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Wed, 22 June 2022
JD-S expels 2 MLAs for cross-voting in RS polls
Timeline Refresh
23:55 Ex-foreign secy Saran elected India International Centre's new prez
Former foreign secretary Shyam Saran has been unanimously elected as the new president of the India International Centre, the organisation said on Wednesday.
He succeeds NN Vohra and will take charge on June 23, the India International Centre said in a statement.
"The president of the India International Centre is elected once in five years from among the life trustees following the time-honoured principle of rotation of the presidency. NN Vohra completed his five-year presidential tenure on June 22. Former foreign secretary Shyam Saran, Life Trustee, who is next in line in the inter se seniority of life trustees, has been unanimously elected by the Board as the new president," it said.
Saran has also served as prime minister's special envoy for nuclear affairs and climate change, the IIC said.
After leaving government service in 2010, he has headed the Research and Information System for Developing Countries, a prestigious think-tank focusing on economic issues (2011-2017) and was chairman of the national security advisory board under the National Security Council (2013-15), it added. -- PTI
23:43 Modi speaks to DMDK leader Vijayakanth's wife to enquire about his health
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday spoke to Premalatha Vijayakanth to enquire about the health of her actor-turned-politician husband Vijayakanth and wished him a speedy recovery, official sources said.
The Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam leader, known to have diabetes, was recently admitted to a private hospital in Chennai and his right toe was amputated following doctors' advice.
He has not been much active politically for a considerable amount of time. An official source said PM Modi spoke to his wife.
"The prime minister prayed for the speedy recovery and good health of Shri Vijayakanth Ji," he said. -- PTI
JD-S supremo HD Deve Gowda
23:38 JD-S expels 2 MLAs for cross-voting in RS polls
The Janata Dal-Secular on Wednesday expelled two of its MLAs on charges of cross voting during the Rajya Sabha elections for four seats in Karnataka held recently.
A decision to this effect was taken during the core committee meeting held at the party headquarter JP Bhavan.
The party also decided to seek their disqualification from the Karnataka assembly, party's core committee president Bandeppa Kashempur told reporters.
Former Prime Minister and party supremo HD Deve Gowda, state president CM Ibrahim, MLA and Deve Gowda's son HD Revanna, MP and Revanna's son Prajwal Revanna, Jafarulla Khan, M Krishna Reddy, Raja Venkatappa Naik and others attended the meeting.
"It was decided in the meeting to write to the Karnataka assembly Speaker, seeking the disqualification of the two MLAs from the Karnataka Assembly under the Anti-Defection Law. The complaint will be lodged to the speaker either tomorrow or day-after-tomorrow," Kashempur said.
According to him, detailed discussions were held in the core committee on the developments during the recent Rajya Sabha elections to four seats in the state. -- PTI
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23:24 Defence min approves setting up of BRO Cafes at 75 border locations
Ministry of defence has approved setting up of wayside amenities under the brand of 'BRO Cafes' at 75 locations on different sections of roads with Border Roads Organisation across 12 states and Union territories.
These are intended to provide basic amenities and comfort to tourists and lead to boosting of economic activities in border areas, besides generating employment for the local people, the ministry said in a statement on Wednesday.
These wayside amenities will be branded as 'BRO Cafes', it said.
"Ministry of defence has approved setting up of wayside amenities at 75 locations in 12 states/Union Territories on different sections of roads with Border Roads Organisation," the statement said.
The BRO has its reach in the remotest border areas and besides addressing strategic needs, it has been instrumental in socio-economic upliftment of the northern and eastern borders.
This has resulted in increased tourist influx in these scenic locations, hitherto inaccessible, it said.
"In order to provide conducive and comfortable transit of tourists on these roads located at harsh climatic and geographical conditions, the need to establish multi-utility wayside amenities along the major tourist circuits in these regions was recognised. Since the inaccessibility and remoteness of these roads preclude widespread commercial deployments, the BRO, by virtue of its presence, took it upon itself to open such facilities at remote places," the ministry said. -- PTI
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22:45 NIA conducts searches in Punjab in arms seizure case
The National Investigation Agency on Wednesday conducted searches at seven locations in Punjab in connection with a case of arms recovery in Haryana.
The case relates to the seizure of IEDs and arms and ammunition from Batrara toll plaza in Haryana's Karnal.
Three IEDs, one pistol, two magazines, 31 live rounds, six mobiles and Rs 1.30 lakh were recovered and four persons were apprehended from a white Innova car, an NIA spokesperson said.
During investigation, it was revealed that Pakistan-based operative of the Babar Khalsa International Harvinder Singh coordinated the delivery of explosives, arms and ammunition at the behest of Pakistan's intelligence agency ISI for carrying out terrorist attacks in different parts of India, in connivance with the arrested accused, the NIA said.
During the searches at Ludhiana, Ferozpur and Gurdaspur, digital devices, details of financial transactions and property and other incriminating material was seized, it said, adding further investigation in the case continues. -- PTI
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22:18 Three-day meeting of RSS to be held in Rajasthan from July 7
A three-day meeting of top Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh functionaries will be held in Jhunjhunu in Rajasthan from July 7 to discuss various issues related to its affiliates and its centenary celebrations.
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale, other top leaders and state publicity in-charges will attend the meeting, senior Sangh functionary Sunil Ambekar said in a statement.
This meeting is an annual affair of the RSS, the ideological fountainhead of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, where leaders take stock of various activities, discuss current issues and plan for the year ahead.
The Sangh's plans for its centenary celebrations and expanding its reach across the country are likely to come up for discussion at the meeting, Ambekar said. -- PTI
Eknath Shinde
22:05 4 more Maha MLAs join Shinde in Guwahati
Another chartered plane with four MLAs from Maharashtra arrived in Guwahati on Wednesday to join the rebel Shiv Sena legislators who reached the city earlier in the day, sources said.
The four MLAs -- Chandrakant Patil, Yogesh Kadam, Manjula Gavit and Gulabrao Patil -- arrived in the evening from Surat in Gujarat like the legislators who came here along with Maharashtra minister Eknath Shinde in the morning.
They were taken to a city hotel where the other MLAs are camping.
While Gavit and Chandrakant Patil are Independent MLAs, Kadam and Gulabrao Patil are Shiv Sena legislators.
The four MLAs arrived in Surat on Wednesday and subsequently, flew to Guwahati, the sources said.
Gulabrao Patil is the water supply and sanitation minister in the Uddhav Thackeray-led Maharashtra government. He is the second cabinet minister to have joined Shinde after Horticulture Minister Sandipal Bhumre.
A group of rebel Maharashtra MLAs, led by Shinde, was flown to Guwahati on Wednesday morning. They were taken to Surat from Mumbai on Tuesday and in the early hours of Wednesday, they were shifted to Guwahati.
One of the MLAs -- Nitin Deshmukh -- who had arrived in the morning, left Guwahati a few hours later for Nagpur in a chartered flight. Deshmukh later said he was with Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray.
-- PTI
21:39 Madras HC refuses to interfere in AIADMK meet
The Madras high court on Wednesday refused to interfere with the general council and executive committee meeting of the AIADMK scheduled to be held at Vanagaram in Chennai.
Justice Krishnan Ramaswamy gave the green signal after holding that the court cannot interfere with the conduct of the meeting on Thursday and apply any restrictions on passing resolutions.
The judge was passing orders on a batch of writ petitions for and against the meet.
This comes against the backdrop of the tussle over the single leadership issue in the party between two camps -- led by the two leaders Edappadi K Palaniswami and O Panneerselvam respectively.
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21:39 Security stepped up at Aurangabad houses of two rebel Shiv Sena ministers
The police stepped up security at the residences of Shiv Sena ministers Abdul Sattar and Sandipan Bhumre in Maharashtra's Aurangabad city who are camping with their party colleague and rebel leader Eknath Shinde in Guwahati, in view of a protest held on Wednesday.
The MLA from the Sillod constituency, Abdul Sattar, is a Minister of State for Revenue in the Uddhav Thackeray-led government.
