RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat, at a book launch, asserted that science and spirituality are complementary, both requiring faith. He emphasized introspection as a path to truth, highlighting India’s unique ‘praan shakti’ (life force) as its national identity, evident in its response to global crises.
Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge called for ballot papers instead of EVMs. He raised concerns about EVM reliability. Kharge blamed EVMs for the Congress’s recent election losses. He also criticized the BJP government. Kharge said the BJP relied on alliances to stay in power. He supported a caste census. Rahul Gandhi also spoke at the event.
Trinamool MP Kalyan Banerjee and BJP MP Jagdambika Pal reconciled after a previous scuffle during a Joint Parliamentary Committee meeting on the Waqf bill. Banerjee, who had previously thrown a glass bottle at Pal, urged the chairman to allow opposition members to speak. Pal had earlier offered to resign if members felt he was being unfair in managing the meeting.
Karnataka Congress MLA HR Gaviyappa stirred controversy by suggesting Chief Minister Siddaramaiah drop some election promises due to financial constraints. Deputy CM DK Shivakumar rebuked Gaviyappa, announcing disciplinary action and reaffirming the government’s commitment to all guarantees. Gaviyappa had previously voiced concerns about funding for his constituency, hinting at internal party disagreements.
Spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravishankar condemned the arrest of ISKCON priest Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari in Bangladesh, calling it a regressive step. He urged the Bangladeshi government to protect minorities and control radical elements. India’s Ministry of External Affairs also expressed concern, citing attacks on minorities and the priest’s advocacy for peaceful demands.
Grieving parents of a female doctor, raped and murdered at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, met with West Bengal’s Leader of Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, seeking justice. Adhikari pledged a sit-in protest at Raj Bhavan on December 10, demanding the truth and exemplary punishment for the perpetrators.
The Shiv Sena, following Maharashtra’s election victory, is advocating for Eknath Shinde’s continued chief ministership, adapting Modi’s slogan to “Ek(Nath) hai to safe hain.” Despite the BJP’s significant win and Devendra Fadnavis’s previous role as deputy CM, the Sena insists on maintaining the current arrangement, citing Shinde’s leadership and popularity.