"Fadnavis Pushed for My Induction—Even in December": Chhagan Bhujbal Reveals BJP's Internal Tug-of-War 2
Senior NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal has stirred political chatter with his revelation that Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was keen on inducting him into the cabinet during its first expansion in December 2024. Bhujbal, who was finally sworn in on May 20 this year, confirmed that both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah were supportive of his induction at the time, but it didn’t materialize then due to internal dynamics.
Speaking to reporters at Nagpur airport, Bhujbal (77), a veteran OBC face in Maharashtra politics, said his return to the Mahayuti 2.0 government—after being sidelined post the BJP-led coalition’s landslide 2024 Assembly victory—was backed strongly by Fadnavis. “It’s true. Even during the first cabinet expansion, Fadnavis saheb had insisted on including me. PM Modi and Amit Shah also tried, but it didn’t happen then,” Bhujbal said.
The NCP stalwart dismissed speculations about BJP control over his appointment, clarifying, “I’m not a BJP minister, I’m an NCP minister. The NCP decides who becomes a minister, the CM only gives suggestions.”
His remarks come amid reported internal resistance within the NCP over his re-entry into the cabinet, especially with ongoing tensions over the OBC versus Maratha quota debate. Bhujbal, known for his firm opposition to including Marathas under the OBC reservation bracket, also reacted to activist Manoj Jarange’s announcement of a fresh protest in August. Without elaborating, he simply said, “We are also ready.”
Asked about who would be appointed guardian minister of Nashik—his stronghold—Bhujbal refrained from comment, signaling he wasn’t looking to escalate turf battles within the coalition. A multiple-term MLA from Yeola in Nashik district, Bhujbal’s cabinet role reasserts his political relevance in Maharashtra’s shifting alliance equations.
"Why Are Students Dying Only in Kota?": Supreme Court Slams Rajasthan Govt Over Suicide Surge 4
The Supreme Court on Friday strongly criticized the Rajasthan government over the alarming rise in student suicides in Kota, asking pointedly, “Why are these children dying by suicide—and why only in Kota?” A bench of Justices J B Pardiwala and R Mahadevan, hearing multiple cases including the deaths of a 22-year-old IIT Kharagpur student and a NEET aspirant in Kota, said the situation was “serious” and questioned the state’s apparent indifference.
The court was informed that 14 student suicides had already been reported from Kota in 2024 alone. When asked what the government was doing, the state’s counsel claimed a special investigation team (SIT) had been constituted to look into the cases. However, the bench was far from convinced, criticizing delays in registering FIRs and calling out a lack of urgency in responding to these deaths.
In the IIT Kharagpur case, the court noted a disturbing four-day delay in lodging the FIR, which was filed only on May 8 despite the suicide occurring on May 4. “Don’t take these things lightly. These are very serious,” Justice Pardiwala remarked, warning that the court could have initiated contempt proceedings against the police officer in charge.
Similarly, in the NEET aspirant’s case from Kota, the bench expressed dissatisfaction over the non-filing of an FIR and reminded the Rajasthan government that they were in contempt of the Supreme Court’s March 24 verdict. That ruling had called for the formation of a national task force to address the growing mental health crisis among students and directed police to file FIRs promptly in all such cases.
Despite claims from the state that an investigation is ongoing and the SIT is aware of the issue, the court found this insufficient. It emphasized that even though the NEET aspirant had been living with her parents and not in her institute’s accommodation, the police were still duty-bound to act immediately.
Summoning the police officer concerned in the Kota case to appear before the bench on July 14, the court made it clear: the authorities must explain their inaction, and investigations must move forward “in the right direction and expeditiously.”
'Maa, I Am Not a Thief, I Love Kurkure': 12-Year-Old's Heart-Wrenching Suicide Note Shocks Bengal 6
A heart-wrenching tragedy has emerged from West Bengal’s Paschim Medinipur district, where a 12-year-old boy allegedly died by suicide after being publicly humiliated over a packet of chips. Krishnendu Das, a class 7 student from Panskura, reportedly consumed pesticide after being accused of stealing a Kurkure packet and forced to do sit-ups in public by a local shopkeeper, who is also a civic volunteer.
