Wild card: Ajit Pawar's dilemma over Kokate
Going by insiders in both the parties, sacking Kokate of the NCP or social justice minister Sanjay Shirsat of the Shiv Sena is not an easy option for Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde. In NCP, most leaders are not in favour of dropping Kokate from the cabinet. They are pointing out that Shinde did not take action against his ministers over the allegations. Besides, NCP has already dropped one minister (Dhananjay Munde) and sacking two ministers within six months of government formation would not look good for the party, they feel. Pawar however has another dilemma. His party's base is largely rural and he doesn't want a negative image among farmers. Besides, the viral video of the assault on leader of Maratha outfit Chhava, also irked him. Though the party's former youth wing chief Suraj Chavan, who was responsible for the assault, was sacked, Chhava has been demanding Kokate's ouster as well.
Ajit always had good relations with leaders of most Maratha outfits and is liked by their followers. Considering these aspects, he will have to show that some action was taken. Will Kokate be sacked or stripped of the agriculture portfolio? Ajit Pawar is expected to decide in the next two days.
*Shinde's support for Kadam
While Ajit Pawar deliberates on what action is to be taken against Kokate, deputy chief minister Shinde gave an indication that he was unlikely to take any action against party leader and minister of state for home Yogesh Kadam. Speaking at a programme at Khed in Ratnagiri, he publicly assured Kadam that he doesn't have any reason to worry. Kadam is under the radar of the Opposition after Shiv Sena (UBT) legislator Anil Parab alleged that a bar in Kandivali whose license was in the name of his mother was being illegally run as a dance bar. Parab had questioned the propriety of a minister's family running a dance bar while he as a minister in home department was supposed to put restrictions on such bars. Yogesh's father and one of the most vocal Sena leader, Ramdas Kadam seemed happy with Shinde's assurance. Speaking at the function, he alleged that there was a conspiracy against Shinde's ministers. He however did not divulge who was hatching the conspiracy: Friends or foes?
Significantly, Shinde has not yet said anything about social justice minister Sanjay Shirsat who is involved in a series of controversies, including a controversial bid by his son to buy a hotel in Sambhajinagar in a government auction. Like Ramdas Kadam, Shirsat too is a vocal supporter of Shinde and a critic of Uddhav Thackeray.
*Seeking divine intervention
Meanwhile, agriculture minister Kokate sought the blessings of Lord Shani at a popular temple in Nandurbar district in north Maharashtra on Saturday. During his tour of the district, Kokate paid a visit to the Shanimandal temple. 'I prayed that the calamities on all of us should go away,' he said after the visit. He is likely to know by Tuesday if God has indeed listened to his prayers.
Raj's post on 'Sena chief'
MNS chief Raj Thackeray's social media post after he visited Matoshree to wish cousin Uddhav Thackeray on his birthday has become a huge talking point. In his post, Raj mentioned Uddhav as 'Shiv Sena party chief'. After Eknath Shinde took over the Sena and got recognised by the Election Commission of India, Raj had publicly criticised him for 'hijacking the party'. He had also pointed out that he chose to float his own party but never thought about taking over the party formed by Balasaheb Thackeray. Raj's post is being seen by Sena(UBT) workers as his recognition that Uddhav is heading the 'real Shiv Sena'. Hence, his visit to Matoshree and this post put a smile on the faces of many Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Economic Times
26 minutes ago
- Economic Times
Shiv Sena (UBT), MNS to 'surely' contest Maharashtra local bodies polls together
Synopsis Sanjay Raut stated that Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS will likely contest local body polls together, hinting at a reunion of Uddhav and Raj Thackeray after their July protest. Raut expressed confidence that an alliance between the cousins' parties would secure a majority in key municipal corporations, including Mumbai, Pune, and Nashik. Discussions between the two leaders are expected soon. PTI From left, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray and NCP (SP) Working President Supriya Sule during a joint rally at Worli area, in Mumbai, Maharashtra (File Photo) Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Tuesday said the Uddhav Thackeray-led party and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) will "surely" contest the local bodies polls together. After months of speculation, estranged cousins Uddhav and Raj Thackeray reunited in July to protest against the Maharashtra government's three-language policy for students of Classes 1-5 and "imposition" of Hindi language, and even held a joint "victory" programme after the decisions were rolled back. Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, Rajya Sabha MP Raut responded in the affirmative when asked about the possibility of the Sena (UBT) and Raj Thackeray-led MNS coming together to fight the upcoming local bodies elections in the state."Surely", he said."Both Thackerays will come together and discuss this," he said. The elections to the high-profile civic body in Mumbai, which the Sena considers its home ground, and other municipal corporations are due in the coming said since the rapprochement between the cousins, workers of the Sena (UBT) and MNS are confident that the alliance will garner a majority in the civic bodies of Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Thane and Thackeray walked away from the undivided Shiv Sena in 2005 over apparent differences with his cousin and formed the MNS, projecting it as the true champion of the cause of the sons-of-the-soil. The parties, led by the cousins, have since contested elections against each other.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
NCERT Class 8 Social Science book sparks royal outrage: Map ‘factually baseless, historically misleading,' says Jaisalmer king
On August 4, Chaitanya Raj Singh Bhati, King (Maharawal) of the erstwhile kingdom of Jaisalmer, raised a pointed objection to a historical map published in the new National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) Class 8 Social Science textbook. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now In a post shared on X, he drew attention to a map on page 71 of the chapter The Rise of the Marathas , where Jaisalmer appears as a part of the Maratha Empire, a depiction he calls 'historically misleading, factually baseless, and deeply objectionable.' 'This issue is not merely a textbook error but appears to be an attempt to tarnish the sacrifices, sovereignty, and valorous saga of our ancestors,' Chaitanya Raj Singh Bhati wrote in a public statement, tagging Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and the NCERT. 'In the context of the Jaisalmer princely state, no authentic historical sources mention any Maratha dominance, invasion, taxation, or authority.' His post also claimed that 'our royal records clearly state that the Maratha never had any interference in the Jaisalmer princely state.' Calling for immediate correction, he urged authorities to take 'prompt and concrete action' and termed the matter one that affects 'historical dignity, self-respect, and the integrity of the national curriculum.' Between accuracy and accountability Chaitanya Raj Singh Bhati's remarks on the map fall within this broader context of curricular changes and evolving approaches to historical content. As of now, NCERT has not made a public statement regarding the specific concern about the representation of Jaisalmer. In his post, he referred to the depiction as one that affects 'public sentiments' and expressed concern on behalf of the 'entire Jaisalmer family.' The post underscores the role of visual elements like maps in shaping how historical boundaries and political affiliations are understood by students. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The ongoing conversation reflects how academic materials are being reviewed, interpreted, and engaged with by a wider set of voices. Whether through written text or cartographic detail, the question of historical accuracy continues to draw attention as part of India's education discourse. NCERT Class 8 Social Science book : Other updates This critique surfaces at a time when NCERT has already found itself at the centre of a larger pedagogical shift. As part of its revised National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF SE) 2023, the Council's new Class 8 Social Science textbook also presents major political transformations between the 13th and 17th centuries, including the rise and decline of the Delhi Sultanate, the Mughal dynasty, and the emergence of Sikh resistance. The new edition notably invites learners to examine India's medieval past with what NCERT describes as 'objectivity' and encourages them not to assign modern-day blame for historical events. 'Understanding the historical origin of cruel violence, abusive misrule, or misplaced ambitions of power is the best way to heal the past and build a future where, hopefully, they will have no place,' the Council said in a statement quoted by ANI. Among the most recent updates in the textbook is the reframing of Babur and Akbar's legacies. The founder of the Mughal dynasty is introduced as both a military tactician and a figure whose campaigns involved the destruction of temples, drawing from Babur's own memoirs. Akbar, often remembered for his policies of religious accommodation, is now described as 'a blend of brutality and tolerance, shaped by ambition and strategy.' His role in the 1568 siege of Chittorgarh is noted alongside his efforts to include Rajput leaders in his court and translate Hindu epics into Persian. Aurangzeb's reign is similarly explored through both political and religious lenses. Students are introduced to his decisions to reinstate the jizya, destroy temples in cities such as Banaras and Mathura, and suppress minority groups. Yet the framing remains focused on helping students interpret history as 'a record of choices, consequences, and contradictions.' Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is noted in some historical accounts for initiating efforts to restore damaged temples and support Hindu cultural practices. Bottom line For students navigating India's evolving curriculum, the debate over how history is represented is no longer just about facts and timelines. It is about the lens through which young learners understand power, resistance, and regional identity. As conversations around historical accuracy and cultural sensitivity gain momentum, the current episode serves as a reminder that textbooks are not just repositories of information. They are tools that shape civic understanding and generational memory. What gets included, omitted, or contested will continue to influence how history is taught, and how it is remembered. TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us
NDTV
an hour ago
- NDTV
"Baseless": NCERT Map Shows Jaisalmer Under Maratha Empire, Ex-Royal Fumes
Jaisalmer (Rajasthan): Chaitanya Raj Singh of the erstwhile Jaisalmer royal family lodged a strong protest on Tuesday over a Class 8 NCERT social science textbook depicting the former princely state of Jaisalmer as part of the Maratha Empire. In a post on X, Mr Singh termed the map "factually incorrect and misleading" and urged Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to take immediate action and ensure the removal of the erroneous content. "The map shown in the NCERT Social Science textbook for Class 8 (Unit 3, page number 71) depicts Jaisalmer as a part of the then Maratha Empire, which is historically misleading, factually baseless, and deeply objectionable. Such unverified and historically unsubstantiated information not only raises questions about the credibility of institutions like NCERT but also hurts our glorious history and public sentiments. This issue is not merely a textbook error but appears to be an attempt to tarnish the sacrifices, sovereignty, and valorous saga of our ancestors," Mr Singh said. कक्षा 8 की NCERT की सामाजिक विज्ञान विषय पाठ्यपुस्तक (Unit 3, पृष्ठ संख्या 71) में दर्शाए गए मानचित्र में जैसलमेर को तत्कालीन मराठा साम्राज्य का भाग दर्शाया गया है, जो कि ऐतिहासिक रूप से भ्रामक, तथ्यहीन और गम्भीर रूप से आपत्तिजनक है। इस प्रकार की अपुष्ट और ऐतिहासिक साक्ष्यविहीन… — Chaitanya Raj Singh (@crsinghbhati) August 4, 2025 He mentioned that in the context of the Jaisalmer princely state, no authentic historical sources mention any Maratha dominance, invasion, taxation, or authority. "On the contrary, our royal records clearly state that the Maratha never had any interference in the Jaisalmer princely state," Chaitanya Raj Singh said. "Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan ji, on behalf of the entire Jaisalmer family, I wish to draw your attention to this burning issue and urge that such erroneous, malicious, and agenda-driven presentations by NCERT be taken seriously and corrected immediately. This is not just a matter of factual correction but is connected to our historical dignity, self-respect, and the integrity of the national curriculum. Prompt and concrete action is expected on this matter," he added. From detailed views on Maratha leaders to the history of Sikhism, and from powerful regional dynasties to overlooked rulers like Narasimhadeva I, the newly released NCERT Class 8 Social Science textbook offers a broader, more inclusive account of Indian history. The book, Exploring Society: India and Beyond--Grade 8, Part 1, introduces detailed chapters on the Sikh and Maratha empires, which were previously limited to a few pages or passing references. The book, to be introduced from the 2025-26 academic year, also marks a shift in tone in its portrayal of the Mughal emperors, offering detailed accounts of conquest, religious decisions, cultural contributions, and brutality. The chapter on the Marathas, which was previously only 1.5 pages long, has now been expanded to 22 pages and begins with Shivaji's rise in the 17th century and his coronation at Raigad Fort. It describes his innovative administrative systems, military strategies, including guerrilla warfare, and his emphasis on swarajya or self-rule. The book goes on to explore the contributions of Shivaji's successors, including Sambhaji, Rajaram, Shahu, and visionary leaders such as Tarabai, Bajirao I, Mahadji Shinde, and Nana Phadnavis.
