Aaditya Thackeray Slams Centre for Delaying Navi Mumbai Airport Naming Proposal 2
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray criticized the Union government for stalling the approval of a proposal to name the Navi Mumbai International Airport after late leader DB Patil. The recommendation, made by the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government in June 2022, remains in limbo, drawing ire from Thackeray.
The airport’s construction began in February 2018, and in 2022, the MVA government decided to honor Patil by naming the facility “Loknete Swargiya DB Patil International Airport.” However, the proposal has yet to receive clearance from the BJP-led Central government.
Marking DB Patil’s birth anniversary, Thackeray took to X (formerly Twitter), stating, “In June 2022, the MVA cabinet decided to name the Navi Mumbai International Airport as Shri DB Patil International Airport and forwarded the recommendation to the Union government. Over a year later, the decision still awaits approval.”
He questioned whether such delays were standard practice under the BJP government or a deliberate insult to Maharashtra, emphasizing that repeated reminders to the Union Civil Aviation Ministry over three years had been ignored.
On the late leader’s birth anniversary, Thackeray urged Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu to approve the proposal without further delay.
Thackeray also highlighted another pending naming proposal: the renaming of the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar airport to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Airport, which has been awaiting approval since 2020. He criticized the prolonged inaction as disrespectful to Maharashtra’s legacy and its leaders.
88 Lives Lost in 834 BEST Accidents Over 5 Years: Rs 42.40 Crore Paid in Compensation 4
In the past five years, 834 accidents involving BEST buses have claimed 88 lives in Mumbai, with the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) administration disbursing Rs 42.40 crore as financial compensation to victims and their families. The grim data, revealed through an RTI query filed by activist Anil Galgali, underscores the urgent need for improved safety measures.
According to the detailed response provided by BEST Senior Transport Officer Egal Benjamin, 352 accidents involved BEST buses, resulting in 51 fatalities, while private contractors accounted for 482 accidents, causing 37 deaths. The years 2022-23 and 2023-24 saw the highest fatalities, with 21 deaths recorded each year.
Over five years, Rs 42.40 crore was paid across 494 cases, with the highest compensation of Rs 12.40 crore disbursed in 2022–23 for 107 cases. Other years saw payouts of Rs 9.55 crore (2019-20), Rs 3.44 crore (2020-21), Rs 9.45 crore (2021-22), and Rs 7.54 crore (2023-24).
The administration also reported disciplinary actions against its staff. Twelve employees were dismissed in fatal accident cases, while two were terminated for incidents causing personal injury. Additionally, 24 employees faced suspension for personal injury cases, with others subjected to warnings, recoveries, and demotions.
RTI activist Anil Galgali emphasised the need for stricter safety protocols and greater accountability from both the BEST administration and its employees to prevent further tragedies. These statistics, he noted, highlight the pressing responsibility of BEST to prioritise passenger and public safety.
Liquor Ban in Religious Cities on the Horizon: MP CM Mohan Yadav 6
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced on Monday that his government is actively considering a liquor ban in religious cities to preserve their sanctity.
Addressing concerns raised by saints and residents, Yadav acknowledged that complaints about the negative impact of liquor sales and consumption on the environment in these sacred areas have been mounting.
“The state government is seriously evaluating the suggestions from saints and plans to enhance the policy to implement a liquor ban in religious cities,” Yadav said.
He assured that a decision would be made soon and concrete steps taken to ensure the spiritual atmosphere of these cities remains undisturbed.
Sanjay Raut Calls for Dialogue in Alliances, Warns Against Labeling Allies as Traitors 8
Days after Shiv Sena (UBT) announced its decision to contest Maharashtra local body polls solo, party leader Sanjay Raut emphasized that no alliance can survive without open dialogue among its partners. Speaking to reporters on Monday, Raut urged the Congress, as the largest party in the INDIA bloc, to take responsibility for ensuring effective communication among alliance members.
“To sustain an alliance, responsible leaders must maintain communication channels. Congress, being the biggest constituent of the INDIA bloc, should take on this role,” Raut said.
While defending his party’s decision to go solo in the local polls, Raut clarified that the Shiv Sena (UBT) remains committed to the INDIA bloc and Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliances, which include the Congress and Sharad Pawar’s NCP (SP).
