National

Sanjay Raut Celebrates as Fadnavis Removes Shinde’s Ally from Government Position

Published

2 years ago

March 8, 2025

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has removed Ajay Ashar, a close aide of Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, from Maharashtra’s equivalent of NITI Aayog, known as the Maharashtra Institution for Transformation (MITRA). This decision has brought underlying tensions within the ruling BJP-led Mahayuti coalition to the surface.

Ajay Ashar was initially appointed as one of the two deputy chairpersons of MITRA, alongside Rajesh Kshirsagar, when Shinde held the position of Chief Minister.

According to a recent government resolution, senior NCP leader and MLA Dilip Walse Patil, along with BJP MLA Rana Jagjitsinh Patil, have been named as vice chairpersons of MITRA following Ashar’s removal, while Rajesh Kshirsagar remains in his role within the organization.

Ashar, a notable figure in the neighboring Thane district, has maintained a close relationship with Deputy CM Eknath Shinde since Shinde’s tenure in the undivided Shiv Sena. This close friendship blossomed after Shinde became an MLA, resulting in Ashar’s involvement in several significant construction initiatives in and around Thane, a region known to be Shinde’s stronghold.

In response to Ashar’s removal from MITRA, Sanjay Raut, a Rajya Sabha MP from Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena faction, remarked, “Ajay Ashar is a prominent real estate developer and a close associate of Shinde. If Fadnavis has made this decision, we welcome it.”

CM Fadnavis, however, dismissed claims that he was obstructing decisions made by Deputy CM Shinde. He stated, “I am not Uddhav Thackeray who delays ongoing projects,” and clarified that the decisions from the previous Mahayuti government were collaborative efforts involving Ajit Pawar and himself.

When questioned about Deputy CM Shinde’s demeanor, Fadnavis responded that Shinde has always had a serious appearance. “He looked serious even when he was Chief Minister. No one raised questions about that then. Now that he isn’t in that role, people are commenting that he isn’t smiling and is sulking. Everyone has their own personality, and there’s no underlying issue. We stand united,” the CM asserted.

Fadnavis also criticized the media for what he termed as “manufactured” headlines, stating, “Such reports are biased and intentionally misleading. Everything is going smoothly,” and expressed optimism that the Mahayuti coalition would contest the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections cohesively, aiming to secure the mayoral position in Mumbai.

National

Marriage Turns into Alleged Fraud as Woman Flees with Jewellery

Published

1 day ago

October 7, 2026

Namma Kudla

Chandigarh: A woman who allegedly posed as a PCS officer and married an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader in Punjab reportedly fled with gold and silver jewellery and other valuables just a few months after the wedding.

AAP Joint Secretary Amarinder Singh Mandofal has alleged that he was cheated by the woman, identified as Manwinder Kaur. The two got married in February 2026 after Kaur’s family introduced her to Amarinder as a PCS officer.

According to Amarinder’s complaint, the woman was also presented as unmarried. However, he later allegedly discovered that she had been married earlier and had a son aged around 18. He also claimed that she had provided false information about her age.

The woman allegedly left the house with gold and silver jewellery and other valuable items a few months after the marriage. Amarinder said he became suspicious and later gathered information about her past.

Based on his complaint, police have registered a case against six people, including Kaur, on charges of cheating and forgery.

The FIR names her brother Tarlochan Singh, mother Varinderjit Kaur, cousin Narinder Singh Goldy, sister-in-law Rupinder Kaur, and former village sarpanch Surinder Singh Rana as co-accused.

Police said all the accused are residents of Sur Singh village under the Bhikhiwind police station limits in Tarn Taran district.

The wedding had been attended by several prominent AAP leaders and public representatives, including Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan and Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sondh.

Videos and pictures from the wedding celebrations have also gone viral on social media.

Police have begun an investigation into the allegations and the background of the accused.

National

Man Dies by Suicide after Jumping from 43rd Floor

Published

4 days ago

October 4, 2026

Namma Kudla

Noida: A man died by suicide after jumping from the 43rd floor of the Supernova Tower in Noida on Saturday.

The incident took place at the Supernova complex in Sector 94. A video shows the man standing near the railing before jumping. Another person tried to stop him but could not prevent the incident.

Police identified the deceased as Sambhav Jain, a resident of Manesar, Haryana. He had reportedly checked into an Airbnb in the building on Friday and was scheduled to leave on Saturday.

Police said Jain had called his father several times before the incident. His family has been informed.

The police and forensic teams inspected the spot and collected evidence. CCTV footage is also being checked as part of the investigation.

Police said Jain was reportedly under severe financial stress. His body has been sent for a post-mortem examination.

The investigation is underway.

National

Captain Smit Machchhar Shares Ordeal with PM Modi

Published

5 days ago

October 3, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Captain Smit Machchhar over a video call and praised his courage after he helped prevent a major air disaster.

Captain Machchhar was seriously injured after his co-pilot allegedly stabbed him during a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday. The Boeing 737 MAX reportedly lost nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds.

Passengers and crew members entered the cockpit and overpowered the co-pilot. A second pair of pilots then took control and safely landed the aircraft in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. More than 170 passengers and crew were on board.

Speaking from his hospital bed, Captain Machchhar told PM Modi that he was badly injured and had collapsed in the cockpit. He realised that the aircraft was rapidly losing altitude and that he had to act.

“I could not let all those people die,” he told the Prime Minister.

Captain Machchhar said his 17 years of flying experience helped him understand what was happening to the aircraft. He managed to open the cockpit door, after which passengers and crew came to his help.

He also said he was chanting the Hanuman Chalisa while fighting the pain and fear.

PM Modi praised the captain’s courage, patience and presence of mind. He said Captain Machchhar’s actions helped save many lives and called his effort a “monumental task.”

Captain Machchhar, who is from Gujarat, has more than 9,750 flying hours and has served as a captain for 11 years.