The exclusion of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde from the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) has sparked political controversy, with many seeing it as a sign of growing tensions within the ruling Mahayuti alliance. The restructured SDMA, led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, includes Deputy CM Ajit Pawar but has left out Shinde, despite his crucial role as head of the urban development department, which is central to disaster response efforts.
The SDMA, formed after the 2005 Mumbai floods, is responsible for coordinating emergency responses, making Shinde’s omission particularly noteworthy. Political analysts suggest this move reflects a power struggle between Fadnavis and Shinde, with the BJP consolidating control over key decisions.
Reports of discontent within Mahayuti have persisted since the coalition’s formation, with Shinde reportedly unhappy over cabinet allocations and the appointment of district guardian ministers, especially in Raigad and Nashik. The controversial appointment of NCP leader Aditi Tatkare as Raigad’s guardian minister, despite objections from Shinde’s camp, further fueled speculation of BJP and NCP sidelining the Shiv Sena faction led by Shinde.
While a senior BJP minister has dismissed reports of infighting, observers believe Shinde’s gradual marginalization within the alliance is becoming more evident. His exclusion from the key disaster management body is being interpreted as another sign of Mahayuti’s internal power struggles, adding to the uncertainty over its long-term stability.
Maha Kumbh Chaos: Prayagraj's Sangam Station Shut Amid Massive Pilgrim Rush 4
The Prayagraj Sangam railway station has been temporarily shut down as authorities struggle to control the overwhelming rush of pilgrims attending the Maha Kumbh Mela in Uttar Pradesh. The move aims to prevent overcrowding and ensure public safety amid an unprecedented surge in visitors.
Officials stated that train services have been rerouted to nearby stations, and special arrangements are in place for pilgrims’ safe transportation. The shutdown is part of crowd management efforts, as authorities brace for even larger gatherings in the coming days.
Meanwhile, in neighboring Madhya Pradesh, traffic congestion has forced authorities to halt hundreds of vehicles heading towards Prayagraj. Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Rewa Range, Saket Prakash Pandey, said, “We are allowing vehicles to pass one by one after getting clearance from Prayagraj administration.”
Pilgrims have reported massive traffic jams en route to the Mela, with some stranded for hours. A Nagpur resident recounted being stuck in Maihar for over two hours, while another appreciated the food arrangements for stranded travellers, urging cooperation with government measures.
With the Maha Kumbh Mela drawing millions of devotees, authorities continue to implement stringent measures to prevent stampedes, manage infrastructure pressure, and ensure a safe pilgrimage experience.
Sonia Gandhi Demands Government to Conduct Population Census at Earliest 6
Senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi on Monday asked the government to complete a population census at the earliest, claiming that around 14 crore people in the country are being deprived of the benefits under the food security law.
In her maiden Zero Hour intervention in the Rajya Sabha, Gandhi said beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) are being identified as per the 2011 Census, and not the latest population numbers.
The senior Congress leader called the NFSA introduced by the UPA government in September 2013 a landmark initiative aimed at ensuring food and nutritional security for the country’s 140 crore population.
The legislation, Gandhi said, played a crucial role in protecting millions of vulnerable households from starvation, particularly during the COVID-19 crisis.
She also said that the quota for the beneficiaries is still determined based on the 2011 Census, which is now well over a decade old.
The National Food Security Act, 2013, provides for coverage of up to 75 per cent of the rural and up to 50 per cent of the urban population for receiving highly subsidised foodgrains under the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS), which according to the 2011 Census comes to about 81.35 crore.
At present, the government provides 5 kg of free foodgrains per person per month under the food security law.
“For the first time in the history of independent India, the decennial census has been delayed by more than four years. It was originally scheduled for 2021, but there is still no clarity as to when the census will be conducted,” she said.
Gandhi also claimed that the Budget allocations show that the updated census is unlikely to be conducted this year.
Around 14 crore eligible Indians are thus being deprived of their rightful benefits under the NFSA, she said.
“It is imperative that the government prioritises completion of the census as soon as possible and ensures that all deserving individuals receive the benefits guaranteed to them under the NFSA. Food security is not a privilege. It is a fundamental right,” the former Congress chief said.
The period for distribution of free foodgrains under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) has been extended for five years from January 1, 2024.
