Political morality was compromised the day the MVA was formed. Everything that followed was a consequence of that turning point. Suddenly, after the news of six UBTSS MPs defecting to Shiv Sena, political discourse in Maharashtra has once again turned to questions of morality and ethics. Yet, the sudden outrage of self-proclaimed intellectuals, left-liberals, and purogami voices has started its vidhva vilap once again over these defections. During the 30-month tenure of the M

Mumbai: Amid the rebellion by 6 Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs, at least two of them have shot into the spotlight, but for entirely different and non-political reasons – Nagesh Patil-Ashtikar (Hingoli) and Sanjay Dina-Patil (Mumbai North-East). Despite their fathers currently in the process of shifting loyalties to the Shiv Sena headed by Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, the son and daughter, respectively, of both these MPs have chosen to stay anchored firmly with SS (UBT) President and ex-CM U

Mumbai: In a dramatic development, former Chief Minister and Shiv Sena (UBT) President Uddhav Thackeray on Friday offered to quit his post if the party cadres desired it and hand over the reins to any ordinary Shiv Sainik. In an emotionally charged yet aggressive address at the party’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations against the backdrop of the defection of 6 MPs, Thackeray said though he was “prepared to relinquish” the party chief’s post, provided the party was not allowed to

While defections may weaken the Shiv Sena (UBT), Maharashtra’s politics is shaped as much by emotion and identity as by arithmetic. As the Shiv Sena marks the 60th anniversary of its foundation, the celebrations are accompanied by introspection as much as festivity. Both factions - the Shiv Sena led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and the Shiv Sena (UBT) led by Uddhav Thackeray - continue to claim ownership of the party’s legacy, ideology and emotional bond with Mahara

AI generated image Mumbai: The Shiv Sena (UBT)’s worst fears proved true on Thursday when six suspected ‘turncoat’ MPs failed to attend its crucial parliamentary party meeting in New Delhi – signaling another ‘split’ in four years – and posing a serious challenge to ex-Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray’s leadership and credibility. The crucial parliamentary party meeting saw only three (out of total 9) Lok Sabha MPs – Arvind Sawant (Mumbai South), Anil Desai (Mumbai South-Cen

The Shiv Sena founded by the late Balasaheb Keshav Thackeray in 1966 may have little reason to celebrate its Diamond Jubilee tomorrow – in his birth centenary year. For the second time in four years today, the party – now, Shiv Sena (UBT) - has suffered a potential split, ironically led by Eknath Shinde who first broke away on June 21, 2022. Political soothsayers aver that this time the bodily harm is serious and the wound goes deep, so the party - which espoused the caus

The breakaway group is scheduled to reconvene for a face-to-face meeting with Eknath Shinde today Mumbai: In a major political upheaval, six Lok Sabha MPs from the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) have officially submitted a letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, expressing their intent to break away and merge with the rival faction led by Eknath Shinde. The strategic move was executed through a highly coordinated, staggered series of arrivals in the national capital, foll

Six Lok Sabha MPs trying to move away; picture may be clear at today’s Parliamentary party meeting in New Delhi AI generated image Mumbai: A cloak-and-dagger crisis engulfing the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena has landed at the door of the Lok Sabha Speaker, with the party urging him to guard against any unlawful defection and issuing a whip directing its MPs to attend a meeting in Delhi on Thursday. Amid the escalating crisis, a group of rebel Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders is lear

Mumbai: The Shiv Sena (UBT) is currently experiencing a second political earthquake in three years with an erosion of its base and a crisis of credibility, with a question mark over its future. A brief profile of the MPs in the current turmoil and those who remain loyal to ex-CM and party Chief Uddhav Thackeray. SS (UBT)’s nine Lok Sabha MPs elected in 2024: Anil Desai (Mumbai South Central), Arvind Sawant (Mumbai South), Bhausaheb Wakchaure (Shirdi), Nagesh Patil Ashtikar (H

