In a day packed with significant developments across politics, law, and international affairs, the stark financial disparity between India's two major national parties has come into sharp focus. Simultaneously, a high-profile legal case saw a major turn, environmental blame games intensified in the capital, a fresh cricket controversy erupted, and a tragic incident in Bangladesh drew global condemnation.
Political Funding: A Colossal Financial Divide
Disclosures submitted to the Election Commission of India have revealed a staggering gap in the financial resources of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress. The data, filed after the recent assembly elections in Delhi, shows the BJP now holds a bank balance exceeding Rs 6,900 crore. This immense war chest is held by the party's central leadership as well as its state and district units.
In stark contrast, the principal opposition party, the Congress, has reported a combined bank balance of merely Rs 53 crore across its headquarters and all state and district units. This vast difference underscores the challenging financial landscape for the grand old party as it prepares for future electoral battles.
Legal Reprieve in Unnao Rape Case
In a significant legal development, the Delhi High Court on Tuesday granted conditional bail to expelled BJP leader Kuldeep Singh Sengar and suspended his jail sentence. Sengar was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment in December 2019 for the rape of a minor girl in Unnao, Uttar Pradesh.
A bench comprising Justices Subramonium Prasad and Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar ordered the suspension of Sengar's sentence for the duration of the pendency of his appeal. The court has set specific conditions for his release on bail, which he must adhere to while his challenge against the trial court's verdict is heard.
Delhi's Air Crisis: LG Blames Kejriwal Government
As Delhi continues to grapple with severe air pollution, a fresh political blame game has erupted. Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena wrote a detailed letter to former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, holding the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government squarely responsible for the capital's deteriorating air quality.
In his 15-page letter, Saxena accused Kejriwal's administration of "11 years of neglect and criminal inaction," which he claims led to the current emergency air situation. This exchange marks another chapter in the ongoing tussle between the LG's office and the elected Delhi government over environmental policy and governance.
Sports Controversy and International Condemnation
Beyond domestic politics, two other stories captured national attention. In sports, a new controversy has marred the recently concluded Under-19 Asia Cup 2025 final. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi announced that Pakistan will file a formal complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) against the Indian Under-19 players. Naqvi accused the Indian team of misconduct and "crossing the line" during the high-stakes match.
On a somber international note, global leaders have united in condemning the brutal lynching of a Hindu man, Dipu Chandra Das, in Bangladesh. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed alarm over the violence, joining a chorus of international lawmakers, including US Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, in calling for accountability and the protection of religious minorities in Bangladesh. The UN has voiced deep concern over the growing unrest in the country.
These five stories collectively paint a picture of a nation navigating complex political rivalries, legal challenges, environmental crises, sporting tensions, and concerned engagement with troubling events in its neighbourhood.
