Devendra Fadnavis

The big talking point of this episode of News Today is the fuel prices hike. Another fuel jolt for the common man as petrol and diesel prices were once again hiked across the country.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the thirteen-kilometer missing link on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. This newly inaugurated bridge and route, which passes through the Ghats of Maharashtra, is expected to reduce travel time between Mumbai and Pune by half an hour.

A stabbing incident in Mumbai's Mira Road was caught on camera by a construction worker. The accused, identified as Jaib Ansari, a former chemistry and mathematics teacher who studied in the United States, attacked two security guards.

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis has said that the motive of jihad was behind the knife attack on two security guards in Mira Road area and the NIA and ATS are probing the case.

Mumbai Cricket Association honoured cricket legends by naming gates and stand after them at the Wankhede Stadium.

In this episode of News Today, the focus is on the high-stakes peace negotiations between the United States and Iran, which will be held in Islamabad on Saturday.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah conducted a massive roadshow in Guwahati, Assam, expressing confidence that the BJP will secure over 90 seats and form the government for a third consecutive term in the state.

On a special episode of UnPolitics, Milind Deora spoke about leaving the Congress to join Maharashtra’s Mahayuti alliance, saying the party had drifted from the centrist economic vision of his father, Murli Deora.

This Special Report hosted by Rajdeep Sardesai examines the significant political shift in Maharashtra following the death of Nationalist Congress Party leader Ajit Pawar in a plane crash. His widow, Sunetra Pawar, has been sworn in as the state’s first woman Deputy Chief Minister, a move occurring three days after the tragedy. While the NCP leadership attributes this appointment to public sentiment, family patriarch Sharad Pawar and various critics have raised questions regarding transparency and the timing of the elevation. The programme features analysis from Sahil Joshi and Rohit Sandhavarkar on whether Sunetra Pawar can maintain independent control or if she will be influenced by senior leaders like Praful Patel. Concurrently, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has assumed the finance and planning portfolios, consolidating BJP influence within the Mahayuti coalition. The discussion explores the historical context of political legacies, the internal dynamics of the Pawar family, and the administrative challenges facing the new Deputy Chief Minister in Maharashtra’s evolving political landscape.

On this Special Report, editor Sahil Joshi provides an exclusive chronology of the political shift in Maharashtra following the sudden demise of Ajit Pawar. Joshi notes that the decision to elevate Sunetra Pawar to Deputy Chief Minister was unique because 'This is the first time the decision happened outside the family' circle, involving top NCP leaders like Praful Patel and Chagan Bhujbal before being conveyed to the Pawar family. The discussion explores whether Sunetra Pawar, a political newcomer, can successfully navigate the administrative challenges of the role and maintain the NCP's influence alongside a powerful Chief Minister like Devendra Fadnavis. The programme also examines the potential for a merger between the two NCP factions and the strategic role of the BJP in this transition. Analysts weigh in on the historical precedents of spouses taking over political legacies and the specific hurdles Sunetra Pawar faces in holding the party together amidst an existential crisis.

On this news bulletin, an Unidentified speaker, serving as the National General Secretary of the NCP, addresses the controversial appointment of Sunetra Pawar as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra following the reported demise of Ajit Pawar. The speaker states, 'It is the right time to take the right decision because today or tomorrow it was going to be happen,' justifying the move as a response to public sentiment and worker demands. During the interview, the spokesperson categorically denies allegations of 'parivarwaad' (dynasty politics) and rejects claims that the decision was orchestrated by the BJP to prevent a merger with Sharad Pawar’s faction. The discussion highlights the internal dynamics of the Mahayuti alliance, with the spokesperson asserting that the party leadership, including Praful Patel and Chhagan Bhujbal, acted independently to fulfill the mandate given by the public under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In this special report, the focus is on the sudden political transition in Maharashtra following the tragic demise of Ajit Pawar. Sunetra Pawar has been sworn in as the state's first woman Deputy Chief Minister, a move congratulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Prime Minister stated, 'I'm confident she will work tirelessly for the welfare of the people of the state and fulfill the vision of late Ajit Dada Pawar.' The bulletin explores the internal dynamics of the NCP Ajit Pawar faction and the potential for a merger with the Sharad Pawar group. While Sunetra Pawar takes over portfolios like Excise and Minority Affairs, the crucial Finance portfolio remains with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ahead of the state budget. The programme further analyzes the impact of this leadership change on upcoming local body polls and the strategic power balance within the Mahayuti alliance involving the BJP and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.

This report covers the political developments in Maharashtra following the sudden demise of Ajit Pawar in a tragic airplane crash. Sunetra Pawar has been sworn in as the new Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, filling the vacancy left by her late husband. During the proceedings, NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule reportedly refused to answer questions from the press regarding the oath ceremony. NCP patriarch Sharad Pawar, when questioned about the appointment, stated, 'I do not know this is a decision that has been taken by the party internally,' suggesting a lack of consensus within the family and the broader political factions. The transition occurs amidst speculation regarding a potential merger between the two NCP factions, a move previously associated with Ajit Pawar's wishes. Sunetra Pawar now joins the state cabinet alongside Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, while senior members of the Pawar family remained absent from the official ceremony.