AI generated image Mumbai: The Union government’s push for ethanol-blended petrol is increasingly facing scrutiny from environmental experts, economists and consumer groups. One of the biggest concerns is the diversion of agricultural resources towards fuel production. Critics argue that using food crops such as maize, rice and sugarcane for ethanol could affect food availability and influence prices over time. As demand for ethanol rises, farmers may be encouraged to priorit

Mumbai: The state government’s recent appointment of senior IAS officer Vijay Singhal as the Officer on Special Duty (OSD) for the Dharavi Redevelopment Project is more than a routine bureaucratic shuffle. While it signals a major administrative push to fast-track Asia’s largest slum rehabilitation, murmurs in the corridors of power suggest the move is equally a byproduct of political maneuvering at the highest levels of the state government. For the past few years, the criti

Inside Mahayuti’s high-stakes firefighting for legislative council polls Mumbai: The public posture of ruling Mahayuti alliance radiates supreme confidence. Leaders from the BJP, Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde, and NCP led by Sunetra Pawar are predicting a clean sweep. Voting is scheduled for Thursday. Yet, beneath this calm exterior lies intense backstage panic. None of the alliance constituents are leaving any loose ends. No leader wants to take any risks, as everybody is t

Mumbai: Dadar is the only railway station in Mumbai that has no authorised water connection. This, as per the sources, is due to an ongoing dispute between the Western Railway and the BMC. The tussle between the BMC and the Western Railway has led to a strange situation. The Western Railway is asking the BMC to pay Rs 338 crore for way leave charges, and the Western Railway has to pay Rs 22 Lakh to the BMC. The tussle has been going on for 12 years and remains unresolved. As

As TMC merger speculation grows amid internal turmoil, Congress is unlikely to replace Mallikarjun Kharge with Mamata Banerjee as Rajya Sabha Opposition leader New Delhi: After suffering a crushing setback in the West Bengal Assembly elections, Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee is reportedly facing mounting political challenges. With defections among legislators and parliamentarians, resignations by Rajya Sabha members, and growing speculation about the future of

The story of India’s rise in the last decade has been marked by economic reform, infrastructure expansion and renewed national confidence When a public journey completes twelve years, it is often seen as a significant milestone marked by perseverance, dedication and an unwavering commitment to a larger goal. Therefore, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi completes twelve years of leadership, this period must be assessed through the lens of sustained effort, transformative governa

AI generated image New Delhi: Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief and former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, along with her nephew and MP Abhishek Banerjee, is facing a series of political setbacks, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) continues to consolidate its position both in West Bengal and at the national level. The BJP is working to strengthen the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in both Houses of Parliament before the 2027 Budget Session, enabling it to pa

Mumbai: The political landscape of Maharashtra is currently witnessing a renewed surge of speculative ripples as whispers of a major leadership overhaul gain significant momentum. Prominent Shiv Sena ministers have begun to openly voice their aspirations regarding a potential restructuring at the highest echelons of the state government. At the heart of this unfolding political drama is the growing chorus demanding the elevation of the Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to the

Raghav Chadha, Tejaswi Surya, Nishikant Dubey, Praful Patel CAN be included New Delhi: A significant reshuffle of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Council of Ministers is widely expected after June 16. Several prominent and senior faces could make way for a younger, more energetic, and politically active generation of leaders. There is considerable speculation in political circles that influential ministers such as Dharmendra Pradhan and Bhupender Yadav may no longer remain p

Mumbai: After a sensational debut in New Delhi, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) will launch its first protest in Maharashtra in Pune on Thursday, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over what it describes as the growing crisis in India's education system. CJP Founder-President Abhijeet Dipke announced the agitation on Monday with a terse welcoming message: “Let’s meet in Pune! Hail Maharashtra!” The peaceful protest, under the hashtag.

The unopposed election of Vikram Kakade to the Legislative Council has triggered fresh recriminations within the opposition coalition. Vikram Kakade Pune: As expected, Vikram Kakade of the Mahayuti was elected unopposed from the Pune Local Authorities’ constituency of the Legislative Council. While celebrations broke out within the Mahayuti following the election, the chaos within the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) emerged as a major talking point. Former MP Sanjay Kakade