NCP leader Sharad Pawar and Deputy CM Ajit Pawar each paid their respects to Maharashtra's first Chief Minister, Y B Chavan, on the anniversary of his passing. The two leaders' separate tributes at the Pritisangam memorial highlight the ongoing divisions within the party.
Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar: Ongoing Divisions Within the NCP
Sharad Pawar, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief, and his nephew, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, have paid their respects to Maharashtra's first Chief Minister, Yashwantrao Chavan, on the anniversary of his passing. However, the separate tributes by the two leaders at the Pritisangam memorial highlighted the ongoing divisions within the party.
Background
The NCP was formed in 1999 by Sharad Pawar after he split from the Indian National Congress (INC). Pawar was the party's leader and president until 2019, when he handed over the reins to his daughter, Supriya Sule.
Ajit Pawar, Sharad Pawar's nephew, has been the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra since 2019. He is a senior NCP leader and has held various ministerial posts in the state government.
Ongoing Divisions
In recent years, there have been growing divisions within the NCP over leadership and ideological issues. Some members of the party, including Ajit Pawar, have been critical of Sharad Pawar's leadership style and his alleged attempts to side-line them.
The separate tributes paid by Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar to Y.B. Chavan have once again brought these divisions to the fore. Chavan is considered a towering figure in Maharashtra politics and is revered by both factions of the NCP.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
Q: What is the cause of the divisions within the NCP?
A: The divisions stem from differences over leadership and ideological issues. Some members believe that Sharad Pawar has been too dominant and have criticized his handling of party affairs.
Q: What are the key demands of Ajit Pawar and his supporters?
A: They have demanded greater representation in decision-making and a more democratic functioning of the party.
Q: Has there been any attempt to resolve the divisions?
A: Sharad Pawar has met with Ajit Pawar and other dissenters on several occasions, but no concrete steps have been taken to address their concerns.
Q: What is the future of the NCP?
A: The future of the party is uncertain. If the divisions continue, it could lead to a further fracturing of the NCP.
Q: What is the significance of the separate tributes paid by Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar?
A: The separate tributes highlight the ongoing rift within the NCP and raise questions about the party's future.
The Pasighat police in East Siang district, Arunachal Pradesh have arrested the 33-year-old boys' hostel warden of Sanggo English School for sexually assaulting minor students. This came to light when a student was hospitalized for urogenital complications. The incident has sparked outrage from parents and the public, demanding strict action against the accused warden. In response, the Arunachal Pradesh State Human Rights Commission (APSHRC) has taken suo motu cognisance and ordered for a detailed report on the investigation, victim protection, and school management.
Actress Siddiqa Begum, daughter and legal heir of Shah Bano, has served a legal notice on the makers of the upcoming Bollywood film 'Haq'. The notice states that the film's unauthorized depiction of the personal life of Shah Bano without the consent of her legal heirs is a violation of their rights. 'Haq' is based on the landmark 1985 Supreme Court case that granted maintenance to Shah Bano, a Muslim woman, from her divorced husband.
After four years, the 'Darbar Move' tradition in Jammu and Kashmir has been restored, fulfilling the promise of the government and bringing a boost to the economy. National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah expressed happiness, noting that those who sought to separate Jammu and Srinagar have failed. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah received a warm reception and inspected the secretariat premises after the ceremony, as security in the region was heightened for the occasion.
Delhi Legislative Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta praised Swami Dayanand Saraswati as not just a saint and reformer, but also a pivotal figure in India's freedom struggle. Speaking at the International Arya Samaj Conference, Gupta highlighted how Swami Dayanand's teachings sparked a revolution that led to the nation's independence. The event was attended by esteemed guests including Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat and top officials from the Arya Samaj community, all paying tribute to the enduring impact and legacy of Swami Dayanand Saraswati.
The Metro Railway Kolkata has announced a major schedule expansion for its Yellow Line, which runs between Noapara and Jai Hind Bimanbandar (Airport) in Kolkata. Starting from 3 November, weekday operations will increase to 120 services with extended operating hours, providing greater convenience and accessibility to commuters. Weekend travellers will also see a significant frequency upgrade, making travel on Saturdays and Sundays hassle-free. This move is expected to improve the overall public transportation system in the city and benefit the commuters.
Despite some reassurances that online verticals focused on diversity will continue, NBC News has announced a round of layoffs that will impact about 150 employees, or 2% of their workforce. The cuts are said to be a result of cost-cutting measures in preparation for the split of Comcast's cable networks into Versant. This move signifies a shift in priorities for NBC management, prioritizing corporate profits over hard-working members, according to Susan DeCarava, president of The NewsGuild of New York. This change also means that MSNBC will no longer lean on NBC News for newsgathering, with those ties expected to be severed next week.
The Kasibugga Venkateswara Temple in Srikakulam district was the site of a heart-wrenching stampede, causing multiple fatalities and affecting the community deeply. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has expressed his sorrow over the unfortunate incident, as well as directing officials to ensure that those injured receive the best medical treatment possible. As local officials and public representatives are called to oversee relief operations, swift action is required to aid those affected and manage the situation effectively.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Shanti Shikhar Academy for Peaceful World in Raipur, praising the Brahma Kumaris organization for bridging India's ancient wisdom with the world's search for harmony. He credited the group's selfless service and spiritual discipline for their efforts towards universal peace. He positioned the Brahma Kumaris as protectors of India's soul and highlighted India's proactive role in addressing global crises such as disaster relief and environmental threats.
In an act of solidarity and protest, millions of Muslims in India used their Friday prayers to denounce the recent killings that took place in Pahalgam. The news comes amid growing tensions between the Muslim community and the Indian government. Many are viewing this as a sign of unity and determination from the Muslim population in India.
The state of Karnataka, or Kannada Rajyotsava, marked its 69th anniversary with a grand ceremony organized by the district administration in Mangaluru. District in-charge minister Dinesh Gundu Rao paid tribute to the leaders and writers who fought for a unified Kannada state and presented awards to 80 outstanding individuals and organizations. In his address, the minister highlighted the rich cultural and historical heritage of Karnataka and called for a sense of pride among its citizens.