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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying that his chest measures 65 inches and not 56 inches as people say.

"In 2019 election, I was responsible for preparing election manifesto. I used to talk to the Prime Minister directly about these things and he said -- don`t worry, we will fulfil everything," he said while addressing an election rally.

"Log Kehte Hain 56 Inch Kaa Seena Hai PM Ka/Mai Kehta Hun Kahin Mapne Me Gadbadi Ho Gayee Hogi/Wo 56 Ki Bajai Shayad 65 Inch Ka Hoga (People say PM`s chest measures 56-inch. I say there must have been a mistake in measurement. The PM`s chest probably measures 65 inches instead of 56 inches)," added Singh.

The Defence Minister also lauded the NDA government at the Centre, saying that they abrogated Article 370 and 35 A without delay after it got the majority in Parliament.

"When we got a majority in Parliament, without any delay, we abrogated Article370 in Jammu and Kashmir. Now there will not be two Constitutions in India," he said."There will be no different flag for Jammu and Kashmir. There will be only one Prime Minister in our country," he added.

As the crowd shouted the slogan of Jai Shri Ram, the Defence Minister took the opportunity to weigh in on the Supreme Court verdict on the Ram temple. The Defence Minister said,&nbsp;"We always said that we would construct a grand Ram temple in Ayodhya. Now the decks have been cleared for its construction. No power in the world can stop it."

He also reminded that the Central government abrogated the Triple Talaq Bill.

Seeking to portray his party with strong anti-corruption credentials, the Defence Minister claimed that no one can accuse the Jharkhand government or the Central government of corruption.

The Defence Minister claimed that allegations regarding the purchase of Rafale aircraft have been punctured.Praising the Rafale fighter jet, the Defence Minister said,&nbsp;"Now there will be no need to enter Pakistan for killing the terrorist. The Pakistani terrorist camps can be destroyed while being in India itself by Rafale. This is the power India has acquired under the leadership of Modi jee."

The Defence Minister recalled the various welfare schemes of the state and Central government and stressed that the nation needs "strong leadership."

Jharkhand will go to polls in five phases from November 30. The first phase of polling will be held on November 30, the second phase on December 6, the third phase on December 12, the fourth phase on December 16 and the last phase on December 20.

 
&nbsp;

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying that his chest measures 65 inches and not 56 inches as people say. "In 2019 election, I was responsible for preparing election manifesto.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying that his chest measures 65 inches and not 56 inches as people say. "In 2019 election, I was responsible for preparing election manifesto. I used to talk to the Prime Minister directly about these things and he said -- don`t worry, we will fulfil everything," he said while addressing an election rally. "Log Kehte Hain 56 Inch Kaa Seena Hai PM Ka/Mai Kehta Hun Kahin Mapne Me Gadbadi Ho Gayee Hogi/Wo 56 Ki Bajai Shayad 65 Inch Ka Hoga (People say PM`s chest measures 56-inch. I say there must have been a mistake in measurement. The PM`s chest probably measures 65 inches instead of 56 inches)," added Singh. The Defence Minister also lauded the NDA government at the Centre, saying that they abrogated Article 370 and 35 A without delay after it got the majority in Parliament. "When we got a majority in Parliament, without any delay, we abrogated Article370 in Jammu and Kashmir. Now there will not be two Constitutions in India," he said."There will be no different flag for Jammu and Kashmir. There will be only one Prime Minister in our country," he added. As the crowd shouted the slogan of Jai Shri Ram, the Defence Minister took the opportunity to weigh in on the Supreme Court verdict on the Ram temple. The Defence Minister said, "We always said that we would construct a grand Ram temple in Ayodhya. Now the decks have been cleared for its construction. No power in the world can stop it." He also reminded that the Central government abrogated the Triple Talaq Bill. Seeking to portray his party with strong anti-corruption credentials, the Defence Minister claimed that no one can accuse the Jharkhand government or the Central government of corruption. The Defence Minister claimed that allegations regarding the purchase of Rafale aircraft have been punctured.Praising the Rafale fighter jet, the Defence Minister said, "Now there will be no need to enter Pakistan for killing the terrorist. The Pakistani terrorist camps can be destroyed while being in India itself by Rafale. This is the power India has acquired under the leadership of Modi jee." The Defence Minister recalled the various welfare schemes of the state and Central government and stressed that the nation needs "strong leadership." Jharkhand will go to polls in five phases from November 30. The first phase of polling will be held on November 30, the second phase on December 6, the third phase on December 12, the fourth phase on December 16 and the last phase on December 20.

PM Modi's chest probably measures 65 inches, not 56: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

The Supreme Court on Sunday while hearing the NCP-Sena-Congress joint plea against BJP-led government formation in Maharashtra remarked that the "sky is the limit for Supreme Court" and "anybody can ask for anything in Court".

The remark was made by Justice NV Ramana when senior Counsel Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for the BJP, questioned the plea filed by Congress-NCP-Shiv Sena.

"In this court, the sky is the limit, anybody can ask for anything. Any person can ask to make him the Prime Minister," observed Justice NV Ramana.

The Bench consisting Justice Ramana, Ashok Bhushan and Sanjiv Khanna, asked the Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to produce relevant documents including Maharashtra Governor's letter inviting BJP to form the government and letter of support of MLAs by 10 am tomorrow.

Senior counsel Mukul Rohatgi while arguing on behalf of BJP in Supreme Court appealed the court not to pass an order to fix the date for the floor test in Maharashtra Assembly and asserted that Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari has committed no "illegality".

"There is no need for the court to pass order today. There was no illegality in the Governor's decision. The court should not pass an order to fix the date of the floor test. The three parties here have no fundamental rights," said Rohatgi."

There are some things that are with the President which are not even open to judicial intervention," he argued.

At a time when deliberations among Congress, NCP and Shiv Sena on the formation of a non-BJP government in the state had seemingly reached the final stage, the BJP formed the government in a surprise development on Saturday morning when Devendra Fadnavis took oath for the second consecutive term as the state Chief Minister, with NCP's Ajit Pawar as his Deputy Chief Minister.

The BJP won 105 seats in the 288-member assembly followed by Shiv Sena 56, NCP 54 and Congress 44.

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) late on Saturday moved 44 MLAs to the Renaissance Hotel here on Saturday. The BJP won 105 seats in the 288-member assembly followed by Shiv Sena 56, NCP 54 and Congress 44.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court on Sunday while hearing the NCP-Sena-Congress joint plea against BJP-led government formation in Maharashtra remarked that the "sky is the limit for Supreme Court" and "anybody can ask for anything in Court".

The Supreme Court on Sunday while hearing the NCP-Sena-Congress joint plea against BJP-led government formation in Maharashtra remarked that the "sky is the limit for Supreme Court" and "anybody can ask for anything in Court". The remark was made by Justice NV Ramana when senior Counsel Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for the BJP, questioned the plea filed by Congress-NCP-Shiv Sena. "In this court, the sky is the limit, anybody can ask for anything. Any person can ask to make him the Prime Minister," observed Justice NV Ramana. The Bench consisting Justice Ramana, Ashok Bhushan and Sanjiv Khanna, asked the Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to produce relevant documents including Maharashtra Governor's letter inviting BJP to form the government and letter of support of MLAs by 10 am tomorrow. Senior counsel Mukul Rohatgi while arguing on behalf of BJP in Supreme Court appealed the court not to pass an order to fix the date for the floor test in Maharashtra Assembly and asserted that Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari has committed no "illegality". "There is no need for the court to pass order today. There was no illegality in the Governor's decision. The court should not pass an order to fix the date of the floor test. The three parties here have no fundamental rights," said Rohatgi." There are some things that are with the President which are not even open to judicial intervention," he argued. At a time when deliberations among Congress, NCP and Shiv Sena on the formation of a non-BJP government in the state had seemingly reached the final stage, the BJP formed the government in a surprise development on Saturday morning when Devendra Fadnavis took oath for the second consecutive term as the state Chief Minister, with NCP's Ajit Pawar as his Deputy Chief Minister. The BJP won 105 seats in the 288-member assembly followed by Shiv Sena 56, NCP 54 and Congress 44. The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) late on Saturday moved 44 MLAs to the Renaissance Hotel here on Saturday. The BJP won 105 seats in the 288-member assembly followed by Shiv Sena 56, NCP 54 and Congress 44.

Anybody can ask for anything: SC while hearing plea on Maharashtra government formation

Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar, in a tweet&nbsp;on Sunday, responded to the cryptic <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-am-in-ncp-will-always-be-ajit-pawar-tweets-out-assures-stable-government-in-maharashtra-264231">tweets posted by leader Ajit Pawar</a> on government formation in Maharashtra.&nbsp;

Pawar ruled out an alliance between the BJP and the NCP, adding that his party has unanimously decided to ally with Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena and the Congress.&nbsp;

"There is no question of forming an alliance with @BJP4Maharashtra. NCP has unanimously decided to ally with @ShivSena and @INCMaharashtra to form the government," Sharad Pawar's tweet read.

