A controversy has erupted over Congress leader Sonia Gandhi’s upcoming autobiography, Belonging: A Journey of Love in India, after Penguin Random House India (PRHI) said it would not publish the book in India.

The book was scheduled to be released on November 10 and reportedly covers Sonia Gandhi’s political journey, along with details surrounding her decision not to accept the post of Prime Minister after the 2004 Lok Sabha elections.

Reports suggested that the publisher decided against releasing the book after the author refused to make certain editorial changes. However, Penguin Random House India has denied that this was the reason for its decision.

In a clarification, the publisher said it would be inaccurate to claim that the book was rejected because the author refused to make editorial changes. It stated that as a publisher, it has both the right and responsibility to fact-check the contents of a book and make suggestions to the author as part of the normal publishing process.

The development has drawn criticism from several Congress leaders. Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath and Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi have opposed the publisher’s decision.

Gehlot alleged that pressure had been put on the publisher to remove references concerning Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the issue of Chinese occupation. He also questioned whether there were other reasons behind Penguin India’s decision.

The controversy has now sparked a wider debate over editorial freedom, the role of publishers in fact-checking and editing political memoirs, and whether sensitive political references influenced the decision not to publish the autobiography in India.

The book’s future publication plans and whether it will be released through another publisher remain a matter of interest.

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A political controversy erupted on Independence Day after the BJP alleged that Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi attempted to stop the full rendition of ‘Vande Mataram’ during the flag-hoisting ceremony at the Congress headquarters in New Delhi.

The Congress has rejected the allegation, saying the full version of the national song was sung at the event and that nobody interrupted it. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said Sonia Gandhi’s gestures during the programme were being misinterpreted.

Congress Issues Clarification

According to Jairam Ramesh, Sonia Gandhi was not objecting to ‘Vande Mataram’. He said she was instead signalling for a chair to be brought for Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, who had been standing for a long time.

Ramesh maintained that the complete rendition of ‘Vande Mataram’ was performed in accordance with the prescribed protocol and that there was no attempt to stop the song. Congress leader Pawan Khera also rejected the allegation, saying there was no disruption during the rendition.

What Does the New Vande Mataram Law Say?

The Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026 extends statutory protection to ‘Vande Mataram’, placing it under the same legal framework that protects the national anthem. Parliament passed the legislation in July, and it received presidential assent.

Under the amended law, intentionally preventing the singing of ‘Vande Mataram’ or causing a disturbance to an assembly engaged in its rendition can attract imprisonment of up to three years, a fine, or both.

Debate Over Full Rendition

The new protocol and legal protection for ‘Vande Mataram’ have also triggered political debate. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has questioned the practicality of making the full rendition compulsory, arguing that respect for the national song cannot simply be created through legislation.

The latest controversy at the Congress headquarters has added another political dimension to the wider debate over the national song and its place in official ceremonies.

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Young Voters Could Influence Electoral Equations Across Seven States

Indian politics may be witnessing a shift in electoral strategy, with Gen-Z voters emerging as a new and influential political constituency. The trend has gained attention following recent bypoll results and youth-led protests, which have sparked debate over whether young voters are moving beyond traditional caste and religious considerations.

The upcoming Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Manipur and Goa are expected to put this new voting bloc under the spotlight. Gen-Z voters aged around 18 to 29 account for nearly 22% of the electorate across these seven states, making them a potentially decisive factor.

Why Political Parties Are Focusing on Gen-Z

Recent youth movements in India and neighbouring countries have highlighted the growing political awareness of younger generations. In India, protests over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations have also brought youth concerns to the centre of political discourse.

Political leaders across parties are increasingly talking about issues that matter to younger voters, including employment, education, examination reforms, opportunities and governance.

22% Vote Share Could Change Results

The potential impact of Gen-Z becomes clearer when election margins are considered. Of the 940 Assembly seats across the seven states, around 257 seats recorded victory margins of 5% or less in the previous elections.

Uttar Pradesh has around 2.8 crore Gen-Z voters, accounting for nearly 21% of its electorate. Gujarat has around one crore, Punjab 46 lakh, Uttarakhand 15.8 lakh, Himachal Pradesh 12.5 lakh, Manipur 4.59 lakh and Goa around 2.07 lakh.

Even a relatively small shift in young voters could influence closely contested constituencies.

