Politics – Page 2 – SD NEWS agency

Rebel SP MLAs Dismiss ‘Homecoming’ Buzz; Say Will “Never Align with Ram Opponents”

25Feb

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Politics, State, Uttar Pradesh

Rebel SP MLAs Dismiss ‘Homecoming’ Buzz; Say Will “Never Align with Ram Opponents”

Lucknow: Political speculation is once again swirling around seven rebel legislators of the Samajwadi Party (SP) who had cross-voted during the 2024 Rajya Sabha elections. Amid reports suggesting that some of them are exploring a possible return to the party, two expelled MLAs — Rakesh Pratap Singh and Abhay Singh — have categorically denied any such move. The SP had expelled Manoj Kumar Pandey, Abhay Singh, and Rakesh Pratap Singh in 2025 for voting in favor of the BJP during the Rajya Sabha polls. Four others — Rakesh Pandey, Vinod Chaturvedi, Pooja Pal, and Ashutosh Maurya — were also part of the cross-voting episode that triggered political controversy. ‘SP Should Abandon Illusions’: Rakesh Pratap Singh Rakesh Pratap Singh, MLA from Gauriganj in Amethi, rejected reports of rec...

Celebrating 60 Years of Public Service: Sharad Pawar’s Daughter and Daughter-in-Law Share Rare Old Photograph

24Feb

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Maharashtra, Politics, State

Celebrating 60 Years of Public Service: Sharad Pawar’s Daughter and Daughter-in-Law Share Rare Old Photograph

Mumbai, February 24, 2026: At the age of 85, Sharad Pawar, founder of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), continues to remain active in public life despite recent health concerns. Pawar was admitted to Ruby Hall Clinic in Pune due to dehydration. This comes shortly after he completed 60 years in parliamentary and public service. On this milestone, Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar and Pawar’s daughter, Supriya Sule, shared a rare old photograph from his early political journey. Honouring a Six-Decade Legacy Sunetra Pawar posted the photograph on February 22, writing:"Respected Sharad Pawar Saheb completes a historic milestone of sixty years in public and parliamentary life. Starting his journey in 1967, he continues with the same energy and dedication. From the M...

IAS Sandip Sagale Appointed as New Chief Electoral Officer of Gujarat

24Feb

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Gujarat, Politics, State

IAS Sandip Sagale Appointed as New Chief Electoral Officer of Gujarat

Ahmedabad: Ahead of the upcoming municipal elections in Gujarat’s major cities, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has appointed a new Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) for the state. The post has been entrusted to Sandip Sagale, a 2007-batch IAS officer known for his clean image and efficient administrative record. Sagale takes over from IAS Harit Shukla, a 1999-batch officer who oversaw the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list in Gujarat. Shukla’s tenure concluded after successfully completing this crucial exercise. Prior to his new appointment, Sagale was serving as the Director General of the Sports Authority of Gujarat. Who is Sandip Sagale? Born on 16 November 1973 in Maharashtra, Sandip Sagale hails from Akola Tehsil in Akola district. A Gujarat cadre IAS offi...

BJP Hits Back at Akhilesh Yadav Over ‘100 MLAs’ Offer, Says “Save Your Own Legislators First”

24Feb

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Politics, State, Uttar Pradesh

BJP Hits Back at Akhilesh Yadav Over ‘100 MLAs’ Offer, Says “Save Your Own Legislators First”

Lucknow: A fresh political war of words has erupted in Uttar Pradesh after Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav offered a provocative challenge to the ruling BJP, inviting either of the state’s Deputy Chief Ministers to bring 100 MLAs and claim the Chief Minister’s post — even if only for a week. Speaking at the party office in Lucknow, Yadav said, “We repeat our offer — bring 100 MLAs and become Chief Minister. Whoever brings 100 legislators will be made Chief Minister for one week.” The remark came while Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is on an overseas visit to Japan and Singapore, adding political undertones to the timing of the statement. The comment quickly triggered sharp reactions from the BJP leadership. Keshav Maurya’s Counterattack Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad ...

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla Forms Parliamentary Friendship Groups with Over 60 Nations

24Feb

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Nation, Politics

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla Forms Parliamentary Friendship Groups with Over 60 Nations

In a significant move aimed at strengthening India’s parliamentary diplomacy, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Monday announced the formation of Parliamentary Friendship Groups (PFGs) with more than 60 countries. The initiative underscores India’s commitment to deepening institutional ties with legislatures across the world through structured and sustained engagement. The newly constituted groups include Members of Parliament from across the political spectrum — notably, several opposition leaders and even some MPs who were recently suspended from the House for disciplinary reasons. The inclusive composition signals a bipartisan approach to international parliamentary outreach. Senior Leaders Across Parties Included Prominent parliamentarians appointed to various friendship groups in...