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There is no question of forming an alliance with <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4Maharashtra?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BJP4Maharashtra</a>. 
NCP has unanimously decided to ally with <a href="https://twitter.com/ShivSena?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ShivSena</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/INCMaharashtra?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@INCMaharashtra</a> to form the government. Shri Ajit Pawar’s statement is false and misleading in order to create confusion and false perception among the people.
— Sharad Pawar (@PawarSpeaks) <a href="https://twitter.com/PawarSpeaks/status/1198578943525187585?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The NCP chief called Ajit Pawar’s statement "false and misleading".

"Shri Ajit Pawar’s statement is false and misleading in order to create confusion and false perception among the people," he tweeted out.&nbsp;

This comes shortly after NCP leader and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar tweeted out saying that the BJP and the NCP will provide a stable government to Maharashtra for the next five years.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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I am in the NCP and shall always be in the NCP and <a href="https://twitter.com/PawarSpeaks?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PawarSpeaks</a> Saheb is our leader. 
 
Our BJP-NCP alliance shall provide a stable Government in Maharashtra for the next five years which will work sincerely for the welfare of the State and its people.
— Ajit Pawar (@AjitPawarSpeaks) <a href="https://twitter.com/AjitPawarSpeaks/status/1198565018658377728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"I'm in NCP and shall always be in the NCP and Sharad Pawar saheb is our leader. Our BJP-NCP alliance shall provide a stable government in Maharashtra for the next five years which will work sincerely for the welfare of the state and its people," Ajit Pawar's tweet read.&nbsp;

Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar, in a tweet on Sunday, responded to the cryptic tweets posted by leader Ajit Pawar on government formation in Maharashtra.

Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar, in a tweet on Sunday, responded to the cryptic tweets posted by leader Ajit Pawar on government formation in Maharashtra. Pawar ruled out an alliance between the BJP and the NCP, adding that his party has unanimously decided to ally with Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena and the Congress. "There is no question of forming an alliance with @BJP4Maharashtra. NCP has unanimously decided to ally with @ShivSena and @INCMaharashtra to form the government," Sharad Pawar's tweet read. There is no question of forming an alliance with @BJP4Maharashtra. NCP has unanimously decided to ally with @ShivSena & @INCMaharashtra to form the government. Shri Ajit Pawar’s statement is false and misleading in order to create confusion and false perception among the people. — Sharad Pawar (@PawarSpeaks) November 24, 2019 × The NCP chief called Ajit Pawar’s statement "false and misleading". "Shri Ajit Pawar’s statement is false and misleading in order to create confusion and false perception among the people," he tweeted out. This comes shortly after NCP leader and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar tweeted out saying that the BJP and the NCP will provide a stable government to Maharashtra for the next five years. I am in the NCP and shall always be in the NCP and @PawarSpeaks Saheb is our leader. Our BJP-NCP alliance shall provide a stable Government in Maharashtra for the next five years which will work sincerely for the welfare of the State and its people. — Ajit Pawar (@AjitPawarSpeaks) November 24, 2019 × "I'm in NCP and shall always be in the NCP and Sharad Pawar saheb is our leader. Our BJP-NCP alliance shall provide a stable government in Maharashtra for the next five years which will work sincerely for the welfare of the state and its people," Ajit Pawar's tweet read.

Ajit Pawar's statement is false and misleading, no question of forming an alliance with BJP: Sharad Pawar

Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Saturday gave directions to conduct a proper investigation and take appropriate actions against the managers and operators of the unregulated financial chit fund companies.

In the cabinet meeting held on Saturday under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister, the cases registered against irregular financial (chit fund) companies were reviewed and the officials have been instructed to take swift action on the recorded allegations.

"Proper investigation is being conducted against unregulated financial (chit fund) companies in the state with the registration of 403 cases. With reference to the case registered in the Bilaspur Civil Lines, a total sum of Rs. 2 lakh 80 thousand has been returned," informed a government release.

"With reference to the information received, in the cases filed since year 2015 till October 2019, 248 cases come under the Protection of Interests of Chhattisgarh Depositors Act 2005 and Rules 2005, 65 falls under the Prize Chit and Money Operating Scheme Restriction Act 1978 and 90 cases fall under the section of Indian Penal Code," it read.

These registered cases include 379 cases against the director and 148 cases against the office-bearers. For the refund process, the property is being identified in a total of 154 cases and attachment action is being taken in these cases.

According to figures, 3 lakh 65 thousand 570 people have been cheated in the total 403 cases registered since 2015 till October 2019, in which approximately 12 billion 59 crores 83 lakh 39 thousand 436 rupees has been cheated from the people.&nbsp;

Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Saturday gave directions to conduct a proper investigation and take appropriate actions against the managers and operators of the unregulated financial chit fund companies.

Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Saturday gave directions to conduct a proper investigation and take appropriate actions against the managers and operators of the unregulated financial chit fund companies. In the cabinet meeting held on Saturday under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister, the cases registered against irregular financial (chit fund) companies were reviewed and the officials have been instructed to take swift action on the recorded allegations. "Proper investigation is being conducted against unregulated financial (chit fund) companies in the state with the registration of 403 cases. With reference to the case registered in the Bilaspur Civil Lines, a total sum of Rs. 2 lakh 80 thousand has been returned," informed a government release. "With reference to the information received, in the cases filed since year 2015 till October 2019, 248 cases come under the Protection of Interests of Chhattisgarh Depositors Act 2005 and Rules 2005, 65 falls under the Prize Chit and Money Operating Scheme Restriction Act 1978 and 90 cases fall under the section of Indian Penal Code," it read. These registered cases include 379 cases against the director and 148 cases against the office-bearers. For the refund process, the property is being identified in a total of 154 cases and attachment action is being taken in these cases. According to figures, 3 lakh 65 thousand 570 people have been cheated in the total 403 cases registered since 2015 till October 2019, in which approximately 12 billion 59 crores 83 lakh 39 thousand 436 rupees has been cheated from the people.

Chhattisgarh CM calls for action against managers, operators of unregulated chit fund companies

NCP leader and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Sunday tweeted out saying that he is and shall always be a part of the NCP and that Sharad Pawar is the leader of the party.&nbsp;

Pawar added that the alliance between the BJP and the NCP will give a stable <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-political-crisis-supreme-court-to-pass-appropriate-orders-tomorrow-on-shiv-sena-ncp-congress-plea-264183">government to Maharashtra</a> for the coming five years.

"I'm in NCP and shall always be in the NCP and Sharad Pawar saheb is our leader. Our BJP-NCP alliance shall provide a stable government in Maharashtra for the next five years which will work sincerely for the welfare of the state and its people," Pawar's tweet read.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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I am in the NCP and shall always be in the NCP and <a href="https://twitter.com/PawarSpeaks?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PawarSpeaks</a> Saheb is our leader. 
 
Our BJP-NCP alliance shall provide a stable Government in Maharashtra for the next five years which will work sincerely for the welfare of the State and its people.
— Ajit Pawar (@AjitPawarSpeaks) <a href="https://twitter.com/AjitPawarSpeaks/status/1198565018658377728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Earlier in the day, Pawar took to microblogging site Twitter and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his congratulatory message for government formation in Maharashtra.&nbsp;

"Thank you Hon. Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji. We will ensure a stable government that will work hard for the welfare of the people of Maharashtra," he had tweeted.&nbsp;

Pawar thanked everyone for their support and urged for "a little patience".

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There is absolutely no need to worry, all is well. However a little patience is required. Thank you very much for all your support.
— Ajit Pawar (@AjitPawarSpeaks) <a href="https://twitter.com/AjitPawarSpeaks/status/1198565066297229312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"There is absolutely no need to worry, all is well. However, a little patience is required. Thank you very much for all your support," he tweeted out.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court of India has said that it would pass 'appropriate orders' on Monday on a joint plea of Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress against the decision of Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari, inviting BJP's Devendra Fadnavis to form the government in the state on November 23.

The apex court also issued notices to the Centre, Maharashtra government, Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar.

''We request Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to produce relevant documents from governor's letter for inviting BJP to form the government and letter of support of MLAs by 10.30 am tomorrow,'' the top court said in its order. 
&nbsp;

NCP leader and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Sunday tweeted out saying that he is and shall always be a part of the NCP and that Sharad Pawar is the leader of the party.

NCP leader and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Sunday tweeted out saying that he is and shall always be a part of the NCP and that Sharad Pawar is the leader of the party. Pawar added that the alliance between the BJP and the NCP will give a stable government to Maharashtra for the coming five years. "I'm in NCP and shall always be in the NCP and Sharad Pawar saheb is our leader. Our BJP-NCP alliance shall provide a stable government in Maharashtra for the next five years which will work sincerely for the welfare of the state and its people," Pawar's tweet read. I am in the NCP and shall always be in the NCP and @PawarSpeaks Saheb is our leader. Our BJP-NCP alliance shall provide a stable Government in Maharashtra for the next five years which will work sincerely for the welfare of the State and its people. — Ajit Pawar (@AjitPawarSpeaks) November 24, 2019 × Earlier in the day, Pawar took to microblogging site Twitter and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his congratulatory message for government formation in Maharashtra. "Thank you Hon. Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji. We will ensure a stable government that will work hard for the welfare of the people of Maharashtra," he had tweeted. Pawar thanked everyone for their support and urged for "a little patience". There is absolutely no need to worry, all is well. However a little patience is required. Thank you very much for all your support. — Ajit Pawar (@AjitPawarSpeaks) November 24, 2019 × "There is absolutely no need to worry, all is well. However, a little patience is required. Thank you very much for all your support," he tweeted out. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court of India has said that it would pass 'appropriate orders' on Monday on a joint plea of Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress against the decision of Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari, inviting BJP's Devendra Fadnavis to form the government in the state on November 23. The apex court also issued notices to the Centre, Maharashtra government, Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar. ''We request Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to produce relevant documents from governor's letter for inviting BJP to form the government and letter of support of MLAs by 10.30 am tomorrow,'' the top court said in its order.

