<p>Former Maharashtra Chief Minister and Shiv Sena (UBT) top leader Uddhav Thackeray launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday (Aug 3) and accused the ruling party of engaging in "power jihad" to destabilise political parties and retain power.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Thackeray's remarks came during a party meeting in Pune, part of the build-up to the crucial assembly polls expected in October this year.</p>

<p>Responding to a recent comment by Union Minister Amit Shah, who labelled him as the leader of the "Aurangzeb Fan Club," Thackeray retorted that Shah is the "political heir" of Ahmad Shah Abdali, the Afghan ruler who defeated the Marathas at the Battle of Panipat.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uddhav-leader-of-aurangzeb-fan-club-sharad-pawar-ringleader-of-corruption-amit-shah-tears-into-mva-742848">Uddhav leader of ‘Aurangzeb fan club’, Sharad Pawar ’ringleader’ of corruption: Amit Shah tears into MVA</a></strong></p>

<p>This exchange follows Shah’s July 21 speech in Pune, where he attacked Thackeray with the same accusation.</p>

<p>Thackeray further accused the BJP, a former ally, of orchestrating splits within political parties, specifically targeting the Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).&nbsp;</p>

<p>He cited a letter from former Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Balasaheb Deoras to former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Deoras is known to have told Gandhi to ensure no hatred toward Muslims or non-Hindus and to promote secularism as a core Hindu trait.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Why Maharashtra matters to India</strong></p>

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<p>He claimed that the people of Maharashtra had sent a strong message to Shah during the recent Lok Sabha elections.</p>

<p>Thackeray asserted that the BJP equates any alignment with Muslims, even after explaining their version of Hindutva, as being part of the "Aurangzeb Fan Club". Thackeray also labelled the current Eknath Shinde government’s "Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin" scheme as an attempt to bribe voters with freebies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the serving Maharashtra deputy chief minister and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis called Thackeray "disappointed and frustrated," and repeated Amit Shah's remarks that Thackeray is reportedly affiliated with the purported "Aurangzeb Fan Club."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Former Maharashtra Chief Minister and Shiv Sena (UBT) top leader Uddhav Thackeray launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday (Aug 3) and accused the ruling party of engaging in "power jihad" to destabilise political parties and retain power.

Former Maharashtra Chief Minister and Shiv Sena (UBT) top leader Uddhav Thackeray launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday (Aug 3) and accused the ruling party of engaging in "power jihad" to destabilise political parties and retain power. Thackeray's remarks came during a party meeting in Pune, part of the build-up to the crucial assembly polls expected in October this year. Responding to a recent comment by Union Minister Amit Shah, who labelled him as the leader of the "Aurangzeb Fan Club," Thackeray retorted that Shah is the "political heir" of Ahmad Shah Abdali, the Afghan ruler who defeated the Marathas at the Battle of Panipat. Also read | Uddhav leader of ‘Aurangzeb fan club’, Sharad Pawar ’ringleader’ of corruption: Amit Shah tears into MVA This exchange follows Shah’s July 21 speech in Pune, where he attacked Thackeray with the same accusation. Thackeray further accused the BJP, a former ally, of orchestrating splits within political parties, specifically targeting the Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). He cited a letter from former Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Balasaheb Deoras to former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Deoras is known to have told Gandhi to ensure no hatred toward Muslims or non-Hindus and to promote secularism as a core Hindu trait. Also watch | Why Maharashtra matters to India × He claimed that the people of Maharashtra had sent a strong message to Shah during the recent Lok Sabha elections. Thackeray asserted that the BJP equates any alignment with Muslims, even after explaining their version of Hindutva, as being part of the "Aurangzeb Fan Club". Thackeray also labelled the current Eknath Shinde government’s "Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin" scheme as an attempt to bribe voters with freebies. Meanwhile, the serving Maharashtra deputy chief minister and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis called Thackeray "disappointed and frustrated," and repeated Amit Shah's remarks that Thackeray is reportedly affiliated with the purported "Aurangzeb Fan Club." (With inputs from agencies)

'Aurangzeb Fan Club' Vs Ahmad Shah Abdali showdown between Thackeray, Shah takes over Maharashtra politics

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: Some readers may find the story disturbing. Discretion is advised.</strong></em></p>

