Politics

RJD leader Rabri Devi has intensified her attack on Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, accusing him of consuming 'bhaang' before attending the state assembly and disrespecting women, including herself. She called for his resignation, criticizing his lack of independent decision-making and alleged influence from party members and BJP leaders. Rabri Devi’s son, Tejaswi Yadav, also demanded Kumar’s resignation, questioning his ability to govern. The exchange follows a series of contentious remarks between the two parties, with Nitish Kumar accusing RJD of dynastic politics and Rabri Devi reminding him of their past political achievements. With Bihar's assembly elections approaching, tensions between the ruling JD(U) and the opposition RJD continue to escalate.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath emphasized that Sambhal, mentioned in scriptures over 5,000 years old, predates Islam and that the Hari Vishnu temple was destroyed in 1526. Speaking at a media event in Lucknow, he stressed the historical truth of Sambhal's ancient heritage. Yogi also expressed pride in the color saffron ('Bhagwa'), which he sees as a symbol of both his personal identity and Sanatan Dharma. He voiced respect for all religions but opposed the forcible occupation of religious sites. Additionally, Yogi criticized Congress for its opposition to the Maha Kumbh, recalling the chaos and corruption during the 1954 Kumbh Mela when Congress was in power, which allegedly led to over 1,000 deaths.

Sonia Gandhi, the senior Congress leader, was admitted to Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi on February 20 for an abdomen-related issue. Doctors have assured that there is no major health concern, and she is expected to be discharged by Friday. The 78-year-old leader underwent a routine check-up and is currently stable under observation. Her last public appearance was on February 13 during the Parliament's budget session, where she raised concerns about the National Food Security Act and urged the government to complete a new population census.

On Thursday, Rekha Gupta was sworn in as Delhi’s Chief Minister alongside six new cabinet ministers in a grand ceremony at Ramlila Maidan. Among the ministers were prominent BJP leaders like Parvesh Verma, Kapil Mishra, and Manjinder Singh Sirsa. Parvesh Verma, known for defeating Arvind Kejriwal in the New Delhi constituency, and Kapil Mishra, who made a strong comeback in Karawal Nagar, are key figures in the party. Other new ministers include Ashish Sood, Pankaj Kumar Singh, and Ravinder Indraj Singh, all of whom bring a mix of experience and grassroots leadership. The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other dignitaries, marking a significant political moment for Delhi.

Rekha Gupta has been officially announced as the next Chief Minister of Delhi by the BJP, ending months of speculation following the assembly election results. She will be the fourth woman to hold this prestigious position in Delhi, following Sushma Swaraj, Sheila Dikshit, and Atishi. Gupta will take the oath of office at a ceremony at Ramlila Maidan, attended by prominent political figures, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. With over a decade of political and administrative experience, Gupta is a first-time MLA, having served as a councillor and Mayor of South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC). She is also a strong advocate for women’s empowerment and has launched initiatives like the "Sumedha Yojana" to support economically disadvantaged female students. Gupta’s recent victory in the Shalimar Bagh seat further solidifies her position as a key political figure in Delhi.