I am in NCP, will always be: Ajit Pawar tweets out, assures stable government in Maharashtra 

A meeting of Congress parliamentary strategy group is scheduled at the residence of party`s interim president Sonia Gandhi here on Monday.

Earlier today, the top court had issued notices to the Maharashtra government, state Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, his deputy Ajit Pawar and the Centre, and asked for relevant documents and letters of support from MLAs by 10 am on November 25.

At a time when deliberations among Congress, NCP and Shiv Sena on the formation of a non-BJP government in the state had seemingly reached the final stage, the BJP formed the government in a surprise development on Saturday morning when Fadnavis took oath for the second consecutive term as the state Chief Minister, while Ajit Pawar was sworn-in as his deputy.

The BJP won 105 seats in the 288-member assembly followed by Shiv Sena 56, NCP 54 and Congress 44.

&nbsp;

A meeting of Congress parliamentary strategy group is scheduled at the residence of party`s interim president Sonia Gandhi here on Monday. Earlier today, the top court had issued notices to the Maharashtra government, state Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, his deputy Ajit Pawar and the Centre, and asked for relevant documents and letters of support from MLAs by 10 am on November 25.

A meeting of Congress parliamentary strategy group is scheduled at the residence of party`s interim president Sonia Gandhi here on Monday. Earlier today, the top court had issued notices to the Maharashtra government, state Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, his deputy Ajit Pawar and the Centre, and asked for relevant documents and letters of support from MLAs by 10 am on November 25. At a time when deliberations among Congress, NCP and Shiv Sena on the formation of a non-BJP government in the state had seemingly reached the final stage, the BJP formed the government in a surprise development on Saturday morning when Fadnavis took oath for the second consecutive term as the state Chief Minister, while Ajit Pawar was sworn-in as his deputy. The BJP won 105 seats in the 288-member assembly followed by Shiv Sena 56, NCP 54 and Congress 44.

Meeting of Congress parliamentary strategy group to be held of Monday

The Centre has extended the ban on the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) for five more years.

According to the notification issued by Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the organisation has been indulging in illegal and violent activities intended to disrupt, or which may disrupt, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India in furtherance of its objective of achieving a separate "Bodoland".

"NDFB is aligning itself with other undergrounds outfits of the North Eastern Region in furtherance of its objectives to create a separate Bodoland and engaging in unlawful and violent activities thereby undermining the authority of the Government of India and the Government of Assam and spreading terror and panic among the people," the notification said.

The Home Ministry has also said that the group has indulged in extortion of money from various sections of the society with a view to financing and executing its plans for the creation of a separate Bodoland; embarking on a systematic drive for the recruitment of fresh cadres with a view to continuing its terrorist and insurgency activities.

"NDFB creating carnage and ethnic violence resulting in killings, destruction of property of non-Bodos inhabiting the Bodo dominated areas in Assam with a view to spreading panic and insecurity among the non-Bodos, establishing camps and hideouts across the country`s border to carry out its secessionist activities; and obtaining assistance from anti-India forces in other countries to procure arms and other assistance in its struggle for the creation of a separate Bodoland," MHA said.

The Centre has also mentioned the number of incidents carried out by the organisation over the past few years.

"Killing of 19 civilians in incidents of violence since January 2015; and involvement in about sixty-two violent incidents since January 2015 in which fifty-five extremists have been killed, four hundred fifty extremists have been arrested and four hundred forty-four arms have been recovered from them."

"Now, therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of section 3 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (37 of 1967), (hereinafter referred to as the said Act) the Central Government hereby declares the National Democratic Front of Bodoland, along with all its groups, factions and front organisations, as an "unlawful association"," the notification said.

"The Central Government, is of the opinion that it is necessary to declare the NDFB to be an unlawful association with immediate effect, and accordingly, in exercise of powers conferred by the proviso to sub-section (3) of section 3 of the said Act, hereby directs that this notification shall, subject to any order that may be made under section 4 of the said Act, have effect from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette," the notification said.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

The Centre has extended the ban on the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) for five more years. According to the notification issued by Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the organisation has been indulging in illegal and violent activities intended to disrupt, or which may disrupt, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India in furtherance of its objective of achieving a separate "Bodoland".

The Centre has extended the ban on the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) for five more years. According to the notification issued by Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the organisation has been indulging in illegal and violent activities intended to disrupt, or which may disrupt, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India in furtherance of its objective of achieving a separate "Bodoland". "NDFB is aligning itself with other undergrounds outfits of the North Eastern Region in furtherance of its objectives to create a separate Bodoland and engaging in unlawful and violent activities thereby undermining the authority of the Government of India and the Government of Assam and spreading terror and panic among the people," the notification said. The Home Ministry has also said that the group has indulged in extortion of money from various sections of the society with a view to financing and executing its plans for the creation of a separate Bodoland; embarking on a systematic drive for the recruitment of fresh cadres with a view to continuing its terrorist and insurgency activities. "NDFB creating carnage and ethnic violence resulting in killings, destruction of property of non-Bodos inhabiting the Bodo dominated areas in Assam with a view to spreading panic and insecurity among the non-Bodos, establishing camps and hideouts across the country`s border to carry out its secessionist activities; and obtaining assistance from anti-India forces in other countries to procure arms and other assistance in its struggle for the creation of a separate Bodoland," MHA said. The Centre has also mentioned the number of incidents carried out by the organisation over the past few years. "Killing of 19 civilians in incidents of violence since January 2015; and involvement in about sixty-two violent incidents since January 2015 in which fifty-five extremists have been killed, four hundred fifty extremists have been arrested and four hundred forty-four arms have been recovered from them." "Now, therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of section 3 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (37 of 1967), (hereinafter referred to as the said Act) the Central Government hereby declares the National Democratic Front of Bodoland, along with all its groups, factions and front organisations, as an "unlawful association"," the notification said. "The Central Government, is of the opinion that it is necessary to declare the NDFB to be an unlawful association with immediate effect, and accordingly, in exercise of powers conferred by the proviso to sub-section (3) of section 3 of the said Act, hereby directs that this notification shall, subject to any order that may be made under section 4 of the said Act, have effect from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette," the notification said.

Centre extends ban on Assam's Bodo insurgent group NDFB for 5 more years

In a major step towards enhancing jointness among the three services, the special forces of Army, Navy and Air Force have been deployed in the Kashmir valley to carry out combined counter-terrorist operations.

The three special forces, namely, the Army`s Para (Special Forces), Navy`s Marine Commandos (MARCOS) and Indian Air Force`s Garud Special Forces are being deployed in the Kashmir valley under the Defence Ministry`s newly-raised Armed Forces Special Operations Division (AFSOD), senior Defence sources told ANI.

The induction of the joint special troops of the three forces has already started as the Army Para (SF) elements have already been inducted into an area considered to be a traditional terror hotbed near Srinagar, they said.

The elements of the MARCOS and the Garuds would also be getting fully inducted into the anti-terrorist operations very soon, they said.

Although small teams of Navy`s MARCOS and IAF`s Garuds have been operating in the Kashmir valley, this is the first time when the three services would be deployed jointly there.

The MARCOS commandos are deployed in and around the Wular lake area while the Garud teams have been operating in the Lolab area and Hajin.

The Air Force Special Forces had a very successful stint in the Kashmir valley as they managed to eliminate six terrorists in one go in Operation Rakh Hajin for which its Corporal JP Nirala was also awarded the Ashok Chakra posthumously.

The aim of joint Special Forces deployment in the Kashmir valley is to give the troops exposure of operating jointly in real operations.

The AFSPD has already carried out two exercises in different locations practising assault on strategic enemy positions and taking back captured areas.

The first exercise of the AFSOD was in the Kutch region codenamed Ex Smelling Field while the second was in Andaman and Nicobar Islands codenamed DANX-2019.

The first head of the Armed Forces Special Operations Division (AFSOD) is Major General Ashok Dhingra.

The division has performed well since it came into existence and is still facing issues involved in raising including manpower and equipment shortcomings.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

In a major step towards enhancing jointness among the three services, the special forces of Army, Navy and Air Force have been deployed in the Kashmir valley to carry out combined counter-terrorist operations.

