The Congress party has accused Kerala’s Left Democratic Front (LDF) government of aiding the alleged theft of 4.5 kg of gold from Sabarimala Temple. The controversy involves gold-plated copper casings from temple idols and fittings, removed in 2019 by the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), with nearly 475 g still missing. Opposition leaders claim the government protected those responsible, calling it the biggest fraud in the temple’s history. The Congress has demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe and the resignation of officials linked to the alleged misappropriation. (PC: The Hindu)

Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Party failed to make a strong impact in its Bihar debut, as exit polls showed a clear win for the ruling NDA. Kishor had said his party would be either “arsh par” (at the top) or “farsh par” (on the floor) — and results suggest the latter. Pollsters predict the NDA to win over 130 seats, while the RJD-led Mahagathbandhan may get 70–100. Jan Suraaj is expected to win only 0–5 seats. Despite Kishor’s year-long padyatra and large rallies, analysts say his campaign has not translated into votes. Results will be declared on November 14. (PC: PTI)

Exit polls for the 2025 Bihar Assembly election predict a clear win for the NDA led by Nitish Kumar. Most surveys show the alliance securing between 130 and 167 seats, crossing the majority mark of 122. The RJD-led Mahagathbandhan is projected to win around 70 to 100 seats, while Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj is expected to get only 0 to 3 seats. Bihar recorded its highest-ever voter turnout of 67.14% in this election. The final results will be declared on November 14. If predictions hold true, Nitish Kumar is likely to continue as the state’s chief minister. (PC: @Jduonline/X via PTI Photo)

Bihar recorded a historic 67.14% voter turnout in the second phase of the assembly elections on Tuesday, the highest ever for the state. Voting took place across key regions including Magadh, Champaran, and Seemanchal, known to decide state outcomes. This phase saw a tough contest between the ruling NDA and the INDIA bloc, with smaller parties like Jan Suraaj, HAM, and AIMIM adding to the mix. In 2020, the second phase recorded 58.8% turnout. Polling was held under tight security following the recent Delhi Red Fort blast. Results for all phases will be announced on November 14. (PC: X)

Bihar recorded about 48% voter turnout till 1 pm in the second phase of Assembly elections on Tuesday. Voting is taking place in key regions like Magadh, Champaran and Seemanchal, known to decide state results. The contest is mainly between the NDA and the INDIA bloc, with smaller parties such as Jan Suraaj, HAM, VIP and AIMIM expected to influence outcomes. Seemanchal, with a large Muslim and Dalit population, remains the main focus for all parties. Polling is under tight security following the recent Delhi Red Fort blast. The final results will be announced on November 14. (PC: India Today)

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee dubbed the ongoing special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls as "votebandi," asserting she would protect voter rights even if her "throat gets slashed." Urging the Election Commission to immediately stop SIR, Banerjee claimed implementation wouldn't be as easy in Bengal as Bihar, accusing the EC of following BJP directives. She criticized the Centre for holding back state employees until February's final rolls publication, calling it a "super emergency" situation. Banerjee questioned the rushed timeline, reporting houses with eight voters receiving only two forms. She also attacked Union Home Minister Amit Shah over infiltration issues, demanding his resignation and criticizing GST revenue distribution favoring other states. (PC: NDTV)

The campaign for the Bihar assembly elections ended on Sunday evening ahead of the final phase of voting on November 11. A total of 122 seats will go to polls in this round, while 121 voted in the first phase last week. The campaign saw top leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, Rahul Gandhi, and Nitish Kumar, hold rallies across the state. The BJP and JD(U) focused on development and security, while the opposition INDIA bloc targeted the government over corruption and unemployment. The results for the high-stakes Bihar elections will be announced on November 14. (PC: PTI)

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor’s birthday wish for BJP veteran LK Advani has triggered a political storm. Tharoor praised Advani’s long public service, saying he “cannot be judged by one episode.” His remarks drew criticism, with many accusing him of ignoring Advani’s role in the 1990 Ram Rath Yatra. The Congress quickly distanced itself, saying Tharoor spoke only for himself. The BJP attacked Congress, calling its response intolerant and dictatorial. BJP leaders mocked the party’s “family rule” and defended Tharoor’s gesture as political courtesy. Advani, who led the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, was awarded the Bharat Ratna earlier this year. (PC: X/@ShashiTharoor)

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday hit back at Rahul Gandhi over his “vote chori” claims during a poll rally in Arwal, Bihar. Shah said Rahul Gandhi was raising the issue because “names of infiltrators have been deleted from the voter list.” He added that Gandhi could “take out a yatra from Bihar to Italy,” but the government would not allow infiltrators to stay in India. Shah also questioned why Gandhi had not complained to the Election Commission if he believed votes were being stolen. He warned voters against allowing Left parties to return to power. (PC: HT)

At a rally in Arwal, Amit Shah dismissed Rahul Gandhi’s allegations of “vote chori” (vote theft), accusing him of raising the issue to cover for deleted names of “infiltrators” from voter lists. Shah further mocked Gandhi’s “Yatra” campaign, suggesting he might as well march from Bihar to Italy while the government stands firm against illegal voters. The comments came amid the 2025 Bihar Legislative Assembly election campaign where electoral roll revisions and voter list deletions have stirred controversy. (PC: India Today)