Eknath Shinde Resigns; Appointed Caretaker CM as Mahayuti Deliberates New Leadership 2
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde tendered his resignation to Governor C. P. Radhakrishnan on Tuesday, paving the way for the formation of a new government following the Mahayuti alliance’s decisive victory in the recent assembly elections. The Governor has requested Shinde to serve as caretaker Chief Minister until the swearing-in of his successor.
Shinde was accompanied by Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar during his visit to the Raj Bhavan. The term of the outgoing Maharashtra assembly ends on November 26.
Deepak Kesarkar, a minister in the Shinde-led cabinet, confirmed the resignation and assured that the new government would be sworn in soon. However, he noted that a consensus on the next Chief Minister has yet to be reached within the Mahayuti alliance, which secured 230 out of 288 seats.
The choice for the CM post is expected to be guided by senior BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. Kesarkar remarked, “Every political worker wishes for the CM to be from their party, but we will abide by the decision of Modi Ji and Amit Shah Ji.” Shinde has also expressed his willingness to accept the leadership’s decision.
With the massive mandate for the BJP-Shiv Sena-Ajit Pawar-led NCP coalition, the focus now shifts to determining the leader who will helm the new government amid heightened speculation and political maneuvering.
Marathas Back Eknath Shinde for CM Amid Mahayuti's Post-Victory Tussle 4
As suspense lingers over the Mahayuti alliance’s choice for Maharashtra’s next chief minister, Shiv Sena leader Sheetal Mhatre has claimed that the Maratha community overwhelmingly supports Eknath Shinde continuing in the top post.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Mhatre highlighted Shinde’s contributions to the Maratha community, including implementing a 10% reservation under the Economically and Socially Backward Category and initiatives through the Annasaheb Patil and Sarathi corporations. She asserted, “The Maratha community stands behind Shinde and the Mahayuti, with growing calls for the CM to be from the Maratha community.”
Despite the BJP-led Mahayuti’s landslide victory, winning 230 of the 288 assembly seats, the alliance has yet to reach a consensus on the chief ministerial candidate. While Shinde, a Maratha leader from Satara, remains a strong contender, BJP leader and Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis—hailing from Nagpur’s Brahmin community—is seen as a frontrunner due to the BJP’s dominant performance.
Adding to Shinde’s favour, women beneficiaries of the “Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana” met him recently to express gratitude for the scheme, which provides eligible women Rs. 1,500 per month and is credited for boosting Mahayuti’s success.
The decision over Maharashtra’s leadership is expected to have significant implications, especially with upcoming local body elections looming on the horizon.
Amit Shah Highlights Global Praise for Modi Govt's 'Zero-Tolerance' Stance on Terrorism 6
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday emphasized that the Modi government’s “zero-tolerance” policy against terrorism has garnered worldwide appreciation, positioning India as a global leader in anti-terror initiatives.
Paying tribute to the victims of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, Shah took to X, stating, “Cowardly terrorists shamed humanity by killing innocent people in Mumbai. I pay my heartfelt homage to the brave soldiers martyred and the civilians who lost their lives.”
साल 2008 में आज ही के दिन मुंबई में कायर आतंकवादियों ने निर्दोष लोगों की हत्या कर मानवता को शर्मसार किया था। 26/11 के मुंबई हमलों में आतंकियों से लड़ते हुए वीरगति को प्राप्त होने वाले जवानों को भावभीनी श्रद्धांजलि अर्पित करता हूँ और अपना जीवन गँवाने वाले लोगों को नमन करता हूँ।…
Using the hashtag #MumbaiTerrorAttack, Shah reiterated the government’s steadfast approach to combating terrorism, calling it “a blot on human civilization.”
On November 26, 2008, ten terrorists from Pakistan orchestrated one of the deadliest attacks in Indian history, claiming 166 lives and leaving a lasting scar on the nation’s psyche. Shah’s remarks underscore the government’s commitment to ensuring such tragedies never recur.
Supreme Court Urges CAQM to Reassess Physical Classes in Delhi-NCR Amid Pollution Concerns 8
The Supreme Court on Monday called on the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to consider resuming physical classes in schools and colleges in Delhi-NCR, citing the challenges faced by students, including the lack of midday meals and infrastructure for online education.
A bench comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih highlighted that many children lack air purifiers at home, questioning the effectiveness of keeping them indoors when pollution levels remain critical.
While urging reconsideration for students, the court declined to ease the stringent Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-4) restrictions, stating it would only do so upon consistent improvement in air quality index (AQI) levels. GRAP-4 restrictions currently include curbs like banning non-essential truck entry into Delhi-NCR.
