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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CSK beat KKR by two wickets in IPL
Kolkata, May 7 (PTI): Chennai Super Kings beat Kolkata Knight Riders by two wickets to send the defending champions virtually out of the IPL play-offs contention here on Wednesday.
CSK chased down the target of 180 with two balls to spare with Dewald Brevis top-scoring with 52 off just 25 balls while Shivam Dube and captain MS Dhoni chipped in with 45 and 17 not out respectively.
For KKR, Vaibhav Arora (3/48) was the most successful bowler while Harshit Rana (2/43) and Varun Chakaravarthy (2/18) took two wickets apiece.
Earlier, KKR scored 179 for 6 after opting to bat.
Captain Ajinkya Rahane top-scored with 48 while Andre Russell and Manish Pandey chipped in with 38 and 36 not out respectively.
For CSK, Noor Ahmad was the most successful bowler with four wickets.
Brief Scores:
KKR: 179 for 6 in 20 overs (Ajinkya Rahane 48, Andre Russell 38; Noor Ahmad 4/31).
CSK: 183 for 8 in 19.4 overs (Dewald Brevis 52, Shivam Dube 45; Vaibhav Arora 3/48,Varun Chakaravarthy 2/18).
