Politics – Page 21 – SD NEWS agency

NCP Merger Unlikely for Now: Ajit Pawar Faction Prefers Delay, Sharad Pawar Camp Pushes for Unity

31Jan

By sd newsNo Comments

Maharashtra, Politics, State

NCP Merger Unlikely for Now: Ajit Pawar Faction Prefers Delay, Sharad Pawar Camp Pushes for Unity

Mumbai:The possibility of a merger between the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) appears uncertain for the time being, with the Ajit Pawar faction unwilling to take an immediate call, even as the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) presses for swift unification. The debate over reunification gained momentum following the tragic death of former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash, triggering renewed political churn within the party. However, party insiders indicate that a final decision on the merger has been deferred due to unresolved leadership concerns. Leadership Question at the Core Sources within the Ajit Pawar faction suggest that the group wants Sunetra Pawar to first consolidate her hold within the party before any merger talks progress. ...

India-EU FTA: Shashi Tharoor Highlights Three Reasons Why It’s a Major Boost for India

30Jan

By sd newsNo Comments

Nation, Politics

India-EU FTA: Shashi Tharoor Highlights Three Reasons Why It’s a Major Boost for India

NEW DELHI | Jan 30, 2026 Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has hailed the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as a landmark development for global trade, calling it “very good news” for India. Speaking on the agreement, Tharoor clarified that while it will take time for the deal to come into force, its long-term benefits for India are substantial. Tharoor outlined three key reasons why the FTA will be advantageous for India: Boost to Indian Exports – Tharoor said the FTA is an excellent opportunity for India’s export sector. Increased exports will, in turn, encourage the growth of manufacturing, strengthening the economy over time. Job Creation and Economic Strengthening – With higher manufacturing and trade, the agreement is expected to generate employment opportunities ...

TN CM Stalin Hits Out at BJP: ‘Have You Cleaned AIADMK Corruption in Your Washing Machine?’

30Jan

By sd newsNo Comments

Politics, State, Tamil Nadu

TN CM Stalin Hits Out at BJP: ‘Have You Cleaned AIADMK Corruption in Your Washing Machine?’

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin on Friday launched a sharp attack on the BJP, questioning whether their alliance partner, the AIADMK—allegedly involved in corruption cases—has been “cleaned in their washing machine.” Speaking at the inauguration of the NDTV Tamil Nadu Summit here, Stalin accused the saffron party of spreading “baseless allegations” against the DMK and claimed that those unable to digest Tamil Nadu’s development were resorting to falsehoods through “Whatsapp university.” “The allegations against us follow an old script. The first is the charge of political dynasty. I have already addressed this. Anyone can enter politics, but they must earn the trust of the people and win their mandate to succeed. This is a baseless accusation from those who cannot face us on t...

Sanjay Raut Slams Discussions on Ajit Pawar’s Successor as ‘Inhumane’

30Jan

By sd newsNo Comments

Maharashtra, Politics, State

Sanjay Raut Slams Discussions on Ajit Pawar’s Successor as ‘Inhumane’

Mumbai | 30 Jan 2026 Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut on Friday strongly criticized discussions over the successor of late Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, calling it “inhumane” to raise such issues while the family is still mourning. Pawar tragically died in a plane crash on the morning of 28 January near Baramati, Pune district, along with four others. His funeral, held on Thursday in Baramati, saw a large gathering as locals bid tearful farewell to the senior NCP leader. Raut said, “Raising questions about Ajit Dada’s successor immediately after his death shows a lack of humanity. Whether ministers or MLAs, those who are discussing leadership succession have no sensitivity. His wife, Sunetra Pawar, is still grieving the loss of her husband.” ...

Rajasthan Assembly: Congress Walks Out Over Dilapidated School Buildings and Pension Issues

30Jan

By sd newsNo Comments

Politics, Rajasthan, State

Rajasthan Assembly: Congress Walks Out Over Dilapidated School Buildings and Pension Issues

Jaipur | 30 Jan 2026: The Congress party walked out of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly on Friday following a heated row over the condition of government school buildings, social security pensions, and OBC scholarships. Tensions flared during Question Hour, with the Leader of Opposition, Tika Ram Jully, accusing the state government of neglecting deteriorating school infrastructure. He alleged that some schools were being operated out of temples and poultry farms, highlighting the urgency of the issue. The walkout underscores growing opposition concerns over education and social welfare in the state.

