Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday criticised the Congress over its decision to continue singing only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram at party events, accusing the opposition party of pursuing “appeasement and vote-bank politics”.

Shah said the Congress had repeated the position adopted by the party in 1937 and argued that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had now “corrected” that decision. He called on people to oppose any move against the full version of the national song and said the BJP would raise the issue publicly as well as in State Assemblies.

The remarks came a day after the Congress Working Committee reaffirmed its position to sing the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram at party programmes, citing the historical decision taken by Congress leaders in 1937. 

Shah Targets Congress

Shah alleged that the Congress had divided Vande Mataram into two parts in 1937 and was now following the same approach.

He described the party's position as an example of appeasement politics and said such politics would not succeed in India. BJP president Nitin Nabin also criticised the Congress, alleging that its decision was motivated by vote-bank considerations. 

The controversy has placed the national song at the centre of another political confrontation between the BJP and Congress, with both parties invoking different interpretations of its history and use at public events.

Congress Cites 1937 Decision

Congress general secretary K.C. Venugopal said the party would follow the position adopted by its senior leaders in 1937, including Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Rabindranath Tagore, Subhas Chandra Bose and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has previously explained that the issue was discussed by the Congress Working Committee in October 1937. According to Ramesh, the decision followed discussions among several prominent leaders over the portions of the song that should be used at Congress gatherings. 

The Congress has maintained that singing the first two stanzas at its events follows this historical convention rather than representing disrespect towards the national song.

Row Over Independence Day Event

The latest confrontation follows a controversy at the Congress headquarters in New Delhi during the Independence Day celebrations on August 15.

The BJP had alleged that Sonia Gandhi appeared uncomfortable during a rendition of the full version of Vande Mataram and suggested that she wanted the song stopped. Congress rejected the allegation, with Jairam Ramesh saying there had been no attempt to interrupt the song. He said Sonia Gandhi had been standing for a long period and had asked for a chair.

The episode subsequently became a political issue, with BJP leaders accusing Congress of disrespecting the national song. 

Legal Protection Expanded

The political dispute comes weeks after Parliament passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026.

The legislation extends statutory protection under the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, to Vande Mataram. It makes intentional prevention of the national song's singing or causing disturbance to an assembly engaged in singing it punishable by imprisonment of up to three years, a fine, or both. 

The legislation was passed by Parliament at the end of July. 

Importantly, the legal provisions concern deliberate obstruction or disturbance of the singing. They should not automatically be read as making every instance of an individual choosing not to sing a criminal offence. 

History of Vande Mataram

Written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, Vande Mataram became one of the most recognisable symbols of India's freedom movement. Rabindranath Tagore famously sang it at an Indian National Congress session in 1896.

The song was later included in Chattopadhyay's novel Anandamath and came to occupy a significant place in India's nationalist movement.

The current political dispute, however, centres less on the song's historical importance and more on whether its full version should be routinely sung at political and public functions.

BJP-Congress Clash Continues

The disagreement over Vande Mataram has now developed into a broader political contest over nationalism, the Congress's historical decisions and the government's efforts to promote the complete rendition of the national song.

While the BJP has accused Congress of appeasement politics, the Congress has defended its position by referring to the decisions of leaders of the freedom movement.

With both parties preparing to take their respective positions to the public, the Vande Mataram controversy is likely to remain a prominent political issue in the coming days.

“Will These Traitors Teach Us?”: Pawan Khera Slams RSS, BJP Amid Vande Mataram Row

Congress leader Pawan Khera on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the BJP and the RSS amid the ongoing political controversy over Vande Mataram, questioning their credentials to lecture the Congress on patriotism and the national song.

Khera's remarks come amid an escalating exchange between the Congress and BJP over the rendition of Vande Mataram during Independence Day-related events and the Congress's position on singing the song's first two stanzas. (Lokmat Times)

Khera Targets RSS, BJP

Reacting to criticism from the BJP and RSS, Khera questioned whether the organisations had the authority to teach the Congress about patriotism.

He said, “Will these traitors teach us?”, while attacking the RSS and BJP over their criticism of the Congress.

The remarks have added another layer to an already heated political confrontation over Vande Mataram.

