Japan PM Shigeru Ishiba decides to resign to avoid party split: Reports
Tokyo: Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has reportedly decided to resign in an effort to avoid a potential split within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), local media outlets reported on Sunday.
Ishiba, 68, took charge of the LDP less than a year ago but has faced mounting challenges, including a loss of majority in both houses of parliament and widespread voter dissatisfaction over rising living costs.
Public broadcaster NHK said Ishiba made the decision to avoid a split in the party, while the Asahi Shimbun daily said he was unable to withstand the mounting calls for his resignation, as reported by news agency AFP.
Reports suggested that Japan’s agricultural minister and a former prime minister met with Ishiba on Saturday evening to persuade him to resign.
LDP lawmakers and regional officials across Japan advocating for a new leadership election are expected to submit a formal request on Monday.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister’s Office has not yet issued any official statement regarding the resignation reports.
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Minor girl kidnapped and raped; main accused and two cafe owners held
Latur (PTI): A minor girl was allegedly kidnapped and raped by an 18-year-old man in Latur, leading to the arrest of the main accused and owners of two cafes where the crime occurred on December 4, police said on Saturday.
Police traced the girl within hours of registering the complaint. The accused, identified as Rihan Gulab Shaikh, was arrested based on the girl's complaint. Two others are owners of two cafes where the crime occurred, police said.
Police registered a case under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), POCSO Act, and the Prevention of Atrocities Act, an official said.