Bhumre, the MLA from the Paithan constituency, holds the EGS portfolio. Earlier in the day, Shiv Sena workers staged a protest in Kranti Chowk area of the city demanding action against rebel Shiv Sena MLAs camping in Guwahati.
"Considering the situation, we have increased security at the residences of Bhumre and Sattar," a senior police officer told PTI.
At least five MLAs from the Aurangabad district are camping with Shinde in Guwahati.
Shiv Sena spokesperson and MLC Ambadas Danve said people have faith in the leadership of Sena president Uddhav Thackeray.
"We stand with Uddhav Thackeray. We are against those who leave the party," he said at the spot of the agitation held at Kranti Chowk in Aurangabad city.
A woman Sena worker demanded that Thackeray sack rebels from the party. -- PTI
21:19 Uddhav leaving CM's home, but not quitting: Raut
Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Wednesday said Uddhav Thackeray will remain the chief minister of Maharashtra and the ruling coalition MVA will prove its majority on the floor of the assembly if needed, an assertion coming against the backdrop of rebellion by senior Cabinet member Eknath Shinde that has put a question mark on the stability of the state government.
Talking to reporters in Mumbai, Raut said Thackeray was leaving 'Varsha', the official residence of the CM in South Mumbai, and going back to his private residence 'Matoshree' in suburban Bandra.
Thackeray is not resigning from his post, he clarified.
"We will prove our majority on the floor of the House if required," the Sena's chief spokesperson said.
He rejected reports that NCP president Sharad Pawar had asked Thackeray to make Sena rebel leader Shinde the CM to save the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government.
Pawar did not give any advice to Thackeray and instead said the MVA will fight the political crisis together till the end, Raut said.
Pawar, whose party is the second largest constituent of the Sena-led MVA, is the chief architect of the governing coalition which assumed office in November 2019. The Congress is also a part of the MVA.
-- PTI
21:15 Sena must come out of unnatural alliance: Shinde
Rebel Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde on Wednesday said the ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi in Maharashtra was an "unnatural alliance" and it was imperative for his party to walk out of the coalition with the NCP and the Congress for its own sake and that of party workers.
Shinde's reaction came hours after Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray reached out to the rebels, saying he would quit his post if even one Sena MLA comes and tells him on his face that he was incompetent.
The Sena strongman, a Cabinet minister, said the MVA, formed in November 2019, was beneficial only to alliance partners the Congress and the NCP, while ordinary Shiv Sainiks have suffered the most in the last two-and-a-half years of the coalition's existence.
"It is necessary to quit the unnatural alliance for the sake of Shiv Sainiks and the Shiv Sena. It is important to take a decision in the interest of the state," Shinde, who is camping in Guwahati along with rebel Sena MLAs, tweeted.
His tweets were in Marathi with #Hindutvaforever.
Shinde maintained that while the NCP and the Congress were growing stronger in the MVA alliance, the Shiv Sena, which heads the governing bloc, and its workers were getting systematically weakened.
The Shiv Sena formed the MVA after breaking its ties with the BJP post-assembly polls in 2019.
-- PTI
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21:13 Sharad Pawar meets CM Thackeray
Amid the political crisis in Maharashtra triggered by Shiv Sena minister Eknath Shinde's rebellion, NCP president Sharad Pawar called on Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Wednesday evening.
Pawar was accompanied by his daughter and NCP MP Supriya Sule and party minister Jitendra Awhad.
Thackeray tested positive for COVID-19 earlier in the day.
The NCP leaders held discusions with the chief minister at 'Varsha', his official residence in south Mumbai.
However, what transpired at the meeting could not be known.
The meeting took place after Thackeray's live webcast, in which he offered to quit as Maharashtra chief minister and extended an olive branch to rebel Shiv Sena MLAs led by Eknath Shinde, saying he will be happy if a Shiv Sainik succeeds him.
Earlier in the day, Congress leader Kamal Nath also spoke to Thackeray over phone. -- PTI
20:36 Tamil magazine Kumudam's editor K Ramachandran passes away
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Wednesday condoled the demise of veteran journalist and editor of Kumudam Tamil weekly magazine K Ramachandran, popularly known as "Priya Kalyanaraman" in Chennai.
Expressing his heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the bereaved family members, the Chief Minister said Ramachandran (55) had worked for over three decades in the Kumudam group.
"I am deeply saddened over the sudden death of Priya Kalyanaraman due to heart attack today. His passing away is a great loss to journalism," Stalin said.
"I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, media friends and staff of Kumudam," he said in a statement in Chennai.
Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam leader TTV Dhinakaran too condoled the death of Ramachandran.
"I am saddened to hear that Priya Kalyanaraman, the editor of Kumudam, has passed away. I extend my deepest condolences to his family, friends and the media community for his passing away," he said. -- PTI
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20:23 UPSC civil services prelims result out, over 13,000 declared successful
Over 13,000 candidates have qualified the civil services (preliminary) examination 2022, the results of which were declared on Wednesday by the Union Public Service Commission.
The civil services examination is conducted annually by the commission in three stages -- preliminary, main and interview -- to select officers of the Indian Administrative Service, Indian Foreign Service and Indian Police Service, among others.
The preliminary examination was held on June 5, 2022.
Nearly 11.52 lakh people have applied for the examination and as many as 13,090 candidates have qualified it, an official said.
The UPSC has put up on its website -- www.upsc.gov.in -- a detailed list mentioning roll numbers of candidates who have been declared successful in the test.
Initially, a total of 861 vacancies were sought to be filled through the civil services examination 2022, which have now been increased to 1,022, the official said.
All the successful candidates have been asked to apply again in the Detailed Application Form-I for the civil services (main) examination 2022, a statement issued by the UPSC said. -- PTI
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal
20:02 Kejriwal's dy secy, 2 SDMs suspended for graft
A deputy secretary in Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's office and two sub-divisional magistrates have been suspended by Lt Governor VK Saxena on corruption charges, official sources said on Wednesday.
Prakash Chandra Thakur posted as deputy secretary in the chief minister's office, Vasant Vihar SDM Harshit Jain and Vivek Vihar SDM Devender Sharma were suspended and disciplinary proceedings ordered against them, sources said.
The move reflected LG Saxena's commitment to zero tolerance to corruption and ensuring probity in the functioning of the government, one of the sources said.
The lieutenant governor had on Monday suspended two assistant engineers of the Delhi Development Authority after finding lapses in the construction of EWS flats in Kalkaji Extension. -- PTI
19:50 Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik meets Pope in Vatican
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik met Pope Francis in Vatican City on Wednesday.
Patnaik was accompanied by his private secretary VK Pandian to the meeting on the third day of his trip to Italy.
On behalf of the people of Odisha, the chief minister presented a 'Patachitra' painting to the Pope, the head of the Catholic Church, and sought his blessings, an official statement issued by his office in Bhubaneswar said.
"It has been an absolute pleasure meeting His Holiness Pope Francis (@Pontifex) in Vatican City. Thanked him for the warm audience and wished him good health and a long life," Patnaik tweeted after the meeting.
Many priests and sisters from India, who were at the Vatican, were happy to see Patnaik. They wished him well, the statement said.
Patnaik is in Italy at the invitation of the World Food Programme, and would share the transformative initiatives of Odisha in the field of food security and disaster management. -- PTI
19:42 Rupee plunges by 27 paise to record low of 78.40 against US dollar
The rupee declined by 27 paise to a record low of 78.40 (provisional) against the US dollar on Wednesday due to unabated foreign fund outflows and losses in the domestic equities.
A stronger greenback overseas also weighed on the rupee sentiment, forex traders said.
However, receding crude prices in the international market restricted the rupee's loss, they added.
At the interbank foreign exchange market, the local currency opened flat at 78.13 against the greenback and witnessed an intra-day high of 78.13 and a low of 78.40.
The domestic unit finally ended at a record low of 78.40, down 27 paise over its previous close. In the previous session, the rupee had settled at 78.13 against the US dollar. -- PTI
19:17 Expecting 7.5% growth rate this year: Modi
The government expects the Indian economy to grow by 7.5 per cent this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday.
In a virtual address at the BRICS Business Forum, Modi also said the value of the Indian digital economy will reach $1 trillion by 2025.
