Latest TDGM The Daily Guardian News | Top TDGM The Daily Guardian News Headlines Today | Today India news | Breaking TDGM The Daily Guardian News Today | English TDGM The Daily Guardian News Headlines - TheDailyGuardian

Crowd Seen at Kolkata’s RG Kar Hospital Seminar Room; TMC MP Demands Answers : Watch

August 27, 2024, 10:43 am

In the Kolkata doctor rape-murder case, BJP IT cell head and West Bengal in-charge Amit Malviya shared a video showing a crowd at the seminar room on the fourth floor of Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, where a trainee doctor was allegedly raped and murdered. Malviya claimed the crime scene had been “completely destroyed” due to the presence of doctors, policemen, hospital staff, and outsiders. He referenced solicitor general Tushar Mehta’s statement to the Supreme Court, which mentioned that the crime scene had been tampered with, complicating the investigation.

Amit Malviya expressed concerns about the West Bengal government, questioning their efforts to conceal the crime. He also pointed out discrepancies in statements made by the Commissioner of Kolkata Police. Malviya highlighted solicitor general Mehta’s comments to the Supreme Court’s special bench, where he noted that the “place of occurrence” (PO) had been altered.

In response, the Kolkata Police clarified that the viral video showed a gathering outside the cordoned-off area where the victim’s body was found. They insisted that the crime scene was secured, with curtains blocking access to the specific area where the incident took place.

Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Sukhendu Sekhar Roy demanded answers about the people seen in the viral video. He questioned their presence in the seminar hall after the crime, asking if they had been interrogated by either Kolkata Police or the CBI. Roy emphasized the importance of accountability in a democratic society.

Shocking footage from Seminar Room of RG Kar Medical College & Hospital, soon after the lifeless body of the raped and murdered PGT lady doctor was found.

The crime scene was completely destroyed with so many doctors, policemen, hospital staff and OUTSIDERS in the Place of… pic.twitter.com/M2iaePpAOc

— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) August 26, 2024

The 31-year-old female trainee doctor’s body was found in a semi-naked state on August 9, in the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College. The main accused, Sanjay Roy, was arrested after being identified on CCTV footage entering the building near the time of the crime, with his Bluetooth headphones found at the scene. Investigations revealed that Roy had physically assaulted and sexually violated the doctor before killing her by smothering and strangling.

The CBI took over the investigation last week and conducted polygraph tests on Sanjay Roy, the former principal of RG Kar Medical College, four doctors, and a civic volunteer. The Calcutta High Court has instructed the CBI to submit a progress report on the investigation by September 17.

Israel Tightens Humanitarian Zone Boundaries, Urges Khan Yunis Evacuations for Hamas Operation

July 22, 2024, 2:57 pm

The Israeli military continued its operations against Hamas in central and southern Gaza over the past 24 hours. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) adjusted the boundaries of the Al Mawasi humanitarian zone due to “significant terrorist activity and rocket fire” and urged residents of certain neighborhoods in Khan Yunis to evacuate ahead of new operations. According to IDF reports on Monday morning, Muhammad Abu Seidu, a Hamas Nukhba Force member involved in the October 7 attack on Israeli communities, was killed. Seidu had directed multiple attacks against Israeli forces in Gaza.

In the Tel al-Sultan neighborhood of Rafah, IDF troops engaged in close-quarters combat, eliminating dozens of terrorists. The Israeli Air Force conducted strikes on approximately 35 targets throughout Gaza, including terrorists, military structures, Hamas infrastructure, and a rocket launcher aimed at Israeli territory.

The IDF stated that the adjustment to the humanitarian zone’s boundaries was necessary due to intelligence indicating that Hamas had embedded terrorist infrastructure in the area. Consequently, it became too dangerous for Israeli forces to remain there. The army called on residents of eastern Khan Yunis neighborhoods to evacuate to Al Mawasi to avoid upcoming military actions against Hamas.