Vande Mataram Row

The controversy intensified after a video from an Independence Day programme at the Congress headquarters circulated on social media, leading BJP leaders to accuse the Congress of disrespecting the national song. The BJP has particularly targeted Congress leaders over the manner in which the song was performed at the event. (The Times of India)

The Congress has maintained its position of singing the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram, citing the party's historical position dating back to a 1937 resolution. The Congress Working Committee reaffirmed this position at its August 19 meeting. (The Times of India)

BJP Hits Back

The BJP has strongly rejected the Congress's position and accused the party of disrespecting the national song.

BJP national president Nitin Nabin criticised the Congress over its stance, while BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari also attacked the Opposition party during the controversy. (The Times of India)

Union Home Minister Amit Shah had earlier accused the Congress of insulting Vande Mataram and demanded an apology over the controversy surrounding its Independence Day programme. (The Economic Times)

Congress Defends Its Position

Congress leaders have pushed back against the BJP's allegations, arguing that the party respects Vande Mataram while maintaining its established position regarding the portions of the song that should be performed at official events.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has also criticised the BJP and RSS during the controversy, questioning their role in India's freedom struggle. (The Times of India)

Political Row Escalates

The dispute over Vande Mataram has now become part of a wider political confrontation between the two parties, with both sides invoking the national song, India's freedom movement and questions of patriotism.

Khera's latest comments are likely to further intensify the exchange as the Congress and BJP continue to attack each other over the issue.

 The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced a fresh set of appointments to key national organisational positions, including 13 national vice presidents, eight national general secretaries and 16 national secretaries. The appointments were announced by BJP national president Nitin Nabin and will take effect immediately, according to a party press release dated August 17, 2026.

The reshuffle also includes appointments to organisational, media, social media and various front organisations, giving several states representation in the party's national structure.

13 Appointed as National Vice Presidents

The BJP has appointed 13 leaders as national vice presidents.

The list includes Vasundhara Raje Scindia from Rajasthan, Tirath Singh Rawat from Uttarakhand, Ram Madhavfrom Delhi, Baijayant Jay Panda from Odisha and D Purandeswari from Andhra Pradesh.

Other appointees are Rekha Verma from Uttar Pradesh, Varshaben Narendrabhai Doshi from Gujarat, Dr Bharati Pravin Pawar from Maharashtra, Manpreet Singh Badal from Punjab, Lal Singh Arya from Madhya Pradesh, P M Nagaraj from Karnataka, Tariq Mansoor from Uttar Pradesh and Dr Madhurkar K from West Bengal.

General Secretaries and Organisation Posts

The party has appointed B L Santosh from Delhi as national general secretary (organisation), while Shiv Prakash from Mumbai and Sondan Singh from Chandigarh have been appointed national joint general secretaries (organisation).

The list of national general secretaries includes Vinod Tawde from Maharashtra, Sunil Bansal from Delhi, Viplav Kumar Deb from Tripura, Smriti Irani from Uttar Pradesh, Dr Satish Poonia from Rajasthan, Gajendra Patel from Madhya Pradesh, Harish Dwivedi from Uttar Pradesh and Sanjay Bhatia from Haryana.

16 Leaders Named National Secretaries

The BJP has also appointed 16 national secretaries.

The list includes Kavita Patidar from Madhya Pradesh, K Surendran from Kerala, Bhola Singh from Uttar Pradesh, Dr Pradeep Verma from Jharkhand, Jagadish Ishwarbhai Patel from Gujarat and Dr Sandeep Pathak from Delhi.

Other national secretaries named in the press release are Phangnon Konyak from Nagaland, Sangeeta Yadav from Uttar Pradesh, Anil Antony from Kerala, Dr M K Akhilesh from Tamil Nadu, Manoj Tigga from West Bengal, Siddharth Shambhu from Bihar, Dr Swadesh Singh from Delhi, Mridanga Dev Barman from Assam, Rohan Gupta from Gujarat and Jai Prakash from Delhi.

Treasurer and Other Organisational Roles

Piyush Goyal from Maharashtra has been appointed national treasurer, while Rajesh Mangal from Rajasthan has been appointed national joint treasurer.

The party has also named Tarun Chugh from Punjab as national office in-charge and Mahendra Pandey from Uttarakhand as national office secretary.

For the Northeast, Dr Sambit Patra from Odisha has been appointed Northeast coordinator, while Rajiv Babbar from Delhi has been named Northeast co-coordinator.

