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.
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BJP is targeting one community, misusing its majority: Min. Eshwar Khandre on Waqf Amendment Bill
Bengaluru: Reacting strongly to the passage of the contentious Waqf Amendment Bill, Karnataka Minister Eshwar Khandre accused the BJP-led central government of targeting a specific community and misusing its parliamentary majority.
"The BJP-led central government is targeting a particular community and misusing its majority. We always talk about unity in diversity and it is our responsibility to take everyone along," news agency ANI quoted Khandre as saying.
Khandre further criticised the saffron party for its governance, alleging that the government had failed to address pressing issues such as unemployment and farmers' concerns. He accused the ruling party of shifting focus away from critical issues, stating that they have failed to take action and, under the guise of nationalism, are provoking the public.
The minister also pointed out that significant global concerns, such as the United States imposing reciprocal tariffs on India, were not being discussed in Parliament. “There should have been a discussion on the U.S. imposing 26 percent 'reciprocal tariffs' on India. But they don't allow any discussion on it,” he remarked.
Khandre concluded by stating that the Congress party would come to power and focus on the nation's development, in contrast to what he described as the BJP’s diversionary tactics.
The Waqf Amendment Bill, which has sparked massive controversy, was passed in the Lok Sabha on Thursday by a vote of 288-232, after nearly 12 hours of debate. The Bill was subsequently approved by the Rajya Sabha with 128 members voting in favour and 95 opposing it.
