July 15, 2026
JAMMU: The legal team of detained Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Mehraj Malik concluded its arguments Thursday in the high court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, which listed Dec 27 as the next hearing date.Malik, J&K’s lone AAP MLA, has several cases registered against him, including one under the stringent Public Safety Act (PSA) for allegedly disturbing public order. He is presently lodged in Kathua jail.He had filed a habeas corpus petition in the high court on Sept 24 challenging his detention and seeking Rs 5 crore as compensation.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Abrupt Variation In Chenab River Flow’: Pakistan Cries Over Indus Water Treaty Suspension’Asking Since June…’: Priyanka Gandhi, Nitin Gadkari Share ‘Appointment’ Banter In Lok Sabha’Possibilities For Expansion’: Argentinian Envoy On Trade Partnership With IndiaCM Mamata Banerjee Renames West Bengal’s Job Guarantee Scheme ‘Karmashree’ After Mahatma GandhiNitish Kumar’s Hijab Shocker: BJP MP Giriraj Singh Defends Bihar CM’s Act With ‘Go To Hell’ RemarkIndia Flags Pakistan Role In Bangladesh Protests, Backs Awami League Demand For Free & Fair PollsIndia’s Silent Exodus: Over Two Lakh Indian Citizens Quit Passports Yearly Amid Changing AspirationsApache AH-64e And Prachand Give India A Two-Front Air Strike Edge From Deserts To High HimalayasLok Sabha Passes Viksit Bharat G Ram G Bill Amid Protests, Opposition Tears Copies Over Gandhi Name‘Worst Is Behind Us’: IndiGo CEO Says Airline Back on Track After Operational Crisis123PhotostoriesDry mouth that won’t go away? Doctor explains if it is dehydration or something elseWinter’s hidden heart hazard: Why cold snaps spike attacksHealthy and delicious snacks under 100 calories for midnight munching8 insanely beautiful Indian destinations to cover before the year ends5 yoga asanas that can help control uric acid naturally6 reasons to eat ripe papaya daily for breakfastDipika Kakar breaks down during her first PET scan after liver cancer surgery; tells Shoaib, ‘I can’t do this without you’Dog breeds that (almost) never bite kidsThese 5 living animals once walked the earth with dinosaurs5 almond recipes for your little one’s brain health123Hot PicksTrump Gold CardUAE WeatherIndia Oman TradeGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays DecemberBank Holidays DecemberTop TrendingPuka Nacua InjuryAnthony Richardson InjuryJosh Allen Car CollectionKobe BryantJayson TatumCam SkatteboPuka NacuaVictor WembanyamaNHL Trade RumorsMike Liaory

JAMMU: The legal team of detained Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Mehraj Malik concluded its arguments Thursday in the high court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, which listed Dec 27 as the next hearing date.Malik, J&K’s lone AAP MLA, has several cases registered against him, including one under the stringent Public Safety Act (PSA) for allegedly disturbing public order. He is presently lodged in Kathua jail.He had filed a habeas corpus petition in the high court on Sept 24 challenging his detention and seeking Rs 5 crore as compensation.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Abrupt Variation In Chenab River Flow’: Pakistan Cries Over Indus Water Treaty Suspension’Asking Since June…’: Priyanka Gandhi, Nitin Gadkari Share ‘Appointment’ Banter In Lok Sabha’Possibilities For Expansion’: Argentinian Envoy On Trade Partnership With IndiaCM Mamata Banerjee Renames West Bengal’s Job Guarantee Scheme ‘Karmashree’ After Mahatma GandhiNitish Kumar’s Hijab Shocker: BJP MP Giriraj Singh Defends Bihar CM’s Act With ‘Go To Hell’ RemarkIndia Flags Pakistan Role In Bangladesh Protests, Backs Awami League Demand For Free & Fair PollsIndia’s Silent Exodus: Over Two Lakh Indian Citizens Quit Passports Yearly Amid Changing AspirationsApache AH-64e And Prachand Give India A Two-Front Air Strike Edge From Deserts To High HimalayasLok Sabha Passes Viksit Bharat G Ram G Bill Amid Protests, Opposition Tears Copies Over Gandhi Name‘Worst Is Behind Us’: IndiGo CEO Says Airline Back on Track After Operational Crisis123PhotostoriesDry mouth that won’t go away? Doctor explains if it is dehydration or something elseWinter’s hidden heart hazard: Why cold snaps spike attacksHealthy and delicious snacks under 100 calories for midnight munching8 insanely beautiful Indian destinations to cover before the year ends5 yoga asanas that can help control uric acid naturally6 reasons to eat ripe papaya daily for breakfastDipika Kakar breaks down during her first PET scan after liver cancer surgery; tells Shoaib, ‘I can’t do this without you’Dog breeds that (almost) never bite kidsThese 5 living animals once walked the earth with dinosaurs5 almond recipes for your little one’s brain health123Hot PicksTrump Gold CardUAE WeatherIndia Oman TradeGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays DecemberBank Holidays DecemberTop TrendingPuka Nacua InjuryAnthony Richardson InjuryJosh Allen Car CollectionKobe BryantJayson TatumCam SkatteboPuka NacuaVictor WembanyamaNHL Trade RumorsMike Liaory

