Prashant Kishor, a renowned Indian election strategist and convenor of Jan Suraj, has revealed that his fee for advising in one election is over Rs 100 crore. While campaigning for the upcoming by-elections in Bihar, Kishor disclosed this information at an event in Belaganj on October 31. He addressed a gathering that included members of the Muslim community, explaining that people often inquire about how he funds his campaigns. Kishor confidently stated, "Ten governments in different states are running on my strategies," highlighting his impressive track record ¹. This fee underscores Kishor's expertise and influence in shaping election outcomes in India.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has criticized Congress for making "unfounded and sensational complaints" about the Haryana Assembly elections, including claims of EVM tampering and vote-counting delays. Following Congress’s objections to a displayed 99% battery status on EVMs, the ECI dismissed these allegations as “baseless” and warned that such claims risk creating public unrest. The poll body urged Congress to avoid "generic doubts" after unfavorable results, emphasizing the importance of maintaining electoral credibility. Congress had voiced concerns about "unexpected" results in Haryana, where BJP won 48 out of 90 seats, against predicted anti-incumbency trends.

With the deadline for filing nominations approaching, the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition has yet to announce candidates for 20 assembly seats. The coalition comprises the Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress, and NCP (SP). So far, Congress has declared candidates for 102 seats, Shiv Sena (UBT) for 84 seats, and NCP (SP) for 82 seats, totaling 268 of the 288-member Assembly. The remaining 20 seats are still undecided. Sources indicate that Congress is seeking to negotiate the Versova, Byculla, and Wadala constituencies with the Shiv Sena faction led by Uddhav Thackeray as part of the ongoing negotiations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized the Trinamool Congress and Aam Aadmi Party for not implementing the Ayushman Bharat scheme in West Bengal and Delhi, calling it “inhuman” to deny healthcare for political interests. He launched the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) for senior citizens, offering health insurance coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh annually for those over 70. Additionally, those already under the Ayushman Bharat scheme will receive a Rs 5 lakh top-up. This new initiative aims to support around 6 crore senior citizens nationwide, improving access to healthcare for the elderly.

Jammu and Kashmir's Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, announced he received assurances from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah on restoring Jammu and Kashmir's statehood. After returning from New Delhi, Abdullah expressed optimism, sharing that commitments at the “highest level” would lead to governance changes in the Union Territory. Addressing concerns, he warned officials against exploiting the current “hybrid governance model,” promising strict oversight. Abdullah also submitted a cabinet resolution urging the central government to expedite the statehood restoration. This move highlights efforts to reshape J&K's political landscape and fulfill long-standing demands for statehood.

Opposition parties, including Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT), allege that the Tata-Airbus C295 aircraft facility, initially intended for Maharashtra, was relocated to Gujarat for political reasons. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh called it a betrayal of Maharashtra's interests, while Shiv Sena’s Priyanka Chaturvedi claimed the move denies Maharashtra job opportunities and investment. The BJP countered, with IT cell head Amit Malviya accusing the former Maharashtra government (MVA) of delaying project agreements, thus missing out. Malviya also cited a white paper by Maharashtra’s Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) showing no formal agreement was signed under the MVA administration.

Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva was hospitalized following severe itching and breathing issues after a protest dip in the polluted Yamuna River, criticizing the AAP government’s unmet promise to clean the river by 2025. Sachdeva, seeking “forgiveness” for alleged corruption in river-cleaning funds, challenged CM Arvind Kejriwal to take a similar dip. Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai accused BJP-ruled states of polluting the river with untreated wastewater. With toxic froth covering the Yamuna, health risks rise as the Chhath Puja festival nears, during which devotees traditionally take a dip, raising concerns about public safety amid high pollution.

The final New York Times/Siena College poll reports Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are tied at 48% each among likely voters, a change from early October when Harris had a narrow 49% to 46% lead. The race remains extremely close, especially in seven swing states, where the margins between the candidates are similarly tight. The poll highlights a gender divide, with Harris leading among women (54% to 42%) and Trump leading among men (55% to 41%). With Election Day approaching on November 5, the outcome may depend heavily on swing state results.

The Election Commission of India has appointed former cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni as the brand ambassador for the upcoming Jharkhand assembly elections. Chief Electoral Officer K Ravi Kumar confirmed that Dhoni has granted permission for his image to be used in election promotions. Dhoni's role will focus on mobilizing voters and increasing awareness about the electoral process, especially targeting younger audiences. This initiative aims to boost voter turnout and engagement in Jharkhand, leveraging Dhoni's popularity in the state and his influence among the youth to encourage active participation in the elections.

Milind Deora, who recently joined Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena after leaving Congress, is likely to contest against Aaditya Thackeray from Mumbai’s Worli constituency in next month’s Assembly polls, as reported by sources. Aaditya, the son of Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray, currently holds the Worli seat, having won in 2019. The Shinde-led faction is reportedly finalizing their candidate to run against him in this significant electoral battle, which could see Deora directly competing with Aaditya in a high-stakes Mumbai contest.