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Mon, 03 July 2023
Delhi LG sacks 400 'specialists' appointed by AAP
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23:32 Delhi LG sacks 400 'specialists' appointed by AAP govt
Delhi Lt Governor V K Saxena has terminated the services of around 400 'specialists' appointed by the Arvind Kejriwal government in different departments citing alleged irregularities in recruitment, a decision dubbed as "unconstitutional" by the AAP dispensation which plans to challenge it in court.
The terminated persons were engaged in a "non-transparent manner" and without the mandatory approvals of the competent authority. Several of them did not even fulfil the educational and work eligibility criteria as laid down in the advertisements issued for the recruitment on the posts, the LG office said in a statement.
The move triggered a fresh round of confrontation between the ruling party and the lieutenant governor. In a statement, the Aam Aadmi Party said that the LG has no power to take such action and accused him of trying to paralyse the Delhi government.
The LG office said the appointments also did not follow the mandatory reservation policy for SC, ST and OBC candidates prescribed by the Department of Personnel and Training.
"Delhi LG, VK Saxena has agreed to the proposal of the Services department to immediately terminate the services of about 400 private persons engaged as Fellows/Associate Fellows/Advisors / Dy Advisors/Specialists/Senior Research Officers/Consultants, etc by Delhi government in its various departments and agencies," the LG office statement said.
The AAP government, however, claimed that due process was followed in the recruitment.
"No principles of natural justice were followed when the LG took this decision. Not even a single show cause notice was issued, no explanation or clarification was sought at any stage. This unconstitutional decision will be challenged before the court of law," it said.
The hired fellows were from top colleges and universities such as IIM Ahmedabad, Delhi School of Economics, NALSAR, JNU, NIT, London School of Economics, Cambridge etc. and were doing excellent work in various departments, it said.
"They were all hired following due process and administrative norms," it claimed.
In its statement, the LG office charged that administrative departments concerned also "did not verify" the veracity of work experience certificates submitted by these private persons, which were found to be "fudged and manipulated" in many cases.
The LG accepted the proposal of the Services department that all Delhi government departments, Corporations, Boards, Societies and other autonomous bodies will immediately terminate the engagement of these private persons which was done without seeking approval of the Lt Governor who is the competent authority in the matter, the statement said. -- PTI
23:12 Yet to ascertain whether NCP in govt or oppn: Maha Speaker
Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar on Monday said he was yet to ascertain whether the Nationalist Congress Party is a part of the Shiv Sena-BJP government or is till in the Opposition.
On Sunday, senior NCP leader Ajit Pawar led a vertical split in the party to become deputy chief minister in the one-year-old Shiv Sena-BJP government, shocking his uncle Sharad Pawar, who founded the outfit 24 years ago after quitting the Congress. Besides him, eight other NCP MLAs, including Chhagan Bhujbal and Hasan Mushrif, were sworn in as ministers in the Shinde cabinet.
Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, Narwekar said his office has not yet received any petition mentioning about a split in the party.
"I am yet to ascertain whether the NCP is a part of the state government or is still in the Opposition bloc. I will go through the details available before me and take a call on it," he said.
Ajit Pawar was the Leader of Opposition in the Assembly before he took oath as deputy CM.
"I have received only one petition from NCP MLA Jayant Patil seeking disqualification of nine MLAs (Ajit Pawar and 8 others who took oath as ministers along with him). There is no written communication from any other leader of the NCP, said the Speaker.
"I have not received any petition mentioning about a split in the party, he stated.
Asked how many NCP MLAs have expressed their support to Ajit Pawar, Narwekar said, "I do not have any information on it because there is no written communication from his side. The party-wise strength in the
legislative Assembly still remains unchanged.
The Sharad Pawar-led party has 53 MLAs in the 288-member Assembly. -- PTI
22:55 IndiGo cancels Istanbul-Mumbai flight due to tech issue in aircraft
IndiGo on Monday said it cancelled a flight from Istanbul to Mumbai on Sunday due to a technical issue in the Boeing aircraft.
Since the aircraft was not available, the flight scheduled from Mumbai to Istanbul on Monday was also cancelled.
A source in the know said the Boeing 777 aircraft had some fuel imbalance issue.
Some passengers took to social media to complain about the flight cancellation from Istanbul to Mumbai on Sunday. Details about the number of passengers who were booked on the two flights could not be immediately ascertained.
"IndiGo flight 6E 18 operating Istanbul-Mumbai-Istanbul on 2nd/3rd July was cancelled due to a technical issue. Passengers had been offered alternate options. The aircraft is back in operation after necessary maintenance," the airline said in a statement. -- PTI
22:14 If Ajit calls Sharad Pawar as NCP prez, then...: Awhad
Nationalist Congress Party leader Jitendra Awhad on Monday said Rajya Sabha MP Praful Patel and Lok Sabha member Sunil Tatkare do not have the right to make appointments in the organisation as they have been "expelled" from the party.
Earlier in the day, NCP chief Sharad Pawar had said the names of Patel and Tatkare had been "removed from the membership register of the party".
The NCP chief had accused them of anti-party activities, including spearheading and facilitating the defection of Ajit Pawar and eight MLAs, who joined the Eknath Shinde government on Sunday.
Asserting that Sharad Pawar was the NCP national president, Awhad said, "The NCP constitution, which is recognised by the Election Commission of India, gives complete powers to the national president to suspend or dismiss any member, removing him from the membership right if he (president) is convinced that serious damage will be caused to the party unless such action is taken immediately."
Awhad added that "any such action shall be forwarded to the central disciplinary committee for approval".
Awhad was speaking to reporters on Monday evening after Patel and Tatkare along with Ajit Pawar claimed Sharad Pawar alone cannot decide on their party membership.
"If these leaders (Ajit Pawar faction) still admit that Sharad Pawar is their (party) national president, then how can they challenge his decisions? If you are expelled from the party, you have no constitutional right to make any new appointments," he said.
Showing Sharad Pawar's letter in which he has given details of the action against Patel and Tatkare, the Mumbar-Kalwa MLA said, "These leaders have no legal right to take such decisions. These leaders were already informed about the decision by Sharad Pawar."
Soon after being removed as NCP working president, Patel on Monday evening announced the appointment of Lok Sabha MP Sunil Tatkare as the party's state unit chief, replacing Jayant Patil, and Maharashtra deputy CM Ajit Pawar as its legislature wing leader. -- PTI
22:00 CBI files fresh charge sheet against Lalu, Rabri; names Tejashwi first time
The Central Bureau of Investigation on Monday filed a charge sheet against Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav, his father and former railway minister Lalu Prasad, and mother and former chief minister Rabri Devi in connection with the land-for-jobs scam, officials said.
Though this is the second charge sheet filed by the CBI in the case before a special court in Delhi, it is the first time that Tejashwi Yadav has been named as an accused.
Apart from the three members of the Yadav family, the federal agency has named 14 individuals and entities in the charge sheet.
The accused have been charged under Indian Penal Code sections related to criminal conspiracy, cheating and others in addition to provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
This comes days after over a dozen opposition parties, including Lalu Prasad's RJD, resolved to take on the BJP unitedly in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections at a crucial meeting in Patna.
The case pertains to Group-D appointments for 'substitutes' done in Western Central Zone based in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh when Lalu Prasad was the railway minister between 2004 and 2009 in return for land parcels gifted or transferred by the recruits in the name of Yadav's family or associates, according to officials.
A probe into similar recruitment in other railway zones is going on and will be part of future charge sheets, the officials said.
The CBI had filed the first charge sheet in October last year against Lalu Prasad, Rabri Devi and others pertaining to the appointments in the Central Zone of Railways based in Mumbai.
During the probe, the agency had claimed to have found a hard disc from 10 Circular Road, Patna, which was used by Lalu Prasad as his camp office, containing a list of 1,458 candidates who were engaged in the Railways during his tenure.
