Shiv Sena (UBT) Stakes Claim for LoP Post, Snubs Power-Sharing with NCP (SP)

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March 5, 2025

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In a bold political move, Shiv Sena (UBT) has formally staked its claim for the Leader of Opposition (LoP) post in the Maharashtra Assembly, rejecting any power-sharing arrangement with NCP (Sharad Pawar faction). The party has put forward Bhaskar Jadhav as its candidate for the position, signaling a fresh power struggle within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance.

A delegation led by Uddhav Thackeray met Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar on Tuesday and submitted a letter demanding the post. However, sources suggest that Shiv Sena (UBT) was hesitant to officially stake its claim unless it received assurances from the ruling BJP, raising speculation about behind-the-scenes political maneuvering.

Before meeting the Speaker, Thackeray held discussions with NCP state unit chief Jayant Patil and party leader Jitendra Awhad, notably without any Congress representation. However, Congress leader Nana Patole later clarified that his party had no objections to Shiv Sena’s demand but expressed interest in securing the Leader of Opposition post in the Legislative Council, currently held by Sena leader Ambadas Danve. Shiv Sena (UBT) has yet to respond to this request.

The demand comes amid uncertainty over the rules governing LoP appointments, with the legislature secretariat clarifying that the Speaker holds discretionary powers in the matter. With political equations shifting, all eyes are now on the BJP and Speaker Narwekar, especially as tensions persist between the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and its allies. Meanwhile, Uddhav Thackeray’s faction appears to be strategically warming up to the BJP-led Mahayuti, adding a fresh twist to the state’s evolving political landscape.

Trump Declares Trade War: Reciprocal Tariffs on India and China from April 2

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Afternoon Voice

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March 5, 2025

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US President Donald Trump has launched a fresh offensive against India, China, and other countries, accusing them of imposing unfair tariffs on American goods. Declaring that the US has been “ripped off for decades,” Trump announced that reciprocal tariffs will take effect from April 2, ensuring that foreign nations imposing high tariffs on US exports will face equal levies on their goods entering the US.

In his first address to Congress since securing a second term, Trump criticized the European Union, China, Brazil, India, Mexico, and Canada, stating they charge the US “tremendously higher tariffs” than what America levies in return. “It’s very unfair,” Trump asserted, emphasizing that the US must retaliate.

Targeting India, he pointed out that the country imposes auto tariffs exceeding 100%, labeling it as “unacceptable.” He reiterated his stance from February, stating that he had warned Prime Minister Narendra Modi that India would not be exempt from these measures.

Trump further condemned China’s and South Korea’s trade policies, stating that China’s average tariff on US products is twice as high as America’s, while South Korea’s is four times higher despite receiving significant US military aid.

“We will impose the exact same tariffs they impose on us. If they use non-monetary barriers to block our products, we will do the same to them,” Trump declared. Promising that these measures will generate “trillions and trillions of dollars” and create jobs, he boasted about successfully implementing similar strategies against China in his previous term.

Slamming past administrations for failing to act, Trump concluded, “We have been ripped off for decades by nearly every country on Earth, and we will not let that happen any longer.”

Trump Freezes Ukraine Military Aid After Oval Office Clash with Zelenskyy

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Web Team

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March 4, 2025

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US President Donald Trump has abruptly suspended all US military aid to Ukraine, an order that takes effect immediately, cutting off more than $1 billion in arms and ammunition that were in the pipeline. The decision follows a dramatic Oval Office standoff with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, marking a critical turning point in US-Ukraine relations.

According to The New York Times, a senior administration official revealed that the aid freeze resulted from a series of high-level White House meetings. The suspension will remain in place until Ukraine demonstrates a commitment to peace negotiations with Russia, the official stated. The freeze also halts hundreds of millions of dollars under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, which allows Kyiv to purchase US-made military hardware.

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, Washington has provided nearly $65.9 billion in military aid, and $69.2 billion since Russia’s initial aggression in 2014. The sudden aid halt deals a massive blow to Ukraine as it enters its third year of war with Russia.

The move comes just days after a heated public clash between Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, and Zelenskyy at the White House. Zelenskyy, who had arrived to sign a rare minerals deal, faced sharp criticism from Trump and Vance during a tense 50-minute press conference.