Front Organisation Heads Announced

The BJP has also announced appointments for several frontal organisations and cells.

Dr Hemang Joshi from Gujarat has been appointed president of the Yuva Morcha, while Roop Kumari Chaudharyfrom Chhattisgarh will head the Mahila Morcha.

Amarpal Maurya from Uttar Pradesh has been appointed president of the OBC Morcha, while Bansilal Gurjar from Madhya Pradesh will head the Kisan Morcha.

The party has appointed Shivesh Kumar Ram from Bihar as SC Morcha president, Dr Mannalal Rawat from Rajasthan as ST Morcha president and Kunwar Basit Ali from Uttar Pradesh as Minority Morcha president.

Media and Social Media Teams

The organisational appointments extend to the party's media and social media teams.

Anil Baluni from Uttarakhand has been appointed media coordinator. The media co-coordinators are Ashish Uma Agarwal from Madhya Pradesh, Pradeep Bhandari from Delhi and Siddharth Yadav from Delhi.

Deepak Mehar from Chhattisgarh has been appointed social media coordinator. The social media co-coordinators are Preeti Gandhi from Maharashtra, Shivnandan Dwivedi from Delhi, Alok Bhatt from Uttarakhand and Arun Yadavfrom Haryana.

Appointments Take Immediate Effect

According to the BJP press release, the appointments have been made by party president Nitin Nabin and will come into effect immediately.

The appointments cover senior national leadership as well as organisational responsibilities across states, frontal organisations, media and social media. The list includes leaders from a wide range of regions, including Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Delhi, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Karnataka, Kerala, Odisha, Assam and other states.

The announcement marks a significant organisational exercise for the BJP as the party puts in place its national office-bearer and organisational teams for the next phase of its political activities.

Former West Bengal Assembly Deputy Speaker and senior Trinamool Congress leader Ashish Banerjee was found hanging at a TMC office near his residence in Rampurhat, Birbhum district, on Sunday morning, August 16. Police said a purported suicide note was also recovered from the office.

Banerjee, who had served as a minister and five-term MLA from Rampurhat, was found dead at the party office located close to his home in Hattalapara, Ward No. 5. Police have sent his body for post-mortem examination, while further investigation is underway.

Suicide Note Mentions Allegations

According to the reported contents of the note, Banerjee denied allegations of corruption and said attempts had been made to damage his reputation.

The note reportedly referred to a sand tender and stated that he had neither taken money for any work nor been involved in corruption. It also reportedly denied any role in tender-related matters, plan approvals, no-objection certificates or cheques concerning the Tarapith-Rampurhat Development Authority (TRDA).

The note reportedly said that no one was responsible for his death and expressed regret over entering politics.

Police have not yet publicly established the circumstances surrounding his death, and the contents of the purported note will form part of the investigation.

Five-Term Rampurhat MLA

Banerjee was a prominent TMC leader and was considered a close aide of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

After the Trinamool Congress formed the government in West Bengal, he held ministerial responsibilities in several departments, including School Education and Agriculture.

He represented the Rampurhat Assembly constituency for five consecutive terms, winning elections in 2001, 2006, 2011, 2016 and 2021. He also served as Deputy Speaker of the West Bengal Assembly during an earlier TMC government.

However, Banerjee lost the 2026 Assembly election from Rampurhat to BJP candidate Dhruba Saha.

Flag Hoisting a Day Earlier

A day before his death, on Independence Day, Banerjee had participated in a flag-hoisting ceremony near his residence in Birbhum. He also shared photographs from the event on Facebook.

According to his brother, Prashant Banerjee, the family became suspicious after noticing a rope through a small gap in the door of the office. Family members were subsequently contacted and the police were informed.

Prashant said the family had met Banerjee regularly and had not noticed anything unusual until Saturday night. He had spent the day at his office and appeared normal during the Independence Day programme.

Resigned from District Post

Banerjee had stepped down from his organisational positions in the Trinamool Congress on June 2. He resigned as the party's Birbhum district president and chairman of the district core committee.

At the time, he said the core committee had become inactive and there was no longer a need for it to continue functioning. He said he would remain associated with the party as an ordinary member.

Investigation Underway

The discovery of Banerjee's body at a party office and the reported contents of the suicide note have prompted police to examine his recent political and personal circumstances.