Why Is Owaisi Not Backing Hina Shahab? Rajya Sabha Numbers Leave Bihar Leaders Scrambling

24Feb

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Bihar, Politics, State

Why Is Owaisi Not Backing Hina Shahab? Rajya Sabha Numbers Leave Bihar Leaders Scrambling

Patna, Bihar: Political equations in Bihar have grown increasingly complex ahead of the Rajya Sabha elections, with the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) emerging as a decisive player. While speculation mounts over the possible candidature of Hina Shahab, the party led by Asaduddin Owaisi has made it clear that it is not ready to extend unconditional support. Instead, AIMIM’s Bihar unit president Akhtarul Iman has openly demanded that the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and its allies back an AIMIM nominee for the Upper House, enabling the party to send its first-ever member from Bihar to the Rajya Sabha. AIMIM’s Strategic Pitch Speaking to reporters in Patna, Iman stressed that AIMIM currently has no representation in the Rajya Sabha. He argued that Owaisi’s assertive voi...

Emotional Condolence Motion in Maharashtra Assembly: CM Fadnavis Remembers Ajit Pawar as ‘Dear Friend’

23Feb

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Maharashtra, Politics, State

Emotional Condolence Motion in Maharashtra Assembly: CM Fadnavis Remembers Ajit Pawar as ‘Dear Friend’

Mumbai: On the opening day of the Maharashtra Assembly Budget Session, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, moving the House with an emotional condolence motion. Fadnavis described Ajit Pawar as a mentor, close friend, and visionary leader, recalling their personal and professional bond that spanned over a decade. Addressing the Assembly, CM Fadnavis said, “I never imagined I would have to move a condolence motion for Ajit Dada. This is an incredibly emotional moment for me. Ajit Dada was more than a colleague—he was a partner in public life. His absence leaves a void in Maharashtra politics that cannot be filled.” Fadnavis highlighted Pawar’s dedication, discipline, and decision-making skills. “If Ajit Dada were stil...

“Jai Maa Kali”: PM Modi Pens Emotional Note to People of Bengal Ahead of Assembly Elections

23Feb

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Politics, State, West Bengal

“Jai Maa Kali”: PM Modi Pens Emotional Note to People of Bengal Ahead of Assembly Elections

Kolkata/New Delhi: Ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has written an emotional letter to the people and voters of the state, opening it with the words “Jai Maa Kali.” The reference to the goddess is being seen as part of the BJP’s new election strategy in Bengal, signaling a shift from the party’s traditional slogan, “Jai Shri Ram,” toward a message more culturally resonant with the region. In his note, PM Modi expressed concern over alleged Bangladeshi infiltration in the state and reiterated that women’s safety remains a top priority for his government. Political analysts believe the shift from “Jai Shri Ram” to invoking Maa Kali and Maa Durga reflects BJP’s attempt to connect more closely with the socio-cultural sentiments of West Bengal voters....

Nitin Naveen Sets 50% Vote Share Target in Assam, Over 20 MLAs May Lose Tickets

23Feb

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Assam, Politics, State

Nitin Naveen Sets 50% Vote Share Target in Assam, Over 20 MLAs May Lose Tickets

Guwahati, Assam: As the 2026 assembly elections approach, the BJP has unveiled a mega-strategy to secure a hat-trick of victories in Assam. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP National President Nitin Naveen, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have all made strategic visits to the state, signaling a high-stakes electoral push even before the official election announcements. Congress, meanwhile, has mobilized with visits by Priyanka Gandhi and Karnataka leader D.K. Shivakumar, heightening political activity in the northeastern state. Ambitious Targets Set by BJPDuring his recent visit to Assam, Nitin Naveen reportedly set an ambitious goal for the BJP: to capture 50% of the vote share in the upcoming assembly elections. In the previous 2021 elections, the party had secured 33.2% of votes. A...

Sachin Pilot Likely to Be Appointed Congress In-Charge for Gujarat; Current In-Charge Mukul Wasnik, Other Past Leaders Noted

23Feb

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Gujarat, Politics, State

Sachin Pilot Likely to Be Appointed Congress In-Charge for Gujarat; Current In-Charge Mukul Wasnik, Other Past Leaders Noted

Ahmedabad: In a significant political development, Rajasthan’s former Deputy Chief Minister, Sachin Pilot, is emerging as a strong contender to take charge of the Congress party in Gujarat. The party is reportedly considering this move to strengthen its presence in the state ahead of crucial municipal elections in major cities like Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, and Rajkot, seen as a semi-final for the 2027 assembly polls. Currently, Mukul Wasnik, a Rajya Sabha member, serves as the state in-charge, while the party leadership in Gujarat rests with Amit Chavda, and Dr. Tushar Chaudhary leads the legislative party in the assembly. Political circles say the idea of appointing Pilot came to the forefront after top Gujarat Congress leaders visited Delhi for discussions with the central leadersh...