Prime Minister Narendra Modi will initiate a three-hour Lok Sabha debate Monday marking Vande Mataram's 150th anniversary, highlighting its historical significance in India's freedom movement. Congress fielded Deputy Leader Gaurav Gogoi and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra for the discussion. Rajya Sabha debates begin Tuesday with Home Minister Amit Shah expected to participate. BJP MP Sambit Patra credited Modi for recognizing national icons "marginalised by Nehru-Gandhi politics," while CPI General Secretary D. Raja accused BJP-RSS of using the occasion to advance ideological narratives. Parliament will also debate election reforms Tuesday-Thursday, covering Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and contentious electoral aspects across both Houses. (PC: Mathrubhumi English & India Today)

The BJP responded to Congress claims that Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge were not invited to President Droupadi Murmu’s banquet for Russian President Vladimir Putin. Congress said protocol was broken by excluding the Leaders of Opposition. BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia dismissed the charge, saying, “Why this drama? A foreign dignitary can choose whom they want to meet.” He pointed out that Rahul Gandhi recently met leaders from Bangladesh, Mauritius, and New Zealand. Congress leaders called the move “petty” and said Rashtrapati Bhavan should rise above “partisan preferences.” Shashi Tharoor attended the dinner, drawing mixed reactions within Congress. (PC: ANI)

The results of the MCD by-election in 12 wards of Delhi were announced on Tuesday. The BJP won seven seats, while the AAP won three. The Congress also won one seat, opening its account with a win in the Sangam Vihar-A ward. Voting was held on November 30. Nine of these wards were earlier with the BJP and three with the AAP. The voter turnout was 38.51%, which was lower than the 50.47% turnout in the 2022 civic polls. Counting took place at ten centres across the city under strict security, the State Election Commission said.

The Centre and Opposition have reached a truce over discussions in Parliament. The government said it will not discuss the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) now but is ready for a broader talk on electoral reforms on December 10. The Centre wants the debate on the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram first. The Opposition wants electoral reforms discussed before Vande Mataram. Protests over SIR disrupted the first two days of the Winter Session. Opposition MPs raised slogans and demanded immediate discussion on the deaths of 28 block-level officers due to heavy workloads. (PC: X)

The Winter Session of Parliament began on December 1, 2025, with opposition parties protesting over electoral reforms. Opposition MPs raised slogans alleging vote fraud and demanded a debate on the Special Intensive Revision of voter rolls. The Lok Sabha was adjourned several times, and protests continued in front of the Makar Dwar. Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury sparked controversy by bringing her dog to Parliament and comparing it to MPs. Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged members to focus on constructive debate. Key issues this session include electoral reforms, the Red Fort blast, Delhi air pollution, and 13 legislative bills. (PC: X)

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra hit back at Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday after he said the Opposition was creating “drama” in Parliament. Modi made the remark while criticising Opposition MPs for raising repeated objections during the Winter Session. Priyanka responded that speaking on key issues like the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and Delhi’s dangerous air pollution was the duty of MPs, not drama. She said people want delivery and answers from the government, not remarks that dismiss serious concerns. Both leaders were present as the Winter Session began in New Delhi. (PC: India Today)

A fresh FIR has been filed against Sonia and Rahul Gandhi in the National Herald case, creating new trouble for the Congress just before the winter session of Parliament. The Delhi Police’s Economic Offences Wing has named the two leaders and six others for alleged illegal takeover of Associated Journals Ltd through Young Indian. The Congress says the FIR is a political move and claims old cases are revived whenever the party raises key issues. The timing is important, as the court will announce its verdict on December 16. The case may also test the unity of the INDIA bloc. (PC: PTI)

The Election Commission has extended the deadline for the voter list cleanup exercise, known as the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), in 12 states and Union Territories. The draft voter list will now be published on December 16, instead of December 9. The final list will be released on February 14. Opposition parties, including the Trinamool Congress, recently met the Chief Election Commissioner and asked for a better schedule. They said booth level officers are under pressure due to the tight timeline. Reports of BLO deaths have come from several states. The EC has found 18.70 lakh dead voters and may delete around 35 lakh names.

Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi have been charged with criminal conspiracy in the National Herald money laundering case. The Delhi Police Economic Offences Wing filed a new FIR based on an Enforcement Directorate complaint. The FIR names six people, including the Gandhis, Sam Pitroda, Suman Dubey and Sunil Bhandari. It also lists three companies linked to the case. The FIR alleges a plan to wrongly take control of Associated Journals Limited, the parent company of the National Herald. The case dates back to 2012, when Subramanian Swamy accused Congress leaders of cheating and misuse of funds. A court decision is due on December 16. (PC: NDTV)

In Karnataka, political temperatures rose after Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah held a closed-door “power breakfast” meeting amid growing speculation of an imminent leadership transition. Shivakumar’s cryptic post invoking JRD Tata, emphasising the importance of “keeping one’s word,” has intensified talk that the Congress high command may soon implement a pre-poll promise to rotate the chief ministership. Party insiders suggest a possible transition timeline before mid-2026, with both leaders publicly maintaining unity. The meeting is seen as a key step in negotiating roles, responsibilities, and a smooth shift in power within the Karnataka government. (PC: AP)