The controversial leader, Gurmeet Ram Rahim, has once again been granted parole, marking the 14th time he has been allowed to leave prison since his imprisonment for murder and rape cases. This has sparked fresh criticism and raised questions about the leniency extended to a convict in serious criminal cases. Ram Rahim, who is currently serving a sentence for sexual assault and murder, was escorted by heavy police security as he departed for his Dera headquarters.
Tension brews in Tamil Nadu as the Governor reserves a bill to establish Kalaignar University, named after former CM M Karunanidhi, for President Droupadi Murmu's approval. The bill proposes to split Bharathidasan University and establish a new university catering to the education needs of four districts. State Higher Education Minister Govi Chezhiaan had announced the new university's launch in 2025, but the delay in obtaining assent has caused hindrance.
In a historic move, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Kartavya Bhawan - a new administrative building in New Delhi - and hailed it as a key step towards a 'Viksit Bharat' or Developed India. The PM noted that this building, along with other new structures like Kartavya Path and Bharat Mandapam, will pave the way for important policies and decisions that will shape the nation's future. He also highlighted the financial benefits of constructing these new buildings, which will bring more coherence to government work and save huge expenses spent on renting out buildings.
The decision to relocate Madhuri, a 36-year-old elephant, from a Jain monastery in Maharashtra to Vantara, a private animal sanctuary in Gujarat, has sparked protests and boycotts. The Bombay High Court approved the transfer after evidence showed that the elephant was ailing and in distress. However, the decision has been met with resistance from a new group of "animal lovers" who demand that the elephant be returned to Maharashtra. The case is now in the Supreme Court, with the government promising to make efforts to bring the elephant back.
During a meeting between Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the absence of Rudransh Shinde, the CM's grandson, was noticed. It was revealed that Rudransh had a special request for the Prime Minister to give him a fighter jet. While conveying the message, DCM Shinde also presented a portrait of Lord Shiva, symbolizing the success of "Operation Sindoor" in the state.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis made an appearance on India TV's Aap Ki Adalat hosted by Rajat Sharma and spilled the beans on his short-lived government with Ajit Pawar. In the candid interview, Fadnavis addressed several controversial topics, including the reason behind forming a government for only 80 hours and his relationship with the Pawar family. He also addressed the speculation of a possible alliance with the Shiv Sena and discussed the importance of staying relevant in politics.
A major scam involving fake villa rentals in Goa has been uncovered, with over 500 tourists duped and crores of rupees siphoned off by fraudulent operators. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has taken over the case based on a request by the state government. The Union Home Ministry has granted necessary clearances for CBI jurisdiction across Goa after a formal nod from the state home department, and four persons have been arrested so far in connection with the scam. The CBI is now leading the investigation to trace the entire network behind the large-scale fraud.
Maharashtra Minister for Women and Child Welfare, Aditi Tatkare, announced that the government will distribute 1,500 rupees to eligible women beneficiaries under the Ladki Bahin Yojana on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan. The decision was made under the guidance of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, and a government resolution has been issued to confirm the financial aid. This gesture from the Maharashtra government is aimed at empowering and supporting women in the state.
The transfer of Kolhapur's loved elephant Madhuri to Anant Ambani's Vantara in Jamnagar has sparked protests in the city. In response, Union Home Minister Amit Shah held discussions with a Shiv Sena delegation to address the issue and assure the return of Madhuri to Kolhapur. In a related development, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis received support from the Vantara team, with an assurance to join the state government's petition to bring back Madhuri.
In a move that highlights her trust in the younger generation of TMC leaders, Mamata Banerjee has declared her nephew, Abhishek Banerjee, as the leader of the TMC’s Lok Sabha unit. This decision marks a significant elevation for Abhishek, who has been a key player in the party’s organizational machinery. It also reflects the party’s efforts to address internal factionalism and strengthen unity within the parliamentary unit. Party leaders believe that under Abhishek’s leadership, the TMC’s parliamentary functioning will see greater discipline, coordination, and communication.
In a candid interview with Rajat Sharma on the 'Aap Ki Adalat' show, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis firmly stated that there will be no changes in the current ruling combination with Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena. Fadnavis clarified that despite discussions about the Leader of Opposition post, there was never any offer or talk of alliance with Shiv Sena. He also hinted at possible unpredictability from Uddhav Thackeray, but assured that there will be no upheaval or storm in Maharashtra politics.