According to the boy’s mother, Krishnendu had called out to the shopkeeper, Subhankar Dikshit, multiple times, saying, “Uncle, I will buy chips,” but received no response. Finding no one at the counter, he allegedly picked up a packet lying near the shop and left, intending to pay later. Soon after, the shopkeeper returned, confronted the boy, slapped him, and made him do sit-ups publicly, accusing him of theft.
The police said the mother was also summoned, and she too scolded and slapped Krishnendu at the scene. Despite his repeated pleas that he had not stolen but intended to pay, the boy was branded a liar.
Back home, Krishnendu locked himself in his room. Moments later, his mother and neighbours broke in to find him unconscious, frothing at the mouth with a half-empty bottle of pesticide beside him. He was rushed to Tamluk Hospital’s ICU but could not be saved.
A chilling suicide note, scribbled in Bengali, was found beside his body. It read: “Maa, I am not a thief. I did not steal. Uncle was not around as I waited. While returning, I saw a Kurkure packet lying on the road and picked it up. I love Kurkure. These are my final words before leaving. Please excuse me for this act.”
The shopkeeper, who initially denied any wrongdoing, has since gone missing as a crowd gathered in protest outside his shuttered shop. Police have launched an investigation into the incident, which has sparked outrage and raised disturbing questions about how society treats its children.
A straight and bold call for justice in the face of dowry-driven brutality
Vaishnavi Kasapate did not take her own life. She was pushed. Pushed by a system that still allows the ancient evil of dowry to thrive. Pushed by a society that looks away when a woman screams from within the four walls of her marital home. Pushed by a powerful family who saw her not as a daughter-in-law but as a financial deal that didn’t quite meet expectations.
She had a love marriage. She chose her partner, Shashank Hagwane—the son of NCP leader Rajendra Hagwane, a man with political clout and influence in Maharashtra’s Mulshi taluka. But her love was not enough to shield her from the toxic greed that soon engulfed her life. Her marriage was never fully accepted by her in-laws because they had hoped for a richer bride—one who could bring in more wealth, more dowry. Still, Vaishnavi’s family agreed to give in: 51 tolas of gold, silver utensils, and a Fortuner SUV. And still, they wanted more. Two crore rupees more—to buy land, to satisfy their endless appetite for wealth.
The harassment began. The pressure grew. Her husband, her mother-in-law, and her sister-in-law all reportedly played their parts in tormenting her. One day, it ended. Or rather, they ended it. Vaishnavi was found hanging on May 16 at her in-laws’ house in Pune. The family says it was suicide. But her father has filed an FIR, claiming it was murder, a premeditated act masked as suicide. Her body bore injury marks. No suicide note was found. The pain she carried inside her—hidden, silenced—was finally exposed only after her death.
Her husband Shashank, her mother-in-law Lata, and her sister-in-law Karishma were arrested. But her politically connected father-in-law Rajendra Hagwane and brother-in-law Sushil Hagwane are absconding. The police claim they are searching for them, but how long will it take? How long before power shields the guilty and justice fades into silence?
This is not an isolated case. This is not rare. It’s happening everywhere—in cities, in villages, in homes that look respectable on the outside but are soaked in cruelty inside. Let’s look at the numbers:
In 2022, nearly 6,400 women were killed in dowry-related deaths across India. That’s almost 18 women every single day. In 2020, over 10,000 cases were filed under the Dowry Prohibition Act. Yet, convictions remain painfully low. The legal process is slow, cumbersome, and often biased toward the powerful.
According to the National Commission for Women (NCW), in 2024, there were 25,743 complaints related to crimes against women. Out of these, 6,237 were related to domestic violence, while 4,383 were specifically about dowry harassment. There were 292 cases reported as dowry deaths. Imagine how many more went unreported, buried under shame, fear, or the influence of power.