Hamas’s attack on Israeli communities near the Gaza border on October 7 resulted in at least 1,200 deaths and the capture of 252 Israelis and foreigners. Of the 116 hostages still held, more than 30 are believed to have died.

Arvind Kejriwal Granted Bail By Supreme Court: Key Observations On Arrest Grounds

July 12, 2024, 3:31 pm

In a significant development, the Supreme Court of India granted interim bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday in connection with a money laundering case linked to the controversial Delhi excise policy 2021-22. The court’s decision comes after Kejriwal’s arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on March 21, 2023.

A bench headed by Justice Sanjiv Khanna observed that certain legal questions raised by Kejriwal in his plea challenging his arrest necessitate consideration by a larger bench of the top court. Kejriwal argued that his arrest, which coincided with the announcement of the Lok Sabha elections, was influenced by external factors.

Key Observations by the Supreme Court:

Extended Incarceration: The Supreme Court noted that Kejriwal has been in custody for over 90 days while granting him interim bail in the ED case.
Role as Elected Leader: The court acknowledged Kejriwal’s position as an elected leader and Chief Minister of Delhi, emphasizing the importance and influence of his role. However, the court refrained from directing Kejriwal to step down, leaving the decision to him. “We are conscious that Arvind Kejriwal is an elected leader and the Chief Minister of Delhi. While we do not give any directions as we are doubtful whether a Court can direct an elected leader to step down or not to function as a chief minister or a Minister, we leave it to Arvind Kejriwal to make a call,” the court stated.
Right to Life: Highlighting the right to life, the court ordered Kejriwal’s release on interim bail, given the referral of the matter to a larger bench. “Given right to life is concerned and since matter is referred to larger bench, we direct Arvind Kejriwal to be released on interim bail,” the court ordered.
Grounds for Arrest: The Supreme Court ruled that mere interrogation cannot be a basis for arrest. “We have also held that mere interrogation does not allow you to arrest. That is not a ground under Section 19,” Justice Khanna said.
ED’s Power and Policy of Arrest: The top court raised three questions concerning the ED’s authority and its arrest policies, specifying that Kejriwal will be released on interim bail under the conditions outlined in the May 10 order.

Despite securing bail in the ED case, Kejriwal remains in custody due to an ongoing investigation initiated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Mumbai Braces for Heavy Rain; Traffic Diversions Due to High-Profile Event

July 12, 2024, 11:59 am

Mumbai is bracing for heavy rainfall this weekend, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing alerts for heavy to very heavy rain. The bad weather has already affected several IndiGo flights, and the airline has advised passengers to check their flight status online.

The IMD has issued a yellow alert for heavy rainfall today and an orange alert for even heavier rain over the weekend. Nearby areas like Thane, Palghar, Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg in Maharashtra’s Konkan region are also under an orange alert.

Traffic Advisory for BKC Event
In addition to the weather, the Mumbai Traffic Police have issued a detailed traffic advisory due to the upcoming wedding of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant at the Jio World Convention Center in BKC, Bandra (E). The advisory aims to ensure smooth traffic flow from July 12 to July 15, between 1:00 PM and 12:00 AM.

Traffic Diversions and Alternative Routes
– No Entry Areas: Vehicles will not be allowed towards Kurla MTNL from Laxmi Tower Junction, Dhirubai Ambani Square Avenue Lane-3, Indian Oil Petrol Pump, Diamond Junction, and Hotel Trident, except for event vehicles.
– Alternative Route 1: Turn left at Laxmi Tower Junction, proceed via Diamond Gate No. 8, turn right at NABARD Junction, and continue through Diamond Junction to BKC via Dhirubai Ambani Square/Indian Oil Petrol Pump.
– Alternative Route 2: Traffic from Kurla, MTNL Junction, Platina Junction, and Diamond Junction towards BKC should turn left at NABARD Junction, pass through Diamond Gate No. 8, turn right at Laxmi Tower Junction, and proceed to BKC.
– Additional Diversions:
– Vehicles from Bharat Nagar, One BKC, We Work, and Godrej BKC will be diverted at Jio Convention Centre Gate No. 23, then directed right at Kautilya Bhavan, and proceed behind the Insurance Institute Office towards the American Consulate via Dhirubai Ambani School.
– Traffic from MTNL Junction should turn left at Dhirubai Ambani School, proceed behind the Insurance Institute Office, turn right at We Work, left at Godrej BKC, and continue to their destination.