The CBI has alleged that as the railway minister, Lalu Prasad entered into a criminal conspiracy with his family members and associates to grab the land of various people who aspired to have Group D employment as 'substitutes' in the Railways and be regularised later. -- PTI
21:16 Patel became MP just by filling out form: Sharad Pawar
NCP chief Sharad Pawar on Monday targeted Praful Patel, who has been sacked from the party for siding with Ajit Pawar, saying he was fortunate unlike others as he used to get elected to Parliament without facing any elections just by filling the form.
After Ajit Pawar took oath as deputy chief minister on Sunday, the Pawar senior had singled out Patel and MP Sunil Tatkare for "abandoning" the guidelines of the party president and taking a "wrong path".
On Monday, Sharad Pawar sacked Patel, the working president of NCP, and general secretary Tatkare for engaging in "anti-party activities".
Addressing a press conference in Satara before announcing the decision to sack Patel and Tatkare, Pawar said, "All our MLAs and MPs (pointing at some of them flanking him) have done a lot of hard work to get elected. They go among people and work but Praful (Patel) is a fortunate colleague who by just filling out the form becomes an MP.
"These people (MLAs) do not have to go and cast their votes to elect him (Patel). He gets elected unopposed and no election-related expense is incurred".
Patel is "fortunate" as he gets the opportunity to become a member of Parliament easily, Pawar added.
When asked if Patel has expressed his wish to meet him but stuck to his stand, Pawar said Patel has the right to take any stand. "If he wants to offer some guidance, we will just listen and leave it," he added.
Pawar also asserted that he is the last authority in NCP and had fixed some responsibilities for Patel.
"If he (Patel) does something contrary to those responsibilities by breaking the line of the party, he has no right to remain in that position," he added.
Asked whether he was pained to see that leaders groomed by him are deserting him, Pawar replied in the negative.
"Not at all. My experience tells me that whenever such a situation emerges, the final decision is taken by people and common voters in elections. I have faith in them," he said. -- PTI
21:13 Manipur schools for classes 1 to 8 to reopen on July 5: CM
Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Monday said that schools for classes 1 to 8 will start from July 5, after being shut since ethnic clashes began in the state in the first week of May.
Bunkers set up along the hill and valley districts would be removed while additional state forces have been mobilised to provide security to both Meitei and Kuki farmers so that agricultural activities can start, he told a press conference.
"Schools for classes 1 to 8 will start from July 5, the chief minister said.
Educational institutes have been closed since ethnic strife began in the northeastern state on May 3.
The Army and other central forces have been deployed to bring peace in the northeastern state where violence between ethnic communities continued for two months leaving over 100 people dead, many injured and a large number of houses and places of worship gutted. -- PTI
20:50 Anonymous letter sent to railways warning of 'Balasore-like train tragedy'
An anonymous letter warning of a "Balasore-like train tragedy" on the "Hyderabad-Delhi-Hyderabad" route was sent to the South Central Railway (SCR) here recently, official sources said.
The letter dated June 30, 2023 was addressed to Divisional Railway Manager of Secunderabad Division under the South Central Railway and it allegedly mentioned the possibility of a "Balasore-like train tragedy" in the next week on the "Hyderabad-Delhi-Hyderabad" route. The letter was received by post last week.
The SCR authorities informed the Telangana Police about the letter.
"...the letter was received last week by post and was given to the State Intelligence for further action," SCR sources said.
On June 2, three trains collided in Odisha's Balasore district, claiming more than 280 lives and injuring over 1,000 people. -- PTI
20:27 'Rebellion' building in JD-U: Sushil Modi
An atmosphere of "rebellion" is building up in the Janata Dal-United in Bihar and it may split up anytime with many of its MPs and MLAs in talks with the Bharatiya Janata Party and other parties, BJP MP Sushil Kumar Modi claimed on Monday.
These JD-U leaders are neither able to accept Rashtriya Janata Dal's Tejashwi Yadav as Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's "successor", nor the Congress' Rahul Gandhi as the leader of the united opposition, he claimed.
Asked whether the BJP will consider inducting the rebels of the ruling JD-U, Sushil Modi remained noncommittal, but asserted the BJP will not accept Nitish Kumar even if he comes grovelling at the party doors.
"In Bihar also, an atmosphere of rebellion is building up in the JD-U since Nitish Kumar announced the RJD's Tejashwi Yadav as his successor and accepted Rahul Gandhi as leader in the next fight. None of the JD-U MLAs or MPs is ready to accept Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav," the Rajya Sabha MP told reporters when asked if there is any possibility of Bihar witnessing Maharashtra-like political scenario.
"The JD-U is facing prospects of a split in the partyAnything is possible in coming days. Nobody can guarantee that nothing will happen in the JD-U," he said.
After Nitish Kumar snapped ties with the BJP and joined hands with the RJD in Bihar to remain at in power, many JD-U MPs think their future is dark, Sushil Modi said.
"A large number of JD-U MPs knows they are not going to get ticket in the next election. They see their future and that of the party's in dark since Nitish Kumar announced Tejashwi Yadav his successor. That's why there is chaos in the JD-U. Its MPs and MLAs are approaching other parties," the BJP leader claimed.
"Many of them are in touch with us (BJP) also," he said when asked. "But, a decision on who should be take into the party fold and who should not depends on many factors." -- PTI
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20:21 Modi chairs meeting of Union council of ministers
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting of the Union Council of Ministers on Monday at the newly built convention centre at the Pragati Maidan, which will host the G20 summit in September.
This comes amidst heightened buzz about a likely cabinet reshuffle following a series of meetings of the ruling BJP's top brass.
What has added to the reshuffle buzz is the fact that the period before Parliament's monsoon session, which begins from July 20, could be the last window for such an exercise.
20:11 NCP split: Thane city unit chief Anand Paranjpe sacked
The Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party on Monday removed its Thane city unit president and former MP Anand Paranjpe from the post.
Senior NCP leader Jitendra Awhad tweeted the information of Paranjpe's sacking along with a photograph of the latter greeting Ajit Pawar, who broke the party on Sunday and joined the Eknath Shinde government.
Paranjpe was a Shiv Sena Lok Sabha MP from Thane between 2008 and 2014 and then won the 2014 polls from Kalyan seat.
However, mid-way he shifted to the NCP but lost in the 2019 polls. -- PTI
19:52 Shinde camp in huddle as Pawar returns to cabinet
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Monday spent time to ease the unrest among his Shiv Sena colleagues facing disqualification in connection with the rebellion against Uddhav Thackeray and the split in the party as well as the changed equations with the entry of nine NCP MLAs in the government.
Incidentally, after the rebellion in June last year led to Shinde becoming chief minister, one of the reasons they gave for breaking away from Uddhav Thackeray was the dominance of the NCP in the Maha Vikas Agahdi government.
They had claimed Sena MLAs were not getting funds for their constituencies with most of the allocations being cornered by NCP legislators since Ajit Pawar was deputy CM holding the finance portfolio in the MVA dispensation.
Shinde combined his Guru Purnima event in Thane on Monday with a closed-door meeting involving his MLAs and party workers to discuss the new developments and offer solutions.
Several cabinet ministers were present in Thane where the CM paid tribute to his mentor Anand Dighe and Sena founder late Bal Thackeray.
"We have communicated our unrest and concerns to CM Shinde as NCP is joining the government. Going by the seniority of its leaders, they will mostly get plum portfolios, which is our concern as those leaders will favour their party workers and use the funds to benefit them," said a leader from Shinde's Shiv Sena.
"This was exactly the reason why we decided to go with Shinde and revolt against our leader Uddhav Thackeray a year ago. If similar treatment takes places this time also, some of us will struggle to get re-elected," he said. --PTI
19:38 BJP dismisses speculation on political future of Shinde
Nationalist Congress Party leader Ajit Pawar joining the Maharashtra government has created a perception that Bharatiya Janata Party has started doubting whether Chief Minister Eknath Shinde of Shiv Sena can deliver results in Lok Sabha polls and he may be sidelined, according to political observers.
The Bharatiya Janata Party has dismissed such talks, saying the speculation of Shinde losing the chief minister's post is nothing but kite-flying.
