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Bengaluru Court Cracks Down on Prakash Raj with Non-Bailable Warrant

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prakash raj
prakash raj

Days after speaking publicly about the Dharmasthala controversy, actor Prakash Raj has landed in fresh legal trouble. A Bengaluru court has reportedly issued a non-bailable warrant against him in connection with a case related to the alleged possession of multiple voter identity cards.

The court issues a non-bailable warrant

According to ANI, the 48th Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) Court in Bengaluru issued the warrant after Prakash Raj allegedly failed to appear despite repeated summons from the court. The magistrate observed that the actor neither responded to the notices nor complied with the legal directions issued to him.

The development could create fresh legal complications for the actor while also bringing renewed attention to allegations surrounding his voter registration records.

As per an India Today report, advocate Dileep Kumar filed a complaint at Bengaluru’s Halasuru Gate Police Station in 2019, alleging that Prakash Raj was simultaneously registered as a voter in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Election Commission rules permit an individual to be enrolled as a voter in only one constituency.

Prakash Raj has consistently denied the allegations in the past, maintaining that he casts his vote only in Tamil Nadu. Reports suggest his legal team is likely to move a higher court seeking relief from the warrant or apply for immediate bail.

Prakash Raj’s name surfaces in Dharmasthala case

The actor’s name recently came up in connection with the ongoing Dharmasthala controversy after C N Chinnaiah, who has levelled allegations involving multiple murders, rapes and burials in the temple town, mentioned him in a writ petition before the Karnataka High Court.

Speaking to the media last week, Prakash Raj explained that activist Girish Mattannavar had approached him, claiming that Chinnaiah wanted to communicate with him.

According to PTI, the actor said, “As a citizen, what should I do? I received information from a person everyone was talking about. The moment I got that information, I immediately informed SIT chief Pronab Mohanty.”

In the petition, Chinnaiah alleged that he had been drawn into a broader conspiracy involving funds allegedly used to defame Dharmasthala. The filing also referred to a phone conversation between him and Prakash Raj.

Addressing the issue, the actor said he had no intention of concealing the interaction.

“So yes, he spoke to me, and I immediately passed the information to the SIT chief. Anyone can verify that. Beyond that, my role ends there. That is my responsibility and accountability,” Prakash Raj said.

Upcoming projects

On the professional front, Prakash Raj was recently seen in the Tamil film Kaalidas 2 and Telugu projects Seetha Payanam, S Saraswati and Dacoit: A Love Story. He also has several major films in the pipeline, including Drishyam 3 in Hindi, Varanasi and Spirit in Telugu, and Jana Nayagan in Tamil.

Italy’s Political Future in Focus as Giorgia Meloni Considers Moving Up Elections

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Giorgia Meloni
Meloni

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is weighing the possibility of calling a general election much earlier than expected, with fresh polls potentially taking place as soon as April next year, according to a new report.

Sources familiar with the matter told Bloomberg News that Meloni believes waiting until the scheduled end of the current parliament’s term in late 2027 could risk eroding her popularity and political standing.

Meloni mulls early election option

The report said Meloni has already held discussions with the office of President Sergio Mattarella about the prospect of an early election. As Italy’s head of state, Mattarella holds the authority to dissolve parliament and trigger a nationwide vote.

Political pressure on Meloni has intensified in recent months. A failed referendum on judicial reforms in March was followed by the resignation of three members of her government, dealing a setback to her administration.

At the same time, the far-right National Future party has been gaining momentum in opinion polls and has accused Meloni of drifting too close to the political centre.

Despite the challenges, Meloni remains on course to make history. If she stays in office until early September, she will surpass the late Silvio Berlusconi to become the longest-serving prime minister in the history of the Italian Republic.

Trump remarks spark fresh controversy

The speculation surrounding a possible early election has been further fuelled by an unexpected public spat between Meloni and US President Donald Trump.

Trump recently claimed that Meloni repeatedly sought a photo opportunity with him during the Group of Seven summit in France. The Italian prime minister firmly rejected the allegation, calling it entirely fabricated. Trump later escalated the exchange by suggesting he no longer wanted her support.

Posting on social media, Trump wrote that Meloni had repeatedly asked for a picture with him at the G7 summit and questioned her standing among Italian voters.

