In a bid to address the plight of MGNREGS workers in West Bengal, Rahul Gandhi writes to Prime Minister Modi urging the release of pending funds. Gandhi's letter comes amidst Mamata Banerjee's protests against the Centre for withholding the funds. Banerjee, announcing the state's plan to pay pending wages to 21 lakh workers, has been vocal about the issue, even leading a delegation to meet PM Modi previously. Despite recent tensions between Banerjee's Trinamool Congress and the Congress party, Gandhi reaffirms Banerjee's membership in the INDIA alliance, stressing unity ahead of the upcoming elections.

According to sources, Senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi is poised to contest the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections from Rajasthan, transitioning from her current role as a Lok Sabha MP representing Rae Bareli. The Congress is anticipated to unveil its candidates for the Rajya Sabha polls, with Rajya Sabha MP Akhilesh Prasad Singh speculated to be nominated from Bihar. Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Ajay Maken are also purportedly in line for Congress candidature. With elections for 56 seats across 15 states scheduled for February 27, the Congress is expected to finalize its nominees within the next one to two days.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's NDA government secured victory in the Bihar trust vote with 129 MLAs backing the alliance, including three from the opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). Despite RJD's objections, the new government received overwhelming support amidst a walkout by opposition members. Nitish Kumar, who recently assumed the JD(U) chief position, vowed to probe alleged corruption during RJD's tenure. In a fiery speech, he criticized the previous administration's governance. Meanwhile, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav slammed Nitish Kumar, pledging to thwart Prime Minister Narendra Modi's influence in Bihar. The political saga unfolded as the 'Mahagathbandhan' coalition faced setbacks, with Speaker Awadh Bihari Chaudhary's removal and RJD defections to the NDA.

The Congress declares it will contest all Lok Sabha seats in Punjab following failed talks with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which announced its decision to go solo in the state. Despite this setback, both parties express commitment to the INDIA bloc. AAP's move adds strain to the Opposition alliance, with the party unilaterally naming candidates in various states. Talks continue in other regions. Congress leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge, emphasize their capability to contest independently, marking a shift in their electoral strategy.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expresses confidence in securing majority as three JD(U) MLAs skip a vital meeting ahead of the state's floor test. With the NDA having 128 MLAs against the Grand Alliance's 115, the absence of JD(U) legislators adds uncertainty. Deputy CM Vijay Kumar Sinha dismisses fears, accusing the opposition of keeping MLAs confined. BJP MLAs return for the floor test, emphasizing a strategy for upcoming elections. The outcome of the floor test on Monday will determine the stability of Nitish Kumar's government in Bihar.

Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra criticize BJP, alleging the use of nails on roads to hinder farmers' Delhi-bound march on Feb 13. Rahul Gandhi accuses PM Modi of deceptive policies, claiming unfulfilled promises to farmers. Priyanka Gandhi questions the government's commitment to farmers' welfare. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge in Punjab vows to repeal black laws suspended by Modi but not officially withdrawn. The party pledges support to farmers' cause. Tensions rise ahead of the planned protest as Congress promises justice and removal of contentious laws if voted to power in 2024.

Acharya Pramod Krishnam faces a six-year expulsion for repeatedly making 'anti-party' statements, according to an official statement. The decision follows Krishnam's recent meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and inviting him to lay the foundation stone for Shri Kalki Dham. The party accuses him of indiscipline and violations. The expulsion comes amid Krishnam's participation in the Ram temple 'Pran Pratishthan' ceremony and praise for the Ram Mandir inauguration, crediting PM Modi. The move underscores Congress's response to dissenting voices and actions perceived as against party interests.

Rajya Sabha witnessed a heated exchange as Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar sternly criticized Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge for an alleged insult to Bharat Ratna awardee Chaudhary Charan Singh. Kharge questioned the allowance for RLD's Jayant Chaudhary to speak, prompting Dhankhar's strong response, stating he won't tolerate any disrespect to Charan Singh. Amid the uproar, Jayant Chaudhary expressed shock at the Congress's approach, emphasizing the non-political nature of honoring Charan Singh. Union Minister Piyush Goyal urged Kharge to apologize for his remarks in the parliamentary session.

Days after leaving the Congress, ex-Maharashtra Minister Baba Siddique has joined Ajit Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), dealing a blow to his former party. Siddique, a prominent face in Mumbai Congress for 48 years, criticized Congress, saying, "My condition in the Congress was how curry leaves are used to enhance the taste of food." This follows former Union Minister Milind Deora's recent shift to Shiv Sena. Siddique expressed his decision to join Ajit Pawar's group, emphasizing his journey from Congress to NCP. The move aligns with the Election Commission's recognition of Ajit Pawar's faction as the legitimate NCP.

In a significant blow to opposition unity, Arvind Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) announced plans to contest all 13 Lok Sabha seats in Punjab independently, with one seat in Chandigarh. Kejriwal criticized the Congress, alleging a lack of significant achievements during its rule in Punjab. The move adds to the turmoil within the opposition bloc, already shaken by Mamata Banerjee's solo stance in West Bengal and Nitish Kumar's departure to the BJP-led NDA. The decision complicates the electoral landscape, with uncertainties also looming over alliances in Uttar Pradesh. Kejriwal's AAP aims to replicate its successful Punjab Assembly election performance on the parliamentary stage.