The bench also addressed the plight of laborers and daily wage workers affected by construction bans under GRAP-4. It directed state governments to utilize labor cess funds to provide subsistence to affected workers.
Introduced in 2017, GRAP is a tiered plan to combat air pollution in the capital and its surrounding regions, with measures intensifying as pollution worsens.
Aaditya Thackeray Named Shiv Sena (UBT) Legislature Party Leader Amid Reduced Victory Margin 10
Aaditya Thackeray, former Maharashtra minister and son of Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, was elected the legislature party leader of the Shiv Sena (UBT) during a meeting of party legislators in Mumbai on Monday.
In the recent assembly elections, Aaditya secured victory from the Worli constituency, defeating Milind Deora of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena by 8,801 votes. However, his winning margin witnessed a significant drop from the 67,427 votes recorded in the 2019 elections.
Senior party leader Ambadas Danve announced that Bhaskar Jadhav has been appointed the party group leader in the state assembly, while Sunil Prabhu will serve as the party’s chief whip.
The developments come as the Shiv Sena (UBT) gears up to strengthen its position following the split with the Eknath Shinde faction.
Raj Thackeray: A Politician Who Struggles to Stay Relevant 12
The 2024 Maharashtra Assembly Elections delivered a decisive victory for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Mahayuti alliance under the leadership of Devendra Fadnavis, Eknath Shinde, and Ajit Pawar. However, for the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and its chief, Raj Thackeray, it marked an all-time low. Once a party of promise, the MNS is now fighting for survival in Maharashtra politics.
Founded in 2006 with a pro-Marathi agenda, the MNS initially garnered attention with aggressive campaigns, such as its stance against North Indian migrants in 2008. Its debut performance in the 2009 elections saw it win 13 seats, raising hopes for a long-term impact. However, the party has been in decline ever since, suffering significant setbacks in subsequent elections. By 2024, the MNS failed to win a single seat, with even Raj Thackeray’s son, Amit Thackeray, losing his maiden election in Mahim.
Despite a promising lead in the Mahim constituency, Amit Thackeray’s defeat to Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate Mahesh Sawant highlighted the MNS’s waning influence. This election was the first time since its inception that the MNS failed to secure any representation in the assembly, garnering only 1.57% of the total votes. The party’s lone MLA, Sharad Sonawne, had already left in 2019, further eroding its presence.
Raj Thackeray’s unpredictable leadership style and shifting political stances have alienated the electorate. Often regarded more as an entertainer than a serious politician, Raj’s speeches may draw crowds, but they fail to translate into votes. His decision to part ways with his cousin, Uddhav Thackeray, and form the MNS has increasingly appeared to be a misstep. Uddhav, despite challenges, has managed to maintain a steady approach and retain a loyal voter base, something Raj has struggled to achieve.
The MNS has also failed to make any significant impact at the national level, having never sent a leader to the Lok Sabha. The party’s inability to contest or perform in parliamentary elections in 2019 and 2024 further underscores its diminishing relevance. Amit Thackeray’s defeat, despite BJP’s support in Mahim, exposed the lack of groundwork and connect with the masses. His political debut seemed more a product of lineage than merit, as he failed to resonate with voters.
The decline of the MNS also reflects a broader shift in Marathi-speaking voters, who once supported the party but now see it as politically irrelevant. The party’s symbol, the railway engine, and its recognition by the Election Commission are at risk, as it no longer meets the criteria for official status.
Raj Thackeray’s rhetoric, while engaging, has failed to translate into effective political strategy. His split from Shiv Sena and the divisive politics he once championed have left him isolated. In contrast, the BJP and Mahayuti have consolidated their positions, leaving the MNS struggling to find a foothold.
The verdict of the 2024 elections is clear: the people of Maharashtra have moved on from the MNS. Unless Raj Thackeray undergoes a significant transformation in leadership style and political strategy, his party risks being remembered only as a fleeting chapter in Maharashtra’s political history.
Parliament Winter Session: Lok Sabha Adjourned Till Nov 27 After Opposition Uproar 14
The Lok Sabha witnessed chaos on Monday as opposition members disrupted proceedings, leading to adjournments without any significant business being conducted. The uproar focused on issues such as violence in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal and allegations against a prominent businessman in a US court.
When the House reconvened at noon, opposition members raised slogans demanding accountability. BJP MP Sandhya Ray, presiding over the session, questioned the members’ intent to allow proceedings before adjourning the House till Wednesday.
Earlier in the day, the session began with tributes to departed members, including two sitting MPs, after which the proceedings were initially adjourned until noon.
