India's political landscape is ablaze with activity! From the ongoing debates surrounding the new farm bills and their impact on rural India, to the upcoming state elections shaping the national narrative, the stakes couldn't be higher. Key political figures are maneuvering strategically, with alliances shifting and power dynamics constantly in flux. The opposition's challenge to the ruling party is intensifying, sparking vigorous debates on crucial policy matters including economic reforms and social justice initiatives. Parliamentary proceedings are filled with heated exchanges, reflecting the deep divisions within the nation. This evolving political climate directly impacts the lives of every Indian citizen, influencing everything from economic opportunities to social welfare programs. Stay informed about the latest developments in Indian politics, from crucial legislative decisions to grassroots movements, by exploring Abtak.com for in-depth analysis and breaking news updates. Understanding the intricacies of our political system is crucial; stay engaged, stay informed, and stay ahead.
New Delhi: In a disturbing escalation of language politics, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), led by Raj Thackeray, has once again resorted to violence and intimidation, this time targeting the Mumbai office of entrepreneur Sushil Kedia. The vandalism, reportedly carried out by MNS workers, stems from Kedia's earlier statement that he would not learn Marathi, a stance that has ignited a fresh wave of controversy in the state's already fraught linguistic landscape. The founder of a Mumbai-based investment service on Friday approached police for protection after getting threats for challenging MNS chief Raj Thackeray on the Marathi language issue. Prominent investor said that he will not learn Marathi as a protest against "gross misconduct" of the MNS chief. "I don't know Marathi properly even after living for 30 years in Mumbai & with your gross misconduct I have made it a resolve that until such people as you are allowed to pretend to be taking care of Marathi Manus I take pratigya I won't learn Marathi. Kya karna hai bol?" Kedia posted on X. This incident, occurring just hours before a joint rally by Raj Thackeray and his cousin Uddhav Thackeray, underscores the dangerous trajectory of language-based politics in Maharashtra and the Thackeray family's role in perpetuating it. The rally, a rare reunion of the Thackeray cousins after two decades of political estrangement, was ostensibly organised to celebrate the Maharashtra government's rollback of a policy that would have introduced Hindi as an optional third language in schools. However, the timing of the MNS's actions against Kedia's office raises serious questions about the motives behind this so-called "victory" gathering. Rather than fostering unity or addressing genuine educational concerns, the event appears to be a calculated move to stoke regionalist sentiments and divert attention from the underlying issues plaguing Maharashtra's social fabric. Language politics in Maharashtra is not new, but the Thackeray cousins' approach has consistently been marked by divisiveness and aggression. Raj Thackeray, known for his hardline stance on Marathi identity, has a history of orchestrating campaigns that target non-Marathi speakers, often leading to violence and social discord. The recent vandalism of Kedia's office is a stark reminder of these tactics, where dissent is met not with dialogue but with destruction. Uddhav Thackeray, while historically presenting a more moderate image, has now aligned himself with this agenda, lending legitimacy to a narrative that prioritizes linguistic supremacy over inclusive governance. The joint rally, held at a time when Maharashtra is grappling with economic challenges, infrastructure deficits, and social inequalities, is a missed opportunity to address these pressing issues. Instead, it reinforces a dangerous precedent, where political capital is gained through the exploitation of linguistic identities. The Thackeray cousins' decision to share a platform, ostensibly to "protect" Marathi, ignores the fact that Marathi remains the dominant language in the state, spoken by nearly 69% of its population according to the 2011 Census. The real threat to Marathi culture, if any, lies not in the presence of other languages but in the failure to promote education, economic opportunities, and cultural exchange that could enrich rather than divide. Critics argue that this rally is less about language preservation and more about political manoeuvring. The Thackerays' actions are seen as an attempt to reclaim relevance in a changing political landscape where their influence has waned. By aligning with the MNS's aggressive tactics, Uddhav Thackeray risks alienating moderate voters and undermining the broader appeal of his Shiv Sena (UBT). Meanwhile, Raj Thackeray's strategy of confrontation continues to isolate Maharashtra from the rest of India, deterring investment and tarnishing the state's reputation as an economic hub. The vandalism of Kedia's office is not an isolated incident but part of a pattern of behaviour that has characterised the MNS's approach to language politics. Historical episodes, such as the attacks on North Indian workers and the disruption of public services over language use, have repeatedly demonstrated the destructive potential of such politics. These actions not only violate the rights of individuals but also hinder Maharashtra's progress by fostering an environment of fear and intolerance.