These measures aim to minimize inconvenience to residents and visitors during the high-profile event and heavy rains.

BCCI’s Jay Shah Arranges Special Charter for Stranded Cricket Team And Media

July 3, 2024, 2:30 pm

The Indian journalists stranded in the West Indies while covering the T20 World Cup 2024 are set to leave hurricane-hit Barbados on Wednesday.

BCCI secretary Jay Shah has extended his support by arranging for them to fly back with the Indian cricket team on a special charter flight.

#WATCH | Indian cricket team leave from Barbados. The team will reach Delhi on July 4, early morning.

The flight arranged by BCCI's Jay Shah is also carrying the members of Indian media who were stranded in Barbados pic.twitter.com/V0ScaaojBv

— ANI (@ANI) July 3, 2024

The Air India charter flight, named AIC24WC – Air India Champions 24 World Cup, will transport the Indian squad, their support staff, players’ families, board officials, and the Indian media. The journalists and others have been stuck on the island for the last three days due to Hurricane Beryl.

According to the schedule, the flight will depart from Barbados at 4:30 am local time (2 PM IST) and will take approximately 16 hours to reach Delhi. The expected arrival in Delhi is Thursday at 6 am IST, provided there are no further delays.

Hawaii’s Kilauea Volcano: 30 Quakes Hourly, Eruption Any Time

July 2, 2024, 2:50 pm

Recent seismic activity beneath Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano has stirred concerns as the region experienced a significant increase in earthquakes over the weekend. According to reports from the US Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (USGS HVO), the Upper East Rift Zone of Kilauea began to experience a “seismic swarm” on June 27, with seismic events peaking at about 30 per hour.

Over the course of Saturday and Sunday, more than 500 earthquakes were detected beneath the Upper East Rift Zone and its surrounding areas. The seismicity, which intensified with earthquakes measuring up to M3.4, prompted heightened monitoring by geologists.

Despite the alarming surge in seismic activity, the USGS HVO has reassured the public that there are currently no signs indicating an imminent volcanic eruption. The earthquakes, largely centered below the south caldera region at depths ranging from 1.5 to 3 km, have shown variability but have not yet resulted in volcanic activity.

In their public notice, the USGS HVO noted that the current earthquake count is more than triple the rate observed just days ago, highlighting the ongoing seismic swarm since the initial M2.9 and M3.4 earthquakes.

Historically, Kilauea has been one of the world’s most active volcanoes, known for its periodic eruptions. The most recent eruption occurred on June 3, located approximately a mile south of Kilauea caldera within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. However, there have been no indications that magma is currently moving towards the surface to initiate another eruption.

While increased seismicity could potentially lead to an eruptive episode, geologists emphasize that predicting volcanic behavior remains challenging. Continuous monitoring and assessment of seismic activity and ground deformation are crucial to understanding any future volcanic threats.

For now, residents and visitors to the region are advised to stay informed through official updates from the USGS HVO and to heed any advisories issued by local authorities regarding volcanic activity in Hawaii’s Volcanoes National Park.

Delhi’s Drainage System Struggles in Face of Monsoon Rains

June 29, 2024, 9:52 am

Delhi is once again grappling with severe waterlogging as heavy monsoon rains inundated the city. In a span of just three hours, from 2:30 am to 5:30 am, Delhi received 148.5mm of rainfall, overwhelming its aging drainage infrastructure. Over the subsequent 24-hour period, rainfall accumulated to 228.1mm, exacerbating the flooding across various neighborhoods.

