Shiv Sena (UBT) praises CM Fadnavis in Saamana editorial, sparks speculation of alliance
Mumbai: In an unexpected move, Saamana, the mouthpiece of Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT), praised Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in its Friday editorial. Titled "Congratulations Deva Bhau," the piece commended Fadnavis for his efforts in Gadchiroli, a district known for Naxal activity, following the surrender of 11 Naxalites, including key leader Tarakka.
The editorial lauded Fadnavis’s vision to transform Gadchiroli into a “Steel City” and inaugurate development projects in the region on New Year's Day. It urged the government to prioritise the welfare of tribal communities over the interests of mining corporations.
“If the current Chief Minister wants to give Gadchiroli a new identity of 'Steel City' instead of 'Naxalite district,' then he should be welcomed,” the editorial read. It also drew comparisons to previous leadership, alleging past efforts favoured mining tycoons over tribal development.
Reacting to the editorial, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut supported the appreciation of Fadnavis’s efforts. “If a district like Gadchiroli is developed, it benefits the entire state. We have criticised PM Modi in the past, but we also appreciate good initiatives. Fadnavis’s focus on Gadchiroli deserves recognition,” Raut said.
This development follows Uddhav Thackeray’s recent meeting with Fadnavis, fuelling speculation about a possible alliance. Shiv Sena (UBT) had parted ways with the BJP after the 2019 assembly polls and allied with Congress and NCP. However, the party suffered a split in 2022 when Eknath Shinde, backed by 39 MLAs, joined the NDA, leading to Thackeray’s resignation as Chief Minister.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Bihar: Over 150 children fall ill after consuming 'mid-day meal' in Saharsa
Saharsa (PTI): More than 150 children were taken ill after allegedly consuming food that was part of the mid-day meal in a school in Bihar’s Saharsa district, a senior official said on Thursday.
The incident occurred at a middle school in Baluaha village of the district.
The official said that 115 children were undergoing treatment at the Sadar Hospital, while around 50 students were admitted to Mahishi Public Health Centre.
“We received information that several children fell ill after consuming the mid-day meal in Baluaha. The children were initially treated at the primary health centre, but later, many were referred to the Sadar Hospital,” Saharsa District Magistrate Deepesh Kumar told reporters.
“According to doctors, the health condition of the children has improved, but they will be kept under observation for some time. There is no need to panic. Some kids are having mild fever. They are being treated accordingly,” Kumar said.
Meanwhile, family members of some children claimed that a snake was found in the container in which cooked pulses was stored at the school.
Of the 545 students present in the school, 200 had already eaten their meals by the time the snake was spotted, and later complained of stomach ache and vomiting, they said.
Regarding the claims, the DM said food samples have been collected from the school.
“We will be able to comment on this only after the results of the tested samples arrive,” he said.
