Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati declared her nephew Akash Anand as her successor on Sunday. The former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister announced the appointment of the 31-year-old Anand during a party meeting in Lucknow. Anand, the son of Mayawati's younger brother Anand Kumar, has grown increasingly visible within the BSP's ranks since joining in 2016. His 2022 padayatra in Rajasthan signaled his ascent as second-in-command. The move positions Anand to take over the BSP reins from his aunt ahead of crucial 2024 general elections.

Incumbent Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan escalated intrigue over the BJP's next leadership selection by posting "Ram Ram to all" on social media. The greeting, given with folded hands in an accompanying photo, has stirred speculation ahead of the party's key Sunday meeting expected to decide Chouhan's fate. Though the BJP swept MP's recent election, it may seek fresh blood across its heartland strongholds. The post came shortly before BJP observers arrive to oversee the CM selection process. Party officials dismissed overanalyzing the casual, culturally common farewell, but interest persists whether Chouhan's 15-year tenure will continue.

BJP's central observers, including Union Ministers Arjun Munda and Sarbananda Sonowal, arrived in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, to finalize the selection of the state's next chief minister. With suspense surrounding the leadership, the observers aim to meet the 54 newly elected MLAs and decide the legislative party leader later today. The delay in announcing leadership in Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh draws criticism from Congress. Contenders from various communities, including tribal and OBC, are being considered. BJP secured 54 seats in the recent polls, ending Congress's rule in Chhattisgarh. Decision expected to reshape state politics.

BJP President JP Nadda held a virtual meeting on Saturday with the party's newly-elected lawmakers in Rajasthan. The meeting comes as suspense continues over who will be the next Chief Minister following the BJP's election victory. Nadda spoke to legislators in batches of 30 as the party looks to form a new government. Top contenders for Rajasthan CM include ex-Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje and Union Ministers Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Arjun Meghwal. However, Nadda's meeting gave no indications of CM preference. The discussions follow the appointment of central observers to oversee the formation of BJP state governments in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh after recent elections. An announcement is still awaited on CM picks for all three states.

Sameena Bi, a Muslim woman assaulted by kin over voting BJP in Madhya Pradesh polls, met Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan seeking safety. Accompanied by her two children, Bi said her brother-in-law Javed beat her up asking why she supported Chouhan's party. The CM assured protection saying Bi exercised her right constitutionally. "They will keep us safe so I can vote my choice," Bi stated, adding she backs BJP for Chouhan's welfare schemes. Though he led BJP to a second historic term in MP, Chouhan insists he's not in the CM race. Bi said she would vote BJP again considering Chouhan's concern over her plight after the attack.

Lok Sabha MP Danish Ali responded to his suspension from the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) on Saturday by denying allegations of indulging in "anti-party activities." Ali stated that he made efforts to strengthen the BSP and would continue opposing the "anti-people policies" of the BJP government. He thanked party chief Mayawati for making him the Parliamentary party leader. "If raising my voice against injustice is a crime, I am ready to face punishment," Ali asserted in a press conference. He claimed he always followed the BSP's directives and called his suspension "unfortunate." Ali's statements come after the BSP suspended him citing repeated warnings against actions not in the party's interest, which have fueled rumors of his growing bonding with the Congress.

Bahujan Samaj Party MP Danish Ali has been expelled from the party for "anti-party activities", months after facing abuse from BJP MP Ramesh Bidhuri in Parliament. The BSP statement said despite repeated warnings, Ali kept acting against the party's policies, ideology and discipline. Earlier, Bidhuri made objectionable remarks against Ali in Lok Sabha, after which Ali met several major Opposition leaders in protest. Recently, he held a solo demonstration outside Parliament with a placard saying "don't turn victim into culprit", referring to TMC MP Mahua Moitra's Lok Sabha expulsion. "Decorum in Parliament died in September... it was bombed when Ramesh Bidhuri made those comments. And now they are saying this? Today, (Mahatma) Gandhi and Ambedkar are crying," a visibly upset Ali told news agency ANI.

Telangana BJP chief G Kishan Reddy strongly objected to AIMIM's Akbaruddin Owaisi being appointed pro-tem Speaker, calling it an "insult" to senior MLAs and against tradition. Reddy asserted that a senior leader is customarily named to the post. He claimed Congress appointed Owaisi due to its understanding with AIMIM. Demanding the Speaker election shouldn't happen under Owaisi, Reddy said he will take this up with the Governor. His statement came as Owaisi took oath for the temporary role to officiate the assembly session until new members are sworn-in and a Speaker is elected. Reddy interacted with media after meeting BJP's 8 elected MLAs. The objection underscores BJP's opposition to AIMIM despite Owaisi's role being primarily symbolic.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended birthday wishes to former Congress president Sonia Gandhi as she turned 77 on Saturday, praying for her long and healthy life. Sonia is celebrating her birthday in Rajasthan with children Rahul and Priyanka at a luxurious resort near Ranthambore Tiger Reserve. She reached Jaipur on Thursday and took a chopper to Sawai Madhopur where Rahul and Priyanka later joined her after arriving from the Bharat Jodo Yatra. Though Sonia has taken a backseat from active politics in recent years due to health issues, she continues to play a key strategic role in the Congress party. Modi setting aside political differences to wish her well reflects the public stature she still commands.

The Congress-led Telangana government introduces the 'Maha Lakshmi' scheme, fulfilling a manifesto promise. Effective from December 9, 2023, the initiative provides free bus travel for girls, women, and transgender individuals within the state's borders using Palle Velugu and Express buses. The scheme aims to empower and benefit residents of Telangana, with plans for a smart card system underway. The government will reimburse the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation for chargeable fares, ensuring accessible transportation for the specified groups. The move aligns with the broader goal of enhancing inclusivity and women's welfare.