The root of Delhi’s waterlogging problem lies in its outdated drainage system, initially designed in 1976 to accommodate a much smaller population and less frequent rainfall. With Delhi’s population now exceeding 25 million, the drainage system, which can handle only around 50mm of rain in 24 hours, is severely inadequate.

Despite annual efforts to clean and desilt the drains before the monsoon season, the city continues to face recurrent flooding, disrupting daily life and causing damage to infrastructure. Government officials and experts emphasize that without a comprehensive overhaul of the drainage system and the implementation of a new master plan, Delhi will struggle to mitigate its waterlogging woes.

A new drainage master plan is urgently needed to address current deficiencies and future challenges posed by urban growth and climate change. This plan should include expanding the capacity of existing drains, constructing new drainage networks where necessary, and installing modern pumping stations capable of managing higher volumes of water.

In addition to infrastructure upgrades, sustainable urban planning practices are crucial. Incorporating permeable materials in construction and creating green spaces like parks and gardens can help absorb rainwater and reduce runoff. Public awareness and participation in rainwater harvesting and flood preparedness are also essential components of a resilient strategy.

Addressing Delhi’s drainage challenges requires immediate action and collaboration between government agencies, urban planners, and the community. By prioritizing infrastructure upgrades, sustainable planning, and proactive flood management strategies, Delhi can enhance its resilience to monsoon rains and safeguard the well-being of its residents.

Kejriwal Taken for Tea Due to Sugar Level Drop in Court Following Arrest By CBI

June 26, 2024, 12:41 pm

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was brought out of the courtroom when his blood sugar dropped, and he was provided with tea and biscuits in the Ahlmad room. Earlier in the day, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) formally arrested Arvind Kejriwal, who also serves as the AAP national convenor, regarding the Delhi excise policy case. The CBI presented Kejriwal before Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court on Wednesday.

#WATCH | Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal was brought out of the courtroom for tea and biscuits after his sugar level dropped. He was taken to the Ahlmad room. pic.twitter.com/XOqHLiPVyw

— ANI (@ANI) June 26, 2024

The trial court had initially granted bail to Kejriwal on June 20, setting his release on a personal bond of Rs 1 lakh. The Delhi excise policy, which was scrapped in 2022 following the lieutenant governor’s directive for a CBI investigation, has been at the center of these allegations. The CBI and ED assert that irregularities were committed during the modification of the policy, with undue favours allegedly extended to license holders.

India’s External Affairs Minister Meets Maldivian President Amid Strained Relations

June 10, 2024, 12:46 pm

Dr. S Jaishankar, the Minister of External Affairs, held discussions with Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu in the capital city on Monday, against the backdrop of strained relations between the two countries. This encounter occurred shortly after Jaishankar assumed office as a minister in the Narendra Modi-led government.

People familiar with the matter described President Muizzu’s participation in the ceremony as significant, reflecting the Maldivian leadership’s intent to re-engage with India after a period of strained relations. Muizzu, elected last year following an “India Out” campaign, had called for the withdrawal of Indian military personnel from the Maldives shortly after taking office.

“Delighted to call on President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu of Maldives today in New Delhi. Look forward to India and Maldives working together closely,” Jaishankar said in a post on X after their meeting.

Delighted to call on President Dr Mohamed Muizzu of Maldives today in New Delhi.

Look forward to India and Maldives working together closely. @MMuizzu
?? ?? pic.twitter.com/odHJPRK4Ks

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) June 10, 2024

President Mohamed Muizzu of the Maldives was among the dignitaries who attended the banquet at Rashtrapati Bhavan, along with President Ranil Wickremesinghe of Sri Lanka, Vice President Ahmed Afif of Seychelles, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh, Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth of Mauritius, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda of Nepal, and Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay of Bhutan. The banquet, hosted in honor of the leaders of neighboring countries who attended the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Modi and his council of ministers, reflects India’s Neighbors First policy, even amid some contentious issues with these nations.

