Amidst growing controversy and criticism, the ruling BJP in Uttar Pradesh seems to have a dilemma over its slogan, "Batoge to Katoge" coined by CM Yogi Adityanath. Within the party, Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya has expressed ignorance about the slogan's context, causing opposition parties to question the party's unity. The BJP's attempts to present a consistent narrative seem to have failed as even party leaders like Ajit Pawar have spoken against the slogan. With differing slogans from top leaders, the opposition accuses the BJP of contradictions.
According to the latest figures from the Election Commission, the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance is leading in 217 seats out of 288, almost halfway through the counting process. The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi appears to be struggling, with only 50 seats in their favor. BJP leader Kalidas Kolambkar from Wadala has already been declared as the winner in the first result announced. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh arrived at BJP headquarters to celebrate the party's victory, with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari expressing confidence in their ability to form a government. BJP leader Pankaja Munde stated that the public's rejection of fake narratives and acceptance of the politics of development has led to a significant victory for the Mahayuti alliance.
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.
Aditi Tatkare, daughter of senior NCP leader Sunil Tatkare, has emerged as the first victor of the 2024 Maharashtra assembly polls after securing a massive victory from the Shrivardhan constituency. This victory is a major boost for the Ajit Pawar-led NCP, which was formed after a split with the party founded by Sharad Pawar. In other election news, Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis has also secured a win in his constituency. The ruling BJP-led Mahayuti alliance is set to retain power in the state, leading in 218 of the 288 seats, while the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi is leading in only 50 seats.
Former captain Michael Clarke expresses the need for intense competition in international cricket amidst the growing trend of players sharing the dressing room for league tournaments. He lauds India's success in Australia due to their focus on national pride over camaraderie with opposition players from the IPL. Clarke hopes for Australia also playing with a similar mindset in the 2024 BGT to make it a thrilling series. India looks to bounce back after a recent whitewash, while Australia will be playing their first Test series since the T20 World Cup.
A parliamentary committee led by Chairman Jagdambika Pal is expected to submit a draft report on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill on November 29. The committee has consulted with the Ministry of Minority Affairs and stakeholders, but the Opposition is requesting more time for discussions. The Waqf Bill has been a highly debated issue, and this committee's report will play a significant role in shaping the future of Waqf properties and their management in the country.
The stage is set for a fierce political showdown in Maharashtra as all 288 assembly constituencies prepare to cast their votes on November 20, 2024. The two main alliances, BJP-led Mahayuti and opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi, have been campaigning aggressively, each promoting their agendas and attacking the other. With exit polls scheduled to be released after voting concludes and results expected on November 23, 2024, all eyes will be on the electoral outcome in one of India's most crucial states.
After facing accusations of distributing cash to woo voters, BJP General Secretary Vinod Tawde has called the charges baseless and urged the Election Commission to conduct an impartial investigation into the matter. Tawde explains that his visit to a hotel in Mumbai was for a casual meeting with a party candidate. However, opposition parties have slammed Tawde and the BJP, accusing them of engaging in corrupt practices and misusing government machinery for electoral gains.
On Monday evening, former Maharashtra Home Minister and NCP leader Anil Deshmukh was seriously injured when his car was pelted with stones by unidentified assailants in Nagpur. The incident has sparked a political feud between the ruling BJP and the opposition party. While the Nagpur police are using advanced methods to track down the attackers, the motive behind the attack remains unclear. Further details may emerge once expert reports are available, but for now, the focus remains on identifying and apprehending the suspects.
With two games left in the Oceania semi-finals, New Zealand's All Whites coach Darren Bazeley is determined to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup in North America. After finishing top of their group with a dominant 8-0 victory over Samoa, the team faces Fiji in their semi-final match in March. Bazeley recognizes the challenge of facing weaker opposition, but remains optimistic and determined to prepare his team for success.