Senior journalist and political analyst Prakash Akolkar on Monday said fresh political developments in the state suggest that Shinde is being sidelined as both Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar are vocal, aggressive and better administrators than the incumbent chief minister.
"The BJP wants to win more than 45 Lok Sabha seats (out of 48) in Maharashtra and feels Shinde may not deliver. The BJP had played the Maratha card while bringing in Shinde (as the chief minister last June). Now, they have a better Maratha leader in Ajit Pawar," he told PTI.
The Congress and the Shiv Sena (UBT) have said the Maharashtra assembly speaker will have to take a decision by August 11 on the disqualification of 16 MLAs of Shiv Sena including CM Shinde.
"If the Speaker rules in favour of Shinde, the Maha Vikas Aghadi will move the Supreme Court," senior Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan has said.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut has claimed Shinde will not remain chief minister for long.
However, senior BJP leader Madhav Bhandari said all these talks are nothing but kite flying.
"First of all the disqualification petition pending with the speaker will not go against us. Even if it does, the fallout won't impact the government as we have enough numbers," he said.
19:34 Maha Congress MLAs to meet on July 4, discussion on Opposition leader's post likely
Maharashtra Congress has convened a meeting of its legislators on Tuesday where the issue of staking a claim to the post of the Leader of the Opposition in the state assembly may come up for discussion, a party leader said.
All India Congress Committee secretary HK Patil will attend the meeting.
The post of the Leader of the Opposition fell vacant after NCP leader Ajit Pawar resigned on Friday. He joined the Shiv Sena-BJP government on Sunday as deputy chief minister while eight MLAs of NCP took oath as ministers.
Notably, the Nationalist Congress Party, led by Sharad Pawar, appointed MLA Jitendra Awhad as the leader of the opposition.
"The Congress has convened a meeting of its legislators tomorrow where deliberations are likely to be held on staking a claim to the position of the Leader of Opposition," Congress legislature party leader Balasaheb Thorat said.
Notably, Sharad Pawar has said the Congress, a constituent of the MVA, was justified in claiming the post of the Leader of the Opposition.
Thorat claimed NCP can only appoint their group leader in the Legislative Assembly.
Senior Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan said there will be no problem in appointing the new LoP after ascertaining how many MLAs are with Sharad Pawar-led NCP after the split in the legislature party.
In the 288-member assembly, Congress has 45 MLAs.
State unit Congress president Nana Patole described Sunday's political developments as a "black spot on the state's political culture".
"On the one hand, there was rejoicing at Raj Bhavan after the swearing-in ceremony (on Sunday) and on the other hand, charred bodies of the victims of the Buldhana bus accident were being cremated," he said.
As many as 25 persons were charred to death after the private bus they were travelling in hit a road divider on Samruddhi Expressway on Saturday, fell on its left side, and burst into flames, police said. -- PTI
19:13 Everything happened suddenly: Maha min on Pawar coup
Maharashtra minister Shambhuraj Desai on Monday said the chain of events that resulted in Nationalist Congress Party leader Ajit Pawar joining the Eknath Shinde government happened "suddenly" and asserted that all Shiv Sena legislators were happy.
Pawar joined the government as deputy chief minister while eight MLAs, including Chhagan Bhujbal, were made ministers on Sunday.
The Thane guardian minister said a cabinet expansion was on the cards, adding that 13 berths are now left after Sunday's induction saw nine new ministers.
"Even us ministers were not aware (of Sunday's developments). We were told to meet at Raj Bhavan. Everything happened suddenly," he said in a press conference in Thane.
Queried on allegations of corruption that the Shinde-led Shiv Sena and BJP had made against NCP leaders, some of whom have now joined the government, Desai said the "changed equations" will change "our views about them (NCP leaders) and theirs about us".
"None of the Shiv Sena legislators are unhappy (over Sunday's developments)," he asserted.
19:10 TN CM Stalin admitted to hospital for routine checkup
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin was admitted on Monday in a hospital in Chennai for a routine health checkup.
In a press release, Apollo Hospitals said Stalin has been admitted for a routine health checkup and he would be discharged on July 4.
18:56 Delhi Metro renames HUDA City Centre station
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) on Monday said HUDA City Centre station on the Delhi Metro's Yellow Line will be renamed Millennium City Centre, hours after announcing that it will be rechristened Gurugram City Centre.
The station falls in Haryana's Gurugram, a bustling IT and commercial hub in the National Capital Region (NCR) that is known as Millenium City.
Earlier in the day, the DMRC tweeted, "A decision has been taken to rename the HUDA City Centre Metro station on Yellow Line as Gurugram City Centre. Accordingly, the process of changing the name in all official documents, signage, announcements, etc. has been initiated and shall be changed gradually."
Sources said a request to rename the station had come from both the Centre and the Haryana government.
Hours later, the DMRC said in another tweet, "In partial modification of the earlier announcement regarding the renaming of the HUDA City Centre Metro station on Yellow Line, it has now been decided by competent authorities to rename the station as Millennium City Centre".
A senior DMRC official said the process of changing the name in all official documents, announcements, and on signages, etc. has been initiated and shall be completed gradually.
Officials, however, did not say on what grounds the decision to rename the station was taken.
The HUDA City Centre metro station is the terminal point of the 49-km Yellow Line.
The other end of the corridor is Samyapur Badli metro station in northwest Delhi.
The elevated HUDA City Centre metro station, as part of the Qutub Minar-HUDA City Centre segment was opened on June 21, 2010.
Many Delhi Metro commuters wondered what was the rationale behind renaming the station. -- PTI
18:49 Maha sees more than 200 MLAs supporting govt
A unique scenario is emerging for the first time after the last 51 years as the number of MLAs from various parties backing the Maharashtra government has prima facie reached 200, post the induction of Nationalist Congress Party leader Ajit Pawar in the state cabinet.
The last time when more than 200 MLAs were part of the state government was in 1972, but at that time all the 222 legislators belonged to Congress. Also, the strength of the House was 270 at that time, a former state legislature official said on Monday citing data.
The exact number of MLAs supporting Ajit Pawar, who took oath as deputy chief minister on Sunday, is not known yet.
However, Ajit Pawar's loyalist and MLC Amol Mitkari claimed the support of 36 (out of 53) MLAs.
"More MLAs are extending their support to Ajit Pawar. We are still part of the Nationalist Congress Party. We have not defected, Mitkari claimed.
If Mitkari's claim on the support of 36 legislators is to be taken at face value, the total number of MLAs, including those of Shiv Sena and BJP, supporting the state government goes up to 181.
In the 288-member House, the BJP has 105 MLAs and Shiv Sena led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde 40. The Shinde-Devendra Fadnavis government is also supported by three MLAs of Bahujan Vikas Aghadi, two of Prahar JanShakti Party, 13 Independents, and one legislator each belonging to Rashtriya Samaj Party, and Jan Surajya Shakri.
Cumulatively, the number of MLAs supporting the government stands at 201.
"Since 1990, not a single political party has managed to win 145 seats (majority mark) in the 288-member Legislative Assembly. In 1972, the Congress won 222 seats when the total strength of the Lower House was 270," said the former principal secretary of Maharashtra Vidhan Bhavan Anant Kalse.
18:06 Patel appoints Tatkare as Maha NCP chief
Soon after being removed as Nationalist Congress Party working president, Praful Patel on Monday evening announced the appointment of Lok Sabha MP Sunil Tatkare as the party's state unit chief , replacing Jayant Patil, and Maharashtra deputy CM Ajit Pawar as its legislature wing leader.
Earlier, NCP president Sharad Pawar sacked Patel and Tatkare, both MPs who have sided with Ajit Pawar in his rebellion, from the party.
Patel, a Rajya Sabha MP who was named NCP working president last month, told a press conference in Mumbai he had informed Patil to hand over the charge to Tatkare.
Patel said Ajit Pawar will be the NCP's legislature party leader.