This is a developing story. More information will be added.

Watch: Aircraft Carrying ‘Release Imran Khan’ Message Spotted During India-Pakistan T20 World Cup Clash

June 9, 2024, 10:01 pm

During the highly anticipated T20 World Cup match between India and Pakistan in Nassau, New York, an unusual sight caught the attention of spectators as an aircraft flew overhead carrying ‘Release Imran Khan’ message.

The message, displayed prominently across the aircraft, grabbed the focus of onlookers, adding a unique dimension to the already intense cricketing encounter between the two arch-rivals.

#WATCH | An aircraft carrying the message ‘Release Imran Khan’ is seen above Nassau, New York, where India is playing against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup pic.twitter.com/tYxrbKcY7C

— ANI (@ANI) June 9, 2024

The timing of the message’s appearance, coinciding with the high-profile match, added intrigue and speculation among observers about its significance and purpose.

While the context behind the message remains unclear, its presence has sparked curiosity and generated discussion both within the stadium and on social media platforms.

As the cricket match between India and Pakistan unfolded on the field, the unexpected aerial display served as an intriguing backdrop, adding an element of intrigue to the atmosphere.

Further details about the origin and motivation behind the ‘Release Imran Khan’ message are yet to emerge.

JEE Advanced 2024 Result Updates: Where And How To Check The Scorecards

June 8, 2024, 9:35 pm

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras will announce the JEE Advanced 2024 Result on June 9. Alongside the results, IIT Madras will also release the final answer key.

The announcement will include JEE Advanced 2024 cut-off marks, the toppers list (both overall and zone-wise), the marks they secured, and other significant exam details. Last year, the cut-off was set at 6.83% of the total marks in each subject and 23.89% in aggregate for the Common Rank List (CRL).

Previously, the provisional answer key, question papers, and candidates’ responses were shared with the examinees. Those who qualify in the JEE Advanced exam will be eligible to participate in the IITs’ counselling process, conducted by the Joint Seat Allocation Authority (JoSAA). Candidates who did not clear the JEE Advanced exam or those who only cleared the JEE Main exam can still participate in the JoSAA counselling process under the NIT+ system. This system allows admission to seats at NITs, IIST Shibpur, IIITs, and other central government-funded technical institutions.

Candidates can check their JEE Advanced 2024 result on the official website, jeeadv.ac.in, by logging in with their credentials.

Swati Maliwal Assault Case: Delhi Court Dismissed The Regular Bail Plea Of Bibhav Kumar

June 7, 2024, 7:51 pm

The Tis Hazari Court in Delhi dismissed the regular bail plea of Bibhav Kumar on Friday in connection with the alleged assault on AAP Rajya Sabha member Swati Maliwal. This marks the second instance where the court has rejected his bail application, with the first dismissal occurring on May 27.

Maliwal accused Bibhav Kumar of repeatedly hitting her with “full force” during the incident on May 13, alleging that he slapped her 7-8 times and kicked her in the chest and abdomen when she visited the chief minister.

CISF Constable Kulwinder Kaur Charged Under This IPC Sections For Slapping Kangana Ranaut, Not Arrested Yet

June 7, 2024, 6:18 pm

The woman constable of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), who allegedly slapped Bollywood actor and BJP Member of Parliament Kangana Ranaut, has been charged under IPC sections 321 and 341 following her suspension in connection with the incident. The altercation, captured on video and widely circulated on the internet, occurred during a security check at the Chandigarh airport, just two days after Ranaut’s election to the Lok Sabha from Mandi in Himachal Pradesh.