He further argued that her popularity had declined because she had opposed the United States on issues related to preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.

Meloni quickly hit back, describing Trump’s remarks as a series of unnecessary and unprovoked attacks.

Responding on Instagram, she said her popularity was determined by her ability to defend Italy’s national interests rather than by her relationship with any foreign leader.

“My popularity is not your concern. I suggest you focus on your own,” she wrote.

The dispute has since spilled into the diplomatic arena, with Italy’s foreign minister cancelling a planned visit to the United States. Several members of Meloni’s government have also publicly rallied behind her as tensions continue to rise.

Diplomatic Tensions Rise as India Counters Pakistan’s Remarks on Indus Waters Treaty

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INDUS WATER TREATY INDIA
INDUS WATER TREATY INDIA

India on Tuesday strongly criticized Pakistani Defense Minister Khwaja Asif’s remarks about going to war over the suspended Indus Waters Treaty, accusing Islamabad of trying to deflect attention from its own shortcomings and human rights record.

The response from New Delhi came days after Asif warned that Pakistan could resort to military action if its water security was threatened. India has already maintained that its decision to keep the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance remains unchanged.

Addressing the media during the weekly briefing, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal dismissed the comments and said Pakistan was attempting to shift focus from its internal issues.

“We have seen reports regarding the Pakistani Defense Minister’s remarks. These statements are nothing more than attempts to hide Pakistan’s own failures and divert attention from its human rights violations. We completely reject these baseless allegations,” Jaiswal said.

He also pointed to the situation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, describing it as the result of years of economic exploitation, denial of basic rights, and administrative oppression in territories under Pakistan’s illegal occupation.

Jaiswal further alleged that Pakistani authorities have subjected civilians to harsh measures, including restrictions on essential supplies and medicines, internet shutdowns, and the use of force against unarmed people.

“Several lives have been lost because of these actions. We hope the international community will hold Pakistan accountable for its conduct and human rights violations,” he added.

What Khwaja Asif said

Asif made the remarks amid Pakistan’s ongoing water challenges and domestic political pressures.

After India reiterated its decision to keep the Indus Waters Treaty suspended, Asif told ARY News on Saturday, “The moment we believe our national security is under threat, and water security is part of national security, we will go to war against India.”

India suspended the treaty in May last year as part of a series of measures taken against Pakistan following the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives.

Asif further claimed that Pakistan would consider military options if it found evidence that India was moving aggressively to disrupt its water supplies.

While many experts have attributed Pakistan’s water crisis to long-standing management issues, Asif accused India of using water as a weapon, manipulating flows in the Chenab River and withholding crucial data.

About the Indus Waters Treaty

Brokered by the World Bank, the Indus Waters Treaty serves as a framework for water sharing and information exchange between India and Pakistan regarding the Indus river system and its tributaries — the Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas and Sutlej.

Under the agreement, Pakistan receives rights over the western rivers — Indus, Jhelum and Chenab — while India has unrestricted access to the eastern rivers — Ravi, Beas and Sutlej.

The treaty also allows India limited use of the western rivers for domestic needs, agriculture, non-consumptive purposes and hydroelectric power generation.

This Karan Aujla Track Helps Virat Kohli Get Match Ready

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virat kohli
virat kohli

Certain songs leave a lasting impact and become deeply connected to our personal experiences. For Virat Kohli, one such track is Karan Aujla’s Winning Speech. Speaking at the One8 global premiere, the former India captain revealed that the song holds a special place in his heart because its story mirrors parts of his own life journey.

Virat Kohli on his favorite Karan Aujla song

According to a video shared by PTI, Kohli praised Aujla for creating music that comes from a place of genuine emotion. He said Winning Speech is the track he connects with the most because of the struggles and experiences reflected in its lyrics.

“You write songs straight from the heart. The song I connect with the most is Winning Speech because it reflects the journey you’ve gone through. In many ways, I see similarities with my own life. I also lost my father at a young age, so that song means a lot to me. I’ve listened to it many times before walking out to play matches,” Kohli said.

Kohli opens up about his fighting spirit

During the event, Kohli also spoke about the mindset that has defined his cricket career. Reflecting on his approach to pressure situations, he pointed to India’s memorable victory over Pakistan at the 2022 T20 World Cup in Melbourne.