In a major step towards enhancing jointness among the three services, the special forces of Army, Navy and Air Force have been deployed in the Kashmir valley to carry out combined counter-terrorist operations. The three special forces, namely, the Army`s Para (Special Forces), Navy`s Marine Commandos (MARCOS) and Indian Air Force`s Garud Special Forces are being deployed in the Kashmir valley under the Defence Ministry`s newly-raised Armed Forces Special Operations Division (AFSOD), senior Defence sources told ANI. The induction of the joint special troops of the three forces has already started as the Army Para (SF) elements have already been inducted into an area considered to be a traditional terror hotbed near Srinagar, they said. The elements of the MARCOS and the Garuds would also be getting fully inducted into the anti-terrorist operations very soon, they said. Although small teams of Navy`s MARCOS and IAF`s Garuds have been operating in the Kashmir valley, this is the first time when the three services would be deployed jointly there. The MARCOS commandos are deployed in and around the Wular lake area while the Garud teams have been operating in the Lolab area and Hajin. The Air Force Special Forces had a very successful stint in the Kashmir valley as they managed to eliminate six terrorists in one go in Operation Rakh Hajin for which its Corporal JP Nirala was also awarded the Ashok Chakra posthumously. The aim of joint Special Forces deployment in the Kashmir valley is to give the troops exposure of operating jointly in real operations. The AFSPD has already carried out two exercises in different locations practising assault on strategic enemy positions and taking back captured areas. The first exercise of the AFSOD was in the Kutch region codenamed Ex Smelling Field while the second was in Andaman and Nicobar Islands codenamed DANX-2019. The first head of the Armed Forces Special Operations Division (AFSOD) is Major General Ashok Dhingra. The division has performed well since it came into existence and is still facing issues involved in raising including manpower and equipment shortcomings.

Army, Navy, Air Force Special Forces deployed jointly to hunt terrorists in Kashmir valley

Maharashtra Mega-twist: Swapnil Kothari in an exclusive conversation with WION

Maharashtra mega-twist: Swapnil Kothari in an exclusive conversation with WION

Shiv Sena chief <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-will-not-stay-asleep-if-bjp-tries-to-break-shiv-sena-uddhav-thackeray-264044">Uddhav Thackeray </a>and party leader Aaditya Thackeray on Sunday reached Renaissance Hotel, in Mumbai, where Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MLAs are staying since yesterday night.

The Nationalist Congress Party had on Saturday moved 44 MLAs to Renaissance Hotel in Mumbai. NCP MLA Manikrao Kakate, who was missing since yesterday and who reportedly accompanied Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar to the Governor`s residence had also reached the Renaissance hotel on Sunday morning.

Earlier in the day, NCP chief Sharad Pawar had also reached the hotel to meet MLAs of his party.&nbsp;

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray and party leader Aaditya Thackeray on Sunday reached Renaissance Hotel, in Mumbai, where Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MLAs are staying since yesterday night.

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray and party leader Aaditya Thackeray on Sunday reached Renaissance Hotel, in Mumbai, where Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MLAs are staying since yesterday night. The Nationalist Congress Party had on Saturday moved 44 MLAs to Renaissance Hotel in Mumbai. NCP MLA Manikrao Kakate, who was missing since yesterday and who reportedly accompanied Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar to the Governor`s residence had also reached the Renaissance hotel on Sunday morning. Earlier in the day, NCP chief Sharad Pawar had also reached the hotel to meet MLAs of his party.

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray and son Aaditya reach Mumbai hotel to meet NCP MLAs

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Nawab Malik on Sunday demanded the resignation of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, saying that he will not be able to prove majority on the floor of the House.

Speaking to media outside NCP chief Sharad Pawar's Silver Oak's residence, Malik said, "By this evening all the MLAs of our party will come back to us. Fadnavis will not be able to prove majority on the floor of the House, we demand that he tenders resignation."

Speaking about Ajit Pawar, who sided with the BJP in a surprise move, Malik said, "Ajit has committed a mistake. Efforts are being made since yesterday to make him understand, he has not given any indication so far. It will be better if he realises his mistake."

After a prolonged uncertainty over the government formation that lasted for nearly a month, Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday early morning took oath for the second consecutive term as the state Chief Minister, while Ajit Pawar was sworn-in as his deputy.

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Nawab Malik on Sunday demanded the resignation of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, saying that he will not be able to prove majority on the floor of the House.

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Nawab Malik on Sunday demanded the resignation of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, saying that he will not be able to prove majority on the floor of the House. Speaking to media outside NCP chief Sharad Pawar's Silver Oak's residence, Malik said, "By this evening all the MLAs of our party will come back to us. Fadnavis will not be able to prove majority on the floor of the House, we demand that he tenders resignation." Speaking about Ajit Pawar, who sided with the BJP in a surprise move, Malik said, "Ajit has committed a mistake. Efforts are being made since yesterday to make him understand, he has not given any indication so far. It will be better if he realises his mistake." After a prolonged uncertainty over the government formation that lasted for nearly a month, Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday early morning took oath for the second consecutive term as the state Chief Minister, while Ajit Pawar was sworn-in as his deputy.

Fadnavis won't be able to prove majority, should resign: NCP's Nawab Malik

In his 59th edition of the radio program 'Mann Ki Baat', Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said he hopes that 'Constitution Day' reinforces obligation towards upholding the constitutional ideals and values.

"I hope that the 'Constitution Day' reinforces our obligation towards upholding the constitutional ideals and values thus contributing to nation-building. After all, this was the dream of the makers of our Constitution," Modi said during the radio address.

"My dear countrymen, November 26 is Constitution Day and it is a special day for the whole country," he underlined.

"This year it is even more special as we will be completing 70 years of the adoption of the Constitution," Modi said.

"Our Constitution guards the rights and dignity of every citizen which has been ensured owing to the farsightedness of its architects," he added.

In his 59th edition of the radio program 'Mann Ki Baat', Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said he hopes that 'Constitution Day' reinforces obligation towards upholding the constitutional ideals and values.

In his 59th edition of the radio program 'Mann Ki Baat', Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said he hopes that 'Constitution Day' reinforces obligation towards upholding the constitutional ideals and values. "I hope that the 'Constitution Day' reinforces our obligation towards upholding the constitutional ideals and values thus contributing to nation-building. After all, this was the dream of the makers of our Constitution," Modi said during the radio address. "My dear countrymen, November 26 is Constitution Day and it is a special day for the whole country," he underlined. "This year it is even more special as we will be completing 70 years of the adoption of the Constitution," Modi said. "Our Constitution guards the rights and dignity of every citizen which has been ensured owing to the farsightedness of its architects," he added.

Hope 'Constitution Day' reinforces obligation towards upholding constitutional ideas, values: PM Modi

In the 59th edition of his monthly radio address 'Mann ki Baat' on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined the issue of plastic waste flooding the water bodies and narrated an example of how a large amount of such waste was cleaned by a group of motivated scuba divers.

He also stated that a plastic-free India could be an example for the whole world.

"I was reading a story about a group of scuba divers in Vishakhapatnam, who were returning towards the seashore on Mangamaripeta beach when they encountered several plastic bottles and pouches in the water," he said.

He stated that after considering the situation as very serious, the group of divers started an initiative to clean out the garbage from the water bodies.

"In around two weeks, they took out nearly 4000 kg of plastic waste from the water," he said.

The Prime Minister further added that this small initiative was slowly becoming a large movement, which has already garnered the support of the local people and fishermen.

He also urged the citizens to take inspiration from the group of scuba divers and start getting rid of plastic waste from their surroundings.

"If we resolve to eliminate plastic waste from our own surroundings, a plastic-free India will be possible, that can set an example before the entire world," he added.

In the 59th edition of his monthly radio address 'Mann ki Baat' on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined the issue of plastic waste flooding the water bodies and narrated an example of how a large amount of such waste was cleaned by a group of motivated scuba divers.

In the 59th edition of his monthly radio address 'Mann ki Baat' on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined the issue of plastic waste flooding the water bodies and narrated an example of how a large amount of such waste was cleaned by a group of motivated scuba divers. He also stated that a plastic-free India could be an example for the whole world. "I was reading a story about a group of scuba divers in Vishakhapatnam, who were returning towards the seashore on Mangamaripeta beach when they encountered several plastic bottles and pouches in the water," he said. He stated that after considering the situation as very serious, the group of divers started an initiative to clean out the garbage from the water bodies. "In around two weeks, they took out nearly 4000 kg of plastic waste from the water," he said. The Prime Minister further added that this small initiative was slowly becoming a large movement, which has already garnered the support of the local people and fishermen. He also urged the citizens to take inspiration from the group of scuba divers and start getting rid of plastic waste from their surroundings. "If we resolve to eliminate plastic waste from our own surroundings, a plastic-free India will be possible, that can set an example before the entire world," he added.

PM Modi lauds scuba divers for cleaning plastic waste from deep sea

Senior counsel Kapil Sibal on Sunday argued in the Supreme Court that the move of Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari inviting Devendra Fadnavis to form government in the state is "biased, malafide and contrary" to all laws established by the apex court.

He further appealed the court to order a floor test in Maharashtra Assembly, today itself."When somebody had announced at 7 pm that we are forming the government, the act of Governor is biased, mala-fide, and contrary to all laws established by this Court," said Sibal.

"Court should order floor test today itself. If BJP has the majority, let them prove in the Assembly. If they don`t, let us stake the claim," he said.

"The majority is 145 seats in the state. The pre-poll alliance comes first. The pre-poll alliance broke down. Now, we are relying on the post-poll alliance," argued Sibal.

Arguing on the way President Rule was revoked in Maharashtra, Sibal asked, "At 5.17 am yesterday President`s Rule was revoked and at 8 am two persons sworn-in as Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister. What documents were given?"

While senior counsel Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for Maharashtra BJP said, "I don`t know why there is hearing on Sunday, there should not be any hearing on Sunday. According to me this matter (Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress` plea) should not be listed.''

