Rajya Sabha Elections: Will Wait Until June 8 Before Taking Call, Says Congress

Inside Prashant Kishor's Rs 198 Crore Assets Declared In Bankipur Bypoll Affidavit: No Car, 8 Cases

Bharathi SP — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 10:23:15 +0530

Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor has disclosed family assets worth nearly Rs 198 crore in the affidavit submitted with his nomination papers for the Bankipur Assembly by-election, marking his first direct electoral contest. According to the affidavit, Kishor declared assets worth Rs 96.06 crore in his own name, while his wife, Dr. Jahnavi Das, reported assets worth Rs 101.93 crore. Their combined declared wealth stands at Rs 197.99 crore.

Major Share Of Wealth Linked To Venture Firm

A substantial part of Kishor’s declared assets comes from his 100 per cent stake in Vedhas Ventures Private Limited, valued at approximately Rs 95.26 crore. The affidavit also lists fixed deposits, market-linked investments, shares, mutual funds, bonds and insurance policies worth more than Rs 7.36 crore, as per reports.

In contrast, the family’s cash holdings are relatively small, Rs 65,570 in Kishor’s name and Rs 1,95,200 in his wife’s name. The couple also declared ownership of 475 grams of gold.

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Properties Across Bihar, Delhi And NCR

Kishor’s immovable assets include a dismantled rice mill in Rohtas district valued at Rs 9.75 crore. He also declared self-acquired residential properties worth Rs 59.25 crore located in Patliputra Colony, Vasant Vihar and Ghaziabad.

Inherited properties worth Rs 14.62 crore were also listed in the affidavit. The disclosure indicates that Dr. Das holds additional immovable assets, further increasing the family’s property portfolio.

Eight Criminal Cases Mentioned In Affidavit

The affidavit states that Kishor faces eight pending criminal cases in Bihar, including charges related to unlawful assembly, rioting, obstructing a public servant and criminal defamation.

The cases have been registered in places including Patna and Bettiah. The filing clarifies that he has not been convicted in any of them.

Kishor also disclosed liabilities of approximately Rs 5.77 crore and stated that he does not own a car. His profession has been listed as political advisor and consultant.

Dr Das is identified in the affidavit as an MBBS doctor and senior advisor for special projects at Apollo Indraprastha Hospital.

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Bankipur Contest Seen As Crucial Test

The Bankipur Assembly bypoll, scheduled for July 30, is being viewed as a significant political test for the Jan Suraaj Party.

The constituency has traditionally been considered a BJP stronghold, making the election an important indicator of whether Kishor’s party can emerge as a serious challenger to established political forces in Bihar.

The result will also be closely watched for insights into Kishor’s transition from election strategist to active electoral politician.

OPINION | AAP Battles Anti-Incumbency In Punjab; Congress Undermines Itself Through Factionalism

Sayantan Ghosh — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 11:25:00 +0530

The 2027 Punjab Assembly election is shaping up as a direct contest between the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the principal opposition Congress, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the declining Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) playing supporting roles. Punjab’s politics has long been distinct from other northern states, defined by strong regional identities, agrarian concerns, and a history of alliances rather than single-party dominance. The BJP has never ruled Punjab on its own and previously relied on its alliance with SAD, which fractured after the 2020-21 farm laws agitation. SAD today struggles with organisational weakness and limited electoral relevance.

In 2022, AAP under Arvind Kejriwal and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann secured a historic mandate, winning 92 seats with 42% vote share on promises of honest governance, welfare schemes modelled on Delhi, and cleaning up the system. Congress, which had governed from 2017 to 2022 under Captain Amarinder Singh, was reduced to just 18 seats. Five years later, the dynamics have shifted. AAP governs the only major state it controls after its 2025 Delhi defeat, making Punjab a prestige battle. Congress, diminished nationally, sees Punjab as a rare opportunity to demonstrate relevance where it does not directly face the BJP as the primary challenger.

