Congress has reignited the political battle over voter enrolment by invoking Rajiv Gandhi’s 1988 electoral reform and drawing a sharp contrast with Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the registration of young voters. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh recalled that Parliament amended Article 326 in December 1988, reducing the minimum voting age from 21 to 18, and described the move as one that empowered India’s youth. The fresh attack comes amid the controversy surrounding the revision of electoral rolls and the enrolment of newly eligible 18-year-old voters. Ramesh has described the dispute as a “tale of two PMs”, contrasting Rajiv Gandhi’s decision to lower the voting age with what Congress alleges is an attempt to prevent newly eligible voters from entering the electoral rolls. Congress has also escalated its broader criticism of the Election Commission over the ongoing Special Intensive Revision, while accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah of a “diabolical design” against voters.

The deadly Satya Niketan PG building collapse has put Delhi's student housing crisis under intense scrutiny after seven people were killed and six others injured in the tragedy. The incident has triggered questions over the safety and living conditions inside paying guest accommodations across South Delhi, particularly in areas heavily populated by students. What has emerged from accounts by students is a disturbing picture of cramped, overcrowded and poorly equipped accommodation, with some residents describing rooms as little more than "matchboxes." Students have alleged that they are being charged as much as ₹25,000 for windowless rooms with limited basic amenities. In some accommodations, as many as 10 residents are reportedly dependent on a single toilet. The controversy has also brought allegations of a wider 'PG mafia' network into the spotlight, with critics claiming that landlords and operators are taking advantage of the severe shortage of affordable student accommodation around Delhi's South Campus. WATCH