Amidst the highly anticipated Delhi assembly elections, all eyes are on the Kalkaji constituency as Chief Minister Atishi of the ruling Aam Aadmi Party, former MP Ramesh Bidhuri of the Bharatiya Janata Party, and senior leader Alka Lamba of the Congress all vie for the seat. With a history of multiple party wins and changing loyalties, the race for Kalkaji is bound to be an intense one. As Atishi, Bidhuri, and Lamba all bring their unique strengths and experiences to the table, the outcome of this election will be crucial for all three parties involved.
Amidst the highly anticipated Delhi assembly elections, the Kalkaji constituency has emerged as a key battleground, drawing attention from all quarters. The seat is currently held by Chief Minister Atishi of the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), but she faces stiff competition from former MP Ramesh Bidhuri of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and senior leader Alka Lamba of the Congress.
The Kalkaji constituency has a long and varied history of political representation. It has been a stronghold for the BJP in the past, with Bidhuri holding the seat from 2008 to 2015. However, in the 2015 Delhi assembly elections, AAP candidate Subhash Chopra created a major upset by defeating Bidhuri. Chopra passed away in 2019, paving the way for Atishi to contest the seat and subsequently win it in the by-election.
Atishi
Atishi is a well-known figure in Delhi politics. She served as an advisor to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on education and is widely credited with implementing innovative reforms in the city's education system. Her popularity and association with the AAP's popular governance model make her a formidable candidate.
Ramesh Bidhuri
Ramesh Bidhuri is a long-time BJP leader who has held various positions, including that of Member of Parliament for South Delhi. He is known for his strong grassroots support and his ability to connect with voters. Bidhuri is considered a strong challenger for Atishi, given his prior experience and the BJP's resurgence in Delhi.
Alka Lamba
Alka Lamba is a veteran politician who has been associated with both the AAP and the Congress. She was a founding member of AAP but later joined the Congress. Lamba is an experienced legislator and is known for her ability to mobilize women voters. However, her recent defection from the AAP may hurt her chances in the election.
The Supreme Court on Friday set aside the Delhi High Court's order to delete a Wikipedia page on an ongoing defamation case between Asian News International (ANI) and Wikimedia. The bench reiterated the principle that courts should be open to public observation and welcome constructive criticism, and that media reporting about judicial proceedings cannot be curbed lightly. The Court also cited past judgments highlighting the importance of public scrutiny and gaze as a check against judicial caprice and maintaining public confidence in the administration of justice.
As the nation mourns the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack, retired Brigadier Deep Bhagat, a gallantry award-winning Indian Army veteran, has called for unity. In a video posted by his son, content creator Anish Bhagat, Brigadier Bhagat warned against falling into the trap of communal divide, which he claims is the goal of the perpetrators behind the massacre. He emphasized the need for Indians to stay united in the face of such tactics. The inspiring video has garnered over 4.5 million views and has received praise for the retired officer's wise words.
In response to Pakistan's escalating actions along India's western borders, the Indian Army launched Operation Sindoor and neutralized nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. In the wake of Pakistan's drone attacks, the Indian Army has demonstrated its robust air defense systems and declared zero tolerance for any violations of India's sovereignty. Fragments and debris of an unidentified projectile were also recovered from Punjab and Rajasthan, indicating the aggressive intentions of Pakistan.
After the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam that claimed the lives of 27 civilians, including tourists, speculation is rife about India's response. It is reported that India may carry out surgical strikes and airstrikes against Pakistan. However, former Commander of the Srinagar-based Chinar Corps Lt Gen Devendra Pratap Pandey (Retd) cautions against this move, stating that Pakistan is looking for escalation to divert attention from its internal and economic problems. He suggests exploring other options for punishment that will target the culprits behind the attack.
On Saturday morning, India retaliated against Pakistan as the latter continued to launch airstrikes and use drones to attack military installations in multiple cities. In the early morning escalation, a senior official from Jammu and Kashmir, Raj Kumar Thapa, tragically lost his life due to a shell hitting his house. The CM has expressed his condolences and urged people to stay indoors amidst the ongoing conflict. Reports indicate that PAF has suffered losses during the engagement and the government is set to hold a briefing on the attacks.
Members of the Kashmiri Pandit Association and the Jammu and Kashmir Dogra Samaj gathered in Mumbai to honor and mourn the Hindu civilians brutally killed in Pahalgam, Kashmir. The community representatives stated that the victims were targeted solely for their religious identity, reigniting concerns about minority safety in the conflict-prone region. The attendees stood in silence, holding placards and candles, to remember the victims and to demand justice and protection for vulnerable communities. The organizers emphasized the need for national unity and called upon authorities to take swift action against such attacks. They also stressed the importance of civil society standing up against communal violence through peaceful but firm action.
The Indian government has announced the implementation of a demerit point system for traffic violations, in an effort to reduce road accidents. Under this new system, drivers will receive demerit points for infractions such as speeding and running red lights, with accumulation of too many points potentially leading to suspension or cancellation of their driving licence. This initiative is part of a larger plan to improve road safety measures in India, which have come under scrutiny due to the high number of traffic-related deaths.
In the midst of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, the Indian Railway Ministry has issued an advisory to its employees, cautioning them against sharing confidential information about military train movements with unauthorized persons. This comes as a response to possible attempts by Pakistani intelligence agencies to seek information about such movements. The advisory highlights the gravity of the situation and urges railway officials to be vigilant and not disclose any information to unauthorised individuals.
In the aftermath of the conviction of Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim, a series of events have unfolded. Punjab's Chief Minister condemned Haryana's CM for blaming Punjab, Indian Film and Television Directors' Association canceled the Dera Chief's membership, and Twitter has frozen his official account. Additionally, his son has been appointed as the executive manager, leading to more speculation about the Dera Sacha Sauda's influence and power. The riots that have occurred in northern India since the conviction only further highlight the chaos surrounding this controversial figure. With the Dera Chief's influence on politics and the masses, it is clear that his actions have long-term consequences.
In a closed-door consultation, the UN Security Council discussed the recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir and called for de-escalation between India and Pakistan. The meeting, called by Greece, did not result in a statement, but Pakistan claimed its objectives were "largely served". The UNSC President described it as a "productive and helpful" meeting, while Pakistan's Permanent Representative stated that their objectives of having a discussion on the situation and the need for dialogue were achieved.