"Today is Guru Purnima; we all wish that Sharad Pawar continues to bless us," said Patel
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who was present at the press meet, said he enjoyed the support of "maximum" NCP legislators and said he has given a letter to the Assembly Speaker, seeking disqualification of party MLAs Jayant Patil and Jitendra Awhad from the House.
Ajit Pawar said the party and MLAs were with him and the notice for disqualification against him and the eight newly sworn-in ministers was meaningless.
The deputy CM said he had the party with him and also its symbol (clock).
"Whatever we are doing is in the interest of the party. We will strengthen our party further, " he said.
Asked who was the NCP's national head, Ajit Pawar shot back, "The party national president is Sharad Pawar. Have you forgotten?"
18:04 Ex-MLA Shishir Shinde joins Shinde's Shiv Sena
Former MLA Shishir Shinde on Monday joined the Shiv Sena led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde along with his supporters from northeast Mumbai.
Shishir Shinde, who was earlier with the undivided Shiv Sena and with Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Nirman Sena, quit the Sena faction led by Uddhav Thackeray last month, citing that he has been waiting for work in the organisation for two years.
A firebrand Shiv Sena worker, Shinde shot to fame when he, along with some other party activists, dug up the pitch of the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai in 1991 to prevent an India-Pakistan match from taking place.
Speaking on the occasion, Shinde said he was an active grassroot cadre and wanted to work with Eknath Shinde who was working for the development of the state.
The chief minister said Shishir Shinde will be the deputy leader of the Shiv Sena.
"Shishir Shinde has his own style of working and has been part of several agitations during Balasaheb Thackeray's time," he said. -- PTI
18:00 Govt calls off strategic sale of Pawan Hans as winning bidder disqualified
The government on Monday decided to call off the strategic disinvestment of Pawan Hans as the successful bidding consortium Star9 Mobility Pvt Ltd was disqualified in view of pending legal cases.
Pawan Hans is a 51:49 joint venture of the government and ONGC.
The government had in April last year decided to sell the helicopter service provider for Rs 211.14 crore to Star9 Mobility Pvt Ltd -- a consortium of Big Charter Private Ltd, Maharaja Aviation Private Ltd and Almas Global Opportunity Fund SPC.
However, in May the sale process was put on hold after it came to light that the lead member of the winning bidder consortium -- Almas Global Opportunity Fund SPC -- has a case pending against it at the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT).
In a statement, the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) on Monday said the government has examined the adverse orders of NCLT and NCLAT.
"After careful consideration of the response of the successful bidder to the show cause notice, with the approval of alternative mechanism ...the government has decided that successful bidding consortium M/s Star 9 Mobility Pvt Ltd is disqualified from the process of strategic disinvestment of Pawan Hans Ltd... Further, the current EoI process for strategic disinvestment stands annulled," the DIPAM said.
Alternative Mechanism comprises Minister of Road Transport & Highways, Minister of Finance and Minister of Civil Aviation. -- PTI
17:07 Sharad Pawar sacks Praful Patel, Sunil Tatkare
NCP president Sharad Pawar announces removal of MPs Sunil Tatkare and Praful Patel from the party for "anti-party activities".
Tatkare and Patel are now part of the Eknath Shinde government in Maharashtra along with six other NCP leaders including Ajit Pawar.
16:53 Joining Maha govt decision of NCP: Praful Patel
NCP working president Praful Patel has said the decision to join the Shiv Sena-BJP government was a collective one which was taken by the party to provide political stability and ensure the development of Maharashtra and the country.
Talking to reporters, Patel took potshots at Congress and Rahul Gandhi while referring to the Patna meeting of Opposition parties. Asked whether he has ditched NCP chief Sharad Pawar, Patel rolled up the window of his car and left without answering. He said the decision to join the state government was taken for the welfare and development of the state and the country.
"The country has progressed under the leadership of Narendra Modi in the last nine years. I had been to Patna for the meeting of opposition parties. I saw what happened there. In the main opposition party Congress there is confusion about whether Rahul Gandhi is the leader or not. We don't know who runs that party," Patel told reporters.
When asked to spell out the exact number of MLAs backing Ajit Pawar, Patel claimed the entire party (53 MLAs) is together.
Dealing a major blow to his uncle Sharad Pawar, Ajit Pawar on Sunday took oath as Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra while eight MLAs of NCP joined as ministers. "Joining the Maharashtra government was a collective decision taken by NCP for the development of the state, country and in view of the able leadership of PM Modi. In Nagaland, we have supported NDA. We have supported the Maharashtra government to ensure the development of the state and to provide political stability," Patel said.
He echoed Ajit Pawar saying, "If NCP can align with Shiv Sena then why not with BJP? There are no ideological differences".
Patel refused to respond to questions on Pawar being upset with him and whether he had ditched the NCP chief. "There is no pressure on us. I am thankful to NCP and Pawar saheb for all I got in the party," the former Union minister added. -- PTI
16:35 Parl Standing Committee begins meet on UCC
The meeting of the Parliamentary Standing Committee for Law and Justice began on Monday in the Parliament to discuss the issue of the Uniform Civil Code.
Earlier, in an exclusive interview with ANI, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal said that "it is the need of the hour that a law should be made by uniting and including all the people of the country and the Supreme Court has also endorsed many of its verdicts".
The union minister further said that the BJP would get cross-party support for the UCC.
"We have a full majority in Rajya Sabha and I think there are many leaders from other parties who want that the country should unite. I think many parties will support BJP on Uniform Civil Code. We will get cross-party support for this," the minister said.
16:27 Sensex ends above historic 65k mark
Benchmark equity indices continued their rally on Monday, with the BSE Sensex ending above the 65,000 mark for the first time ever, propelled by a rally in global equities and persistent foreign fund inflows.
Hectic buying in index majors Reliance Industries, ITC and HDFC twins also added to the market momentum, traders said. Rallying for the fourth straight session, the 30-share BSE Sensex jumped 486.49 points or 0.75 per cent to settle at its all-time closing high of 65,205.05.
During the day, it rallied 581.79 points or 0.89 per cent to its lifetime intra-day high of 65,300.35. The NSE Nifty climbed 133.50 points or 0.70 per cent to end at a record high of 19,322.55.
In intra-day trade, the benchmark zoomed 156.05 points or 0.81 per cent to hit its all-time intra-day peak of 19,345.10. Market benchmarks settled at record highs for the third straight session on Monday.
Reliance Industries was the top gainer in the Sensex chart, rising 2.53 per cent, followed by ITC, Bajaj Finance, State Bank of India, HDFC, UltraTech Cement, NTPC, HDFC Bank, Mahindra & Mahindra, Tata Steel, Bajaj Finserv and ICICI Bank. In contrast, Power Grid, Maruti, Larsen & Toubro, Tata Consultancy Services, Tech Mahindra, Nestle and Tata Motors were among the laggards, skidding up to 1.86 per cent.
16:16 Sharad Pawar reaping what he has sown: BJP
Maharashtra minister and Bharatiya Janata Party leader Girish Mahajan on Monday said Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar was reaping what he had sown. The party founded by Pawar suffered a vertical split on Sunday after Ajit Pawar and eight other MLAs joined the Eknath Shinde government. Ajit Pawar was made deputy chief minister, while the other eight were sworn in as ministers.
Speaking to reporters, Mahajan said, "I heard Sharad Pawar describing it (Sunday's developments) as something that demeaned democratic procedures. He called it anti-democratic.
"He cannot have double standards. He is reaping what he has sown. When he does such things then it is democratic. His MLAs, including Ajit Pawar, have left him. We wish him luck for his statewide tour," Mahajan added.
Mahajan referred to Sharad Pawar toppling the Vasantdada Patil government in the state in 1978. Queried on portfolio distribution after the joining of the NCP faction, Mahajan said it was the prerogative of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
"Ajit Pawar, Praful Patel, (Chhagan) Bhujbal and other leaders met Fadnavis. They will discuss it and take a decision," he added.
