Mallikarjun

Congress president mallikarjun Kharge criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former US President Donald Trump, stating they share a similarity in "destruction" which fuels their mutual praise. This comes after Trump expressed his "love" for PM Modi and India during a call to the US ambassador in New Delhi.

Posters targeting Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and mallikarjun Kharge appeared on the Wayanad Congress office walls, with threats of defeating Vadra in the next election and warning Wayanad could become the next Amethi. Police have registered a case and are using CCTV footage to identify the culprit.

Congress chief mallikarjun Kharge has strongly criticized the Modi government for recent fuel price increases, alleging it burdens citizens despite stable international crude oil rates. He pointed to significant hikes in petrol and diesel prices over the past decade, contrasting them with the UPA era.

Rahul Gandhi paid tribute to his father, former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, on his 35th death anniversary, vowing to fulfill his vision for a strong and prosperous India. Senior Congress leaders also paid homage at Vir Bhumi, remembering Rajiv Gandhi's contributions to modernizing India through technological and educational reforms.

Actor Satyadev Kancharana's 16th lead role, titled 'Samavarthi', has been unveiled with a compelling first-look poster. Directed by Ajay Nag V, this ecological action thriller promises a distinct avatar for Satyadev, set against a backdrop of nature and environmental conflict. The film, featuring a strong supporting cast, is slated for a multi-language theatrical release.

Polling for the Rajya Sabha elections will take between 9 am and 4 pm, with counting scheduled to begin at 5 pm the same day. The Election Commission said the entire poll process will conclude by June 20. The Commission clarified that voters will be allowed to use only the integrated violet sketch pens supplied by the Returning Officer for marking preferences on ballot papers. Use of any other pen during voting will not be permitted.

Biennial elections for 26 Rajya Sabha seats will be held on June 18, with the BJP-led NDA expected to lose one seat. The Congress-led opposition could see its tally improve to five seats. The elections will cover 12 states, with bypolls also scheduled for Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar dismissed speculation of a rift with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, stating they will visit Delhi if summoned by the party high command. This comes after a meeting with Congress president mallikarjun Kharge amid ongoing rumors about leadership tussle within the state government.

Rahul Gandhi criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for gifting toffees to Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni in Rome, while accusing him of "laughing and filming reels" amid the struggles of farmers, youth, women, workers, and small traders in India. Gandhi deemed the gesture "a farce" and not leadership, contrasting it with an "economic storm" brewing domestically.

Congress leadership is nearing a decision to end Kerala's week-long Chief Minister deadlock after internal party discussions. Senior leaders, including Rahul and Sonia Gandhi, are expected to finalize the successor to the Left Front's decade-long rule. The prolonged uncertainty has somewhat dulled the UDF's election victory, with three prominent figures vying for the top post.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay is set to expand his cabinet, inducting 23 MLAs, including two from the Congress party, marking their return after 60 years. The Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and IUML are also expected to join the council of ministers soon.

The Kerala Congress leadership change has fueled speculation in Karnataka, with Deputy CM D K Shivakumar's supporters pushing for his elevation to the top post. While the party high command has publicly backed Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar's camp sees the Kerala development as a hopeful precedent. The approaching three-year mark of the government's term intensifies the debate over leadership transition.