<p>In a devastating incident on Sunday (June 30) near Maharashtra's Bhushi Dam in Lonavala, five members of a family, including four children, tragically drowned in a waterfall.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the authorities, the incident took place around 1:30 pm when the Bhushi Dam overflowed due to heavy rainfall in the region. A woman, two 6-year-old girls, and a 4-year-old boy from the same family residing in Pune's Sayyed Nagar area were swept away by the strong currents near the waterfall, approximately 2 kilometres from the dam.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nia-arrests-hizb-ut-tahrir-members-seizes-extremist-materials-in-tamil-nadu-raid-736573">NIA arrests Hizb-ut-Tahrir members, seizes extremist materials in Tamil Nadu raid</a></p>

<p>Search and rescue operations were immediately launched, and two bodies have been recovered so far - those of a 40-year-old woman and a 13-year-old girl.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/opposition-india-bloc-looks-set-to-nominate-ayodhya-mp-awadhesh-for-deputy-speaker-post-736556">Opposition INDIA bloc looks set to nominate Ayodhya MP Awadhesh for deputy speaker post</a></p>

<p>However, the search is still going on for the remaining two children.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Lonavala Tragedy: Five Family Members from Pune <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/wanwadi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#wanwadi</a> Swept Away at Bhushi Dam Waterfall... <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/pune?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#pune</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/lonavala?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#lonavala</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/bhushidam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#bhushidam</a><br />
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In a heartbreaking turn of events, five individuals who had ventured to Lonavala for a rainy day outing were swept away in the Bhushi Dam. The tourists,… <a href="https://t.co/DkcjyoyO6r">pic.twitter.com/DkcjyoyO6r</a></p>
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<p>"We have recovered the bodies of a 40-year-old woman and a 13-year-old girl. Two 6-year-old girls and a 4-year-old boy are still missing. It appears they were part of a family that slipped into a waterfall approximately two kilometres from Bhushi Dam and drowned in the downstream reservoir," Pune SP Pankaj Deshmukh told PTI news agency.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | India: Three&nbsp;new criminal laws to replace colonial-era codes</strong></p>

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<p>This tragic incident has left the community in Lonavala and the family's hometown of Pune in a state of shock and grief. Authorities have assured that all efforts are being made to locate the missing children and provide support to the affected family.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Disclaimer: Some readers may find the story disturbing. Discretion is advised. In a devastating incident on Sunday (June 30) near Maharashtra's Bhushi Dam in Lonavala, five members of a family, including four children, tragically drowned in a waterfall.

Disclaimer: Some readers may find the story disturbing. Discretion is advised. In a devastating incident on Sunday (June 30) near Maharashtra's Bhushi Dam in Lonavala, five members of a family, including four children, tragically drowned in a waterfall. According to the authorities, the incident took place around 1:30 pm when the Bhushi Dam overflowed due to heavy rainfall in the region. A woman, two 6-year-old girls, and a 4-year-old boy from the same family residing in Pune's Sayyed Nagar area were swept away by the strong currents near the waterfall, approximately 2 kilometres from the dam. Also Read | NIA arrests Hizb-ut-Tahrir members, seizes extremist materials in Tamil Nadu raid Search and rescue operations were immediately launched, and two bodies have been recovered so far - those of a 40-year-old woman and a 13-year-old girl. Also Read | Opposition INDIA bloc looks set to nominate Ayodhya MP Awadhesh for deputy speaker post However, the search is still going on for the remaining two children. Lonavala Tragedy: Five Family Members from Pune #wanwadi Swept Away at Bhushi Dam Waterfall... #pune #lonavala #bhushidam In a heartbreaking turn of events, five individuals who had ventured to Lonavala for a rainy day outing were swept away in the Bhushi Dam. The tourists,… pic.twitter.com/DkcjyoyO6r — Pune Pulse (@pulse_pune) June 30, 2024 × "We have recovered the bodies of a 40-year-old woman and a 13-year-old girl. Two 6-year-old girls and a 4-year-old boy are still missing. It appears they were part of a family that slipped into a waterfall approximately two kilometres from Bhushi Dam and drowned in the downstream reservoir," Pune SP Pankaj Deshmukh told PTI news agency. Watch | India: Three new criminal laws to replace colonial-era codes × This tragic incident has left the community in Lonavala and the family's hometown of Pune in a state of shock and grief. Authorities have assured that all efforts are being made to locate the missing children and provide support to the affected family. (With inputs from agencies)