Vamsikrishna01 mins mins

JAMMU: The legal team of detained Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Mehraj Malik concluded its arguments Thursday in the high court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, which listed Dec 27 as the next hearing date.Malik, J&K’s lone AAP MLA, has several cases registered against him, including one under the stringent Public Safety Act (PSA)…

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Christian Eriksen Health Update: Denmark issue statement after footballer collapses, match abandoned | Football News

Christian Eriksen Health Update: Denmark issue statement after footballer collapses, match abandoned | Football News

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Denmark’s and Ukraine’s gather on the pitch after the international friendly match between Denmark and Ukraine was cancelled in Odense, Denmark, Sunday, June 7, 2026, after Christian Eriksen has collapsed on the field again while playing for Denmark’s national team. (Bo Amstrup/Ritzau Scanpix via AP) NEW DELHI: Christian Eriksen was taken to hospital for further…

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Hrithik Roshan Cameo Alpha Trailer: Hrithik Roshan’s blink-and-miss cameo appearance in ‘Alpha’ trailer sends fans into a frenzy: ‘Kabir nation wake up’ | Hindi Movie News

Hrithik Roshan Cameo Alpha Trailer: Hrithik Roshan’s blink-and-miss cameo appearance in ‘Alpha’ trailer sends fans into a frenzy: ‘Kabir nation wake up’ | Hindi Movie News

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Yash Raj Films finally dropped the much-awaited trailer of ‘Alpha’ on Wednesday, offering audiences a glimpse into the latest chapter of its expanding Spy Universe. While the 2.33 minute trailer showcases Alia Bhatt and Sharvari in high-octane action sequences as deadly operatives hunting a common adversary, a fleeting moment featuring Hrithik Roshan ended up dominating…

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Raaj Kumar called everyone ‘Jaani’ as it was his dog’s name, handling him was tougher than handling Amitabh Bachchan, recalls filmmaker

Raaj Kumar called everyone ‘Jaani’ as it was his dog’s name, handling him was tougher than handling Amitabh Bachchan, recalls filmmaker

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Often hailed as one of Indian cinema’s finest actors, Raaj Kumar was known not only for his powerful screen presence but also for his eccentric personality. His dialogues continue to be remembered till date. In a recent interview, filmmaker KC Bokadia recently shared some memories of working with the legendary actor. He revealed that handling…

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SRINAGAR: Two days after claiming that the Centre had in principle agreed to grant Ladakh Union Territory a legislative assembly, a CM and constitutional safeguards similar to Article 371, a key Ladakh representative Sunday said “no final agreement or concrete outcome has been reached as yet”.“Discussions are still underway,” Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) co-chairman Sajjad Kargili said in a statement. “We had shared our draft proposals demanding statehood and sixth schedule safeguards, and the govt has now responded with certain suggestions. It is expected to come up with a formal draft before the next meeting,” said Kargili, who was part of Friday’s talks held in New Delhi with a Union home ministry sub-committee.He said once the draft is received from the MHA, they will hold detailed consultations with constitutional and legal experts, along with other Ladakh representatives.After Friday’s talks, Leh Apex Body (LAB) and KDA members had claimed assurances from the Centre on restoring democracy in Ladakh and providing constitutional safeguards on the lines of Article 371 A, F, and G (s applied to Nagaland, Sikkim and Mizoram).According to LAB and KDA, the Centre told them the only reason why Ladakh cannot be made a state now is that it lacks adequate revenues to meet basic expenses like staff salaries. However, they said, the new model will lead Ladakh towards full statehood after it meets the revenue criteria.MHA had formed a committee on Jan 2, 2023, led by junior minister Nityanand Rai, to address key issues of Ladakh. Since then, several rounds of talks have been held.The process stopped after four people were killed and over 80 injured in alleged police firing on protesters in Leh demanding statehood on Sept 24, 2025.Sonam Wangchuk, LAB member and environmentalist, was accused of inciting the protesters. He was arrested, charged under NSA and kept in Jodhpur jail.The Centre revoked his NSA detention in March this year.After his release, Wangchuk has pressed for such talks. He was part of Friday’s talks with the Centre.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’I Feel Very Bad’: Mamata Reacts After Football Statue Removal From Kolkata StadiumMamata Alleges EVM Rigging, Vote Looting As BJP Wins Falta Repoll; Says INDIA Bloc May Meet In JuneBengal CM Suvendu Adhikari Asks Districts To Set Up ‘Holding Centres’ For Illegal ImmigrantsHome Minister Amit Shah To Review India-Pakistan Border Security In RajasthanTwisha Sharma’s Last Rites Performed In Bhopal As Supreme Court Steps Into Alleged Dowry Death CaseSonam Wangchuk Says Ladakh Was “Heading Towards Another Manipur”, Trust Deficit Still RemainsFalta Repoll Shock: BJP’s Debangshu Panda Wins Big As TMC Slips To Fourth Position’Fastest Man In India Wears Whites’: Indian Navy Lauds Gurindervir Singh As He Sets National RecordRajarhat New Town Booth Flip Sparks Debate After BJP Wins Narrow Bengal Election Contest | WatchDMK Leader Udhayanidhi Stalin Says Congress Lacks Gratitude And Political Credibility | Watch123PhotostoriesThis American state is known as the ‘Rainbow Capital of the World’; what travellers must know before planning a trip hereWhat is Garcinia? Does it actually help in weight lossThese Birth Numbers Will Achieve Success After 35Going outdoors this summer? Doctor warns heat and UV rays may be harming your eyes more than you realiseHollywood’s biggest sequels still to come in 2026: From ‘Toy Story 5’ to ‘Avengers: Doomsday’Are you consuming chia seeds the right way?10 underrated wildlife destinations in Asia that are less crowded than popular safari parksThese birds hunt the world’s deadliest snakes5 amazing red snakes found in IndiaFeeling tired? 5 worst morning habits for your body123Hot PicksWhite House ShootingDelhi traffic advisoryNaseer BestUPSC prelims 2026Mumbai local train newsBengaluru suicideBengal bakrid holidayTop TrendingKarnataka NEET Aspirant SuicideTwisha SharmaCBSE Revaluation Photocopy ProcessBhagwant MannRishabh PantJEE Advanced Response SheetIPL Orange Cap 2026Megan Thee StallionFalta election resultWest Bengal Annapurna Yojana