Punjab Police Busts Terror Module in Amritsar; 3 Arrested With AK-47, Pistols 8
Punjab Police has busted a terror module with the arrest of a trio allegedly involved in carrying out an ‘explosion’ near a closed police post here on February 3, officials said on Monday.
Police also recovered one AK-47 rifle, two pistols and cartridges from their possession, they said.
After their arrest, the suspects allegedly tried to escape as one of them snatched a pistol from a police officer and opened fire. In retaliatory fire, two accused suffered bullet injuries and were admitted to a hospital, police said.
The trio has been identified as Lovepreet Singh, Buta Singh and Karandeep Singh, all residents of Amritsar Rural having links with a Dubai-based man who helped in providing them with money and weapons.
Confirming the arrests, Amritsar Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said the module was being operated by terrorist Happy Passia and others from abroad.
During preliminary investigation, it was found that they were behind the ‘explosion’ near a closed police post on the Fatehgarh Churian by-pass road on February 3 when a ‘blast-like’ sound was heard.
Centre's U-Turn on Amending CNLD Act Aimed at Appeasing Foreign Firms: Congress 10
The Congress on Monday alleged that the Modi government’s announcement that it will amend the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act 2010 was a “U-turn” aimed at appeasing French and American companies since Prime Minister Narendra Modi is travelling to these two countries over the next four days.
Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh recalled that on February 8, 2015, the Ministry of External Affairs issued a booklet called ‘Frequently Asked Questions and Answers on Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act 2010 and related issues’.
“Q3 said the following: ‘Has India agreed to amend its Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act of 2010 (CNLD Act 2010) and the CNLD Rules of 2011? If not now, would they be amended in the future?’ The Answer given to this Question by the Modi Govt then was the following: ‘There is no proposal to amend the Act or the Rules.’,” Ramesh said on X.
On February 1, 2025, the Finance Minister in her Budget speech announced that this Act will be amended, he said.
“The U-turn has been done clearly to appease French and American companies since the PM is travelling to these two countries over the next four days,” Ramesh alleged and pointed out that negotiations with these companies have been going on for over 15 years.
“The Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010, was passed after considerable discussion both in and out of Parliament. As Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, the late Arun Jaitley, had played an important role in crafting this law,” the Congress leader said.
Modi will be in France from February 10-12 to co-chair the AI Action Summit with French President Emmanuel Macron.
Prime Minister Modi will also pay a two-day working visit to the US from February 12 during which he will hold a bilateral meeting with President Donald Trump and interact with business leaders and members of the Indian community.
BJP Ends 27-Year Drought in Delhi, Ousts AAP in Historic 2025 Election Victory 12
In 2025, the BJP made a stunning comeback in Delhi, ending a 27-year hiatus of not holding power in the national capital. The results of the February 5 elections marked a dramatic shift, as the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) was ousted from its position of power, securing only 22 seats. Meanwhile, Congress continued its disappointing performance, failing to win a single seat. The BJP emerged victorious with 48 of the 70 seats in the Delhi Assembly, securing a significant win after nearly three decades of absence from power. This victory in the 2025 elections placed the saffron party in a strong position, paving the way for the appointment of the next Chief Minister, a decision that will be made by the central leadership of the party.
This election marked the end of a long political drought for the BJP, who, after being out of power for 27 years, managed to claim victory in a fiercely contested battle. The BJP’s win set the stage for the fourth leader of the party to take the helm as Delhi’s Chief Minister. The identity of this leader remains under wraps, with speculation growing about who will be chosen for this crucial role. Interestingly, the last BJP Chief Minister in Delhi held office almost 26 years ago, a period during which the city saw rapid changes in its leadership, with three different Chief Ministers serving between 1993 and 1998.
The BJP’s first Chief Minister of Delhi, Madan Lal Khurana, took office in 1993 after the 69th Amendment to the Constitution restored an elected assembly in the capital. Khurana’s tenure, however, was short-lived, lasting just over two years from December 1993 to February 1996. During the 1993 Delhi Assembly elections, the BJP secured 49 out of the 70 seats, while Congress won 14, Janata Dal secured 4, and three seats went to independent candidates. However, Khurana faced a significant political scandal in 1995 involving the infamous Hawala case, which led to his resignation under immense pressure in 1996. His resignation was followed by Sahib Singh Verma, who became the next Chief Minister.
