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Political Turmoil in Maharashtra: Devendra Fadnavis, Eknath Shinde, and the Battle for Power
Maharashtra, India's second-most populous state, has been engulfed in a political crisis since June 2022, pitting former Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) against his former ally, Eknath Shinde of the Shiv Sena.
Background:
For over a quarter-century, the Shiv Sena and BJP formed an uneasy alliance in Maharashtra. However, tensions have simmered since the 2019 assembly elections, with the Shiv Sena demanding a 50-50 power-sharing arrangement.
Current Crisis:
In June 2022, a group of Shiv Sena MLAs led by Eknath Shinde rebelled against Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. The rebels accused Thackeray of neglecting the party and aligning with the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the Congress.
Shinde and his supporters camped out in Surat, Gujarat, and sought the BJP's support. Fadnavis, who had been Chief Minister from 2014 to 2019, emerged as the BJP's potential ally.
Formation of a New Government:
On June 30, 2022, Shinde was sworn in as Chief Minister of Maharashtra, with Fadnavis as his Deputy. The BJP and the breakaway Shiv Sena faction formed a new government, unseating the Uddhav Thackeray-led Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers:
1. Why did the Shiv Sena-BJP alliance break down? Answer: Tensions over power-sharing and the Shiv Sena's alleged neglect by the BJP contributed to the breakdown of the alliance.
2. Who is Eknath Shinde? Answer: A senior Shiv Sena leader and former Minister, Shinde is now the Chief Minister of Maharashtra.
3. What is the role of Devendra Fadnavis in the current crisis? Answer: Fadnavis, the former BJP Chief Minister, played a crucial role in supporting the breakaway Shiv Sena faction and forming the new government.
4. What is the status of the Uddhav Thackeray faction? Answer: Thackeray and his supporters have formed a new Shiv Sena faction and are challenging the legitimacy of the Shinde-led government.
5. What is the impact of the crisis on Maharashtra? Answer: The crisis has led to political uncertainty, disrupted governance, and heightened tensions between the rival factions.
Charmadi Hasanabba, a humble hotel owner, has devoted his life to making the dangerous Charmadi Ghat in Karnataka a safer route for travelers. He has also been recognized for his heroic efforts by the state government. Using the award money, he purchased an ambulance to continue his mission of saving lives on this treacherous road.
The Diva International Foundation held a one-day mega eye camp in Poonch, aimed at providing free eye care services to the local population. The camp, which was inaugurated by the Deputy Commissioner of Poonch, garnered support from other government officials as well. The Foundation's efforts in bringing specialized medical services to this border district were recognized and applauded. Patients in need of surgeries were identified and arrangements were made for their further treatment. The camp serves as a testament to the importance of public-private partnerships in enhancing healthcare services in underserved communities.
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has opened the floor for stakeholders to provide their feedback on the proposed changes for CUET-UG 2025. These changes include conducting the exam once a year in CBT mode and allowing candidates to choose up to five subjects, among others. The feedback can be given through a Google Form and must be submitted before 26.12.2024.
As the Sambhal district administration in Uttar Pradesh was conducting a crackdown on electricity theft, they stumbled upon an encroached temple. Upon further inspection, an ancient well was also discovered near the temple that had been sealed for 42 years. The DM of Sambhal, Dr Rajender Pensiya, stated that they are now cleaning the temple and have constructed a ramp to access the well.
The coastal regions of Tamil Nadu have been severely affected by the continuous and intense rainfall, leading to major destruction in districts such as Nellai, Thenkasi, Thoothukudi, and other areas. The weather department has issued a warning that 16 districts may experience heavy rainfall in the next three hours. This includes Nilgiris, Dindigul, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, and other districts. Keeping in mind the safety measures, it is advisable to stay updated through the online platforms of the government and to take necessary precautions.
The excessive rainfall, which began on October 15, has caused widespread flooding in Tamil Nadu's Sembarapakkam area. As a result, crucial water bodies such as Pondi, Sembarambakam Lake and Aerikulam have overflowed, leading to significant damage and displacement of the residents. Chief Minister Stalin has taken note of the situation and has instructed other officials to visit the affected areas along with him to assess the damage. Currently, the area has received 4,600 mm of water, and due to continuous rainfall, there is a possibility of a further increase in water levels. The Sembarapakkam area, known for its regular flooding, currently has a water level of 23.5 mm.
With two Fridays the 13th in 2024, the superstition of this day being unlucky has once again sparked fear and curiosity. From horror movies to urban legends, Friday the 13th has long been seen as a symbol of misfortune. But is it all just a myth or does it have a deeper meaning? Learn about the origins and significance of this mysterious date, and discover the true fear behind paraskevidekatriaphobia.
The India Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert for Bengaluru and Tamil Nadu's coastal areas as the region braces for heavy rainfall in the coming days. The low-pressure area over the Southeast Bay of Bengal is expected to cause light to moderate rains in Chennai and other surrounding districts. The authorities have also issued a flood alert along the Adyar River in Chennai, and in Bengaluru, the city prepares for another round of downpours.
The Delhi Public School in RK Puram, along with several other prominent schools in Delhi, received a second bomb threat via email in a span of one week. The school administration promptly informed the police and suspended classes as a precautionary measure. This comes after a similar threat was sent to the same schools earlier this week, causing widespread concern among parents and authorities.