Yet both parties enter the fray burdened by internal vulnerabilities. AAP confronts growing anti-incumbency over unfulfilled or delayed promises, law and order concerns, and a damaging confrontation with the Akal Takht. Congress, despite the potential to capitalise on public discontent, remains paralysed by factional warfare that has repeatedly cost it electoral opportunities. Rumours of possible early polls aligned with other states add further uncertainty. The outcome will hinge on whether AAP can mitigate governance failures or if Congress can finally unite to present a credible alternative.

AAP’s Anti-Incumbency Burden

AAP’s primary challenge stems from the gap between its 2022 campaign guarantees and on-ground delivery. The party heavily promoted the “Delhi model” — free power, education, and health initiatives — but critics point to slowed development, repetitive schemes, and limited innovation tailored to Punjab’s agrarian economy. Law and order have deteriorated under Bhagwant Mann’s government, with rising concerns over crime impacting daily life and investor confidence.

The most prominent example is the women’s financial assistance scheme. AAP’s flagship promise was ₹1,000 monthly to every woman above 18. Implementation began only in July 2026, with the first instalment (three months’ payment: ₹3,000 general, ₹4,500 for SC women) credited just months before the election. While the government hailed it as fulfilling its “final big promise,” the multi-year delay has fueled perceptions of electoral timing over genuine commitment.

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Religious Rift with Akal Takht

A deeper crisis emerged from AAP’s confrontation with the Akal Takht, Sikhism’s highest temporal authority. In mid-2026, the Akal Takht declared Bhagwant Mann “anti-Guru” and “Panth virodhi” following allegations involving a controversial video, backed by forensic claims from the Takht. Mann and AAP rejected the edict, presenting counter-forensic evidence and accusing political rivals of orchestration.

The episode has alienated sections of the Sikh electorate, particularly in rural Malwa and Majha regions, where religious sentiment carries significant weight.

This rift compounds existing discontent among Sikh voters who feel the party has not adequately addressed community concerns. AAP’s attempt to position Mann as its chief ministerial face for 2027 now faces the risk of religious backlash, potentially eroding the broad support it enjoyed in 2022.

Congress: Opportunity Squandered by Infighting

Congress should be the natural beneficiary of AAP’s anti-incumbency. It retains a robust organisational network, experienced leaders, and cross-regional appeal across castes and religions. However, persistent factionalism has prevented it from consolidating gains. The 2022 debacle offers a stark precedent: internal rivalry between Captain Amarinder Singh and Navjot Singh Sidhu led to Amarinder’s resignation, his exit to the BJP, and a poorly managed transition to Charanjit Singh Channi as CM face. The Sidhu-Channi tussle further fragmented the party, contributing to its rout.

As of 2026, fault lines persist. State president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring faces open challenges from the Channi camp, with loyalists demanding his removal and pushing Channi as the stronger mass leader. Meetings at Channi’s residence and delegations to the high command highlight ongoing leadership ambiguity. Despite public denials of rifts, these divisions demoralise cadres and erode public confidence. Congress has failed to project a unified narrative or a clear chief ministerial candidate, allowing AAP to portray it as disorganised.

BJP’s Emerging Role

The BJP cannot be dismissed as a marginal player in Punjab’s 2027 electoral landscape. Having severed ties with the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) following the contentious 2020-21 farm laws agitation, the party has deliberately charted an independent course, shedding its long-standing junior partner image. It has announced plans to contest all 117 assembly seats on its own strength, signalling confidence in its growing organisational footprint. This strategic shift yielded early dividends in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where the BJP nearly doubled its vote share, emerging as the third-largest political force in the state and leapfrogging the weakened SAD in several urban and semi-urban pockets.

A key element of the BJP’s Punjab outreach is its conscious effort to broaden its appeal among Sikh voters. The party has been inducting prominent Sikh faces — leaders who emphasise religious sensitivities, community pride, and Punjab’s unique ethos while avoiding overtly hardline positions that could alienate the devout Sikh population. This calibrated approach aims to neutralise historical baggage from the farm laws and project the BJP as a party sensitive to Sikh institutions and aspirations. Simultaneously, BJP strategists are actively courting disgruntled elements within AAP, particularly MLAs and local leaders frustrated with Bhagwant Mann’s governance style, internal party dynamics, or delayed schemes. Pre-poll defections or post-poll support could prove decisive in a fragmented verdict.