“I’ve always been wired that way. I actually enjoy situations where people think the game is over and then somehow you find a way to turn it around. Since I was young, I’ve never stopped believing until the very end. No matter how difficult things look, I never think the game is lost. And sometimes, incredible things happen.”

He added that the Melbourne clash remains one of the most memorable moments of his career.

“That game against Pakistan will always stand out. Later, I was told our chances of winning had dropped to around three percent. But I never looked at it that way. Even if there’s a one percent chance, it’s still a chance. Until the game is officially over, you’re never out of it,” Kohli said.

Karan Aujla wraps up tour in style

Meanwhile, Karan Aujla concluded his tour with a high-energy performance at Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. More than 70,000 fans attended the concert, where he performed some of his biggest hits, including Tauba Tauba, Gangster, Bachke Bachke, Boyfriend and For A Reason.

Several moments from the show quickly went viral on social media, including a clip of Aujla soaring above the crowd on a zip line. The concert eventually came to a close with a spectacular fireworks display, bringing the tour to a memorable finish.

Devendra Fadnavis Takes Swipe at Opposition with ‘ChatGPT’ Remark Before Assembly Session

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david fadnavis
david fadnavis

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday took a swipe at the Opposition ahead of the Monsoon Session of the state legislature, suggesting that a memorandum submitted by opposition parties appeared to have been generated with the help of artificial intelligence platform ChatGPT.

Speaking at a press conference a day before the three-week session begins, Fadnavis criticised opposition leaders for skipping the customary high-tea meeting organised before the legislature convenes. Instead of attending the interaction, opposition parties submitted a six-page memorandum highlighting issues they intend to raise during the session.

Expressing disappointment over their absence, Fadnavis said the meeting could have provided an opportunity for meaningful discussions and an exchange of views on key matters.

Commenting on the memorandum, the chief minister claimed its language and structure gave him reason to believe it had been prepared using AI tools.

“When I looked at the letter, I became curious and decided to check. It appeared that the document had been prepared using ChatGPT. It seems the opposition has now started relying on artificial intelligence even to draft letters, perhaps because they have run short of ideas, creativity, or a proper understanding of the issues,” he said.

However, Fadnavis added a light-hearted remark, saying it was encouraging to see opposition parties embracing new technology.

“The future belongs to AI, so it is good that the opposition has started using it. I congratulate them for that,” he said.

His comments come ahead of what is expected to be a heated Monsoon Session, with opposition parties preparing to target the government over issues related to farmers, governance and welfare schemes.

The chief minister further alleged that many of the concerns raised by the opposition had already been discussed extensively in previous sessions. According to him, several sections of the latest memorandum closely resembled submissions made in earlier years.

Addressing the government’s farm loan waiver initiative, Fadnavis said such measures should not be viewed through a political lens and were intended to help farmers regain access to formal credit channels. He stated that nearly 56 lakh farmers would benefit from the scheme, which is estimated to cost around ₹36,585 crore and is being described as the largest loan waiver programme undertaken by the state.

Fadnavis also spoke about concerns arising from delayed monsoon rains and emerging El Niño conditions. He said Maharashtra was witnessing a difficult weather situation, with rainfall remaining significantly below normal in several regions.

According to him, Vidarbha has recorded rainfall nearly 80 per cent below average, while central Maharashtra and Konkan are facing deficits of 83 per cent and 86 per cent respectively.

He advised farmers to follow official guidance and begin sowing only after receiving adequate rainfall. The chief minister added that the government was closely monitoring water reserves and had already imposed restrictions on certain agricultural water usage to ensure drinking water supplies remain protected if monsoon delays continue.

The Monsoon Session of the Maharashtra Legislature is set to commence on June 22.

Speculation Swirls Over Keir Starmer’s Future as UK PM Amid Growing Backlash

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keir starmer
keir starmer

United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing mounting pressure over his future, with growing speculation that he could step down as early as Monday, June 22. The Labour leader, who guided his party to a decisive election victory just two years ago after more than a decade in opposition, is now confronting calls to resign from within his own ranks and a potential leadership challenge from rising Labour figure Andy Burnham.

While Starmer has yet to indicate any intention to quit, reports suggest he is spending the weekend at Chequers weighing his options amid increasing political turbulence.

