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6 hours ago
- Politics
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Uttar Pradesh Set For Major Political Overhaul As BJP Eyes Course Correction Before 2027 Polls
Last Updated: After identifying lapses in regional and caste representation, the BJP leadership is initiating a reset to recover ground lost in the 2024 polls Uttar Pradesh is poised for a significant political reshuffle, both within the BJP's organisational framework and the state government structure, top sources have confirmed to CNN-News18. In the wake of its underwhelming performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP is preparing a comprehensive reset ahead of the crucial 2027 Assembly polls. The first step in this direction is expected to be the announcement of a new Uttar Pradesh BJP president — a decision currently awaited. After a brief lull following the Pakistan-backed terror attack in Pahalgam and Operation Sindoor, the BJP has resumed focus on pending organisational changes. Uttar Pradesh is at the centre of this activity, with the appointment of a new state president seen as the immediate priority. The decision is expected to set the tone not only for the 2027 state elections but also for the party's larger leadership transition. Following the appointment, a cabinet expansion in the Yogi Adityanath-led government is on the cards. The move aims to ensure balanced regional and caste representation, especially from areas and communities that have either been underrepresented or shifted their allegiance in the recent parliamentary polls. Sources indicate that additional representation may be extended to regions such as Awadh, Braj, Kashi, Ambedkar Nagar, and the Pratapgarh–Prayagraj belt. Among the communities likely to receive fresh or enhanced representation are the Pasi and Kurmi groups from Awadh; Saini, Maurya, and Shakya from the central-eastern belt; Shakya from Braj; and Bind and Kurmi from the Kashi region. An internal review conducted by the party suggests that many of these communities, including segments of the BJP's traditional voter base, drifted away in 2024 — leading to a substantial fall in vote share. In several constituencies, the drop was as high as 6–7 per cent, even in areas previously considered secure by the party's own estimates. This feedback, shared with the central leadership, has prompted urgent discussions on course correction, with the twin goals of addressing gaps in representation and regaining electoral ground. The party is also preparing to elect a new national president. JP Nadda, who was appointed in January 2020, has already completed his full term and was given extensions to steer the BJP through critical phases, including the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. As per party norms, a majority of state unit elections must be completed before the new national chief is named — making the Uttar Pradesh appointment a key step in that direction. In contrast, the Samajwadi Party's candidate selection — rooted in nuanced social engineering — paid off handsomely in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, bolstering Akhilesh Yadav's political stock. The BJP, meanwhile, is working on a counter-strategy to outpace the SP in the run-up to 2027. Having come to power in 2017 with a landslide and repeated that performance with an even stronger mandate in 2022, the Yogi Adityanath government will now seek a third consecutive term. For the BJP, retaining Uttar Pradesh is not just about a state election, it is about mirroring the larger national narrative of continuity, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is currently in a rare third term at the Centre. First Published: June 28, 2025, 09:44 IST
News18
a day ago
- Politics
- News18
No Country Should Back Perpetrators Of Terror: India's Sharp Message To China On SCO Sidelines
Last Updated: Rajnath Singh conveyed to his Chinese counterpart that India will not compromise on sovereignty, recalling the Pahalgam attack and its targeted strikes under Operation Sindoor In a sharp diplomatic message during bilateral talks with China, India reiterated its uncompromising stance on terrorism, invoking the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and the country's strong military response through Operation Sindoor, a targeted operation against terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. During the meeting, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh delivered a firm message to his Chinese counterpart, Admiral Dong Jun. Singh is visiting the Chinese port city of Qingdao and met his counterpart on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers' conclave. Admiral Dong had also welcomed Singh upon his arrival in China on Thursday. According to exclusive sources who briefed CNN-News18, India conveyed two unequivocal messages to China: first, that no country should support the perpetrators of terrorism; and second, that India reserves the right to defend its territorial integrity. These remarks served as a direct reminder of New Delhi's zero-tolerance policy on terrorism and reflected its expectation that China must not offer any diplomatic or strategic cover to cross-border terror networks. The conversation sent a strong signal that counterterrorism cooperation is non-negotiable for meaningful progress in bilateral ties. Operation Sindoor And The Terrorism Red Line Rajnath Singh took the opportunity to brief Admiral Dong on the Pahalgam attack, where terrorists killed 26 civilians in Jammu and Kashmir. India launched Operation Sindoor in retaliation, targeting terrorist infrastructure inside Pakistan — a move that has since drawn both regional and global attention. The reference to the operation was seen as an indirect but unmistakable signal to China, which has often shielded Pakistan-based terrorists at global forums, including the United Nations. The bilateral discussion was not confined to counterterrorism alone. Both leaders reviewed ongoing efforts to stabilise ties strained by the 2020 border standoff in Eastern Ladakh. Singh acknowledged the disengagement of troops from Depsang and Demchok in 2024 as a major step forward. While noting incremental progress, he stressed the importance of a structured roadmap for permanent engagement and de-escalation, and called for rejuvenating the established mechanism on border demarcation to resolve long-pending issues. Singh also underscored that it was incumbent on both sides to 'maintain this positive momentum and avoid adding new complexities" to the relationship — a direct quote from Rajnath Singh's post on X following the meeting. Held talks with Admiral Don Jun, the Defence Minister of China, on the sidelines of SCO Defence Minitsers' Meeting in Qingdao. We had a constructive and forward looking exchange of views on issues pertaining to bilateral my happiness