The post-mortem examination and investigation will be important in establishing the circumstances of his death. Authorities are also expected to examine the allegations and references contained in the purported note.

Banerjee's death comes just months after the West Bengal Assembly election, in which the veteran TMC leader lost the Rampurhat seat he had represented for five consecutive terms.

Senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram on Sunday responded sharply to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day remarks on “ideological” or “intellectual Naxals”, saying, “I am proud to be a dimagi Naxal.”

Chidambaram’s remarks came a day after PM Modi, during his Independence Day address from the Red Fort on August 15, warned against people with Maoist ideology whom he accused of having established themselves within the system and influencing government policies.

Modi Warns Against ‘Ideological Naxals’

Addressing the nation on the occasion of India’s 80th Independence Day, PM Modi said armed Naxalism had been largely eliminated from the country’s forests but warned that ideological supporters of the movement could continue to pose a challenge.

The Prime Minister said people with Maoist thinking had, over the years, found positions within corridors of power, including as advisers on government committees, and had influenced policy decisions.

Modi urged citizens to remain vigilant and said such individuals should be identified and isolated.

PM Highlights Naxalism’s Impact

Modi also spoke about the impact of decades of Naxal and Maoist violence on communities and security personnel.

He said Naxalism had once controlled large parts of India and kept a significant population under the threat of violence. According to the Prime Minister, more than 3,500 police and security personnel were killed during the conflict.

He said the movement had damaged the lives and aspirations of lakhs of young people and caused severe losses to families across affected regions.

Chidambaram Hits Back

Responding to the Prime Minister’s comments, Chidambaram used the term “dimagi Naxal” — broadly referring to an ideological or intellectual supporter of Naxalism — in a pointed response.

His remark is likely to intensify the political debate over the government’s characterization of Maoist ideology and criticism of policies associated with the Left.

The Congress leader’s response also comes amid continuing political disagreements between the ruling BJP and the opposition over national security, internal security and the government’s approach towards Maoist-affected regions.

Modi Says Naxalism Has Declined

In his Independence Day address, Modi credited his government’s policies since 2014 with making the elimination of Naxalism a major priority.

He said areas that once witnessed frequent violence and armed activity were now seeing development, greater public confidence and government outreach.

The Prime Minister described the decline of armed Naxalism as a significant achievement and said regions once affected by violence were increasingly associated with development and the national flag.

Political Debate Continues

Chidambaram’s response has brought the issue of “ideological Naxalism” back into the centre of the political debate. While the government maintains that Maoist ideology remains a potential threat even as armed violence declines, opposition leaders have frequently questioned the broad use of such labels against critics and intellectuals.

The exchange highlights the continuing political divide over how the country should address the legacy of Naxalism, security challenges and ideological dissent.

Women took the lead in a Tricolour Yatra in Chhattisgarh’s Bilaspur for the first time on Wednesday as part of the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign ahead of Independence Day. Carrying a 300-foot-long national flag, the participants marched for around 2.5 kilometres through the city.

The yatra was organised in the Beltara Assembly constituency, with BJP workers, women participants, Scouts and Guides, NCC cadets and NSS volunteers joining the procession.

Beltara MLA Sushant Shukla and other male party workers followed the women during the march, while the women took responsibility for leading the procession.

Yatra Begins From Rajkishore Nagar

The procession began from Rajkishore Nagar Chowk and moved towards Bharat Mata Chowk at Lingiyadih.

After reaching the destination, participants performed prayers and offered floral tributes before concluding the yatra.

The women had arranged the 300-foot Tricolour and also participated in welcoming activities along the route. At several points, flowers were showered on the procession.

The decision to hand over leadership of the yatra to women was taken after considering the active participation of women representatives and BJP workers in the Beltara constituency.

Seven municipal wards in the constituency have women councillors, while several women leaders and party workers are also active in the area.

Women Lead ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ Campaign

The organisers said the initiative marked the first time that women had taken the lead in a Tricolour campaign of this scale in the district.

Large numbers of women walked through the streets carrying the national flag, with the procession attracting attention from residents along the route.

Beltara MLA Sushant Shukla said the participation of women had made the event significant.

He said the sight of women taking to the streets with the Tricolour reflected their respect and commitment towards the nation and could also serve as an inspiration for younger generations.

The procession concluded with a floral tribute to Bharat Mata.

