West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticized Uttar Pradesh’s handling of Maha Kumbh Mela, calling it “Mrityu Kumbh” over the January 29 stampede deaths. She alleged VIP favoritism and poor facilities for common devotees. The BJP slammed Banerjee, accusing her of insulting Hindu traditions and demanding a “strong protest.” BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari called it an “attack on Hindus,” while Amit Malviya accused Banerjee of appeasement politics. At least 30 people died in the stampede at Prayagraj’s sacred confluence, with reports of another unconfirmed incident. Separately, 18 pilgrims were killed in a New Delhi railway station stampede.

The Congress party has strongly opposed the appointment of Gyanesh Kumar as India’s Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), alleging that the government bypassed Supreme Court scrutiny in the selection process. Kumar, a former bureaucrat, was chosen under a revised system that excludes the Chief Justice of India from the selection panel, a change criticized for undermining transparency. The opposition claims this move compromises the Election Commission’s independence. Congress leaders argue that the appointment reflects the ruling party’s intent to exert control over electoral processes ahead of the upcoming general elections. The controversy has sparked a broader debate on institutional integrity.

Anurag Rastogi, a senior IAS officer, is expected to be appointed as the new Chief Secretary of Haryana. The state government is preparing for the transition, and the announcement is expected soon. Rastogi’s potential appointment follows the retirement of the current chief secretary, who has held the position for a considerable time. With his extensive experience in various administrative roles,w Rastogi is seen as a capable candidate to lead Haryana’s bureaucracy effectively.  

The Congress party has raised concerns over the selection of a new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) while the Supreme Court is set to hear a challenge regarding the appointment law on February 22. Rahul Gandhi, after attending a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to select a successor to Rajiv Kumar, submitted a dissent note. Congress argues that the meeting should be postponed until the court’s decision. The ruling government is accused of attempting to exert control over the Election Commission. Gyanesh Kumar is expected to be appointed as CEC based on seniority.  

The Congress party has called for the postponement of the meeting to select the next Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), scheduled on February 17, 2025, until the Supreme Court's ruling on February 19 regarding the constitution of the selection committee. Congress leaders claim the government's exclusion of the Chief Justice from the panel signals an intent to control the Election Commission. As Rajiv Kumar is set to retire, Gyanesh Kumar will assume the position of senior-most election commissioner, with his tenure lasting until 2029. The government recently formed a search committee to streamline CEC selection.    

The Congress party distanced itself from Sam Pitroda’s comments on China. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said Pitroda’s views do not reflect the party’s stance. He called China India’s biggest foreign policy and security challenge. Pitroda, head of the Congress’ overseas unit, had said the China threat is exaggerated. He urged for collaboration instead of confrontation. The BJP criticised Pitroda’s remarks, calling them harmful to India's global image. Party spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi claimed the comments showed Congress' mindset and made India look like the aggressor.

Sam Pitroda, Chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress, downplayed the India-China tensions, stating they are often exaggerated and result from a confrontational approach. He argued that collaboration, rather than confrontation, should be the focus, as ongoing hostility can create unnecessary enemies. In response, BJP spokespersons criticized Pitroda's stance, pointing out historical land concessions and alleging ties between Congress and China through a 2008 MOU. During a joint press conference, US President Trump expressed hope for improved US-China relations, and offered to mediate on India-China border disputes, emphasizing diplomatic cooperation to ease global conflicts, including Russia-Ukraine tensions.

After the BJP's historic victory in the Delhi Assembly elections, securing 48 out of 70 seats, the party is set to meet on February 19 to choose the next Chief Minister. Parvesh Verma, Vijender Gupta, and Bansuri Swaraj are leading candidates. Verma, who defeated Arvind Kejriwal, has emerged as a prominent contender due to his strong political lineage and ties to the influential Jat community. The BJP is also considering appointing two deputy CM positions to ensure broader community representation. The decision will be made ahead of the swearing-in ceremony scheduled for February 20.

Punjab politics heats up as opposition slams the Centre for landing US deportee flights in Amritsar instead of other states. Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann questioned if the move was meant to defame Punjab, while Congress MP Manish Tewari warned against humiliating the state. The BJP defended the decision, citing Amritsar’s proximity for US-bound flights. Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar called for introspection on illegal migration. The second flight carrying 119 deportees arrives on Feb 15, followed by a third on Feb 16. The Punjab government has formed an SIT to probe illegal migration networks.

The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) has ordered an investigation into the renovation of Arvind Kejriwal's former residence, 6 Flagstaff Bungalow, following a CPWD report. The probe stems from allegations that building norms were violated during its transformation into a lavish mansion, covering 40,000 square feet. The renovation had merged neighboring government properties, leading to claims of illegal alterations. This move comes amid political disputes, with the BJP calling for the reversal of the merger and restoration of the original property layout.