Milind Deora has officially stepped down from the Congress party, marking the conclusion of a significant chapter in his political journey. In a statement on X, Deora expressed gratitude to leaders, colleagues, and karyakartas for their unwavering support over the years. Dismissing earlier speculations, he clarified discussions with supporters were ongoing, refuting rumors of joining Shiv Sena. Deora, the former Mumbai South MP, recently expressed discontent over Shiv Sena's claim to the constituency. As the political landscape unfolds, Deora's resignation echoes the changing dynamics within the Congress party and Maharashtra's political alliances.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar initially suggested Rahul Gandhi as the chairperson of the INDIA alliance during a virtual meeting, but the Congress leader declined. As per reports by NDTV, the Janata Dal (United) chief proposed the name of Mr Gandhi, who declined, saying he was working at the grassroots level and his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra would also begin on Sunday. The Congress leader proposed party chief Mallikarjun Kharge's name for the alliance's top job, which was endorsed by Sonia Gandhi. When Nitish Kumar's name came up for the convenor position, he recommended his colleague Lalu Yadav, citing seniority. The dynamic exchange occurred as discussions unfolded about key leadership roles within the 28-party alliance.

NCP supremo Sharad Pawar, after an INDIA bloc meeting, stated the opposition alliance doesn't require a prime ministerial face. Pawar emphasized seeking votes in the name of the alliance, citing the 1977 example when Morarji Desai became PM under the Janata Party umbrella. On the selection of Mallikarjun Kharge as INDIA bloc Chairman, Pawar mentioned Nitish Kumar's refusal as the convener. He dismissed reports of discord within the alliance and assured seat-sharing discussions soon. Pawar also commented on the Ram Mandir inauguration, linking it to the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, stating Congress's absence is due to the temple's incomplete status.

Senior Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for intending to conduct the Pran Pratishtha ceremony at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Aiyar warned that the absence of four shankaracharyas, disapproving attendance, would prove costly for the PM. Speaking at the Kerala Literature Festival, Aiyar emphasized the distinction between 'Hinduism' and 'Hindutva,' stating Modi's attempt faced strong disapproval from Hindu religious leaders. This comes after Uttarakhand's Jyotir Mutt head announced the shankaracharyas' non-attendance, citing a violation of shastras. Congress leaders have declined the Ram Temple ceremony invitation, accusing BJP of politicizing it.

Launching from Manipur, Congress is set to commence the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, led by Rahul Gandhi, with a focus on shedding light on crucial bread-and-butter issues. The 6,713 km journey spanning 100 Lok Sabha segments across 15 states is viewed as a transformative initiative. Starting amidst ethnic tensions in Manipur, the 67-day yatra aims to address concerns like unemployment and social justice, steering clear of electoral motivations as claimed by Congress. Set to conclude in Mumbai on March 20 or 21, the yatra competes for attention amid BJP's emphasis on the upcoming Ram temple consecration ceremony.

Congress Chief Mallikarjun Kharge has been selected to lead the INDIA opposition bloc, aiming to challenge the NDA led by BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The decision follows discussions where Bihar CM Nitish Kumar suggested a Congress member take charge. However, seat-sharing complexities within the alliance, especially in Uttar Pradesh and discussions with AAP, remain unresolved. In Uttar Pradesh, tension persists due to Congress's refusal to share seats, while negotiations with AAP involve disagreements over seat allocations in Delhi, Punjab, Goa, Haryana, and Gujarat. The opposition bloc, INDIA, strives to prevent the NDA from securing a third consecutive term.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal faces the Enforcement Directorate (ED) summons for the fourth time in the Delhi liquor policy case, scheduled for January 18. Kejriwal had skipped questioning on January 3, citing the alleged illegality of the ED's summons and claiming an intent to arrest him. The AAP leader, also refusing earlier summons, remains a key figure in the probe. With AAP leaders already in custody, speculations rise over Kejriwal's potential arrest. The case involves alleged kickbacks to public servants linked to the liquor industry's role in framing the excise policy, further escalating political tensions.

Leaders of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) are set to virtually discuss seat-sharing and participation in Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra today. With 28 opposition parties uniting against the BJP for the 2024 elections, the meeting holds significance. Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee will not attend due to prior engagements. The INDIA party faces challenges, including the contentious convenor appointment. JD(U) advocates Nitish Kumar, opposed by Mamata Banerjee's TMC. Meanwhile, AAP and Congress hold talks on seat-sharing for the upcoming general elections, expressing optimism.

In a setback to seat-sharing negotiations between the Congress and Trinamool Congress (TMC) in West Bengal, the TMC has declined to meet the Congress national alliance committee. The TMC had offered Malda Dakshin and Baharampur, but the Congress rejected, citing past victories. West Bengal Congress president Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury asserts they can win independently. The TMC's refusal to engage in further discussions signals a reluctance to concede more seats. Meanwhile, the Left has also ruled out an alliance with the TMC. The Congress alliance committee continues talks with other parties amid complexities, while the TMC eyes seats beyond West Bengal.            

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee expressed disagreement with the 'One Nation, One Election' concept in a letter to the committee led by former President Ram Nath Kovind. She cited impracticality, highlighting the historical rupture of simultaneous polls and questioning the constitutional implications. Banerjee emphasized the Westminster system's non-simultaneity as a fundamental aspect, suggesting it should not be altered. The high-level committee seeks public input and political party opinions on the matter, aiming for a mutually agreed dialogue to discuss the concept of simultaneous elections.