Top 20 Indian Politics News Stories
Monday, October 12, 2026 | India
India’s political news today is dominated by a major confrontation between opposition parties and the Election Commission over electoral-roll revisions, alongside developments in state politics, examination reforms and questions concerning democratic institutions.
National politics and Parliament
Stories are ordered by prominence, not by political preference. Allegations are attributed to the parties making them.
1. Opposition INDIA Bloc Marches to Supreme Court Over Voter-List Revisions
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge and other opposition leaders marched towards the Supreme Court and filed a joint petition challenging the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. They sought disclosure of Election Commission records, an independent audit of deletions and safeguards to protect eligible voters. The Election Commission maintains that the revision is intended to remove ineligible entries and says eligible voters can seek enrolment.
2. Kerala Assembly Passes Resolution Seeking CEC Gyanesh Kumar’s Removal
The Kerala Legislative Assembly passed a resolution calling for the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The resolution raised concerns about alleged voter exclusions during SIR and called for restoring the voting rights of eligible citizens. It also proposed changes to the committee responsible for appointing election commissioners. The resolution is a political and legislative demand, not a removal order.
3. Rahul Gandhi Renews Demand for CEC’s Resignation
Rahul Gandhi reiterated his demand that Gyanesh Kumar resign, arguing that the electoral-roll controversy has undermined confidence in the Election Commission. Gandhi and other opposition leaders say greater transparency and independent scrutiny are needed. The BJP has rejected the opposition’s accusations and called for evidence to support them.
4. Supreme Court Hearing Expected on Opposition’s Electoral Petition
The opposition’s latest legal challenge is expected to bring questions about voter deletions, enrolment procedures and election administration before the Supreme Court. The petition seeks interim safeguards while the dispute is examined. The case is part of a broader debate over how electoral-roll revisions should be conducted and reviewed.
5. BJP Counters Opposition’s Allegations Against Election Commission
BJP leaders have accused opposition parties of undermining constitutional institutions through unsubstantiated claims about the voter-list revision. Anurag Thakur urged the opposition to provide evidence for its allegations. The BJP’s response reflects the widening political confrontation over the Election Commission’s conduct and independence.
6. Delhi Changes Designated Protest Venues After Demonstrations
Delhi Police has removed Jantar Mantar from the list of officially designated protest sites and identified alternative venues, including Ramlila Maidan and Burari Ground. The decision comes amid repeated demonstrations over electoral-roll revisions and demands for the CEC’s resignation. The move has drawn criticism from youth activists who say it restricts their ability to protest at a historic demonstration site.
7. Journalists’ Detentions During Delhi Protests Trigger Press-Freedom Concerns
Press organisations and journalists have criticised police actions during recent youth-led protests, alleging that reporters were detained while covering demonstrations and that some had their phones seized. Reuters reported that nearly three dozen journalists were detained for hours. Police have said some people posed as journalists; media organisations are demanding an investigation into the treatment of accredited reporters.
8. Supreme Court Clarifies Its Position on Form 6 in Bihar SIR Case
The Supreme Court clarified that it had not adjudicated on the revised Form 6 in earlier proceedings concerning Bihar’s electoral-roll revision. Form 6 is used to apply for inclusion in voter lists. The clarification matters because the form and the rules governing voter enrolment have become central to the nationwide dispute over SIR.
State politics
9. Maharashtra Public Service Commission Chairman Sent on Compulsory Leave
The Maharashtra Public Service Commission’s chairman has been sent on compulsory leave amid allegations of examination irregularities and paper leaks. Senior IAS officer Tukaram Mundhe has been appointed to lead an inquiry. The development follows protests by students seeking accountability and reforms in recruitment examinations.
10. Rahul Gandhi Calls MPSC Chairman’s Exit a Victory for Students
Rahul Gandhi welcomed the action involving MPSC chairman Vivek Bhimanwar, describing it as a significant victory for students who protested over alleged paper leaks and examination irregularities. A government committee is expected to examine the complaints. The investigation will be important in establishing the facts behind the allegations.
11. Tamil Nadu Political Leaders Clash Over Chief Minister Vijay
DMK leader T.K.S. Elangovan criticised Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, alleging that his government could align too closely with the BJP. Elangovan also raised questions about the Centre’s handling of the Keezhadi archaeological findings. The remarks reflect tensions between the DMK and the state’s new political leadership.
12. Udhayanidhi Stalin Criticises Handling of Health Workers’ Protest
Tamil Nadu opposition leader Udhayanidhi Stalin criticised the state government’s reported restrictions on multipurpose health workers ahead of a planned Chennai protest. The workers are seeking regularisation of their jobs. Stalin called for dialogue and a resolution of their demands; the dispute adds to the state’s ongoing labour and public-sector policy debates.
13. Punjab Government’s Plea in CBI Case Involving CM’s Aide
The Supreme Court declined to stay a CBI FIR involving Rajbir Singh Ghuman, an officer on special duty to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, and other officials. However, the court directed that no coercive action be taken against the accused while issuing notice on the Punjab government’s plea. It also asked the state to cooperate with the investigation.
14. AAP and BJP Clash Over Bangla Sahib Religious-Etiquette Dispute
The Aam Aadmi Party has called for Akal Takht to summon Union Home Minister Amit Shah over an alleged breach of Sikh religious etiquette at Delhi’s Gurdwara Bangla Sahib. Punjab BJP leaders rejected the demand, accusing AAP of politicising a sensitive religious issue. The matter has become a fresh point of contention between the parties in Punjab.
15. Supreme Court Orders Repolls in Six Punjab Municipal Wards
The Supreme Court has ordered repolling in six Punjab municipal wards and cancelled elections in 50 wards, according to reports on its ruling. The court directed that the fresh polls be held within six weeks. The decision raises questions about the conduct of local elections and the procedures for ensuring fair municipal representation.
16. AIADMK Faces Questions After Bypoll Vote-Share Decline
The AIADMK’s vote share declined in the Madurantakam and Dharapuram bypolls, placing it behind the ruling TVK and DMK in the reported results. The setback has intensified questions about the party’s electoral strategy and leadership. AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami has indicated that organisational changes and stronger outreach to younger voters are needed.
17. Kerala Assembly Debate Extends to Power and Public Services
Alongside the resolution concerning the CEC, Kerala’s Assembly session is expected to address power shortages, medicine availability in government hospitals, the PM SHRI education scheme and ministers’ overseas visits. The opposition is also expected to raise allegations involving the previous government. These issues are likely to shape the state’s legislative debate in the coming days.
Government, law and political institutions
18. Enforcement Directorate Conducts Searches at Eight Kolkata Locations
The Enforcement Directorate conducted searches at eight locations in Kolkata as part of a money-laundering investigation. The premises reportedly included locations in Tollygunge and along Sarat Bose Road. Further details about the investigation and any subsequent action will depend on official disclosures.
19. UN Concerns Over Delhi Protest Crackdown Prompt Response From India
India rejected concerns raised by the UN human-rights office about the handling of protests in Delhi, describing the comments as unwarranted interference in domestic affairs. The exchange follows reports of arrests and alleged mistreatment of demonstrators and journalists. It has brought domestic protest management and freedom of expression into an international discussion.
20. Election Commission Independence Becomes a Central Political Debate
The current confrontation has expanded beyond the immediate question of voter-list revisions to include the Election Commission’s internal decision-making, transparency and appointment process. Opposition parties want stronger safeguards and independent scrutiny, while the BJP defends the electoral process. The legal proceedings and responses from election authorities will be important in determining how the dispute develops.