Raut also pointed out that competing against coalition partners in elections is not inherently problematic, provided mutual respect is maintained. “There’s nothing wrong in contesting elections against allies. However, no one should resort to calling former or potential future partners ‘traitors,’” he asserted, adding that this was the stance of Uddhav Thackeray and Shiv Sena (UBT).
Reflecting on past political events, Raut claimed the Shiv Sena-BJP alliance fell apart in 2019 due to a lack of communication. “The breakdown of dialogue directly led to the alliance’s collapse. This lesson must not be repeated,” he said.
With nearly 30 parties in the INDIA bloc, Raut reiterated the need for dedicated leadership to foster collaboration. “Uddhav Thackeray has consistently highlighted the importance of communication during INDIA bloc meetings. Congress, as the largest party, must lead by example,” he noted.
He further underscored the INDIA bloc’s success during the Lok Sabha elections, emphasizing the need to continue building on that momentum. However, Raut maintained that contesting municipal elections in Maharashtra solo was essential for Shiv Sena (UBT) to strengthen its base.
“While alternative strategies may be explored, alliances must prioritize dialogue and mutual respect to succeed,” Raut concluded.
Arvind Kejriwal Chased Away by 'Public' During Poll Campaign in Delhi 10
Former Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party supremo Arvind Kejriwal was chased away by local residents while campaigning in the East Kidwai Nagar area of Bengali Camp, Delhi, on January 12, 2025.
In a purported viral video from the East Kidwai Nagar area, Kejriwal was seen encountering significant protests during his campaign efforts.
The video purportedly showed Kejriwal being confronted and subsequently chased by a crowd.
Kejriwal is chased away by locals while campaigning in Delhi. He's facing huge protests everywhere… pic.twitter.com/GLrgnrvesE
Kejriwal is facing huge anti-incumbency across Delhi for failing to deliver on promises made during previous election cycles.
Kejriwal and his deputy, Manish Sisodia, were arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in the case of alleged corruption in framing the excise policy, which was later scrapped.
Both were released on bail after spending months behind bars.
Citing a CAG report last week, the BJP claimed a “big scam” in the renovation of Kejriwal’s official residence on 6, Flagstaff Road when he was the chief minister of Delhi.
Tamil Nadu Raj Bhavan Slams CM Stalin Over 'Childish' Remarks in National Anthem Row 12
The Tamil Nadu Raj Bhavan has hit back at Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, accusing him of arrogance after Stalin described Governor R.N. Ravi’s recent decision not to deliver his address to the Assembly as “childish.” In a scathing social media post, the Raj Bhavan warned that such behavior would not be tolerated and criticized the Chief Minister for undermining respect for the National Anthem and the Constitution.
The Raj Bhavan’s post, shared on its official ‘X’ (formerly Twitter) account, stated: “Thiru @mkstalin asserts that insisting on due respect to the National Anthem and performing fundamental duties enshrined in the Constitution is ‘absurd’ and ‘childish.’ Thanks for revealing the true intentions of the coalition you lead, one that refuses to accept Bharat as a nation and its Constitution. Such arrogance is not good.”
Thiru @mkstalin asserts that insisting on due respect to the National Anthem and doing fundamental duties enshrined in the Constitution is “absurd” and “childish”. Thanks for betraying the true intentions of the coalition of interests and ideologies to which he is a leader that…
The statement further emphasized, “Please do not forget that Bharat is the supreme Mother and the Constitution is the supreme faith for her children. They will not like or tolerate such brazen insult.”
The remarks came in response to Stalin’s comments made a day earlier, where he accused Governor Ravi of being unable to “digest” the state’s progress and called his decision to leave the Assembly without delivering the customary address “childish.”
On January 6, Ravi walked out of the Assembly without delivering his address, citing that the National Anthem had not been played. The Raj Bhavan later claimed that Ravi left “in deep anguish.”
This ongoing row traces back to 2022 when Ravi had delivered his speech without any modifications. However, in the subsequent three years, he chose not to deliver his address, citing what Stalin called “absurd” reasons. The Chief Minister made these comments during his address in the state Assembly on Saturday.