The CISF constable, identified as Kulwinder Kaur, was initially suspended and an investigation was launched into the matter. Ranaut, in a video message, accused Kaur of physically assaulting her and hurling abuses, allegedly due to differences in their views on the ongoing farmers’ protests. The CISF, responsible for airport security, initiated a court of inquiry to probe the incident.

Ranaut recounted the incident, stating that Kaur approached her and struck her in the face while expressing support for the farmers’ protests. Ranaut expressed concerns over rising terrorism and extremism in Punjab, highlighting the need for addressing such issues.

A separate video circulating on social media showed Kaur explaining her side of the story, citing Ranaut’s past remarks about the farmers’ protests as the trigger for the altercation. Following the incident, several farmer organizations, including the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, voiced support for Kaur, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation into the incident.

Jagjit Singh Dallewal, leader of SKM (Non-Political), and Sarwan Singh Pandher, general secretary of Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, announced plans to meet Punjab’s Director General of Police to demand a fair investigation and ensure justice for the constable. They stressed the importance of impartiality in addressing the matter and protecting the rights of all involved parties.

TMC Achieves Gender Milestone: 38% of Elected MPs Are Women

June 6, 2024, 1:25 pm

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has significantly contributed to the representation of women in the Lok Sabha, with 11 of its female candidates winning in 2024, up from nine in 2019. The TMC had fielded 12 women in the 2024 elections.

Among the prominent women MPs elected is Mahua Moitra, known for her outspoken nature and strong advocacy on various social and economic issues. Her re-election highlights her considerable influence and the trust her constituents place in her.

Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, who secured victory from West Bengal’s Barasat constituency, emphasized the need for greater representation of women in Parliament.

She stated, “Our leader has been fielding more and more women in state or general elections even before the women’s reservation bill was passed. Of the 29 winning candidates of TMC this time, 38% are women. If more political parties give opportunities to women, the representation of women will further increase in Parliament. Sadly, not all parties believe in equal opportunity and equal rights for women.”

In terms of state-wise performance, West Bengal leads with the highest number of women candidates winning at 11, all from TMC. This is followed by Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh with seven each, Madhya Pradesh with six, and both Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu with five each. Meanwhile, Kerala stands out as the only major state with no women elected this time.

Waris Punjab De Chief Amritpal Singh Leads In Khadoor Sahib, Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa Ahead In Faridkot

June 4, 2024, 5:49 pm

The latest trends from the Election Commission show that Waris Punjab De Chief Amritpal Singh, who is currently in jail, is leading in the Khadoor Sahib Lok Sabha seat, while Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa, son of one of the assassins of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, is ahead in the Faridkot seat. Both Amritpal Singh and Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa are contesting as independents. Amritpal Singh is leading by over 1.72 lakh votes over his nearest rival, Kulbir Singh Zira of the Congress, while Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa is leading by over 70,200 votes over Aam Admi Party’s Karamjit Singh Anmol.

Amritpal Singh was arrested by Punjab police in April last year and was later released on bail. He is known for his association with the Khalistani separatist movement. Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa, who is a resident of Mohali near Chandigarh, has promised to raise the issue of punishment for those responsible for the sacrilege of Guru Granth Sahib in 2015 during the SAD-BJP rule. He has also vowed to address the drug problem in Punjab. The results are significant as both candidates are contesting as independents, and their victories could have implications for the political landscape in Punjab.

Lok Sabha Election 2024 Result: Crucial Battle For Congress And INDIA Bloc Against BJP

June 4, 2024, 6:07 am

The results of the extensive, seven-phase 2024 Lok Sabha elections will significantly influence the direction of the Indian republic for the next five years or more. They could also redefine electoral politics in the world’s largest democracy and shape the future of various political parties involved.

As the largest opposition party with a national presence, the Congress has a lot at stake. It has already responded to the pressure from the BJP by choosing a non-Gandhi leader for the party. Additionally, the party has demonstrated signs of revitalization through Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatras, the electoral impact of which will soon be revealed. For several regional parties, the elections represent a fight for survival.