Tuesday will feature a special event in the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan, marking the launch of yearlong celebrations for the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution by the Constituent Assembly.
The winter session continues to face disruptions, highlighting the intense political divide in Parliament.
Misled by Google Maps, Car Plunges Into River in UP, 3 Dead 16
In a tragic incident on Sunday, three people lost their lives when their car fell into the Ramganga River from an incomplete bridge in Uttar Pradesh’s Badaun district. Police suspect the driver was misled by Google Maps into taking the unsafe route.
The accident occurred around 10 am on the Khalpur-Dataganj road as the victims traveled from Bareilly to Dataganj. The bridge, partially destroyed during floods earlier this year, was not updated on the navigation system, according to Circle Officer Ashutosh Shivam.
“The front portion of the bridge had collapsed, but this change was not reflected in the navigation system,” Shivam said. He added that the driver, relying on Google Maps, inadvertently drove the vehicle off the damaged section. The absence of safety barriers or warning signs exacerbated the situation, leading to the fatal crash.
Police teams from Faridpur, Bareilly, and Dataganj rushed to the scene and recovered the vehicle and the bodies from the river. The deceased have been sent for post-mortem, and investigations are ongoing to determine further details.
This incident highlights the critical need for updated digital maps and proper safety measures at accident-prone sites to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Ajit Pawar's Quip to Rohit: "Had I Campaigned in Your Seat, Imagine the Outcome" 18
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar stirred the political pot on Monday with a cheeky remark directed at his nephew, NCP (Sharad Pawar) leader Rohit Pawar, suggesting that if he had campaigned in Karjat Jamkhed, Rohit’s narrow victory might have been a different story.
In the recently concluded Maharashtra assembly elections, Rohit Pawar narrowly retained his Karjat Jamkhed seat in Ahilyanagar district, defeating the BJP’s Ram Shinde by just 1,243 votes. On Monday, during an event marking the death anniversary of Y. B. Chavan, Maharashtra’s first chief minister, the two Pawars came face-to-face at Chavan’s memorial.
Congratulating his nephew, Ajit Pawar joked, “Take my blessings. You barely survived. Had I held a rally in Karjat Jamkhed, imagine what would have happened.” In response, Rohit Pawar touched his uncle’s feet and later referred to him as a “father figure,” despite their political differences.
Rohit, addressing reporters, acknowledged the weight of his uncle’s words. “It is true that things would have been different had Ajit Pawar campaigned in my constituency. However, he was occupied with his work in Baramati and couldn’t make it to Karjat Jamkhed,” he said.
Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction delivered a strong performance in the elections, winning 41 seats, while the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) faltered, securing only 10 seats. Ajit Pawar himself won the Baramati seat by a landslide, defeating his nephew and NCP (SP) candidate Yugendra Pawar by over one lakh votes.
This latest exchange highlights the ongoing tension within the fractured NCP, which split last year when Ajit Pawar joined the Eknath Shinde-BJP coalition, a move that sharply divided the party and pitted him against his uncle and party founder Sharad Pawar.
While political banter continues between the two factions, the Pawar family’s public display of respect reflects a complex dynamic of personal bonds and professional rivalry, playing out against the backdrop of Maharashtra’s ever-shifting political landscape.
Nana Patole Resigns as Maharashtra Congress Chief After Poll Debacle, Questions Loom Over Party's Future 20
Nana Patole stepped down as the president of the Maharashtra Congress on Monday, just days after the party’s dismal performance in the recently concluded assembly elections.
Among the party’s key leaders in the state—Nana Patole, Balasaheb Thorat, and Prithviraj Chavan—only Patole managed to secure a win. However, his victory in the Sakoli assembly constituency, Bhandara district, came with a razor-thin margin of just 208 votes, marking one of the lowest winning gaps in the elections. Thorat and Chavan faced defeats in their respective constituencies.
Speaking on Sunday, before his resignation, Patole emphasized that the Congress would play the role of a vigilant opposition, ensuring that the newly-formed Mahayuti government fulfills its electoral promises made in the manifesto and public addresses.
The BJP, on the other hand, delivered a resounding performance, achieving a record-breaking tally in Maharashtra. The party’s efforts propelled the Mahayuti alliance, which includes the Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar-led NCP, to a sweeping three-fourths majority. This victory solidified the BJP’s dominance, with 128 out of its 149 candidates emerging victorious. The result also extended the party’s winning streak, following its historic hat-trick in Haryana last month.
Patole’s resignation leaves the Congress grappling with internal challenges and searching for leadership to revive its fortunes in the politically crucial state.
