Scenes of chaos erupted in Parliament as MPs clashed not over the Budget or the President’s address, but over books. Congress MPs protested with General M M Naravane’s memoir, while BJP MP Nishikant Dubey entered the Lok Sabha carrying multiple books targeting the Nehru-Gandhi family and alleged scams. Despite repeated warnings from the Chair, the uproar escalated, papers were torn and proceedings were adjourned yet again. Priyanka Gandhi accused the government of using Dubey to deliberately disrupt the House, while Dubey defended his move and demanded a discussion on banned books. As slogans drown debate, governance takes a backseat.
US President Donald Trump seals a trade reset with India, slashing reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods from 25% to 18%—touted as a diplomatic win for PM Modi. India gains easier US market access, export boosts, and potential supply chain shifts. But the fine print sparks controversy: concessions on Russian oil purchases, pressure to buy more American goods, and fears over strategic autonomy. Opposition leaders like Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra slam the government in Parliament for "bowing" to Washington, accusing it of compromising farmers and national interest. Government defends the deal, assuring protections. A sealed pact abroad ignites fierce debate at home—what did India really give up?
On January 26, 1950, India’s Constitution came into force, shaping the world’s largest democracy. Seventy-seven years later, it remains central to political debate. This Republic Day, the Congress once again highlighted its “Save the Constitution” narrative, a theme it foregrounded during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Party leaders Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra reiterated the importance of protecting constitutional values such as justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. While the Congress frames the Constitution as a shield for democracy, the BJP counters by recalling the Emergency imposed in 1975. Today, Samvidhaan stands as both a legal foundation and a powerful political symbol.
Wedding bells are ringing for the Gandhi–Vadra family as Raihan Vadra, son of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Robert Vadra, announces his engagement to longtime partner Aviva Baig. Reports say the couple celebrated with a private, close-family ceremony in Ranthambore, sharing pictures and a throwback moment that quickly went viral. Aviva Baig, a Delhi-based photographer and media professional, has also drawn attention for her creative work and background. Robert Vadra posted blessings for the couple as fans and social media reacted to the big announcement.
The couple is expected to formalise their long-term relationship with a private engagement ceremony in Rajasthan, likely in early January 2026.
Sources told India Today that arrangements are already in progress, with an emphasis on keeping the gathering intimate and away from the public gaze.
Rahul Gandhi is back at the centre of a political storm. Speaking in Berlin, the Leader of Opposition alleged vote theft, misuse of central agencies, and an assault on India’s institutions, questioning the fairness of recent elections. The BJP hit back hard, accusing Rahul Gandhi of insulting India on foreign soil, branding his remarks as a “Bharat Badnam Yatra.” Union ministers and BJP leaders launched a multi-pronged counter-attack, while even an INDIA bloc ally struck a note of caution. Inside the Congress, fresh leadership murmurs have emerged after a senior MP publicly backed Priyanka Gandhi, giving the BJP fresh ammunition.
This week brought temporary respite for the Gandhis in the National Herald case, as a Delhi court refused to take cognisance of the Enforcement Directorate’s complaint against Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. The court observed that the complaint was based on an FIR and was therefore non-maintainable at this stage. However, the ED has said it will challenge the order, maintaining that it will not hamper the larger probe. So what exactly is the National Herald case, and what are the charges? Let’s break it down.
Delhi continues to battle severe air pollution as thick smog blankets the national capital, pushing air quality into the ‘severe’ and ‘very poor’ categories. Amid public health concerns, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa apologised to residents, stating that efforts were underway to address the crisis. However, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra criticised the government, calling the response delayed and inadequate. The exchange escalated further as political leaders traded remarks inside and outside Parliament. While Delhi’s AQI showed marginal improvement, opposition parties continue to demand parliamentary discussion as the government faces criticism over its pollution control measures.
Parliament witnessed high-voltage drama as the Narendra Modi government introduced the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), or VB-G RAM G Bill, aiming to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). The proposed law increases guaranteed rural employment from 100 to 125 days but shifts 40% of the funding burden to states, unlike MGNREGA, which was fully Centre-funded. The Opposition slammed the move as an attempt to dismantle a flagship welfare scheme linked to Mahatma Gandhi, accusing the BJP of centralising power and diluting workers’ rights. The government defended the bill, with Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan calling it a welfare reform rooted in “Ram Rajya” values and insisting Gandhi lives “in our hearts.” Protests erupted inside and outside Parliament, including a dramatic rooftop demonstration, while NDA ally TDP flagged concerns over increased financial strain on states. Despite the uproar, government sources say the Centre is determined to pass the VB-G RAM G Bill in this session and push it through in the upcoming Budget Session, maintaining that the scheme’s name will not be changed.
Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi raised strong objections in the Lok Sabha regarding the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). She highlighted that the proposed changes could weaken the legal right to employment for rural workers, increase central control, and reduce state responsibility. Priyanka Gandhi emphasized the importance of ensuring 100 days of guaranteed work for the poorest citizens and stressed that fund allocation should be demand-based and transparent. She also criticized procedural shortcuts in passing the bill without detailed discussion and consultation. Her speech underscored concerns over rural livelihoods, state economies, and the fundamental principles of the Panchayati Raj system.