Asked about the Congress taunting the BJP for levelling allegations of corruption against NCP leaders and then joining hands with them, Mahajan said levelling charges against each other is part of politics, adding that there is uncertainty in politics as well.
16:04 Anil Ambani appears before ED in FEMA case
Reliance ADA Group Chairman Anil Ambani on Monday appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) here in connection with an investigation linked to the alleged contravention of the foreign exchange law, official sources said.
Ambani, 64, deposed at the office of the federal agency in the Ballard Estate area to record his statement in the case, registered under various sections of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), they said.
Further details of the case in which Ambani was summoned were not immediately known. The industrialist had appeared before the ED in 2020 in a money laundering case against Yes Bank promoter Rana Kapoor and others. PTI
15:41 RBI says 76% of Rs 2,000 notes returned to banks
As much as 76 per cent of the Rs 2,000 notes in circulation have been returned to banks, mostly through deposits, the Reserve Bank of India said on Monday.
On May 19, RBI announced withdrawal of Rs 2,000 notes in circulation and gave public time till September 30 to either deposit the currency notes in their bank accounts or get them exchanged.
"According to the data received from the banks, the total value of Rs 2,000 bank notes received back from circulation after the announcement on May 19 is Rs 2.72 lakh crore up to June 30, 2023.
"Consequently, Rs 2,000 bank notes in circulation as at the close of business on June 30 stood at Rs 0.84 lakh crore," the central bank said in statement.
Now, 76 per cent of the Rs 2,000 banknotes in circulation as on May 19, 2023 have since been returned. Data collected from major banks indicates that out of the total bank notes in Rs 2000 denomination received back from circulation, about 87 per cent is in the form of deposits and the remaining around 13 per cent has been exchanged into other denomination bank notes. PTI
15:10 Tomato prices rise to Rs 140/kg in Delhi
Retail tomato prices have surged up to Rs 140 per kg in the Delhi-NCR region due to the supply disruption from the producing centres owing to rains. Wholesale prices of tomato at Azadpur Mandi Delhi, Asia's largest wholesale fruits and vegetables market, were ruling in the range of Rs 60-120 per kg, depending on the quality on Monday.
Mother Dairy's Safal was selling tomato at Rs 99 per kg on Sunday. Online retailer Otipy was quoting tomato hybrid at Rs 140 per kg and BigBasket Rs 105-110 per kg on Monday.
"The increase in prices of tomato is due to tight supply from the key producing centres. Because of rainfall, the supply is disrupted," Azadpur Tomato Association President Ashok Kaushik told PTI.
The supply from neighbouring Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan got exhausted quickly due to rains. Now, Himachal Pradesh is the sole supplier for the Delhi-NCR region. The hilly state is also receiving heavy rains, impacting picking and transportation, he added. Traders are unable to get supply from the producing centres of Maharashtra and Karnataka, as prices out there are ruling high due to rains, he noted.
Kaushik said, "A crate of 25 kg is quoted somewhere between Rs 2,400 to 3,000. The rate per kg of tomato at producing centres is Rs 100-120 per kg. Traders cannot afford to bring the commodity to Delhi at such high rates". Once the rainfall situation improves in southern states in the next 15 days, the supply of tomato is expected to improve in the Delhi-NCR region, he said, adding that till then, the price will remain firm. -- PTI
14:53 'Not at this stage'... HC refuses bail to Sisodia
The Delhi High Court on Monday dismissed the bail plea of AAP leader Manish Sisodia, who was arrested for his alleged role in the money laundering case relating to alleged irregularities in the city government's excise policy.
Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma refused to grant relief to Sisodia, saying he is not entitled to bail at this stage.
Besides Sisodia, the high court also dismissed the bail pleas of businessmen Abhishek Boinpally, Benoy Babu and Vijay Nair, who are co-accused in the money laundering case lodged by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) arising from the alleged scam.
Sisodia, the former Delhi deputy chief minister and excise minister, was first arrested by the CBI on February 26 for his alleged role in the scam and has been in custody since then.
The high court has already denied him bail in the CBI case on May 30. He was arrested on March 9 in the case lodged by the ED and is currently in judicial custody. The Delhi government implemented the policy on November 17, 2021, but scrapped it at the end of September 2022 amid allegations of corruption. PTI
14:50 Swami Parthasarathy, live, on Guru Purnima
On the occasion of Guru Poornima, Vedanta exponent Swami A Parthasarathy will give an online discourse on 'Excellence of Enlightenment' today, at 7 pm IST.
Those interested may watch it online, here.
14:33 Suicide by married men: SC refuses to entertain PIL for 'NCM'
The Supreme Court on Monday refused to entertain a PIL seeking framing of guidelines to deal with incidents of suicide committed by married men subjected to domestic violence and the constitution of a "National Commission for Men" to safeguard their interests.
A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Dipankar Datta expressed disinclination to consider the matter.
"You just want to portray a one-sided picture. Can you give us the data of young girls dying soon after marriage?... Nobody wants to commit suicide, it depends on the facts of an individual case," the bench observed.
The top court was hearing a plea filed by advocate Mahesh Kumar Tiwari, citing the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data published in 2021 on accidental deaths in India, which said 1,64,033 people died by suicide across the country that year. Of them, 81,063 were married men, while 28,680 were married women, the petition said.
"Around 33.2 per cent men ended their lives because of family problems and 4.8 per cent due to marriage-related issues in the year 2021. In this year, total 1,18,979 men committed suicide, which are about 72 per cent, and total 45,026 women committed suicide, which are about 27 per cent," the plea said while referring to the NCRB data.
The petition had also sought directions to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to deal with the issue of suicide by married men and accept the complaints of men suffering domestic violence.
Golden handshake
14:06 Ajit Pawar leaves Fadnavis home, spoke on...
Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar returns to his residence after meeting with Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis in Mumbai. Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar was also present in the meeting.
Pawar met Devendra Fadnavis at his residence today hours after meeting rebel MLAs -- reportedly to discuss the power-sharing formula. A discussion was held regarding allocation of ministries to Ajit Pawar and the eight NCP MLAs who have switched to the Shinde-led government.
Manish Sisodia
13:43 Will Sisodia get bail today? Hearing at 2:30 pm
The High Court on Monday is scheduled to pass an order on Delhi's Former Deputy CM Manish Sisodia at 2:30 pm in Enforcement Directorate (ED) case related to the Delhi Excise Policy matter.
The Court is also scheduled to order on the bail petitions of Vijay Nair, ex-communication in charge of Aam Aadmi Party, Abhishek Boinpally (Hyderabad Based Businessman), Binoy Babu Binoy, (manager with a liquor company M/S Pernod Ricard) in connection with the same case.
The Bench of Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma in May had kept the order reserved after concluding the arguments and decided to reserve the order on the regular bail plea of Manish Sisodia and Vijay Nair.
The same Bench had also kept reserved the order on Abhishek Boinpally, Hyderabad Businessman Binoy Babu Binoy, (manager with a liquor company M/S Pernod Ricard) in connection with the same case. The Trial Court had earlier denied the bail to them.
Earlier Delhi High Court dismissed the bail plea of Manish Sisodia in a CBI case alleging corruption in the implementation of a previous liquor policy in the national capital.
13:03 Ajit Pawar meets Fadnavis at his residence
JUST IN: Newly inducted Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, and Nationalist Congress Party leaders Chhagan Bhujbal and Praful Patel reach the residence of Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis in Mumbai.
More details awaited. -- ANI
12:35 Our people fell prey to BJP's tactics: Sharad Pawar
Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar on Monday said there was a need to fight forces creating communal divide in Maharashtra and the country.
Addressing NCP workers and supporters in Karad a day after Ajit Pawar led a vertical split in the party to become the deputy chief minister in the Eknath Shinde-led government, Sharad Pawar also said "some of our people fell prey to BJP's tactics to break other parties." "Attempts are being made to create communal divide in Maharashtra and the country. We need to fight forces that create fear among peace-loving citizens," he said.
