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Republic Day celebrations across India included political messages from leaders and parties urging citizens to uphold constitutional values. In Uttar Pradesh, leaders from different parties used the occasion to speak about democracy, equality and commitment to the Constitution while joining flag-hoisting and local programmes linked to the national day.
India’s Budget Session is scheduled to open on 28 January 2026 with the President’s address to a joint sitting of both Houses. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the session will continue until 2 April, with a recess from 13 February to 9 March.
Rahul Gandhi has accused the BJP and the Election Commission of misusing the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, saying the exercise is being weaponised to dilute the right to vote and selectively remove voters in key areas.
Kerala Assembly proceedings were disrupted as the opposition demanded Devaswom Minister V N Vasavan’s resignation over the Sabarimala gold theft case. The House was adjourned amid sloganeering and counter-allegations, with the opposition alleging pressure on the investigation and the government accusing rivals of politicising the issue.
A Supreme Court Constitution Bench has held that courts cannot impose fixed deadlines on the President or Governors for granting or withholding assent to bills, while allowing limited directions only in cases of prolonged, unexplained inaction.
The Supreme Court has agreed to test the constitutional validity of a provision granting the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners broad, continuing protection from civil and criminal proceedings for acts done in official duty. The PIL argues the clause risks putting the Election Commission beyond accountability, raising questions over the balance between independence and oversight.
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav alleged that redevelopment projects in parts of Uttar Pradesh led to temple demolitions, desecration of idols and removal of sacred trees. He urged public scrutiny of such projects and demanded impartial review to protect heritage and environment.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the Budget Session 2026 will begin on January 28 and continue till April 2, with a recess from February 13 to March 9. The session will open with President Droupadi Murmu’s address to a joint sitting.
A seating arrangement at the Republic Day parade became a fresh flashpoint between the Congress and the BJP on January 26, 2026. The Congress questioned why Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge were seated in the third row, calling it a protocol issue, while the BJP rejected the charge and defended the arrangements.
Delhi security agencies moved to a high-alert posture after intelligence inputs warned of possible coordinated attacks around Republic Day, with the alleged codename ‘26-26’. Authorities intensified monitoring, placed posters of wanted individuals at entry points, and focused on guarding religious sites and crowded public areas.
Marking National Voters’ Day on 25 January, Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to eligible youth to register and participate actively in elections. In his message, he framed voting as a core democratic responsibility and emphasised the role of first-time voters in strengthening India’s institutions.
In the 130th episode of Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked eligible young Indians to sign up as voters the moment they turn 18, describing voting as central to democracy and a key responsibility under the Constitution, a day before Republic Day celebrations.