Ravindra Chavan likely to lead Maharashtra's BJP unit
Ravindra Chavan likely to lead state BJP
BJP MLA and former minister Ravindra Chavan, currently serving as the working president of the Maharashtra BJP, will likely be elevated as state president ahead of the local body elections. His name figured among the potential chief ministerial candidates, alongside Minister for State and Lok Sabha MP Muralidhar Mohal as a prominent Maratha face when Mahayuti came to power. Chavan not only lost the chief ministerial race, but also failed to get the ministerial berth in the Fadnavis cabinet. However, as a consolation, he was appointed as working president of the BJP under the Maharashtra BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule.
Defying govt, PAs, OSDs persist in their roles
The ministers in Mahayuti had recommended the appointments of their PAs and officers on special duty, but the ministers mostly Shiv Sena and NCP's recommended names were either put on hold or got rejected by the state general administration department unofficially citing past bad records. CM Devendra Fadnavis said that there were some PAs and OSD who worked as fixers in the previous government; these unofficially blacklisted people will not get the appointments in his government. Despite this, several PAs and OSDs who are not officially appointed, are still working and functioning as PAs and OSDS and handling govt files.
Hindi dominates official communication in Maha
Although state education minister Dada Bhuse recently rolled back the decision to make Hindi a third language in schools due to public backlash, the alliance parties of the BJP-led Mahayuti are now using Hindi extensively for official communication. Previously, govt press notes were issued in Marathi, but they are now also being published in Hindi. The move seems aimed at garnering more attention in the Hindi-speaking regions and signalling to the party leadership. While schools may have postponed the decision to introduce Hindi as a third language, the state govt has embraced Hindi as their primary mode of communication.
Sudhir Suryawanshi
Our correspondent in Maharashtra
suryawanshi.sudhir@gmail.com
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Business Standard
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Vehicles torched, cops injured in Bengal: What triggered the chaos?
Security has been tightened in West Bengal's Maheshtala following violent clashes between a mob and police personnel on Wednesday that left five officers injured and led to the torching of vehicles and widespread unrest, The Times of India reported. The violence unfolded in the Rabindranagar-Akra area, under the jurisdiction of the Rabindranagar Police Station, when a mob suddenly turned violent during a protest, pelting stones at the police. In response, officers, overwhelmed and outnumbered, resorted to a lathicharge and deployed tear gas to bring the situation under control. Among the injured was DC (Port) Harikrishna Pai, who, along with four other police personnel, sustained injuries during the scuffle. Two government vehicles were also reportedly damaged, and a motorcycle was set ablaze as clashes escalated. Reinforcements were called in swiftly, and senior officers led riot control teams to disperse the crowd. After regrouping near Santoshpur, the mob once again clashed with police forces, leading to another round of violence. However, after a sustained effort involving chase and crowd control measures, law enforcement successfully restored order in the affected areas. Meanwhile, patrolling has been intensified, and four individuals have been arrested in connection with the violence. What triggered the violence in West Bengal's Maheshtala? According to the report, the unrest stemmed from a simmering land dispute. Tensions flared when a group hastily constructed a 'tulsi mancha' at a location where a member of a minority community previously ran a shop. The shopkeeper was reportedly away celebrating Eid, and the other group alleged that the shop was built illegally on land belonging to a temple. Before authorities could intervene, the dispute spiraled into a violent confrontation, including road blockades and attacks on police officers. What did BJP, TMC say? Leader of the Opposition and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Suvendu Adhikari slammed the incident and said that the victims of the violence were from Hindu families. He also demanded immediate deployment of central forces in the area. 'Several police personnel were injured in the violence, and many police vehicles were torched. We demand immediate deployment of central forces in the area to save and protect people,' Adhikari said. In a post on X, Adhikari further stated, 'I have approached the SP of Diamond Harbour Police District and DGP @WBPolice so that today, I along with one MLA can visit Maheshtala under Rabindranagar Police Station to meet and express solidarity with the victims of the Hindu families and the affected Hindu shopkeepers who came under the attack of the Jihadis yesterday. This visit is a step towards understanding their grievances and ensuring their voices are heard. I hope that the Administration does not obstruct my visit.' Countering the BJP's claims, Trinamool Congress (TMC) spokesperson Kunal Ghosh dismissed suggestions that the incident was indicative of a breakdown in law and order. 'The incident in Maheshtala is not related to the overall law and order situation. However, the incident is unfortunate and highly condemnable. The police acted very responsibly and did not take any step to aggravate the situation,' Ghosh said. As of now, the West Bengal police have not issued an official statement regarding the incident. However, security forces remain on high alert, and patrols continue across sensitive zones in Maheshtala to prevent any further escalation.
