Delhi residents took to the streets in protest, demanding government action to address the city's ongoing pollution crisis. The Air Quality Index (AQI) nearing a severe level, the protestors called for policy changes to curb air pollution in the National Capital region. Police intervened and started detaining protestors, citing a Supreme Court order designating Jantar Mantar as the designated site for protests.
In a fiery speech on Wednesday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah accused the Opposition Congress of colluding with infiltrators for electoral gain. Shah alleged that incidents of 'vote chori' have occurred in the past, including during the election of prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru despite Sardar Patel receiving majority votes. He also responded to Rahul Gandhi's accusations of 'vote chori' by challenging the Congress leader to a debate. The debate comes as the government initiates a Special Summary Revision of electoral rolls to remove illegal infiltrators.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah delivered a passionate speech in Parliament, targeting the issue of illegal infiltration and accusing the opposition of playing vote bank politics. He emphatically declared the government's policy on illegal residents and intruders: "detect, delete, and deport". Shah also attacked the Congress and the Gandhi family for their alleged history of electoral theft. This led to a heated exchange with Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, who has been consistently questioning the fairness of elections and the integrity of institutions.
The controversial Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, introduced in 2023, has garnered criticism from opposition and civil society voices for allowing the Executive to control appointments to the Election Commission of India (ECI). Against this backdrop, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi accused the ECI of colluding with those in power and warned officials of retrospective action. This move follows a 2023 law which grants ECI officials immunity for actions taken while in power, leading to concerns about the impartiality of the electoral process.
The Lok Sabha witnessed a dramatic exchange between Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi during the Winter Session of Parliament. Gandhi challenged Shah to debate on his allegations of "vote chori" by the BJP, to which Shah retorted that he will not change his speech for anyone's demands. The session will continue till December 19.
A detailed LinkedIn post by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has highlighted the issue of unclaimed financial assets in the country, with more than Rs 1 lakh crore lying untouched in banks, insurance companies, and investment platforms. In October 2025, the government launched the ‘Aapki Poongi, Aapka Adhikaar – Your Money, Your Right’ initiative to simplify the search and claim process for these funds. Through facilitation camps and dedicated digital platforms, nearly Rs 2,000 crore has already been returned to rightful claimants. PM Modi urges citizens to check for any unclaimed funds and contribute to the mission of building a transparent, financially empowered and inclusive India.
On the birth anniversary of C Rajagopalachari, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the Indian freedom fighter and honored his contributions to India's governance and independence movement. In addition, PM Modi also remembered the bravery of those who fought in the Assam Movement on the occasion of Martyrs' Day. He emphasized that Assam Movement holds an important place in Indian history and his government is committed to fulfilling the dreams of the agitators for the all-round development of the state. PM Modi also shared interesting archival material, showcasing the life and work of C Rajagopalachari on his birth anniversary.
Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge slammed the BJP in the Rajya Sabha for attacking the Congress over the use of two stanzas of Vande Mataram as the national song. He pointed out that it was his party, not the BJP, who championed the slogan during the freedom struggle. Kharge also criticized the government for neglecting important issues facing the country such as the rights of weaker sections.
Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticized the Congress Party for dividing the national song Vande Mataram for the sake of appeasement, leading to the partition of India. He also called for discussions on the significance of Vande Mataram in Parliament, in light of the Emergency imposed during its 100th anniversary. Shah further challenged the Gandhi family to stop boycotting discussions on important issues and engage in productive debates.
Following a productive discussion with Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed optimism about India's progress and leadership in Artificial Intelligence (AI). This was accompanied by Microsoft's announcement to make its largest-ever investment in Asia in India, highlighting the nation's growing role as a trusted destination for innovation and technology. PM Modi welcomed this opportunity and expressed confidence that the youth of India will utilize the power of AI for a better planet.
Political tensions in Maharashtra took a surprising turn as the Shiv Sena's mouthpiece, Saamana, praised Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for successful development in the once Naxal-dominated district of Gadchiroli. The editorial highlighted Fadnavis's commitment to the district and his efforts to transform it into a "Steel City" rather than being known as a Naxal stronghold. The response from Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut also showed support for Fadnavis and his initiatives in the region. This unexpected praise from the Shiv Sena has added a new dynamic to the state's political atmosphere.