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.
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.
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.
The Telangana Rising Global Summit, spearheaded by Chief Minister Revanth, is gaining attention as an event of great significance. A number of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) have been signed with industrialists and state authorities to encourage substantial investments in Telangana. Notably, an MoU was signed with the Vantara team, led by Mukesh Ambani, to establish a zoo park in Future City. This was just one of the many agreements made, with a staggering Rs. 2 lakh crore promised for investments in the Telangana power sector in a single day. The opening ceremony, attended by dignitaries like State Governor Jishnu Dev Verma and Union Minister Kishan Reddy, saw Chief Minister Revanth lay out ambitious targets for Telangana's growth as part of their 'Telangana Rising 2047 Vision'.
The Mumbai Police has filed FIRs against the directors of popular ride-hailing services Rapido and Ola for allegedly operating bike taxi services without proper licenses or permissions. This has sparked a social media frenzy with the hashtag #MumbaiNeedsBikeTaxi trending and users calling for the city to embrace these services again. Many see bike taxis as a necessity, especially for workers and students, and are pleading for the ban to be reversed.
A Delhi-based lawyer has filed a revision petition challenging a magistrate court's refusal to direct the filing of an FIR against former Congress president Sonia Gandhi. The petition alleges that her name was included in the voter list before she acquired Indian citizenship, prompting the Rouse Avenue Court to issue notices to both Sonia Gandhi and the Delhi Police. The court has sought replies from both parties, with the next hearing scheduled for January 6, 2026.
The much-awaited discussion on electoral reforms in India's Winter Session of Parliament has finally begun on Day 7. Opposition leaders, led by Rahul Gandhi, have been demanding a debate on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls, accusing the government of targeting marginalized communities. Meanwhile, the government maintains that the SIR is necessary to clean up and ensure accurate voter lists. As Parliament debates this important issue, the discussion is expected to shape public trust in India's electoral system. Later today, Rajya Sabha will also hold a debate on Vande Mataram.
Day seven of the Parliament Winter Session saw high activity with discussions on the SIR voter-roll revision and a special 10-hour debate on Vande Mataram led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Rajya Sabha is gearing up for a similar session today with Union Home Minister Amit Shah taking the lead. Amidst protests, opposition parties are demanding discussions on the alleged misuse of the SIR process to remove voters from marginalized communities.
On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed the significance of the national song Vande Mataram in the Lok Sabha. He expressed his disappointment with the Congress for not standing up to Muhammad Ali Jinnah's opposition to the song during the freedom struggle. PM Modi highlighted the song's lasting impact on India's collective consciousness and its relevance in the current political climate.