on restarting of the… — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) June 27, 2025 He emphasised the need for bridging the trust deficit that emerged after the Galwan clash, stating that peace along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) remains fundamental to the normalisation of India-China relations. Diplomatic Milestones And Future Engagements Despite historical tensions, Singh acknowledged the symbolic importance of 75 years of diplomatic ties between India and China, and expressed appreciation for recent developments aimed at normalisation. As a gesture of goodwill, Singh presented Admiral Dong with a traditional Madhubani painting, reflecting India's cultural heritage from the Mithila region of Bihar. He also welcomed the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra after a five-year hiatus, calling it a significant confidence-building measure. The yatra, postponed in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will resume from June 30. The first group will cross into China via Lipulekh Pass on July 10, with the final batch returning to India by August 22. Both sides agreed to continue consultations at various levels to take forward disengagement, de-escalation, border management, and eventual delimitation, leveraging existing mechanisms. This meeting, set against the backdrop of a fast-evolving regional security landscape, underscored India's assertive recalibration — engaging neighbours on peace, but drawing clear red lines on sovereignty and terror. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : India-China ties rajnath singh SCO meet Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 27, 2025, 13:21 IST News india No Country Should Back Perpetrators Of Terror: India's Sharp Message To China On SCO Sidelines
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a day ago
- Science
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Who Is Shubhanshu Shukla, First Indian To Reach International Space Station In Over 40 Years
Last Updated: In his first remarks from the earth's orbit, Shubhanshu Shukla said that the Tricolour on his shoulders reminds him that "I am not alone and I am awith all of you". India's astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla became the second Indian to travel to space as he boarded SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft with three other astronauts to visit the International Space Station from NASA's spaceport in Florida on Wednesday. 1/4 Who is Shubhanshu Shukla? (CNN-News18)
News18
2 days ago
- Politics
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Marco Rubio Calls Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan PM Thanks US For 'Role' In Ceasefire With India
Last Updated: Sources say Sharif aims to internationalise the Kashmir issue and solidify domestic support amidst the challenges posed by Imran Khan Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif received a telephone call from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday evening, with discussions also covering India and the Iran-Israel tensions, CNN-News18 has learnt. During their conversation, the Prime Minister expressed his appreciation for President Donald Trump's leadership in securing the ceasefire between Iran and Israel. He also thanked Secretary Rubio for 'the US role in facilitating the Pakistan-India ceasefire", despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi's denial of mediation. Both leaders agreed to continue strengthening Pakistan-US relations, with a focus on enhanced trade. Sharif assured that Pakistan would maintain its constructive role in promoting peace in the Middle East. Secretary Rubio acknowledged these efforts and expressed the US's interest in collaborating with Pakistan to ensure regional stability. Top diplomatic sources said that Shehbaz Sharif is keen to present Pakistan as a mediator between the US and China for issues concerning the Muslim Ummah. His public appreciation of the US aims to internationalise the Kashmir issue and solidify domestic support amidst the challenges posed by Imran Khan, they added. Despite the downgraded protocol of this call, with General Asim Munir being the main power broker engaging directly with top US officials, Shehbaz Sharif seeks US recognition to bolster his legitimacy, especially after President Trump's meeting with Pakistan's army chief, the sources said. Facing an economic crisis and the looming influence of China, Shehbaz is striving to secure trade concessions, aid, and IMF loan relaxations from the US while carefully managing relations with China, they said. The international community recognises Pakistan's difficulties following the conflict with India and sees Shehbaz's actions as an attempt to address domestic concerns by crediting the US for the ceasefire, the sources said. About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 First Published: June 27, 2025, 02:38 IST
News18
2 days ago
- Science
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‘Thankful To The Nation': Shubhanshu Shukla's Parents Say As Spacecraft Completes ISS Docking
Last Updated: Shambhu and Asha Shukla said they were overwhelmed with joy and grateful for the nation's support. The family of Indian-origin astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla shared their joy and pride on Thursday after SpaceX's Dragon capsule successfully docked with the International Space Station (ISS), carrying their son and three others aboard. Speaking to CNN-News18, Shukla's father, Shambhu Dayal Shukla, said, 'Very happy moment for us… hope docking takes place fine. I am thankful to all the countrymen for their wishes". His mother, Asha Shukla, also expressed her emotions: 'I am very happy and excited… hope docking takes place fine." Shubhanshu Shukla was joined by NASA retiree turned private astronaut Peggy Whitson, who was on her fifth flight, along with Poland's Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski and Hungary's Tibor Kapu. The four-member Axiom 4 crew is slated to spend 14 days aboard the International Space Station, where they will carry out microgravity research and science outreach. For India, Poland, and Hungary, this mission marks a return to human spaceflight after more than four decades and it is also their first time sending astronauts to the ISS. Kapu is part of Hungary's national HUNOR astronaut program, while Uznański-Wiśniewski is attached to the European Space Agency. Both are flying as mission specialists. Leading the mission is 65-year-old Whitson, a veteran who retired from NASA in 2018 after logging 675 days in space and setting a US record. She was the first woman to command the ISS and also served as NASA's first female chief astronaut. Now director of human spaceflight at Axiom, she returns to orbit as commander of the company's latest mission. First Published: June 26, 2025, 16:14 IST