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Air India Plane Crash: Politicians Across Parties Express Solidarity, Seek Clarification About Incident
Menu हिंदी తెలుగు اردو Home Politics Economy World Security Law Science Society Culture Editor's Pick Opinion Support independent journalism. Donate Now Government Air India Plane Crash: Politicians Across Parties Express Solidarity, Seek Clarification About Incident The Wire Staff 8 minutes ago The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has said that the plane 'crashed immediately after takeoff from Ahmedabad.' Rescue and relief work underway after an Air India plane crashed moments after taking off from the airport, in Ahmedabad on Thursday, June 12, 2025. Photo: PTI Real journalism holds power accountable Since 2015, The Wire has done just that. But we can continue only with your support. Contribute now New Delhi: After an Air India flight bound for London crashed near the Ahmedabad airport on Thursday (June 12) with many feared dead, politicians from across the spectrum expressed their solidarity with the aggrieved families and called for clarifications on the incident. Prime Minister Narendra Modi termed the tragedy as 'heartbreaking' and said that he is in touch with ministers and authorities to assist those affected. 'The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected,' Modi wrote on X. Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi said that Congress workers must do everything they can to help on the ground 'The Ahmedabad Air India crash is heartbreaking. The pain and anxiety the families of the passengers and crew must be feeling is unimaginable. My thoughts are with each one of them in this incredibly difficult moment. Urgent rescue and relief efforts by the administration are critical – every life matters, every second counts. Congress workers must do everything they can to help on the ground,' Gandhi posted on X. Samajwadi Party supremo Akhilesh Yadav too called for immediate relief and treatment to be administered to those injured. 'There should be immediate clarification of the Ahmedabad plane crash so that all doubts can be allayed. Prayers for all passengers and crew members. Highest level rescue, relief and treatment should be provided,' Yadav posted on X in Hindi. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has said that the plane 'crashed immediately after takeoff from Ahmedabad.' It has confirmed that 242 people were on board, consisting of two pilots and 10 cabin crew. The aircraft was under the command of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal with First Officer Clive Kundar. 'We are deeply shocked and saddened to hear about the crash of the Air India flight with 242 people in a densely-populated area in Ahmedabad. We urge the government to mount swift rescue operations. Our thoughts are with those affected and their families,' the Communist Party of India (Marxist) CPI (M) wrote on X. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) president M.K Stalin too said that he has been deeply shocked by the crash of the plane and termed the incident as 'horrifying.' 'My thoughts are with everyone affected and the families of those on board. Hoping every possible effort is underway for rescue and relief,' said Stalin. 'Deeply saddened by the tragic flight crash in Ahmedabad. Praying for the safety of all passengers and crew onboard. Thoughts are with families affected,' said Vaishnaw. The Wire is now on WhatsApp. Follow our channel for sharp analysis and opinions on the latest developments. Make a contribution to Independent Journalism Related News 'No Survivors,' Reports Associated Press as Air India Flight With 242 Onboard Crashes Near Ahmedabad Airport Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Here Are the Hotline and Emergency Numbers For Arms Dealers, Operation Sindoor Was Not a Crisis Conflict But a Business Opportunity 'Not a Single Project Completed on Time': Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh on IAF's Delivery Delay Woes Three Things the CDS Interviews in Singapore Tell Us This Eid, an Aurangzeb to Remember All India Radio Trichy FM Goes Hindi By Night, Draws Ire The Wonders of Jugaad in the Indian and Pakistani Militaries Unexpected Fallout of Op Sindoor Has Been Tilt in Pakistan's Military Balance Toward Its Air Force View in Desktop Mode About Us Contact Us Support Us © Copyright. All Rights Reserved.
