A 21-year-old woman in Maharashtra, Srishti Shinde, tragically died from rabies just three days after completing the anti-rabies vaccination course, raising concerns about the vaccine's efficacy. She was bitten by a stray dog and diligently received all five doses of the vaccine but began experiencing symptoms shortly after. Her family is questioning whether the vaccine was stored at the necessary temperature, prompting concerns about the vaccination process.
Supriya Sule, a leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), criticized the Maharashtra assembly speaker's decision favoring Ajit Pawar's faction as the real NCP, calling it a "copy-paste" of his ruling in the Shiv Sena case and alleging external influence. Other NCP leaders expressed discontent, while Shiv Sena's Aaditya Thackeray and NCP veteran Chhagan Bhujbal also criticized the decision. The ruling has sparked controversy and dissatisfaction among various political figures in Maharashtra.
Former Maharashtra chief minister Ashok Chavan's departure from the Congress is a significant setback for the party's prospects in Maharashtra, particularly in the Marathwada region. Chavan, who holds considerable influence in Nanded and parts of Marathwada, has a strong mass base and organizational skills, with about half of the Congress's current MLAs on good terms with him. His exit is expected to impact the party's performance in both Lok Sabha and assembly elections. Chavan's decision to leave the party comes amid dissatisfaction with the state Congress chief and pressure from central agencies, with speculation that he may be given a Rajya Sabha nomination by the BJP.
Former Maharashtra chief minister Ashok Chavan, who recently quit the Congress, stated that he has not yet decided on joining another party and will determine his political path in the next 48 hours. Meanwhile, Maharashtra deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis claimed that several suffocated Congress leaders are in touch with the BJP. Chavan's departure marks the third significant exit from the Congress in Maharashtra, following Milind Deora and Baba Siddique. The Congress has labeled Chavan a betrayer, while Chavan has not cited any reasons for his move.
Ashok Chavan, a scion of the old Congress family and former Maharashtra CM, has left the party, dealing a significant blow to the Congress. Chavan, who has a long lineage in the party, is expected to join the BJP. His political career has been marked by controversies, including his involvement in the Adarsh Housing Society Scam. Chavan's departure is seen as a setback for the Congress and a strategic gain for the BJP in Maharashtra politics.
Former Congress leader Baba Siddique joined the NCP, criticizing his former party and likening his treatment to "curry leaves." His departure marks a significant blow to the Congress, where he had been a member for 48 years. Siddique's decision follows the recognition of the Ajit Pawar faction of the NCP by the Election Commission, ending a factional fight within the party. His son, a Congress MLA, will make his own decision regarding party affiliation.
Nitish Kumar's return to the BJP in Bihar is expected to bolster the party's prospects in the upcoming elections, while diminishing his own authority. The BJP's attention is now turning towards Maharashtra, where it aims to secure 40-plus seats in the Lok Sabha elections. However, the power struggle within the BJP-led government in Maharashtra, coupled with the OBC agitation over Maratha quotas, presents challenges for the party. The political landscape in Maharashtra is rife with possibilities, including potential realignments within the ruling MVA alliance and the role of Sharad Pawar.
The Maratha community in Maharashtra awaits finalization of rules on Maratha reservation, causing fear among Other Backward Class (OBC) communities that their 27% reservation quota may shrink due to more claimants vying for OBC-reserved seats. The proposed formulation allows Marathas to claim reservation under the OBC quota, leading to concerns about political representation and potential legal battles. OBC leaders are ready to challenge the government's decision in court, expressing betrayal and asserting their rights through public rallies and legal action. The political ramifications of the OBC unrest are expected to play out during the upcoming general elections, with the issue likely to be challenged in court before the implementation of the notification on February 16.
Four law students in Mumbai have filed a petition challenging the public holiday declared by the Maharashtra government on January 22 for the consecration of the Ram temple at Ayodhya, citing violation of secular principles laid down in the Indian Constitution. They sought an urgent hearing, and the high court has set up a special bench to hear their plea on Sunday. The students argue that the government's declaration of a public holiday for the temple consecration is an act of identifying with a particular religion and could impact education, finance, and governance.
Maharashtra Speaker's decision not to disqualify MLAs from either faction of the Shiv Sena is seen as a win for the BJP, as it avoids potential backlash and sympathy for Uddhav Thackeray's faction ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. The recognition of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's faction as the real Shiv Sena is perceived as a positive for the BJP, while the MVA partners criticize the verdict. The disqualification of either faction's MLAs would have put the BJP in a difficult position, and the Supreme Court's involvement adds to the political drama.
Maharashtra assembly speaker Rahul Narwekar dismissed all 34 disqualification petitions against 54 Shiv Sena legislators, ruling that Eknath Shinde's faction is "the real Shiv Sena" and emerging stronger, while not disqualifying any MLA from rival factions. Narwekar relied on the party's constitution, leadership structure, and legislative majority to reach his conclusion, upholding the 1999 constitution and leadership structure presented by Shinde's faction. He also dismissed disqualification petitions against two independent MLAs and Bacchu Kadu of Prahar Janshakti Party.
A 41-year-old man in Maharashtra's Sindhudurg district has tested positive for the new COVID-19 sub-variant JN.1, which has been classified as a "variant of interest" by the World Health Organisation. The patient has mild symptoms, and 21 cases of the sub-variant have been detected across India so far. The Maharashtra health department has stated that JN.1 is a sub-lineage of the Omicron variant and causes mild symptoms. Authorities have instructed districts to increase coronavirus testing and surveillance of influenza-like illnesses.
Twelve infants have died in a single day at a hospital in Maharashtra, India, sparking accusations of negligence against the state government and hospital authorities. The infants were among 24 deaths recorded at the Shankarrao Chavan Government Hospital in Nanded district. The hospital's neo-natal unit was overcrowded, with multiple babies in one incubator designed for one. The Maharashtra government has launched an inquiry into the deaths, while opposition politicians criticize the government for its alleged negligence. India's public healthcare system is under-equipped and suffers from a lack of staff and equipment. This is the second incident of multiple deaths in Maharashtra in recent months.
Three crocodiles in Maharashtra, India, displayed an unexpected act of empathy when they encountered a young dog being chased by feral dogs. Instead of attacking the dog, the crocodiles nudged it towards safety, guiding it away from danger. Scientists studying the crocodiles believe that this behavior demonstrates emotional empathy and challenges the perception of reptile cognition. Additionally, the researchers discovered that the crocodiles showed a fondness for marigold flowers, possibly due to their antimicrobial properties. The incident highlights the complex behavior and emotional intelligence of crocodiles.
At least 20 workers were killed and three injured when a crane collapsed at a highway construction site in the Thane region of Maharashtra state, India. The crane toppled onto concrete slabs, causing debris to fall on laborers. Rescue teams from the National Disaster Response Force, fire department, and police are working to remove debris and rescue trapped individuals. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences and announced relief assistance for the affected families.