Highlighting the strength of the Indian economy, he said there is an opportunity to invest $1.5 trillion under the country's national infrastructure pipeline.
"We are expecting a 7.5-per cent growth rate this year that will make us the fastest growing major economy," Modi said in his address.
In a "New India", transformative changes are taking place in every sector, he said, adding that a key pillar of the country's economic recovery is technology-led growth.
"We are supporting innovation in every sector," the prime minister said.
The BRICS Business Forum took place a day ahead of a virtual summit of the five-nation bloc.
The BRICS (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa) brings together five of the largest developing countries of the world, representing 41 per cent of the global population, 24 per cent of the global GDP and 16 per cent of the global trade. -- PTI
19:07 Bollywood star Salman Khan joins Green India Challenge
Bollywood actor Salman Khan, along with Telangana Rashtra Samithi Rajya Sabha MP and Green India founder J Santosh Kumar, participated in the Green India Challenge 5.0.
Salman Khan, who arrived in Hyderabad as part of his film-shooting, was accompanied by his film crew and he planted a sapling at Ramoji Film City on Tuesday, said Santosh Kumar in a release.
Speaking on the occasion, Salman Khan said every person should take up the responsibility of a plantation programme and also take adequate care of the saplings until they grow big.
It is unfortunate that human loss due to natural calamities such as heavy rain and floods is immense.
The only solution to check the loss is promoting plantation, the release quoted the actor as saying.
The actor called upon his fans and followers to join Green India Challenge and plant saplings on a large scale.
Salman Khan praised Santosh Kumar for taking up the plantation programme.
He said the MP's endeavour to improve green cover would help safeguard the Earth and future generations. -- PTI
18:39 5 cops, home guard stabbed inside police station in Delhi; one critical
Five policemen and a home guard were stabbed by a man inside a police station in east Delhi's Shahdara on Wednesday, officials said.
The incident took place on the third floor of cyber police station, Shahdara, they said.
The man is being questioned, police said.
According to police, the man entered the police station and started recording a video.
When he was obstructed by one of the policemen and asked the reason behind recording the video, the man suddenly took out a knife and stabbed the personnel one after the other.
All the injured policemen and the home guard were rushed to hospital where they are being treated.
One of the cops sustained injuries on his chest and is critical, they said.
Meanwhile, the man later claimed that he was a complainant, but no complaint copy was found with him.
The police said he also banged his head against the wall and sustained minor injuries.
As per preliminary enquiry, only one person is suspected to be involved in the incident, a senior officer said.
Further investigation into the incident is underway, he said. -- PTI
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18:23 Shiv Sena workers protest against party rebels
Shiv Sena workers staged a protest in Maharashtra's Aurangabad city on Wednesday demanding action against rebel Shiv Sena MLAs camping in Guwahati under the leadership of senior minister Eknath Shinde.
At least five MLAs from the Aurangabad district are accompanying Shinde in Guwahati. Shiv Sena spokesperson and MLC Ambadas Danve said people have faith in the leadership of Sena president Uddhav Thackeray.
"We stand with Uddhav Thackeray. We are against those who leave the party," he said at the spot of the agitation held at Kranti Chowk in Aurangabad city.
A woman Sena worker demanded that Thackeray sack rebels from the party. -- PTI
18:00 Uddhav Thackeray: My resignation is ready
"I have kept my promise to Balasaheb," says Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray, addressing the state virtually.
"When all 3 parties came together in 2019, Sharad Pawar told me that I had to take the responsibility of the CM's post. I didn't even have any experience. But I took the responsibility. Sharad Pawar and Sonia Gandhi helped me a lot, they kept their faith in me.
"But when my own people (MLAs) don't want me what I can say. If they had something against me, what was the need of saying all this in Surat, they could have come here and said this to my face.
"If any MLA does not want me to not continue as the CM, I am ready to take all my belongings from Varsha Bungalow (official residence of the CM) to Matoshree (the Thackerays family home).
"It's not about numbers but how many are against me. I will leave if even one person or MLA is against me. It's very shameful for me if even a single MLA is against me.
"Sena MLAs have gone to Surat, Guwahati. If you had a problem with me becoming chief minister, I will resign now. I have no attraction for any post. I have fulfilled my obligations as CM and my resignation is ready," he added.
"If they (the rebels) don't want me as CM, they should come and tell me that face to face, not via Twitter or Facebook.
"I will be happy if a Shiv Sainik becomes CM after me. I am ready to quit right now. I am not someone who will fight for a chair. If Sainiks tell me I'm not capable, I will resign."
17:42 Don't act against rebels, Sena MP tells Uddhav
Shiv Sena MP Bhavana Gawli writes to Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray appealing to him to "consider the demands of revolting MLAs in favour of Hindutva". She also appeals to the CM that he should not take action against these MLAs.
Eknath Shinde gives Uddhav Thackeray the 'look'
17:37 Eknath Shinde's press briefing this evening
Maharashtra Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde to brief media this evening in Guwahati, Assam.
17:33 Uddhav's address to Maharashtra delayed
Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray's address to the state delayed. The Shiv Sena today asked all its MLAs in Maharashtra, including the rebels accompanying dissident leader Eknath Shinde, to attend a legislature party meeting in Mumbai at 5 pm or face action under the anti-defection law.
Shiv Sena chief whip Sunil Prabhu has written a letter and issued it to some Sena ministers, including the minister of state for Home Shambhuraj Desai who is currently staying with Shinde in Guwahati.
17:23 Patna protesters demands withdrawal of police cases against Agnipath agitators
The opposition parties in Bihar protested against the Agnipath recruitment scheme on Wednesday as they took out a march from the Assembly to the Raj Bhavan in Patna. Led by RJD's Tejashwi Yadav, the opposition leaders then met Governor Phagu Chouhan and submitted a memorandum, demanding immediate withdrawal of the scheme.
"We handed over a memorandum to the governor, demanding immediate withdrawal of the Agnipath scheme, cancellation of all FIRs registered against the protestors in the state and release of students arrested during the protests," Yadav told reporters after meeting Chouhan.
"The scheme is against students who are preparing for jobs in the defence services. The BJP-led central government is playing with the future of our youths. If youths are not satisfied with the nature of the job offered to them through this scheme, how will they perform the duties at the borders? The Centre should withdraw the Agnipath scheme," said the RJD leader.
Yadav also questioned the "silence" of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on the ongoing protests against the scheme. "The NDA government has sold the railways, Air India, airports, petroleum companies, and now interfering with the defense forces," he alleged. -- PTI
Eknath Shinde (centre)
16:58 2 more MLAs supporting Shinde arrive in Surat
In a shot in the arm for dissident Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde, two more MLAs arrived in Gujarat's Surat on Wednesday afternoon, from where they will be flown to Guwahati in Assam, where other party rebels are camping at present, sources said.
This is likely to add to the woes of the Shiv Sena-led Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government, which is battling a survival crisis following the rebellion of senior Sena minister Shinde and a sizeable number of MLAs belonging to the Uddhav Thackeray-led party.
Shinde has claimed that he has 46 MLAs supporting him.
A group of rebel Maharshtra MLAs, led by Shinde, were flown to Guwahati on Wednesday morning and were taken to a luxury hotel on the outskirts of the city amid tight security. The MLAs were taken to Surat from Mumbai on Tuesday and the decision to shift them to Guwahati was taken on security grounds, a BJP source said earlier in the day.
Hours after Shinde and the group of MLAs were shifted to Assam, Manjula Gavit, an independent MLA who represents the Sakri assembly constituency, and Yogesh Kadam, who is Sena's legislator from Dapoli assembly segment in Maharashtra, arrived in Surat this afternoon.
Sources claimed that a third Shiv Sena MLA would also join the group of rebel legislators led by Shinde and reach the Gujarat city later during the day. Both Gavit and Kadam are waiting at the Surat airport to board Guwahati-bound flight soon after their arrival at Surat and brief stay at a hotel. Shinde and other legislators were staying at a hotel on Dumas road in Surat city upon their arrival on Monday night.
