The BJP has unveiled a revised list of 15 candidates for the first phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, scheduled to begin on September 18, 2024. This follows the withdrawal of an earlier list, which faced criticism from senior party leaders. The updated list includes Vir Saraf for Anantnag East-Shangus, a Kashmiri Pandit, and Shagun Parihar as the sole woman candidate for Kishtwar. Notable absentees from the list include BJP president Ravinder Raina and former Deputy Chief Ministers Nirmal Singh and Kavinder Gupta. The elections will proceed in three phases.

National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah criticized PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti for offering to leave all seats to the Congress-NC alliance if her party's agenda is accepted. Abdullah accused Mufti of copying the NC’s manifesto, stating, “You have already accepted our agenda... Then do not field candidates and come, we will build a better tomorrow for Jammu and Kashmir.” Mufti had previously offered her party's full support to the alliance, emphasizing the importance of resolving the Kashmir issue. Abdullah also noted that the PDP’s manifesto closely mirrors the NC’s promises.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge criticized the Modi government’s decision to introduce the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), stating that the “U” in UPS stands for Modi government’s “U-turns.” In a tweet, Kharge attributed the government’s reversal on key policies to the Opposition’s resurgence following the Lok Sabha elections. He said, “The ‘U’ in UPS stands for Modi Govt’s U-turns. Post June 4, the power of the people has prevailed over the arrogance of power of the Prime Minister.” The UPS, which guarantees a pension of 50% of average basic pay or a minimum of Rs 10,000, follows backlash against the New Pension Scheme (NPS) and reverts to aspects of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi criticized the exclusion of Dalit, tribal, and OBC women from the Miss India beauty pageant, stating, "I checked the list of Miss India, but there was no woman from Dalit, tribal, or OBC communities." Speaking at a 'Samvidhan Samman Sammelan' in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj, he reiterated the need for a nationwide caste census, emphasizing, "For us, the caste census is not just a census, it is a foundation for policymaking." Gandhi claimed ninety percent of India’s population is sidelined by the system despite their skills and talent, urging for better representation in key sectors.

PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti released her party’s manifesto for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections in Srinagar on Saturday. She invited the National Conference and Congress, who are contesting as an alliance, to contest all ninety seats if they adopt her party's agenda. Mufti emphasized that her party prioritizes solving the Kashmir issue and restoring trade with Pakistan. She also promised free electricity to religious sites, free legal aid to detainees, and reinstatement of the old pension scheme. The J&K Assembly elections will be held in three phases starting on September eighteenth.

Tamil superstar Vijay revealed the flag and symbol for his political party, Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam, on Thursday. The flag features maroon and yellow colors with elephants on both sides and a peacock surrounded by stars at the center. Vijay hoisted the flag at the Panaiyur party office and will release an official song for the party. This event marks a key milestone in the establishment of Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam as Vijay transitions from his film career to a political role, aiming to build support and influence in Tamil Nadu.

The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) has called for a Maharashtra bandh on August 24 to protest a sexual assault case in Badlapur. The incident involved two young girls allegedly abused by a school attendant. MVA allies, including Congress, Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP, will participate. The decision follows protests over delayed police action and rising crimes against women. Congress leaders recently demonstrated outside Mantralaya, criticizing the BJP-led government for its handling of the case and overall women's safety issues.

BJP has sharply criticized Rahul Gandhi for his response to the RG Kar Medical College case. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla posted on X, accusing Gandhi of treating the case as a distraction. “When asked about the RG Kar case and the SC’s criticism of the Bengal government, Rahul Gandhi shamelessly says, ‘I won’t be distracted,’” Poonawalla said. He added, “Is Nyay for Beti (justice for daughter) a distraction?” The criticism underscores ongoing political tensions amid the Supreme Court’s scrutiny of West Bengal’s handling of the case.

The Trinamool Congress has accused the BJP of "hijacking" protests over the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. MP Saket Gokhale claimed the BJP's IT cell is using a "sinister toolkit" to demand Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's resignation and destabilize the West Bengal government. Gokhale alleged that the BJP has replaced genuine protesters with party workers and used bot accounts to amplify the 'Mamata Must Resign' hashtag. The CBI has taken over the investigation, but protests and political tensions continue.

Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren, a senior Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader, has sparked speculation of joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after arriving in Delhi on Sunday. Despite rumors, Soren dismissed the claims, stating he was in the capital for personal reasons. Reports suggest that six other JMM MLAs might also switch sides with him. Soren, however, denied meeting BJP leaders, saying, "I am where I am." This comes amid growing unrest within the JMM ranks, especially after Soren was replaced as Chief Minister following Hemant Soren’s bail in a money laundering case.