5-state election in November: A curtain raiser for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections
Setting the stage for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the year 2023 witnessed assembly elections in five states- Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Mizoram- during the month of November. Securing victory in Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, the BJP now governs 17 Indian states. (Image credit: AP)
3 state elections in February, 1 in May
With the northeastern states of Meghalaya, Nagaland and Tripura going to polls in February and the southern state of Karnataka in May. (Image credit: AP)
Congress strengthens its foothold in the South; wins Karnataka, Telangana elections
Emerging victorious in Karnataka and Telangana, the Indian National Congress strengthened its foothold in the south. Even though the BJP demonstrated its strong presence in the central India, it lost its sole government in the south- Karnataka. (Image credit: ANI)
North-east election results: BJP retains power
Four north-eastern states went to polls this year with the BJP returning to power in Tripura and Nagaland. Meanwhile, in Meghalaya, the National People's Party (NPP) returned to power with the support of the BjP. In Mizoram, Zoram People’s Movement emerged victorious. (Image credit: AP)
Opposition unites for and as INDIA
INDIA which is an acronym for Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance, is an opposition front announced by the leaders of 26 parties to take on the BJP in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The key objectives of INDIA include- defeating the BJP in the 2024 general elections, protecting the Constitution of India, promoting inclusive development and upholding the secular values of India. (Image credit: ANI)
Bharat jodo yatra ends 'with a new beginning' in Srinagar
The 3,570-km yatra, which started from Kanyakumari on September 7, wound up in Srinagar on January 30 this year with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi posting on X, "Bharat Jodo Yatra is the most beautiful and deep experience of my life. This is not the end, it's the first step, a beginning." (Image credit: PTI)
Unprecedented suspension of MPs; INDIA bloc's strength reduced by 50% in RS, 33% in LS
The winter session of the Parliament witnessed an unprecedented move as 146 MPs from both the Houses were suspended for unruly behaviour and causing disruptions during a fierce showdown with the Centre over security breach in the Parliament. After the suspensions, the strength of the opposition bloc INDIA was reduced to nearly half in Rajya Sabha. In Lok Sabha, the front lost one-third of its members. (Image credit: ANI)
Delhi excise policy case: ED arrests Manish Sisodia, Sanjay Singh
In a major setback to Aam Aadmi Party, the Enforcement Directorate arrested Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh on money laundering charges in connection with its probe into the alleged Delhi liquor policy scam. (Image credit: IANS)
Cash-for-query row: Mahua Moitra gets suspended from the Lok Sabha
The Lok Sabha Ethics Committee suspended the TMC MP Mahua Moitra for sharing her login credentials with the businessman Darshan Hirandani in exchange for gifts. Moitra was accused by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey of asking questions in Lok Sabha about the Adani Group at the whim of businessman Darshan Hiranandani in exchange for gifts. (Image credit: PTI)
Bihar government releases caste survey report
Highlighting the caste divide, the caste survey report revealed by the Bihar government showed nearly one crore families in Bihar, about a third of the total, are making ends meet at an income of meagre Rs 200 or less per day. Further, the report said that more than 94.4 lakh families live in poverty, with a monthly income Rs 6,000 or less in Bihar. Meanwhile the year witnessed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi reiterating his party's resolve to conduct caste census in the country if voted to power in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. (Image credit: ANI)
From women's reservation to the EC: Key bills passed this year
The Parliament witnessed the passage of certain key bills including the three criminal bills that would replace the existing Indian Penal Code (IPC), Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) and Indian Evidence Act. Further, the women's reservation bill, also called Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, which seeks to provide 33% reservation to women the lower house and legislative assemblies was passed. Meanwhile, the controversial Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill, 2023 was passed amid opposition walkout. (Image credit: ANI)
New Parliament building- 'temple of democracy'- inaugurated
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new Parliament building installing the sacred 'Sengol' in the Lok Sabha chamber. PM Modi, who prostrated before the 'Sengol' and sought blessings from priests of various adheenams, described the new building as the 'temple of democracy' and 'cradle of empowerment'. However, the entire opposition did not attend the inauguration ceremony. (Image credit: Reuters)