Though its influence remains limited in the rural heartlands of Malwa and Majha, where agrarian and Sikh identity issues dominate, the BJP is making steady inroads in urban centres and among trading communities, youth, and sections concerned about security and narcotics. Its sharp focus on AAP’s governance failures — rising crime, drug menace, youth unemployment, and perceived soft-peddling on radical elements — allows it to position itself as a credible alternative on law and order and development. Issues like alleged conversions and border security are also being highlighted to consolidate Hindu and urban Sikh support.

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The Road to 2027

Recent civic body elections in 2026 showed AAP maintaining urban and semi-urban strength despite governance critiques, suggesting anti-incumbency has not yet reached decisive levels. Congress’s continued underperformance in these polls underscores its organisational malaise.

For AAP, retaining Punjab is existential. Success requires accelerated welfare delivery, law and order improvements, and damage control on the Akal Takht front. For Congress, the imperative is internal discipline and a coherent vision beyond criticising AAP. Punjab’s voters, known for demanding accountability, will weigh governance records against leadership credibility.

The 2027 contest remains fluid. Anti-incumbency provides Congress an opening, but infighting risks gifting AAP another term. A unified Congress could capitalise effectively; a fractured one may watch opportunities slip away as the BJP gains ground. Punjab’s electorate, pragmatic and aspirational, will ultimately decide whether promise fatigue defeats the incumbent or self-inflicted wounds sideline the challenger.

Sayantan Ghosh teaches journalism at St. Xavier’s College (Autonomous), Kolkata. He is on X as @sayantan_gh.

[Disclaimer: The opinions, beliefs, and views expressed by the various authors and forum participants on this website are personal and do not reflect the opinions, beliefs, and views of ABP News Network Pvt Ltd.]

Why Did BJP Change Its Bankipur Candidate Against Prashant Kishor? Lalu Yadav, Fodder Scam Link Emerges

Bharathi SP — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 13:45:59 +0530

The Bankipur Assembly by-election in Bihar has witnessed a dramatic political twist after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) replaced its candidate just a day after he filed his nomination papers. Abhishek Kumar, popularly known as Bunty, withdrew from the contest citing personal and family reasons. However, the Congress has alleged that the BJP was compelled to change its nominee because of his family's reported links to the multi-crore fodder scam.

The development has added fresh political heat to the bypoll, with the BJP quickly announcing Neeraj Kumar Sinha as its new candidate. Sinha is now set to take on Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor in a contest that is expected to draw significant attention in Bihar's political landscape.

Abhishek Kumar Withdraws, Says Decision Is Personal

Soon after withdrawing his nomination, Abhishek Kumar wrote to BJP state president Sanjay Sarawagi, thanking the party leadership for choosing him as the NDA candidate while explaining that he could no longer remain in the race because of family circumstances.

Addressing reporters later, an emotional Kumar reiterated that his withdrawal stemmed solely from personal and family reasons, without providing further details, as per a reports.

The BJP wasted little time in naming Neeraj Kumar Sinha as its replacement candidate on Friday, ensuring there was no delay in its campaign for the crucial bypoll.

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Congress Targets BJP Over Candidate Change

The Congress was quick to question the BJP's explanation, claiming the party withdrew Kumar's candidature because of his family's alleged connection to the fodder scam.

Mishra further alleged that the BJP feared defeat in the constituency and changed its candidate to minimise political damage ahead of the election.

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Fodder Scam Link And Why Bankipur Matters

According to sources, Kumar's father, Ravindra Prasad, was among those convicted in the fodder scam case that also involved former Bihar Chief Minister and RJD president Lalu Prasad Yadav.