16:41 Uddhav to address state at 5 pm via FB Live
Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray will address the people via Facebook Live at 5 pm today. He will speak on the ongoing political crisis in the state. Thackeray, who tested positive for COVID today joined the Cabinet meeting held this afternoon via video conferencing.
Meanwhile, the 34 rebel Shiv Sena MLAs passed a resolution electing Ekanth Shinde as their legislative party leader. They also removed Sena MLA Sunil Prabhu as party whip and appointed Bharat Gogawale as the new whip.
16:32 Afghanistan quake toll 1000
A powerful earthquake of magnitude 6.1 shook an eastern Afghanistan near the Pakistani border early Wednesday, killing at least a 1000 people and injuring 600 others, according to a media report.
Neighbouring Pakistan's Meteorological Department said the epicenter of the quake was 44km southwest of Khost in Afghanistan at a depth of 50.8km. The quake struck at 1:54 am (local time).Footage from Paktika province showed people being carried into helicopters to be airlifted from the area. Others were treated on the ground.
16:22 Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij tests covid positive
Haryana's Home and Health Minister Anil Vij on Wednesday tested covid positive.
"I have tested corona positive today. I have isolated myself. I request all those who have come into contact with me for the last few days to get themselves tested," the 69-year-old senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader said in a tweet.
Vij had taken part in an International Yoga Day function at Ambala Cantonment on Tuesday and also addressed a gathering later. Vij had in 2020 too contracted covid and was hospitalised for nearly a month.
16:09 Why is Eknath Shinde not in Mumbai staking claim to form government?'
The BJP has 106 MLAs and Eknath Shinde claims the support of 40 MLAs. So why are they both not forming the government right now in Mumbai? Why the delay?
Rediff.com's Syed Firdaus Ashraf reports. Read it here.
Image: Security personnel keep vigil outside a hotel in Guwahati where dissident MLAs from Maharastra are staying
15:38 Genome sequencing tests show Omicron dominating in Karnataka
With COVID-19 cases surging in Karnataka, genome sequencing tests conducted in the state show that Omicron variant is still dominating in the state.
Karnataka Health Minister Dr K Sudhakar tweeted on Wednesday stating that most people with COVID-19 symptoms are infected by the BA.2 sub-variant of the Omicron variant of novel coronavirus.
"Which strain is dominating in Karnataka? As per the genome sequencing sample: March 2021 - December 2021: 90.7% Delta January 2022 - April 2022: 87.80% Omicron May 2022 - June 2022: 99.20% Omicron," Sudhakar tweeted. According to him, amongst the Omicron variants, currently BA.1.1.529 and BA.1 have dipped to 8.60 per cent and 0.04 per cent, respectively. However, BA.2 sub-lineage has increased from 80.60 per cent to 89.40 per cent since May," the minister tweeted.
Sudhakar said the new variants -- BA.3, BA.4 and BA.5 -- are observed to be in their nascent phases. The data shared by him shows that last year from March to December, Delta and its sub-lineages dominated but this year Omicron was the dominant variant of the novel coronavirus. -- PTI
15:34 Recuperating Sonia writes to ED seeking postponement of appearance
Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday wrote to the Enforcement Directorate seeking postponement of her appearance by a few weeks till she recovers completely from Covid and a lung infection.
The Congress president had been summoned by the agency for questioning in a money laundering case related to the National Herald newspaper on June 23.
"Since she has been strictly advised rest at home following her hospitalisation on account of Covid and lung infection, Congress President Smt. Sonia Gandhi has written to ED today seeking the postponement of her appearance there by a few weeks till she has recovered completely," Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said on Twitter.
Gandhi was discharged on Monday from a private Delhi hospital where she was admitted for coronavirus-related complications. The Congress has accused the Centre of targeting opposition leaders by misusing investigative agencies and has termed the entire action "political vendetta". PTI
Shiv Sena MLA Nitin Deshmukh
15:29 Was kidnapped, says Sena MLA who returns
Shiv Sena MLA Nitin Deshmukh, who arrived in Guwahati along with fellow party MLAs on Wednesday from Surat, returned to his home state of Maharashtra with five other partymen within hours, sources said.
Rebel Sena legislators remain encamped at a hotel in Guwahati.
Deshmukh, who arrived in Guwahati early this morning in a chartered aircraft from Surat, did not accompany Maharashtra's rebel minister Eknath Shinde and other MLAs to a city hotel where his colleagues were lodged.
After remaining at Guwahati's Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi international airport for a few hours, Deshmukh, along with five Shiv Sena activists, left for Nagpur in another chartered aircraft.
"Around 100-150 policemen took me to a hospital and pretended as I've suffered an attack. They wanted to operate on me, harm me under that pretext. By God's grace, I'm alright. I am with Uddhav Thackeray," Deshmukh said.
Deshmukh and the five Sena men were part of the 89-member entourage -- Maharashtra MLAs and others -- who had arrived in the city early this morning from Surat.
Deshmukh's wife on Tuesday had filed a missing persons complaint at a police station in Akola in Maharashtra saying she suspected a threat to his life.
Deshmukh was reportedly admitted to a hospital in Surat on Tuesday after allegedly being taken ill. Deshmukh represents the Balapur Assembly constituency in Maharashtra. PTI
Photojournalist Maks Levin
15:28 Russian troops executes Ukrainian journalist
@KyivIndependent: "Reporters Without Borders, says that Ukrainian photojournalist Maks Levin 'executed' by Russian troops, possibly after being interrogated, tortured.
Reporters Without Borders have released a report following their investigation into the killing of Levin, who was found dead in Kyiv Oblast on April 1, along with his friend, Ukrainian soldier Oleksiy Chernyshov. According to the report, both were executed "in cold blood' by Russian forces, likely after being questioned and tortured on March 13, the day they went missing."
15:16 Is the Maha Cabinet behaving like the proverbial ostrich?
"No difficulties, everything will be alright. Govt will continue," Maharashtra Minister and Congress leader Balasaheb Thorat said when asked about the crisis.
After the Maharashtra Cabinet meet ends, MLAs say there was no discussion on the Eknath Shinde-led instability in the MVA government.
"No discussion is needed," he said when asked if the political crisis was discussed at the cabinet meet.
State Cabinet minister Aslam Shaikh said only the Cabinet agenda was discussed, and no discussion on the present political situation took place.
Ostriches burying their heads in the sand refers to a situation where one refuses to face a problem by pretending not to see it.
15:05 Odisha CM meets the Pope
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik met Pope Francis in Vatican City, earlier today.
15:04 Uddhav says no to dissolving Maha Assembly
Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole on Wednesday said Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has made it clear that there was no proposal to recommend dissolution of the state Assembly.
Patole's remarks came in the backdrop of reports that the ongoing political developments in the state could lead to dissolution of the Assembly.
"We will run the government effectively," Patole said quoting Thackeray. Patole said senior Congress leader Kamal Nath, who is in Mumbai in the wake of the political crisis in the Maharashtra government, spoke to Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray over phone, since the latter has tested positive for COVID-19.
Patole told reporters that Thackeray has asserted that the ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA- comprising the Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress) will sail through the present crisis, and there was no proposal to recommend dissolution of the state Assembly.
14:44 BJP MLA accompanying Shinde in Assam: Maha minister
A minister from Maharashtra accompanying Shiv Sena rebel Eknath Shinde and others on Wednesday claimed a Bharatiya Janata Party MLA has been staying with them in Guwahati.
The minister of state for water resources and Prahar Janshakti Paksh leader, Bacchu Kadu, told a news channel over the phone that BJP MLA Sanjay Kute is staying with the rebel MLAs of Shiv Sena and Shinde.
"BJP's Sanjay Kute is with us. He is accompanying all the rebel MLAs of Shiv Sena and some Independents in Guwahati," he said.
A day earlier, Kute had met Shinde and other rebel MLAs in a Surat hotel where they were staying after sneaking out of Mumbai.
Senior Sena leader and state cabinet minister Shinde along with a group of rebel Shiv Sena MLAs were flown to Guwahati from Surat in the early hours of Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Shirsat claimed that 40 MLAs are with Shinde and their number will go up to 46 by later afternoon.
Shirsat, who is also accompanying Shinde, represents the Aurangabad (West) constituency.