RPF Band Performs at River View

As part of the Independence Day celebrations, a separate patriotic cultural programme was organised at River View in Bilaspur.

The programme was jointly organised by the district administration, police, municipal corporation and the Railway Protection Force (RPF).

The RPF band performed instrumental versions of several patriotic songs, creating a ceremonial atmosphere ahead of Independence Day.

The programme began with ‘Vande Mataram’, followed by patriotic songs including ‘Dil Diya Hai, Jaan Bhi Denge Ae Watan Tere Liye’ and ‘Ae Mere Watan Ke Logon’.

The performance was led by SK Paul.

Tribute to Freedom Fighters

The cultural programme also highlighted the contribution of freedom fighters and the significance of the national flag.

Bilaspur Mayor Pooja Vidhani said the Tricolour serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by freedom fighters who gave up their lives for India's independence.

She said respecting the country's freedom also involves contributing to society through activities such as maintaining cleanliness, conserving water and keeping the city clean.

District Panchayat president Rajesh Suryavanshi said the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign conveys a message of respect and responsibility towards the nation and the national flag.

Municipal Corporation chairman Vinod Soni said the Tricolour represents the pride of the country and should be displayed with respect in homes.

Appeal to Youth to Stay Away From Drugs

Bilaspur SSP Rajnesh Singh said India's independence was achieved through the struggle, courage and sacrifice of countless freedom fighters.

He described the Tricolour as a symbol of the country's unity and integrity and appealed to young people to follow the values of national leaders, work towards their careers, obey the law and stay away from drugs.

District Panchayat CEO Sandeep Agrawal said Independence Day represents the outcome of a long struggle and sacrifice by the country's freedom fighters.

He said the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign helps take the message of patriotism and national pride to people across society.

Several officials, including SDM Manish Sahu, Municipal Corporation Additional Commissioner Khazanchi Kumharand RPF Assistant Commandant Syed Nihal, were present at the programme.

The celebrations come ahead of Independence Day, with Tricolour campaigns and patriotic events being organised across Chhattisgarh.

More than 100 workers of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) were detained in Ranchi on Tuesday during a protest march towards the Jharkhand Assembly, as student groups continued demonstrations over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations and the police action during an earlier protest.

The ABVP members began their procession from the Old Vidhan Sabha area and attempted to march towards the New Vidhan Sabha, a senior police officer said. The detention came a day after police used water cannons and lathis to disperse JPSC and JSSC aspirants during a "Vidhan Sabha gherao" protest in Ranchi.

ABVP March Stopped in Ranchi

The ABVP organised Tuesday's march to highlight the demands being raised by students and competitive examination aspirants in the state.

Police deployed personnel and barricades along the route as the protesters moved towards the Assembly. More than 100 ABVP workers were detained after they attempted to proceed towards the designated security zone, according to officials.

The demonstrations are part of a wider student movement over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations conducted by state agencies.

Students Demand Action on Exams

JPSC and JSSC aspirants have been demanding action over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations and recruitment procedures.

Among the demands raised by protesters is a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the alleged irregularities. Some protesters have also sought cancellation of the JSSC CGL examination.

Students have accused the state government of failing to fully address their concerns and have continued to press for greater transparency in the recruitment process.

Police Used Water Cannons, Lathis

The latest protest follows Monday's confrontation between police and student protesters in Ranchi.

A group of JPSC and JSSC aspirants had marched towards the Jharkhand Assembly as part of a "Vidhan Sabha gherao" programme. Heavy barricading was put in place to stop the protesters from reaching the Assembly.

When some protesters attempted to cross the barricades, police used water cannons. Clashes subsequently broke out, after which police resorted to a lathi charge to disperse the crowd.

The police action triggered criticism from opposition leaders and intensified the political debate surrounding the student protests.

Rahul Gandhi Condemns Police Action

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi criticised the police action against the protesting students.

He said peaceful student protests should not be met with violence and expressed support for the students' right to raise their concerns.

His remarks also provided fresh ammunition to the political opposition, which has been targeting the Jharkhand government over its handling of the demonstrations.

BJP Targets Hemant Soren Government

The BJP has stepped up its criticism of the Hemant Soren-led government over the protests.

Babulal Marandi, Leader of Opposition in the Jharkhand Assembly, urged the Congress to withdraw its support to the state government if it genuinely backed the demands of protesting students.

