Friday, March 13
Sharad Pawar praised the RSS for its ideological commitment while urging his party to rally behind progressive leaders' ideals. Reflecting on election losses, he stressed improving communication with OBCs and bridging caste divides, particularly in Marathwada. Pawar announced a revamp and plans to allocate 50% of election tickets to new faces in the NCP.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi made his podcast debut with Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath on the 'People by WTF' channel. The two-hour conversation explored Modi's early life, education, and political career. Modi shared anecdotes from his childhood and emphasized the importance of mission-driven individuals in politics. Kamath expressed his nervousness, while Modi acknowledged it as his first podcast experience.
A fierce encounter takes place between security forces and Maoists in Sukma, Chhattisgarh. The operation involves the District Reserve Guard, Special Task Force and CoBRA. Deputy CM Vijay Sharma confirms three Maoists killed, making it nine neutralised this year. The encounter follows an IED blast that killed eight jawans in Bijapur.
Congress faces challenges in the Delhi polls, struggling against AAP and internal divisions within the INDIA bloc. Leaders from allied parties express concerns over the alliance's future and leadership, with AAP gaining support from regional parties, which complicates Congress's efforts to regain its position.
As of January 1, 2025, women voters outnumber men in 13 states and one Union Territory, with new entries including Assam, Karnataka, and Nagaland. Nationwide, the total female electorate is still 2.33 crore fewer than males among 99-crore voters. Notable states with high third-gender electors include Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra.
Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah called for clarity on the INDIA bloc's alliance amid the Congress-AAP clash in the Delhi assembly elections. He urged opposition parties to decide if the alliance was only for Lok Sabha elections or also for assembly polls. Tensions have risen with Congress attacking AAP's governance and demanding a return to ballot papers.