"There are 35 MLAs of Shiv Sena and five Independent with us here (in Guwahati). This number will go up to 46 this afternoon. Of them, 40 will be of Shiv Sena (an addition of five MLAs). I cannot tell from which region of Maharashtra they are, I don't have that authority," he told a Marathi news channel.
He said rebel Sena MLAs are not angry with the party leadership but their grouse is against other MVA allies, the Congress and the NCP.
When asked why the disgruntled Sena MLAs waited for two-and-a-half years before rebelling, Shirsat referred to the COVID-19 pandemic and the ill-health of Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. -- PTI
14:14 No decision on government till MLAs return: Raut
Shiv Sena's Sanjay Raut when asked about speculations that Uddhav Thackeray will resign as CM. "I'm going to Varsha Bungalow (the CM's official residence). I'll meet the CM but whatever has to be done will be decided by Maha Vikas Aghadi together. Unless the MLAs are back in Mumbai, no decision will be made."
Rebel Shiv Sena MLA Eknath Shinde speaks to news agency ANI: "Right now we have 46 MLAs with us, including 6-7 Independent MLAs. Rest of them are Shiv Sena MLAs. This number will rise in the time to come. As of now we have neither received any proposal from BJP nor are we holding any talks with them."
14:10 Maharashtra Cabinet meet ends
-- Mumbai: State cabinet meeting concludes, NCP Ministers leave from the venue.
-- Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut clarifies on his earlier tweet that the Maharashtra Assembly would be dissolved. "When such a situation forms in any state, Vidhan Sabha is dissolved. Attempts being made to kidnap MLAs and take them outside. You would've heard MLA Nitin Deshmukh, how he was thrashed, wrongfully hospitalised, treated and injected. He says it was an attempt to murder him," Raut says.
Rebel Eknath Shinde, who triggered the crisis, has claimed the support of 46 MLAs.
Can Uddhav Thackeray swing it?
13:57 Sena calls meet with its MLAs at 5 pm
Hope floats for the Shiv Sena-led MVA alliance in Maharashtra.
The Shiv Sena calls a meeting of all its MLAs, today at 5 pm at Chief Minister's official residence 'Varsha'. MLAs who fail to turn up for the meeting will be considered out of the Sena.
Shiv Sena MLA Kailash Patil and Nitin Deshmukh returned from Eknath Shinde camp and expressed their support to Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray. Deshmukh said that there was conspiracy by the Gujarat police to kill him by giving poisonous injection in hospital.
13:43 Flash floods, heavy rain wash away highway in J-K
Flash floods triggered by heavy rains washed away the shuttering of an under-construction bridge and a 150-foot section of the Jammu-Srinagar national highway even as landslides in Ramban and Udhampur districts forced closure of the strategic road for the second consecutive day on Wednesday, leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded, officials said.
While we wait for news from the ongoing Maharashtra Cabinet meeting, here's what's happening in Jammu and Kashmir.
The traffic on the Mughal Road, which connects the twin districts of Poonch and Rajouri in the Jammu region with south Kashmir's Shopian district, was also suspended due to landslides, they said.
"The shuttering of under-construction Peerah bridge was washed away due to heavy rains (on highway)", police official said, adding that the one which is normally used for traffic is safe. In Udhampur district, a 150-foot stretch of the Jammu-Srinagar highway was washed away on Wednesday near Toldi Nallah, 16 kilometers away from Udhampur town, they said.
Many machines were involved in the work to restore the road patch swept away in the flash floods in the Tawi river. "Chances of road opening today are minimum. There are no report of any loss of life", they said.
"The Jammu-Srinagar highway is blocked due to fresh shooting stones and landslides at several places in Ramban district," a traffic official said.
There are over 33 landslides, mudslides and incidents of shooting stones reported on the 270-km highway in Ramban and Udhampur districts, they said. The highway was closed for traffic due to shooting stones at Panthiyal on Tuesday. Work is on to clear the highway, the officials said.
13:36 Sachin Waze to turn approver
The ED allows dismissed Mumbai Police officer Sachin Waze to become an approver in the money laundering case. The ED files a reply before the Special PMLA Court.
Former Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh, in his statement to the CBI on Monday, has alleged that he was pressured into reinstating suspended police officer Sachin Vaze in the police force by Chief minister Uddhav Thackeray and Anil Deshmukh when he was holding the Home portfolio.
13:24 ED summons for Maha minister
This is probably what the dissident Maharashtra MLAs do not want.
Shiv Sena leader and Maharasthra Minister Anil Parab to appear before ED today after the state cabinet meeting.
File pic: Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray
13:23 Maha Cabinet meet begins, CM attends virtually
Maharashtra State cabinet meeting begins. CM Uddhav Thackeray joins via video conferencing. Thackeray has tested positive for Covid-19.
Congress leader Kamal Nath who is the party's firefighter and observer for Maharashtra says he has spoke to the CM. "The CM said that as of now there's no proposal to dissolve the Maharashtra Assembly," Kamal Nath said.
Reports say that the bookings for the hotel where the dissident MLAs are staying have been extended for seven days.
Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray
13:06 Uddhav has Covid, couldn't meet him: Kamal Nath
"Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray is Covid positive, couldn't meet him," said Congress's Kamal Nath amid the political crisis. He will be meeting NCP chief Sharad Pawar.
"41 MLAs out of 44 MLAs attended the meeting here (Congress Legislative Party meet) while three are on the way. The politics BJP has started is of money and muscle power which is against the Constitution. I have seen this a lot... Unity will prevail in Shiv Sena under Udhhav Thackeray," said Nath.
12:47 Weeping Sainiks beg Uddhav not to cave in
Shiv Sena women workers in Aurangabad break down and weep as they protest against rebel leader Eknath Shinde who has spearheaded the ongoing instability in the MVA government in the state.
The Sainiks say they have been stabbed in the back by traitors. They raised slogans asking CM Uddhav Thackeray not to cave in and live up to the legacy of his father, Bal Thackeray.
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut has expressed confidence that Eknath Shinde and other rebel MLAs will be back into the party fold, and that their 'misunderstandings will be addressed'.
The Congress Legislative Party meeting has begun. Cabinet ministers are going for a meeting. "All 44 MLAs are with us," says Maharashtra observer Kamal Nath.
Zaheer Abbas with Sourav Ganguly and Sachin Tendulkar
12:41 Zaheer Abbas in ICU due to Covid-related ailments
Pakistani batting great Zaheer Abbas has been admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of a private hospital in London.
According to Geo News, Abbas, 74, was moved to the ICU three days after getting admission in Saint Mary's Hospital in Paddington, where he was put on oxygen support.
One of the most elegant batters of his time, Abbas had contracted COVID-19 while travelling from Dubai to London. He had complained of pain and was diagnosed with pneumonia after arriving in the British capital.
"He is currently on dialysis and the doctors have advised him to refrain from meeting people," Geo News quoted sources as saying. Abbas, who made his international debut in 1969 against New Zealand, was one of the finest batters of his generation. He amassed 5062 runs in 72 Tests, and scored 2572 runs in 62 ODIs.
12:38 When you are reading a religious book but your mind's elsewhere
Independent MP from Amravati, Navneet Rana, tweeted this image yesterday saying, "Was reading the Hanuman Chalisa on the flight from Mumbai to Delhi. Difficult times ahead for Uddhav Thackeray."
Rana and her MLA husband were arrested on April 23 by the Khar police in Mumbai under Sections 124 (A) (sedition) and 153 (A) (promoting enmity between different groups) of the Indian Penal Code. They spent a week in jail before being granted bail.
When you are waiting for just deserts for the Maharashtra government can you focus on spirituality?
12:30 BJP was targeting Maharashtra from the start: Cong
Congress leaders on the political crisis in Maharashtra.
Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot: Democracy is diminishing in country in name of Hindutva, people aren't understanding now but they'll regret later. These people (BJP) are doing horse-trading & bringing down the govts while law & order situation remains fragile & economy weaken. They've made a joke of everything. They were hatching conspiracy and were targetting Maharashtra from the very beginning but now it has come to light. PM Modi and Amit Shah should not be arrogant and must run the country as per the constitution.
Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury: BJP's goal is to capture entire India. If an oppn party speaks against them, they don't tolerate it. They're walking the path of building an 'oppn-free India'. First they said 'Congress-mukt' India, now they changed it to 'vipaksh-mukt'.
Kamal Nath, Congress Observer for Maharashtra: The kind of politics, that is driven by wealth, in states like Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh, is antithetical to the Constitution of India. The rise of such politics sets a dangerous precedent for the future.
12:15 Is Uddhav going to resign today?
Journalist Sudhir Suryawanshi tweets that Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray is contemplating whether to resign today in the cabinet meeting & propose the dissolution of the state assembly or face the floor test by giving some emotional speech and then resign. Before this decision, Uddhav Thackeray likely to speak with NCP chief Sharad Pawar.
Eknath Shinde with the Thackerays
12:12 Discussions with Eknath Shinde positive: Sanjay Raut
Sena MP Sanjay Raut on Wednesday insists that he has been holding discussions with rebel MLA Eknath Shinde and the talks are "positive".
Talking to reporters in Mumbai, Raut said Shinde has not put forth any conditions before the party, and that discussions are also underway with other Sena leaders who are with Shinde. Raut expressed confidence that Shinde and other rebel MLAs will be back into the party fold, and said their misunderstandings will be addressed.
"It is difficult for him (Shinde) to leave the party and it will be difficult for us (the Sena) to leave him. Our dialogue is on. We spoke for an hour in the morning. Talks are also on with the MLAs who are with Shinde," Raut said.
Our talks with him are taking place in a cordial manner and they have been positive, the Shiv Sena's chief spokesperson said.
Asked about the rebel MLAs moving to Guwahati, Raut said, "Let them go. Guwahati has a nice forest (nearby)Kaziranga (national park). The MLAs should see the country, this will help them understand it."
Raut said Shinde has not put forth any terms and conditions before the party. "He is a Shiv Sainik and it appears that he will stay in the Shiv Sena and spend his life in the party," Raut said, adding that there in no bitterness between the two sides.
Shinde and Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray share a strong bond, he said. Raut said Thackeray will also talk to NCP chief Sharad Pawar, the chief architect of the state's ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi. PTI
12:03 Aaditya deletes 'minister' from Twitter bio
Aaditya Thackeray removes 'minister' from Twitter bio. He is the Minister of Tourism and Environment for the Government of Maharashtra. His Twitter bio used to mention his portfolio, till yesterday.
11:51 Dissolution of Vidhan Sabha likely: Raut
Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut hints at the dissolution of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly amid the current political crisis in the state. He tweets, "The ongoing political crisis in Maharashtra is heading for the dissolution of the Vidhan Sabha."
Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has called a State Cabinet meeting at 1 pm on Wednesday.
The rebel Sena legislators and Independents who are with Eknath Shinde are likely to write to Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari seeking for a floor test in the state Legislative Assembly.
The 40 MLAs led by Shinde arrived at a luxury hotel in Guwahati in BJP-ruled Assam on Wednesday. The revolt in the Shiv Sena has given rise to speculations that Shinde along with other MLAs might join the BJP in a bid to topple the Maha Vikas Aghadi government.
11:46 Congress MLAs not for sale: Kamal Nath
Amid the Shiv Sena-led Maharashtra government facing a crisis following the revolt by a section of its MLAs, senior Congress leader Kamal Nath on Wednesday said his party is united and its MLAs are "not for sale".
Nath, who was on Tuesday appointed as the AICC observer in Maharashtra in the wake of the political turmoil in the state, and NCP chief Sharad Pawar are expected to meet Chief Minister and Sena president Uddhav Thackeray around noon.
The Maharashtra cabinet meeting is also scheduled later in the day. The Congress shares power in Maharashtra with the Shiv Sena and NCP.
Talking to reporters on his arrival at the Mumbai-based official residence of Maharashtra Revenue Minister and Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader Balasaheb Thorat, Nath said, "It is for the Shiv Sena to take care of its team and see how it wants to handle its MLAs."
He asserted that the Congress leaders were united. "I am sure we will stay intact. It is for the Congress party to demonstrate unity. The Congress MLAs are not for sale," the former Madhya Pradesh chief minister said.
The CLP holding a meeting at Thorat's residence on Wednesday. On Tuesday evening, 42 out of the Congress's 44 MLAs in the state were present at the meeting called by AICC secretary H K Patil. -- PTI
11:27 Congress Legislature Party meeting today
A meeting of the Congress Legislature Party is scheduled to be held in the presence of All India Congress Committees (AICC) observer Kamal Nath amid the deepening political crisis in Maharashtra.
Kamal Nath arrived at the residence of CLP leader and minister Balasaheb Thorat.43 MLAs will be present at the meeting, Maharashtra Congress sources claimed on Wednesday.
Congress deputed its senior leader and former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath as an All India Congress Committee (AICC) observer in the state.
Kamal Nath reached Mumbai late at night and today he will hold an important meeting with the MLAs of the Maharashtra Congress.
A video grab of MLAs signing the letters supporting Eknath Shinde
11:25 Rebel Sena MLAs sign letter of support to Shinde
Forty Maharashtra MLAs including 33 Shiv Sena and seven independent MLAs exhorted their support to rebel Shiv Sena leader and state Cabinet Minister Eknath Shinde by signing a letter, said sources.
Sources further said the rebel legislators may write to Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari seeking for floor test in the state Legislative Assembly.
The 40 MLAs led by Shinde arrived at a luxury hotel in Guwahati in BJP-ruled Assam on Wednesday. The revolt in the Shiv Sena has given rise to speculations that Shinde along with other MLAs might join the BJP in a bid to topple the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government.
"A total of 40 MLAs are present here. We will carry Balasaheb Thackeray's Hindutva," said Shinde after arriving in Guwahati.
The Shiv Sena MLAs were received by BJP MLA Sushanta Borgohain and BJP MP Pallab Lochan Das at Guwahati airport. -- ANI
File pic of the impact of a quake in Pakistan in 2019
11:08 6.1-magnitude earthquake jolts parts of Pakistan
An earthquake of magnitude 6.1 shook parts of Pakistan early Wednesday, the meteorological department said.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the epicentre of the quake was 44km southwest of Khost in Afghanistan at a depth of 50.8km and its exact time was 1:54 am (local time).
The tremors were felt in Peshawar, Islamabad, Lahore and other parts of Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa provinces. No loss of life or property has been reported so far. Pakistan lies in an active seismic zone and is often visited by quakes of various magnitude. This is the second earthquake in a week after a 5.2 magnitude quake shook parts of the country on June 17. A deadly earthquake hit the country in 2005 which killed more than 74,000 people. PTI
11:02 155 dead in earthquake in Afghanistan
Afghanistan's state-run news agency is reporting that at least 155 people have been killed in an earthquake in the country's eastern Paktika province.
10:55 Raut: At the most we will lose power in Maha
Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut says the party is holding talks with MLAs who are with Eknath Shinde. "Everybody will stay in Shiv Sena. Our party is a fighter, we'll struggle consistently. At the most, we may lose power, but we'll continue to fight," Raut said.
Speaking to a TV channel over the phone, Maharashtra minister Sandipan Bhumare, who is among the dissidents, said, "We do not have any complaints against the Shiv Sena leadership. We have raised our complaints with Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, that it was getting difficult to work with the NCP and Congress ministers. It was very difficult for us to get our proposals and work requests approved from their ministers."
Bhumare said he was given a cabinet portfolio and was satisfied with it. "What else do I need in life. But, as a people's representative, I need to address the grievances of my people. I could not do it properly because of these two alliance partners," he added.
Video courtesy: NDTV
10:51 Watch: Shiv Sena's rebel MLAs run to board flight to Guwahati
On Wednesday morning, a group of 40 Maharashtra MLAs, led by dissident leader Eknath Shinde, arrived in Guwahati and they were taken to a luxury hotel on the outskirts of the city amid tight security. The MLAs were taken to Surat in Gujarat from Mumbai on Tuesday. From there, they were moved to Guwahati in Assam for 'security reasons', news agency PTI says.
