The Congress on Sunday accused the BJP of distributing fertilisers to farmers in Madhya Pradesh only where bypolls are taking place and said that this shows that the BJP can stoop to any level for votes.

In a post in Hindi on X, Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh shared a media report which claimed that while farmers across Madhya Pradesh are standing in queues all night long for Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP), the fertilizer is in abundance and even being distributed in advance to farmers of the two assembly seats Budhni (Sehore district) and Vijaypur (Sheopur district) where by-elections are being held.

“The supply of fertilizers only to the places where by-elections are being held in Madhya Pradesh is a betrayal of the farmers of the rest of the state,” Ramesh said.

Fertilisers are needed equally everywhere but the rest of the areas are not even getting five per cent of the required DAP, the Congress leader alleged.

“Supplying fertilisers in this manner for electoral gains shows the shamelessness of the BJP government. This makes it clear that they can stoop to any level for votes,” Ramesh said.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, on October 21, claimed that the BJP is the biggest enemy of Maharashtra’s farmers. He asserted that the state has concluded that farmers will benefit only by removing the double-engine government from power.

In a post in Hindi on X, Kharge criticized the BJP for the numerous farmer suicides in the state, stating that the promise of making the state drought-free is mere rhetoric.

“The BJP is the biggest enemy of Maharashtra’s farmers; 20,000 farmers have committed suicide. There has been a significant cut in funding for farming. The promise of a Rs 20,000 crore water grid turned out to be false. The promise of making Maharashtra drought-free is just a jumla,” he said.

Kharge also slammed the BJP for its refusal to provide compensation to farmers while showering insurance companies with Rs 8,000 crore.

On October 24, Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Rakesh Tikait criticized the BJP-led governments, stating that they are “governments for businessmen and not for farmers.”

Addressing a Mahapanchayat of farmers at the exhibition ground in Bijnor on Thursday, Tikait said, “These governments are for businessmen, not farmers. Farmers should be prepared to engage in a tough fight to have their demands met. We will continue to fight for our rights.”

Israeli strikes in northern Gaza have resulted in the deaths of at least 22 people, stated Palestinian officials adding that the majority of the victims were women and children.

The Gaza Health Ministry’s emergency service stated that 11 women and two children were killed in strikes on several homes and buildings in the northern town of Beit Lahiya late Saturday.

It stated that another 15 people were wounded and that the death toll could rise. The Ministry listed the names of those killed, most of whom came from three families.

The Israeli military claimed it conducted a precise strike targeting militants in a structure in Beit Lahiya and took measures to avoid harming civilians. However, it disputed the casualty numbers reported by the media, without providing further elaboration or evidence to support its own claims.

Israel continues to carry out daily strikes across Gaza while also engaging in air and ground operations against the Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon. An Israeli airstrike on a southern neighborhood of Beirut early Sunday sent flames and smoke rising into the sky.

On Saturday, Israeli warplanes targeted military sites in Iran—supporter of both Hamas and Hezbollah—in retaliation for an Iranian ballistic missile attack earlier this month.

These escalating conflicts have heightened concerns about a potential all-out regional war pitting Israel and the United States against Iran and its militant proxies, which include the Houthi rebels in Yemen and armed groups in Syria and Iraq.

In a separate incident, a truck crashed into a bus stop near Tel Aviv, injuring 35 people, though the circumstances remain unclear. This event occurred near the headquarters of Israel’s Mossad spy agency, and while first responders treat it as a terrorist attack, the details of the assailant’s status remain unconfirmed.

In response to Israeli airstrikes on Iran, Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, expressed that the impacts of these strikes should not be understated or exaggerated. The exchange of fire raises concerns of a wider regional conflict involving Israel, the United States, Iran, and militant factions like Hamas and Hezbollah.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the strikes against Iran accomplished Israel’s objectives, severely impacting Iran’s defense capabilities. Meanwhile, the supreme leader emphasized that the authorities would determine Iran’s response.

The ongoing conflict has also seen incidents of violence within Israel, such as the recent truck attack near Tel Aviv, raising tensions amidst an already volatile situation. In the Gaza Strip, the Red Cross has described the circumstances as horrific, with severe limitations on humanitarian aid exacerbating the plight of civilians in the area.

The conflict, which began with a surprise attack by Hamas-led militants in 2023, has led to widespread devastation, with significant loss of life and dire humanitarian consequences. Both sides have reported substantial casualties, but the impact on civilian populations, including displacement and shortages of essential supplies, remains a grave concern.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said that while the recent agreement with China on patrolling along the LAC is a significant breakthrough, it does not imply a complete resolution of all issues between the two nations. The disengagement achieved paves the way for further steps to be taken.

He commended the military for their unwavering dedication in challenging conditions and highlighted the role of astute diplomacy in reaching this agreement.

During an event in Pune, Jaishankar outlined the importance of the understanding reached on October 21, specifically concerning patrolling in areas like Depsang and Demchok. This development signals progress but does not signify the end of all challenges. The disengagement marks the initial phase towards a potential resolution.

Addressing a query from students, Jaishankar mentioned that while steps have been taken towards normalisation, it will take time to fully restore trust and cooperation between India and China. The decision for the foreign ministers and National Security Advisors of both countries to meet reflects a commitment to chart a path forward.

Reflecting on the developments, Jaishankar acknowledged the diligent efforts made by India to enhance its border infrastructure over the past decade. The increased investment in infrastructure has significantly strengthened the military’s capabilities, complemented by effective diplomacy, contributing to the current progress.

The meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the BRICS summit in Kazan laid the groundwork for further engagements at diplomatic levels. The concerted efforts from both sides have culminated in the current positive developments.

The recent agreement on patrolling along the LAC in eastern Ladakh marks a crucial breakthrough after the prolonged military standoff. The situation since 2020 has posed challenges to the bilateral relationship, prompting negotiations to seek resolutions.

Primarily focusing on disengagement and de-escalation due to the proximity of troops, the ongoing discussions are vital for managing the border effectively. The recent progress in patrolling agreements signifies a significant step towards normalisation.

The agreement reached on October 21 specifically addresses the resumption of patrolling in crucial areas like Depsang and Demchok, enhancing mutual understandings and potentially easing tensions further.

As both countries initiate troop disengagement at the identified friction points, the process is expected to conclude shortly, fostering a more stable environment along the LAC.

On the strategic implications of the “string of pearls” concept, emphasising Chinese military and commercial expansions, Jaishankar highlighted the need for India to be vigilant and prepared to effectively respond to such strategic developments.