The INDIA bloc, a significant Opposition, experienced a significant setback in the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation (CMC) mayoral elections on Thursday. Despite holding a seemingly comfortable numerical advantage, their joint candidate from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Indian National Congress (INC), Prem Lata, lost to the BJP’s Harpreet Kaur Babla. This defeat highlights internal divisions and vulnerabilities within the Opposition coalition.

The election results revealed a surprising outcome. The BJP, possessing only 16 seats in the 35-member House, managed to secure 19 votes for their candidate, Harpreet Kaur Babla. The AAP-Congress alliance, with a combined strength of 19 councillors plus the additional vote of the Congress Member of Parliament from Chandigarh (an ex-officio member with voting rights), should have easily secured a majority. Their joint candidate, Prem Lata, however, only received 17 votes. The discrepancy strongly indicates significant cross-voting within the opposition ranks, undermining the INDIA bloc’s unified front.

The secret ballot nature of the election made it impossible to definitively pinpoint the defectors. Speculation abounds regarding potential reasons for the cross-voting, ranging from individual political ambitions to possible inducements or pressures from the ruling BJP. The loss raises serious questions about the coalition’s ability to present a cohesive and reliable challenge to the BJP in future elections. The incident serves as a cautionary tale, illustrating the fragility of alliances and the potential for internal conflicts to derail even seemingly insurmountable numerical advantages.

This setback is particularly poignant considering the history surrounding Chandigarh’s mayoral elections. The 2024 mayoral poll saw a Supreme Court intervention, overturning a BJP victory due to the then-presiding officer’s controversial invalidation of eight AAP-supporting ballots. This previous legal battle highlighted the contentious political climate in Chandigarh and the lengths to which parties are willing to go to secure victory.

The current defeat underscores the continuing volatility of the political landscape and the BJP’s persistent ability to navigate complex electoral scenarios. The INDIA bloc will undoubtedly need to address the internal fissures exposed by this election to effectively challenge the BJP’s dominance.

On January 30, India solemnly commemorated the 77th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination, a day observed as Martyrs’ Day (Shaheed Diwas or Sarvodaya Day). The nation paid tribute to the Father of the Nation at the Gandhi Smriti Memorial in Rajghat, a poignant site where Gandhi’s life and legacy are perpetually honoured. The ceremony, a solemn affair steeped in respect and remembrance, was led by President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alongside other prominent figures from India’s political landscape.

Their presence underscored the enduring reverence for Gandhi’s contributions to India’s independence and his global impact on movements for peace and justice.

The atmosphere was thick with reverence as the devotional song “Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram” filled the air. This bhajan, popularized by Gandhi himself and set to music by Vishnu Digambar Paluskar in Raga Mishra Gara, holds a profound significance, inextricably linked to Gandhi’s spiritual and political journey.

Its melody served as a fitting tribute, echoing the peaceful principles he championed throughout his life. The choice of this particular song was not arbitrary; it represented the essence of Gandhi’s philosophy and the peaceful methods he employed in the struggle for Indian independence.

The tributes extended beyond the confines of the memorial ceremony. Prime Minister Modi took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his profound respect, stating that Gandhi’s ideals continue to motivate the nation in its pursuit of becoming a developed country. He also paid tribute to all those who sacrificed their lives for India’s freedom, emphasizing their selfless service and unwavering commitment.

Similar sentiments were echoed by BJP President J.P. Nadda and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, both using the X platform to convey their heartfelt tributes. Nadda emphasized Gandhi’s philosophy of self-reliance (Swadeshi) as the guiding principle for achieving “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (a self-reliant India), a key objective of the current government.

Shah highlighted Gandhi’s instrumental role in uniting India during the freedom struggle and his success in disseminating India’s values of truth, non-violence, and the fight against injustice on a global scale. He underscored Gandhi’s enduring influence on the nation’s pursuit of cleanliness, self-sufficiency, and rural empowerment.

Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy remains profoundly relevant. His unwavering commitment to non-violent resistance, his advocacy for truth, and his profound impact on India’s independence continue to inspire movements for social justice and peace worldwide.

His life and teachings serve as a constant reminder of the power of peaceful resistance and the enduring pursuit of a more just and equitable world. The commemorations on Martyrs’ Day served not just as a remembrance of his assassination but as a reaffirmation of the values he championed and a continued call to action for future generations.

The Congress party launched its ambitious manifesto for the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections on January 29th, 2025, just days before the February 5th polls. The manifesto, unveiled by Delhi Congress president Devender Yadav and Congress communications in-charge Jairam Ramesh, outlines a comprehensive plan aimed at winning back the electorate after their 2013 ousting by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). The document, divided into 22 key policy areas, promises a significant departure from the current political landscape in the capital.

Central to the Congress’s strategy is a strong focus on social welfare and economic empowerment. A cornerstone of their plan is monthly financial assistance of ₹2,500 for women, a move designed to directly address the economic needs of households across Delhi. This is complemented by promises of free electricity for up to 300 units, significantly reducing energy costs for consumers.

The party also pledges to provide LPG cylinders at a heavily subsidized rate of ₹500, alleviating the burden of rising fuel prices. Free health insurance coverage up to ₹25 lakh and the distribution of free ration kits are further components of their welfare package.

The Congress manifesto goes beyond immediate relief, addressing long-term concerns about unemployment and social justice. The party has committed to providing financial assistance of ₹8,500 per month for one year to educated unemployed youth, a significant investment in human capital development.

To tackle food insecurity, they propose establishing 100 Indira canteens across the city, offering affordable meals at just ₹5. In a significant political move, the Congress also promises to conduct a caste census, a long-standing demand of various marginalized communities, and to establish a dedicated Ministry for Purvanchalis, reflecting the significant presence of migrants from eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar in Delhi.

The launch event was also utilized to sharply criticize the ruling AAP and the BJP-led central government for their perceived failures in addressing Delhi’s persistent air pollution problem. Ramesh, in particular, highlighted the inaction of both parties, positioning Congress as the only viable alternative capable of effectively tackling this critical environmental crisis. With the election results expected on February 8th, the Congress manifesto sets a clear agenda, aiming to resonate with the diverse electorate and secure a return to power in the Delhi Assembly.