In a fiery speech at the Legislative Council, Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde alleged that former CM Uddhav Thackeray had apologized to PM Modi and expressed a desire to join hands with the BJP. Shinde also claimed that Shiv Sena leader Anil Parab had engaged in backdoor negotiations with the BJP. These statements have only added more heat to the already intense political battle in Maharashtra.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chilean President Gabriel Boric Font held discussions on enhancing bilateral relations between India and Chile, particularly in the economic, commercial, and societal sectors. They also paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat and announced the start of negotiations for a comprehensive economic partnership agreement. The Chilean President is on a five-day state visit to India, accompanied by a high-level delegation.
The controversial Godman, Ram Rahim, who is serving a 20-year jail sentence for rape, has been granted a 30-day parole by the Haryana government. His release coincides with the upcoming assembly elections in Delhi, raising questions about the timing of the decision. Ram Rahim's parole last year before the Haryana assembly elections was also met with criticism. With a mass following in Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana, the parole has sparked a debate on the influence of religious leaders in politics. IBNS, an objective news agency, strives to provide factual and unbiased news without any biases or agendas.
It has been speculated that K Annamalai, the current BJP Tamil Nadu president, may step down from his position as alliance talks between the BJP and AIADMK intensify. The move comes amid concerns over caste equations and the BJP's strategy to consolidate its hold beyond the western region of Tamil Nadu. Sources reveal that Annamalai has expressed complete loyalty to the party and may take on a national role or a different assignment in the state.
In a scathing attack, Tamil Maanila Congress leader and former Union Minister G.K. Vasan criticized the DMK government in Tamil Nadu for the deteriorating law and order situation in the state. Vasan accused the ruling party of using divisive issues to distract from their failures, corruption, and scams. He demanded a white paper on the alleged Rs 1,000-crore financial fraud involving the state-run corporation responsible for liquor sales. The Enforcement Directorate has conducted raids in connection with suspected financial irregularities, targeting the TASMAC headquarters, distilleries, and liquor contractors.
In his annual Gudhi Padwa rally, Maharashtra Navanirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray criticized efforts to stir up communal tension over Aurangzeb's tomb. He urged people not to rely on WhatsApp forwards for historical information and reminded them that the Mughal ruler failed to defeat the legacy of Shivaji Maharaj. Thackeray's comments come as right-wing groups call for the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb, leading to protests and violence.
In a joint statement, N Chandrababu Naidu and Pawan Kalyan shared their hopes for a successful Ramadan through welfare initiatives and the practice of Zakat. The leaders emphasized the values of compassion and unity among the Muslim community and conveyed their best wishes for a peaceful and prosperous month. This message highlights the importance of social responsibility and humanity in the spirit of Ramadan.
The people of Haridwar's Singhdwar took to the streets to express their disappointment and anger towards Uttarakhand MP Trivendra Singh Rawat. The protesters accused Rawat of promoting illegal mining and failing to implement important development work in his four-year tenure as Chief Minister. They also alleged that Rawat's actions have insulted Dalits and the poor, and that the recent survey naming him as the "most unsuccessful Chief Minister" serves as proof of his failures. This demonstration is a clear sign of public discontent and anger towards Rawat's actions.
On the auspicious day of Navratri, PM Narendra Modi lays the foundation stone and inaugurates several infrastructure projects worth Rs 33,700 crore in Chhattisgarh. The projects span key sectors like power, oil and gas, railways, and roads, boosting the state's development and economy. PM Modi also addresses the people of Bilaspur, highlighting the government's commitment to fulfilling its promises and ensuring every individual benefits from development efforts. He further mentions the significance of Chhattisgarh's silver jubilee year and Atal Bihari Vajpayee's birth centenary in the context of the government's resolve to nurture the state's growth.
Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma addressed the 'Vikas and Sushasan Utsav' and highlighted his goals for a prosperous and developed Rajasthan. He emphasized inclusive governance and criticized the former Congress government for issues such as women's harassment, power shortages, and economic mismanagement. The Chief Minister announced ambitious plans, including ensuring daytime electricity for farmers and promoting industrial growth, and launched new health coverage and medical apps.