Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta recently said that “AQI is like a temperature,” claiming sprinkling water around pollution‑hotspots can reduce AQI levels. Her remarks triggered sharp backlash from Kejriwal. He accused her government of “hiding” pollution data by sprinkling water near air‑quality monitors to artificially lower readings. Kejriwal’s post on social media questioned when “this new science” started — implying that treating air quality like temperature is absurd. The controversy has reignited public scrutiny of official air‑quality claims in the capital amid serious pollution concerns. (PC: NDTV)

Punjab Congress suspended Navjot Kaur Sidhu, wife of former cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu, following her controversial claim that one needs a “₹500 crore suitcase” to become Chief Minister. The remark, made while discussing her husband’s political prospects, triggered a political storm, drawing criticism from opposition parties and Congress leaders alike. Congress described her statement as “undermining party discipline” and suspended her with immediate effect. Navjot Kaur defended herself, saying her words were misinterpreted and based on hearsay, not a personal allegation. The episode exposed internal tensions in Punjab Congress ahead of upcoming elections. (PC: PTI)

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi accused PM Modi of selectively quoting Jawaharlal Nehru's 1937 letter to Subhash Chandra Bose during the Lok Sabha Vande Mataram debate. She stated "communalists manufactured" objections to remaining stanzas, which Modi omitted. Earlier, Modi claimed Nehru accepted Jinnah's sentiments, suggesting Vande Mataram's Anandamath association could instigate Muslims. Priyanka noted only two stanzas were adopted in the assembly where Ambedkar and RSS leader Shyama Prasad Mukherjee were present, questioning why they didn't object then. She challenged the government to list Nehru's "blunders" for parliamentary debate. Speaker Om Birla opened discussions commemorating Vande Mataram's 150-year journey as India's timeless symbol of national resolve.

Parliament's Vande Mataram debate signaled an intense BJP-TMC battle ahead of West Bengal's 2026 assembly elections. Prime Minister Modi traced the National Song's 150-year history, accusing Congress under Nehru of truncating lyrics for "appeasement" politics. TMC MPs spoke in Bangla, challenging BJP's appropriation. TMC's Saugata Roy objected to Modi calling writer Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay "dada," insisting on "Bankim babu" which Modi accepted. Union Culture Minister Gajendra Shekhawat's error calling him "Bankim Das" gave TMC ammunition, branding BJP "arrogant" and "anti-Bengal." TMC plans leveraging this to prove Modi disrespects Bengal icons. While BJP positions itself as "insider" honoring Bengal's legacy, TMC hopes the debate favors themelectorally.

Parliament held a special discussion to mark 150 years of Vande Mataram on Monday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi opened the debate and called the song a sacred mantra that inspired India’s freedom movement. A light moment followed when Modi referred to Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay as “Bankim Da”. Trinamool MP Saugata Roy objected and said the correct term was “Bankim Babu”. Modi accepted the correction and joked that he hoped he could still call Roy “dada”. Modi said the song united the nation and should inspire India to reach its goals by 2047. The Winter Session will continue till December 19. (PC: HT)

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)