UPDATED: Nov 5, 2026 11:09 ISTA major political face-off has erupted between the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party after Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to an open debate. The challenge centres on allegations concerning foreign interference and opposition loyalty, with Gandhi claiming that seventy-three per cent of respondents in his online poll supported holding such an interaction.
In response, the BJP maintained that Parliament remains the appropriate constitutional venue for debates rather than street rallies or social media platforms. Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju criticised the Congress leader, offering a seven-point advice package that urged him to avoid secret overseas visits, participate in parliamentary discussions, respect constitutional institutions, and dismantle dynastic party structures.
Concurrently, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh defended the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, asserting that democratic change must occur through the ballot rather than civil unrest. Read MoreVIDEOS FROM OTHER SECTIONSLATEST VIDEOSUS Midterms: Owaisi Cites Michigan Senate Win To Attack BJP And Samajwadi Party In UPA political war of words has broken out in Uttar Pradesh following the election of Abdul El-Sayed to the United States Senate from Michigan.
All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen chief Asaduddin Owaisi drew parallels between the American election and Uttar Pradesh politics, stating that while the Bharatiya Janata Party claims 'Abdul' fixes punctures and the Samajwadi Party says he lays carpets, democracy has seen him become a senator. Owaisi asserted that in Uttar Pradesh, the community will now produce legislators and leaders rather than laying carpets for other parties.
In response, the Samajwadi Party accused Owaisi of acting as a 'Hyderabadi Abdul' and serving as the Bharatiya Janata Party's proxy to divide minority votes. Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party reacted by stating that earlier governments deceived the community for votes and money, whereas welfare schemes under the current leadership have delivered tangible benefits to all without discrimination.Delhi AQI Breaches 400 in 18 Areas; Smog Envelopes NCR as AAP-BJP ClashAir quality across Delhi-NCR plunged into the severe category just ahead of Diwali, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) breaching the 400 mark at 18 monitoring stations, according to Central Pollution Control Board data.
Severe levels were reported in several locations, with Jahangirpuri recording the highest AQI at 459, followed by IIT Delhi at 447 and Delhi Technological University at 436. Thick smog blanketed the skyline, triggering health complaints of eye irritation and breathing difficulties.
Authorities noted the enforcement of Graded Response Action Plan measures, with stricter restrictions under consideration as weather forecasts predict severe conditions over the coming days. The deteriorating air quality sparked a sharp political dispute between the Delhi and Punjab governments over stubble burning.
While allegations were raised accusing Punjab of failing to curb farm fires, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann dismissed the claims, maintaining that local farmers were not responsible for the national capital's toxic air.Delhi Air Quality Turns Severe, Stubble Burning Spikes Farm Fires in PunjabAir quality across the national capital has deteriorated into the hazardous and severe category, with the Air Quality Index crossing the 400 mark across 18 stations in Delhi. Jahangirpuri emerged as the worst affected area, recording an index of 459, while monitoring stations at IIT Delhi neared the 450 mark.
A thick layer of smog enveloped the National Capital Region, prompting advisories regarding the use of N95 masks and indoor air purifiers, particularly for the elderly and people with respiratory conditions. Meanwhile, political sparring over farm fires escalated as Punjab recorded over 2,300 stubble burning cases up to November 4.
Tarn Taran registered the highest count with 558 cases, followed by Patiala with 110 cases. Despite over 600 FIRs registered and 40 lakh rupees collected in penalties, stubble burning incidents continue to rise across the state.