Maharashtra CM Thackeray's 'former and future colleagues' remark sparks speculation
Aurangabad, Sep 17: Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Friday addressed the leaders including Union minister Raosaheb Danve at a function here as former and possible "future colleagues", leading to speculation as to whether a political realignment was in the offing in the state.
The Thackeray-led Shiv Sena parted ways with the BJP after the 2019 Assembly polls and formed government with the NCP and Congress.
Addressing the dignitaries on the dais at a function, Thackeray said, "My former, current, and if we come together, future colleagues." Danve, a BJP leader from Maharashtra, was present, so was senior state minister Balasaheb Thorat of Congress.
Later, speaking to reporters at another event, Thackeray clarified that he said former and current colleagues because there were leaders from all parties on the dais. "If everybody comes together, they can become future colleagues too. Time will tell," he added cryptically.
Notably, state BJP chief Chandrakant Patil had said earlier this week that he should be no longer called a 'former state minister' as things will change in the next couple of days.
Reacting to Thackeray's remarks, BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis told reporters elsewhere that he must have realized that the state was suffering because of the Sena's "unnatural alliance" with the NCP and Congress.
"He must have expressed his thoughts after realizing what kind of people he is working with....Everything is possible in politics, but the state BJP is not eyeing power. We are an efficient opposition party and will continue our work," the former chief minister added.
Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut sought to downplay Thackeray's comments, stating that Danve was everybody's friend.
"When he was state BJP chief, all was well. There is nothing earth-shaking in the comment. Those who want to come with us can join and become future colleagues. Don't read too much into this," Raut added.
He also claimed that he had learnt that Chandrakant Patil was offered the post of Nagaland governor by the BJP.
Speaking to reporters later, Union minister Danve said Thackeray must have had some experience after working with the NCP and Congress for the last two years, making him rethink his decision to sever ties with the BJP.
"Shiv Sena and BJP were in alliance for 25-30 years. All of a sudden the Sena left us and joined the Congress and NCP. Actually the mandate was for the Shiv Sena and BJP alliance," he said.
"This government has completed two years and the chief minister might have had some experience. Out of this experience he might have spoken such things," the BJP leader said.
When asked if there were any indications that the saffron alliance may be revived, Danve said "some churning" will take place after such public statements.
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Allahabad HC orders probe into 'reinstatement' of teacher in UP's Barabanki
Lucknow (PTI): The Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court on Friday ordered a probe by the special task force (STF) into alleged irregularities in the rejoining of a teacher at City Intermediate College in Barabanki, observing that the reinstatement appeared to be prima facie illegal.
The court also directed the recovery of the salary paid to the teacher during the disputed period.
A bench of Justice Rajeev Singh passed the order on a petition filed by the college management committee. The court expressed doubts over the roles of the District Inspector of Schools (DIOS), Barabanki, the college principal and the teacher concerned and hence, directed a detailed inquiry into the matter.
Taking note of alleged manipulation of records and misleading submissions, the court ordered the immediate transfer of the Barabanki DIOS to ensure a fair probe. It also directed the initiation of disciplinary proceedings against the then joint director of education of the Ayodhya division.
In its order, the court found that the teacher, Abhay Kumar, was initially appointed as an assistant teacher in 2018 but joined an Eklavya Model Residential School in Chhattisgarh as a lecturer in June 2024 without obtaining permission from the management. His subsequent request to retain the lien was rejected.
Despite this, he was allowed to rejoin the Barabanki College in September 2025 on the directions of the joint director of education and the DIOS, and was even paid the salary for October 2025. The court termed the rejoining "wholly illegal" and lacking any legal basis.
The bench also expressed concern over lapses in communication within the education department and directed the Uttar Pradesh chief secretary to ensure that official orders are communicated through email and WhatsApp as well, to prevent disputes.
The matter is next listed for hearing on May 28 when a compliance report is sought.