SRINAGAR: Two days after claiming that the Centre had in principle agreed to grant Ladakh Union Territory a legislative assembly, a CM and constitutional safeguards similar to Article 371, a key Ladakh representative Sunday said “no final agreement or concrete outcome has been reached as yet”.“Discussions are still underway,” Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) co-chairman Sajjad Kargili said in a statement. “We had shared our draft proposals demanding statehood and sixth schedule safeguards, and the govt has now responded with certain suggestions. It is expected to come up with a formal draft before the next meeting,” said Kargili, who was part of Friday’s talks held in New Delhi with a Union home ministry sub-committee.He said once the draft is received from the MHA, they will hold detailed consultations with constitutional and legal experts, along with other Ladakh representatives.After Friday’s talks, Leh Apex Body (LAB) and KDA members had claimed assurances from the Centre on restoring democracy in Ladakh and providing constitutional safeguards on the lines of Article 371 A, F, and G (s applied to Nagaland, Sikkim and Mizoram).According to LAB and KDA, the Centre told them the only reason why Ladakh cannot be made a state now is that it lacks adequate revenues to meet basic expenses like staff salaries. However, they said, the new model will lead Ladakh towards full statehood after it meets the revenue criteria.MHA had formed a committee on Jan 2, 2023, led by junior minister Nityanand Rai, to address key issues of Ladakh. Since then, several rounds of talks have been held.The process stopped after four people were killed and over 80 injured in alleged police firing on protesters in Leh demanding statehood on Sept 24, 2025.Sonam Wangchuk, LAB member and environmentalist, was accused of inciting the protesters. He was arrested, charged under NSA and kept in Jodhpur jail.The Centre revoked his NSA detention in March this year.After his release, Wangchuk has pressed for such talks. He was part of Friday’s talks with the Centre.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’I Feel Very Bad’: Mamata Reacts After Football Statue Removal From Kolkata StadiumMamata Alleges EVM Rigging, Vote Looting As BJP Wins Falta Repoll; Says INDIA Bloc May Meet In JuneBengal CM Suvendu Adhikari Asks Districts To Set Up ‘Holding Centres’ For Illegal ImmigrantsHome Minister Amit Shah To Review India-Pakistan Border Security In RajasthanTwisha Sharma’s Last Rites Performed In Bhopal As Supreme Court Steps Into Alleged Dowry Death CaseSonam Wangchuk Says Ladakh Was “Heading Towards Another Manipur”, Trust Deficit Still RemainsFalta Repoll Shock: BJP’s Debangshu Panda Wins Big As TMC Slips To Fourth Position’Fastest Man In India Wears Whites’: Indian Navy Lauds Gurindervir Singh As He Sets National RecordRajarhat New Town Booth Flip Sparks Debate After BJP Wins Narrow Bengal Election Contest | WatchDMK Leader Udhayanidhi Stalin Says Congress Lacks Gratitude And Political Credibility | Watch123PhotostoriesThis American state is known as the ‘Rainbow Capital of the World’; what travellers must know before planning a trip hereWhat is Garcinia? Does it actually help in weight lossThese Birth Numbers Will Achieve Success After 35Going outdoors this summer? Doctor warns heat and UV rays may be harming your eyes more than you realiseHollywood’s biggest sequels still to come in 2026: From ‘Toy Story 5’ to ‘Avengers: Doomsday’Are you consuming chia seeds the right way?10 underrated wildlife destinations in Asia that are less crowded than popular safari parksThese birds hunt the world’s deadliest snakes5 amazing red snakes found in IndiaFeeling tired? 5 worst morning habits for your body123Hot PicksWhite House ShootingDelhi traffic advisoryNaseer BestUPSC prelims 2026Mumbai local train newsBengaluru suicideBengal bakrid holidayTop TrendingKarnataka NEET Aspirant SuicideTwisha SharmaCBSE Revaluation Photocopy ProcessBhagwant MannRishabh PantJEE Advanced Response SheetIPL Orange Cap 2026Megan Thee StallionFalta election resultWest Bengal Annapurna Yojana