Complaints about the right to live with dignity made up nearly 28% of total cases—because dignity is still a luxury denied to most women in their marital homes. Most of these complaints came from Uttar Pradesh (54%), followed by Delhi, Maharashtra, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Haryana. The so-called “progressive” states are not immune either. The monster of dowry is alive, well-fed, and protected—by silence, by complicity, and by power.
And now, a politician’s family is under the scanner. The accused are being given VIP treatment at the police station. Why? Because justice bends when it meets influence? Because laws can be manipulated when the surname is big enough?
Let us be very clear—Vaishnavi did not die because of personal issues or mental health. She died because our society killed her: our culture of glorifying marriage while ignoring the abuse, our failure to enforce laws, and our willingness to stay silent.
This time, we won’t be silent. This is not just about one girl. This is about every girl who is forced to barter her freedom for acceptance. About every father who sells his dreams to fulfil dowry demands. About every mother who loses her daughter in the name of family honour.
We demand immediate arrest of all the accused, no bail, and no political protection. We demand a fast-track court, not another endless trial. We demand police accountability—no VIP treatment for murder accused. And most importantly, we demand that India finally treats dowry deaths as national emergencies, not private tragedies.
Justice for Vaishnavi is not just about punishing her killers. It is about sending a message—that daughters are not dowry. That marriage is not a licence for cruelty. And that no amount of power will shield murderers from the truth.
Let her death not be just another news report. Let it be a turning point. Let us raise our voices—louder than their silence. Let us demand justice—before another Vaishnavi is pushed to her death.
SC Slams ED for 'Crossing All Limits', Halts PMLA Probe in Tamil Nadu Liquor Scam 10
The Supreme Court on Thursday stayed the Enforcement Directorate’s money laundering investigation against Tamil Nadu’s state-run liquor retailer TASMAC, accusing the agency of “crossing all limits” and undermining the federal structure of governance. The sharp rebuke came from a bench led by Chief Justice B R Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih while issuing notice to the ED on petitions filed by the Tamil Nadu government and TASMAC.
“Your ED is crossing all the limits,” the bench told Additional Solicitor General S V Raju, who appeared for the central agency. It added that the ED’s probe, launched under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) over alleged irregularities in granting wine shop licenses, “violates the federal concept” enshrined in the Constitution.
The central law officer tried to defend the investigation, claiming it involved corruption amounting to over ₹1,000 crore and that the agency was well within its jurisdiction. However, the bench remained unconvinced and pulled up the ED for raiding a state-run corporation. “How can you raid the state-run TASMAC?” it questioned.
Senior advocates Kapil Sibal and Amit Anand Tiwari, representing the Tamil Nadu government, told the court that the state had already registered over 40 FIRs related to liquor shop licensing since 2014. They argued that the ED’s sudden intervention through raids was an encroachment on the state’s jurisdiction.
The petitions challenged the Madras High Court’s April 23 order, which had allowed the ED to go ahead with its probe. The Supreme Court’s interim stay now puts a halt to the ED’s actions pending further hearings, setting the stage for a high-stakes federal-versus-central confrontation over investigative powers.
"Jailed for Ideology?" SC Grants Bail to Kerala PFI Leader in RSS Murder Case 12
The Supreme Court on Wednesday granted bail to Abdul Sathar, former secretary general of the Popular Front of India (PFI) in Kerala, who was arrested in connection with the 2022 murder of RSS leader Srinivasan in Palakkad. A bench comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan observed that there was no direct role attributed to Sathar in the assassination, raising critical concerns over the broader implications of jailing individuals solely based on their ideological leanings.
“You cannot put someone in jail for their ideology. This is the trend we find—it is because they have adopted a particular ideology that they are put in jail,” the bench told the counsel representing the National Investigation Agency (NIA), which is probing the case.
Earlier, on June 25, 2024, the Kerala High Court had granted bail to 17 out of 26 PFI members accused of instigating communal violence across the state and other regions. Those granted bail were subjected to strict conditions, including mandatory sharing of their cellphone numbers and live GPS location with investigators.
Following the murder of RSS leader Srinivasan in 2022, the Centre alleged a larger conspiracy by PFI leaders with serious national and international implications. The NIA took over the case, filing a consolidated charge sheet in 2023, followed by two supplementary charge sheets.
