In an exclusive interview with India Today TV, BJP MP and actor Kangana Ranaut criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, labeling him a “mess” and accusing him of “chasing a chair.” Ranaut, who is a first-time MP, stated that Gandhi lacks a coherent leadership path and compared his approach unfavorably to that of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. She also questioned Gandhi’s recent actions, suggesting he should be “tested for drugs” due to controversial behavior. Ranaut praised Indira Gandhi’s complex legacy but noted she was a polarizing figure with different ideologies from her father, Jawaharlal Nehru.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma criticized West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s remarks about the BJP's role in the 12-hour shutdown. Banerjee accused the BJP of fueling unrest over the violence during the bandh, which was marked by sporadic incidents. Sarma responded on X, stating, “Didi, how dare you threaten Assam? Don’t try to set India on fire with your politics of failure.” The shutdown led to significant disruptions and violence, including a clash in Bhatpara and blocked railway tracks, impacting public transport and businesses across West Bengal.

The Trinamool Congress has criticized President Droupadi Murmu’s remarks on the RG Kar rape and murder case, questioning her silence on similar incidents across India. Party spokesperson Kunal Ghosh said, “I heard the President on RG Kar. Unnao, Hathras, Bilkis, and Manipur did not shake your heart? Did you not see Odisha, Maharashtra, Uttarakhand?” Murmu had expressed horror over the Kolkata incident in her PTI interview, stating, “The gruesome incident has left the nation shocked. The victims include even kindergarten girls.” The case is now under investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation.

The Supreme Court's recent rulings affirming the principle that "bail is the rule, jail is the exception" even in Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) cases are seen as a significant shift. This decision has raised hopes for Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, currently jailed in a money laundering case linked to the Delhi excise policy. The court’s stance could ease the burden on overcrowded jails and prompt investigative agencies to strengthen their cases. Lawyers view these rulings as a positive change, reinforcing personal liberty over prolonged incarceration.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has pledged to amend the law next week to ensure the death penalty for rapists. Addressing Trinamool Congress's student wing foundation day, she dedicated the event to the Kolkata rape and murder victim. Banerjee criticized the BJP's "Bengal Bandh" protest, accusing them of defaming Bengal instead of seeking justice. She announced protests on August 31 and September 1 to demand capital punishment and legal reform. Banerjee also questioned the delay in the CBI investigation, highlighting the need for swift justice.

BRS leader K Kavitha was released from Tihar Jail on Tuesday night after the Supreme Court granted her bail in the Delhi excise policy case. Arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in March and jailed for five months, Kavitha claimed that her arrest was politically motivated. Surrounded by supporters and her brother, BRS working president K T Rama Rao, she vowed to fight the allegations legally and politically. The Supreme Court questioned the central agencies' evidence, directing her release on bail bonds of ₹10 lakh. Kavitha stated, "We are fighters, and we will fight it out."

Champai Soren, the former Chief Minister of Jharkhand and senior leader of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), will join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), according to an announcement by Himanta Biswa Sarma. Soren, 67, had resigned from his Chief Ministerial position to facilitate Hemant Soren's assumption of office after his release from jail. He had previously accused the JMM leadership of insulting him and expressed dissatisfaction with his limited tenure. Soren, known as the "Jharkhand Tiger" for his role in the state's creation, stated that he would continue in politics and might consider forming a new political party.

The National Conference and Congress announced an alliance for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, aiming to contest 83 out of 90 seats. National Conference will contest fifty-one seats, while Congress will field candidates in thirty-two constituencies, leaving one seat each for CPI(M) and Panthers Party. Former CM Farooq Abdullah said both parties will fight divisive forces in J&K. Congress leader KC Venugopal emphasized their goal to protect J&K’s soul. Elections will be held in three phases on September 18, September 25, and October 1, with results on October 4.

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has branded the ‘Nabanna Abhijan’ rally, scheduled for August 27, as “illegal” and a ploy to incite unrest. TMC released videos alleging a conspiracy by BJP and CPI(M), stating, “Bullets will fly… we are confident there’ll be casualties.” BJP’s Amit Malviya responded, accusing TMC of “using the police to spread panic” and suppressing protests. CPI(M) dismissed TMC’s claims as “fearful and desperate.” The rally, organized by Chhatra Samaj, seeks justice for a trainee doctor’s alleged rape-murder, heightening tensions ahead of the event.

The BJP has reprimanded actor-politician Kangana Ranaut for her controversial remarks about the farmers' protest. Ranaut, who suggested that the protest could have led to a crisis similar to Bangladesh, was criticized by the BJP, which clarified that her comments do not reflect the party's views. The party directed Ranaut to avoid such statements in the future. BJP leaders from Haryana and Punjab also advised against her inflammatory remarks. Congress leader Randeep Surjewala criticized the BJP for not addressing Ranaut’s comments, questioning if they represent the party's stance.