NEWS OF THE DAY 

1. INDIA Bloc Meets to Plan Joint Agitation Over SIR, CEC’s Removal

Top INDIA bloc leaders met in New Delhi on Wednesday to finalise a joint agitation over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and discuss a proposed motion seeking the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The EC has rejected allegations of procedural irregularities.

2. EC Removes SIR Declaration From Form 6 After Revision Ends

The Election Commission has withdrawn the additional SIR-related declaration from online voter enrolment Form 6 in states where the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls has been completed. The declaration remains on the ECINET portal in states and Union Territories where the SIR exercise is still underway.

3. Sanjay Singh Says AAP Won’t Attend INDIA Bloc Meeting

AAP MP Sanjay Singh said the party is not part of the INDIA bloc and will not attend its meeting on issues concerning the Election Commission. He said AAP supported the impeachment motion against CEC Gyanesh Kumar and was raising concerns over the poll panel’s functioning in Parliament and through protests.

4. Kharge Calls for Pre-SIR Electoral Rolls, Ballot Voting in Future Polls

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge called for using pre-SIR electoral rolls in future elections and voting through ballots instead of EVMs. Addressing the INDIA bloc meeting, Kharge stressed opposition unity and said the alliance would oppose what he described as any move replacing transparency with secrecy. He also reiterated the principle of “one person, one vote, one value.”

5. Abhijeet Dipke Announces Jail Bharo Protest at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park

Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke announced that a “Jail Bharo Andolan” will be held at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park on October 2, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti. Dipke urged political parties and people to join the protest, which comes amid opposition demonstrations over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and demands concerning the Election Commission.

6. West Bengal Forms SIT to Investigate SRFTI Campus Clash

The West Bengal government has formed a special investigation team (SIT) to probe the September 27 clash at Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) in Kolkata. Three cases have been registered over the clash between students and members of ABGP during a campus programme. Several people were injured. The SIT will be headed by Kolkata Police ACP (Crime) Kunal Agarwal.

7. Amit Shah Commends Security Forces Over Arabian Sea Narcotics Seizure

The Indian Coast Guard, along with Gujarat ATS, intercepted an Iranian dhow west of Lakshadweep on September 25 and seized around 526 kg of heroin and methamphetamine worth over Rs 3,000 crore. Five Pakistani nationals aboard the vessel were detained. The dhow and seized contraband were brought to Mumbai for further investigation and legal proceedings.

8. Priyank Kharge Hits Back at Kumaraswamy Over NICE Project Remarks

Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge criticised Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy over his remarks on the NICE project, accusing him of making allegations driven by “jealousy and resentment.” Kumaraswamy has raised concerns over the project and toll collection, while Kharge defended the state government’s position on the issue.

9. Tejashwi Yadav Alleges Conspiracy Against Democracy at INDIA Bloc Meet

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav alleged a “conspiracy against democracy” while speaking at the INDIA bloc meeting on concerns over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. He questioned changes in the process of selecting the Chief Election Commissioner and the shorter period for preserving voting records, alleging that such measures could affect electoral transparency.

10. Hijacking Alert Forces Dubai-Tel Aviv Flight to Divert to Saudi Arabia

A Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv carrying around 180 people was diverted to Saudi Arabia after the aircraft transmitted emergency codes, including one indicating a possible hijacking. The plane landed safely in Tabuk. Israeli security sources later said the incident appeared to involve an altercation between the pilots, and a hijacking was ruled out.

11. Delhi HC Rejects Bail Pleas of Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam in 2020 Riots Case

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday dismissed the bail pleas of Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in the 2020 North East Delhi riots “larger conspiracy” case registered under the UAPA. The court said it was bound by conditions laid down by the Supreme Court and could not modify them. The appeals were accordingly dismissed.

12. Fresh PIL in Delhi HC Seeks Safety Framework for Students Living in PGs

A fresh PIL before the Delhi High Court has sought a dedicated mechanism to monitor the safety and welfare of students living in paying guest accommodations, rented flats and private hostels in Delhi. The plea, filed after the September 6 Satya Niketan building collapse, seeks safety audits, monitoring committees and a 24×7 helpline for students