With the Supreme Court’s decision to grant bail to Abdul Sathar, the case now highlights the growing judicial scrutiny over the thin line between ideology and actionable criminal intent, particularly in politically and communally sensitive investigations.
"Did She Kill Someone?" SC Slams Delhi Police, Grants Bail to Ex-IAS Officer Puja Khedkar 14
In a dramatic turn in the ongoing controversy surrounding former IAS probationer Puja Khedkar, the Supreme Court on Wednesday granted her anticipatory bail, questioning the gravity of the accusations and rebuking Delhi Police for opposing the relief. Khedkar is accused of cheating and wrongfully availing benefits under the OBC and disability quotas during the 2022 UPSC civil services examination.
A bench of Justices B V Nagarathna and Satish Chandra Sharma directed Khedkar to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation. In strong oral remarks, the bench asked, “What is the grave crime she has committed? She is not a drug lord or a terrorist. She has not committed murder. She is not an NDPS offender.” The judges noted that Khedkar’s future in the civil services is already finished, adding, “She has lost everything and will not get a job anywhere.”
The court also pulled up the Delhi High Court for denying her bail earlier, stating, “Bearing in mind the facts and circumstances of the case, this is a fit case where the Delhi High Court ought to have granted bail to the petitioner.”
Counsel for the Delhi Police argued strenuously against granting bail, citing the seriousness of the allegations and Khedkar’s alleged non-cooperation in the investigation. However, the Supreme Court remained unconvinced by the police’s aggressive stance.
Khedkar stands accused of misrepresenting details in her UPSC application to secure reservation benefits meant for OBC and disabled candidates. She has denied all allegations, claiming she followed due process.
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has taken disciplinary action against her, including filing a criminal case for allegedly faking her identity and taking multiple attempts at the examination under false pretenses. The Delhi Police has also lodged an FIR citing various offences.
The apex court’s strong words and the decision to grant bail have now raised larger questions about the proportionality of legal actions in reservation fraud cases, especially when the accused is already barred from future service.
Jayant Narlikar: The Eighth Star in the Saptarshi of Indian Science 16
India today grieves the loss of a towering intellect, but more so of a guiding spirit. Jayant Vishnu Narlikar, the eminent astrophysicist and science writer, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2025, at the age of 86. While the nation remembers him as a pathbreaking cosmologist, those who knew him best remember him for something even greater: a teacher, a guru, and a gentle force who awakened generations to the wonders of science.
Born in 1938 in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, Narlikar rose to global fame for co-developing the Hoyle–Narlikar Theory of Gravity, a bold challenge to the Big Bang theory, envisioning a universe in constant creation. But even at the height of his scientific acclaim, he saw himself not merely as a physicist—but as a communicator of knowledge, a builder of minds.
In ancient Indian tradition, the Saptarshi—seven great stars—were sages who illuminated the path of humanity. In our times, Jayant Narlikar stands as the eighth: a radiant star in the scientific sky who not only explored galaxies but also lit up the minds of thousands across classrooms, lecture halls, and living rooms.
He established the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) in 1988 with a clear mission: to foster original Indian research and, more importantly, to nurture young scientists. His warmth, accessibility, and humility made him far more than an institution builder—he was a guru in the truest Indian sense: one who dispels darkness with light.
Through books in Marathi, Hindi, and English, countless school visits, and science fiction stories for children, Narlikar showed that science isn’t distant or difficult—it is beautiful, human, and vital.
A Guru Among the Stars
Honoured with the Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan, and global accolades, Jayant Narlikar never allowed prestige to distance him from people. He chose to stand with students, teachers, and curious minds—encouraging questions, welcoming doubt, and insisting on clarity.
He is survived by his three daughters, all involved in science, and by the countless students who saw in him not just a scientist but a guru.
“In the ancient sky, the Saptarshi guided civilisations. In our time, Jayant Narlikar became the eighth—blending science with sanskaar and inquiry with inspiration.”
