measures against Maken. Accusing him of making anti-AAP statements, they alleged that Maken has been acting at the behest of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

"Ajay Maken crossed all limits on Wednesday by calling Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi's most popular leader, anti-national," Singh said.

He further accused the Congress of orchestrating smear campaigns against the AAP in collusion with the BJP, adding that the Youth Congress has even filed a complaint against Kejriwal and CM Atishi.