In the wake of recent violence in West Bengal, the BJP has countered Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's allegations of the party inciting riots, questioning the spontaneity of the mobs involved. Banerjee accused the BJP of employing a "divide and rule" strategy, suggesting that the violence was orchestrated to destabilize her government. The Union Home Ministry has expressed concern over the state's handling of law and order, urging strict action against delinquent officials. The BJP has called for a National Investigation Agency probe and deployment of central forces, criticizing the state's law enforcement. Banerjee, in turn, has accused the BJP of communal politics and exploiting citizenship issues for political gains. (PC: Business Standard)

The Congress party has announced a nationwide series of 'Samvidhan Bachao' rallies, scheduled across all states from April 25 to 30, as part of its 40-day 'Samvidhan Bachao Abhiyan'. This initiative aims to promote social, political, and economic justice, countering what Congress describes as the BJP-led government's assault on the Constitution. The campaign begins on April 22 with Pradesh Congress Committees' executive meetings, followed by district-level rallies from May 3 to 10, assembly-level rallies from May 11 to 17, and a door-to-door campaign from May 20 to 30. Congress accuses the BJP of weakening the Supreme Court and undermining constitutional institutions. The party reaffirms its commitment to uphold constitutional values and democratic principles. (PC: The Guardian & AP)

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has strongly criticised a recent Supreme Court judgment that set a timeline for the President to act on bills sent by state governors. Calling the verdict a threat to democratic balance, Dhankhar warned against the judiciary assuming executive and legislative powers, dubbing Article 142 a "nuclear missile" against democracy. He also questioned judicial immunity and transparency in light of alleged corruption involving a Delhi High Court judge. Addressing Rajya Sabha interns, Dhankhar stressed the need for judicial accountability and a clear separation of powers, warning that unaccountable judiciary risks eroding institutional credibility and constitutional principles. (PC: PTI)

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has named Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi as prime accused in the National Herald money laundering case, alleging they orchestrated a "criminal conspiracy" to acquire Associated Journals Ltd (AJL) assets worth Rs 2,000 crore for just Rs 50 lakh. The current market value of the assets is pegged at Rs 5,000 crore. The ED claims 99% of AJL shares were transferred to Young Indian, a private company controlled by the Gandhis. The chargesheet also names Congress leaders Sam Pitroda and Suman Dubey. A special court will decide on cognisance of the chargesheet on April 25. (PC: PTI)

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has alleged that the recent violence over the Waqf law in Murshidabad was a "planned" conspiracy involving Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the BSF. Addressing a gathering of imams, she claimed that Bangladeshi miscreants were deliberately allowed entry to incite unrest in the state. Three people, including a father-son duo, were killed in the clashes. Mamata urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to rein in Shah, accusing him of using central agencies for political vendetta. The districts affected share borders with Bangladesh, and initial probes confirm cross-border involvement in the violence. (PC: India Today)

The Congress party has strongly condemned the Enforcement Directorate’s charge sheet against Sonia and Rahul Gandhi in the National Herald money laundering case, calling it "vendetta politics" orchestrated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh accused the BJP government of using law enforcement for political intimidation, asserting the party’s leadership will not be silenced. The charge sheet, also naming Sam Pitroda and Suman Dubey, was filed under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. The matter is listed for hearing on April 25 at Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court. The case was originally filed by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy. (PC: Hindustan Times)

The Enforcement Directorate has filed a chargesheet in the National Herald money laundering case, naming Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi as primary accused. Also named are Sam Pitroda and Suman Dubey. The case, linked to the acquisition of Associated Journals Limited (AJL) by Young Indian Pvt Ltd, involves alleged misuse of over ₹2,000 crore in assets. The ED has already issued notices to seize properties worth ₹661 crore under PMLA. The court has set April 25 for cognisance proceedings. The charges include bogus donations, rent, and advertisements allegedly used to generate illegal proceeds of crime. (PC: Reuters)

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath addressed the recent violence in West Bengal during Waqf protests, asserting that "danda is the treatment for rioters." He emphasized the necessity of strict action against those disrupting societal harmony. Adityanath drew parallels between the current unrest and historical invasions, suggesting a persistent divisive mindset. He criticized opposition parties for allegedly fostering caste-based politics that fracture the social fabric. Highlighting incidents in Sambhal and Bangladesh, he claimed a consistent pattern of societal division. His remarks have sparked controversy, with opponents accusing him of deepening societal rifts. The Chief Minister's statements have reignited debates on law enforcement and communal harmony in the region. (PC: NDTV & Mathrubhumi)

West Bengal Minister and Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim's recent remarks suggesting that Muslims could become a majority have ignited political controversy. In a viral video, Hakim stated that Muslims, constituting 33% in Bengal and 17% nationally, could, with Allah's grace and education, become the majority. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) swiftly distanced itself from these comments, emphasizing its commitment to communal harmony and stating that such views do not reflect the party's ideology. The BJP condemned Hakim's remarks, labeling them as incitement and drawing parallels to a "Bangladesh-type situation." Hakim later clarified that his comments were about educational empowerment, asserting his secular stance. (PC: Hidco)

BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari claimed over 400 Hindus fled Dhulian, Murshidabad, following violence over the Waqf (Amendment) Act, which allegedly left three dead. Adhikari accused the Trinamool Congress of "appeasement politics" that emboldened radical elements, leading to attacks on Hindus. He urged the Border Security Force, state police, and district administration to ensure the safe return of the displaced. Adhikari shared videos of victims alleging police inaction during the violence. The BSF deployed five companies to assist state police in restoring order. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla criticized the West Bengal government for allowing a breakdown of law and order. The situation is reportedly under control now. (PC: Rediff & Hindustan Times)