Amid violent protests in Murshidabad over the Waqf (Amendment) Act that resulted in three deaths and numerous injuries, Trinamool Congress MP Yusuf Pathan faced backlash for an Instagram post showing him enjoying tea in a serene setting. Critics, including BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala, condemned the post as insensitive, highlighting the contrast between Pathan's relaxed demeanor and the turmoil in his constituency. Social media users questioned his awareness and responsiveness to the crisis. The Calcutta High Court intervened, ordering the deployment of central forces to restore order. Pathan has yet to respond to the criticism. The incident underscores the scrutiny public figures face regarding their engagement during times of unrest. (PC: Mid-day & The Hindu)

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued notices to take possession of assets worth ₹661 crore from Associated Journals Ltd (AJL), publisher of the National Herald, in a money laundering case involving Congress leaders Sonia and Rahul Gandhi. The ED alleges that AJL misused properties allocated for publishing by using them commercially, and that Young Indian, a company controlled by the Gandhis, acquired AJL's assets through questionable means. Congress has denounced the action as political vendetta, accusing the ruling BJP of misusing investigative agencies to target opposition leaders. The case, initiated by a complaint from BJP leader Subramanian Swamy, has intensified political tensions ahead of upcoming elections. (PC: @dir_ed)

Union Home Minister Amit Shah confirmed that BJP and AIADMK will jointly contest the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly polls under Edappadi K Palaniswami’s (EPS) leadership. Speaking in Chennai, Shah stated the alliance would be led nationally by PM Narendra Modi and regionally by EPS. The announcement followed the appointment of Nainar Nagendran as Tamil Nadu BJP chief, replacing K Annamalai. Shah emphasized AIADMK’s longstanding NDA ties and hinted at EPS as the alliance’s Chief Ministerial face. He also accused the ruling DMK of corruption and promised a strong campaign on law and order, women's safety, and anti-Dalit violence. (PC: PTI)

Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) leader Chirag Paswan strongly defended the recent amendments to the Waqf Act, emphasizing their goal of enhancing transparency and inclusivity by allowing non-Muslim representation on Waqf boards. Responding to criticism from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Paswan accused him of practicing divisive politics and misleading the public for political gain. He stated that the reforms will be accepted over time and benefit the broader society. The amendments have triggered political and public debate, with supporters calling them anti-corruption measures and opponents warning of encroachment on minority rights. (PC: News 18)  

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee assured Muslims that her government would protect Waqf properties amid ongoing protests. Speaking at a Jain community event in Kolkata, she said, “Even if you shoot me, I will still participate in every religion, every festival.” Taking a veiled dig at BJP, Mamata asserted that her government won't allow religious division in Bengal. “Jiyo aur jeene do,” she declared, asking minorities to trust her leadership. Protests have erupted over the new Waqf law, but Mamata emphasized unity, secularism, and resistance to communal politics. “I will not let anyone divide Bengal,” she affirmed. (PC: India Today)

TMC leader Mahua Moitra alleged that BJP members threatened Bengali fish and meat shop owners in Chittaranjan Park, Delhi, accusing them of operating near a temple. She shared a video claiming BJP supporters were trying to forcibly shut shops, targeting Bengali culture. Moitra condemned the act as intimidation and communal provocation. The BJP denied the allegations, calling the video misleading and accusing her of spreading falsehoods to polarize voters. Delhi Police have not received a formal complaint but have begun an enquiry. The issue has sparked a political clash ahead of the general elections, drawing sharp public reactions.(PC: India Today)

In a key meeting with the Congress party’s top leadership, Rahul Gandhi strongly reaffirmed that secularism is central to the Congress’s identity and ideological foundation. He emphasized the need to uphold the Indian Constitution and promote unity in diversity. Gandhi drew a clear distinction between Hinduism and Hindutva, stating that the Congress supports the former’s inclusive ethos, while accusing the BJP and RSS of weaponizing Hindutva to polarize society. (PC: ANI)

The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, has come into effect after being cleared by Parliament and signed by President Droupadi Murmu. The law aims to improve the management of Waqf properties in India. It introduces stricter rules for creating Waqf and ensures no inheritance rights are denied. However, protests erupted in West Bengal, turning violent. Opposition leaders and Muslim organizations have challenged the law in the Supreme Court, calling it unfair. The Supreme Court will hear the case on April 16. The government has filed a caveat, asking the court to hear its side before making any decision. (PC: News18)

The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly recently witnessed significant turmoil as the National Conference (NC) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) clashed over a resolution seeking the restoration of the region's special status. Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary introduced the resolution, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the identity, culture, and rights of Jammu and Kashmir's people. BJP members opposed the move, leading to heated exchanges and physical altercations within the Assembly. The Speaker ordered the eviction of several protesting BJP MLAs, resulting in further chaos and the House being adjourned. This series of events underscores the deep political divisions regarding the region's constitutional status. (PC: Maktoob Media & News 18)

The BJP alleged that Hindu devotees were attacked during a Ram Navami procession in Kolkata’s Park Circus area, blaming the Trinamool Congress and accusing police of inaction. Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar claimed vehicles carrying saffron flags were vandalized and devotees were “savagely attacked” as stones were hurled at them. He called the incident “targeted violence” and criticized Kolkata Police as “silent and spineless.” However, police denied any such procession took place in the area and said a case had been filed. The political row has reignited tensions over religious processions and law enforcement roles in West Bengal. (PC: India Today)