Watch the video here
10:42 From a hippie to an envoy
Germany's envoy to India is at the end of his deputation here. The self-professed Indophile has been sharing several pictures of his journeys in India and the love he feels for this country comes through in spades.
Walter J Lindner shares this picture of himself saying, "From a 21-year old hippie-adventurer in Goa (June 1977) to someone only a little wiser (here exploring South IND Srirangam temple/Tiruchirappalli, Feb 2022) - 45 years later, but same quest' only IND holds that spell! Even after leaving IND in a few days, this journey continues."
Happy journeys, Mr Lindner
Uddhav Thackeray needs to put his house in order
10:38 More Sena MLAs join rebels
Two more Shiv Sena MLAs to jump ship, say reports. They are Yogesh Kadam and Sanjay Rathod. The Shiv Sena MLAs, who have rebelled against the party, plunging the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government in Maharashtra into a crisis, arrived in Assam's Guwahati city by a chartered flight on Wednesday. Sena MLA Sanjay Shirsath told a TV channel that 35 party legislators were in Guwahati.
10:32 Sena corporator taunts Raut on 'arrogance'
A banner, reading 'Your arrogance will last 4 days, but our kingship is inherited', seen outside the residence of Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut in Mumbai. The banner has been put up by Shiv Sena Corporator Deepmala Badhe.
Two days before Eknath Shinde revolted, he had a heated argument with Aaditya Thackeray, state cabinet minister and son of Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, and Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut at the Renaissance hotel in Powai where the Sena MLAs had been kept ahead of the Legislative Council elections.
Shinde, had been unhappy with the way things had been going the past few months and the Chief Minister too had been alerted about it.
Yesterday, Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrakant Patil said problems have cropped up in the Sena only due to the "instigating statements of Sanjay Raut." "People won't tolerate it. Eknath Shinde's rebellion is an example. Sanjay Raut should speak politely. He doesn't need to speak harshly on every matter," Patil had said.
The Shiv Sena on Tuesday moved its MLAs to hotels to ward off poaching bids after senior party leader Eknath Shinde rebelled against the party and camped in Surat in Gujarat along with some fellow legislators.
Party MLAs have been housed at different hotels in Mumbai, a Shiv Sena MLA from the city said.
This has been done to avoid poaching of legislators, the MLA said.
The MLA, however, did not divulge the names of the hotels where the legislators have been housed.
Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut claimed 14 to 15 Sena MLAs, including some ministers, are with Shinde in Gujarat's Surat city. However, another party leader said the number could be 23.
10:25 Yashwant Sinha to hold 1st poll meet today
Opposition's presidential candidate Yashwant Sinha to hold the first meeting of the Campaign Committee (for the Presidential poll) today.
Jayant Sinha with Draupadi Murmu
10:21 Oppn prez candidate's son congratulates the NDA candidate
BJP leader Jayant Sinha congratulates the nomination of Draupadi Murmu as the NDA's Presidential candidate. "Hearty congratulations to Draupadi Murmuji on being made the NDA's presidential candidate. Her life has always been dedicated to tribals and welfare of the poor. Hearty congratulations for this decision to Prime Minister @narendramodi and @BJP4India president @JPNadda ji."
Incidentally, Jayant Sinha's father, Yashwant Sinha, is the Opposition nominee for the President's post.
10:14 NCP's Jayant Patil, Maha HM meet Sharad Pawar
Maharastra Maharashtra minister and NCP leader Jayant Patil arrives and Maharastra Home Minister Dilip Walse Patil arrives at the residence of NCP chief Sharad Pawar in Mumbai.
A Maharashtra Shiv Sena minister, who is among the dissidents led by party leader Eknath Shinde, on Wednesday said they do not have any complaints against the Sena leadership, but they have been upset with the style of function of the NCP and Congress, the other two ruling alliance partners in the state.
Tata Steel was among the major laggards
10:11 Markets fall after 2-day breather
The Sensex and Nifty started the trade on a muted note on Wednesday and slipped in the negative territory after a two-day breather, following weak trends in Asian markets.
Unabated foreign fund outflows also played spoilsport for the markets. The 30-share BSE Sensex was trading 418.07 points lower at 52,114. The NSE Nifty fell 131.1 points to 15,507.70.
From the Sensex pack, Bajaj Finserv, Tata Steel, Bajaj Finance, Axis Bank, IndusInd Bank, Tech Mahindra and Bharti Airtel were the major laggards in early trade. On the other hand, Dr Reddy's Laboratories, Maruti Suzuki India and Hindustan Unilever were the gainers -- PTI
NCP chief Sharad Pawar with Balasaheb Thorat. File pic
10:10 Maha Congress MLAs meet to discuss political situation
Amid the political turmoil in the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government, Maharashtra Congress MLAs held a meeting at Legislature Party leader Balasaheb Thorat's residence in Mumbai on Tuesday.
The meeting was presided over by Maharashtra Congress-incharge HK Patil. In the meeting, 42 out of 44 Congress MLAs were present, along with party leaders Nana Patole, Ashok Chavan and others.
The meeting took place following the reports that some Shiv Sena MLAs along with party leader Eknath Shinde went "unreachable" and moved to Gujarat's Surat posing a threat to the ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government.
Meanwhile, 33 Shiv Sena and seven independent MLAs, led by rebel party leader and Maharashtra Cabinet Minister Eknath Shinde arrived at a luxury hotel in Guwahati in BJP-ruled Assam on Wednesday. The revolt in the Shiv Sena has given rise to speculations that Shinde along with other MLAs might join the BJP in a bid to topple the MVA government. -- ANI
Rebel Sena MLAs
09:56 Upset with NCP, Cong leaders: Rebel Sena MLAs
A Maharashtra Shiv Sena minister, who is among the dissidents led by party leader Eknath Shinde, on Wednesday said they do not have any complaints against the Sena leadership, but they have been upset with the style of function of the Nationalist Congress Party and the Congress, the other two ruling alliance partners in the state.
The Shiv Sena MLAs, who have rebelled against the party, plunging the Maha Vikas Aghadi government in Maharashtra into a crisis, arrived in Assam's Guwahati city by a chartered flight on Wednesday.
Speaking to a TV channel over phone, Maharashtra minister Sandipan Bhumare, who is among the dissidents, said, "We do not have any complaints against the Shiv Sena leadership. We have raised our complaints with Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, that it was getting difficult to work with the NCP and Congress ministers. It was very difficult for us to get our proposals and work requests approved from their ministers.
To a query, Bhumare said he was given a cabinet portfolio and was satisfied with it.
"What else do I need in life. But, as a people's representative, I need to address the grievances of my people. I could not do it properly because of these two alliance partners, he added.
Meanwhile, another dissident Sena MLA Sanjay Shirsath told a TV channel that 35 party legislators were in Guwahati.
"A couple of more MLAs will join us by today evening. We also have the support of three independent MLAs," he claimed.
Shirsath also targeted state NCP and Congress ministers and claimed their "hostile behaviour" forced the Sena legislators to revolt. -- PTI
09:51 US values relationship with India, every country has to decide on Russia: WH
The United States values its bilateral relationship with India, the White House said Tuesday noting that in the context of Russia every country has to make its decision.
"India is a very key strategic partner in the Indo-Pacific region. And there's many ways that that partnership represents itself, both in defense and security, economic as well," White House Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby told reporters.
"We will let Indian leaders speak to their economic policies. What I can just tell you is we value this bilateral relationship with India and we continue to want -- obviously, every country has to make their decisions for themselves," he said when asked about the Indian decision to purchase oil from Russia.
"These are sovereign decisions. But we want as much pressure put internationally on Russia as possible. There needs to be costs and consequences for what Mr Putin is doing," Kirby told reporters at a White House news conference. -- PTI
09:39 Maha political crisis: Uddhav calls cabinet meet
Amid a political turmoil in Maharashtra that has put up a question mark on the survival of the ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition government, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has called a State Cabinet meeting at 1 pm on Wednesday.
Eknath Shinde, with 33 party MLAs and seven independent MLAs, who were staying at Le Meridien hotel in Surat arrived in Guwahati on Wednesday morning.
