🇮🇳 Top 20 Indian Politics News Stories

Saturday, October 24, 2026

Here are 20 of the major political developments in India today, based on the latest available reporting. Allegations and political claims are attributed to the parties or individuals making them.

1. Election Commission Orders Repoll at Three Agra Stations

The Election Commission has declared voting at three polling stations in the Agra division teachers’ constituency of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council election void and ordered a fresh poll for October 26. The decision followed allegations of irregularities during Friday’s voting.

2. SIR Protests Intensify in Hyderabad

Hundreds of people formed a human chain at Hyderabad’s Tank Bund on Saturday against the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Protesters demanded withdrawal of the exercise and the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. These demands reflect protesters’ allegations and are disputed by the authorities.

3. Congress MP Imran Masood Detained During Jamia Protest

Congress MP Imran Masood was among people detained near Jamia Millia Islamia amid student protests. Masood later said no slogans calling for a separate or “free Kashmir” were raised during the demonstration and criticised those responsible for displaying controversial posters.

4. Jamia Student Protest Escalates

Students at Jamia Millia Islamia are protesting for restoration of the university’s students’ union, which was disbanded in 2006 following campus violence. A clash involving students and security guards led the university to move classes online temporarily.

5. Maharashtra BJP-Shiv Sena Rift Deepens Over ₹500-Crore Audio Clip

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered a forensic investigation into an audio recording allegedly discussing a ₹500-crore payment to “manage” Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil. The BJP and Shiv Sena have traded accusations over the recording, whose authenticity remains to be established.

6. Fadnavis Orders Probe Into Alleged Political Deal

The Maharashtra controversy has created fresh tension within the ruling alliance. Shiv Sena leader Ramdas Kadam questioned the BJP over the allegations, while the BJP warned against actions that could affect the stability of the alliance.

7. JD(U) Expels MLA Anant Singh and His Wife

The Janata Dal (United) has expelled MLA Anant Singh and his wife after Singh campaigned for a rival Jan Suraaj Party candidate in the Bihar Legislative Council election. The move highlights continuing political tensions within Bihar’s ruling camp.

8. Bihar Politics Intensifies Ahead of Legislative Council Polls

The expulsion of Anant Singh comes as political parties in Bihar intensify campaigning for the Legislative Council elections. Singh had openly backed Jan Suraaj candidate Anuj Singh, defying the JD(U)’s position.

9. MLC Elections Held Across Four States

Polling for 28 Legislative Council seats is taking place across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra and Karnataka. The election involves teachers’, graduates’ and other constituencies, with counting scheduled for October 27.

10. Rajasthan Panchayat Elections Underway

Four-phase panchayat elections have begun in Rajasthan, with voting today for Sarpanch and Ward Panch positions in 3,314 gram panchayats across 16 districts. Nearly 9,900 polling stations have been established for the first phase.

11. Andhra Pradesh Local Poll Dispute Continues

The YSR Congress Party has alleged attacks and irregularities during local political activity in Andhra Pradesh and has sought additional security arrangements. The dispute has added to political tensions surrounding local elections.

12. Sukhbir Badal Revives BJP-SAD Alliance Debate

Shiromani Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal’s recent alliance pitch has again brought the possibility of closer BJP-SAD cooperation into political discussion in Punjab. Any formal alliance would require negotiations between the two parties.

13. Congress Raises Arunachal Pradesh Border Issue

The Congress has called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to clarify the government’s position concerning the situation along the Arunachal Pradesh border. The party has sought greater information about developments along India’s frontier with China.

14. Ladakh Publishes Draft Delimitation Plan

The Ladakh State Election Commission has placed its draft delimitation plan in the public domain and invited feedback. The exercise is an important step in determining the electoral boundaries for upcoming local democratic institutions in the Union Territory.

15. Punjab BJP Faces Questions Over Political Expansion

The BJP’s political strategy in Punjab is receiving renewed attention as the party works to expand its organisational and electoral presence in the state. The challenge involves translating organisational growth into wider voter support.

16. Karnataka Political Debate Intensifies Over Siddaramaiah

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has spoken out over allegations connected with a purported sting operation, saying attempts were being made to blackmail him. He has demanded that those behind the recording be identified and exposed.

17. Karnataka Government Approves Prosecution Sanction Against IAS Officer

The Karnataka government has allowed prosecution proceedings against IAS officer Gyanendra Gangwar in connection with an alleged examination-related scam. Gangwar served as Controller of Examinations at the Karnataka Public Service Commission between January 2024 and March 2026.

18. New Jammu & Kashmir Chief Secretary Named

IAS officer Sajjan Singh Yadav has been named the new Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir. He is set to take charge as incumbent Atal Dulloo approaches retirement on October 31.

19. President Murmu’s Odisha Visit Postponed

President Droupadi Murmu’s scheduled two-day visit to Odisha has been postponed because of the developing weather system over the Bay of Bengal, which is forecast to intensify into a cyclonic storm.

20. Electoral-Roll Revision Remains a Major National Political Flashpoint

The SIR controversy continues to dominate political debate, with opposition parties and civil-society groups questioning the scale and implementation of voter-roll revisions. The government and Election Commission have maintained their positions on the electoral process, while protests and legal challenges continue.