Ravindra Prasad, who served as the manager of Magadh Chemical Corporation, was sentenced to three years in prison. The scam involved fraudulent withdrawals of nearly Rs 139 crore, with the Central Bureau of Investigation filing three chargesheets between 2001 and 2003. After examining 575 witnesses and over 4,200 documents, the agency secured convictions against 75 individuals, including Ravindra Prasad, in 2022.

Party insiders said the BJP feared Prashant Kishor would make Kumar's family background a key campaign issue, potentially weakening the party's position in Bankipur. According to sources, the leadership decided to replace Kumar as a precaution before the campaign gathered momentum.

The by-election was necessitated after BJP leader Nitin Nabin vacated the Bankipur seat following his election to the Rajya Sabha. Formerly known as Patna West, the constituency has remained a BJP bastion since 1995, when Nabin's father, Navin Kishore Sinha, first won the seat.

Who Is Neeraj Kumar Sinha? BJP's New Bankipur Bypoll Candidate Replaces Abhishek Kumar

Sneha — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 18:40:43 +0530

Bankipur Bypoll: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has named Neeraj Kumar Sinha as its candidate for the Bankipur Assembly by-election, replacing Abhishek Kumar, who withdrew from the contest.

Abhishek Kumar, who had filed his nomination only a day earlier, submitted a letter to the BJP's state leadership announcing that he would not contest the by-election.

Why Abhishek Kumar Withdraws Nomination?

"I express my gratitude to the central and state leadership of the Bharatiya Janata Party for nominating me as the NDA candidate for the Bankipur Assembly by-election. However, with due humility, I wish to state that I am unable to contest the election due to family reasons. I will continue to serve the party with dedication as a worker," Abhishek said in his statement.

The Bankipur Assembly seat fell vacant after BJP leader Nitin Navin resigned as MLA following his election to the Rajya Sabha.

Meanwhile, the BJP has also named Ashutosh Tiwari as its candidate for the Datia Assembly by-election.

The last date for filing nominations for the by-elections is July 13.

Who Is Neeraj Kumar?

Neeraj Kumar Sahu, born on July 1, 1994, in Patna, Bihar, is a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader from the state. The son of Late Mukund Kumar and Late Saroj Devi, he resides in Mithapur B Area, near the Post Office, Patna (PIN: 800001). He is unmarried and holds a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree.

Neeraj joined the BJP as a primary member in 2006 and has steadily risen through the party ranks over the years. He has served as the Booth President and Mandal General Secretary of Narendra Bharti Mandal, besides holding the post of District Vice-President of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM). He has also been elected Mandal President twice and is currently serving as the President of Narendra Bharti Mandal.

He comes from a family with a long association with the BJP's ideological predecessor, the Bharatiya Jana Sangh. His uncle, Late Narendra Bharti, was a dedicated Jana Sangh worker who passed away in 1984. In recognition of his contributions, the local BJP organisational unit was named Narendra Bharti Mandal in his honour.

Bihar Bankipur Bypoll: RJD Names Rekha Gupta, Ends Prashant Kishor Speculation

PTI — Mon, 6 Jul 2026 23:32:07 +0530

Patna: The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) on Monday declared Rekha Gupta its candidate for the by-election to Bankipur assembly seat in Bihar, bringing to an end the speculations of Mahagathbandhan offering support to Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor.

Announcement to the effect was made at a press conference, where state RJD president Mangani Lal Mandal claimed it was "the decision of the entire Mahagathbandhan" to field Gupta, who had earlier contested the seat on the party's ticket in last year's assembly polls.

"Rekha Kumari alias Rekha Gupta had contested the seat in the November, 2025 polls in which she had garnered close to 47,000 votes. Now, that the seat has fallen vacant upon the resignation of BJP national president Nitin Nabin, we have decided to field her again," Mandal said.

The RJD leader, who was speaking in the presence of top party colleagues, including principal national general secretary Abdul Bari Siddiqui, national general secretary Bhola Yadav and national treasurer Sunil Kumar Singh, was also asked about rumours that ally Congress wanted to back Kishor as a joint candidate of the entire opposition on a seat that has been, for decades, a BJP bastion.