In a significant political development, Sunetra Pawar has been sworn in as the first woman Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra. The appointment follows the tragic demise of her husband, Ajit Pawar, in a road accident on 28th January. During the solemn ceremony at Lok Bhawan, supporters were heard chanting 'Ajit Dada Amar Rahe' as the new Deputy CM signed the official documents. The broadcast highlights the immense responsibility now resting on Sunetra Pawar to keep the NCP flock together and manage key portfolios, including the upcoming budget session. While speculation regarding a merger with the Sharad Pawar-led faction continues to swirl, party insiders suggest the immediate priority remains government stability. The program notes that Sunetra Pawar will likely vacate her Rajya Sabha seat to focus on her new role in the state cabinet. Senior leaders and family members, including her sons Parth and Jay, were present as the party unanimously backed her leadership to ensure the continuity of Ajit Pawar's political legacy.

On this Special Report, Sneha Koshy discusses the escalating tensions within the Pawar family following Sunetra Pawar's appointment as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra. The transcript highlights a significant rift, with Sharad Pawar stating, 'I wasn't even consulted, this is a decision that the party has taken internally about Sunetra Pawar taking over.' This development follows the sudden vacancy in the role and has sparked intense speculation regarding a potential merger between the rival NCP factions. Senior leader Chhagan Bhujbal addressed the timing of the move, remarking that 'there was no hurry' and that the decision was a matter of opinion. The programme examines the existential crisis facing both factions and the internal dynamics of the Nationalist Congress Party as they navigate this leadership transition. Sneha Koshy and colleagues explore whether the two sides can achieve longevity through a possible reunion amidst the current political vacuum.

Sunetra Pawar, wife of late NCP (AP) chief Ajit Pawar, was sworn in as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra at a ceremony in Mumbai’s Lok Bhavan on Saturday. Governor Acharya Devvrat administered the oath in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

On this special report, the focus is on the major political transition in Maharashtra following the tragic demise of Ajit Pawar in a plane crash on January 28. The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) legislative party has unanimously chosen Sunetra Pawar to lead the party and succeed her late husband. The speaker notes, 'Sunetra Pawar becomes the first woman to hold that position in the state', referring to the post of Deputy Chief Minister. The ceremony, held at Lok Bhavan in Mumbai, marks a significant shift as she transitions from a Rajya Sabha MP to the Deputy Chief Minister's office. Senior leaders, including Praful Patel, were present as preparations were finalised for the Governor to administer the oath. The report highlights that Sunetra Pawar is expected to retain the key cabinet portfolios previously held by her husband in the current administration, ensuring continuity for the NCP faction amidst the recent tragedy.

On this Special Report, the focus is on the major political transition in Maharashtra following the demise of Ajit Pawar. Sunetra Pawar has been unanimously chosen as the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Congress Legislative Party (CLP) leader during a meeting in Mumbai. The proposal for her leadership was moved by Chhagan Bhujbal and received full support from the faction. Sunetra Pawar is set to become the first woman Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, with her swearing-in ceremony scheduled for 5 PM today. She will take over portfolios previously held by her husband, including State Excise and Sports, while the Finance portfolio remains with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for the interim period. The broadcast highlights that 'Sunetra Pawar will now lead the way forward when it comes to the Ajit Pawar faction of the NCP' as the party seeks a smooth transition and continuity. Meanwhile, merger talks and meetings led by Sharad Pawar in Pune continue to shape the future of the NCP.

On this Special Report, the focus is on the major political transition in Maharashtra following the tragic demise of Ajit Pawar in a plane crash. His wife, Sunetra Pawar, has accepted the proposal to become the state's first woman Deputy Chief Minister. Speaking on the development, party leaders noted, 'In this situation, we should make Sunetra Tai, the head of the MLAs.' Sunetra Pawar will be formally elected as the CLP leader at a key party meeting at Vidhan Bhavan before her swearing-in ceremony at 5 pm today. She is set to retain the state excise and sports portfolios previously held by her husband, while Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will temporarily manage the finance portfolio. The move is seen as a strategy for continuity and natural succession within the NCP Ajit Pawar faction, leveraging her established political presence and grassroots connect. Meanwhile, Sunil Tatkare clarified that no merger discussions occurred during the January 17 meeting in Baramati, which focused on local body polls.

This Special Report, hosted by Rajdeep Sardesai, examines the political transition in Maharashtra following the death of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in an air crash. His widow, Sunetra Pawar, a Rajya Sabha MP, has been appointed as his successor, making her the first woman Deputy Chief Minister of the state. The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for 5 pm on Saturday. Sunetra Pawar will manage the Excise and Sports portfolios, while Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis temporarily assumes the Finance portfolio. The program analyzes internal National Congress Party (NCP) dynamics, featuring support from leaders like Chhagan Bhujbal. Panelists including Shaina NC, Sanjay Jha, and Jayant Mainkar discuss whether this appointment is a strategic move by the BJP to prevent an NCP faction merger or a recognition of Pawar's grassroots work in Baramati. The report includes archival footage where Sunetra Pawar discusses the NCP split as a battle of ideologies. This coverage provides insights into the Pawar family legacy and Maharashtra's evolving political landscape.