Despite the speculation, Starmer publicly rejected suggestions that he was preparing to leave office. Before departing for Chequers on Friday, he insisted: “I have said repeatedly, I am not going to walk away. Let’s pull together as a party and a movement.”

If he ultimately chooses to resign, Britain would be preparing to welcome its seventh prime minister in just ten years.

Andy Burnham emerges as leading contender

Much of the attention has centred on Andy Burnham, who is widely viewed as the frontrunner to replace Starmer should a leadership contest take place. Burnham strengthened his position after securing a commanding victory in the Makerfield by-election on Friday, defeating candidates from both Nigel Farage’s Reform UK and Restore Britain by a significant margin.

The scale of Burnham’s victory has reportedly prompted discussions within Labour about whether Starmer could successfully withstand a challenge from the former Greater Manchester mayor.

Many Labour MPs believe Burnham is the party’s strongest option to counter Farage and Reform UK ahead of the 2029 general election.

However, it remains unclear whether Burnham would become leader through a formal contest or emerge as a consensus candidate. Former Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who resigned last month after losing confidence in Starmer’s leadership, has also suggested he could enter the race if a contest is triggered.

Growing dissent within Labour

The pressure on Starmer is increasingly coming from inside his own party. Discontent intensified after Labour suffered a series of disappointing election results in May, raising concerns among MPs and cabinet ministers about the government’s direction.

According to reports, several senior ministers, including Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, have either urged Starmer to establish a timetable for his departure or consider stepping down immediately.

A cabinet minister quoted by The Guardian suggested that Starmer’s position may have softened in recent days.

“There was a view that resignations would be required if Keir’s public position remained unchanged. But over the past 12 to 14 hours, there appears to have been a shift in his thinking. No one wants a series of resignations,” the minister reportedly said.

Starmer considering next steps

Further speculation emerged after Business Secretary Peter Kyle acknowledged that the prime minister was reflecting on the realities of the political situation.

Speaking to Sky News, Kyle said Starmer had spent the weekend holding discussions with a broad range of colleagues while considering the challenges facing his leadership.

“He has been engaging with many people, including myself, while continuing to work throughout the weekend. I think he is taking time to assess the political realities, the challenges and the opportunities before him,” Kyle said.

In a separate interview with the BBC, Kyle admitted that Starmer’s leadership was under genuine pressure.

“I don’t want to pretend there are no forces challenging the prime minister’s position. That is clearly happening,” he said.

Trump weighs in

The situation has also drawn attention internationally. United States President Donald Trump commented on the developments via Truth Social, predicting that Starmer would leave office.

“Keir Starmer will resign as Prime Minister of The United Kingdom. He failed badly on two very important subjects — immigration and energy (OPEN NORTH SEA OIL!). I wish him well! President DJT,” Trump wrote.

Trump’s comments came despite there being no indication that he had spoken with Starmer over the weekend.

Challenges that weakened Starmer’s position

Since entering Downing Street following Labour’s landslide victory in 2024, Starmer has faced criticism over a number of key issues, including sluggish economic growth, pressure on public services and the rising cost of living.

His government also came under scrutiny following the appointment of Peter Mandelson as Britain’s ambassador to the United States. Subsequent reports concerning Mandelson’s links to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein sparked renewed criticism and calls for accountability, although Starmer managed to weather that controversy.

With pressure building from multiple directions, attention is now focused on whether Starmer will attempt to fight for his position or decide that stepping aside is the best option for both himself and the Labour Party.

GOAT Conversation Settled? Lamine Yamal Delivers Firm Verdict on Lionel Messi

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yamal
yamal

Lamine Yamal has added his voice to football’s greatest-of-all-time debate, firmly backing Lionel Messi as the finest player the sport has ever seen after the Argentina captain’s dazzling performance against Algeria. Messi lit up the World Cup stage with the first hat-trick of his tournament career, once again showcasing the qualities that have defined his legendary career.

The Argentine maestro controlled the match with his trademark blend of creativity, vision and finishing, delivering yet another reminder of his enduring brilliance. Even as he approaches his 39th birthday later this month, Messi continues to compete at the highest level and remains the central figure in Argentina’s World Cup ambitions.

