Despite initial confidence in the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance's victory in the Maharashtra Assembly elections, Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut retracts statement and claims the results are not acceptable. This comes as the alliance struggles to maintain their lead against the MahaYuti alliance. In response, BJP Minister Chandrakant Patil extends an invitation to Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray to rejoin the MahaYuti, stating their comfortable position in forming the next government. The decision for the next chief minister will be made by the top leadership of the BJP and MahaYuti.
Maharashtra Elections: Shiv Sena Backtracks, BJP Extends Invitation to Thackeray
Background:
The Maharashtra Assembly elections held on October 21, 2019, saw a fierce battle between the ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance led by Shiv Sena, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), and the Indian National Congress (INC), and the opposition MahaYuti alliance of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiv Sena (Balasaheb) faction.
Initial Confidence and Retraction:
Initially, Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut expressed confidence in the MVA's victory. However, as counting began, the alliance's lead began to dwindle. Raut subsequently retracted his statement, claiming that the results were "not acceptable" and that the alliance would explore legal options.
BJP's Invitation to Thackeray:
Responding to the MVA's struggle, BJP Minister Chandrakant Patil extended an invitation to Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray to rejoin the MahaYuti alliance. Patil stated that the BJP-MahaYuti duo was "in a comfortable position to form the next government" and that Thackeray should consider their offer.
Decision-Making Process:
Patil indicated that the decision for the next chief minister would be made by the top leadership of the BJP and MahaYuti. This suggests that a compromise candidate could be chosen to appease both the BJP and the Shiv Sena faction led by Eknath Shinde, who is also a claimant for the position.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers:
1. Why did Sanjay Raut retract his victory statement? Answer: Raut retracted his statement after the MVA alliance's lead diminished during counting.
2. What is the BJP's position on the election results? Answer: The BJP claims to be in a comfortable position to form the government, and has invited Uddhav Thackeray to join the MahaYuti alliance.
3. Who will be the next chief minister of Maharashtra? Answer: The decision will be made by the top leadership of the BJP and MahaYuti.
4. How did the MVA alliance fare in the elections? Answer: The MVA alliance is struggling to maintain its lead against the MahaYuti alliance.
5. What are the possible scenarios for government formation? Answer: A BJP-led government with or without Shiv Sena's support, or a return to MVA rule with the inclusion of independent MLAs are potential outcomes.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Andhra Pradesh marked Dhanvantari Jayanti with a colorful rally and speeches highlighting social inclusion, cultural heritage, and development. Leading state and district leaders, including BJP State president PVN Madhav, addressed the gathering and emphasized the party's commitment to equal respect for all religions and welfare initiatives for marginalized groups. At another event, Telangana BJP president Ramachandra Rao endorsed a proposed reservation for backward classes in Telangana and criticized the Congress and other parties for corruption while touting BJP's claim of clean governance.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, while flagging off the first batch of BrahMos missiles in Lucknow, warned Pakistan that their entire territory is now within range of India's powerful missiles. Singh also highlighted the success of Operation Sindoor, stating that it was just a glimpse of India's growing capabilities. The minister emphasized that BrahMos serves as a symbol of India's strategic confidence and is a key pillar of the country's defence forces.
Crowds gathered in various cities across the US and overseas today for the No Kings rallies, organized to protest against President Trump's administration and to defend First Amendment rights. From Los Angeles and New York to Chicago, Washington D.C, and Austin, Texas, protesters marched and chanted, carrying homemade signs with messages such as "We want all of the government to work" and "Make America Good Again." Despite the festive atmosphere, the message was serious as speakers called for the protection of Constitutional rights, which they feel are being threatened by the current administration.
After issuing directions earlier this year to expedite the disposal of execution petitions, the Supreme Court has expressed disappointment over the fact that more than 8.8 lakh such petitions are still pending across the country. Despite disposing of 3.38 lakh petitions since March, the Court notes that the backlog is still concerning. It warns that delay in executing decrees could result in travesty of justice and directs the Karnataka High Court to provide an explanation for not submitting data on pending cases.
With election results just around the corner, the Union Home Minister has reiterated the BJP's respect for its alliance partners. The decision on forming a government in light of the election outcome will be based on the results and mutually agreed upon by all parties involved. Stay updated with News24 for the latest developments in the political sphere.
In a surprise move, President Donald Trump has commuted the sentence of former U.S. Representative George Santos, who was serving a seven-year prison term for fraud and identity theft. Santos, a New York Republican, admitted to deceiving donors and stealing the identities of 11 people, including family members, to fund his campaign. The decision was announced by Trump on social media, spurring strong reactions from both supporters and critics.
In a significant development, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated Hindustan Aeronautics Limited's third production line for the LCA Tejas Mk1A and also witnessed the aircraft's successful maiden flight in Nashik. The event also marked the inauguration of HAL's second production line for the Hindustan Turbo Trainer-40 (HTT-40). With the approval of the purchase of 97 LCA Mark 1A fighter jets, the need for new inductions has been underlined by IAF chief AP Singh, while HAL officials remain confident in meeting this requirement.
In a significant development, over 200 Maoist rebels, including top leaders Rupesh and Ranita, have surrendered to Indian security forces in the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh. This marks a critical moment in the long-standing fight against Naxalism in the country. The region of Abujhmarh and North Bastar, known for its dense forests and difficult terrain, has historically served as a safe haven for Maoist groups, making it challenging for authorities to root out their presence. The massive surrender of Maoists is not only a tactical win but also a symbolic victory in the government's efforts to rid the "Red Corridor" of Naxalite influence.
Amidst his busy schedule, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is set to make a heartfelt tribute to Zubeen Garg, the beloved singer of Assam, by attending his last rites at 'Zubeen Kshetra' in Sonapur. In anticipation of his arrival, strict security measures have been implemented in the area since morning, with a thorough inspection conducted by Gaurav Gogoi. With the deployment of police, paramilitary forces, and CCTV cameras, all eyes will be on the site to ensure a peaceful and incident-free event.
The Supreme Court has agreed to hear Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin's plea in 2026 to combine and transfer all FIRs and complaints related to his comments on "eradicate Sanatan Dharma" made in 2023. Stalin's lawyer, Mukul Rohatgi, argued that multiple FIRs and complaints had been filed against his client and requested for the matter to be posted in 2026. The top court had previously ordered no new FIRs to be registered against Stalin without its permission, stating that multiple complaints on a single issue were not valid.