The BJP has also demanded action over the alleged police excesses and called for a CBI investigation into the examination-related allegations.

The Congress, meanwhile, has faced criticism from the BJP because it is part of the governing arrangement in Jharkhand while its national leaders have criticised police action against students.

Goa BJP Alleges Congress Double Standards

The political dispute has also spread beyond Jharkhand.

Goa BJP leaders on Tuesday accused the Congress of adopting "double standards" over student protests. BJP MLA and state minister Mauvin Godinho alleged that Congress leaders had strongly backed student protests in other parts of the country while remaining silent over the situation in Jharkhand.

Godinho demanded an apology from Rahul Gandhi and questioned the Congress's position on the issue.

Student Movement Continues

The continuing protests have put pressure on the Jharkhand government to respond to concerns raised by examination aspirants.

The immediate focus remains on allegations of irregularities in recruitment examinations, demands for an independent investigation and the conduct of future examinations.

With political parties now intensifying their interventions, the student agitation has evolved into a wider political issue in the state. Further demonstrations and negotiations between student representatives and the government are expected as protesters continue to seek action on their demands.

New Delhi: Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has reportedly conveyed to Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju that the proposed Delimitation Bill is "completely unacceptable" to the Congress Party. The remarks came during a meeting between the two leaders as the Centre sought support from the Opposition for key constitutional amendment proposals.

Rahul Gandhi Reiterates Congress Stand

According to reports, Rahul Gandhi made it clear that the Congress does not support the proposed Delimitation Bill in its current form. The meeting was part of the government's effort to break the political deadlock and gather support for legislation related to delimitation and the implementation of women's reservation

Despite the Centre's outreach, Congress has maintained that its position on the issue remains unchanged.

Government Continues Outreach

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju met Rahul Gandhi as part of consultations with opposition parties on the proposed constitutional amendments. The discussions reportedly lasted around 50 minutes, but no consensus emerged. (The Economic Times)

The government is exploring the possibility of introducing the legislation during the ongoing Monsoon Session instead of convening a separate special session.

Congress to Respond After Internal Discussions

Congress General Secretary K.C. Venugopal confirmed that discussions had taken place with Rijiju regarding the Delimitation Bill. He said the party would deliberate internally before issuing any formal response, while reiterating that the Congress' overall position has not changed. (The Economic Times)

Delimitation Remains a Major Political Issue

The proposed delimitation exercise has become one of the most debated political issues in Parliament. Several opposition parties, particularly from southern states, have expressed concerns that redrawing parliamentary constituencies based on updated population figures could alter the balance of representation among states. 

The Centre, meanwhile, continues to engage with political parties in an attempt to secure the broad support required for a constitutional amendment. 

New Delhi: The Central Government has clarified that it has no plans to convene a special session of Parliament to introduce the Delimitation Bill or the Women's Reservation Bill later this month. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju dismissed reports suggesting that a three-day special session would be held between August 16 and August 18.

Instead, the government is considering introducing the proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill during the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament, provided sufficient political support can be secured.

No Proposal for Special Session

Speaking to the media, Rijiju said there is currently no proposal to summon a separate special session for the two key legislations.

His remarks came amid speculation that the Centre was preparing to call Parliament back after the Monsoon Session specifically to push the Delimitation Bill and legislation related to women's reservation.

Government Seeks Wider Political Consensus

Sources indicated that the government has initiated consultations with various political parties to build consensus on the proposed constitutional amendment.

As part of these efforts, Rijiju reportedly met Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and other Congress leaders to discuss the possibility of supporting the legislation.

However, according to sources, the Congress has not extended its support at this stage.

Congress Yet to Finalise Its Position

Congress General Secretary K.C. Venugopal confirmed that discussions had taken place with the Parliamentary Affairs Minister regarding the delimitation proposal.

He said the party would deliberate internally before communicating its official position. According to Venugopal, the Congress and the broader Opposition continue to maintain their previously stated stand on the issue until further discussions are completed.

Opposition Continues Protest in Parliament

The political developments unfolded amid continued Opposition protests inside and outside Parliament over several national issues.

Opposition MPs held demonstrations within the Parliament complex, marching from the Gandhi statue while raising slogans and displaying placards. During the protest, leaders also highlighted other issues, including allegations related to the Ayodhya Ram Temple donation controversy.