Sahib Singh Verma’s tenure lasted from February 1996 to October 1998. His leadership was marked by internal party conflicts, particularly with his predecessor Khurana, who sought to reclaim the position after being cleared of the charges against him. Verma, however, faced criticism for his handling of key issues like rising onion prices and the ongoing water crisis in Delhi, which led to his resignation in 1998. In his place, Sushma Swaraj was appointed as the next BJP Chief Minister, making her the first woman to hold the position in Delhi. Her term, however, was brief, lasting only 52 days, from October to December 1998. Despite her efforts to tackle the onion supply crisis and other pressing issues, the BJP’s leadership could not prevent the party’s defeat in the ensuing assembly elections. Congress returned to power with Sheila Dikshit at the helm, serving as Chief Minister for the next 15 years, until her defeat by AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal in 2013.
In the 2013 Delhi elections, the AAP emerged as a strong contender, securing 28 seats, while Congress won 8 seats and BJP obtained 31 seats. This result led to the formation of a coalition government between AAP and Congress. However, the government did not last long and was replaced by President’s Rule. In the 2015 elections, AAP achieved a sweeping victory, winning 67 of the 70 seats and bringing Arvind Kejriwal back as Chief Minister. AAP maintained its stronghold in the 2020 elections, securing 62 seats and continuing Kejriwal’s leadership.
However, in 2025, the political landscape shifted once again. The BJP managed to break its 27-year-long drought in Delhi, capitalizing on issues like AAP’s alleged involvement in a liquor scam and other controversies surrounding their governance. What further shifted the tide in BJP’s favor was the electoral success of Parvesh Verma, the son of former Delhi CM Sahib Singh Verma, who defeated Arvind Kejriwal in the New Delhi assembly constituency by over 4,000 votes. This victory solidified BJP’s position in the capital and ended AAP’s long reign, marking a significant political milestone for the party in Delhi’s history.
Minister Sarnaik Wants Mumbai Metro Rail Services to Be Extended Till Dahisar 14
Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik on Thursday called for the need to extend the Mumbai metro rail services up to suburban Dahisar to provide a relief to commuters.
He was speaking to reporters during an inspection tour of infrastructure projects in Mira-Bhayandar township in Thane district.
“The people of Mira-Bhayandar need justice. The Mumbai metro rail should be made operational up to Dahisar by the end of this year to provide a hassle-free commute to the local residents,” Sarnaik said.
He instructed the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) official to speed up the project, stating that its expansion is a priority to provide better connectivity and ease congestion.
Sarnaik inspected the Dahisar check post, which regularly witnesses traffic snarls, and attributed the congestion to the “mismanagement” of toll operators, seeking immediate corrective measures.
He said the previous Eknath Shinde-led government’s decision to waive toll at Mumbai’s five entry points for light motor vehicles had already helped ease congestion to some extent.
The minister also reviewed the progress of under-construction three flyovers in Mira-Bhayandar.
He said that one flyover is already operational, the second would be inaugurated on February 19, on the occasion of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s birth anniversary, while the third one is expected to be completed by the end of August.
Altogether 15,756 Illegal Indian Immigrants Deported From US Since 2009: Jaishankar 16
A total of 15,756 illegal Indian immigrants have been deported to India from the US since 2009, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar informed the Rajya Sabha on Thursday.
Making a statement in the Upper House after opposition parties stepped up their criticism over the treatment meted out to 104 illegal Indian immigrants who landed in Amritsar on Wednesday in a US military plane, Jaishankar asserted that the process of deportation has been ongoing for several years and is not new.
Citing data available with Indian law enforcement authorities, the minister said in 2009, 734 were deported, 799 in 2010, 597 in 2011, 530 in 2012, and 550 in 2013.
As per Jaishankar’s statement, in 2014 when the NDA government came to power, 591 were deported, followed by 708 in 2015. In 2016, a total of 1,303 were deported, 1,024 in 2017, 1,180 in 2018.
The highest deportation was witnessed in 2019 with 2,042 illegal Indian immigrants being sent back to the country. In 2020 the deportation number was 1,889; 805 in 2021; 862 in 2022; 670 in 2023; 1,368 last year, and 104 so far this year.