"A three-judge bench of Supreme Court headed by Justice N V Ramana and comprising of Justices Ashok Bhushan and Sanjiv Khanna is hearing a joint plea of Shiv Sena, Congress and NCP against the decision of Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari inviting BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis to form the government.

At a time when deliberations among Congress, NCP and Shiv Sena on the formation of a non-BJP government in the state had seemingly reached the final stage, the BJP formed the government in a surprise development on Saturday morning when Devendra Fadnavis took oath for the second consecutive term as the state Chief Minister, while Ajit Pawar of NCP as his Deputy Chief Minister.

The BJP won 105 seats in the 288-member assembly followed by Shiv Sena 56, NCP 54 and Congress 44.&nbsp;

Senior counsel Kapil Sibal on Sunday argued in the Supreme Court that the move of Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari inviting Devendra Fadnavis to form government in the state is "biased, malafide and contrary" to all laws established by the apex court.

Senior counsel Kapil Sibal on Sunday argued in the Supreme Court that the move of Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari inviting Devendra Fadnavis to form government in the state is "biased, malafide and contrary" to all laws established by the apex court. He further appealed the court to order a floor test in Maharashtra Assembly, today itself."When somebody had announced at 7 pm that we are forming the government, the act of Governor is biased, mala-fide, and contrary to all laws established by this Court," said Sibal. "Court should order floor test today itself. If BJP has the majority, let them prove in the Assembly. If they don`t, let us stake the claim," he said. "The majority is 145 seats in the state. The pre-poll alliance comes first. The pre-poll alliance broke down. Now, we are relying on the post-poll alliance," argued Sibal. Arguing on the way President Rule was revoked in Maharashtra, Sibal asked, "At 5.17 am yesterday President`s Rule was revoked and at 8 am two persons sworn-in as Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister. What documents were given?" While senior counsel Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for Maharashtra BJP said, "I don`t know why there is hearing on Sunday, there should not be any hearing on Sunday. According to me this matter (Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress` plea) should not be listed.'' "A three-judge bench of Supreme Court headed by Justice N V Ramana and comprising of Justices Ashok Bhushan and Sanjiv Khanna is hearing a joint plea of Shiv Sena, Congress and NCP against the decision of Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari inviting BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis to form the government. At a time when deliberations among Congress, NCP and Shiv Sena on the formation of a non-BJP government in the state had seemingly reached the final stage, the BJP formed the government in a surprise development on Saturday morning when Devendra Fadnavis took oath for the second consecutive term as the state Chief Minister, while Ajit Pawar of NCP as his Deputy Chief Minister. The BJP won 105 seats in the 288-member assembly followed by Shiv Sena 56, NCP 54 and Congress 44.

Maharashtra Guv's move biased, malafide and contrary to all laws: Kapil Sibal in SC

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Nawab Malik on Saturday said that the government formed under the leadership of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/devendra-fadnavis-takes-oath-as-maharashtra-chief-minister-ajit-pawar-as-deputy-cm-263978">Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavi</a>s will fail in the floor test in Maharashtra Assembly.

"The entire government formation episode is a facade. They will lose on the floor of Vidhan Sabha. All MLAs are with us," Malik told reporters here.

Malik also took a veiled attack at Ajit Pawar who took oath as Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and said that NCP had taken signatures from MLAs for attendance which were later misused.

"We had taken signatures from MLAs for attendance, they were misused as a basis for the oath," Malik.

Earlier in the day, Devendra Fadnavis took oath as Chief Minister of Maharashtra for the second term.BJP, with 105 seats forged alliance with the Nationalist Congress Party which bagged 54 seats to garner the majority figure.

Meanwhile, NCP chief Sharad Pawar clarified that the decision of going with BJP to form the government in Maharashtra is of his nephew Ajit Pawar, who took as Deputy Chief Minister today.

"Ajit Pawar's decision to support the BJP to form the Maharashtra Government is his personal decision and not that of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). We place on record that we do not support or endorse this decision of his," Sharad Pawar tweeted.

The move came at a time when deliberations between Congress, NCP and Shiv Sena seemingly reached the final stage on Friday.

Earlier, NCP supremo Sharad Pawar had claimed that there was a consensus on Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray as chief minister of the alliance government.

Shiv Sena bagged 56 seats while 44 seats went to Congress in the 288-member Maharashtra Assembly.

The BJP, which emerged as the single largest party, could not stake claim to form a government as its ally Shiv Sena remained firm on rotating the Chief Minister's post and equal sharing of Cabinet berths.

Shiv Sena parted its ways with BJP to explore ways to form a government. It, however, failed to prove the support of the required number of MLAs in the time given by state Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari.

The Governor had then invited NCP, the third-largest party, to prove its ability to form the government failing which President`s Rule was imposed in the state. 
&nbsp;

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Nawab Malik on Saturday said that the government formed under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will fail in the floor test in Maharashtra Assembly.

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Nawab Malik on Saturday said that the government formed under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will fail in the floor test in Maharashtra Assembly. "The entire government formation episode is a facade. They will lose on the floor of Vidhan Sabha. All MLAs are with us," Malik told reporters here. Malik also took a veiled attack at Ajit Pawar who took oath as Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and said that NCP had taken signatures from MLAs for attendance which were later misused. "We had taken signatures from MLAs for attendance, they were misused as a basis for the oath," Malik. Earlier in the day, Devendra Fadnavis took oath as Chief Minister of Maharashtra for the second term.BJP, with 105 seats forged alliance with the Nationalist Congress Party which bagged 54 seats to garner the majority figure. Meanwhile, NCP chief Sharad Pawar clarified that the decision of going with BJP to form the government in Maharashtra is of his nephew Ajit Pawar, who took as Deputy Chief Minister today. "Ajit Pawar's decision to support the BJP to form the Maharashtra Government is his personal decision and not that of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). We place on record that we do not support or endorse this decision of his," Sharad Pawar tweeted. The move came at a time when deliberations between Congress, NCP and Shiv Sena seemingly reached the final stage on Friday. Earlier, NCP supremo Sharad Pawar had claimed that there was a consensus on Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray as chief minister of the alliance government. Shiv Sena bagged 56 seats while 44 seats went to Congress in the 288-member Maharashtra Assembly. The BJP, which emerged as the single largest party, could not stake claim to form a government as its ally Shiv Sena remained firm on rotating the Chief Minister's post and equal sharing of Cabinet berths. Shiv Sena parted its ways with BJP to explore ways to form a government. It, however, failed to prove the support of the required number of MLAs in the time given by state Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari. The Governor had then invited NCP, the third-largest party, to prove its ability to form the government failing which President`s Rule was imposed in the state.

All MLAs are with us, Fadnavis government will fail in floor test: NCP leader Nawab Malik

In dramatic developments on Saturday, Bharatiya Janata Party's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/devendra-fadnavis-takes-oath-as-maharashtra-chief-minister-ajit-pawar-as-deputy-cm-263978">Devendra Fadnavis took oath as Maharashtra Chief Minister</a> for the second consecutive term.

Responding to a congratulatory message by Prime Minister Narendra Modi&nbsp;on Twitter, Fadnavis said,&nbsp;he is "looking forward of taking the state to greater heights"&nbsp;under the leadership of PM Modi.

"Thank you so much Hon'ble PM Narendra Modi ji! Under your guidance and leadership, we are once again looking forward to take Maharashtra to newer and greater heights!" Fadnavis tweeted while retweeting the congratulatory message posted by the Prime Minister.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Thank you so much Hon’ble PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> ji ! 
Under your guidance and leadership, we are once again looking forward to take <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Maharashtra?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Maharashtra</a> to newer and greater heights ! <a href="https://t.co/laJKhXZWFL">https://t.co/laJKhXZWFL</a>
— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dev_Fadnavis/status/1198104484016078848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Home Minister and BJP President Amit Shah also took Twitter to congratulate Fadnavis.&nbsp;

"I am confident that this government will be continuously committed to the development and welfare of Maharashtra and will set new standards of progress in the state," Shah said.

BJP, with 105 seats, came together with the Nationalist Congress Party, which bagged 54 seats, to reach the majority mark. NCP's Ajit Pawar, nephew of NCP chief Sharad Pawar,&nbsp;took oath as Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra.

However, Sharad Pawar said that it was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-do-not-support-or-endorse-ajit-pawars-decision-to-support-bjp-sharad-pawar-on-ajit-decision-to-support-bjp-263991">Ajit's personal decision to join hands with BJP</a>.

"Ajit Pawar's decision to support the BJP to form the Maharashtra Government is his personal decision and not that of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). We place on record that we do not support or endorse this decision of his," he tweeted.

The move came at a time when deliberations between Congress, NCP, and Shiv Sena had seemingly reached the final stage on Friday. Earlier, Sharad Pawar had claimed that there was a consensus on Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray as chief minister of the alliance government.

Shiv Sena bagged 56 seats while 44 seats went to Congress in the 288-member Maharashtra Assembly.

The BJP, which emerged as the single largest party, could not stake claim to form a government as its ally Shiv Sena remained firm on rotating the Chief Minister's post and equal sharing of Cabinet berths.

Shiv Sena parted its ways with BJP to explore ways to form a government. It, however, failed to prove the support of the required number of MLAs in the time given by state Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari.