Earlier Attempt Failed

The Centre had earlier convened a three-day special session in April, during which the proposed Constitutional Amendment relating to delimitation and allied legislation was discussed.

However, the government was unable to secure the required numbers to move the constitutional amendment forward, prompting renewed efforts during the ongoing Monsoon Session.

As discussions continue, the government is expected to engage with additional political parties in an effort to build the broad parliamentary support necessary for any constitutional amendment.

A heated exchange erupted in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday between Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge and Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, as the Opposition intensified its demand for Home Minister Amit Shah to make a statement in Parliament over the alleged police action against student protesters.

The confrontation took place during the Monsoon Session amid repeated disruptions and sloganeering by Opposition members, leading to multiple adjournments in both Houses.

Kharge Defends Right to Speak

Responding to Rijiju's remarks, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge asserted that it was his parliamentary right to decide what to speak and when to speak.

Kharge accused the government of attempting to dictate proceedings in the House and questioned why Amit Shah had not appeared in Parliament to respond to the Opposition's concerns.

He also referred to former Union Minister Arun Jaitley's earlier observations that disruptions were part of parliamentary democracy, arguing that the Opposition was raising legitimate issues concerning students.

Rijiju Urges Opportunity for New MPs

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju countered that Kharge was repeatedly speaking on the same subject while preventing newly elected Opposition MPs from participating in debates.

Citing Congress leader Pawan Khera, Rijiju said the first-time Rajya Sabha member had not yet been given an opportunity to deliver his maiden speech because senior leaders continued occupying the discussion time.

Rijiju further maintained that the Leader of the Opposition could request the Chair but could not dictate which minister should appear before the House.

Opposition Continues Protest

Opposition MPs continued raising slogans demanding that Home Minister Amit Shah address Parliament over the alleged July 20 police action against student protesters.

Members repeatedly chanted slogans calling upon Shah to come to the House, while several Opposition parties also sought discussions on the alleged Ram Mandir donation theft issue.

The Rajya Sabha witnessed repeated interruptions before being adjourned for an hour.

Amit Shah Arrives in Parliament

Amid the ongoing political confrontation, Union Home Minister Amit Shah reached Parliament during the day.

Government sources indicated that Shah was expected to participate in the Lok Sabha discussion on the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, although the Opposition continued demanding a separate statement specifically on the student protest issue.

Lok Sabha Passes Bill Without Debate

The Lok Sabha later passed the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill without debate before proceedings were adjourned until 11 am on Friday.

Earlier in the day, the House also observed a tribute to the victims of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bombings, with a visiting Japanese parliamentary delegation joining the proceedings.

Parliament Remains Deadlocked

The latest confrontation reflects the continuing deadlock during the Monsoon Session, with the Opposition insisting on discussions over alleged police action against students and other issues before allowing normal legislative business to proceed.

The government, meanwhile, has maintained that Parliament should continue functioning and legislative work should not be disrupted.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held an interaction with 36 Rajya Sabha Members of Parliament over breakfast during the ongoing Parliament session, using the informal meeting to share guidance on public life, parliamentary conduct and political responsibilities. According to people familiar with the discussions, the Prime Minister encouraged MPs to remain grounded, stay connected with their constituencies and avoid individuals seeking to influence public representatives for personal gain.

The meeting was part of the Prime Minister's ongoing practice of interacting with MPs in smaller groups during Parliament sessions.

Emphasis on Staying Connected with the Public

During the interaction, the Prime Minister reportedly reminded lawmakers that a seat in Parliament is a significant responsibility earned through public trust. He encouraged them to maintain regular contact with the people they represent and never lose touch with their grassroots connections.

He stressed that public representatives should continue listening to citizens' concerns and remain accessible throughout their tenure.

Warning Against Lobbyists and Power Brokers

A major focus of the discussion was the need to stay away from lobbyists and power brokers.

According to participants, the Prime Minister cautioned MPs against people who may appear helpful but could attempt to exploit their position for personal interests. He reportedly compared such individuals to a "spider's web," advising lawmakers to remain vigilant and avoid becoming influenced by vested interests.

He encouraged members to make decisions independently while keeping public welfare at the centre of their work.

Importance of Parliamentary Learning

The Prime Minister also encouraged newly elected and first-time Rajya Sabha members to familiarise themselves with Parliament's history, procedures and functioning.