Jaishankar said deportations by the US are organised and executed by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) authorities and “the standard operating procedure for deportations by aircraft used by ICE that is effective from 2012, provides for the use of restraints”.
“However, we have been informed by ICE that women and children are not restrained.
Further, the needs of deportees during transit related to food and other necessities, including possible medical emergencies are attended to,” he informed the house.
During toilet breaks deportees are temporarily unrestrained if needed in that regard, he said, adding, “this is applicable to chartered civilian aircraft as well as military aircraft”.
“There has been no change from past procedures for the flight undertaken by the US on February 5, 2025,” Jaishankar said, referring to the US military aircraft carrying 104 illegal Indian immigrants that landed in Amritsar on Wednesday.
Pune Civic Body Seals 19 Private RO Water Plants in Wake of GBS Outbreak 18
The Pune Municipal Corporation has sealed 19 private RO plants in Nanded village area, the epicentre of the Guillain-Barr Syndrome (GBS) outbreak, after tests confirmed water from these facilities was unfit for drinking, officials said.
Four fresh cases of suspected GBS, a nerve disorder, were reported in Pune district on Wednesday, taking the overall tally in Maharashtra to 170, they said.
The now-sealed privately owned reverse-osmosis (RO) plants, located in Dhayari-Nanded area, supplied bottled water to a large number of people in the vicinity.
Following the crackdown, the Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) water supply department announced plans to formulate standard operating procedures (SOPs) to prevent the distribution of contaminated water in the area.
During the investigation of water samples collected from some privately run RO plants, it was found that water from 19 such RO plants operating in the Nanded and adjoining area was unfit for drinking. Accordingly, all these 19 RO plants were sealed and their functioning has been stopped, PMC’s additional commissioner Prithviraj P B said on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, PMC’s water supply department head Nandkishor Jagtap said they found Escherichia coli bacteria in samples collected from these 19 RO plants.
In the wake of the discovery of E.coli, private water suppliers have been asked to use bleaching powder solution provided by the PMC to ensure the bacteria is contained, he said.
On Tuesday, members of a rapid response team formed to probe the GBS outbreak in Nanded village and adjoining localities in Sinhagad Road area said there was no chlorine in the drinking water supplied to households of 26 suspected patients of the nerve disorder.
GBS causes sudden numbness and muscle weakness, with symptoms including severe weakness in the limbs.
DK Rao: A Tale of Mumbai's Underworld and Law Enforcement 20
Once upon a time, Mumbai’s Underworld was the stuff of legends—an era that inspired countless movies, books, and crime thrillers. The city’s streets echoed with the sounds of shootouts, gang rivalries, and sensational police encounters. Extortion rackets ran rampant, and the underworld operated with an iron grip. Among the infamous names that loomed large in Mumbai’s crime syndicates, one figure stood out—DK Rao, the chief lieutenant of Chhota Rajan and one of the most feared gangsters in the city.
Known as Ravi Mallesh Bora, DK Rao has long been a key player in organised crime, his name deeply entrenched in Mumbai’s police records since the 1990s. His criminal journey has been marked by an endless cycle of arrests, court appearances, and strategic escapes. Recently, he was arrested yet again by the Mumbai Crime Branch, along with six of his associates, for allegedly threatening a 74-year-old hotelier in Marol Naka, Andheri East, in a case of extortion. His arrest is another chapter in a crime-ridden life that has seen numerous convictions, yet he has remained a formidable figure within the underworld.
Rao’s notoriety extends beyond extortion and street crime. He has been a central player in executing violent crimes from within the walls of prison itself. In 2002, while incarcerated at Arthur Road Jail, he allegedly orchestrated the murder of OP Singh, a former close associate of Chhota Rajan who had begun distancing himself from the gang. As Singh was imprisoned in Nashik Jail, Rao and his associates managed to get themselves transferred there and, in a brutal attack, strangled Singh to death. This incident was a testament to the deep-seated nexus between criminals and law enforcement at the time—a period when the underworld’s reach extended well beyond the streets.