Nagpur: Forced or allured conversion is violence, and bringing tribal brethren back to their original fold is correction, said Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat during the valedictory function of RSS' Karyakarta Vikas Varg-II at Hedgewar Smruti Mandir premises in Reshimbagh on Thursday.Bhagwat was responding to concerns raised by the chief guest, former Congressman and minister in Indira Gandhi's govt, Arvind Netam, who warned the gathering of swayamsevaks that widespread conversions threaten the identity and existence of India's tribal communities. "If this contin ...Read More >
Mumbai: NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) president Sharad Pawar on Friday threw his weight behind Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray in their protest against the Maharashtra government's controversial move to make Hindi a compulsory third language for students in Classes 1 to 5. Pawar said the people of Maharashtra are not anti-Hindi, but stated that forcing the language on young children is inappropriate and undermines the importance of the mother tongue. Speaking to reporters, Pawar said, "At the primary level, the mother tongue is critical for a child's development. Making Hindi mandatory from Cl ...Read More >
New Delhi/Hyderabad, Dec 18 (UNI) Union Minister and Telangana BJP President G Kishan Reddy emphasised the Modi government's commitment to preserving and promoting India's regional languages. Addressing the media in New Delhi on Wednesday, Reddy highlighted various initiatives undertaken by the central government to strengthen India's linguistic diversity. Reddy noted that India is unparalleled in its cultural and linguistic diversity, with 121 languages spoken across the country. "Our Constitution initially recognised 14 official languages, but this number has increased to 21 under Prime M ...Read More >
Mumbai: Union Home Minister Amit Shah has drawn sharp criticism from Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) leaders and Vanchit president Prakash Ambedkar over his recent statements in Parliament on Dr BR Ambedkar. "Abhi ek fashion ho gaya hai (It has become a fashion now) - Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar. If they had taken God's name as many times, then they would have got a place in heaven," Shah had said in Parliament. The MVA leaders hit out at Amit Shah for such remarks. Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole said that Amit Shah became the Home Minister only because of the Constitution. Shiv Sena ( ...Read More >
Mumbai, Jan 13 (PTI) Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut met with Nationalist Congress Party (SP) chief Sharad Pawar in Mumbai on Monday amid doubts over the opposition MVA coalition's future after the former announced going solo in the local body elections in Maharashtra. Talking to reporters after the meeting, Raut slammed Union Home Minister and BJP leader Amit Shah for his critical remarks on Pawar and Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray made during his visit to Maharashtra on Sunday. Sources revealed that the meeting at Pawar's Silver Oak residence, which lasted for 20 to 25 minutes, ...Read More >
Mumbai: Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Friday indicated that an alliance between his party and Raj Thackeray-led MNS will take place ahead of crucial local bodies including Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporations (BMC) elections. Responding to a question on potential alliance between the MNS and Shiv Sena (UBT), Mr.Thackeray said whatever is in the minds of Maharashtra's people will happen and he will soon give the news. Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena's woman leader Sujata Shingade joined the Shiv Sena (UBT) at Mr.Thackeray's residence 'Matoshree'. Ms Shingade said that it was her mistake ...Read More >
MUMBAI: The differences surfaced in Mahayuti alliance partners over introducing Hindi as a third language in primary schools in Maharashtra. Deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar taking a different stand against his own Mahayuti government, Mr Pawar said that there is no need to introduce Hindi from primary school. He said the school education department should focus on teaching Marathi as the first language from standard - I, while Hindi should be introduced from class V only. "In the tender age, we should not put an additional burden on the students with Hindi as a third language to learn. Stud ...Read More >
Mumbai, Jun 27 (PTI) Estranged cousins Uddhav and Raj Thackeray will unite for the cause of the Marathi language, in a joint morcha in Mumbai on July 5 against the "imposition" of Hindi and the state government's three-language formula for Classes 1 to 5. The Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) on Friday said it will support the protest march, with Pawar asserting that the people of Maharashtra are not anti-Hindi, but it is not right to impose the language on young students. Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray will be seen together at the ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], November 18 (ANI): Bharatiya Janata Party leader and in-charge of the party's National IT Department, Amit Malviya, on Monday, criticised the Congress party's 'hypocrisy' over their stance on the Adani Group, pointing to past investments and agreements made with the corporate conglomerate by Congress-ruled states. Taking to social media platform X, Malviya referenced Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy's recent "public admission of accepting money" from the Adani Group on November 10, 2024, pointing out that this acknowledgment contradicted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's ...Read More >
Mumbai, Jan 31 (VOICE) The Maharashtra government on Friday formed a special investigation team (SIT) to probe the conspiracy allegedly hatched to frame Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis (who was then the leader of opposition in the state assembly) and his current deputy Eknath Shinde in a false case during the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government was in power. Fadnavis was then Leader of Opposition in the assembly while Shinde was a member of the Uddhav Thackeray Cabinet holding the urban development ministry. Shinde, however, rebelled against Thackeray, and after the collapse of the MVA governm ...Read More >
