In a stunning blow to Uddhav Thackeray's political career, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has emerged victorious in the Maharashtra assembly elections, solidifying his claim as the leader of the "real Shiv Sena". Shinde's faction, part of the ruling Mahayuti alliance, is leading in over 200 seats, surpassing Uddhav's faction and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi. Shinde's focus on preserving the party's original ideology seems to have resonated with voters, establishing him as the rightful heir to the Shiv Sena's political legacy.
Eknath Shinde's Rise and the Demise of Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena
In a dramatic turn of events, Eknath Shinde has emerged as the victor in the battle for control of the Shiv Sena, a powerful regional party in Maharashtra, India. Shinde's decisive victory has not only ended Uddhav Thackeray's dominance but has also raised questions about the future of the party.
Background:
The Shiv Sena, founded by Bal Thackeray in 1966, has traditionally been a pro-Marathi, Hindu nationalist party. Under Uddhav Thackeray, the party allied with the Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in 2019, forming the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition. However, internal tensions within the Sena escalated over time, particularly due to Thackeray's decision to support the Congress.
The Rebellion:
In June 2022, Shinde, a senior Sena leader and former state minister, led a rebellion against Thackeray. Shinde and his loyalists alleged that the party had deviated from its core Hindutva ideology and had become a "slave" to the Congress. They claimed that Thackeray had failed to build a strong opposition against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which had emerged as a major force in Maharashtra.
The Assembly Elections:
The MVA government collapsed in June 2022, paving the way for fresh assembly elections. The BJP formed an alliance with Shinde's faction of the Sena, known as the "Balasahebanchi Shiv Sena," while the NCP and the Congress supported Thackeray's "Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray)."
The Results:
In the October 2022 elections, Shinde's faction emerged victorious in over 200 seats, surpassing the Congress-NCP alliance and Thackeray's group. Shinde attributed his victory to the support of the "true" Shiv Sainiks who believed in the party's original ideology.
FAQs:
1. Who is Eknath Shinde? Eknath Shinde was a loyalist of Bal Thackeray and a senior leader in the Shiv Sena. He served as the urban development minister in the MVA government until he led the rebellion against Uddhav Thackeray.
2. Why did Eknath Shinde rebel against Uddhav Thackeray? Shinde and his supporters alleged that Thackeray had deviated from the party's Hindutva ideology and had become too close to the Congress. They also criticized Thackeray's leadership style and decision-making.
3. What are the implications of Eknath Shinde's victory for the Shiv Sena? Shinde's victory has effectively split the Shiv Sena into two factions. It remains to be seen how the two factions will resolve the legal and political challenges ahead, including the ownership of the party's name and symbol.
4. What does the future hold for Uddhav Thackeray? Thackeray has vowed to continue fighting for the Shiv Sena. However, it remains unclear whether he will be able to regain control of the party or form a new alliance to maintain his political relevance.
5. What impact will the Shiv Sena split have on Maharashtra politics? The split in the Shiv Sena has created a more fragmented political landscape in Maharashtra. It will be interesting to see how the different factions align with the BJP and other parties in the state, potentially altering the balance of power in the assembly.
United States President Donald Trump has expressed delight at the suspension of ABC's late-night talk show hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, following backlash against his comments on the killing of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. Trump criticized Kimmel's talent and ratings, calling him a "total loser" and "Fake News" host. The show will reportedly be replaced by other ABC programs and has been taken off air indefinitely. This comes after Kimmel addressed the killing of Kirk during a monologue and condemned attempts to politicize the case.
On Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 75th birthday, various ministers, politicians, and private companies took out expensive advertisements in English newspapers to wish him. The Times of India had the most ads, followed by The Indian Express, Hindustan Times, and The Hindu. Some advertisements were placed by lesser-known politicians and political parties, while companies and trade associations also joined in to greet the PM. One advertisement even detailed the achievements of PM Modi in seven milestones.
In a powerful speech, Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai highlighted the essential role of human dignity in the Constitution and the judiciary's responsibility to uphold it. He emphasized that dignity forms the very core of fundamental rights and has been consistently upheld by the Supreme Court in landmark judgments. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla echoed this sentiment, stating that it is crucial for the government and judiciary to work together to deliver justice to the people.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin will be attending the grand celebration of Mupperum Vizha, which marks the birth anniversary of party founder CN Annadurai, social reformer Periyar, and DMK's founding day. Several prestigious awards, including the Periyar Award for Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, will be presented during the event, which has been designed like a fortress with a capacity to seat one lakh people. The stage is dominated by portraits of Chief Minister Stalin and Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, along with banners highlighting the achievements of the Tamil Nadu government.
The Vantara zoological rescue and rehabilitation centre, established by Reliance Foundation in Jamnagar, was under scrutiny by the Supreme Court following allegations of irregularities. On 15 September 2025, the Court accepted the findings of the special investigation team (SIT) in a "sealed cover," concluding that there were no violations of various laws and regulations. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh expressed admiration for the justice system's rare display of efficiency in this case, but also raised questions about the use of sealed covers in court proceedings.
The District Administration, in collaboration with the Department of Urban Development & Housing, has officially kicked off the Swachhata Hi Seva 2025 campaign in Ziro, India. The initiative aims to promote mass participation in cleanliness and waste management activities, with the goal of making Ziro a model of hygiene and environmental stewardship. The launch event, attended by government officials and members of the public, also saw the administration taking the Swachhata Pledge to reaffirm their commitment to a "Clean India, Green India". Stay tuned for upcoming activities and events leading up to Gandhi Jayanti on October 2.
In a dramatic turn of events, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was stopped from accessing flood-hit villages on the India-Pakistan border due to safety concerns. A three-week-long investigation into allegations against Reliance Foundation's Vantara wildlife centre found no evidence of wrongdoing, prompting the Supreme Court to close the case. Forest officials in Madhya Pradesh are seeking answers from an IRS officer and his wife, who are accused of building a resort in an ecologically sensitive zone. Stay updated with these and other news stories on the Indian Express.
Rahul Gandhi, who was on a visit to flood-hit villages in Amritsar and Gurdaspur, was stopped by police from crossing the Ravi river to the "zero line" villages on the Indo-Pak border. The Congress leader had spent the day assessing damage and meeting with victims before being told it was unsafe to attempt the boat crossing. This comes after the Supreme Court closed a case involving allegations against the Reliance Foundation's wildlife rescue centre in Gujarat. Meanwhile, forest officials have sought clarification from an IRS officer and his wife for allegedly building a hotel/resort in an ecosensitive zone at Panna Tiger Reserve. Stay updated with breaking news on our live blog on Instagram.
Global leaders take to social media to send well wishes to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his birthday. With the upcoming national election and ongoing tensions with neighboring countries, world leaders hope for continued success and prosperity for both Modi and the nation. India's growing presence on the global stage is recognized and celebrated by leaders across the world, showing the significance and influence of the country's political landscape.
Today, September 17, marks the birthday of India’s Prime Minister and influential global leader, Narendra Modi. As he turns another year older, people from all over the world are sharing warm wishes, heartfelt messages, and inspiring quotes to honor his dedication and leadership to the nation. With a dominating presence on social media, PM Modi's birthday images are the perfect way to extend your wishes and celebrate his special day.