National

BJP Event in Shinde’s Stronghold Highlights Tensions Within Mahayuti Alliance

Published

1 year ago

February 24, 2025

Maharashtra’s Forest Minister Ganesh Naik from the BJP conducted a public hearing, known as “janata darbar,” in Thane on Monday, stirring the pot in the ongoing tensions within the ruling Mahayuti coalition. This event took place in Thane, a stronghold of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who oversees various ministries, including those related to Mumbai city and Thane, while Naik serves as the guardian minister for the nearby Palghar district. Typically, such public hearings are organized in party offices or at the minister’s own residence, but Naik’s decision to hold his hearing in Shinde’s territory raised eyebrows.

According to insiders, prior to the event, Naik’s son and former MP Sanjeev Naik met with Thane BJP leaders to strategize.

When questioned about the event, Naik dismissed any notions of a rift within the Mahayuti camp, stating, “The public hearing was conducted solely to address the concerns of citizens. Another meeting is scheduled to take place in Thane in March.”

However, Hemant Pawar, the Thane city chief for Shinde-led Sena, criticized Naik’s actions, suggesting, “Ganesh Naik should redirect his efforts to Gadchiroli, where the community is facing significant challenges, particularly due to long-standing Naxalism. By holding a public session there, he could effectively address local problems and earn appreciation for his contributions.”

Speculation regarding a cold war between Shinde’s Shiv Sena and the BJP has circulated for some time, compounded by reports of a strained relationship between Shinde and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Recently, Fadnavis has taken several significant actions, including calling for an inquiry into decisions made during Shinde’s prior tenure as chief minister. On February 17, he issued an order highlighting “irregularities” in the state’s Minimum Support Price (MSP) schemes for farmers and the selection of nodal agencies for crop procurement. A panel was formed to investigate these issues, which arose from claimed “irregularities” involving procurement agencies previously sanctioned by Shinde’s administration under the Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) scheme.

Additionally, Fadnavis has faced reports of Shinde skipping numerous crucial cabinet meetings, alongside the Chief Minister’s decision to withdraw security for several Shiv Sena MLAs formerly in Shinde’s cabinet. Furthermore, a recent investigation was ordered into a delayed housing project in Jalna, valued at Rs 900 crore, that was greenlit during Shinde’s previous term, along with the cancellation of a Rs 1,400 crore BMC contract concerning waste collection, slum cleaning, and maintenance—approved while Shinde was in office.

Following these developments, Deputy Chief Minister Shinde issued a veiled warning in Nagpur, stating, “Do not underestimate me. I have made this clear to those who have taken me lightly in the past. I may be an ordinary party worker, but my allegiance lies with Balasaheb Thackeray and Anand Dighe. People should remember that those who dismissed me faced the consequences when I changed the government in 2022 and established a double-engine administration.”

National

Ex-IAS Officer Dhanendra Kumar Dies in Delhi House Fire

Published

1 week ago

May 29, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: Former IAS officer and the first chairman of the Competition Commission of India (CCI), Dhanendra Kumar, died after a fire broke out at his house in Delhi’s Hauz Khas area on Thursday night. He was 80.

According to police, the fire was suspected to have started after an air conditioner blast inside the house. At the time of the incident, five people, including family members and domestic staff, were present in the house.

Firefighters and police teams rushed to the spot and rescued the people trapped inside. Dhanendra Kumar and his son were taken to a nearby hospital. Kumar died during treatment due to smoke inhalation. His son suffered injuries and is now out of danger.

Police said no foul play is suspected in the incident. The house was badly damaged in the fire.

Dhanendra Kumar was a 1968 batch IAS officer. During his long career, he served in several important positions in the central and Haryana governments. He worked in ministries such as Defence, Road Transport, and Culture.

He also served as the first chairman of the Competition Commission of India from 2009 to 2011. He played an important role in strengthening competition laws and economic reforms in the country.

Even after retirement, he remained active in public policy and corporate affairs.

National

Woman Found Dead Six Months after Marriage

Published

2 weeks ago

May 27, 2026

Namma Kudla

Lucknow: A young woman was found hanging at her in-laws’ house just six months after her marriage in Lucknow. The deceased has been identified as Shweta Singh.

According to her family, Shweta married Bhupendra Singh on November 22, 2025. Her father, Umesh Kumar Singh, alleged that her husband and his family harassed her regularly for dowry and demanded a car. He also claimed that Shweta faced mental torture from her husband and in-laws after marriage.

The incident took place at her in-laws’ house in the Thakurganj area of Lucknow. Shweta was rushed to a hospital, but doctors declared her dead.

Her parents suspect murder and alleged that the family tried to present the death as suicide by hanging the body. Based on the complaint, police registered a case against Shweta’s husband and his family under Sections 80 and 85 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Dowry Prohibition Act.

Police said the accused family members are absconding, and a search operation is underway. The body has been sent for post-mortem examination, and further action will be taken after the report arrives.

National

Army Helicopter Crashes In Ladakh, All Three Officers Injured But Safe

Published

2 weeks ago

May 23, 2026

Namma Kudla

National: Three Indian Army officers survived after their helicopter crashed in the Tangste region near Leh in Ladakh. The accident took place on May 20. Officials confirmed the incident on Friday.

The helicopter belonged to the Army’s ageing Cheetah fleet. A Lieutenant Colonel and a Major were flying the chopper. Major General Sachin Mehta, General Officer Commanding of the 3rd Infantry Division, was travelling as a passenger.

All three officers suffered injuries in the crash. However, they survived the accident in the difficult mountainous region. A selfie clicked by Major General Mehta after the crash has now gone viral on social media. The photo showed the three officers sitting on rocks near the badly damaged helicopter.

Many people called their survival a miracle because of the harsh terrain and the risks involved in flying the old Cheetah helicopters in high-altitude areas.

The Indian Army has ordered an official inquiry to find out the reason behind the crash.

The incident has once again raised concerns over the safety of the Cheetah helicopters. These helicopters were introduced in the 1970s and have been used for decades in difficult operations, including Operation Meghdoot in Siachen Glacier in 1984.

In recent years, several accidents involving the Cheetah fleet have been reported. The helicopters are now being slowly replaced by the indigenous Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

The Army has reportedly ordered six limited-series-production LUHs. The new helicopters can fly at a top speed of 220 kmph and have an operational range of 350 km.

Despite its age, the Cheetah helicopter is still considered one of the best helicopters for high-altitude flying operations.