A New Electoral Equation

The rise of Gen-Z could challenge long-standing caste- and religion-based electoral calculations. BJP, Congress and other political parties are increasingly seeking to connect with younger voters.

With elections expected within the next several months, the key question is whether the current youth sentiment will remain strong. If it does, Gen-Z could become one of the most important factors shaping India’s next electoral battles.

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The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress suffered a major setback after Odisha Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy rejected their petitions seeking disqualification of 11 MLAs over alleged cross-voting during the Rajya Sabha elections.

The Speaker dismissed the applications, stating that the petitions submitted by both parties were incomplete and lacked sufficient facts and evidence. The rejected pleas involved eight BJD MLAs and three Congress MLAs.

According to Speaker Surama Padhy, the applications did not contain the required supporting documents. The enclosure papers attached with the petitions were not properly signed, and the required affidavits verifying the petitions were also not submitted. She said the petitions were rejected due to the absence of proof and factual evidence as per Rule 6, Sub-Rule 6 and 7.

The Rajya Sabha elections were held in March this year, following which allegations of cross-voting were raised against 11 MLAs. The BJD had accused eight of its MLAs of voting against the party line and demanded cancellation of their Assembly membership.

The BJD MLAs named in the petition included Souvik Biswal, Debi Ranjan Tripathy, Chandramani Kanhar, Subhashini Jena, Naba Kishore Mallik, Ramakanta Bhoi, along with suspended party MLAs Sanatan Mahakud and Aravinda Mohapatra. The party had approached the Speaker seeking action against them.

The Congress had also filed a petition seeking disqualification of three of its MLAs — Sofia Firdous, Ramesh Jena and Dasarathi Gamang — alleging that they had cross-voted during the election.

All the concerned MLAs had appeared before the Speaker and presented their side.

Reacting after the dismissal of the BJD petition, MLA Aravinda Mohapatra criticised the party’s move and called it a “mistake”. He said that they had voted according to their own choice and that cross-voting in a Rajya Sabha election does not automatically lead to disqualification. He alleged that the BJD was trying to remain in public discussion through such actions.

BJD MLA Debi Ranjan Tripathy had earlier openly admitted voting for BJP-supported Rajya Sabha candidate Dilip Ray. He said he supported Ray because of his association with the legacy and ideals of former Chief Minister Biju Patnaik.

After the cross-voting controversy, the BJD had issued show-cause notices to six MLAs. In his reply, Tripathy strongly criticised the notice issued by BJD Chief Whip Pramila Mallik, calling it baseless and unconstitutional.

Citing a Supreme Court judgment, Tripathy had argued that party whip provisions do not apply in Rajya Sabha elections and accused the party of violating Election Commission guidelines. He also warned of legal action if the notice was not withdrawn.

Another BJD MLA Ramakanta Bhoi had also responded in a similar manner.

Souvik Biswal too had admitted to cross-voting, stating that he voted for the candidate who had the blessings of “Biju Babu”. He also expressed anger over past events involving his family and said his decision was influenced by those grievances.

The Speaker’s decision has now brought a new twist to the political controversy surrounding the Rajya Sabha election cross-voting issue in Odisha.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 10, 2026, achieved a historic milestone in Indian politics by becoming the country’s longest-serving elected Prime Minister. With a tenure of 4,399 consecutive days in office, Modi has surpassed the record previously held by India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru.

The achievement comes as the Modi government completes 12 years in office at the Centre, marking another significant chapter in the country’s political history.

Modi Surpasses Nehru’s Record

Jawaharlal Nehru had held the record with a continuous tenure of 4,398 days, serving as Prime Minister from May 1952 until his death on May 27, 1964. Political observers note that Modi’s record is particularly significant because it represents an uninterrupted and fully elected tenure.

Former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi served for nearly 14 years in total, but her tenure was not continuous, making Modi’s achievement unique in India’s democratic history.

NDA Meeting Scheduled in Delhi

To mark the occasion and review future political strategies, a key National Democratic Alliance (NDA) meeting is scheduled at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on Tuesday afternoon.

Prime Minister Modi, senior BJP leaders and heads of NDA alliance partners are expected to attend the meeting. Discussions are likely to focus on the coalition’s future roadmap and several important political issues.

In addition, Modi will hold a separate meeting with Chief Ministers and Deputy Chief Ministers of NDA-ruled states. A special dinner has also been planned for the leaders later in the day.

