In this news bulletin, the focus is on the unfolding 'resort politics' in Mumbai following the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) election results. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has reportedly ordered all 29 newly elected corporators from his Shiv Sena faction to gather at the Taj Lands End hotel in Bandra. The move is aimed at preventing potential poaching or 'horse-trading' attempts by rival parties as the Mahayuti alliance prepares to claim power in India's richest civic body. The speaker notes that the Shinde faction has emerged as a 'kingmaker,' as the BJP's 89 seats fall short of a majority without their support. The programme highlights the historic shift in Mumbai's political landscape, ending the 28-year rule of the Uddhav Thackeray-led Sena. 'Eknath Shinde is reportedly taking no risks and intends to keep his team united until the power is claimed in the civic body,' the report states, detailing the high-stakes battle for the mayoral post and control of the ₹74,000 crore BMC budget.
Days after he appealed for cutting down fuel consumption, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reduced his convoy size. This was followed by several BJP chief ministers and other leaders to adopt similar measures.
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, who's considered close to President Donald Trump, has called for dumping Pakistan as mediator in the US-Iran talks, citing reports that Islamabad had allowed Iran to use their airbases to park military aircraft.
Ten days after securing a massive mandate in the Kerala assembly elections, the Congress party has yet to finalise its Chief Minister.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay on Wednesday won the crucial floor test in the state assembly with the support of 144 MLAs.