At one point, Vance rebuked Zelenskyy, saying, “It’s disrespectful for you to come to the Oval Office and try to litigate this in front of the American media… you should be thanking the president.” Trump followed up with a warning: “You’re gambling with World War Three. What you’re doing is very disrespectful to this country, which has backed you far more than many believe it should.”

As Trump and Vance accused Zelenskyy of lacking gratitude for US support, European leaders and global figures rallied behind Ukraine on social media, reaffirming their solidarity with Kyiv. In response, Zelenskyy simply replied: “Thank you for your support.”

SC Allows Ranveer Allahbadia to Resume Podcast Amid ‘Morality’ Row

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Web Team

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March 4, 2025

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The Supreme Court has granted permission to podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia, popularly known as BeerBiceps, to resume his podcast, “The Ranveer Show”, with strict conditions ensuring content remains suitable for all age groups. The decision came after a bench of Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh considered Allahbadia’s submission that the podcast was his sole source of livelihood, employing nearly 280 individuals.

The court modified its February 18 order, which had barred Allahbadia from airing any content on YouTube or other digital platforms. However, it required him to furnish an undertaking to uphold decency and morality in his shows. The bench took exception to articles criticizing the earlier ban, asserting that fundamental rights are not absolute and come with duties. Justice Surya Kant remarked, “We know how to handle those who misuse free speech.”

Allahbadia faces multiple FIRs over his controversial remarks on Samay Raina’s YouTube show, “India’s Got Latent”, which authorities deemed vulgar and perverse. While the SC extended interim protection from arrest, it restricted him from discussing sub-judice matters on his podcast. His request for travel abroad will only be considered upon full cooperation with the Guwahati investigation.

During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta urged the court to maintain restrictions, stating, “Let him remain silent for some time.” The SC also criticized another accused who fled to Canada and made public remarks about the case. The court warned, “These youngsters think they are oversmart. We hope they behave responsibly, or we know how to deal with them.”

The bench expanded the scope of the case, directing the Centre to draft a social media content regulation framework that balances free speech with moral responsibility under Article 19(4). The draft will be open for public consultation before any legislative or judicial intervention.

Allahbadia’s plea was heard alongside YouTuber Ashish Chanchlani’s request to club multiple FIRs related to the controversy. On February 18, the SC had slammed Allahbadia’s remarks as “vulgar”, stating that his “dirty mind” brought shame to society. Alongside Allahbadia and Samay Raina, comics Chanchlani, Jaspreet Singh, and Apoorva Makhija are also named in the Assam FIR.

FIR Against Abu Azmi Over Aurangzeb Remarks: ‘He Has No Right to Stay in India’

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Web Team

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March 4, 2025

abu azmi, aurangzeb, remark, vidhan sabha, maharashtra — FIR Against Abu Azmi Over Aurangzeb Remarks: 'He Has No Right to Stay in India' 10

A First Information Report (FIR) has been registered against Samajwadi Party (SP) MLA Abu Azmi at Wagle Estate Police Station, Thane, following a complaint by Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske over his remarks praising Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. The case has been filed under BNS sections 299, 302, 356(1), and 356(2) for allegedly hurting religious sentiments.

Mhaske accused Azmi of glorifying Aurangzeb, stating, “He has no right to stay in India. Aurangzeb destroyed thousands of Hindu temples, tortured women, and brutally persecuted Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. He was against the country and looted our nation.” Mhaske further emphasized that Deputy CM Eknath Shinde had called for a sedition case against Azmi and insisted that strict legal action must follow.

Azmi, who represents the Mankhurd-Shivaji Nagar constituency, landed in controversy after commenting on historical portrayals in the Bollywood film Chhava. Defending Aurangzeb, Azmi said, “Wrong history is being shown. Aurangzeb built many temples. I do not consider him a cruel ruler. The battle between Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and Aurangzeb was about state administration, not a religious conflict.” His remarks sparked outrage, particularly from Shiv Sena leaders and the ruling coalition, who condemned his statements and demanded immediate action.

As backlash mounted, Shiv Sena workers gathered outside the Wagle Estate Police Station, pressing for swift action against Azmi. Meanwhile, Azmi defended his position, claiming that India flourished under Aurangzeb, its territory extended to Afghanistan, and the nation accounted for 24% of the global GDP. He maintained that the emperor was an able administrator and dismissed the idea that his conflicts were religiously motivated.

With political pressure escalating, the controversy surrounding Azmi’s remarks has taken center stage in Maharashtra’s political discourse. Whether legal action will proceed further remains to be seen, but the uproar against him continues to grow.