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Business Standard
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Tagore's ancestral home vandalised in Bangladesh over parking dispute
A mob vandalised the historic ancestral home of Rabindranath Tagore — the Rabindra Kacharibari — in Bangladesh's Sirajganj district on Sunday, following a dispute over motorcycle parking. According to a report by Bangladeshi newspaper The Daily Star, the incident occurred after a visitor argued with museum staff over his motorcycle parking. According to Mohammad Habibur Rahman, the custodian of Rabindra Kacharibari, a group of young men forced their way into the premises around 11.30 am and caused damage to the auditorium, doors, and windows. While parts of the property were vandalised, the main mansion — which serves as a memorial museum for the Nobel laureate — was not harmed. Rahman said the unexpected violence created panic among visitors present at the time. 'We took shelter during the attack and informed police immediately,' he noted. Staff members tried to stop the group as they moved towards the museum, but the police arrived in time to prevent further damage. He added that around five or six people, including staffers, sustained injuries during the incident. Shahjadpur Police Station's officer-in-charge, Aslam Ali, said preliminary inquiries indicated the violence stemmed from a dispute over motorcycle parking outside the site, the report added. A case was registered against 50–60 individuals, including 10 named accused, on Wednesday, the report added. Police have been deployed to secure the premises, which have been closed to visitors. Tagore connection to site Tagore's connection to the site dates back to the 19th century, when his grandfather, Prince Dwarkanath Tagore, purchased the estate. Rabindranath Tagore later spent extended periods at the mansion, during which he composed parts of several literary works. Notably, he wrote Amar Shonar Bangla, which went on to become the national anthem of the country. String of targeted attacks Bangladesh has seen a spate of attacks on cultural and historical landmarks in recent months. Among them was the vandalism of the Mujibnagar Memorial Complex, a key site linked to the country's Liberation War. Home and statues of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Bangladesh's founding leader and first Prime Minister, were also defaced or destroyed in several parts of the country. Pre-planned attack, says BJP The incident has drawn strong condemnation from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national spokesperson Sambit Patra, alleging that the attack was 'preplanned' and orchestrated by radical groups like Jamaat-e-Islami and Hefazat-e-Islam. He also criticised Bangladesh's interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, for its delayed response. 'According to media reports, this house was recently attacked in a pre-planned act of violence, carried out by members of Jamaat-e-Islami and Hefazat-e-Islam. It is unacceptable that such an international museum was not protected. So far, the interim government of Bangladesh has not taken any action. The Bharatiya Janata Party condemns this attack strongly,' Patra said. It is known to all of you that on Tuesday, Rabindranath Tagore's ancestral home located in Bangladesh was attacked and suffered significant damage. According to media reports, this house was recently attacked in a pre-planned act of violence, carried out by members of… — Sambit Patra (@sambitswaraj) June 12, 2025 Similarly, BJP MLA and West Bengal Leader of the Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, termed the vandalism an attack on Bengal's cultural soul. He claimed the act was carried out by supporters of Bangladesh Nationalist Party and Bangladesh Islami Chhatrashibir. 'This is a wake-up call for the Hindus of West Bengal. When extremist forces gain ground, they spare no one; not even a figure revered worldwide like Tagore. The attack on Kachari Bari is not just an assault on a building; it's an attack on our shared heritage, our identity, and our values,' Adhikari said.
