The Rajya Sabha Elections 2026 are underway today, March 16, 2026, with key battlegrounds in Bihar, Haryana

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently assured the nation that the government is providing all possible support to Indians stranded in Gulf countries amid the ongoing Gulf war. Speaking in poll-bound Kerala, the Prime Minister criticized Congress for "politicising" the crisis and making "provocative and irresponsible statements," which he claimed could worsen the situation for Indians abroad. PM Modi emphasized that India's missions and embassies in the Gulf region are offering round

On March 10, 2026, the Lok Sabha took up an opposition resolution to remove Speaker Om Birla from office, citing allegations of bias towards the ruling party. The motion was introduced by Congress legislator Mohammad Jawed, along with MPs K Suresh and Mallu Ravi. As Jawed read out the notice for the resolution, a heated debate began regarding the presiding officer during the proceedings. AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi raised a point of order questioning the legitimacy of Jagdambika P

Political tensions in Andhra Pradesh intensified after Andhra Pradesh Congress president YS Sharmila made strong remarks about former chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy. During a recent media interaction, Sharmila criticized Jagan’s political approach and accused him of ignoring public issues in the state while focusing mainly on matters related to his party leaders and cadres. According to Sharmila, Jagan’s recent visits to Andhra Pradesh appear to be limited to occasions rela

As 72 Rajya Sabha seats fall vacant in 2026, Congress finds itself in a precarious situation in Maharashtra. The party is engaged in intense negotiations within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance to secure the state's lone Rajya Sabha seat. This move has been dubbed a “mathematical necessity” to protect the party's national standing in the Upper House, with the party facing a crucial test of numbers. Congress currently holds 27 Rajya Sabha seats, but the imminent retirements o

The deadlock over seat-sharing negotiations between Congress and the DMK in Tamil Nadu has continued, with the Congress formally requesting 45 Assembly seats for the 2026 polls. This demand, conveyed during a meeting between Congress general secretary KC Venugopal, senior leader TS Singh Deo, and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, is based on an internal review of the Congress’s performance in the 2021 Assembly elections. According to Congress, the request stems from a strategic analysis

World leaders and policymakers reacted quickly on Friday after the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that President Donald Trump exceeded his legal authority by imposing sweeping global tariffs, a decision that effectively blocks a key component of his trade policy agenda. The ruling has prompted governments and market observers worldwide to evaluate the potential consequences for international trade, economic stability, and future US trade relations. Speaking at a White House breakfa

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has intensified his criticism of the Narendra Modi-led government following a controversy at the AI Impact Summit 2026, where a robot dog displayed by Galgotias University was alleged to be a Chinese product rather than an indigenous innovation. Taking to social media platform X, Rahul Gandhi described the event as a disorganised PR spectacle, accusing the government of

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, expressed confidence that the DMK would form the government on its own after the upcoming 2026 elections. Despite buzz surrounding a potential rift between the DMK and Congress, Stalin reassured that the alliance between the two parties remained strong, with the DMK and Congress contesting the election together. He emphasized that the question of power-sharing would not arise at this stage, as the DMK was confident of making "even greater inroads" than in

The political arena in Telangana has once again been marred by a fiery exchange between BRS working president KTR and Telangana Congress leader, Revanth Reddy. Known for their often vocal and charged confrontations, political leaders in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have been engaging in increasingly aggressive verbal exchanges, and KTR’s latest remarks have once again brought the issue to the forefront. At a recent BRS roadshow, KTR used highly provocative language while discussing Revanth Reddy, openly mocking the Telangana chief minister. “Ee Revanth Reddy gaadu emi peekaledu… vaadoka pottodu, inthe untadu,” KTR said, referring to Revanth's height in a demeaning manner. His speech grew more intense when he added, “Orei pottoda (Revanth) inkosaari BRS vasthe neeku untadi ra… mamulga undadu,” further escalating the verbal clash. KTR also resorted to using terms like “Howlagaallu” and other derogatory words aimed at not just Revanth but also other Congress leaders. This aggressive and provocative language is becoming a defining feature of the political discourse in the region, as both KTR and Revanth have consistently made headlines for their charged and over-the-top rhetoric. While such exchanges may be seen as a tool for political one-upmanship, the increasingly hostile tone of their debates is raising concerns among the public. Some even argue that such language is inappropriate, especially in a family setting, as it may prompt parents to restrict their children's access to political discussions on TV due to the nature of the rhetoric. Using such language against a Chief Minister is widely considered regressive, and critics argue that it reflects poorly on the state’s political environment. As Telangana's political culture continues to be defined by such verbal spats, many hope for a shift toward more constructive and respectful dialogue. However, as things stand, the aggressive political equilibrium currently in play only seems to deepen divisions, setting a concerning precedent for the future of the state’s politics.