Mandal replied, "We have never heard anything of the sort from the Congress leadership. Rest assured that the candidature of Rekha Gupta enjoys the backing of all our allies. We have not laid claim to a seat where our partners were in the fight. Bankipur had been contested by the RJD the last time. So, we are again entering the fray." While the BJP is yet to announce its candidate for the bypoll, those who have so far thrown their hats in the ring include Kishor and local social activist Veena Manvi, who has been fielded by Janshakti Janata Dal of Tej Pratap Yadav, the estranged elder son of RJD supremo Lalu Prasad.

(Disclaimer: This report has been published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. Apart from the headline, no editing has been done in the copy by ABP Live.)

EC Announces Bypolls For 3 Assembly Seats In Bihar, MP & Gujarat: Check Full Schedule

Bharathi SP — Thu, 2 Jul 2026 14:00:06 +0530

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday announced the schedule for by-elections to three Assembly constituencies in Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. Polling will be held on July 30, while the counting of votes is scheduled for August 3.

The bypolls have become necessary due to the resignation, disqualification and death of sitting legislators in the three states.

Three Assembly Seats To Go To Polls

The by-elections will be conducted in the following Assembly constituencies:

Bankipur Assembly constituency (Bihar): The seat fell vacant following the resignation of Nitin Nabin.
Datia Assembly constituency (Madhya Pradesh): The vacancy arose after the disqualification of Rajendra Bharti.
Manjalpur Assembly constituency (Gujarat): The bypoll has been necessitated by the death of Yogeshbhai Narandas Patel.

The Election Commission has initiated the process to fill these vacancies in accordance with the provisions of the Representation of the People Act.

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Polling On July 30, Counting On August 3

According to the schedule announced by the Election Commission, polling for all three Assembly constituencies will take place on July 30, 2026.

The votes will be counted on August 3, 2026, after which the results for all three by-elections will be declared.

The Commission is expected to issue detailed notifications outlining the nomination process, scrutiny of nomination papers, withdrawal of candidatures and other election-related procedures.

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Political Parties Set For Key Electoral Test

The by-elections will be closely watched as they offer political parties an opportunity to test their support in the three states ahead of future electoral contests.

With the vacancies arising under different circumstances, including resignation, disqualification and the death of a sitting legislator—the contests are expected to attract significant political attention in Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat.

The Election Commission has directed the respective state election machinery to make all necessary arrangements to ensure the smooth and peaceful conduct of polling.

BJP Announces New State Team Ahead Of UP Elections 2027; Rajnath Singh’s Son Named Vice President

Vishal Pandey — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 12:53:33 +0530

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has unveiled its new Uttar Pradesh state organisation, appointing several senior leaders to key positions ahead of the crucial assembly elections in the state, expected to be held early next year.

Among the notable appointments, Neeraj Singh, son of Union minister Rajnath Singh, has been named a state vice president. Former minister Suresh Rana and Archana Mishra have also been appointed as vice presidents in the new team.

The party has simultaneously announced a fresh set of general secretaries and regional presidents as part of a broader organisational restructuring in the country's most politically significant state.

New General Secretaries Named

The BJP has appointed Abhijat Mishra, Shankar Lodhi, Dilip Patel and Rajesh Chaudhary as state general secretaries.

Party leaders said the new appointments were made with an eye on maintaining organisational balance across regions and social groups while strengthening the party's grassroots structure.

The reshuffle comes at a time when the BJP is focusing on further consolidating its organisational network across Uttar Pradesh eyeing a consecutive third term in the politically sensitive state.

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Six Regional Presidents Appointed

The party has also announced six regional presidents to oversee organisational activities in different zones of the state.

Vinod Rai has been appointed regional president for Gorakhpur, while Avadhesh Dwivedi will lead the Awadh region. Ashok Chaurasia has been entrusted with the responsibility of the Kashi region.

