Congress calls SIR review meet
The Congress has called a review meeting on November 18 for in-charges, State chiefs, legislature party leaders, and secretaries of 12 States and Union territories. The party plans to discuss the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls underway in these regions. Meanwhile, top leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and party chief Mallikarjun Kharge, continued questioning the ECI’s role, alleging widespread vote theft and unfair poll practices. The ECI reported that over 95 per cent of 5.99 crore electors have received enumeration forms, with more than 48.67 crore forms distributed across Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Puducherry, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep. Phase-II of SIR began November 4 and will continue until December 4. The Congress has vowed an in-depth review of results and preparations for upcoming elections.
NDA poised to sweep RS polls
The NDA’s sweeping victory in the Bihar assembly elections positions the alliance to capture all 10 Rajya Sabha seats from the State in next year’s biennial polls, dealing a severe blow to the RJD. Bihar currently sends 16 members to the Upper House, with the RJD holding five seats and Congress one. With two RJD terms ending next year and five NDA members’ terms ending in 2026, the numbers heavily favour the ruling alliance. Experts note that each Rajya Sabha candidate from Bihar requires a minimum of 42 assembly votes, and the NDA’s current 133-seat strength in the State assembly ensures comfortable wins.
The Mahagathbandhan’s 35 seats are insufficient to challenge this. Subsequent Rajya Sabha elections from Bihar are scheduled for 2028 and 2030, but opposition parties remain too weak to secure additional seats. The expected gains will strengthen NDA’s presence in the Upper House, where BJP lacks a standalone majority.
South Africa stuns India
South Africa stunned India by 30 runs in the opening Test at home, claiming their first win in India in 15 years. Chasing 124, India faltered on a turning pitch, being bowled out for 93 in 35 overs. Shubman Gill missed the match due to a neck injury. Off-spinner Simon Harmer starred with eight wickets, exploiting Indian batters’ struggles against quality spin. Despite brief resistance from Washington Sundar (31) and Ravindra Jadeja (18), India’s chase crumbled, with Rishabh Pant scoring just two. Early wickets, including KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal, put India under pressure, while South African captain Temba Bavuma’s 55 not out anchored their innings.
Indian bowlers Ravindra Jadeja (4/50), Kuldeep Yadav (2/30), and Siraj (2/2) shared wickets, but Pant’s tactical choices, including limited use of Bumrah from the dangerous end, drew criticism. The loss highlights India’s ongoing struggles against spin on turning tracks and raises questions about their batting blueprint.