The Governor had then invited NCP, the third-largest party, to prove its ability to form the government failing which President's Rule was imposed in the state.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In dramatic developments on Saturday, Bharatiya Janata Party's Devendra Fadnavis took oath as Maharashtra Chief Minister for the second consecutive term. Responding to a congratulatory message by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Twitter, Fadnavis said, he is "looking forward of taking the state to greater heights" under the leadership of PM Modi.

In dramatic developments on Saturday, Bharatiya Janata Party's Devendra Fadnavis took oath as Maharashtra Chief Minister for the second consecutive term. Responding to a congratulatory message by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Twitter, Fadnavis said, he is "looking forward of taking the state to greater heights" under the leadership of PM Modi. "Thank you so much Hon'ble PM Narendra Modi ji! Under your guidance and leadership, we are once again looking forward to take Maharashtra to newer and greater heights!" Fadnavis tweeted while retweeting the congratulatory message posted by the Prime Minister. Thank you so much Hon’ble PM @narendramodi ji ! Under your guidance and leadership, we are once again looking forward to take #Maharashtra to newer and greater heights ! https://t.co/laJKhXZWFL — Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) November 23, 2019 × Home Minister and BJP President Amit Shah also took Twitter to congratulate Fadnavis. "I am confident that this government will be continuously committed to the development and welfare of Maharashtra and will set new standards of progress in the state," Shah said. BJP, with 105 seats, came together with the Nationalist Congress Party, which bagged 54 seats, to reach the majority mark. NCP's Ajit Pawar, nephew of NCP chief Sharad Pawar, took oath as Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra. However, Sharad Pawar said that it was Ajit's personal decision to join hands with BJP. "Ajit Pawar's decision to support the BJP to form the Maharashtra Government is his personal decision and not that of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). We place on record that we do not support or endorse this decision of his," he tweeted. The move came at a time when deliberations between Congress, NCP, and Shiv Sena had seemingly reached the final stage on Friday. Earlier, Sharad Pawar had claimed that there was a consensus on Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray as chief minister of the alliance government. Shiv Sena bagged 56 seats while 44 seats went to Congress in the 288-member Maharashtra Assembly. The BJP, which emerged as the single largest party, could not stake claim to form a government as its ally Shiv Sena remained firm on rotating the Chief Minister's post and equal sharing of Cabinet berths. Shiv Sena parted its ways with BJP to explore ways to form a government. It, however, failed to prove the support of the required number of MLAs in the time given by state Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari. The Governor had then invited NCP, the third-largest party, to prove its ability to form the government failing which President's Rule was imposed in the state. (With inputs from agencies)

Looking towards taking Maharashtra to greater heights under PM Modi's leadership: Fadnavis

People residing in the national capital were breathing polluted air for the third consecutive day on Saturday with overall AQI at 326, which falls in the 'very poor'&nbsp;category, at 9 in the morning.

At Lodhi Road, the AQI was 317 while in Chandni Chowk, the pollution level was around 346. Around IIT Delhi and Airport Terminal 3, the AQI was 319 and 328 respectively, said System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR).

Residents complained of suffocation and eye irritation and urged the government to take requisite measures.

"Our marathon was cancelled a few days back because of the spike in air pollution. I feel suffocated while cycling. My children are also affected by air pollution," said a resident of the city.

In adjoining Noida, PM10 pollutants were at 291 while PM2.5 pollutants decreased to 291. According to Centre-run SAFAR, Vasundhara and Ghaziabad had an AQI of 196 while Pusa's AQI was 202.

During winter each year, most of northern India suffers from a spike in toxicity in the air due to the change in weather patterns and crop residue burning in the states of Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh.

People residing in the national capital were breathing polluted air for the third consecutive day on Saturday with overall AQI at 326, which falls in the 'very poor' category, at 9 in the morning.

People residing in the national capital were breathing polluted air for the third consecutive day on Saturday with overall AQI at 326, which falls in the 'very poor' category, at 9 in the morning. At Lodhi Road, the AQI was 317 while in Chandni Chowk, the pollution level was around 346. Around IIT Delhi and Airport Terminal 3, the AQI was 319 and 328 respectively, said System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR). Residents complained of suffocation and eye irritation and urged the government to take requisite measures. "Our marathon was cancelled a few days back because of the spike in air pollution. I feel suffocated while cycling. My children are also affected by air pollution," said a resident of the city. In adjoining Noida, PM10 pollutants were at 291 while PM2.5 pollutants decreased to 291. According to Centre-run SAFAR, Vasundhara and Ghaziabad had an AQI of 196 while Pusa's AQI was 202. During winter each year, most of northern India suffers from a spike in toxicity in the air due to the change in weather patterns and crop residue burning in the states of Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh.

Delhi gasps for breath, AQI remains in 'very poor' category

Nationalist Congress Party's Ajit Pawar took oath as the deputy chief minister&nbsp;of Maharashtra on Saturday. Reacting to the latest development Shiv Sena's&nbsp;leader Sanjay Raut&nbsp;said Ajit Pawar, nephew of NCP supremo Sharad Pawar,&nbsp;backstabbed people of Maharashtra.

Maharashtra government deadlock ended on Saturday as Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari sworn in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/devendra-fadnavis-takes-oath-as-maharashtra-chief-minister-ajit-pawar-as-deputy-cm-263978">Devendra Fadnavis</a> and Ajit Pawar as chief minister and deputy chief minister respectively on Saturday morning.&nbsp;

"Sharad Pawar has nothing to do with this, Ajit Pawar has backstabbed the people of Maharashtra," Raut said during a press conference in Mumbai.

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"Uddhav Thackeray ji and Sharad Pawar ji are in touch and will meet today also; they might also address the media together. But the fact is that Ajit Pawar and the MLAs supporting him have insulted Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Maharashtra," Sanjay Raut also said.

Meanwhile, NCP supremo Sharad Pawar called Ajit Pawar's decision to support the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-do-not-support-or-endorse-ajit-pawars-decision-to-support-bjp-sharad-pawar-on-ajit-decision-to-support-bjp-263991"> BJP to form the Maharashtra Government is his "personal"</a> and not that of the NCP.

''We place on record that we do not support or endorse this decision of his (Ajit Pawar), he said.

The latest development came as a major twist as a day earlier Sharad Pawar had announced that new Maharashtra government would be led by Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackray.

"We all have consensus on the name of Uddhav Thackeray as Chief Minister," Pawar had said after the first joint meeting of the three parties, Congress, NCP and Shiv Sena.&nbsp;

Uddhav Thackeray had also said "positive" discussion took place on almost all the issues.

Shiv Sena has been an old ally of BJP and fought in alliance with the latter in recently held Assembly polls.&nbsp;But the alliance broke over Shiv Sena's demand for sharing the chief minister's post as it was rejected by BJP.

In the last month's polls, the BJP won 105 seats and Shiv Sena 56, while the Congress-NCP combine won 98 seats.

(With inputs from agencies)

 
&nbsp;

Nationalist Congress Party's Ajit Pawar took oath as the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra on Saturday. Reacting to the latest development Shiv Sena's leader Sanjay Raut said Ajit Pawar, nephew of NCP supremo Sharad Pawar, backstabbed people of Maharashtra.

Nationalist Congress Party's Ajit Pawar took oath as the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra on Saturday. Reacting to the latest development Shiv Sena's leader Sanjay Raut said Ajit Pawar, nephew of NCP supremo Sharad Pawar, backstabbed people of Maharashtra. Maharashtra government deadlock ended on Saturday as Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari sworn in Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar as chief minister and deputy chief minister respectively on Saturday morning. "Sharad Pawar has nothing to do with this, Ajit Pawar has backstabbed the people of Maharashtra," Raut said during a press conference in Mumbai. Sanjay Raut, Shiv Sena: Sharad Pawar saheb has nothing to do with this, Ajit Pawar has backstabbed the people of Maharashtra pic.twitter.com/L5HtyMtiWf — ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2019 × "Uddhav Thackeray ji and Sharad Pawar ji are in touch and will meet today also; they might also address the media together. But the fact is that Ajit Pawar and the MLAs supporting him have insulted Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Maharashtra," Sanjay Raut also said. Meanwhile, NCP supremo Sharad Pawar called Ajit Pawar's decision to support the BJP to form the Maharashtra Government is his "personal" and not that of the NCP. ''We place on record that we do not support or endorse this decision of his (Ajit Pawar), he said. The latest development came as a major twist as a day earlier Sharad Pawar had announced that new Maharashtra government would be led by Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackray. "We all have consensus on the name of Uddhav Thackeray as Chief Minister," Pawar had said after the first joint meeting of the three parties, Congress, NCP and Shiv Sena. Uddhav Thackeray had also said "positive" discussion took place on almost all the issues. Shiv Sena has been an old ally of BJP and fought in alliance with the latter in recently held Assembly polls. But the alliance broke over Shiv Sena's demand for sharing the chief minister's post as it was rejected by BJP. In the last month's polls, the BJP won 105 seats and Shiv Sena 56, while the Congress-NCP combine won 98 seats. (With inputs from agencies)

Sharad Pawar has nothing to do with this, Ajit backstabbed people of Maharashtra: Shiv Sena's Sanjay Raut

Ajit Pawar's decision to support the BJP to form the Maharashtra Government is his personal decision and not that of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), said the party chief Sharad Pawar in a tweet minutes after the Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari sworn in Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar as chief minister and deputy chief minister respectively on Saturday morning.