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

SRINAGAR: Two days after claiming that the Centre had in principle agreed to grant Ladakh Union Territory a legislative assembly, a CM and constitutional safeguards similar to Article 371, a key Ladakh representative Sunday said “no final agreement or concrete outcome has been reached as yet”.“Discussions are still underway,” Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) co-chairman Sajjad…

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Updated: Nov 20, 2025, 15:33 IST

Updated: Nov 20, 2025, 15:33 IST

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Shubman Gill not playing the 2nd Test will be a big blow for Team India who are already trailing 1-0 and need a win to salvage a draw. (Image via AP) India captain Shubman Gill is headed for a crucial fitness assessment, leaving the question of his availability for the second Test against South Africa…

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SWAYAM admit card 2026 released for January semester: Direct link to download hall tickets here

SWAYAM admit card 2026 released for January semester: Direct link to download hall tickets here

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

SWAYAM registration 2025: The National Testing Agency has issued the SWAYAM Admit Card 2025 for the July semester examinations, formally activating the next stage of the national online learning assessment cycle. Candidates registered for the Study Webs of Active Learning for Young Aspiring Minds (SWAYAM) July 2025 Semester Exams can now download their hall tickets…

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Black Mamba Snake: Meet the ‘deadly chaser’ snake whose venom stops your heart, brain and kills you in under an hour

Black Mamba Snake: Meet the ‘deadly chaser’ snake whose venom stops your heart, brain and kills you in under an hour

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

Dispelling myths, the black mamba, Africa’s longest venomous snake, is not an aggressive human chaser. Its fearsome reputation stems from its speed and potent neurotoxic venom, which attacks the nervous system, causing rapid paralysis and respiratory failure. These snakes primarily avoid confrontation, with dangerous encounters arising from accidental provocation. Ever since childhood, we have watched…

