The political battle between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) intensifies over Delhi's health model versus the Centre's Ayushman Bharat scheme, ahead of the Delhi assembly elections. AAP promotes its health model as a success, while BJP labels it a hoax, accusing the Delhi government of depriving the elderly of central health benefits. Delhi's Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj criticizes the Ayushman Bharat scheme as restrictive and redundant. The BJP's Delhi unit has filed a petition against AAP's decision not to implement the scheme, while Delhi's Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena accuses the AAP's health model of corruption. Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticizes Delhi and West Bengal for not rolling out the scheme, apologizing to the elderly in these states. The debate highlights the growing elderly population in Delhi and the political implications of health policy decisions.

The Haryana cabinet, led by Nayab Singh Saini, has implemented the Supreme Court's order on the sub-classification of scheduled castes, aiming to consolidate the BJP's Dalit outreach in the state. This move, ahead of the assembly polls, seeks to address the needs of 'deprived scheduled castes' by providing a 10% sub-quota in state government jobs. The BJP's strategy focuses on gaining support from non-dominant castes, such as Balmikis and Dhanaks, which contributed to its electoral success. The decision has sparked criticism from Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati, who views it as a divisive tactic. The Supreme Court's ruling allows states to make sub-classifications within scheduled caste quotas, provided they are justified by data.

In the Haryana elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is facing challenges in retaining support among Dalit communities, as evidenced by their reduced performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls compared to 2019. The Congress, along with its INDIA bloc ally Aam Aadmi Party, has gained ground, particularly in assembly segments reserved for Scheduled Castes (SCs). The BJP's efforts to reconnect with Dalit communities through schemes like the B R Ambedkar housing scheme are highlighted, while the Congress leverages its Dalit leadership and activist groups. Other political alliances, such as the Bahujan Samaj Party-Indian National Lok Dal and Azad Samaj Party-Jannayak Janata Party, are also competing for influence. The article underscores the significance of Dalit votes in shaping Haryana's political landscape.

The Haryana Assembly met for an average of 14.4 days per year over five years, significantly below the national average of 23 days for state assemblies from 2017 to 2023. The 17th Lok Sabha, affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, sat for 54.5 days annually, marking the lowest among full-term Lok Sabhas. In contrast, the 14th Kerala Assembly was one of the best performing, meeting for 46.4 days annually. The Haryana Assembly's 12th and 13th terms had even fewer sitting days than the 14th term.

Arvind Kejriwal, leader of the Aam Aadmi Party, has resigned as Delhi's Chief Minister to seek public validation amid corruption allegations. With Delhi assembly elections approaching, Kejriwal aims to reconnect with voters by campaigning as an anti-corruption crusader. The BJP and Congress lack leaders with Kejriwal's charisma, and the AAP hopes to leverage its welfare schemes to regain voter support. The BJP has accused Kejriwal of corruption, while the Congress remains divided on collaborating with AAP. The political landscape in Delhi remains competitive as parties strategize for the upcoming elections.

Sitaram Yechury, a prominent leader of the Communist Party of India-Marxist, played a significant role in shaping India's Left movement by advocating for electoral and social alliances. Known for his pragmatic approach, Yechury was instrumental in the formation of the United Front and United Progressive Alliance governments. He also influenced Nepal's Maoist rebels to join multi-party democracy. Despite internal disagreements within the CPI-M, Yechury remained a respected figure, contributing to the party's outreach efforts. He passed away at 72, leaving behind a legacy of political engagement and cultural appreciation.

The Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) are considering reviving their seat-sharing alliance for the upcoming Haryana assembly elections, aiming to prevent vote splitting and defeat the BJP. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi emphasized the importance of a united front within the INDIA bloc. The Congress has proposed that AAP contest five seats, while the Samajwadi Party and Left parties could contest one seat each. Negotiations are ongoing, with key figures from both parties involved. The BJP plans to contest all 90 seats, having previously run a coalition government with the Jannayak Janta Party. Haryana votes on October 5, with results expected on October 8.

The bypolls to one Lok Sabha and six assembly seats across five states resulted in a mixed outcome for both the opposition and the BJP. The Biju Janata Dal and Congress retained their respective seats in Odisha and Chhattisgarh, while the BJP secured victories in Uttar Pradesh's Rampur Sadar and Bihar's Kurhal. The Samajwadi Party held onto Mainpuri, despite losing Rampur Sadar. The BJP did not succeed in Khatauli, UP, where the Rashtriya Lok Dal claimed victory. BJP's win in Bihar's Kurhani was highlighted by party chief J P Nadda, marking a defeat for the JDU and the ruling grand alliance.

The INDIA bloc has called for the immediate release of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren during a rally in Delhi. Sunita Kejriwal, the wife of Arvind Kejriwal, conveyed the message at the event, highlighting the bloc's stance against the detention of these political leaders.