"We need to protect democracy in the country," he added. Sharad Pawar visited the memorial of his mentor and Maharashtra's first chief minister Yashwantrao Chavan in Karad and paid floral tributes to him.
The 82-year-old leader's visit to late Chavan's memorial 'Pritisangam' on the occasion of Guru Purnima is being seen as a show of strength by him, a day after his nephew Ajit Pawar led a vertical split in the NCP. Sharad Pawar left from Pune for Karad on Monday morning and stopped along the way to meet supporters who lined up on roadsides to greet him and extend support to him.
Pic: KBK Graphics
12:13 How the rupee fared against the dollar in June
Forex traders said the rupee is trading on a positive note on significant foreign fund inflows and positive macro economic indicators.
12:06 BJP's 'laundry' service
The Congress party tweets this image saying, "BJP's washing machine."
NCP working president and MP Supriya Sule on Sunday took a dig at the BJP saying that it welcomed her party leaders despite calling her party corrupt.
"BJP is 24x7 in election mood... BJP, which called the NCP a corrupt party, are now welcoming our leaders. How? I don't want to comment on who will be the candidates of BJP. I will concentrate on my work rather than peeking inside others' life...I am always with NCP and truth, I face these types of challenges every day. This one (Ajit Pawar's revolt) is a new challenge for me," said Supriya Sule while addressing a press conference.
11:59 SC to Manipur: Give status report by July 10
The Supreme Court seeks a detailed status report from the Manipur government on the measures taken to curb ethnic violence in the state, the steps taken for rehabilitation camps for homeless and violence-affected people, the deployment of forces, and the law and order situation. The Supreme Court posts the matter for hearing on July 10.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta appearing for the Centre and Manipur government tells the court that the situation is improving in the state, though slowly. Solicitor General says that apart from civil police, Manipur rifles, companies of CAPF, 114 columns of army and Manipur Commandos are there. Solicitor General requests counsel for the Manipur Tribal Forum to not give any communal angle to the issue.
Maha Dy CMs Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar
11:29 Not easy to rebuild NCP again: Narayan Rane
Narayan Rane, Maharashtra BJP leader and Union minister on the NCP split: "As the elections near many MVA leaders will join us. Earlier too, Pawar sahib said that his party is strong but today 40 people have left him. In today's times, it is not easy to build the party again. There is a BJP government both in the state and at the Centre. Uddhav Thackeray is in tension, he has got nothing left."
After NCP leader Ajit Pawar and eight other party leaders joined the Shiv Sena-BJP alliance in Maharashtra on Sunday in a surprise and dramatic political move, the party filed a disqualification petition with the assembly speaker Rahul Narwekar against its nine leaders.
"We have filed a disqualification petition with the speaker of the assembly, and we will send hard copies as soon as possible. This disqualification petition was filed against nine leaders," said NCP leader Jayant Patil.
He further added, "They didn't inform anyone that they were leaving the party, which is against the NCP. We have also written a letter to the Election Commission of India. We are not accepting this; these nine leaders didn't inform us before doing this (leaving the party)."
11:10 The lament of the public loo
Former India hockey captain Viren Rasquinha puts the spotlight on the continued abysmal conditions of public toilets in this country. "We take our daughter for local tennis tournaments often. Courts are good but toilets are pathetic, dirty, doors do not lock, no water. This is the case across sports. We build big sports infra but always forget the basics. Hard to take my wife/daughter to any sports facility," Rasquinha tweeted with this image alongside.
Pic: KBK Graphics
10:55 How the markets performed in June
Today, the 30-share BSE Sensex jumped 449.46 points to hit its all-time peak of 65,168.02 in early trade. The NSE Nifty climbed 128.95 points to reach its lifetime high of 19,318.
10:47 AIADMK: Ajit Pawar left NCP because...
After Ajit Pawar joined the Shiv Sena-BJP alliance and took oath as Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister on Sunday, AIADMK spokesperson Kovai Sathyan on Monday took a jibe at Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and said that parties following or promoting dynasty politics, their end will be soon.
"If any party wants to promote or follow dynasty politics, their end will be soon, as time is fast changing and people's expectations are fast changing. Everyone will follow the NCP model soon, this will spread from Bihar to Telangana and other states," an AIADMK spokesperson said.
He said, "Probably Ajit Pawar believed that he had worked hard for the party and he deserves due recognition. When the high command doesn't give enough attention to the hard-working cadets of the party, they have options and choices.
Several Opposition parties have alleged that the NCP was indulging in dynastic politics after Baramati MP and Sharad Pawar's daughter Supriya Sule was appointed the party's working president on Sunday. On Sunday, She said that she was proud of being the daughter of Sharad Pawar, and maintained that the party believed in democracy. -- ANI
File pic
10:34 Sunny morning in parts of Mumbai; IMD predicts moderate showers
It was a sunny Monday morning in parts of Mumbai, after days of rainfall and overcast sky in the city. The India Meteorological Department's (IMD) Mumbai centre predicted "moderate rainfall in the city and suburbs with a possibility of occasional intense spells" in the next 24 hours.
The island city, eastern and western suburbs received an average rainfall of 14.72 mm, 49.36 mm and 44.93 mm, respectively, in the 24-hour period ending at 8 am on Monday, civic officials said.
Railway authorities said local train services were normal on both the Central Railway and Western Railway corridors, but some commuters claimed the services were running late by 5 to 10 minutes.
The city witnessed moderate to heavy rainfall over the last week and generally cloudy sky. Road traffic was normal in the city on Monday, an official said. Bus services of the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport were also normal and there was no diversion, a BEST official said. PTI
10:17 Sensex breaches 65,000 mark for first time ever!
Benchmark equity indices continued their rally on Monday, with the BSE Sensex breaching the 65,000 mark for the first time ever, propelled by bullish global market trends and foreign fund inflows.
Rallying for the fourth straight day, the 30-share BSE Sensex jumped 449.46 points to hit its all-time peak of 65,168.02 in early trade.
The NSE Nifty climbed 128.95 points to reach its lifetime high of 19,318. From the Sensex pack, HDFC, HDFC Bank, Mahindra & Mahindra, UltraTech Cement, Tata Steel, Bajaj Finance, State Bank of India, Reliance Industries, Bajaj Finserv and ICICI Bank were the major gainers.
Power Grid, Maruti, Tech Mahindra, IndusInd Bank, HCL Technologies and Axis Bank were among the laggards.
In Asian markets, Seoul, Tokyo, Shanghai and Hong Kong were trading in the green. The US markets ended significantly higher on Friday. Global oil benchmark Brent crude dipped 0.01 per cent to USD 75.41 a barrel. Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) bought equities worth Rs 6,397.13 crore on Friday, according to exchange data. GST collections crossed Rs 1.60 lakh crore mark for the fourth time since the roll-out of the indirect tax regime, rising 12 per cent to over Rs 1.61 lakh crore in June, the Finance Ministry said on Saturday.
10:03 NCP knew BJP wants to break party: Rohit Pawar
NCP MLA Rohit Pawar, the grandnephew of party chief Sharad Pawar, on Monday claimed senior leaders had an inkling of BJP's "intention" to break the party, but were clueless about Ajit Pawar's swift move to join hands with the ruling alliance.
Speaking to reporters in Maharashtra's Pune city, Rohit Pawar said he is firmly with NCP chief Sharad Pawar.
On Sunday, Ajit Pawar led a vertical split in the NCP to become the deputy chief minister, shocking his uncle Sharad Pawar, who founded the party 24 years ago. Eight NCP leaders were also sworn in as ministers in the Eknath Shinde-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government.
Reacting to the developments, Rohit Pawar, the grandson of Sharad Pawar's elder brother Appasaheb Pawar, said, "We had no clue of Ajit Pawar joining hands with BJP. But the BJP was keen on breaking the NCP. We knew this much.
"However, going by all these developments, we wonder whether people like me made a mistake by joining politics," he added.
Asked about Ajit Pawar's move, the legislator said he is emotional towards him as he is his uncle. "He (Ajit Pawar) has helped me in his personal capacity also. However, politically, we all are with party chief Sharad Pawar," he said.