Ramkishore Sahu has been named regional president for Kanpur, Nawab Singh Nagar for the western region, and Puran Lodhi for the Braj region.

Focus on Youth Leadership

According to party sources, the formation of the new team places special emphasis on encouraging younger leaders within the organisation.

As part of this approach, the BJP fixed an upper age limit of 35 years for the post of state president of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), the party's youth wing.

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Key Meetings Held Before Team Formation

The announcement comes amid a series of important organisational meetings within the party.

On Wednesday, BJP National General Secretary Vinod Tawde met Uttar Pradesh BJP president Pankaj Chaudhary. The two leaders held discussions for nearly 30 minutes and reviewed the proposed names for the new state team.

According to sources, the names of office-bearers included in the revamped organisation were discussed in detail before being forwarded for approval. The party's central leadership is expected to finalise the list and related organisational decisions soon.

Early Poll Bugle In Punjab, Goa And UP? BJP Steps Up Preparations Amid Census 2027 Buzz

Bharathi SP — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 08:49:17 +0530

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has stepped up election preparations in several states amid growing speculation that assembly elections due early next year could be held ahead of schedule to avoid overlapping with the 2027 Census. Party leaders across key states have reportedly been advised to accelerate organisational efforts as discussions gain momentum over the possibility of advancing the polls by a few weeks or even months.

The states expected to be affected include Goa, Punjab, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh, while uncertainty continues to surround the election timeline in Manipur due to the state's prolonged security challenges.

Census-Election Overlap Raises Administrative Concerns

A major factor behind the discussions is the anticipated strain on government manpower. Both the Census and assembly elections require extensive deployment of teachers and government employees, creating concerns over staffing shortages if the two exercises occur simultaneously.

The nationwide Census process is scheduled in two stages. While the house-listing phase is currently underway, the population enumeration exercise is set for February 2027 and will include caste-based data collection.

To avoid scheduling conflicts, some BJP leaders in Uttarakhand have suggested conducting elections as early as December 2026, allowing administrative personnel adequate time before Census duties begin.

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BJP Seeks To Capitalise On Political Momentum

Beyond logistical considerations, party leaders believe an early election could provide strategic advantages.

Within the BJP, there is a view that the momentum generated by the party's recent success in West Bengal should be leveraged before political conditions change. Leaders argue that factors which contributed to the victory there could also shape electoral outcomes in states such as Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

The prospect of carrying recent electoral gains into upcoming contests has reportedly strengthened support within the party for an accelerated election schedule.

Punjab, Goa And UP Begin Ground Mobilisation

In Punjab, political activity has intensified with both the BJP and the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) appearing to prepare for an earlier-than-expected contest. Recent announcements by AAP leadership have fueled speculation that polls could arrive sooner than scheduled.

The BJP, contesting without its former alliance partner Shiromani Akali Dal, has already directed its workers to strengthen grassroots outreach and organizational efforts.

Meanwhile, in Goa, where the BJP emerged as the largest force in the 2022 assembly election, party leaders are reportedly preparing for a shorter campaign window. There are concerns that opposition groups could gain traction on issues related to land use and environmental policy if the election timetable remains unchanged.

In Uttar Pradesh, the BJP is said to be receptive to the idea of an early election as it seeks a third consecutive term in one of the country's most politically significant states.

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Manipur's Timeline Remains Uncertain

Unlike the other states expected to head to the polls, Manipur's election schedule remains unclear. The northeastern state has witnessed recurring ethnic violence since 2023, with tensions involving multiple communities continuing to pose challenges for normal political activity.

Naveen Patnaik Sounds Poll Bugle, Asks BJD Cadre To Gear Up For 2027 Civic Elections

PTI — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 15:53:55 +0530

Bhubaneswar, Jun 11 (PTI) BJD chief Naveen Patnaik has asked party workers to begin preparations for the 2027 panchayat and urban local body elections, urging them to remain connected with people.

Addressing an organisational meeting attended largely by candidates who lost the 2024 state elections, Patnaik urged party leaders not to lose confidence because of the electoral setback and the quitting of some leaders.