Shinde on Wednesday claimed that 40 party MLAs have reached Assam and said that they will carry Balasaheb Thackeray's Hindutva.
Shinde along with other MLAs was staying at a hotel in Gujarat's Surat following the cross-voting in Maharashtra Legislative Council polls and took flight earlier today to reach Guwahati.
"A total of 40 Shiv Sena MLAs are present here. We will carry Balasaheb Thackeray's Hindutva," said Shinde after arriving in Guwahati.
A group of Maharashtra MLAs reached Radisson Blu Hotel in Guwahati, Assam today morning.
09:33 Maharashtra Governor Koshyari tests Covid +ve
Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari was on Wednesday admitted to a private hospital in south Mumbai after testing Coronavirus positive, an official said.
Koshyari (80), who was always seen wearing face masks at public events, has been admitted to the Reliance Foundation Hospital, the official said.
09:18 Bill Cosby found guilty of sexually assaulting minor
American comedian and actor Bill Cosby has been found guilty of sexually assaulting a woman, Judy Ruth, when she was a teenager in 1975.
The Los Angeles jury gave its verdict in favour of Ruth and found that Cosby was liable for damages, reported CNN.
The jury ordered the comedian to pay Huth USD 500,000 million in damages. However, no punitive damages were found.
Ruth had filed a complaint against Cosby in 2014 for sexually harassing her at the Playboy Mansion when she was a 16-year-old.
According to the original filing, Huth claimed that the incident happened in 1974 when she was 15.
However, when the timeline was revised to 1975, it was found that Huth was assaulted when she was 16.
In the complaint, Ruth alleged that she and her friend met Cosby when the actor-comedian was filming a movie at a park, reported CNN.
After Cosby befriended the two teenagers, he asked them to accompany him to his tennis club. From the club, Huth claimed that Cosby took them to a house and served the underage girls alcoholic drinks, multiple times.
Later, the 84-year-old took the teenagers to the Playboy Mansion. Huth alleged that despite knowing the age of the two young women, Cosby had instructed them, "that if any of the Playboy bunnies asked their age, they should say they were 19."
Further, Cosby directed her to a bedroom, where he sexually harassed her, reported CNN.
However, the actor, through his lawyers has denied all the allegations of sexual misconduct. In addition, Cosby's attorneys have even attempted to dismiss the case.
Previously, over 50 women have accused Cosby of sexual misconduct.
The American actor was also been convicted of sexually harassing Andrea Constand in Philadelphia as a result of which he was sentenced to three years in a state prison in Pennsylvania.
However, on an appeal, his conviction was overturned and he was released from prison in September 2021.
The civil case, lodged by Judy Ruth is the first one to make it to trial.
Varanasi judge Ravi Kumar Diwakar
09:14 HC transfers 619 judicial officers including Varanasi judge who ordered Gyanvapi survey
The Allahabad high court has transferred as many as 619 judicial officers, including the Varanasi judge who had directed a survey inside the Gyanvapi mosque complex.
These judicial officers are at present posted in different districts of the state.
In a notification issued by the Registrar General on June 20 following an order of the high court, all the transferred judicial officers have been asked to hand over charge at their present place of posting on July 4.
The transferred judicial officers are 213 civil judges (junior division), 285 additional district and sessions judges and 121 civil judges (senior division).
Among those transferred was civil judge (senior division) of Varanasi Ravi Kumar Diwakar, who had appointed a commission to conduct a survey of the Gyanvapi mosque premises and had ordered sealing of the spot inside the mosque where a Shivling was claimed to have been found.
The claim was disputed by the mosque committee members who said it was part of the water fountain mechanism in the wazookhana reservoir, used by devotees to perform ritual ablutions before offering namaz.
Diwakar has been transferred to the Bareilly district court.
Earlier this month, he had written to the Uttar Pradesh government after he had received a threat letter through a registered post. -- PTI
08:41 Assam CM seen at hotel where rebel Maha MLAs camping
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma was reportedly seen leaving Radisson Blu hotel in Guwahati before the arrival of the rebel Maharashtra MLAs in the state.
The MLAs currently are staying at the same hotel.
A chartered flight carrying Shiv Sena MLAs, who have rebelled against the party bringing a crisis to the MVA government in Maharashtra, arrived in Guwahati early Wednesday.
The move came after Shiv Sena minister Eknath Shinde rebelled against the party and herded some MLAs to BJP-ruled Gujarat.
Shinde, after arriving at the Guwahati airport, claimed he has 40 MLAs with him.
"Here 40 MLAs are with me. Additional 10 MLAs will join me soon. I do not want to criticise any one. We are keen on continuing the Sena founded by late Balasaheb Thackeray," he said.
08:29 Centre accords Z+ security cover to NDA presidential nominee
The Centre has accorded a Z+ security cover of Central Reserve Police Force commandos to the National Democratic Alliance's presidential candidate Droupadi Murmu, officials said on Wednesday.
The armed squad took over the security of Murmu, 64, early Wednesday morning, a senior officer told PTI.
Bharatiya Janata Party president J P Nadda announced the candidature of Murmu, a party leader from Odisha who served as Jharkhand governor, at a press conference on Monday night following a meeting of the party's parliamentary board, which included Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior leaders.
Officials said soon after this announcement, the Union home ministry directed the Central Reserve Police Force to deploy its VIP security protection team to take charge of Murmu's security. -- PTI
08:05 Eknath Shinde in Assam, claims 40 MLAs with him
Eknath Shinde, the leader of rebellion in ruling Shiv Sena on Wednesday claimed he has 40 MLAs with him.
Shinde, who arrived at the Guwahati airport, spoke to reporters for the first time since his decision to rebel against his own party.
On late Monday night, Shinde had left Mumbai with several Sena MLAs and stayed at a hotel in Gujarat's Surat city.
However, after holding talks with Bharatiya Janata Party leaders, he decided to shift to Guwahati.
Speaking to reporters outside Guwahati airport, Shinde said, "Here 40 MLAs are with me. Additional 10 MLAs will join me soon. I do not want to criticise any one. We are keen on continuing the Sena founded by late Balasaheb Thackeray," he said.
The Shiv sena has 56 MLAs in Maharashtra legislative assembly which has joined hands with the Nationalist Congress Party and the Congress post 2019 assembly polls and formed government, breaking its alliance with the BJP. -- PTI
Naveen Patnaik
01:19 Proud moment for Odisha: Patnaik on Murmu as NDA Prez candidate
Expressing his happiness over the nomination of Droupadi Murmu as the BJP-led NDA's presidential nominee, BJD supremo and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said it was a proud moment for the people of his state.
"I was delighted when Hon'ble PM @narendramodi ji discussed this with me. It is indeed a proud moment for people of Odisha," Patnaik said in a tweet while congratulating Murmu on her candidature.
Patnaik further said he is sure that Murmu "will set a shining example for women empowerment in the country."
The BJP on Tuesday named Murmu, a tribal leader of the party from Odisha, as the ruling NDA's candidate for the presidential election, sending out a significant political message after elevating a Dalit, Ram Nath Kovind, to the top post five years back.
BJP president J P Nadda announced her name at a press conference following a meeting of the party's parliamentary board, which included Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior leaders.
Murmu (64), a former Jharkhand governor, will be the first person from Odisha and the first tribal woman to occupy the top constitutional post if she is elected, a strong possibility as numbers are stacked in favour of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance. -- PTI
00:49 Shinde told Uddhav to renew BJP ties: Sena leader
Rebel Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde had on Monday urged Chief minister Uddhav Thackeray to renew the party's alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party, a senior Sena leader claimed.
The leader said Thackeray had sent his confidante Milind Narvekar and Shinde's aide Ravindra Phatak to Surat to talk to the rebel leader, who is camping there along with other Sena MLAs since Monday night.
A call was made to Thackeray from Surat, the leader said.
"The chief minister also had a telephonic conversation with Shinde during which the latter asked him to renew ties with the BJP and break the alliance with Congress and the NCP," the leader said.
Thackeray's response to Shinde's demand was not known, the leader said. -- PTI
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