The political scenario of Maharashtra witnessed an interesting change as estranged cousins Uddhav and Raj Thackeray indicated a possible reconciliation ahead of the crucial BMC elections. In its editorial on Monday, Sena (UBT)’s mouthpiece Saamana said the two leaders (Uddhav and Raj) should take evaluative steps in the state’s interest, adding, “If nectar comes out of poison, Maharashtra needs it.” Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said, “There is no need for outsiders to mediate between Uddhav and Raj. I understand their emotions and family ties. Relationships aren’t broken by politics alone. Uddhav is very positive about rapprochement—his stance is for the betterment of Maharashtra and Marathi manoos [Marathi-speaking people].” However, Raj Thackeray, currently abroad, instructed his party leaders and workers to keep themselves away from commenting on the Thackeray cousin reunion speculation and developments. Although the cousins who were both once key leaders of the Shiv Sena have been bitter rivals for three decades, if they do reunite politically, it could signify another upheaval in Maharashtra politics, a state that has seen political somersaults and drastic splits in both the Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party in 2022 and 2023 respectively.
MODI BY HIS SIDE, NITISH PLEDGES COMMITMENT TO NDA FOR BIHAR POLLS
With Bihar bustling with political energy ahead of the state Assembly polls later this year, Bihar CM Nitish Kumar has blamed his JDU colleague and Union minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, also known as Lalan Singh, for his party’s brief exit in 2022 from BJP-led NDA. Nitish shared the stage with Narendra Modi at an event in Madhubani and he reassured the PM that JDU remained firmly aligned with NDA now. Lalan Singh, a former JDU national president, was also present at the programme. Nitish reaffirmed his total commitment to fighting RJD, led by ex-CM Lalu Prasad. Bihar, with 243 Assembly seats, will go to polls later this year, with the NDA taking on the Mahagathbandhan.
CONGRESS STRONGLY CONDEMNS PAHALGAM TERROR ATTACK, DEMANDS PROBE
The Congress Working Committee (CWC) has strongly condemned the cowardly and calculated act of terror in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam on Tuesday. The party has said it is a direct assault on the values of our Republic. The Congress demanded a comprehensive investigation and analysis into the intelligence failures and security lapses that enabled the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam. “This cowardly and calculated act of terror, mastermind by Pakistan, is a direct assault on the values of our Republic. The deliberate targeting of Hindus was done to heighten sentiments across the country. We appeal for peace in the face of this grave provocation and reaffirm our collective strength in the face of adversity. The CWC reaffirms the Indian National Congress’ longstanding resolve to combat cross-border terrorism with determination and unity,” the party said in its resolution. The Congress also demanded that the safety of millions of pilgrims in the upcoming Amarnath Yatra must be treated as a national priority and demanded a robust, transparent, and proactive security arrangements to be put in place without delay.
AHEAD OF BIHAR POLLS, MODI INAUGURATES INFRA PROJECTS IN THE STATE
Ahead of Bihar assembly elections, PM Narendra Modi inaugurated a number of development projects in Madhubani that emphasize strengthening Bihar’s infrastructure and public services. Modi laid foundation stones and inaugurated numerous projects worth over ₹13,480 crore and addressed Panchayati Raj institutions across the country. Speaking at an event to mark National Panchayati Raj Day, Modi said a developed Bihar is essential for a developed India and said efforts are being made to ensure the benefits of progress reach each and every corner of the state. Modi further said Bihar is the land where Mahatma Gandhi expanded the mantra of Satyagraha. Modi highlighted Mahatma Gandhi’s firm belief that India’s rapid development is only possible when its villages are equipped and self-sufficient. He emphasized that the concept of Panchayati Raj was rooted in this sentiment. Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of an LPG bottling plant with rail unloading facility at Hathua in Gopalganj district of Bihar worth around Rs 340 crore, aimed at streamlining the supply chain and improving efficiency of bulk LPG transportation.
TEJASHWI YADAV TAKES POTSHOTS AT NITISH GOVERNMENT, CENTRE
Bihar Leader of the Opposition (LoP) and RJD leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav has accused the Nitish Kumar government of intimidating panchayat representatives through officials and taking away their rights and privileges. Tejashwi has claimed that the people of Bihar aspire a change in guard because the state was receiving step-motherly treatment from the Centre which was providing all financial assistance to Gujarat .Tejashwi also asserted that he does not want to speak about the Chief Minister’s role, as intelligent people understand who the real face is. He also painted a grim picture of Bihar’s socio-economic situation, saying: “Despite 20 years of NDA rule in Bihar and 11 years at the Centre, Bihar remains India’s most backward state.” (IPA Service)
Indian Students In U.S. Universities Are Facing Threats To Their Rights Under Trump 2.0 