Chaos erupted in the Lok Sabha after Speaker Om Birla called for a two-minute silence to mark the 50th anniversary of the "dark days of Emergency." Despite initial smiles and congratulations from both sides, including Rahul Gandhi and PM Modi, the Opposition protested the Speaker's remark, leading to adjournment. Birla emphasized cooperation and decorum in the House, but his mention of the Emergency was seen as divisive. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor criticized the statement as unnecessary. The Lok Sabha Speaker is generally chosen by consensus, but this year, Congress fielded its candidate, leading to a contested election.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal denied blaming Manish Sisodia in the excise policy case. He said the CBI wants to defame him and AAP. Kejriwal made this statement in court after his arrest on Tuesday. The CBI claims he needs to be questioned about a larger conspiracy. They said ₹44 crore was sent to Goa through illegal channels. Kejriwal’s lawyer called the CBI’s request vague and an abuse of power.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the CBI in the alleged liquor policy case at Rouse Avenue Court. His lawyers argued that the agency's move was biased, as Kejriwal had already been questioned for nine hours as a witness in April last year. The CBI's sudden shift from witness to accused was questioned. Kejriwal's legal team sought a 24-hour deferment to study the case. The Supreme Court petition challenging the stay on grant of bail was withdrawn, with plans to file a more substantial appeal. The case has been ongoing since August 2022. Kejriwal's arrest marks a significant development in the investigation.

Om Birla, the NDA candidate, has been re-elected as the Speaker of the Lok Sabha for the second consecutive time. He won the contest against K Suresh of the INDIA bloc through a voice vote. Birla, a BJP MP, will lead the 18th Lok Sabha. His re-election marks a significant victory for the ruling NDA coalition. Birla's experience and consensus-building skills are expected to facilitate smooth functioning of the lower house. His election was greeted with applause from members across party lines, indicating a bipartisan support.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will appeal the Delhi High Court's decision to stay Arvind Kejriwal's bail in the Supreme Court. The trial court had granted Kejriwal bail on June 20 in the Delhi excise policy scam case, but the High Court stayed the order, citing inadequate consideration of evidence and insufficient opportunity for the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to argue its case. The AAP disagrees with the High Court's decision and will challenge it in the Supreme Court. Kejriwal's bail was granted on a personal bond of ₹1 lakh, but the stay has put his release on hold.

Pappu Yadav, an independent MP from Bihar, made a dramatic entrance in the Lok Sabha, wearing a "#reneet" T-shirt and shouting slogans demanding NEET-UG re-examination and special category status for Bihar. Despite objections from treasury benches, Yadav asserted his independence, stating he had won four times without party support. The Pro-tem Speaker, Bhartruhari Mahtab, chided members for still being in "election fever." Yadav later criticized members for invoking gods and leaders instead of addressing issues like NEET-UG re-examination, which affects youngsters. His actions sparked a commotion in the House.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was questioned by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) twice this week in the alleged liquor policy case. Kejriwal, currently in Tihar jail in a related money laundering case, was questioned on Monday and Tuesday. The CBI probe was ordered by the Delhi Lieutenant Governor into alleged irregularities in the 2021-22 liquor policy, which was subsequently scrapped. The questioning comes ahead of a Supreme Court hearing on the AAP's petition against the Delhi High Court's stay on Kejriwal's bail. The High Court had stayed the trial court's bail order, citing lapses in judgment.

Rahul Gandhi has been appointed the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, marking his first constitutional role. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge announced the decision after a meeting with opposition leaders. As LoP, Gandhi will join key panels on appointments, including the Lokpal, CBI chief, and Chief Election Commissioner. This appointment follows Congress' resurgence with 99 seats in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Rahul Gandhi’s leadership is expected to strengthen opposition efforts against the ruling NDA, advocating for democratic principles and addressing public grievances.

As the Speaker's election looms tomorrow, the NDA government led by Amit Shah mobilizes its MPs for a majority win. The Opposition, despite numbers, challenges the government's unilateral decisions on the Pro Tem Speaker and Deputy Speaker roles. Congress has nominated their candidate against BJP's Om Birla. Both sides are enforcing attendance with whips, aiming to secure a win via simple majority. Union Minister Rijiju appeals for consensus, highlighting the unprecedented nature of a contested Speaker election since Independence. Tensions escalate as parties maneuver for strategic positions in the Lok Sabha.

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi has been appointed as the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, confirmed by party general secretary KC Venugopal after a meeting of opposition floor leaders. The decision was conveyed to pro-tem Speaker Bhartruhari Mahtab via a letter from Congress chairperson Sonia Gandhi. Further appointments to other office bearers will be determined subsequently. The selection was finalized during a gathering of INDIA bloc party leaders at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge's residence in New Delhi.