Senior Republicans are expressing growing concern about the political landscape ahead of the upcoming midterm elections, as internal polling and recent contests suggest that Democrats could make significant gains in both chambers of Congress. Party strategists warn that a surge in Democratic voter enthusiasm could threaten not only control of the House but also the party’s narrow hold on the Senate, raising the stakes for an election cycle already viewed as pivotal for President Donald Trump’s final years in office. According to lawmakers and advisers familiar with the data, private surveys indicate that voter sentiment has shifted in several competitive states, with independents and moderate voters increasingly critical of the administration’s handling of economic conditions and immigration enforcement. While Republicans currently maintain a 53-47 advantage in the Senate, even a modest swing could erase that margin. With Democrats needing a net gain of four seats to reclaim control, strategists say several Republican-leaning states are now firmly in play. President Trump has cautioned allies that losing the House could open the door to renewed investigations and the possibility of another impeachment effort. Party leaders also acknowledge that a Democratic takeover of the Senate would dramatically limit the administration’s legislative agenda, judicial confirmations, and broader influence over federal policy. As a result, the midterms are increasingly being framed within Republican circles as a referendum not only on Congress but on the president’s governing approach. Recent electoral setbacks have intensified these worries. A closely watched special election in North Texas saw a Democratic candidate capture a state Senate seat in a district Trump had previously won comfortably. The upset has been described by several GOP senators as a warning sign that traditional strongholds may no longer be secure. Party officials view the result as evidence that turnout dynamics and shifting voter priorities could reshape races once considered safe. Battleground-state senators have also raised alarms during internal discussions. Lawmakers from Maine and North Carolina, among others, have cautioned colleagues that dissatisfaction with rising costs of living and strict border policies is resonating beyond the Democratic base. They argue that without a clear economic message and improved outreach to independents, the party risks losing ground in suburban and swing districts that often determine control of Congress. Republican leaders are now emphasizing the importance of mobilizing their core supporters. In Texas, Sen. Ted Cruz characterized the recent defeat in Tarrant County as a difficult outcome and stressed that strong turnout will be critical in November. Still, many strategists concede that enthusiasm gaps and evolving demographics could complicate those efforts. With control of the House, Senate seats, and the broader balance of power at stake, both parties are preparing for an intensely competitive campaign season. For Republicans, the coming months may determine whether they can preserve their congressional majority or face a political shift that reshapes the final stretch of the Trump presidency.

The ongoing standoff between the government and the Opposition took a new turn as the Congress-led Opposition staged a walkout from the Rajya Sabha on Thursday. The protest erupted as Prime Minister Narendra Modi continued his speech on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s address. The Opposition, led by Mallikarjun Kharge, demanded that Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, be allowed to speak, especially after the Lok Sabha Speaker’s refusal to let Gandhi quote

Prime Minister Narendra Modi sharply criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for calling Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu a "traitor," accusing the Congress of harboring hatred toward Sikhs. Addressing the Rajya Sabha, PM Modi described Gandhi's comments as reflecting "arrogance at its peak" and an insult not only to Bittu but to the Sikh community as a whole. The heated exchange between Rahul Gandhi and Ravneet Singh Bittu took place outside Parliament on Wednesday. Gandhi, as Bi

The Supreme Court has cleared the way for California to use a newly approved congressional map that is expected to benefit Democrats in upcoming elections, rejecting an emergency appeal filed by state Republicans and backed by the Trump administration. The unsigned order, issued without explanation and with no noted dissents, leaves intact district boundaries that could alter the balance of power in several closely contested House races as the country moves toward high-stakes midterm contests

The US House of Representatives moved closer to preventing a government shutdown on Tuesday after Speaker Mike Johnson rallied Republican lawmakers behind a sweeping government funding bill, setting the stage for final passage of legislation designed to keep federal agencies operating through the end of the fiscal year. The procedural victory marked a critical step in advancing the appropriations package and reflected intense negotiations within the Republican conference to maintain unity ahe

The US Justice Department on Friday released more than three million additional pages of records tied to its investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, marking what officials described as the final disclosure under the Epstein Files Transparency Act. The release includes thousands of videos and hundreds of thousands of images and concludes a lengthy document review process aimed at complying with congressional requirements for public disclosure. Speaking at a news co

