VCK, Congress leaders oppose TNCC chief's pitch to include PMK in DMK alliance
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Business Standard
31 minutes ago
- Business Standard
After 20 years, Uddhav and Raj Thackeray to share stage for 'victory rally'
After nearly two decades, Uddhav and Raj Thackeray to share stage in Mumbai to celebrate Maharashtra government's rollback of Hindi in primary schools; Congress, Sharad Pawar to skip event New Delhi After nearly 20 years of political estrangement, Shiv Sena (UBT) Chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) President Raj Thackeray will come together on Saturday for a joint "mega victory gathering" in Mumbai. The event will celebrate the Maharashtra government's decision to roll back the contentious three-language policy that mandated Hindi as a compulsory subject in primary schools, news agency PTI reported. This rare show of unity between the cousins, known for championing the cause of Marathi pride and language, comes just ahead of the upcoming local body elections, including the crucial polls for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). From estrangement to alliance Their joint appearance on Saturday will take place at the NSCI Dome in Worli, a stronghold of Aaditya Thackeray, Uddhav's son and a prominent leader of the Sena (UBT). The celebration, although branded as apolitical, carries significant political undertones. Both parties have instructed their cadres not to display flags, banners, or party symbols. Still, the event is being closely watched, as both the Sena (UBT) and MNS are struggling to regain electoral ground after poor performances in the 2024 state assembly elections. The Sena (UBT) won 20 seats, while the MNS failed to secure any. Protests, violence, and victory The celebration follows a series of protests led by both parties opposing the state government's April 16 decision to make Hindi compulsory for classes 1 to 5 in Marathi and English medium schools. The backlash led to an amended order on June 17, which made Hindi optional, and the complete withdrawal of the earlier orders on June 29. The same day, Sena (UBT) and MNS leaders burned copies of the government order and announced a protest march. Claiming moral victory after the government's rollback, they decided to convert the protest into a celebration instead. However, the lead-up to the rally has not been without controversy. MNS workers were recently seen assaulting a street vendor for not speaking Marathi, while two people were publicly made to apologise in the presence of Sena (UBT) leader Rajan Vichare, PTI reported. Allies absent, but others join in Although the Congress party supports the anti-Hindi imposition stand, it will not participate in the event. State Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal confirmed their absence. NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar will also skip the function, citing prior engagements, though senior leaders like Supriya Sule or Jitendra Awhad may represent the party, PTI reported. Both parties have invited activists, writers, artists, and other political outfits to join the gathering. A day before the event, Sena (UBT) and MNS workers jointly distributed sweets and waved party flags in Thane. Large posters of Uddhav and Raj were put up across the city, while the Koli community held a special prayer at the Aai Ekvira Temple in Thane, praying for continued unity between the Thackeray cousins. (With PTI inputs)
New Indian Express
2 hours ago
- New Indian Express
TNCC chief's pitch to include PMK in alliance triggers dissent in Congress
CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) president K Selvaperunthagai's remarks in an interview to TNIE on Friday, reiterating his preference for the inclusion of PMK in the DMK-led INDIA bloc for the 2026 Assembly polls, have drawn sharp criticism from within the Congress and its ally VCK. While Congress MP Manickam Tagore questioned how a party that has consistently supported Prime Minister Narendra Modi since 2014 could be considered for alliance, VCK deputy general secretary and Villupuram MP D Ravikumar urged the AICC to clarify whether Selvaperunthagai's statement had the approval of the party's high command. He also said the TNCC chief's remarks gave the impression that the current DMK-led alliance lacked strength. In the interview, Selvaperunthagai said his view stemmed from the need for greater unity between Dalits and OBCs. On VCK's opposition to such an alliance, he said the VCK has the right to decide what is good for the party. Tagore, in a post on X, said without naming Selvaperunthagai, 'How can you want a party that stood with Modi since 2014 to be your ally? Why hurt those who have stood with us and support Rahul Gandhi in every battle?' 'This cannot be a party decision- it appears to be purely personal,' he said, with a hashtag 'StandWithTrueFriends'.
NDTV
2 hours ago
- NDTV
"Supreme Court Is Not A Chief Justice-Centric Court": BR Gavai
Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai reaffirmed the Supreme Court's commitment to transparency in judicial appointments during a felicitation ceremony organised by the Bombay Bar Association. He emphasised that the court is working to dispel the perception that the Supreme Court is "CJI-centric." Speaking at the Bombay High Court in an event organised by the Bombay Bar Association, CJI Gavai highlighted ongoing efforts to ensure a more inclusive and transparent appointment process. He noted that this approach had been strengthened since the tenure of Justice Sanjiv Khanna. "...We have tried to dispel the impression that the Supreme Court is a CJI-Centric court," CJI Gavai said. "In the interest of the institution, from the period of Justice Sanjiv Khanna, we have tried to infuse more transparency in the matter of appointments." He shared that the court had recently interviewed 54 candidates and recommended around 36 appointments. He assured that the selection process would continue to be transparent while ensuring fair representation from all sections of society. "For the last three days, on the first two days, we held interviews with about 54 candidates, and yesterday we have recommended around 36 appointments...I must assure you that we will ensure that we adopt a complete process of transparency while ensuring that representation is given to all sections of society. The merit will never be compromised," he added. Addressing the issue of case pendency, CJI Gavai acknowledged it as a serious challenge. He attributed one of the significant causes of pendency to judicial vacancies and assured that steps are being taken to address them. "Pendency is a huge issue. We are trying to work on it. One of the reasons for dependency is the vacancies which are not filled up. This is the third function in Nagpur that has flagged an issue about interference in the functioning of the college. I must assure you that we will ensure that we will adopt a complete process of transparency. While ensuring that the representation is given to all sections of the society, the merit will never be compromised, and in so far as my own High Court is concerned, I can assure that the names, whatever are recommended, we will try to follow it up and that as soon as possible the Bombay High Court starts functioning at full strength so that at least the issue of dependency is addressed to some extent." Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai was sworn in as the 52nd Chief Justice of India in May. President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath of office to Justice Gavai, who succeeded CJI Sanjiv Khanna. Justice Gavai is the first Buddhist Chief Justice and only the second from the Dalit community, after former Chief Justice KG Balakrishnan, who held office in 2007, to occupy the highest judicial office in the country. Justice Gavai has also made it clear that he will not take any post-retirement assignments.