From Humble Beginnings to National Leadership

Narendra Modi’s political journey is widely regarded as one of the most remarkable in Indian politics. Born into a modest family, he spent his early years helping his father, who sold tea at a railway station.

Before entering electoral politics, Modi worked as a dedicated pracharak of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). He became the Chief Minister of Gujarat in 2001 and served in the position for nearly 13 years before leading the BJP to victory in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.

He subsequently secured consecutive electoral victories in 2019 and 2024, cementing his position as one of India’s most influential political leaders.

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BJP Unveils Candidate for Rajya Sabha Polls

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has finally ended speculation surrounding its candidate for the upcoming Rajya Sabha election by announcing senior leader Debashish Samantaray as its nominee. The decision, approved by the party’s Central Election Committee, has triggered widespread discussion in Odisha’s political circles.

The surprise nomination has caught many observers off guard, especially as several heavyweight leaders were reportedly in contention for the coveted seat.

Strategic Move by BJP Leadership

Political analysts believe the BJP leadership has chosen Debashish Samantaray with a long-term strategy in mind. The party is looking to further strengthen its organizational base in Odisha while preparing for future political challenges in the state.

Samantaray’s extensive political experience and strong grassroots connect are believed to have played a crucial role in securing the party’s confidence. Sources indicate that the final approval for his candidature came from the party’s central leadership after careful deliberation.

Rajya Sabha Contest Takes an Interesting Turn

With Debashish Samantaray entering the race, the Rajya Sabha election has become one of the most closely watched political contests in Odisha. Given the current numerical strength and political equations in the state Assembly, his path to the Upper House is widely seen as favorable.

However, political observers are now keenly watching how opposition parties respond to the BJP’s move and whether they will alter their strategies ahead of the voting process.

Focus on National Representation

The nomination is being viewed as part of the BJP’s broader effort to maintain organizational balance within the state unit while ensuring experienced leaders represent Odisha at the national level.

Party insiders believe Samantaray’s presence in the Rajya Sabha could help strengthen Odisha’s voice on national issues and contribute to the BJP’s policy and political outreach in Parliament.

Nomination Filing Scheduled Ahead of June 18 Poll

Following the announcement, celebrations reportedly broke out among Samantaray’s supporters across the state. He is expected to file his nomination papers soon for the Rajya Sabha election scheduled for June 18.

As political activity intensifies, all eyes are now on the upcoming election and the impact Samantaray’s candidature could have on Odisha’s evolving political landscape.

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Senior Congress leader D.K. Shivakumar was sworn in as the 18th Chief Minister of Karnataka on Wednesday, bringing an end to a prolonged leadership debate that had dominated political discussions for nearly two years.

The swearing-in ceremony was held at the Glass House in Lok Bhavan, where Karnataka Governor Thawarchand Gehlot administered the oath of office and secrecy to Shivakumar.

G. Parameshwara Takes Oath as Deputy Chief Minister

Alongside Shivakumar, senior Dalit leader G. Parameshwara, who previously served as Karnataka’s Home Minister, took oath as the Deputy Chief Minister. Twelve other ministers were also inducted into the new cabinet, marking the beginning of a new Congress-led administration in the state.

Top Congress Leaders Attend Ceremony

The oath-taking ceremony witnessed the presence of several prominent Congress leaders, including AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, and Congress General Secretary K.C. Venugopal.

Earlier in the day, Shivakumar and former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah welcomed Kharge and Rahul Gandhi at the HAL Airport in Bengaluru ahead of the swearing-in event.

Industry Leaders and Celebrities Present

The ceremony drew participation from several distinguished personalities from various fields. Among those present were Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy and his wife, Rajya Sabha MP Sudha Murty, former Indian cricketer Anil Kumble, actress Jayamala, and Kannada film star Shiva Rajkumar.

Their presence added significance to the high-profile political event.

Family Members Join Celebrations

Shivakumar’s wife Usha and daughter Aishwarya attended the swearing-in ceremony and joined in celebrating the landmark moment in his political career.

Sonia Gandhi Extends Congratulations

Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi congratulated Shivakumar over the phone following his swearing-in. She also advised him to work collectively and carry all sections of the party along as he begins his tenure as Chief Minister.

New Chapter for Karnataka

With Shivakumar now at the helm, the Congress government is expected to focus on governance, development, and fulfilling its electoral commitments. His elevation to the state’s top post marks a significant milestone in Karnataka politics and a major achievement in his long political journey.

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