Dhananjay Munde Resigns as Minister Amid Beed Sarpanch Murder Scandal

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Web Team

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March 4, 2025

dhananjay munde, munde, resignation, beed, santosh deshmukh, sarpanch, karuna sharma — Dhananjay Munde Resigns as Minister Amid Beed Sarpanch Murder Scandal 12

Maharashtra Minister Dhananjay Munde resigned from the state cabinet on Tuesday following mounting pressure over the alleged involvement of his close aide, Walmik Karad, in the murder of Beed sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh. The decision came after Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis accepted his resignation and forwarded it to Governor C. P. Radhakrishnan.

Munde’s exit followed relentless opposition demands for his removal after chilling details from the CID chargesheet exposed the brutal abduction, torture, and murder of Deshmukh, who was allegedly targeted for resisting an extortion attempt against an energy company in Beed.

The Crime Investigation Department (CID) submitted a 1,200-page chargesheet in a Beed district court on February 27, detailing the crime. The case has led to the arrest of seven individuals, including Karad, Sudarshan Ghule, Vishnu Chate, Jairam Chate, Mahesh Kedar, Siddhartha Sonawane, Sudhir Sangale, and Prateek Ghule, with another accused, Krishna Andhale, still absconding. Authorities have invoked the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) in three related cases, including Deshmukh’s murder, an extortion attempt on Avaada Energy, and an attack on the company’s security guard.

Fadnavis held a late-night meeting with Deputy CM and NCP chief Ajit Pawar, along with senior NCP leaders, before Munde’s resignation was finalized. With political tensions escalating over the gruesome crime, the fallout of Munde’s resignation is expected to have far-reaching political implications in Maharashtra.

SFI Shuts Down Campuses in Bengal, Demands Education Minister’s Resignation

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Web Team

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March 3, 2025

sfi, bengal, west bengal, protest, sfi protest, — SFI Shuts Down Campuses in Bengal, Demands Education Minister's Resignation 14

Student activists of the Students’ Federation of India (SFI), the student wing of CPI(M), enforced a strike across university campuses in West Bengal on Monday, demanding the resignation of Education Minister Bratya Basu. The agitation follows an altercation at Jadavpur University (JU) on March 1, where Basu’s convoy injured two students attempting to stop him from leaving the campus amid protests over student union elections. The minister was also injured after protesters damaged his car’s windshield.

By Monday morning, campuses of Jadavpur University and Presidency University in Kolkata looked deserted as students, faculty, and staff largely stayed away, while SFI activists ensured compliance with the day-long strike. Other universities, including Calcutta University, Rabindra Bharati University, North Bengal University, and Burdwan University, were partially affected, with some classes disrupted but semester exams continuing.

Tensions flared at JU when Basu, after attending the AGM of the West Bengal College and University Professors Association (WBCUPA), attempted to leave despite student demands for a discussion. According to SFI state committee member Shuvajit Sarkar, the minister’s high-handed behavior escalated tensions, leading to the clash.

Sarkar accused Basu of being escorted by TMC-aligned “outsiders”, who allegedly instigated violence. He further alleged that Basu’s convoy sped away without concern for student safety, injuring two students—one seriously. SFI has now demanded Basu’s resignation and police action against him.

While SFI activists avoided disrupting vehicular movement, ensuring that students could reach their examination centers without obstruction, the strike exposed growing tensions on Bengal’s university campuses. The SFI has also pledged to assist higher secondary examinees by setting up help camps near examination centers.

With political rivalries spilling onto university grounds, the escalation of student protests signals deeper unrest in Bengal’s education sector, raising questions about ministerial accountability and student rights.

Chamoli Avalanche: Death Toll Rises to 7, One Worker Still Missing as Rescue Race Against Weather Continues

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Web Team

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March 2, 2025

chamoli, Uttarakhand, avalanche, rescue — Chamoli Avalanche: Death Toll Rises to 7, One Worker Still Missing as Rescue Race Against Weather Continues 16

The death toll in the Chamoli avalanche rose to seven on Sunday after the bodies of three more workers were recovered from the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) camp, while rescue efforts continue for the last missing worker. The avalanche struck on Friday, burying 54 workers inside eight containers and a shed between Mana and Badrinath.