Mumbai, Jun 8 (PTI) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday said Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, instead of introspecting on the defeat in the 2024 state assembly polls, has been repudiating the mandate given by the people because they rejected him. The leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha is preparing his excuses for future defeats in the upcoming assembly elections, including Bihar, Fadnavis said in his articles published in the Indian Express and Marathi daily Loksatta. On Saturday, Gandhi, in an article published in several newspapers and in posts on X, claimed the 2024 Maharas ...Read More >
Mumbai, June 8 (UNI) A 'pucca Mumbaikar' Sunit Prakash and his Gujarat-rooted wife Lalita Kasanji - both dual New Zealand-Australia citizens - have been selected for the 'Members of the New Zealand Order of Merit' honour for services to the Information Technology industry and the Indian diaspora there. The Royal honours -- similar to India's top Padma national awards -- will soon be conferred on the Indian-origin couple by New Zealand Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro, the representative of King Charles III of the United Kingdom. New Zealand recognises the British monarch as its head of state. ...Read More >
Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], June 27 (ANI): Ahmedabad Police Commissioner GS Malik visited the command and control room on Friday to oversee security arrangements for the 148th edition of the Jagannath Rath Yatra, which is being organised in Ahmedabad and is the longest in the country. According to GS Malik, the Rath Yatra began in the morning, and he monitored the AI system in the control room, which receives feeds from drones and static CCTV cameras. Also Read | Surendra Dubey Dies: Noted Hindi Humourist and Satirist Passes Away in Raipur at 72. "The Rath Yatra started this morning... I w ...Read More >
Kolhapur, June 27: NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar on Friday said that the people of Maharashtra are not anti-Hindi, but it is not right to impose the language on young students in Class 1-4. Speaking to reporters here, he said 55 per cent of the country's population speaks Hindi, and one cannot ignore it. A language row erupted in Maharashtra after the state government last week issued an amended order stating Hindi will "generally" be taught as the third language to students in Marathi and English medium schools from Classes 1 to 5. Three-Language Policy Debate: Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadna ...Read More >
The Sena UBT chief spokesperson was reacting to Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad's comment that West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee should be allowed to lead the INDIA bloc. Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut on Tuesday said that his party was open to discuss if someone outside of the Congress party should lead the Opposition INDIA bloc. Speaking in New Delhi Delhi, Raut said that all the constituents of the INDIA bloc are willing to have a discuss ...Read More >
Nagpur: Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Tuesday claimed the Centre's move to introduce a bill on simultaneous polls in the Lok Sabha was an attempt to divert attention from issues plaguing the country. Addressing reporters in Maharashtra's Nagpur city, Thackeray demanded a transparent election process before implementation of the 'One Nation One Election' proposal. Even the election commissioners should be elected through polls, the former state chief minister said but did not elaborate on how to go about it. Thackeray also said that the Devendra Fadnavis-led Maharashtra government ...Read More >
Mumbai: Former Union minister Sharad Pawar on Tuesday rubbished Union Home Minister Amit Shah's remarks that the BJP's victory in the Maharashtra assembly polls ended the politics of betrayal and treachery started by him in 1978. "I was the chief minister in 1978. I am not aware about his whereabouts then," Pawar told reporters in Mumbai. "When I was the chief minister, there were people like Uttamrao Patil from Jan Sangh in my ministry," Pawar added. The decorum of the post of home minister should be maintained, the NCP (SP) chief said, bemoaning the lack of communication between present pol ...Read More >
Bengaluru, Jun 7 (PTI) A 26-year-old man allegedly beheaded his wife following a heated argument on the outskirts of Bengaluru after he suspected her of having an extra-marital affair, police said on Saturday. After killing Manasa, Shankar travelled with her severed head on his scooter to the nearest police station and confessed to the crime, they said. The man was later arrested, police said, adding that the incident occurred at Heelalige village, near Chandapura, Anekal taluk late on Friday. According to the police, the couple were married for over five years and have a four-year-old daug ...Read More >
Srinagar, June 7: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, on Saturday, congratulated the University of Kashmir for getting an A++ grade in the NAAC inspection. The Lt Governor extended his heartiest congratulations to the Vice Chancellor, faculty, staff, and students of the University of Kashmir for attaining the prestigious A++ Grade by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), and securing an outstanding Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.68 on a seven-point scale. Calling it a proud moment for J&K UT, the Lt Governor said, "The A++ Grade places the Un ...Read More >
MUMBAI: The BJP-led State government's decision to introduce Hindi as the third language in primary schools may bring the estranged Thackeray cousins, Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray together in defence of Marathi and the interests of the 'Marathi manoos'. After meeting Maharashtra Education Minister Dada Bhuse, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray categorically rejected the government's rationale behind the move. He asserted that if the State government were genuinely committed to fulfilling the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP), it should instead consider intro ...Read More >
Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal inaugurated an online Hindi course on the Constitution of India, celebrating 75 years of the document. The initiative aims to make constitutional principles more accessible. Developed with NALSAR University, it aims to educate citizens on their rights and democratic duties. In a significant step marking 75 years of India's Constitution, Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal has launched an online Hindi course designed to make constitutional education more accessible to the public. This initiative, a collaboration between the Department of Legal Affairs and ...Read More >
New Delhi: The University Grants Commission (UGC) on Wednesday announced a significant update in its approach to conducting the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) for both undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) students for the year 2025. The UGC has invited public feedback on the revised methodology aiming to refine the examination process for a better and more efficient testing environment for candidates. Since its inception in 1956 under the UGC Act, UGC has been pivotal in setting and maintaining the standards for higher education, coordinating with universities, and providing fina ...Read More >
Mumbai, Jun 5 (PTI) Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane on Thursday claimed Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray had insulted Maharashtra Navnirman Sena's Raj Thackeray in the past. Speaking to reporters in Solapur, Rane, a BJP MLA, also said Uddhav Thackeray must admit the 'Ladha Aapalya Shivsenesathi' (fight for your Shiv Sena) was meant to promote his son and former minister Aaditya Thackeray. "Uddhav Thackeray consistently insulted Raj Thackeray and forced him to leave the party. Raj was always seen as inheritor of the legacy of late Balasaheb Thackeray. That is why senior leaders of both ...Read More >
Mumbai, Jun 5 (PTI) Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) workers attacked an auto-rickshaw driver here and forced him to apologise for allegedly using objectionable language against a Marathi-speaking passenger as well as party chief Raj Thackeray. The incident involving the passenger took place in Dadar area of central Mumbai on Wednesday. The passenger shot a video of the driver using objectionable language against him and Thackeray. He later posted the video, which shows the number plate of the auto-rickshaw, on social media, a police official said. On the basis of the video, MNS workers tra ...Read More >
Mumbai, Jun 6 (PTI) Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Friday said whatever people of Maharashtra wish will happen, amid talks of possibility of an alliance between his party and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena led by his estranged cousin Raj Thackeray. Talking to reporters here, the former chief minister said there was no confusion in the minds of the workers of both the parties about this. "Whatever people of Maharashtra wish will happen," Thackeray said. The Thackeray cousins have sparked speculation about a possible reconciliation with their recent statements indicating that they ...Read More >
MUMBAI: There is growing speculation that the Thackeray cousins may unite to contest the BMC and other local body elections against their Mahayuti alliance partners. On Friday, Uddhav Thackeray of Shiv Sena (UBT) indicated that his party will align with the people's wishes. When asked about his possible collaboration with his cousin MNS chief Raj Thackeray, the Shiv Sena (UBT) president said that whatever the people desire will happen. He also said that he will soon share "good news". Reacting to the developments, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis said the Mahayuti would contest the election ...Read More >
Mumbai: Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) will jointly organize a protest march on July 5 against the state government's reported move to make Hindi compulsory up to Class 4 under the 'Three Language Policy'. The announcement was made by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and MP Sanjay Raut at a press conference on Friday. Raut said, "We are not against any language. We have always respected Hindi. People like us have always valued it. Our party uses Hindi in many ways. But the recent decision to make Hindi compulsory as the third language up to Class 4 under the 'Three Language P ...Read More >
Shinde accepts BJP's decision, likely to receive key ministries Shinde has agreed to BJP's decision to make a Chief Minister from its ranks. He is expected to be given important portfolios like Urban Development, Public Works Department, and Water Resources. Sources also say that two Deputy Chief Ministers will be appointed, one each from Shiv Sena and NCP. Pawar has told his party leaders that the swearing-in ceremony could take place this weekend. Despite initial resistance, Shinde announced his party's support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah's decision on the ...Read More >
Mumbai, Dec 3 (PTI) Maharashtra's caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday visited a private hospital in Thane for a "check-up," two days before a new CM is sworn in at an open ground ceremony in south Mumbai. Even as it is not known yet who would take oath as chief minister at Azad Maidan on the evening of December 5, preparations are in full swing for the ceremony, to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, about 2,000 VVIPs and some 40,000 supporters. Shinde, who had been staying at his private residence in Thane for the last few days, visited the hospital in the morning. "I ...Read More >
NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule is consulting experts on Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) following Maharashtra's assembly poll results. The opposition questions EVM credibility after the Mahayuti coalition's significant win. Sule advocates for ballot papers, citing other countries' adoption, and will announce a final decision soon.NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule on Saturday said the opinion of experts is being sought over the "EVM issue" in the wake of the Maharashtra assembly polls' mandate as she b ...Read More >