Ajit Pawar's decision to support the BJP to form the Maharashtra Government is his personal decision and not that of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), said the party chief Sharad Pawar in a tweet minutes after the Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari sworn in Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar as chief minister and deputy chief minister respectively on Saturday morning. ''We place on record that we do not support or endorse this decision of his (Ajit Pawar), he added. Ajit Pawar's decision to support the BJP to form the Maharashtra Government is his personal decision and not that of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). We place on record that we do not support or endorse this decision of his. — Sharad Pawar (@PawarSpeaks) November 23, 2019 × Meanwhile, news agency ANI reported quoting sources that Sharad Pawar had given his assent to Ajit Pawar and was part of the discussions for Devendra Fadnavis led Maharashtra Government formation. Ajit Pawar is the leader of Parliamentary board of NCP and no decision of the party is taken without Sharad Pawar’s assent, the ANI report added quoting the sources. In a surprising turn of events, Bharatiya Janata Party's Devendra Fadnavis took oath as Maharashtra CM for the second consecutive term while Nationalist Congres Party Supremo Sharad Pawar's nephew Ajit Pawar took oath as the deputy chief minister. As the Maharashtra government impasse ended, the latest development comes as a major twist as a day earlier Sharad Pawar had announced that new Maharashtra government would be led by Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackray. "We all have consensus on the name of Uddhav Thackeray as Chief Minister," Pawar had said after the first joint meeting of the three parties, Congress, NCP and Shiv Sena. Uddhav Thackeray had also said "positive" discussion took place on almost all the issues. Shiv Sena has been an old ally of BJP and fought recently held Assembly polls in alliance with latter. But the alliance broke over Shiv Sena's demand of sharing the chief minister's post which was rejected by BJP. In the last month's polls, the BJP won 105 seats and Shiv Sena 56, while the Congress-NCP combine won 98 seats. (With inputs from ANI)

We do not support or endorse Ajit Pawar's decision to support BJP: NCP chief  Sharad Pawar

At a time when the Naga-peace talks between the Centre and the Naga groups have reached the final stage, six companies of Nagaland Armed Police deployed in once the hotbed of Maoists – Ayodhya hills in Purulia district of West Bengal - will be withdrawn for Nagaland’s internal security.

Ayodhya hills housed a 34-member platoon of elite People's Liberation Guerilla Army (PLGA) members – the military component of CPI (Maoists), let alone a squad and saw the highest bloodshed between 2009-2010.

In 2009, Nagaland Armed Police troopers as a part of Indian Reserve Battalion were deployed in the Ayodhya hills of Purulia when joint operations were launched in Junglemahal – Left Wing Extremism (LWE) areas of West Midnapore, Purulia and Bankura districts.&nbsp;

The Naga troopers were deployed almost a decade ago in the Ayodhya hills because of their ambush-handling techniques.

The recent MHA order, which asks the West Bengal government to release the six companies of the Naga troopers, will be re-deploying the troops in the home state of Nagaland ahead of the signing of the Naga-peace accord anticipating violence sponsored by militant groups like NSCN (IM) and others opposing the accord.

Sources in the MHA say that the six companies will be withdrawn by the second week of December.&nbsp;

“The MHA has asked the CRPF, whose troops continue to be deployed in the LWE areas of West Bengal, to re-deploy in the Ayodhya hills in consultation with the state,” said a senior MHA official requesting anonymity.

A recent meeting held between the West Bengal Police officers and CRPF officials decided as a part of a temporary measure and prevent the Maoists to regroup in the Ayodhya hills, CRPF will be deploying two companies at two strategic locations on the hills.&nbsp;

Each of the CRPF companies will be withdrawn from Bankura and West Midnapore for redeployment at two locations on the Ayodhya hills – Muruguma and Kumari Kanan that work like access points for the hill top.

“Presently there are 17 companies of CRPF in West Bengal. We will be deploying two companies from our existing strength at these two locations in the Ayodhya hills,” said a CRPF official.

While it is yet to be decided whether the state police will be deploying Counter Insurgency Force (CIF) – a force raised to combat Maoist activities and militancy in the state or State Armed Police (SAP) - West Bengal Police is likely to keep the security of the hill top location with them.

On the other hand, the West Bengal government has requested the MHA to reconsider its decision to withdraw the Naga troops from the Ayodhya hills which is known as a Maoist corridor joining Jharkhand and Odisha.

At a time when the Naga-peace talks between the Centre and the Naga groups have reached the final stage, six companies of Nagaland Armed Police deployed in once the hotbed of Maoists – Ayodhya hills in Purulia district of West Bengal - will be withdrawn for Nagaland’s internal security.

At a time when the Naga-peace talks between the Centre and the Naga groups have reached the final stage, six companies of Nagaland Armed Police deployed in once the hotbed of Maoists – Ayodhya hills in Purulia district of West Bengal - will be withdrawn for Nagaland’s internal security. Ayodhya hills housed a 34-member platoon of elite People's Liberation Guerilla Army (PLGA) members – the military component of CPI (Maoists), let alone a squad and saw the highest bloodshed between 2009-2010. In 2009, Nagaland Armed Police troopers as a part of Indian Reserve Battalion were deployed in the Ayodhya hills of Purulia when joint operations were launched in Junglemahal – Left Wing Extremism (LWE) areas of West Midnapore, Purulia and Bankura districts. The Naga troopers were deployed almost a decade ago in the Ayodhya hills because of their ambush-handling techniques. The recent MHA order, which asks the West Bengal government to release the six companies of the Naga troopers, will be re-deploying the troops in the home state of Nagaland ahead of the signing of the Naga-peace accord anticipating violence sponsored by militant groups like NSCN (IM) and others opposing the accord. Sources in the MHA say that the six companies will be withdrawn by the second week of December. “The MHA has asked the CRPF, whose troops continue to be deployed in the LWE areas of West Bengal, to re-deploy in the Ayodhya hills in consultation with the state,” said a senior MHA official requesting anonymity. A recent meeting held between the West Bengal Police officers and CRPF officials decided as a part of a temporary measure and prevent the Maoists to regroup in the Ayodhya hills, CRPF will be deploying two companies at two strategic locations on the hills. Each of the CRPF companies will be withdrawn from Bankura and West Midnapore for redeployment at two locations on the Ayodhya hills – Muruguma and Kumari Kanan that work like access points for the hill top. “Presently there are 17 companies of CRPF in West Bengal. We will be deploying two companies from our existing strength at these two locations in the Ayodhya hills,” said a CRPF official. While it is yet to be decided whether the state police will be deploying Counter Insurgency Force (CIF) – a force raised to combat Maoist activities and militancy in the state or State Armed Police (SAP) - West Bengal Police is likely to keep the security of the hill top location with them. On the other hand, the West Bengal government has requested the MHA to reconsider its decision to withdraw the Naga troops from the Ayodhya hills which is known as a Maoist corridor joining Jharkhand and Odisha.

Amidst Naga-peace talks, Nagaland Armed Police companies to be withdrawn from once Maoist hotbed 

Delhi Fire Service on Saturday deployed 20 fire tenders to spray water on trees and roads at polluted areas in the city as a measure to control pollution levels.

The fire tenders have been deployed at Rohini, Dwarka, Okhla Phase II, Punjabi Bagh, Anand Vihar, Vivek Vihar, Wazirpur, Jahangir Puri, RK Puram, Bawana, Narela, Mundka and Mayapuri.

People residing in the national capital were breathing polluted air for the third consecutive day on Saturday with overall AQI at 326, which falls in the `very poor` category, at 9 in the morning.

At Lodhi Road, the AQI was 317 while in Chandni Chowk, the pollution level was around 346. Around IIT Delhi and Airport Terminal 3, the AQI was 319 and 328 respectively, said System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR).&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Delhi Fire Service on Saturday deployed 20 fire tenders to spray water on trees and roads at polluted areas in the city as a measure to control pollution levels.

Delhi Fire Service on Saturday deployed 20 fire tenders to spray water on trees and roads at polluted areas in the city as a measure to control pollution levels. The fire tenders have been deployed at Rohini, Dwarka, Okhla Phase II, Punjabi Bagh, Anand Vihar, Vivek Vihar, Wazirpur, Jahangir Puri, RK Puram, Bawana, Narela, Mundka and Mayapuri. People residing in the national capital were breathing polluted air for the third consecutive day on Saturday with overall AQI at 326, which falls in the `very poor` category, at 9 in the morning. At Lodhi Road, the AQI was 317 while in Chandni Chowk, the pollution level was around 346. Around IIT Delhi and Airport Terminal 3, the AQI was 319 and 328 respectively, said System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR).

Delhi Fire Service deploys 20 fire tenders across city to counter air pollution

Almost 22 per cent of underground water resources in the country have either dried up or fall in the critical category, Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said on Friday, adding that his government has initiated work on mapping all the aquifers in the country for their better management.

Speaking at an event here, Shekhawat said that his government is committed to complete the mapping of all the aquifers (groundwater resources) in the country by the next two years, while work on mapping the aquifers in the critically exploited districts is aimed to be completed by March 2020.

