Should loss-making, shell firms be barred from political funding? Here's what FM had to say
Sitharaman, who was at the India Today conclave on Friday, said: "If corporates can fund, they should fund. But under which law or scheme of things. All that will have to be worked out. Nobody is saying parties cannot be funded." Key Points
Business Today'One nation, one election' report says 32 political parties supported, 15 opposed
A high-level committee approached 62 parties for 'one nation, one election'. The support and opposition from various parties were recorded in the report submitted to President Droupadi Murmu, highlighting the diverse views on simultaneous elections. Key Points
Economic TimesBelarusians vote amid boycott call
Belarusians cast ballot on Sunday in tightly controlled parliamentary and local elections that are set to cement the steely rule of the... Key Points
The Tribune IndiaVoters have right to know about fulfillment of assurances by parties: CEC
India News: The Chief Election Commissioner, Rajiv Kumar, on Saturday said that voters have the right to be informed about the feasibility of fulfilling the promises made by political parties during elections. However, he clarified that this matter is currently under judicial review. Key Points
Times Of IndiaNewly elected members from PPP, PML-N take oath for Sindh provincial assembly; opposition remains absent
The newly elected members of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), PML-N, and other ally parties took oaths in the Sindh Provincial Assembly amid a boycott by opposition parties against alleged rigged results in the February 8 polls. The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) bagged 84 seats in the assembly, followed by the Muttahida Qaumi Movement 28 and PTI independents 14 and two each from GDA and JI. Key Points
Economic Times
Pakistan: PML-N, PPP strike deal on coalition government
The agreement between Bhutto Zardari's Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) of three-time Premier Nawaz Sharif ends days of uncertainty and negotiations after the Feb. 8 elections produced a hung national assembly. Key Points
Economic TimesFormer President Kovind panel set to submit report before Lok Sabha polls
The panel's next meeting is scheduled for February 10 and, before that, it may hold consultations with some more legal luminaries and political leaders, the people said. The committee has so far received responses from 26 of the 47 parties from which it had sought their views on simultaneous polls for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. Key Points
Economic TimesMaldives Opposition parties flag Mohamed Muizzu government's ‘anti-India’ pivot: ‘Long-standing ally will be…’
Maldives' two main opposition parties express concern with President Muizzu's 'anti-India' stance, calling India the most long-standing ally. They also flagged lack of transparency in financial status, foreign agreements, and media censorship. Key Points
mintINDIA bloc to work on 'Main Nahin, Hum' motto at next strategy meet to take on PM Modi
The challenge before the opposition parties now is to come out with an alternative positive agenda to counter the BJP in the next general elections. Sources said during the meeting, the parties would chalk out plans on seat sharing, for holding joint election rallies and would evolve a common programme for them. Key Points
Economic TimesCall it revadi or welfare scheme, pre-poll promises are draining state exchequer
While the courts and media come down heavily on this culture, political parties continue to announce freebies. They do this under the pretext of promising a ‘welfare state’. Key Points
ThePrint
'If implemented, public and central govt will benefit irrespective of party': Kovind on 'one nation, one election'
Addressing reporters in Rae Bareli on Monday night, Kovind said, 'If implemented, the party which is in power at the Centre will benefit, be it the BJP or the Congress or any other party. There is no discrimination.' Key Points
FirstpostElectoral bonds generated donations worth over ₹9,188 crore in last 6 years; BJP emerges as biggest beneficiary
Electoral bond donations to political parties in India have witnessed a significant rise, with national parties seeing a 743% increase between FY 2017-18 and FY 2021-22. Corporate donations, on the other hand, showed nominal growth during the same period. Key Points
mintParliament's monsoon session begins: Effect of fortified alliances will be visible from today
After Opposition's unity efforts, BJP too has re-energised NDA with the admission of several smaller parties. NDA was united and is united. It will be visible in Parliament too. Divisions are on the other side, MoS for parliamentary affairs Arjun Ram Meghwal told ET.However, after winning Karnataka and the formation of INDIA, Congress and 25 other Opposition parties are sure to use the session for furthering the newfound bonhomie. Key Points
Economic TimesParliament monsoon session starts today: 31 bills on agenda, opposition parties demand discussion on Manipur
Opposition parties to address Manipur violence, railway safety, unemployment, inflation, India-China border, and trade balance during Parliament's monsoon session. 31 legislative items ready. Prime Minister's presence demanded. Government plans heavy legislative business. Key Points
mintNDA vs Opposition: Rival factions hold meetings ahead of 2024 Lok Sabha polls
Opposition parties and the BJP-led NDA held strategy meetings ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The NDA met with representatives from 38 parties, while the Opposition meeting was attended by 26 parties. The Opposition has rebranded itself as the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance. Key Points
mint
