top of page

By:

Abhijit Mulye

21 August 2024 at 11:29:11 am

Shinde in Delhi, speculation in Mumbai

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 Union Cabinet,...

Shinde in Delhi, speculation in Mumbai

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 Union Cabinet, thereby clearing the path for his deputy Eknath Shinde to take over the reins as the next CM. This simmering speculation has been heavily fueled by Shinde’s strategic departure for New Delhi on Monday, where he is expected to camp for the next two days.The immediate catalyst was a bold statement made by Shiv Sena leader Bacchu Kadu, who publicly expressed his earnest desire to see Shinde occupy the CM’s chair once again. Kadu articulated that it is the honest and natural sentiment of every Shiv Sainik to want their own party leader at the helm of the state. He went a step further to explicitly suggest that Fadnavis should be promoted to the central government. However, this assertion was met with immediate resistance from the BJP. Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule was quick to issue a stern rebuttal, emphasising the stability of the ruling Mahayuti alliance. He stated that no individual possesses the authority to unilaterally decide that Fadnavis should be relocated to New Delhi. Despite the BJP's attempts to quell the rumors, the sentiment within the Shiv Sena camp remains palpable and vocal. Echoing Kadu's sentiments, Industries Minister Uday Samant weighed in on the controversy, acknowledging that while Kadu’s demand might be presented in a personal capacity, it reflects a deeply natural political instinct. Samant candidly admitted that he, too, shares the ambition of seeing Shinde elevated to the top post. Shinde’s two-day sojourn in the Capital is officially slated for attending the Shiv Sena's national executive meeting and a crucial joint meeting of the NDA scheduled for June 10. However, the timing and context of this trip are being heavily scrutinised in political circles.

India working on logistics of Tahawwur Rana's extradition

  • PTI
  • Feb 14, 2025
  • 3 min read

Updated: Feb 18, 2025

Tahawwur Rana

Washington: India is working on the logistics of Tahawwur Rana's surrender and extradition from the US, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has said, as President Donald Trump announced that his administration has given the go-ahead to extradite the 26/11 terror attack accused “to face justice".

“This is an issue on which the US authorities have taken very clear decisions. I think you've seen the President announce it himself from the White House podium" the decision of the US to extradite Rana, Misri said at a press conference here on Thursday.


During a joint press conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the White House, US President Donald Trump announced that his administration has approved the extradition of "very evil" Tahawwur Rana, wanted by Indian law enforcement agencies for his role in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, "to face justice in India”.


In response to a question by PTI on the timeframe by when Rana will be extradited to India, Misri said: "We are working on the logistics of his surrender and extradition to India. There are a few final steps to be completed. The two sides are in touch on this particular issue.”


The India-US joint statement issued during the Prime Minister's visit to the US notes that Modi and Trump reaffirmed that the global scourge of terrorism must be fought and terrorist safe havens eliminated from every corner of the world.

“They committed to strengthen cooperation against terrorist threats from groups, including Al-Qaeda, ISIS, Jaish-e Mohammad, and Lashkar-e-Tayyiba in order to prevent heinous acts like the attacks in Mumbai on 26/11 and the Abbey Gate bombing in Afghanistan on August 26, 2021," the joint statement said.


“Recognising a shared desire to bring to justice those who would harm our citizens, the US announced that the extradition to India of Tahawwur Rana has been approved," it said.


The leaders further called on Pakistan to expeditiously bring to justice the perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai, and Pathankot attacks and ensure that its territory is not used to carry out cross-border terrorist attacks.

"The leaders also pledged to work together to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems and to deny access to such weapons by terrorists and non-state actors,” the joint statement added.

Rana, a Canadian national of Pakistani origin, is currently lodged at a metropolitan detention centre in Los Angeles. He is known to be associated with Pakistani-American terrorist David Coleman Headley, one of the main conspirators of the 26/11 attacks.

Speaking at the joint press meet, Trump said "Today I am pleased to announce that my administration has approved the extradition of one of the plotters and very evil people of the world, and having to do with the horrific Mumbai terrorist attack, to face justice in India. So, he is going back to India to face justice."


The extradition of Rana was cleared by the US Supreme Court in January as it rejected his review petition in the case.


India last month said it was working with American authorities for the early extradition of Rana.


"The US Supreme Court on January 21 declined to hear a petition from the accused. We are now working with the US side on procedural issues for early extradition to India of the accused in the Mumbai terror attack," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal had said.


In November 2012, Ajmal Amir Kasab, the lone surviving gunman among the Pakistani group, was hanged to death in Yerawada Jail in Pune.

-PTI

Comments

bottom of page