Actor-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut has sparked controversy by suggesting the reintroduction of three farm reform laws that were previously scrapped after farmers' protests. Her remarks received backlash from the BJP, prompting her to issue a public apology, stating, "I take my words back." The BJP quickly distanced itself from her comments, asserting that she is “not authorised” to speak on behalf of the party. BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia emphasized that Ranaut's comments were her personal views and did not reflect the party's stance. In her apology, Ranaut acknowledged the disappointment her statement caused and reminded herself that, as a politician, her opinions should align with the party’s position.

Wrestling champion Vinesh Phogat has entered politics, contesting the Julana constituency in Haryana for Congress. In an exclusive interview, Phogat revealed her decision stemmed from necessity, driven by the unresolved wrestlers' protest against former Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Singh, accused of sexual harassment. Phogat, a key protester, felt compelled to act after the movement's demands went unmet. Citing the people's demand for her to "step up," she aims to fight for justice and empower Haryana's youth. Her Olympic dreams remain intact, but Phogat's focus now shifts to politics.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah appealed to voters in Jammu and Kashmir as the second phase of polling began. He encouraged residents to participate in large numbers to help create a developed and terror-free region. In a post on 'X', Shah urged voters to support a government dedicated to the youth's future, women's rights, and regional development. He emphasized the need to strengthen democracy and eliminate terrorism, nepotism, and corruption in Jammu and Kashmir. Shah's message highlights the government's commitment to promoting stability and progress in the region during this critical election period.

Voters in 26 constituencies across six districts of Jammu and Kashmir are heading to the polls today for the second phase of the Assembly elections, amid heightened security. Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is among 239 candidates contesting. The People’s Democratic Party has fielded the highest number of candidates (26), followed by the National Conference (20), BJP (17), and Congress (6), with 170 independents also in the fray. Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged voters to participate, emphasizing the importance of their role in strengthening democracy. He also congratulated first-time voters in a tweet, encouraging them to cast their ballots.

The BJP has distanced itself from Lok Sabha MP Kangana Ranaut's remarks advocating for the reinstatement of three farm laws recently repealed by the central government. Party spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia clarified that Ranaut's statement, made during a press conference in her constituency Mandi, does not reflect the party's views and she was not authorized to speak on its behalf. Ranaut argued that the laws were beneficial to farmers, urging them to demand their return. This follows earlier controversial comments linking farmer protests to a "Bangladesh-like situation" in India.

In a surprise move, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has named former WWE wrestler Kavita Dalal as its candidate for the Julana Assembly seat in Haryana. Dalal will face off against Congress's Vinesh Phogat, an Olympic wrestler, and BJP's Captain Yogesh Bairagi, a former commercial pilot. Dalal, India's first woman WWE signee, aims to attract Jat votes, leveraging her wrestling background. She emphasized her focus on addressing local issues, stating her fight is "not against Vinesh, but against the difficulties people face" in Julana. The announcement marks a strategic shift for AAP after alliance talks with Congress broke down.

Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi ignited a political storm by asserting that secularism is a "European concept" with no place in India. Speaking in Kanyakumari, he criticized the "wrong interpretation of secularism" as a fraud against the people. Opposition leaders, including Congress MP Manickam Tagore, condemned his remarks as unconstitutional. DMK's TKS Elangovan defended secularism as essential in India, citing its diverse religions. CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat highlighted that secularism is fundamental to the Indian Constitution, urging Ravi to recognize its significance. The controversy underscores ongoing debates about secularism's role in Indian society.

Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu ordered a high-level investigation into the alleged use of animal fat in Tirupati laddoos during Jagan Mohan Reddy’s YSRCP government. Naidu accused Jagan of "shamelessly trying to justify his crime" and altering ghee procurement standards. Jagan countered the claims, calling Naidu a "habitual liar" and writing to PM Modi for intervention. TTD admitted they recently began testing ghee for adulteration, lacking prior in-house capabilities. The controversy has reached both Andhra Pradesh High Court and the Supreme Court.

AAP leader Atishi officially assumed the role of Delhi Chief Minister, symbolizing her continued loyalty to Arvind Kejriwal by placing an empty chair beside her. Drawing a parallel to Bharat from the Ramayana, she vowed to govern in Kejriwal’s absence with the same dedication. Atishi, the eighth and third woman CM of Delhi after Sheila Dikshit and Sushma Swaraj, pledged to lead the city for the next four months. Alongside her, five cabinet ministers—four from the previous ministry and one new face—were sworn in. Atishi emphasized her commitment to carry forward Kejriwal’s vision during this interim period.

Atishi, 42, became Delhi's youngest Chief Minister on Saturday, marking the fourth consecutive Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government. She is the third woman to hold the position, after Sushma Swaraj and Sheila Dikshit. Five cabinet ministers - Saurabh Bhardwaj, Gopal Rai, Kailash Gehlot, Imran Hussain, and Mukesh Ahlawat - also took oath. Atishi's parents, Tripta Wahi and Vijay Singh, attended the ceremony at Raj Niwas. With this, Atishi becomes India's 17th female Chief Minister. Her tenure will be brief, as Delhi's assembly elections are scheduled for February 2025.