Yamal, who has often spoken about his admiration for Neymar, made it clear that when it comes to football’s greatest player, Messi stands alone.

“Every match proves he’s the best in history. If anyone has doubts, it’s because they want to have doubts. There’s nothing more to add. My idol is Neymar, but Messi is the best,” Yamal told RTVE.

Yamal taking cautious approach to recovery

The young Spain and Barcelona star also spoke about his own fitness after returning to action as a second-half substitute during Spain’s draw against Cape Verde. While he is available for selection, Yamal said he is still easing his way back and has no intention of rushing the process.

The teenager explained that he feels physically strong but believes patience is important at this stage of the competition.

“I’m fine and I feel good, but it’s still early,” Yamal said. “There’s no need to take unnecessary risks. I’m still adapting and it’s not the moment to play a full match yet. But I’m ready to play however many minutes the coach needs.”

Focused on performance despite growing popularity

Yamal’s rising global profile has become one of the talking points of Spain’s World Cup campaign. His image has featured prominently around Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, reflecting his growing status as one of football’s brightest young stars.

Despite the attention, Yamal insisted he remains grounded and focused on performing for fans whenever he takes the field.

“I take it naturally because it’s something I’m already used to,” he said. “I understand what I represent in Spain and around the world. My focus is always on giving my best because that’s what supporters expect. If your image is on a building like that, it’s because people enjoy what you do on the pitch and the excitement you bring when they watch you play.”

Mounting Healthcare Challenges Lead Palestinian Embassy to Seek India’s Assistance

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palestine
palestine

The Embassy of Palestine in India has made an urgent appeal for immediate humanitarian and medical assistance, warning that the healthcare system in the Palestinian territories is nearing complete collapse amid the ongoing conflict.

In a statement issued on Friday, the embassy said it was deeply alarmed by the worsening condition of the health sector in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, blaming the crisis on continued military operations, widespread destruction of medical facilities, restrictions on humanitarian aid, and severe financial pressures.

“The Embassy of the State of Palestine to the Republic of India expresses its profound concern over the catastrophic collapse of the healthcare sector in the Occupied Palestinian Territory as a direct result of the ongoing Israeli genocidal war, military attacks, mass destruction of medical infrastructure, severe restrictions on humanitarian access and financial strangulation measures,” the statement said.

Calling for urgent action, the embassy stressed that immediate support was needed to prevent further loss of life.

“This is the moment to save thousands of innocent lives. If not India and the Indian people, then who? If not now, then when? Every life matters,” the statement added.

The Palestinian Embassy said the Palestinian people continue to place their faith in the international community and in India’s long-standing commitment to justice, humanitarian values, anti-colonial principles and support for oppressed populations.

Referring to India’s humanitarian initiatives, the embassy highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recently announced Aarogya Maitri project. Quoting the Prime Minister, it noted that India had pledged to provide essential medical assistance to developing nations affected by natural disasters or humanitarian emergencies.

In its statement, the embassy painted a grim picture of what it described as an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, citing figures from the World Health Organization (WHO) and other international agencies.

According to the embassy, only 19 of the 36 hospitals in the Palestinian territories are currently functioning in a limited capacity. It warned that healthcare facilities in Gaza are struggling with severe shortages of medicines, medical equipment, dialysis supplies, blood units and fuel needed to keep generators running.

“On the 986th day of the ongoing Israeli genocidal war, the healthcare system in the Gaza Strip has reached an unprecedented level of devastation,” the statement said, adding that WHO had warned that Gaza’s healthcare infrastructure had reached a critical breaking point.

The embassy also stressed the urgent need to evacuate thousands of patients for treatment outside Gaza, saying that the remaining hospitals are overwhelmed by the scale of casualties and injuries.

It further cited reports from humanitarian organisations that point to critical shortages of anaesthesia, antibiotics, insulin, dialysis equipment, surgical supplies and blood stocks, all of which have significantly hampered medical care.

The statement also highlighted deteriorating public health conditions. According to the embassy, thousands of bodies remain trapped beneath collapsed buildings, while shortages of clean water, failing sanitation systems and accumulating waste have worsened living conditions across Gaza.

The situation has reportedly contributed to the spread of skin diseases, rodent-borne illnesses and infestations involving lice, fleas, bedbugs and mosquitoes, increasing the risk of disease outbreaks.