The Mumbai underworld was rife with betrayals, shifting allegiances, and brutal encounters. While many of his contemporaries perished in gang wars or police encounters, Rao survived—sometimes by sheer luck, other times by deception. In one encounter, he was shot and presumed dead along with four other gangsters, only for the police to later realise that he had feigned death and escaped. His survival instincts allowed him to outlive the deadly feud between Chhota Rajan and Dawood Ibrahim’s gangs that spanned over three decades. Not just a survivor, Rao himself led multiple attacks on members of Dawood’s syndicate, further cementing his place in Mumbai’s criminal hierarchy.
His latest arrest is linked to what he does best—extortion. A restaurant owner found himself entangled in a dispute with a partner who attempted to swindle him out of his property. Rao allegedly stepped in to mediate, not as a peacemaker but as an enforcer for the opposing party. The victim was threatened with dire consequences, including death, if he failed to comply. However, unlike past incidents where intimidation worked in Rao’s favor, this time, the restaurant owner sought police intervention. In an unusually swift operation, the Mumbai Crime Branch arrested Rao and his associates, marking yet another fall in his long-standing criminal career.
Despite having over 40 criminal cases against him, Rao has always found a way to maneuver through the legal system. The problem, as often seen in such cases, is that high-profile criminals like Rao rarely stay behind bars for long. Witnesses turn hostile, cases drag on for years, and legal loopholes are exploited. His past incarcerations have followed a predictable pattern—arrest, imprisonment, legal battles, and eventual release, only to return to his old ways.
Rao’s criminal empire has not only survived but evolved over time. His clout in Mumbai’s notorious Dharavi area is formidable, and his involvement in extortion, land disputes, and contract killings continues. Even after multiple police encounters, he remains one of the few gangsters who have survived against all odds. In 1998, he endured a close call with the Mumbai police, sustaining seven bullet wounds yet managing to escape with his life. Over the years, he has adapted to the changing nature of crime, extending his influence to slum redevelopment projects and illicit financial dealings. The recent arrest came after a complaint from Ramdas Vishwakarma, a senior citizen, who accused Rao’s gang of demanding ₹2.5 crore from him under threats of violence.
With Chhota Rajan currently in judicial custody at Delhi’s Tihar Jail, many speculated that his criminal network would wither away. However, police sources suggest otherwise. Rajan’s syndicate, though weakened, remains operational through loyal operatives like Rao, who ensure that extortion, intimidation, and financial dealings continue seamlessly. While Rao’s latest arrest may be seen as a temporary setback for the gang, it is unlikely to dismantle their operations entirely. According to police officials, Rajan’s network of shooters, informers, and financiers remains intact, with others ready to take Rao’s place if necessary.
The ongoing investigation by the Mumbai Crime Branch delves deeper into Rao’s financial transactions, particularly his alleged involvement in property dispute meditations for personal gains. The forensic analysis of voice notes found on the mobile phones of his associates, including Abubakar Siddiqui, is underway, and law enforcement is determined to trace the money trail linking Rao to these extortion activities. His arrest, alongside co-accused Abubakar Abdullah Siddiqui, Imran Kaleem Shaikh, Riyaz Kaleem Shaikh, Asif Sattan Khan alias Saif Durbar, Javed Jalaluddin Khan, and Hanif Ismail Naik alias Annu Bhai, underscores the persistent attempts by law enforcement to crack down on underworld syndicates.
Rao’s survival in the treacherous world of Mumbai’s underworld is a story in itself. From his impoverished beginnings in Matunga’s slums to becoming one of the most feared gangsters in the city, his rise to power was marked by violence and ruthless ambition. Starting as a small-time thief, he soon found his way into bank robberies, extortion rackets, and targeted killings under the tutelage of Chhota Rajan. When the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts created a schism between Rajan and Dawood Ibrahim, Rao chose loyalty, rejecting overtures from Chhota Shakeel to switch sides. That decision made him a marked man, with Dawood’s men and even law enforcement tracking his every move. Yet, time and again, he outmaneuvered both.
His ability to navigate the murky waters of Mumbai’s underworld has ensured his longevity, but history suggests that no gangster remains invincible forever. While his latest arrest may appear as yet another episode in a long saga of crime and evasion, law enforcement authorities remain hopeful that this time, justice will prevail. As Mumbai evolves, so does its crime landscape. Yet, the ghosts of its underworld past continue to linger, waiting for the next chapter to unfold.