Rohit Pawar also said if put to test, Sharad Pawar will have a larger acceptance as the leader of people.
In the wake of nine NCP leaders joining the Eknath Shinde government, party chief Sharad Pawar has convened a meeting on July 5 in Mumbai to discuss the developments and the future course of action. "The state has a history of struggle and perseverance. We will continue to do so," Rohit Pawar said. PTI
Ajit Pawar with Jayant Patil last month
09:54 You attack corrupt then embrace them: Sibal to BJP
Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal took a swipe at the BJP on Monday over NCP leader Ajit Pawar and eight others inducted into the Eknath Shinde-led Maharashtra government, saying "first attack the corrupt and then embrace" them.
Ajit Pawar pulled off a stunning revolt in the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Sunday, triggering a vertical split, and joined hands with the ruling Shiv Sena-BJP alliance in Maharashtra to become the deputy chief minister.
In a tweet, Sibal said, "First attack the corrupt, then embrace the corrupt. First guarantee their investigation, then get a warranty for their support. Investigation in suspension. Henceforth ED, CBI: No tension. Sounds familiar? Mother of democracy at work!"
In a sudden turn of events that capped weeks of speculation over the senior NCP leader's next political move and came as a shocker to his uncle Sharad Pawar, Ajit Pawar was sworn in as the deputy chief minister by Governor Ramesh Bais at a ceremony held at the Raj Bhawan in Mumbai on Sunday.
Eight other NCP leaders, some of whom are close aides of Sharad Pawar, the 83-year-old wily Maratha strongman who hopes to become a key player in an anti-BJP front, took oath as ministers in the Shinde-Fadnavis government.
Sibal had taken a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday over the Ajit Pawar revolt, saying probably this is "the mother of democracy" that Modi talked about in his address to the United States Congress. PTI
09:42 Modi likely to visit Varanasi on July 7
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to visit Kashi on July 7 on the proposed tour of his parliamentary constituency Varanasi. It is believed that during this time the Prime Minister will gift several schemes worth about three thousand crores to Kashi.
In this, various projects are to be inaugurated and the foundation stone laid by the Prime Minister, said a statement.
The Yogi government, which is engaged in realizing the vision of PM Modi, is preparing a list of all the projects to be dedicated and laying the foundation stone. Recently, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reviewed the progress of development works with the officials, added a statement.
At the same time, the Prime Minister may also lay the foundation stone for the restoration and redevelopment work of Manikarnika Ghat, which is considered to be the salvation place in Kashi. The administration is gearing up to implement its preparations regarding the possible visit of the Prime Minister, as per the statement.
Ajit Pawar with his uncle in May
09:40 Day after NCP split, Sharad Pawar to address rally
Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar will visit Karad town in Maharashtra's Satara district and address a public meeting.
The NCP said that the party supremo will visit the Preeti-Sangam memorial of his political mentor and the first chief minister of Maharashtra Yashwantrao Chavan at 10 am today.
The party in a tweet had appealed to Sharad Pawar's supporters to arrive at the memorial. The NCP chief along with former Maharashtra Chief Minister YB Chavan are then expected to address party supporters in Karad.
"We will go to Satara where we will pay obeisance at the tomb of Late Deputy Prime Minister Yashwantrao Chavan. Hundreds of thousands of workers are ready to go to Satara with Sharad Pawar," Pune City NCP President Prashant Jagatap told ANI.
Pawar's address at Karad is set to be the first public meeting after Ajit Pawar, Sharad Pawar's nephew joined the Shiv Sena-BJP alliance in Maharashtra and took oath as Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister on Sunday in a surprise and dramatic political move that changed political equations in the state ahead of Lok Sabha and assembly polls next year and has ramifications for national politics.
The move by Ajit Pawar and eight other NCP MLAs joining the Shinde-Fadnavis government came amid efforts by opposition parties to forge unity to take on the BJP in the next year's Lok Sabha polls.
Sharad Pawar, a former Mahrashtra Chief Minister, has been a key leader in opposition unity efforts. Hitting out at NCP chief Sharad Pawar, Eknath Shinde said that some people were talking about "googly" but everyone saw who was clean bowled and "it's a hit wicket".
"This is not a new government, Shiv Sena and BJP government were functioning under PM Modi's leadership. Development work was going on and Ajit Pawar who believed in the development work, supported and joined the government," the Maharashtra chief minister said.
"I welcome him and his MLAs wholeheartedly. He has a lot of MPs and MLAs which will definitely help in the development of Maharashtra. This double-engine government will now run at the speed of a bullet train. -- ANI
09:29 'Unidentified flying object' spotted over PM's residence
An 'unidentified flying object' was reportedly seen over the prime minister's residence in New Delhi in central Delhi on Monday morning, police said.
However, police have not found anything suspicious.
A PCR call was received around 5 am that a drone-like object was seen flying over the prime minister's residence, police said.
However, police and other security agencies did not find anything suspicious, a senior officer said, adding that the Air Traffic Control (ATC) also did not find anything.
'An information was received at NDD control room with respect to unidentified flying objet near PM residence. Thorough searches were made in nearby areas but no such object was detected. Air traffic control room (ATC) was also contacted, they also did not detect any such flying object near PM residence,' the Delhi Police said in a statement. -- PTI
09:10 Ajit Pawar will replace Eknath Shinde: Saamana
The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena-UBT on Monday claimed Nationalist Congress Party leader Ajit Pawar, who has been sworn in as the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra, would replace Chief Minister Eknath Shinde soon.
Ajit Pawar on Sunday led a vertical split in the NCP to become the deputy chief minister, shocking his uncle Sharad Pawar, who founded the party 24 years ago.
Eight NCP leaders were also sworn in as ministers in the Shinde-Bharatiya Janata Party government.
An editorial in the Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray mouthpiece Saamana claimed the BJP under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah has not only 'muddied' politics of Maharashtra but also of the country.
'Ajit Pawar has a made a record of taking oath as deputy chief minister. This time the 'deal' is strong,' it said.
'Pawar has not gone there for the deputy CM's post. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and rebel MLAs of the Sena would be disqualified soon and Pawar would be coronated,' it claimed.
'This new development will not go down well with the people of the state. The state had no such political tradition and it will never be supported by the people,' it said.
Ajit Pawar's somersault is actually dangerous for CM Shinde, the Marathi daily claimed.
It said when Shinde and other MLAs left the Shiv Sena (last year), they blamed the party president and (then) chief minister Uddhav Thackeray for not controlling then finance minister Ajit Pawar who had taken immense control over fund disbursement and sanctioning work orders.
'The primary reason according to the rebel MLAs was 'we left the Shiv Sena because of the NCP',' the editorial said.
'What will they do now? During the swearing-in ceremony (of Ajit Pawar on Sunday), the expressions on their faces (of Shinde bloc members) made it evident that their future is dark,' it claimed.
'Their so-called Hindutva is now over. The day is not very far when Shinde and his rebel colleagues will be disqualified, is the true meaning of Sunday's development,' the Marathi publication further claimed.
'Those who possess the arrogance of power and believe they can buy out their opposition are taking control of democracy. These people are not even ready to hold elections for 14 municipal corporations in the state, including Mumbai city,' it said.
'The (previous) Congress regime and the British rule were much better as one could fight with them on the street openly. Ajit Pawar has not taken the decision to support Shinde on any moral ground,' it added.
The editorial also hit out at BJP leader and Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, claiming he had said they will never join hands with NCP, 'the party of corrupts' and that Ajit Pawar was facing allegations in an irrigation scam worth Rs 70,000 crore.
'This swearing-in has exposed the BJP's true face,' it said.
Refusing to accept that Sunday's developments came as a surprise for everyone, the editorial claimed some people were already aware of this 'earthquake'.