The exchange between the Raj Bhavan and the Chief Minister has further intensified tensions between the state government and the Governor’s office, with both sides continuing to exchange barbs over matters of protocol and respect for the national symbols.
Controversial Conman Sukesh Chandrashekar Offers to Pay ₹7640 Crore Tax on Overseas Income 14
Conman Sukesh Chandrashekar, currently incarcerated in Tihar Jail for his involvement in a multi-crore fraud, has made an unexpected move by offering to declare his overseas income and pay ₹7640 crore in taxes. In a letter to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Chandrashekar expressed his intention to disclose his earnings for the financial year 2024-2025 under the relevant tax scheme issued by the Government of India.
Chandrashekar, who has been linked to several high-profile fraud cases, revealed that his overseas business operations are based in the United States and the British Virgin Islands. His companies, LS Holdings International and Speed Gaming Corporation, which are involved in online and offline gaming and betting, have been active since 2016. According to reports, these businesses generated a turnover of $2.70 billion in 2024 alone.
In his letter, Chandrashekar also mentioned the international reach of his businesses, with operations extending to the United States, Spain, the UK, Dubai, and Hong Kong. He made it clear that he is willing to settle all pending income tax proceedings and appeals in India.
A ‘Proud’ Indian?
Chandrashekar’s letter to Sitharaman also included a surprising declaration of admiration for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He claimed to be a proud Indian and expressed his desire to contribute to the country’s development by paying taxes on his overseas income and investing in India.
“As of today, being a proud Indian, under the great leadership of our Prime Minister Modi Ji, I want to contribute my part towards the world-class development of this great nation. Henceforth, by willingly paying Indian taxes on my overseas income, and further investing my overseas income here in India,” he wrote.
Defending His Earnings
In his letter, Chandrashekar clarified that he is an undertrial and has not been convicted of any crime. He emphasized that his income, including earnings from his overseas businesses, is legitimate. He also pointed out that the Indian tax department has already initiated proceedings regarding his domestic income.
“I am currently facing multiple cases, financial in nature, here in India, and am in judicial custody. It’s important to mention that I am an undertrial and have not been convicted for any case. It would be wrong to say that any of my income is illegal. Your department has already initiated tax recovery proceedings on my Indian income, proving my earnings are legitimate,” he added.
Chandrashekar’s unexpected offer has raised eyebrows, leaving many to question the motivations behind such a move, given his controversial criminal history. His willingness to pay such a substantial tax amount will likely spark further discussions on the intersection of law, business, and accountability in India.
Chaos and Clashes in Bihar as Pappu Yadav Leads State-Wide Protest Over BPSC Exam Irregularities 16
Independent MP from Purnea, Pappu Yadav, called for a state-wide ‘Bihar Bandh’ on Sunday, demanding the cancellation and re-conduct of the 70th Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) preliminary examination. The protest was fueled by allegations of question paper leaks and administrative mishandling of the exam, which had sparked outrage among aspirants. The bandh led to significant disruptions across the state, with major areas paralyzed.
Violent Clashes in Patna
The protest turned violent in Patna’s JP Golambar area, where Yadav’s supporters clashed with the police. Demonstrators breached police barricades and attempted to march forward, prompting a tense standoff. The police struggled to contain the crowd as the situation quickly escalated into violent confrontations.
Supporters of Yadav’s Jan Adhikar Party, including its youth wing, Chhatra Yuva Shakti, rampaged through various parts of the state. Protesters damaged vehicles, including trucks used for metro construction, smashing them with sticks. BJP banners were torn down, and tyres were set on fire, filling the air with thick black smoke. Key locations in Patna, such as Ashok Rajpath, NIT More, and Dak Bungalow Chauraha, were completely blocked, leading to massive traffic jams and disrupting daily life.
Pappu Yadav Leads Protest March
Pappu Yadav personally led a large procession from Income Tax Chauraha to Dak Bungalow Chauraha in Patna. Standing atop an open vehicle emblazoned with a banner reading ‘Ram Naam Satya,’ Yadav rallied his supporters to protest against the state government. His followers marched alongside him, chanting slogans demanding justice for BPSC candidates and condemning alleged corruption in the examination process.