Army doctors confirmed that 46 rescued workers have been admitted to the military hospital in Jyotirmath, with one critically injured worker airlifted to AIIMS Rishikesh. Three remain in critical condition, Lt Col DS Maldhya stated.

To speed up rescue efforts, helicopters, sniffer dogs, thermal imaging, and ground-penetrating radar (GPR) are being used, as authorities fear deteriorating weather on Monday could hamper operations. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami visited the State Emergency Operation Centre to oversee the efforts and instructed teams to expedite the search.

The Indian Army, ITBP, NDRF, SDRF, and other relief forces are working round the clock at the disaster site. The GPR system from Delhi is expected to enhance the search operation, and six helicopters, including three from the Army, two from the Indian Air Force (IAF), and a civilian chopper, have been deployed.

Chamoli District Magistrate Sandeep Tiwari confirmed that an Mi-17 helicopter is on standby in Dehradun to transport the GPR system to the avalanche site. Lt Gen Anindya Sengupta and Lt Gen D G Mishra are monitoring operations, ensuring that every possible resource, including UAVs, quadcopters, and avalanche rescue dogs, is used to locate the missing worker.

With more than 200 personnel from various agencies engaged in the rescue mission, officials warn that everything depends on the weather.

Raut Hits Back at Shinde: ‘Did Modi Ever Visit Kumbh Before Becoming PM?’

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Web Team

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March 2, 2025

sanjay raut, raut, shiv sena (ubt), sena (ubt), sharing, seat sharing, congress, mva, maha vikas aghadi — Raut Hits Back at Shinde: 'Did Modi Ever Visit Kumbh Before Becoming PM?' 18

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut launched a scathing attack on Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde on Sunday for questioning Uddhav Thackeray’s absence from the recently concluded Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj. Raut not only dismissed Shinde’s remarks but also turned the tables, questioning whether RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat or even Prime Minister Narendra Modi had attended previous Kumbh fairs before coming to power.

Taking a dig at Shinde, Raut remarked that BJP should train him on how to ask questions, adding that Shinde’s missteps are exposing the BJP more than Uddhav Thackeray. He also pointed out that past RSS chiefs, Hindutva ideologue Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, and even BJP stalwarts never made it a point to visit Kumbh Mela, questioning why Thackeray was being targeted.

Raut further intensified his attack by alleging that Shinde secretly met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Pune on February 22 at 4 AM to complain about Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. According to Raut, Shinde expressed dissatisfaction over his diminishing influence in the government and hinted at merging the ‘robbed’ Shiv Sena into the BJP to reclaim his position as CM.

When asked about the meeting, Raut dared Shinde to publicly deny it, stating that even Fadnavis was aware of the complaints made against him.

With the Maharashtra budget session set to begin, Raut also revealed that Shiv Sena (UBT) will stake its claim for the Leader of Opposition (LoP) post, asserting that constitutional provisions do not permit the House to function without one.

As political tensions escalate in Maharashtra, Raut’s explosive claims have added fresh fuel to the already simmering rivalry between the Shinde-Fadnavis government and Uddhav Thackeray’s faction.

Dhananjay Munde’s Resignation Imminent? Estranged Wife Karuna Sharma Drops Bombshell

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Web Team

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March 2, 2025

Maharashtra Minister Dhananjay Munde is facing mounting pressure to resign amid allegations linking his close aide Walmik Karad to an extortion case and the murder of Massajog sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh. His estranged wife Karuna Sharma-Munde claimed on Sunday that senior leaders had already sought his resignation, which would be announced before the state budget session.

The 13-day budget session begins Monday, and the speculation over Munde’s exit has intensified. Speaking to a Marathi news channel, Sharma stated, “As per my sources, Munde’s resignation was sought two days ago, and he will have to step down before the session.”

She further pointed out that Munde had earlier admitted Karad was his close aide and had promised to resign if Karad was found guilty. With Karad now named in the chargesheet, Sharma asserted, “For moral or other reasons, Munde will have to resign.”

The case has caused a political storm, as the chargesheet alleges that Karad ordered the murder of anyone obstructing his extortion attempts from a wind energy company. This revelation has provided fresh ammunition to the opposition, demanding Munde’s immediate resignation.

When contacted for a response, Munde stated that he would attend the state cabinet meeting later in the day, avoiding direct comments on the resignation speculation. With the budget session around the corner, all eyes are now on whether Munde will step down or fight back against the mounting controversy.