Citing data from WHO, the United Nations, UNRWA and other humanitarian agencies, the embassy said an estimated 12,000 bodies remain under rubble, further compounding health risks.

The embassy warned that children, elderly people and individuals with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable. It noted that thousands of children are suffering from acute malnutrition and that nearly all children in Gaza are now believed to require mental health and psychosocial support.

Beyond Gaza, the embassy said the healthcare crisis has also intensified in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem. It blamed severe financial pressures, including the continued withholding of Palestinian tax revenues, for crippling the healthcare sector and limiting the Palestinian Ministry of Health’s ability to provide services.

According to the statement, the Palestinian government has issued tens of thousands of free health insurance policies to families affected by the conflict, increasing pressure on already strained public hospitals and healthcare institutions.

The embassy said the impact has been severe. While government hospitals in the West Bank carried out around 65,000 surgeries last year, only about 19,500 procedures have been performed so far this year. More than 11,000 scheduled operations have reportedly been postponed due to shortages of medicines, equipment and operational resources.

The statement also highlighted a growing shortage of essential medicines. Of the 520 critical medicines required by the Palestinian Ministry of Health, nearly 180 are reportedly unavailable. It further said that 50 of the 97 specialised cancer-treatment medicines have completely run out, putting around 4,000 cancer patients at immediate risk.

The embassy added that central medical warehouses are facing acute shortages of vital consumables, including dialysis filters, surgical sutures used in complex procedures such as heart surgeries, and other life-saving supplies.

Describing the situation as an urgent humanitarian emergency, the Palestinian Embassy appealed to the international community, particularly the Government of India, for immediate medical assistance worth $100 million.

“The Palestinian healthcare sector is in desperate need of urgent international support, including the immediate provision of life-saving medicines and medical supplies worth 100 million USD,” the statement said.

The embassy called on the Government of India, humanitarian organisations, medical institutions, civil society groups and other stakeholders to help ensure the uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian and medical assistance and support efforts to protect the lives and dignity of Palestinian civilians.

‘No Longer a Faction’: Amit Shah Makes a Bold Statement on Shiv Sena’s Identity

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Amit Shah
Amit Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday declared that only one Shiv Sena now exists, delivering a pointed message during a public event in Kolhapur, Maharashtra. Referring to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s political journey since the 2022 split, Shah said there was a time when people referred to his camp as the “Shiv Sena-Shinde faction”, but that distinction no longer existed.

“Earlier, people had to say ‘Shiv Sena-Shinde faction’ after Eknath Shinde ji’s name. Now, no faction remains. There is only one Shiv Sena,” Shah said while addressing the gathering.

His remarks came amid fresh turmoil within Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT). Six of the party’s nine Lok Sabha MPs stayed away from a parliamentary meeting in Delhi and submitted a letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla seeking recognition as a separate group. Their expected move towards the Shinde-led Shiv Sena is likely to strengthen support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s BJP-led NDA government at the Center.

A significant moment in the Sena power struggle
For Shah, the statement marked what many see as the culmination of a political realignment that began when Shinde rebelled against Uddhav Thackeray in 2022. Since then, the BJP has been widely viewed as backing developments that weakened Uddhav’s organizational hold over the party.

Shah has repeatedly projected Shinde’s outfit as the legitimate successor to the Shiv Sena founded by Bal Thackeray. Speaking at an earlier event in Mumbai, he had remarked that Shinde had demonstrated what the ” real Shiv Sena ” was.

Responding to those comments at the time, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut sarcastically compared the situation to suggesting that the Republican Party in the United States belonged to Ramdas Athawale. He claimed everyone knew Shinde’s party functioned under Amit Shah’s influence.

BJP denies involvement in Sena split plans
Despite the political fallout, BJP leaders have publicly denied any role in efforts to engineer defections from Shiv Sena (UBT). Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said the BJP had nothing to do with the developments and insisted that MPs were choosing to leave Uddhav Thackeray’s party of their own accord.

However, senior Shiv Sena leaders told HT that discussions around a possible split began shortly after the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections. According to them, the plan gained momentum after the Delimitation Bill failed to secure parliamentary approval due to the NDA lacking the required two-thirds majority.