The bandh, which began early in the morning, saw protesters burning tyres and forcing shops to shut. Several districts reported road blockages, and public transport services were severely affected. Major markets in Patna and surrounding cities were closed, leaving commuters stranded and creating widespread inconvenience.
Protests Over BPSC Exam Irregularities
The protests had been simmering since December 2024, when BPSC aspirants first raised concerns over the Integrated Combined (Preliminary) Competitive Examination (CCE) 2024, which was held on December 13. The candidates alleged that the exam had been marred by question paper leaks, leading to a call for its cancellation.
On Saturday, Pappu Yadav announced he was teaming up with Azad Party founder Chandrashekhar Azad and All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) leader Asaduddin Owaisi to push for justice in the BPSC case. They pledged to disrupt the functioning of the Bihar Legislative Assembly starting March 21 if their demands were not met.
Legal Developments
The protests come amid ongoing legal battles over the exam. On Tuesday, the Supreme Court refused to entertain a petition alleging widespread malpractices in the BPSC exam. A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna directed the petitioner to approach the Patna High Court with their grievances.
The counsel for the petitioners, Anand Legal Aid Forum Trust, highlighted the brutal actions of Bihar police against peaceful protesters demanding the cancellation of the exam, further fueling tensions across the state.
Sanjay Raut's Bold Stand: Shiv Sena (UBT) to Contest Local Body Polls Solo 18
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut announced on Saturday that his party will independently contest the upcoming local body elections, distancing itself from alliances like the INDIA bloc and Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). Speaking to reporters, Raut clarified that these alliances were formed for the Lok Sabha and state assembly elections, not for local polls.
Raut, a Rajya Sabha MP, emphasized that alliances often hinder the growth of individual parties and their workers. “We will fight elections to municipal corporations in Mumbai, Thane, Nagpur, and other local bodies, including zilla parishads and panchayats, on our own strength,” he said, adding that party chief Uddhav Thackeray had signaled this move.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader also hit out at Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar for blaming the MVA for its state assembly defeat. “Those who cannot embrace consensus and compromise have no place in an alliance,” Raut asserted.
Taking a dig at the INDIA bloc, Raut revealed that no meetings were held after the Lok Sabha elections. He criticized the Congress, as the largest alliance party, for failing to convene even a single meeting or appoint a convenor for the bloc.
Raut also targeted Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar for sidestepping the BJP’s poll promises, including farm loan waivers and financial aid for “Laadki Bahin” beneficiaries. “These promises are in the BJP’s manifesto. As finance minister in their government, he must deliver,” Raut insisted.
When questioned about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s podcast comment that he is human and capable of mistakes, Raut offered a sharp retort. “Modi is god, not human. If he claims to be human after being declared a god, something is wrong. There’s a ‘chemical locha’ (imbalance),” he quipped, in a statement laced with sarcasm.
Raut’s remarks underscore the growing divisions within political alliances and set the stage for a fierce battle in Maharashtra’s local body elections.
IMD Warns of Heavy Rains Amid Intensifying Cold Wave in Delhi-NCR 20
Delhi-NCR woke up to dense fog once again, but slight relief from foggy conditions is anticipated as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy rainfall for the weekend. The downpour, accompanied by icy winds, is expected to intensify the ongoing cold wave gripping the region.
Rain to Lash Northern States
The IMD predicts rain with thunderstorms in parts of Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan on January 11. The rain activity is expected to spread to Uttarakhand on January 11 and 12.
In Rajasthan, the Jaipur Meteorological Centre has forecast light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorms across parts of the Bikaner, Jaipur, and Bharatpur divisions. Certain areas may also witness hailstorms on January 11.
Delhi-NCR to Witness Mercury Dip
Delhi’s Meteorological Centre predicts that the maximum temperature will range between 6°C and 20°C, with a significant drop in the coming days.
In Noida, temperatures are expected to peak at 18°C, with a minimum of 8°C. Ghaziabad may see a maximum of 20°C and a minimum of 5°C, while Gurugram could reach a high of 19°C, with lows around 8°C.
Residents of Delhi-NCR and surrounding states are advised to brace for harsher cold conditions and take necessary precautions as the cold wave tightens its grip.
