Now Reading: Today in India: 16 August 2026
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Today in India: 16 August 2026
BJP seeks Sonia Gandhi apology over Vande Mataram
BJP leaders Suvendu Adhikari and Amit Shah criticised Congress chairperson Sonia Gandhi over a video from the party headquarters on Independence Day. They alleged she spoke while Vande Mataram was being sung. The leaders demanded an apology, while the Congress has not indicated any response to the allegations.
Jharkhand students set August 18 deadline for demands
JPSC and JSSC aspirants protesting in Jharkhand have given the Hemant Soren government until August 18 to address their demands. Student leaders said they may surround the Chief Minister’s residence on August 20. The protest entered its 22nd day, with organisers saying they had moved away from peaceful methods.
Amit Shah demands Sonia Gandhi apology over national song
Union Home Minister Amit Shah accused the Congress of insulting Vande Mataram and sought an apology from Sonia Gandhi. Speaking at a rally in Chittorgarh, he referred to the party’s Independence Day programme and invoked poet Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, who wrote the national song.
Bar Council chief apologises to NALSAR students
Bar Council of India chairperson Manan Kumar Mishra apologised to NALSAR students after an order froze enrolment for the 2026 graduating batch. In an Independence Day letter, Mishra said he regretted any words that had hurt students’ feelings. The dispute had triggered strong opposition from the law students.
Former Bengal deputy speaker Ashis Banerjee found dead
Ashis Banerjee, a former deputy speaker of the West Bengal Assembly and five-time Trinamool Congress MLA, was found hanging at a party office in Rampurhat, Birbhum, on Sunday. Police sent the body for post-mortem. Sources said a purported suicide note was recovered, though its contents were not disclosed.
Chidambaram responds to Modi’s ‘dimagi naxal’ remark
Congress leader P Chidambaram said he was ‘proud to be a dimagi naxal’ in a post on X. His remark followed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day warning against ‘dimagi naxals’. Chidambaram’s response added a fresh political exchange to the debate over the Prime Minister’s description.
Bengal leader says Ashis Banerjee faced no corruption case
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said former Trinamool Congress MLA Ashis Banerjee faced no corruption case. He said no notice had been issued and denied that police pressure played a role in the death. Banerjee was found dead at a party office in Rampurhat on Sunday.
Former Bengal deputy speaker found hanging at party office
Ashis Banerjee, a veteran Trinamool Congress leader and former deputy speaker, was found hanging at a party office in Rampurhat on Sunday morning. Police recovered a purported suicide note, according to officials. The body was sent for post-mortem, and authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding his death.
Fauzi poster triggers debate over possible AI use
The makers of Prabhas-starrer Fauzi released an Independence Day poster showing the actor as a faceless, battle-worn figure amid smoke and flames, with the Charminar in the background. Its design prompted discussion about possible artificial intelligence use. The production team presented the image as part of the film’s freedom-themed promotion.
Filmmaker Raja Sen dies at 71 in Kolkata
Veteran Bengali filmmaker Raja Sen died at SSKM Hospital in Kolkata after a prolonged illness. He was 71, according to the report, though another account listed his age as 70. A hospital doctor said he had multiple lung-related complications. Sen won the National Film Award three times.
The closing thought
The day’s political debate was marked by sharp exchanges over Vande Mataram and the phrase ‘dimagi naxal’, while student protests and a law education dispute showed continuing pressure on institutions. The death of Ashis Banerjee calls for careful investigation rather than immediate political conclusions. Raja Sen’s passing brought a quieter cultural loss. Attention will now focus on the August 18 student deadline and the post-mortem findings.
Read the full stories
- BJP demands Congress apology over Sonia Gandhi Vande Mataram row
- Jharkhand students give Aug 18 deadline, threaten CM residence siege
- Amit Shah, Bankim descendant seek Sonia Gandhi apology over Vande Mataram
- BCI chairperson Manan Mishra apologises to NALSAR students after row
- Former Bengal deputy speaker found dead at TMC office
- Proud to be dimagi naxal, says Chidambaram after PM Modi remark
- Bengal CM says ex-TMC MLA faced no corruption case
- Ex-West Bengal deputy speaker Ashis Banerjee found hanging
- Prabhas' Fauzi poster on Independence Day sparks AI debate
- Bengali filmmaker Raja Sen dies at 71 in Kolkata hospital
This digest was compiled and written by AI from the day’s Indian Opinion coverage.