No Objection to Sunetra Pawar Becoming NCP Legislature Party Leader: Praful Patel

30Jan

By sd newsNo Comments

Maharashtra, Politics, State

No Objection to Sunetra Pawar Becoming NCP Legislature Party Leader: Praful Patel

Mumbai | 30 Jan 2026 :Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) working president Praful Patel on Friday stated that there is no opposition to late Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s wife, Sunetra Pawar, assuming the position of NCP legislature party leader. He added, however, that the family’s consent will be sought before formally filling the key post. Patel said the immediate priority is to fill the vacant positions of Deputy Chief Minister and NCP legislature party leader, both of which were held by Ajit Pawar at the time of his death. He clarified that appointments to the top organizational position, previously held by the late leader as party president, are not under consideration at this stage. Speaking to reporters, Patel noted that party leaders have met Chief Minister De...

Tharoor Returns to Campaign Spotlight as Congress Signals Rapprochement in Kerala

30Jan

By sd newsNo Comments

Kerala, Politics, State

Tharoor Returns to Campaign Spotlight as Congress Signals Rapprochement in Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram | 30 Jan 2026 Shashi Tharoor’s ties with Congress leaders in Kerala appear to have thawed following his meeting with party president Mallikarjun Kharge and former party chief Rahul Gandhi. The Thiruvananthapuram MP has been named a star campaigner for the party-led United Democratic Front (UDF) ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections. Tharoor, who met party leaders on Thursday to address his grievances, indicated a reconciliation, saying, “all is good, and we are all on the same page.” Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Assembly, V.D. Satheesan, confirmed to reporters, “He (Tharoor) will be in the front row of the campaign initiated by the UDF in Kerala for the elections.” This move marks a significant step in consolidating Congress’s campaign strategy i...

BJP Leader Calls for Revisiting Governor’s Annual Address, Calls It a ‘Colonial Hangover’

30Jan

By sd newsNo Comments

Karnataka, Politics, State

BJP Leader Calls for Revisiting Governor’s Annual Address, Calls It a ‘Colonial Hangover’

Bengaluru: Senior BJP MLA Suresh Kumar on Friday called for a re-evaluation of the practice of the Governor’s annual address to the state legislature, questioning its relevance in today’s context. Terming the tradition a “colonial hangover,” Kumar suggested that Karnataka should take the lead in initiating a national debate on whether the practice should continue. He made these remarks while participating in the Legislative Assembly debate on the motion of thanks to the Governor’s address.

Congress Includes ST, SC, OBC, and Minority Leaders in By-Election Committees

30Jan

By sd newsNo Comments

Nation, Politics

Congress Includes ST, SC, OBC, and Minority Leaders in By-Election Committees

The Congress Party has initiated preparations for upcoming by-elections by taking a significant organizational decision. The party has decided to include the state presidents of tribal (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), Scheduled Castes (SC), and minority departments as special invitees in all state-level election committees. Until now, these departments provided separate feedback on electoral issues but were not formally part of the election committees. According to a letter issued by All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary K.C. Venugopal, the decision was taken with the approval of the Congress President. The letter emphasized that the party has a long tradition of social justice, inclusive representation, and participatory decision-making. Strengthening collective d...

Congress Raises National Security Concerns Over Great Nicobar Project

30Jan

By sd newsNo Comments

Nation, Politics

Congress Raises National Security Concerns Over Great Nicobar Project

New Delhi: The Congress party on Friday launched a sharp attack on the central government over the ambitious Great Nicobar Project. The party alleged that the government is pushing the project forward primarily to benefit private companies. Congress directly targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi, claiming that while the government is keeping the project under wraps citing national security, it is simultaneously trying to involve private players. Focus on Galathea Bay ProjectCongress General Secretary and Communications Chief Jairam Ramesh shared a media report asserting that the government intends to develop the Galathea Bay International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands under a public-private partnership (PPP). The former Environment Minister a...