Senate Democrats signaled they are prepared to block a sweeping federal spending measure that includes funding for the Department of Homeland Security, escalating a budget standoff that could bring the federal government closer to a partial shutdown by the end of the week. The dispute centers on Democratic demands for new limits on the administration’s expanded immigration enforcement operations, which Republicans and the White House have so far resisted. The legislation, scheduled for a key procedural vote Thursday morning, would finance Homeland Security along with several other federal agencies. Without Democratic support, the bill lacks the votes needed to advance, setting the stage for a lapse in funding at midnight Friday. Democrats have made clear that unless changes are made to immigration enforcement practices, they will withhold their backing even if it means triggering a shutdown. Late Wednesday, there were indications that negotiations could still yield a temporary solution. According to a person familiar with the private discussions, the White House expressed openness to separating Homeland Security funding from the broader spending package. Under the idea being explored, Homeland Security would receive short-term funding while negotiations continue on Democratic demands, while other agencies covered by the bill would be funded through the end of September. The source spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the talks. The confrontation has intensified following the deaths of two protesters in Minneapolis, who were fatally shot during encounters with federal agents. The incident has sharpened Democratic criticism of immigration enforcement tactics and added urgency to their push for new restrictions. In response, Senate Democrats outlined specific conditions they want included before allowing the funding bill to move forward. These include requirements for officers to remove face coverings, clearly identify themselves, and obtain warrants before making arrests. Democratic leaders argue that these measures are necessary to restore public trust and ensure accountability. They say support for border security and law enforcement does not extend to practices they describe as excessive or opaque. Without agreement on these points, Democrats insist they are willing to block the bill, even as the deadline to keep the government open approaches. Republicans counter that tying immigration enforcement conditions to must-pass funding legislation risks unnecessary disruption and uncertainty for federal agencies. They maintain that existing laws already provide appropriate oversight and warn that a shutdown would have far-reaching consequences, including delayed services and furloughed workers. The current impasse recalls a government shutdown earlier this year, when lawmakers failed to reach consensus over expiring federal health care subsidies. That standoff resulted in a 43-day shutdown after negotiations collapsed. Although a small group of moderates eventually brokered a deal to reopen the government, party leaders acknowledge that the political dynamics are different this time. Democrats appear more unified, galvanized by recent events and determined to force changes to immigration policy through the budget process. With hours remaining before the funding deadline, the outcome remains uncertain. Negotiators on both sides continue to weigh whether a short-term compromise can avert another shutdown or whether the standoff will once again disrupt federal operations nationwide.

Former special counsel Jack Smith appeared publicly before the House Judiciary Committee on Thursday, offering a stark assessment of the state of American democracy and sharply criticizing actions taken by President Donald Trump following his return to office. Smith, who previously led two federal prosecutions involving Trump, warned lawmakers that the failure to impose accountability for attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election could have lasting and potentially catastrophic consequences. In his testimony, Smith said ongoing threats to US democracy remain unresolved because efforts to challenge the legitimacy of the 2020 election were never fully adjudicated in court. He described the conduct he investigated as criminal in nature and argued that the absence of accountability risks normalizing behavior that undermines constitutional processes. Smith’s remarks framed his past investigations as necessary safeguards rather than political actions, emphasizing that the justice system has a responsibility to confront efforts to subvert lawful elections. Republican lawmakers on the committee rejected that characterization. Chairman Jim Jordan accused Smith and other officials of pursuing Trump through prosecutions, impeachments, and investigations driven by partisan motives. Jordan argued that the cases reflected an effort to “get” Trump rather than a neutral application of the law, a claim Smith disputed during the hearing by reiterating that prosecutorial decisions were based on evidence and legal standards. Smith also delivered pointed criticism of Trump’s decision to issue mass pardons to individuals charged in connection with the January 6, 2021 attack on the US Capitol. On his first day back in office, Trump granted clemency to all defendants in the case, including hundreds who were accused or convicted of assaulting law enforcement officers. Smith said he could not understand why anyone would pardon individuals who attacked police officers, noting that at least 140 officers were injured during the violence, with some requiring hospitalization. He described the officers who defended the Capitol as heroes and said pardoning their attackers sends troubling signals about respect for law enforcement. The hearing also revisited unresolved issues surrounding Smith’s investigation into Trump’s handling of classified documents. Democratic members highlighted limits on Smith’s ability to discuss the findings of that probe due to a court order issued by Aileen Cannon, who presided over the case. Smith explained that the order restricts the Justice Department from releasing or discussing details from his final report while related matters were pending. Under questioning from Vermont Representative Becca Balint, Smith confirmed that the order was imposed when charges against two Trump employees were still active. Those cases were later dismissed by the Justice Department under the Trump administration. Although advocacy groups and media organizations have sought the release of the classified documents report, Cannon ruled in late December that it would remain sealed for now, with a provision allowing limited disclosure beginning in February. Trump has since requested that the restriction be made permanent. Smith’s testimony underscored deep divisions in Washington over accountability, the rule of law, and the legacy of January 6. While Republicans framed the investigations as political overreach, Smith maintained that confronting efforts to overturn an election is essential to preserving democratic institutions. His appearance before Congress marked a rare public defense of the prosecutions he led and a renewed warning that unresolved challenges to democratic norms continue to pose serious risks to the nation.

Kavitha, daughter of former Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao, has officially begun preparations to launch her own political party in the state, setting the stage for a fresh political chapter ahead of the 2028 Assembly elections. The move has sparked significant interest in Telangana’s political circles, as it signals a potential shift in leadership dynamics within the region. According to sources, Kavitha has already initiated the foundation-level planning for her par

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday warned Republican lawmakers that failure to secure victories in the 2026 congressional midterm elections could lead to renewed impeachment efforts by Democrats. Speaking at a closed-door Republican retreat in Washington, Trump emphasized the political stakes of the upcoming vote, telling party members that maintaining control of Congress was critical to protecting his presidency. He said Democrats would seek grounds for impeachment if Republicans lost thei