'What happened to the Shiv Sena a year ago is now happening to the NCP. As NCP chief Sharad Pawar said, there will be a new day tomorrow,' the editorial said, adding it was not an earthquake but minor tremors. -- PTI
08:49 I can never fight with my brother: Supriya Sule
Hours after Nationalist Congress Party leader Ajit Pawar took oath as deputy chief minister in the Eknath Shinde government, party's working president and his cousin Supriya Sule on Sunday said the developments in the party will not impact the Opposition's unity.
Addressing a press conference late night in Mumbai, Sule said her father and NCP chief Sharad Pawar's stature will rise further.
"Our credibility will only rise after this," she said.
She also said that Ajit Pawar may have different views, but she can never fight with her elder brother and that she will always love him as a sister.
Ajit Pawar on Sunday joined the Shiv Sena-Bharatiya Janata Party government in Maharashtra as deputy chief minister, while eight other party leaders were inducted as ministers.
Sule, whose elevation as party working president last month is said to have triggered Ajit Pawar's revolt, said since 2019 when he first joined the short-lived government led by Devendra Fadnavis to 2023, she has matured a lot with the responsibility of the party.
She said she will not mix personal and professional relationships.
"I can never have a fight with my brother," she said.
"I am boring, steady and not impulsive...Emotional relationships and professional work are two different things. I will never mix the two," she said.
To a question on how her day was in view of the hectic political developments, Sule said it was a challenging day like many other days.
To a question on what transpired at the meeting at 'Devgiri', Ajit Pawar's official residence in Mumbai in the morning, Sule said what was discussed between her and her brother will remain between them only.
The Baramati MP said the party will work with renewed vigour for strengthening the organisation and for the welfare of the state and the country.
To a question on whether any disciplinary action would be taken against those who joined the government, she said, "Let the story unfold. It has not even been 12 hours."
NCP's senior leader Ajit Pawar on Sunday met some party leaders and MLAs at his official residence in Mumbai.
Sule said Ajit Pawar may have different views.
"We both are mature enough to compartmentalise our lives on personal and professional fronts," she said.
"Nobody knows how many MLAs are with Ajit Pawar," Sule said.
When asked if she was talking to any of them, she said, "I talk to them every time. Every MLA of NCP is precious. We have love, affection and respect. We have lived as a family."
Addressing a press conference late night in Mumbai, Sule said her father and NCP chief Sharad Pawar's stature will rise further.
"Our credibility will only rise after this," she said.
She also said that Ajit Pawar may have different views, but she can never fight with her elder brother and that she will always love him as a sister.
Ajit Pawar on Sunday joined the Shiv Sena-Bharatiya Janata Party government in Maharashtra as deputy chief minister, while eight other party leaders were inducted as ministers.
Sule, whose elevation as party working president last month is said to have triggered Ajit Pawar's revolt, said since 2019 when he first joined the short-lived government led by Devendra Fadnavis to 2023, she has matured a lot with the responsibility of the party.
She said she will not mix personal and professional relationships.
"I can never have a fight with my brother," she said.
"I am boring, steady and not impulsive...Emotional relationships and professional work are two different things. I will never mix the two," she said.
To a question on how her day was in view of the hectic political developments, Sule said it was a challenging day like many other days.
To a question on what transpired at the meeting at 'Devgiri', Ajit Pawar's official residence in Mumbai in the morning, Sule said what was discussed between her and her brother will remain between them only.
The Baramati MP said the party will work with renewed vigour for strengthening the organisation and for the welfare of the state and the country.
To a question on whether any disciplinary action would be taken against those who joined the government, she said, "Let the story unfold. It has not even been 12 hours."
NCP's senior leader Ajit Pawar on Sunday met some party leaders and MLAs at his official residence in Mumbai.
Sule said Ajit Pawar may have different views.
"We both are mature enough to compartmentalise our lives on personal and professional fronts," she said.
"Nobody knows how many MLAs are with Ajit Pawar," Sule said.
When asked if she was talking to any of them, she said, "I talk to them every time. Every MLA of NCP is precious. We have love, affection and respect. We have lived as a family."
08:20 Ajit Pawar doesn't have support of 36 MLAs: NCP
The Nationalist Congress Party on Sunday night said Ajit Pawar, who has joined the Eknath Shinde-led government as Deputy Chief Minister with some leaders, doesn't have the support of 36 MLAs as being claimed.
NCP national spokesperson Clyde Crasto also claimed that the party working president Supriya Sule and state unit chief Jayant Patil are contacting all the 53 MLAs and the picture will become clearer by Monday.
The NCP has 53 MLAs in the 288-member Maharashtra Assembly and Ajit Pawar needs the support of at least 36 legislators to not attract the provisions of anti-defection law.
"Ajit Pawar doesn't have the support of 36 MLAs as being claimed," claimed Crasto.
Ajit Pawar took oath as Deputy CM in the Shiv Sena-BJP government on Sunday afternoon, while eight other MLAs of NCP were sworn in as ministers.
In the evening, sources cited a letter submitted to Raj Bhavan to claim that Ajit Pawar enjoys the support of more than 40 MLAs and over six of nine MLCs of his party.
"Ajit Pawar has the support of more than 40 MLAs and more than six MLCs. A letter of support of these legislators was given to Raj Bhavan," a source had told PTI.
Addressing reporters after taking oath as deputy CM, Ajit Pawar had maintained that there was no split in the NCP and that they would contest all future elections on the NCP's name and symbol.
"All the elected representatives (of the party) have supported the decision to join the government," he had claimed.
Ajit Pawar's uncle and NCP chief Sharad Pawar had said some people whose names are on the list (of BJP) had called him to inform they were invited (to Mumbai) and their signatures were taken.
"They said their stand as (MLAS) of NCP is different," he added. -- PTI
NCP national spokesperson Clyde Crasto also claimed that the party working president Supriya Sule and state unit chief Jayant Patil are contacting all the 53 MLAs and the picture will become clearer by Monday.
The NCP has 53 MLAs in the 288-member Maharashtra Assembly and Ajit Pawar needs the support of at least 36 legislators to not attract the provisions of anti-defection law.
"Ajit Pawar doesn't have the support of 36 MLAs as being claimed," claimed Crasto.
Ajit Pawar took oath as Deputy CM in the Shiv Sena-BJP government on Sunday afternoon, while eight other MLAs of NCP were sworn in as ministers.
In the evening, sources cited a letter submitted to Raj Bhavan to claim that Ajit Pawar enjoys the support of more than 40 MLAs and over six of nine MLCs of his party.
"Ajit Pawar has the support of more than 40 MLAs and more than six MLCs. A letter of support of these legislators was given to Raj Bhavan," a source had told PTI.
Addressing reporters after taking oath as deputy CM, Ajit Pawar had maintained that there was no split in the NCP and that they would contest all future elections on the NCP's name and symbol.
"All the elected representatives (of the party) have supported the decision to join the government," he had claimed.
Ajit Pawar's uncle and NCP chief Sharad Pawar had said some people whose names are on the list (of BJP) had called him to inform they were invited (to Mumbai) and their signatures were taken.
"They said their stand as (MLAS) of NCP is different," he added. -- PTI
08:02 NCP moves to disqualify Ajit Pawar, others
Maharashtra Nationalist Congress Party president Jayant Patil on Sunday said his party has moved a disqualification petition against Ajit Pawar and eight others who took oath as ministers in the Eknath Shinde-led state government.
Addressing a press conference late Sunday, Patil said the disqualification petition has been sent to Speaker Rahul Narvekar.
He said an e-mail has also been sent to the Election Commission of India informing that the rank and file of the NCP is with party chief Sharad Pawar.
The party founded by Sharad Pawar in 1999 suffered a vertical split during the day after his nephew Ajit Pawar broke ranks and joined the Shiv Sena-BJP government as deputy chief minister.
Eight other NCP MLAs, including staunch Sharad Pawar loyalists like Chhagan Bhujbal and Dilip Walse Patil, were made ministers.
Patil said these MLAs of the NCP 'cannot be called traitors as their betrayal has not yet been proved'.
"Many are in touch with us", he said. -- PTI
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