Sources claimed that Eknath Shinde and his son, Kalyan MP Shrikant Shinde, persuaded BJP leaders that convincing Sena (UBT) MPs to switch sides could help bolster the NDA’s numbers in Parliament.

The developments have coincided with political instability inside West Bengal’s Trinamool Congress, leading some opposition leaders to argue that the BJP is attempting to strengthen support for the Delimitation Bill. There has also been speculation that the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament could be advanced to facilitate progress on the legislation.

Shiv Sena (UBT) alleges the BJP strategy
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve accused the BJP of orchestrating the entire operation while using Eknath Shinde as its public face.

“The BJP is behind this entire plan, but Eknath Shinde has been made the figurehead,” Danve told PTI. He alleged that the objective was to increase the NDA’s parliamentary strength and improve its chances of passing the Delimitation Bill, adding that the BJP was worried about its prospects in the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.

Party MP Arvind Sawant also wrote to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, urging him not to recognise any breakaway faction. He described the developments as part of a broader BJP campaign against opposition parties after the government’s inability to pass the Delimitation Bill in April.

A political journey that began in 2022
The latest rebellion further cements the alliance between the BJP and Eknath Shinde that emerged during the dramatic split in June 2022. At the time, Shinde justified his revolt on ideological grounds, arguing that the Maha Vikas Aghadi government was an unnatural alliance and presenting himself as a defender of Hindutva.

The BJP eventually backed his faction and supported his elevation as Chief Minister.

In 2023, the Election Commission ruled in favour of the Shinde camp, granting it ownership of the Shiv Sena name and the iconic bow-and-arrow election symbol. Uddhav Thackeray’s group was subsequently renamed Shiv Sena (UBT) and allotted the flaming torch symbol.

Los Angeles Celebrates Diljit Dosanjh with Official Citywide Holiday

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diljit dosanjh
diljit dosanjh

Punjabi singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh has added another major achievement to his growing list of international honors. The Los Angeles City Council has officially declared January 6, 2027, as Diljit Dosanjh Day, recognizing his contribution to taking Punjabi music to a global audience and strengthening South Asian representation in mainstream entertainment.

The recognition was conferred through an official civic resolution presented by Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez. The resolution praised Dosanjh not only for his success in music but also for his role in promoting Punjabi culture worldwide and helping South Asian communities gain greater visibility on the international stage.

Diljit celebrates a special honor
Sharing moments from the ceremony on social media, Diljit posted several photos and videos that captured the occasion. Dressed in a white kurta, pink trousers and his signature turban, the singer appeared visibly moved while accepting the recognition. In one video, he greeted attendees with folded hands and expressed his gratitude with a humble bow.

Reacting to the announcement, Diljit said, “My day? I’m speechless, actually. Thank you so much!”

Alongside the post, he explained that the resolution, introduced by Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez, recognized him for his contributions as a singer, actor, and producer, as well as for helping popularise Punjabi music internationally and enhancing South Asian representation within American popular culture.

Citizenship reports draw attention
The honor comes amid recent reports regarding Diljit Dosanjh’s citizenship status. According to a report by The Indian Express, the actor-singer reportedly became a United States citizen in 2022 and has been traveling internationally on a US passport since then.

The report further claimed that he uses an e-visa while visiting India. It also stated that his most recent Indian passport was issued in Mumbai in 2018, while an earlier passport was issued in Zambia. Documents cited in the report reportedly list his wife, Sandeep Kaur, as an American citizen and mention a five-bedroom residence in California as his registered address.

Diljit has not publicly commented on or confirmed these reports.

Upcoming projects
On the professional front, Diljit is currently appearing in director Imtiaz Ali’s Main Vaapas Aaunga, a film centered on the enduring impact of Partition and its relevance across generations. The cast also includes Naseeruddin Shah, Vedang Raina, and Sharvari in important roles.

The film is currently running in theatres and has maintained a steady box office run, earning ₹14.15 crore net and ₹16.88 crore gross in India so far.

Diljit’s next major release is Panjab 95, directed by Honey Trehan. Based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, the film remains one of the actor’s most anticipated projects. However, its release has been delayed due to an ongoing dispute with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), with the makers objecting to the extensive cuts suggested by the board. As a result, the film’s release date remains uncertain.

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