Will Congress end its Hindi heartland drought?

The Congress suffered significant losses in the Hindi heartland in both 2014 and 2019, resulting in the party’s lowest-ever tally of 44 seats in 2014 and 52 seats in the last Lok Sabha elections. In 2019, the Congress secured only one seat each in Uttar Pradesh (Sonia Gandhi in Rae Bareli), Bihar (Kishanganj), and Madhya Pradesh (Chhindwara), which collectively account for 149 seats. The party failed to win any seats in Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, and managed only two seats in Chhattisgarh and one in Jharkhand, totaling just six out of the 225 Lok Sabha seats across 10 states.

The major question is whether the Congress can make a comeback in these Hindi-speaking states. While the party has performed reasonably well in southern India – independently in Telangana, Karnataka, and Kerala, and in alliance with the DMK in Tamil Nadu – it must achieve gains in the North to halt the BJP’s momentum.

Congress-BJP head-to-head: Who will have the last laugh?

In 2019, the Congress and BJP contested against each other in 193 seats, where candidates from these two parties were either winners or runners-up, including in states with triangular contests. Of these, the Congress won only 15 seats.

The challenge for the Congress is to significantly improve this ratio. This time, the Congress and BJP are contesting against each other in 194 seats, not including those in states like West Bengal, Kerala, Telangana, or Tamil Nadu, where triangular contests exist. With the Congress positioning itself as the BJP’s main challenger — Rahul Gandhi even challenged Narendra Modi to a televised debate — the key question is whether the Congress can deliver a better performance this time.

Will the INDIA bloc click in key battleground states?

Bihar, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Haryana are crucial battleground states where the Opposition hopes to reduce the BJP’s 2019 tally. The INDIA bloc faces its biggest test in these states. Two of these states, Haryana and Maharashtra, will hold Assembly elections later this year, while Bihar will have Assembly elections late next year.

The key question is whether the INDIA bloc can influence the outcome. In Bihar, the NDA won 39 out of 40 seats last time. In UP, the NDA secured 64 seats, leaving 10 to the BSP, five to the SP (when the two allied), and one to the Congress. This time, the SP and Congress are contesting together in UP.

In Delhi, with the AAP and Congress contesting separately in 2019, the BJP won all seven seats. This time, the AAP and Congress are allies in both Delhi and Haryana, where a similar situation existed in 2019. Maharashtra presents a more complex scenario as the alliance configurations have changed.

Will Cong make a comeback in Karnataka?

Despite underperforming in the 2018 Assembly polls, the Congress made a strong comeback in the 2023 Assembly polls, winning 135 out of 224 seats. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP won 25 out of 28 seats, while the Congress secured only one. However, with regional leaders Siddaramaiah and D K Shivakumar, the Congress remains a formidable force in the state.

The BJP, relying on PM Modi’s popularity, has appointed former Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa’s son, B Y Vijayendra, as the state party president to consolidate its Lingayat base and hopes to attract some Vokkaliga support through its alliance with former PM H D Deve Gowda’s JD(S). It remains to be seen if the NDA can maintain its 2019 tally or if the Congress can make inroads.

Will Mamata Banerjee survive the BJP push?

Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress (TMC), officially part of the INDIA bloc, contested the elections independently, with the Congress and Left Front maintaining their alliance. In 2019, the BJP surprised many by winning 18 seats and capturing a 40.64% vote share.

The crucial question is whether the TMC can withstand the BJP’s strong push this time. The BJP’s goal of surpassing its 2019 tally of 303 seats heavily depends on Bengal. The outcome in Bengal is significant for the TMC and the Opposition. With Assembly elections scheduled for 2026, the result, whichever way it swings, will be crucial for the BJP, the TMC, and the Left-Congress alliance. Additionally, there is keen interest in whether the Left-Congress alliance can regain ground in a politically polarized environment dominated by the TMC and BJP.