Six Lok Sabha MPs from the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) formally joined the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena on Monday, delivering a major political setback to the former Maharashtra chief minister. The MPs joined Shinde's camp in Mumbai after days of speculation over their future.   Welcoming the leaders, Shinde described the move as the success of "Operation Tiger" and said the MPs had joined the "real Shiv Sena". The development strengthens the Shinde faction's position in Parliament and marks another significant shift in Maharashtra politics. Uddhav Thackeray's camp has criticised the defections and called meetings to discuss its response. (PC: India Today)

The rebel faction of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), led by Leader of the Opposition Ritabrata Banerjee, has elected senior MLA Arup Roy as its chairperson at a special session in Kolkata. Former minister Aroop Biswas and MLAs Firhad Hakim, Rathin Ghosh and Sabina Yasmin were named vice-chairpersons.   The faction also formed a new national working committee and announced several office-bearers, claiming a “constitutional crisis” within the party. Ritabrata Banerjee said the group would inform the Election Commission about the meeting’s decisions and added that former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee would be welcome to join the new structure as its chief advisor.   The development comes amid an ongoing split in the TMC following its defeat in the West Bengal Assembly elections. (PC: HT)

A rebel faction of the Trinamool Congress led by Ritabrata Banerjee on Monday announced the removal of party founder Mamata Banerjee as chief during a meeting in Kolkata. The group, which included several MLAs, councillors and former party leaders, formed a 10-member national working committee and adopted a resolution to reorganise the party. Former Kolkata mayor Firhad Hakim and other senior leaders were reportedly present at the meeting. The rebels said they represent the real Trinamool Congress and rejected suggestions of a split. The development marks a major escalation in the ongoing political turmoil within the party. (PC: The Indian Express)

The Tamil Nadu government led by the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has cancelled 46 projects worth ₹245.85 crore that were approved during the previous DMK administration. The projects included 29 marriage halls and 17 commercial complexes planned using temple funds across the state. The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department said court stay orders and financial pressure on Tamil Nadu's temples were key reasons for the decision. None of the projects had started construction. The government said the funds will now be used for schemes that directly benefit temples and devotees in Tamil Nadu.

20 rebel Trinamool Congress (TMC) MPs are preparing to file a defamation case against party leader Mahua Moitra over her bribery allegations. Moitra claimed that MPs who left the party received large sums of money to switch sides. The rebel MPs have denied the charge and decided to take legal action. The dispute comes after 20 of TMC's 28 Lok Sabha MPs broke away and announced support for the BJP-led NDA. The group has joined the Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI). The split has deepened the political crisis within the Trinamool Congress. (PC: PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said West Bengal has been “freed from its shackles” as he visited the state for the first time since the BJP-NDA's historic election victory. Speaking at Paschim Banga Diwas celebrations in Tarakeswar, Modi said a new chapter of development and progress had begun in Bengal.   He highlighted key welfare and infrastructure initiatives, including the release of the PM-KISAN installment, the launch of PMFBY in the state, and several development projects. Modi also promised better governance, accountability, and an end to the “cut money” culture, while pledging to restore Bengal’s growth and prosperity.  

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has alleged that several of its bank accounts were frozen during an investigation into ₹440 crore linked to rebel party MLAs. The party claimed the action has disrupted its financial operations and accused authorities of targeting it ahead of key political developments. Investigators are examining the flow of funds and possible financial irregularities involving legislators who had distanced themselves from the party. TMC leaders denied any wrongdoing and demanded that the accounts be restored. The probe continues, with officials yet to release detailed findings on the alleged fund transactions.  

The BJP intensified its criticism of Rahul Gandhi after Congress MP Shashi Tharoor backed Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his discussions with US President Donald Trump during the G7 Summit. Tharoor said PM Modi had clearly conveyed India's concerns regarding the safety of commercial sailors affected by regional conflicts. Seizing on Tharoor's remarks, BJP leaders claimed they exposed Rahul Gandhi's criticism of the government over the issue. The exchange has added to political tensions between the ruling party and the Congress over India's diplomatic approach and foreign policy. (PC: NDTV)

NDA-backed Independent candidate Parimal Nathwani secured one of the two Rajya Sabha seats from Jharkhand after unexpected cross-voting altered the electoral arithmetic. Despite the BJP-led NDA lacking sufficient numbers in the 81-member Assembly, Nathwani won with 28 votes, defeating Congress candidate Pranav Jha, who received 20 votes. JMM candidate Baidyanath Ram captured the second seat with 30 votes. Three ballots were declared invalid, including two from BJP legislators and one from Congress. Nathwani's victory exposed cracks within the INDIA bloc and marked his historic fourth term in the Rajya Sabha. (PC: India Today)

Six rebel MPs from Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT) have met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, claiming the party has drifted from its original ideology and is moving towards a merger with the Congress. The MPs also requested seating arrangements closer to members of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction in Parliament. The Thackeray camp has strongly opposed the move, issuing seven-day show-cause notices to the rebels and urging the Speaker to reject their demands. The development marks a fresh challenge for Uddhav Thackeray, four years after the split led by Eknath Shinde in 2022.