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NEW DELHI: Does Aam Aadmi Party not want Congress to win in Kerala assembly polls?INDIA bloc’s inability to form a unified front ahead of the Kerala assembly polls was exposed spectacularly after Arvind Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) released successive lists of candidates, signalling its intent to fight a full-scale battle across all 140 seats in Kerala.The southern state, recently rechristened Keralam in a nod to its cultural and linguistic heritage, now stands as the latest battleground where AAP’s ambitions clash head-on with Congress.Kerala’s electoral rhythm has long resisted continuity, with voters mostly denying incumbents a second straight term. That pattern places Congress, the principal opposition, in a seemingly favourable position in the race for power in Thiruvananthapuram.Yet, AAP’s assertive entry adds a twist. Is Kejriwal’s party merely expanding its footprint, or subtly complicating Congress’s path to power? With limited organisational depth in the Malayalam-speaking state, AAP may not hold significant relevance, but with Arvind Kejriwal and his team emerging from the shadow of the Delhi liquor case, their presence could still, if only marginally, alter the political equation in Kerala.The ruling Left, also part of the broader opposition fold, remains Congress’s primary rival, while the BJP trails as a distant third. In this triangular contest, AAP may not significantly dent the Left or the BJP, but it could influence the margins where elections are often decided, by chipping away at Congress’s vote share just enough to alter the final verdict.Is Delhi’s revenge being served in Kerala?2025 began with the startling defeat of the Aam Aadmi Party in Delhi. Earlier, the reluctant allies, AAP and Congress had decided to contest separately, with Congress, having little to lose, launching a belligerent campaign against the ruling Arvind Kejriwal-led dispensation.The grand old party also found an opening as the Kejriwal cabinet came under the scanner in the Delhi liquor policy case, with agencies like the CBI and ED probing the matter. Several senior AAP leaders, including Kejriwal and his deputy Manish Sisodia, faced legal trouble, leading to a phase where the government functioned under the chief ministership of party colleague and loyalist Atishi.While AAP’s defeat ultimately came at the hands of the BJP, Congress also played a significant, if indirect, role in preventing its INDIA bloc ally from securing a fourth consecutive term.The “vote-cutting” factor proved crucial in several constituencies, including New Delhi, where Sandeep Dikshit, son of former chief minister Sheila Dikshit, was fielded against Kejriwal. Though he finished a distant third, the votes he secured contributed to Kejriwal’s defeat and helped the BJP’s Parvesh Verma emerge as a “giant killer.”Hypothetically, had those votes gone to Kejriwal, the outcome might have been different. The AAP’s tally fell sharply from 62 to 22 seats, while Congress once again failed to open its account.The herculean efforts that brought AAP and Congress into an arranged marriage to counter the strong force of the BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, despite years of political bitterness, unravelled once again in the 2025 assembly polls, reflecting a familiar pattern of rivalry.AAP, which rose from the India Against Corruption movement led by Anna Hazare, had directly challenged the government led by Sheila Dikshit and went on to establish a dominant hold over Delhi, reducing Congress from a ruling force to total insignificance.The Congress, once under Sheila Dikshit’s strong leadership for 15 years, has failed to win a single seat in the last two assembly elections (2020 and 2025), and has also drawn blanks in three consecutive Lok Sabha polls (2014, 2019, and 2024).Just as Congress dented AAP’s prospects in the Delhi assembly, AAP may now impact Congress’s chances in states like Kerala, as it seeks to maintain its relevance within the national opposition space.Coalition to confrontationLok Sabha allies turned Assembly rivals, the battle between the estranged partners was anything but graceful.At one rally, Arvind Kejriwal did not hold back: “The problem with Congress is its sense of entitlement. They think they have a divine right to lead the opposition just because of their past, even when they have zero presence on the ground. They are not fighting the BJP; they are fighting regional parties that actually defeat the BJP. In Delhi, Congress is nothing but a ‘vote-cutter’ meant to help the BJP.”Congress, in turn, capitalised on the troubles surrounding the Delhi excise policy case, hitting AAP where it hurt the most.Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra led rallies across Delhi, branding Kejriwal and other AAP leaders as “corrupt.” In one such rally, Rahul Gandhi remarked: “Kejriwal ji keeps lying. The way Narendra Modi lies, Kejriwal lies too. There isn’t much difference between them. But I will tell you one thing—Kejriwal is probably more cunning and sophisticated than even the Prime Minister in how he misleads people.”Weeks later, when a Delhi court discharged Kejriwal and his colleagues in the liquor policy case, Congress alleged it was part of a larger BJP strategy of “Congress-mukt Bharat.”Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera attacked the BJP, calling it an “Icchadhari naag” (shape-shifting serpent), and accused it of using central agencies as political tools.Kejriwal retaliated sharply, questioning Congress’s claims and targeting its leadership: “Kejriwal went to jail. Did Robert Vadra go to jail? Sanjay Singh went to jail. Did Rahul Gandhi go to jail? Did Sonia Gandhi go to jail? What is Congress saying? Does it have no shame?”To diminish Congress’s footprint?Congress, the grand old party with roots in the independence movement, has been grappling with vulnerability for over a decade.Beyond Delhi, it has steadily lost ground across multiple states, allowing the BJP to expand its dominance in national politics. This decline has also opened space for other players to challenge its position within the opposition.Among states like West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, and Kerala which are going to polls, Kerala appears to be the one where Congress still has a realistic chance of returning to power by dislodging the Left. That makes it a crucial battleground.In such a scenario, AAP’s entry could be seen as an attempt to dent Congress further, creating a situation where it will fight for relevance while also limiting Congress’s growth.Kejriwal’s Kerala push, with candidates across constituencies, could help position AAP as a more serious national player. The state offers a relatively low-risk opportunity, allowing AAP to contest without heavy stakes while keeping both BJP and Congress in check.To repeat Gujarat in Kerala?From Delhi and Punjab, Arvind Kejriwal has established a firm political foothold, successfully running a full-fledged government in Punjab under party colleague Bhagwant Mann, while also having governed the Union Territory of Delhi for over a decade with a commanding presence in the Assembly.However, the journey of the Aam Aadmi Party has not been limited to Delhi alone. Its steady, often indirect expansion has positioned Kejriwal as an emerging alternative in national politics. He has also made inroads into