During the meeting here on Wednesday, he interacted with BJD leaders and took feedback on the party's organisational status in different constituencies and local issues.

"Face the situation with confidence and remain connected with people. In the last two years since the BJP assumed office, the law and order situation has deteriorated. People are living in fear," Patnaik alleged.

He claimed that incidents of murder, rape, loot and crimes against women had increased, and asked party leaders to highlight public issues and fight for people's rights.

The former CM also alleged that the state's economic condition had worsened.

"The BJD government left a surplus of Rs 45,000 crore when it relinquished power, but the state's debt has increased in the last two years," he asserted.

He alleged irregularities in the disbursement of social security pension to the elderly and differently abled beneficiaries.

Patnaik said the BJD government had earned recognition during its 24-year tenure through initiatives in disaster management, food security and welfare programmes for women, farmers and students.

"As the panchayat and municipal elections are approaching, you must prepare with full confidence. Give more importance to social media as it reaches people quickly," he told the party workers.

Patnaik also asked party leaders to remain vigilant during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

"We have to work cautiously and ensure that not a single eligible voter's name is deleted because of a minor typographical error," he said.

The BJD chief also hailed the success of the party's 'Nari Adhikar Abhiyan', claiming that the campaign had received a positive response in 120 assembly constituencies.

(Disclaimer: This report has been published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. Apart from the headline, no editing has been done in the copy by ABP Live.)

Rajya Sabha Elections: Will Wait Until June 8 Before Taking Call, Says Congress

Sneha — Sat, 6 Jun 2026 19:00:11 +0530

With the June 8 deadline for filing nominations for the Rajya Sabha elections approaching, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president BK Hariprasad on Saturday indicated that the party is keeping its options open regarding the final seat and is closely watching the opposition's moves.

Speaking to reporters, Hariprasad said the Congress would decide its next course of action after assessing the BJP's candidate lineup.

"8th is the last day, we will wait till the 8th and see how many candidates will be fielded by the BJP. Then we will see. We have filed 4, one more will be filing on Monday," Hariprasad said.

#WATCH | Bengaluru: On Rajya Sabha elections 2026, Karnataka Congress president BK Hariprasad says, "8th is the last day, we will wait till the 8th and see how many candidates will be fielded by the BJP. Then we will see. We have filed 4, one more will be filing on Monday..." pic.twitter.com/4FGs2ggh1S
— ANI (@ANI) June 6, 2026

Congress, BJP Announce Candidates For Rajya Sabha

The Congress on Thursday announced seven candidates for the Rajya Sabha elections scheduled for June 18. The list includes party president Mallikarjun Kharge, who has been nominated from Karnataka.

The party has also fielded Mansoor Ali Khan and Pawan Khera from Karnataka, Meenakshi Natarajan from Madhya Pradesh, Neeraj Dangi from Rajasthan, Praveen Chakravarty from Tamil Nadu and Pranav Jha from Jharkhand.

Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) released its list of 11 candidates for the biennial and by-elections to the Rajya Sabha from multiple states.

The BJP's Central Election Committee cleared the candidature of Tai Tagak from Arunachal Pradesh; Rajubhai Shukla, Mukeshbhai Rathwa, Mansingh Parmar and Jitendra Meghjibhai Kanzariya from Gujarat; Tarun Chugh and Rajneesh Agrawal from Madhya Pradesh; A Sharda Devi from Manipur; and Alka Gurjar and Satish Poonia from Rajasthan.

For the Rajya Sabha by-election in Odisha, the BJP has nominated Debashish Samantaray.

Rajya Sabha Election

Earlier, on June 3, the Election Commission issued the notification for biennial elections to 24 Rajya Sabha seats across 10 states. The seats include four each in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat; three each in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh; two in Jharkhand; and one each in Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Manipur and Meghalaya.

The nomination process is underway, with June 8 being the last date for filing papers.

The Election Commission has also announced by-elections to one Rajya Sabha seat each in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Odisha.