He reportedly urged MPs to spend more time in the Parliament Library, study legislative practices and gain a deeper understanding of parliamentary traditions.

Senior members, he suggested, could guide younger lawmakers in understanding the institution's functioning and responsibilities.

Responsible Use of Technology

Another important topic discussed during the meeting was the growing role of technology in public life.

The Prime Minister advised MPs to use digital platforms to improve communication with citizens, particularly young people, while remaining cautious about misinformation and the misuse of technology.

Participants said lawmakers were also given feedback regarding their social media presence and were encouraged to maintain dignity and restraint while expressing opinions in public forums.

Discipline and Personal Conduct

The Prime Minister reportedly highlighted the importance of discipline in daily life and encouraged MPs to remain physically active whenever possible.

He shared that even short walks are part of his own routine and advised lawmakers not to take Parliament sessions lightly, urging them to actively participate in legislative work and debates.

Diverse Participation

The breakfast meeting was attended by a mix of senior and newly elected Rajya Sabha members, including leaders who have joined the BJP after serving in other political parties. The interaction focused primarily on strengthening parliamentary engagement, ethical public service and effective communication with citizens.

Parliament witnessed another day of political confrontation on Tuesday as Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju held discussions with Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi on the proposed Delimitation Bill, while Opposition parties intensified protests over the alleged Ram Mandir donation theft case and the July 20 action against protesters.

According to Congress sources, Rijiju met Rahul Gandhi in Parliament to understand the Congress party's position on the proposed Delimitation Bill. The meeting comes amid indications that the Centre is seeking wider political consultations before moving ahead with the legislation.

The discussion took place even as both Houses of Parliament continued to face repeated disruptions during the ongoing Monsoon Session.

Opposition Continues Protest

Leaders of the INDIA bloc, including Rahul Gandhi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and several Opposition MPs, marched from the Gandhi statue to Makar Dwar inside the Parliament complex, raising slogans against the government.

The Opposition demanded answers over the alleged Ram Mandir donation theft and sought a statement from Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Parliament. Opposition parties also protested over the police action against demonstrators at Jantar Mantar on July 20, alleging excessive use of force.

Congress MP KC Venugopal accused the government of avoiding a discussion on issues raised by the Opposition and reiterated the party's demand for a debate in Parliament. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also called for accountability over the action taken against protesting students, saying those responsible for ordering the use of force should be identified.

Lok Sabha Adjourned Amid Uproar

The Lok Sabha convened at 11 am but was adjourned within minutes due to continuous protests by Opposition members. Proceedings resumed later in the afternoon before the House was eventually adjourned for the day.

Meanwhile, the Rajya Sabha continued legislative business despite intermittent disruptions. The Upper House took up discussion on the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, introduced by Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal.

Rajya Sabha Debates Judicial Reforms

Members across party lines supported increasing the strength of Supreme Court judges, while also highlighting broader concerns relating to judicial reforms.

AAP MP Sanjay Singh drew attention to the large number of pending court cases and argued that increasing the number of judges alone would not solve delays unless judicial infrastructure was also strengthened.

DMK MP P. Wilson advocated the establishment of regional benches of the Supreme Court, arguing that litigants from southern states continue to face difficulties in accessing justice due to the court's location in New Delhi.

JMM MP Mahua Maji stressed the need for broader reforms in the justice delivery system, while BJP MP Kesridevsinh Jhala described the proposed legislation as a necessary step to improve judicial efficiency.

Political Exchanges Continue

Outside Parliament, BJP and Opposition leaders exchanged sharp criticism over multiple issues.

BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj accused Rahul Gandhi of pursuing "politics based on allegations" and questioned the Congress party's stand on student-related issues.

Congress leaders, on the other hand, maintained that the government was avoiding discussions on issues raised by the Opposition, including the alleged donation theft case and recent protests.

Centre Pushes Political Outreach

The meeting between Kiren Rijiju and Rahul Gandhi is being viewed as part of the government's outreach to Opposition parties ahead of the proposed Delimitation Bill.

While details of the discussion were not officially disclosed, Congress sources said the minister sought to understand the party's views on the legislation before any further parliamentary steps.

With both legislative business and political protests continuing simultaneously, Parliament's Monsoon Session remains marked by frequent disruptions alongside negotiations on key pending Bills.