Gujarat, long considered a bastion of Narendra Modi.In its Gujarat debut, AAP secured over 13 percent of the vote, significantly impacting Congress. In the 2017 Assembly elections, Congress had secured 42.2 percent of the vote, putting up a strong fight against the BJP after Modi’s shift to national politics. However, AAP’s entry in 2022 disrupted that balance, reducing Congress’s vote share to 27.7 percent.While AAP made an impressive debut with around 13 percent votes, the BJP registered only a marginal increase—from about 50 percent to 53 percent.A similar pattern could unfold in Kerala, where AAP may not emerge as a dominant force but could influence the outcome by cutting into Congress’s vote share, potentially benefiting the incumbent Left—much like it did in Gujarat.To increase AAP’s footprint?The AAP, since its birth in 2013 out of Anna movement, has been in a constant effort to expand its footprint across India. So why not Kerala?For Arvind Kejriwal, ambition has never been confined to Delhi. After dismantling the long-standing dominance of Sheila Dikshit, he quickly stepped onto the national stage, taking on Narendra Modi in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. The contest in Varanasi may have ended in defeat, but it marked Kejriwal’s arrival as a major challenger.He secured over 20 percent of the vote, enough to push Congress to a distant third in Varanasi. Its candidate, Ajay Rai, managed only around 7 percent.The Kerala foray, then, is less an outlier and more a continuation of that journey, an attempt to test the party’s reach in the far south.Beyond its strongholds in Delhi and Punjab, AAP has steadily ventured into new political terrains.In Gujarat, it emerged as a significant player with over 13 percent of the vote, largely at Congress’s expense. In Goa, it secured nearly 7 percent and won two seats, once again cutting into Congress’s base.The party has even marked its presence in Jammu and Kashmir, with Mehraj Malik winning from Doda.From the northernmost reaches of J&K to AAP’s a newfound interest in the southern edge of Kerala.Rahul, Priyanka and Tharoor’s KeralaKejriwal’s entry into Kerala carries symbolic weight, especially for Congress, for whom the state has, in recent years, become a crucial political anchor. In moments of crisis, both Gandhi family scions, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, turned to Kerala.In 2019, when Rahul Gandhi lost his very own Amethi seat, it was Wayanad that delivered him a resounding victory. He returned to Wayanad again in 2024, winning comfortably, though he eventually chose to retain Rae Bareli.“I was a stranger to you and yet you believed in me. You embraced me with unbridled love and affection. It didn’t matter which political formation you supported, it didn’t matter which community you were from or which religion you believed in or which language you spoke,” Rahul said.“I am sad, but I am consoled because my sister Priyanka will be there to represent you. I am confident that she will do an excellent job of being your MP if you decide to giver her the opportunity. My central commitment to both you and the people of Rae Bareli is that we will fight and defeat the hatred and violence being spread in the country,” he added.Stepping aside from Wayanad, Rahul Gandhi thanked the electorate and paved the way for Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s electoral debut from the same constituency. She went on to secure a resounding victory in the bypolls, further cementing the family’s connection with the state.After her win, Priyanka said, “I thank the people of Wayanad for giving me the honor to represent them.It’s a testament to the fact that my brother worked hard there, their love for him, and their trust in me. I feel it’s a great honor, and I will respect it fully.”Beyond the Gandhis, Kerala is also home to one of Congress’s most prominent national faces, Shashi Tharoor, a three-time MP from Thiruvananthapuram.Against this backdrop, Kejriwal’s Kerala push is not just another electoral experiment, it is a move that could unsettle established equations and complicate the political calculus for the state’s entrenched players.Kejriwal vs Rahul?After the formation of the INDIA bloc, the BJP-led NDA retained power at the Centre, with Rahul Gandhi becoming Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha.While Rahul rose to that position, questions over his leadership ambitions persisted. Within the opposition bloc, differences began surfacing, and AAP’s stance often appeared less aligned with him.AAP, at various points, has attempted to project Kejriwal as a potential national challenger to Narendra Modi, subtly sidelining Rahul Gandhi’s prospects.With repeated electoral setbacks for Congress and AAP’s aggressive expansion, the contest within the opposition space may no longer be just against the BJP, but also among its own key playersAbout the AuthorAbhishek MishraAbhishek Mishra is a Digital Content Producer at The Times of India, working with the news desk. He writes with a keen eye on foreign policy, defence developments, and the shifting currents of geopolitics-and yes, Indian politics always finds a way onto his radar too.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosModi Vs Mamata, Himanta Vs Gogoi: Why Pakistan Features In Bengal, Assam Poll RhetoricKhalistan Call In Canada Falls Flat, Low Turnout Exposes Gap Between Online Noise And Ground Reality’Left-Wing Extremism Not Over Yet’: Anand Ranganathan Warns as Amit Shah Calls India Naxal-Free’War Not A Roadblock’: Iran Envoy Fathali Says Chabahar Port Expansion Will Speed Up Post ConflictMajor Security Breach At Delhi Assembly As Car Rams Gate, Driver And Two Others ArrestedPM Modi Hails BJP Karyakartas for Selfless Service on Party’s Foundation DayMamata Banerjee Targets PM Modi Over Silence On Pak Threat To Kolkata Amid Bengal Elections HeatMumbai Arrests Expose Toy Bomb Terror Plot, Pan-India Sweep Uncovers Radical ModuleIndia’s Kandla Port Breaks All Records At 160 MMT Cargo Despite West Asia Crisis, Aims Bigger TargetBJP MP Trivedi Slams Kharge, Accuses Congress of Dividing India Over Regional Lines123Photostories5 easy meal preps for Indian kitchens to save time during busy weekdaysDifference between Circle Rate and Market Rate in India: What every property buyer must know‘City of God’ to ‘Neelakasham Pachakadal Chuvanna Bhoomi’: Malayalam underrated masterpieces‘Bloodhounds 2’, ‘Perfect Crown’ to ‘The Scarecrow’: K-dramas releasing in April 2026 you can stream on OTT‘Maamla Legal Hai’, ‘Trial By Fire’ to ‘Criminal Justice’: Binge-worthy courtroom dramas to watch on OTTBeyond Aloo Jeera and Rasedar Aloo: 7 aloo ki sabji recipes for the entire weekLionel Messi’s .8 million Florida mansion: A perfect blend of luxury, comfort and privacy’Drama’ actress Zendaya’s 5 films to watch on OTT: ‘Challengers’, ‘Dune’ and more5 powerful bathing rituals believed to cleanse energy and uplift your lifeMohammed Shami’s over ₹15 crore expansive farmhouse in Amroha, Uttar Pradesh is all about mango orchards, cricket practice pitches and countryside living123Hot PicksDonald TrumpUpdated IPL Points TableStephen Curry MomSilver Rate TodayHow to Watch KKR vs PBKSPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingVenus WilliamsAsian Stocks TodayStrait of HormuzIPL 2026Bengaluru Fake IPL ticketVijaySanju SamsonCongress Puducherry ManifestoSchool Holidays in AprilKarnataka 2nd PUC Exam Result Date

