Editorial Staff
The Politics Desk
The Politics Desk covers Indian politics: parties, elections, Parliament and the state assemblies. Articles under this byline draw on public records, official data and published reporting, and are checked against their sources before publication.
Anti-Defection Law Gives Speakers the First Decision; Two-Thirds Mergers Are Exempt
The Tenth Schedule defines defection, sets a two-thirds merger exception and gives presiding officers the first decision, which courts can review.
Model Code of Conduct Lifted 7 May 2026 Everywhere Except One West Bengal Constituency
The Model Code of Conduct starts when the Election Commission of India announces polls and limits what ministers and parties may do. Here is how it works and when it ends.