"Of the total number of underground water resources in India, almost 22 per cent of them are either dried up or on the verge of drying up, they are critically exploited. My government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken up an initiative to map the aquifers," Shekhawat said.

"We have covered almost a million square kilometres of aquifer mapping and we are committed to complete it by the next two years, and we have further amended our commitment to complete the mapping of aquifers by next March for the exploited districts and areas," he added.

Shekhawat made the remark following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) and Australia's MARVI (Managing Aquifer Recharge and Sustaining Groundwater Use through Village-level Intervention).

 
&nbsp;

Almost 22 per cent of underground water resources in the country have either dried up or fall in the critical category, Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said on Friday, adding that his government has initiated work on mapping all the aquifers in the country for their better management.

Almost 22 per cent of underground water resources in the country have either dried up or fall in the critical category, Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said on Friday, adding that his government has initiated work on mapping all the aquifers in the country for their better management. Speaking at an event here, Shekhawat said that his government is committed to complete the mapping of all the aquifers (groundwater resources) in the country by the next two years, while work on mapping the aquifers in the critically exploited districts is aimed to be completed by March 2020. "Of the total number of underground water resources in India, almost 22 per cent of them are either dried up or on the verge of drying up, they are critically exploited. My government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken up an initiative to map the aquifers," Shekhawat said. "We have covered almost a million square kilometres of aquifer mapping and we are committed to complete it by the next two years, and we have further amended our commitment to complete the mapping of aquifers by next March for the exploited districts and areas," he added. Shekhawat made the remark following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) and Australia's MARVI (Managing Aquifer Recharge and Sustaining Groundwater Use through Village-level Intervention).

22% underground water resources dried up or in critical category: Jal Shakti Minister Shekhawat

A Delhi court, on an application filed by Chanda Kochhar through her lawyers Vijay Aggarwal and Naman Joshi has injuncted the release of a film, which is allegedly based on the life of the former MD and CEO of ICICI Bank.

Kochhar had recently approached the court against the movie 'Chanda: A Signature that Ruined a Career', which is projected as a film based on her life.

Sandeep Garg, Additional District Judge, Patiala House Court, passed the order stating that all defendants, including producers and their associates as well as other actors, to restraint from using Kochhar's name directly or indirectly.

The producers of the movie are also restrained from screening, exhibiting and marketing the movie online or off-line, whole or in part or in homes, without the consent of Kochhar till the next date of hearing, which is on November 26.

The court has granted interim stay on the screening/marketing of the movie. Kochhar had moved court seeking a stay on the release of the movie alleging that the content of the movie is defamatory and she was never approached for her consent for using her name or making a film on her life.

During counsels'&nbsp;submission, objection has been taken to the title of the film as well as to the film itself and the underlying tone and tenor which is also evident in the interviews/press coverage where she is being shown as a culprit though the trial is pending and no charge sheet has been filed against her and the trial is yet to begin.

Kochhar's lawyers stated that making of such alleged biopic and their release, as well as promotional interviews and material vilifying the plaintiff, are extremely prejudicial to the investigation and the trial.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

A Delhi court, on an application filed by Chanda Kochhar through her lawyers Vijay Aggarwal and Naman Joshi has injuncted the release of a film, which is allegedly based on the life of the former MD and CEO of ICICI Bank.

A Delhi court, on an application filed by Chanda Kochhar through her lawyers Vijay Aggarwal and Naman Joshi has injuncted the release of a film, which is allegedly based on the life of the former MD and CEO of ICICI Bank. Kochhar had recently approached the court against the movie 'Chanda: A Signature that Ruined a Career', which is projected as a film based on her life. Sandeep Garg, Additional District Judge, Patiala House Court, passed the order stating that all defendants, including producers and their associates as well as other actors, to restraint from using Kochhar's name directly or indirectly. The producers of the movie are also restrained from screening, exhibiting and marketing the movie online or off-line, whole or in part or in homes, without the consent of Kochhar till the next date of hearing, which is on November 26. The court has granted interim stay on the screening/marketing of the movie. Kochhar had moved court seeking a stay on the release of the movie alleging that the content of the movie is defamatory and she was never approached for her consent for using her name or making a film on her life. During counsels' submission, objection has been taken to the title of the film as well as to the film itself and the underlying tone and tenor which is also evident in the interviews/press coverage where she is being shown as a culprit though the trial is pending and no charge sheet has been filed against her and the trial is yet to begin. Kochhar's lawyers stated that making of such alleged biopic and their release, as well as promotional interviews and material vilifying the plaintiff, are extremely prejudicial to the investigation and the trial.

Interim stay granted on release of biopic allegedly based on Chanda Kochhar's life

BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis took oath as Maharashtra Chief Minister for the second time on Saturday morning. The oath was administered by Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari at Raj Bhawan, news agency ANI reported.

BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis took oath as Maharashtra Chief Minister for the second time on Saturday morning. The oath was administered by Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari at Raj Bhawan, news agency ANI reported. Nationalist Congress Party leader Ajit Pawar was sworn in as deputy chief minister of the state. #WATCH Mumbai: Devendra Fadnavis takes oath as Maharashtra Chief Minister again, oath administered by Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari at Raj Bhawan. pic.twitter.com/kjWAlyMTci — ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2019 × Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar for taking oath as the CM and deputy CM respectively in a tweet immediately after the duo took oath. ''I am confident they will work diligently for the bright future of Maharashtra,'' added Modi. ''From result day to this day no party was able to form Govt, Maharashtra was facing many problems including farmer issues, so we decided to form a stable government,'' Ajit Pawar after taking oath as Deputy CM reportedly told ANI. The development comes at a time when deliberations between Congress, NCP and Shiv Sena seemingly reached the final stage on Friday. Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray had reportedly given his consent to become Maharashtra chief minister on Friday. Congratulations to @Dev_Fadnavis Ji and @AjitPawarSpeaks Ji on taking oath as the CM and Deputy CM of Maharashtra respectively. I am confident they will work diligently for the bright future of Maharashtra. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 23, 2019 × Earlier, NCP supremo Sharad Pawar had claimed that there was a consensus on Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray as chief minister of the alliance government. The BJP, which emerged as the single largest party, could not stake claim to form a government as its ally Shiv Sena remained firm on rotating the Chief Minister's post and equal sharing of Cabinet berths. Shiv Sena parted ways with BJP to explore ways to form a government. It, however, failed to prove the support of the required number of MLAs in the time given by state Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari. The Governor had then invited NCP, the third-largest party, to prove its ability to form the government failing which President's Rule was imposed in the state. The BJP won 105 seats in the 288-member assembly followed by Shiv Sena 56, NCP 54 and Congress 44. (With inputs from ANI)

Devendra Fadnavis takes oath as Maharashtra Chief Minister, Ajit Pawar as deputy CM 

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday said that there was no reason for the Congress, Shiv Sena or Sharad Pawar to have doubts on the role of Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari in government formation in Maharashtra.

"The Governor can ask anyone to form the government when he is fully satisfied that the party has the majority needed. It is up to the Governor's discretion, nobody should have an objection to that," Singh told ANI.

Responding to the allegations that the BJP would fail in the majority test in the state Assembly, being raised by the Congress and Shiv Sena, Singh said, "Let us see what happens in floor test but I believe that they must have had required numbers, that is why they were invited. The majority will have to be proven in the floor test, but I have faith that the Governor must have felt that they (BJP) have a majority and only then did he allowed us to stake a claim."

Earlier today, addressing a workers felicitation meeting, Singh had targeted Pakistan and blamed it of running a "terror industry".

"The entire world wants to walk alongside India, but our country's neighbour Pakistan is running a terror business. When terrorism becomes an industry at any place then all other businesses close on their own," Singh said in his address at the programme.

At the meeting, he also said that the party workers were the reason behind BJP's phenomenal success in the Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday said that there was no reason for the Congress, Shiv Sena or Sharad Pawar to have doubts on the role of Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari in government formation in Maharashtra.

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday said that there was no reason for the Congress, Shiv Sena or Sharad Pawar to have doubts on the role of Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari in government formation in Maharashtra. "The Governor can ask anyone to form the government when he is fully satisfied that the party has the majority needed. It is up to the Governor's discretion, nobody should have an objection to that," Singh told ANI. Responding to the allegations that the BJP would fail in the majority test in the state Assembly, being raised by the Congress and Shiv Sena, Singh said, "Let us see what happens in floor test but I believe that they must have had required numbers, that is why they were invited. The majority will have to be proven in the floor test, but I have faith that the Governor must have felt that they (BJP) have a majority and only then did he allowed us to stake a claim." Earlier today, addressing a workers felicitation meeting, Singh had targeted Pakistan and blamed it of running a "terror industry". "The entire world wants to walk alongside India, but our country's neighbour Pakistan is running a terror business. When terrorism becomes an industry at any place then all other businesses close on their own," Singh said in his address at the programme. At the meeting, he also said that the party workers were the reason behind BJP's phenomenal success in the Lok Sabha elections.

Nobody should object to Governor asking BJP to form government in Maharashtra: Rajnath Singh

Devendra Fadnavis takes oath as Maharashtra's CM for 2nd time. Watch video to know more.

Devendra Fadnavis takes oath as Maharashtra's CM for 2nd time

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