NEW DELHI: Does Aam Aadmi Party not want Congress to win in Kerala assembly polls?INDIA bloc’s inability to form a unified front ahead of the Kerala assembly polls was exposed spectacularly after Arvind Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) released successive lists of candidates, signalling its intent to fight a full-scale battle across all 140 seats in Kerala.The southern state, recently rechristened Keralam in a nod to its cultural and linguistic heritage, now stands as the latest battleground where AAP’s ambitions clash head-on with Congress.Kerala’s electoral rhythm has long resisted continuity, with voters mostly denying incumbents a second straight term. That pattern places Congress, the principal opposition, in a seemingly favourable position in the race for power in Thiruvananthapuram.Yet, AAP’s assertive entry adds a twist. Is Kejriwal’s party merely expanding its footprint, or subtly complicating Congress’s path to power? With limited organisational depth in the Malayalam-speaking state, AAP may not hold significant relevance, but with Arvind Kejriwal and his team emerging from the shadow of the Delhi liquor case, their presence could still, if only marginally, alter the political equation in Kerala.The ruling Left, also part of the broader opposition fold, remains Congress’s primary rival, while the BJP trails as a distant third. In this triangular contest, AAP may not significantly dent the Left or the BJP, but it could influence the margins where elections are often decided, by chipping away at Congress’s vote share just enough to alter the final verdict.Is Delhi’s revenge being served in Kerala?2025 began with the startling defeat of the Aam Aadmi Party in Delhi. Earlier, the reluctant allies, AAP and Congress had decided to contest separately, with Congress, having little to lose, launching a belligerent campaign against the ruling Arvind Kejriwal-led dispensation.The grand old party also found an opening as the Kejriwal cabinet came under the scanner in the Delhi liquor policy case, with agencies like the CBI and ED probing the matter. Several senior AAP leaders, including Kejriwal and his deputy Manish Sisodia, faced legal trouble, leading to a phase where the government functioned under the chief ministership of party colleague and loyalist Atishi.While AAP’s defeat ultimately came at the hands of the BJP, Congress also played a significant, if indirect, role in preventing its INDIA bloc ally from securing a fourth consecutive term.The “vote-cutting” factor proved crucial in several constituencies, including New Delhi, where Sandeep Dikshit, son of former chief minister Sheila Dikshit, was fielded against Kejriwal. Though he finished a distant third, the votes he secured contributed to Kejriwal’s defeat and helped the BJP’s Parvesh Verma emerge as a “giant killer.”Hypothetically, had those votes gone to Kejriwal, the outcome might have been different. The AAP’s tally fell sharply from 62 to 22 seats, while Congress once again failed to open its account.The herculean efforts that brought AAP and Congress into an arranged marriage to counter the strong force of the BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, despite years of political bitterness, unravelled once again in the 2025 assembly polls, reflecting a familiar pattern of rivalry.AAP, which rose from the India Against Corruption movement led by Anna Hazare, had directly challenged the government led by Sheila Dikshit and went on to establish a dominant hold over Delhi, reducing Congress from a ruling force to total insignificance.The Congress, once under Sheila Dikshit’s strong leadership for 15 years, has failed to win a single seat in the last two assembly elections (2020 and 2025), and has also drawn blanks in three consecutive Lok Sabha polls (2014, 2019, and 2024).Just as Congress dented AAP’s prospects in the Delhi assembly, AAP may now impact Congress’s chances in states like Kerala, as it seeks to maintain its relevance within the national opposition space.Coalition to confrontationLok Sabha allies turned Assembly rivals, the battle between the estranged partners was anything but graceful.At one rally, Arvind Kejriwal did not hold back: “The problem with Congress is its sense of entitlement. They think they have a divine right to lead the opposition just because of their past, even when they have zero presence on the ground. They are not fighting the BJP; they are fighting regional parties that actually defeat the BJP. In Delhi, Congress is nothing but a ‘vote-cutter’ meant to help the BJP.”Congress, in turn, capitalised on the troubles surrounding the Delhi excise policy case, hitting AAP where it hurt the most.Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra led rallies across Delhi, branding Kejriwal and other AAP leaders as “corrupt.” In one such rally, Rahul Gandhi remarked: “Kejriwal ji keeps lying. The way Narendra Modi lies, Kejriwal lies too. There isn’t much difference between them. But I will tell you one thing—Kejriwal is probably more cunning and sophisticated than even the Prime Minister in how he misleads people.”Weeks later, when a Delhi court discharged Kejriwal and his colleagues in the liquor policy case, Congress alleged it was part of a larger BJP strategy of “Congress-mukt Bharat.”Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera attacked the BJP, calling it an “Icchadhari naag” (shape-shifting serpent), and accused it of using central agencies as political tools.Kejriwal retaliated sharply, questioning Congress’s claims and targeting its leadership: “Kejriwal went to jail. Did Robert Vadra go to jail? Sanjay Singh went to jail. Did Rahul Gandhi go to jail? Did Sonia Gandhi go to jail? What is Congress saying? Does it have no shame?”To diminish Congress’s footprint?Congress, the grand old party with roots in the independence movement, has been grappling with vulnerability for over a decade.Beyond Delhi, it has steadily lost ground across multiple states, allowing the BJP to expand its dominance in national politics. This decline has also opened space for other players to challenge its position within the opposition.Among states like West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, and Kerala which are going to polls, Kerala appears to be the one where Congress still has a realistic chance of returning to power by dislodging the Left. That makes it a crucial battleground.In such a scenario, AAP’s entry could