Politics — Page 22
Elections, government, public policy, diplomacy and geopolitical action
NLSIU students oppose CJI and BCI chief at convocation, seek apology to NALSAR
NLSIU's 2026 graduating batch, along with 409 current students and 128 alumni, signed a statement opposing the presence of the Chief Justice of India and the BCI chair at their convocation and demanding an apology to NALSAR. The move follows a BCI directive on NALSAR that authorities later withdrew.
Pawan Kalyan alerts on elephant movement in Chandragiri, orders safety measures
Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan warned of elephants moving in Chandragiri, directed continuous monitoring and public alerts, and called for night patrols and rapid compensation. The elephants are in Seshachalam forests, damaging crops and scaring residents.
Farmers’ march halted at Haryana-Punjab border
A 13-day protest march by farmers toward Delhi was stopped at the Haryana-Punjab border on August 16, 2026. Police placed prohibitory orders, and leaders said they would hold a sit-in and seek judicial intervention.
Telangana farmers urged to cut paddy as El Niño deepens water concerns
Telangana farmers were advised to reduce paddy cultivation and diversify to water-saving crops amid El Niño-driven rainfall deficits. The guidance came at a Nalgonda seminar, warning that reservoir levels and groundwater are under stress and that water for Nagarjuna Sagar may be uncertain.
Vice-President says death over drugs painful; anti-drug pledge at SRM convocation
Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan described a college student’s death in Tamil Nadu over drug information as very painful, during SRMIST’s 22nd convocation. He urged students to avoid drugs, and new graduates took an anti-drug pledge.
Govt unmasks suspected fraudulent salary withdrawals, orders inquiries and recovery
The government has instructed a priority inquiry into suspected multi-establishment salary withdrawals, citing duplicates in Aadhaar mappings and irregular employee records. It warns of disciplinary and criminal actions and pursuing recovery of misappropriated funds.
BJP bets on Telangana graduates’ constituency voters
The Telangana BJP is focusing on the graduates’ constituency in the region, aiming to mobilise a large pool of nearly six lakh eligible voters. Enrolment is reset for every election, with graduates who completed a degree at least three years prior eligible once a notification is issued.
Rijiju lists 'Dimagi Naxals' as Chidambaram reacts
Kiren Rijiju asserted a list of groups he labels as 'dimagi naxals' in response to PM Modi's Independence Day remarks, while Congress leader P. Chidambaram said he is proud to be one. The exchanges followed Modi's Red Fort address and included Rijiju's post detailing groups he says fit the label.
BRS MLAs rebuke CM’s Sangareddy remarks
BRS legislators from Medak district condemned Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy’s Sangareddy comments, accusing him of lies and using inappropriate language. They contrasted it with prior BRS actions on ration cards, power supply, and water projects, while a separate BRS leader proposed an open debate
Telangana BJP MLC ticket race intensifies amid veteran loyalties
Telangana BJP fights over MLC nominations for two graduates’ constituencies, pitting loyalists against newer entrants while weighing outsiders. The contest follows last year’s wins and current representations, with several top leaders jockeying for approval ahead of central leadership finalization.
Horatti urges government to drop Bengaluru law university plan
Former Karnataka legislative figure Basavaraj Horatti urges the state to scrap the proposal for a second Karnataka State Law University in Bengaluru, arguing it undermines Hubballi's KSLU and regional balance. He cites KSLU's NAAC A grade and rising admissions, while calling for funding and staffing
Shivakumar says protecting farmers and upholding law are both essential in Cauvery row
Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar underscored the dual need to safeguard farmers’ interests and enforce the law amid Cauvery water-sharing concerns. He noted reservoirs aren’t fully filled, referenced CWMA rules, and cited Mekedatu as not affecting Tamil Nadu’s allocation, while urging prayer
Telangana to develop 7,448 km rural roads under HAM in first phase
Telangana has adopted the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) for rural road development, becoming the first state to implement HAM for such roads. Phase I covers 7,448 km across 2,145 roads, with a total estimated cost of ₹6,294.81 crore, and a 30-month construction window followed by 15 years of maintenan
Veteran actor Devan quits BJP, accuses Kerala unit of abandoning Guru’s ideals
Malayalam actor Devan announced his resignation from the BJP, alleging the party’s Kerala unit has moved away from Sree Narayana Guru’s social reformist ideals. He spoke at the Kanichukulangara temple in Alappuzha where SNDP Yogam oversees administration.
CJP slams disallowing of NEET questions in Lok Sabha
CJP's Saurav Das says three sets of questions on NEET protests and related issues were disallowed in the Lok Sabha during the monsoon session, at the government's alleged behest. He questions why Home Minister Amit Shah did not address Parliament and notes protests and a ministerial resignation conn
Southern Railway plans new accessway to link Radha Nagar subway with Chromepet station
The Southern Railway and CUMTA propose an alternate access path from Radha Nagar subway to Chrompet station citing safety and operational concerns. The plan follows reported safety risks due to the subway's distance from platforms and a High Court directive to consider the representation under law.
SC rebukes BCI over NALSAR convocation row and backs student protests
The Bar Council of India halted NALSAR’s 2026 graduating batch enrollment, then reversed course amid criticism. The Chief Justice of India and BCI chief faced student opposition, with the Supreme Court later criticizing the BCI’s interference.
Bangladesh says Tarique Rahman won’t visit India until Hasina extradited
Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will delay any India visit until Sheikh Hasina is extradited. Dhaka cites the need for a propitious environment and ongoing extradition efforts amid a strained bilateral backdrop.
Bombay HC: community health volunteers entitled to minimum wage
The Bombay High Court ruled that community health volunteers engaged by the BMC qualify for minimum wages under the Minimum Wages Act, upholding a 2020 order and rejecting the corporation’s challenge.
BJP accuses Congress of opposing patriotism over Vande Mataram, demands apology
The BJP accused Congress leaders of opposing anything patriotic in relation to Vande Mataram during Independence Day events and demanded a 24-hour apology. Congress denied the claims, saying there was no effort to stop the national song and that Sonia Gandhi was seeking a chair for Mallikarjun Kharg
Charlapalli-Gorakhpur Amrit Bharat Express to start in October
India's South Central Railway says a new Amrit Bharat Express linking Charlapalli and Gorakhpur will begin commercial service in October, with train 22075 scheduled Charlapalli to Gorakhpur and 22076 in the reverse direction. The service will run weekly, covering multiple states and stopping at nume
Pune court remands 'drug kingpin' Basoya to NCB custody till Aug 21
Pune court remanded Virender Singh Basoya to NCB custody until August 21 after extradition from the UAE, with Delhi court having granted transit remand earlier. Investigators cite large seizures linked to a broader trafficking network and Basoya as a key figure.
Bankim Chandra's descendant seeks Sonia Gandhi apology over Vande Mataram row
A BJP MLA, Sumitro Chatterjee, who is a direct descendant of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, urged Sonia Gandhi to apologize for an Independence Day incident alleged at the AICC headquarters regarding Vande Mataram. He frame it as a historical misstep tied to past party policy.
Satheesan proposes Thripunithura heritage town at Athachamayam
Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan proposed elevating Thripunithura to a heritage town during Athachamayam, citing its royal legacy and urging expert-backed proposals with government support. The event marked the Onam festival procession with thousands in attendance.