26 opposition parties' joint resolution pitches for conducting caste census
The character of our republic is being severely assaulted in a systematic manner by the BJP. We are at a most crucial juncture in our nation's history. The foundational pillars of the Indian Constitution - secular democracy, economic sovereignty, social justice and federalism - are being methodically and menacingly undermined, they alleged. Key Points
Economic TimesOpposition's big Bengaluru meet vs NDA's Delhi conclave: See the power lists
As many as 26 opposition parties are set to attend a two-day mega meeting in Bengaluru starting on Monday. And a day later, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has convened a meeting in New Delhi on July 18, with several new allies joining the front. Key Points
India Today24 parties invited to Oppn’s Bengaluru meet; Sonia to attend
Leaders of 24 non-BJP parties have been invited to the Opposition’s meet to be held in Bengaluru on June 17 and 18. The first meet, which was held in Patna, saw the participation of 15 parties. Key Points
The Tribune IndiaWhoever becomes PM should not be without a wife, says Lalu Prasad Yadav
"Staying at PM's residence without a wife is wrong. This should be done away with," he said when asked about the prime minister's face from the opposition and his earlier advice to Rahul Gandhi to get married. Key Points
Business TodayHigh-society fashion became gender-bending in the 1920s. It was the 'freaking' parties
Gender-bending fashion became first-page news after World War I. There was a circle who were keen to try out new looks, no matter how bizarre. Key Points
ThePrint
'Not a setback for Opposition unity': D Raja on AAP's stance after Patna meet
CPI general secretary D Raja has dismissed concerns over the unity of India's opposition parties, stating that there may be small angularities to be overcome on certain issues but that all the secular and democratic parties involved were capable of taking collective decisions. He also stated that the opposition's leadership was not currently a concern, but said that the BJP was raising such matters because it feared the outcome of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Key Points
Economic TimesAssam delimitation move evokes more protest
Supporters of an ally of the ruling BJP and Opposition parties stepped up their protests against the delimitation proposals in Assam. According to the draft proposal published by the Election Commission of India (EC), the number of Lok Sabha and Assembly in the State remain unchanged at 14 and 126. But four Assembly seats have been moved from the general to the reserved categories, and three more seats have been included in the Bodoland Territorial Council. Key Points
The HinduThose boycotting parliament inauguration are dynasty-run parties says J.P. Nadda
With the dispute over the inauguration of the new parliament building intensifying, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief J.P. Nadda on Friday attacked opposition parties for boycotting the event. Key Points
The HinduCentre to launch Rs 75 coin to mark new Parliament building's inauguration
The government is set to launch Rs 75 coin to mark the new Parliament building's inauguration, scheduled for May 28. A notification regarding the launch of the coin was issued on Thursday. Key Points
India TodayMajor step towards anti-BJP front: Nitish, Tejashwi meet Kharge and Rahul, discuss Oppn unity
Congress leaders and Bihar CM describe meeting as “historic”. Nitish Kumar says efforts will be made to bring together as many parties as possible. Key Points
The Indian Express
Mallikarjun Kharge sticks to unity pitch: ‘Spoken to Nitish, Stalin, Uddhav… want to bring together Oppn’
Disqualification of Rahul Gandhi from Lok Sabha was a “surgical strike ... by the government for speaking on the Adani matter", the Congress president says at the Idea Exchange programme of The Indian Express. Key Points
The Indian Express'Misuse' of central probe agencies: SC to hear plea of 14 parties led by Congress on April 5
According to the list of business uploaded on the apex court website, the plea of opposition parties would be heard on April 5 by a three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud. The plea has alleged there is an alarming rise in the use of coercive criminal processes against opposition political leaders and other citizens exercising their fundamental right to dissent. Key Points
Economic TimesModel Code of Conduct goes in to effect in Karnataka, here's what you need to know
The Model Code of Conduct has officially begun for the Karnataka Assembly elections until the finish of the electoral process, ensuring that the state's ruling parties do not misuse their position. One rule prohibits parties from using promises about new projects that could sway a voter. Political parties and their candidates must avoid corrupt practices, including bribing and intimidating voters, or holding public meetings during the 48 hours ending with the hour fixed for the close of polls. The ruling party must ensure its practices do not indicate that it is using an official position for the purposes of an election campaign. Key Points
Economic TimesAkhilesh to meet Mamata as opposition looks to bring 8 parties on board
The leaders of these parties wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 5 against what they saw as the ‘blatant misuse’ of central agencies, to work in unison. The Congress, which was not a signatory to the letter, does not figure in the plans. | Latest News India Key Points
Hindustan TimesIn Nepal politics, a push for the new
In a recent by-election, voters chose a new party in two of three seats. Nepal's ties with India, US and China stand to be affected by the churning. Here's how. | World News Key Points
Hindustan Times