be seen as an attempt to dent Congress further, creating a situation where it will fight for relevance while also limiting Congress’s growth.Kejriwal’s Kerala push, with candidates across constituencies, could help position AAP as a more serious national player. The state offers a relatively low-risk opportunity, allowing AAP to contest without heavy stakes while keeping both BJP and Congress in check.To repeat Gujarat in Kerala?From Delhi and Punjab, Arvind Kejriwal has established a firm political foothold, successfully running a full-fledged government in Punjab under party colleague Bhagwant Mann, while also having governed the Union Territory of Delhi for over a decade with a commanding presence in the Assembly.However, the journey of the Aam Aadmi Party has not been limited to Delhi alone. Its steady, often indirect expansion has positioned Kejriwal as an emerging alternative in national politics. He has also made inroads into Gujarat, long considered a bastion of Narendra Modi.In its Gujarat debut, AAP secured over 13 percent of the vote, significantly impacting Congress. In the 2017 Assembly elections, Congress had secured 42.2 percent of the vote, putting up a strong fight against the BJP after Modi’s shift to national politics. However, AAP’s entry in 2022 disrupted that balance, reducing Congress’s vote share to 27.7 percent.While AAP made an impressive debut with around 13 percent votes, the BJP registered only a marginal increase—from about 50 percent to 53 percent.A similar pattern could unfold in Kerala, where AAP may not emerge as a dominant force but could influence the outcome by cutting into Congress’s vote share, potentially benefiting the incumbent Left—much like it did in Gujarat.To increase AAP’s footprint?The AAP, since its birth in 2013 out of Anna movement, has been in a constant effort to expand its footprint across India. So why not Kerala?For Arvind Kejriwal, ambition has never been confined to Delhi. After dismantling the long-standing dominance of Sheila Dikshit, he quickly stepped onto the national stage, taking on Narendra Modi in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. The contest in Varanasi may have ended in defeat, but it marked Kejriwal’s arrival as a major challenger.He secured over 20 percent of the vote, enough to push Congress to a distant third in Varanasi. Its candidate, Ajay Rai, managed only around 7 percent.The Kerala foray, then, is less an outlier and more a continuation of that journey, an attempt to test the party’s reach in the far south.Beyond its strongholds in Delhi and Punjab, AAP has steadily ventured into new political terrains.In Gujarat, it emerged as a significant player with over 13 percent of the vote, largely at Congress’s expense. In Goa, it secured nearly 7 percent and won two seats, once again cutting into Congress’s base.The party has even marked its presence in Jammu and Kashmir, with Mehraj Malik winning from Doda.From the northernmost reaches of J&K to AAP’s a newfound interest in the southern edge of Kerala.Rahul, Priyanka and Tharoor’s KeralaKejriwal’s entry into Kerala carries symbolic weight, especially for Congress, for whom the state has, in recent years, become a crucial political anchor. In moments of crisis, both Gandhi family scions, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, turned to Kerala.In 2019, when Rahul Gandhi lost his very own Amethi seat, it was Wayanad that delivered him a resounding victory. He returned to Wayanad again in 2024, winning comfortably, though he eventually chose to retain Rae Bareli.“I was a stranger to you and yet you believed in me. You embraced me with unbridled love and affection. It didn’t matter which political formation you supported, it didn’t matter which community you were from or which religion you believed in or which language you spoke,” Rahul said.“I am sad, but I am consoled because my sister Priyanka will be there to represent you. I am confident that she will do an excellent job of being your MP if you decide to giver her the opportunity. My central commitment to both you and the people of Rae Bareli is that we will fight and defeat the hatred and violence being spread in the country,” he added.Stepping aside from Wayanad, Rahul Gandhi thanked the electorate and paved the way for Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s electoral debut from the same constituency. She went on to secure a resounding victory in the bypolls, further cementing the family’s connection with the state.After her win, Priyanka said, “I thank the people of Wayanad for giving me the honor to represent them.It’s a testament to the fact that my brother worked hard there, their love for him, and their trust in me. I feel it’s a great honor, and I will respect it fully.”Beyond the Gandhis, Kerala is also home to one of Congress’s most prominent national faces, Shashi Tharoor, a three-time MP from Thiruvananthapuram.Against this backdrop, Kejriwal’s Kerala push is not just another electoral experiment, it is a move that could unsettle established equations and complicate the political calculus for the state’s entrenched players.Kejriwal vs Rahul?After the formation of the INDIA bloc, the BJP-led NDA retained power at the Centre, with Rahul Gandhi becoming Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha.While Rahul rose to that position, questions over his leadership ambitions persisted. Within the opposition bloc, differences began surfacing, and AAP’s stance often appeared less aligned with him.AAP, at various points, has attempted to project Kejriwal as a potential national challenger to Narendra Modi, subtly sidelining Rahul Gandhi’s prospects.With repeated electoral setbacks for Congress and AAP’s aggressive expansion, the contest within the opposition space may no longer be just against the BJP, but also among its own key playersAbout the AuthorAbhishek MishraAbhishek Mishra is a Digital Content Producer at The Times of India, working with the news desk. 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NEW DELHI: Does Aam Aadmi Party not want Congress to win in Kerala assembly polls?INDIA bloc’s inability to form a unified front ahead of the Kerala assembly polls was exposed spectacularly after Arvind Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) released successive lists of candidates, signalling its intent to fight a full-scale battle across all 140 seats…

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