Now, he returns to the stars he loved—but his light, like a true guru’s, will never fade.
Delhi HC Slams Abhijit Iyer-Mitra: Take Down 'Brothel' Slur or Face Criminal FIR 18
In a scathing rebuke, the Delhi High Court on Wednesday ordered political commentator Abhijit Iyer-Mitra to remove a series of allegedly defamatory and abusive posts directed at nine women journalists from Newslaundry, warning that failure to comply could result in suo motu criminal proceedings. The court made it unequivocally clear that Iyer-Mitra would not be allowed to argue in the ongoing civil defamation case unless the offensive posts were deleted.
The case stems from a series of tweets where Iyer-Mitra reportedly referred to the journalists as “prostitutes” and labelled Newslaundry as a “brothel”—remarks that the petitioners, including Executive Editor Manisha Pande, described as not just defamatory but also sexually abusive and beyond the bounds of lawful speech.
Advocate Bani Dixit, representing the journalists, told the court that the tweets attacked the personal dignity and professional integrity of the women, many of whom are established journalists from varied backgrounds. The court appeared to agree. “There is a limit for everything. If you are justifying this language, I am restraining you from being heard,” the judge said, also warning, “I will suo motu order registration of a criminal FIR against the defendant.”
Defence counsel Jai Anant Dehadrai attempted to argue that the posts were general commentary on Newslaundry’s funding patterns, not directed at specific individuals. The court, however, found the defence unconvincing. “If it’s not attributable to any person, what is the point of putting it out?” the judge questioned, further challenging the appropriateness of using the term “brothel” in reference to any workplace.
When Dehadrai tried to argue that the petitioners should have pursued criminal remedies rather than a civil suit, the judge warned him against derailing the matter and reiterated the court’s authority to initiate criminal proceedings on its own.
After several sharp exchanges, the court criticized the defence counsel for being “oversmart” and reiterated that Iyer-Mitra would not be heard unless the tweets were removed. Ultimately, Dehadrai agreed—without prejudice to the ongoing legal arguments—that the posts would be taken down within five hours. The court accepted this undertaking and scheduled the next hearing for May 26, 2025.
This is not Iyer-Mitra’s first run-in with the law over social media remarks. In 2018, he was arrested for allegedly derogatory comments about Odisha’s Konark Sun Temple and was denied bail at the time.
The Delhi High Court’s firm stance in this matter may set a precedent in how Indian courts address gendered abuse and defamation in digital spaces—placing limits on what can be excused under the banner of free speech.
13 AAP Councillors Rebel, Launch 'Indraprastha Vikas Party'; Accuse Kejriwal Govt of Development Paralysis 20
In a major shake-up within Delhi’s civic politics, 13 councillors of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) tendered their resignations on Saturday, announcing the formation of a new political outfit—Indraprastha Vikas Party. Citing internal dysfunction and halted development work in the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), the rebel leaders accused AAP of neglecting governance in favor of infighting.
The new party will be helmed by senior councillor Mukesh Goyal, who squarely blamed the AAP leadership for sidelining elected representatives. “In the last two and a half years since our election, zero development work has been executed. We raised our concerns repeatedly, but the leadership was too caught up in blame games,” Goyal told PTI. He also alleged that councillors were denied basic funds needed to serve their wards, leading to public frustration and administrative stagnation.
The group clarified that this political shift is focused on the municipal body alone and does not extend to state-level politics—for now. Goyal emphasized that their intent is to “restore purpose and functionality in the MCD,” ensuring policies are implemented for the welfare of Delhi’s residents.
The new faction includes known municipal figures like Hemchand Goyal, who will act as a senior leader in the party, along with former AAP councillors Dinesh Bharadwaj, Himani Jain, Usha Sharma, Sahib Kumar, Rakhi Kumar, Ashok Pandey, Rajesh Kumar, and Anil Rana.
Interestingly, the anti-defection law does not apply to municipal corporations like the MCD, making this move legally sound, though politically explosive. As of now, the Aam Aadmi Party has issued no official response to this significant defection—one that could signal deeper fractures within the party’s urban governance structure.