Video: Five family members, including four children, drown at Bhushi Dam waterfall in Maharashtra

<p>Fatima Khatun, a 31-year-old Muslim woman from Mira Road, delivered a baby girl aboard the Kolhapur-Mumbai Mahalaxmi Express on June 6. In a heartwarming twist of fate, her husband named the baby Mahalaxmi, the Hindu goddess whose name adorns the train. The baby was delivered as the train crossed at the Lonavla stop, local media reports said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Fatima's husband, Tayyab, chose to name their newborn Mahalaxmi by drawing inspiration from the train itself.</p>

<p>Tayyab shared, "A few co-passengers, who had travelled from Tirupati to Mahalaxmi temple in Kolhapur, said that my daughter's birth on this train was like getting darshan of the goddess. Hence I decided to name her Mahalaxmi."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The couple, already blessed with three sons, had embarked on the journey from Kolhapur to Mumbai as Fatima's due date approached on June 20.</p>

<p>However, fate had its own timetable.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/massive-power-outage-hits-several-parts-of-delhi-atishi-calls-it-extremely-worrying-730826">Massive power outage hits several parts of Delhi, Atishi calls it 'extremely worrying'</a></p>

<p>Tayyab recounted the dramatic turn of events, "The train halted for more than two hours at Lonavla due to engine failure. When it restarted around 11pm, my wife complained of abdomen pain and went to the lavatory. As she did not return for a long time, I checked on her and found that she had delivered the baby. Woman passengers came to our aid."</p>

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<p>Quick thinking led Tayyab to contact the Government Railway Police (GRP) helpline, as advised by a constable on board.</p>

<p>Upon reaching Karjat station, the family disembarked, greeted by the swift response of the GRP and medical personnel.</p>

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<p>API Mukesh Dhange of Karjat GRP said, "We alerted Karjat sub-district hospital and nurse Shivangi Salunke and staff reached the station. The woman and baby were immediately taken to the hospital for further treatment."</p>

<p>Savita Patil, assistant matron at the hospital, provided assurance of their well-being. Patil said that both mother and the baby were discharged from the hospital after three days of treatment.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Fatima Khatun, a 31-year-old Muslim woman from Mira Road, delivered a baby girl aboard the Kolhapur-Mumbai Mahalaxmi Express on June 6. In a heartwarming twist of fate, her husband named the baby Mahalaxmi, the Hindu goddess whose name adorns the train.

Fatima Khatun, a 31-year-old Muslim woman from Mira Road, delivered a baby girl aboard the Kolhapur-Mumbai Mahalaxmi Express on June 6. In a heartwarming twist of fate, her husband named the baby Mahalaxmi, the Hindu goddess whose name adorns the train. The baby was delivered as the train crossed at the Lonavla stop, local media reports said. Fatima's husband, Tayyab, chose to name their newborn Mahalaxmi by drawing inspiration from the train itself. Tayyab shared, "A few co-passengers, who had travelled from Tirupati to Mahalaxmi temple in Kolhapur, said that my daughter's birth on this train was like getting darshan of the goddess. Hence I decided to name her Mahalaxmi." The couple, already blessed with three sons, had embarked on the journey from Kolhapur to Mumbai as Fatima's due date approached on June 20. However, fate had its own timetable. Also Read | Massive power outage hits several parts of Delhi, Atishi calls it 'extremely worrying' Tayyab recounted the dramatic turn of events, "The train halted for more than two hours at Lonavla due to engine failure. When it restarted around 11pm, my wife complained of abdomen pain and went to the lavatory. As she did not return for a long time, I checked on her and found that she had delivered the baby. Woman passengers came to our aid." Also Read | India: BJP MLA Mohan Majhi to become new chief minister of Odisha Quick thinking led Tayyab to contact the Government Railway Police (GRP) helpline, as advised by a constable on board. Upon reaching Karjat station, the family disembarked, greeted by the swift response of the GRP and medical personnel. Watch | What is unique about India's Agnibaan Rocket with 3-D printed engine? × API Mukesh Dhange of Karjat GRP said, "We alerted Karjat sub-district hospital and nurse Shivangi Salunke and staff reached the station. The woman and baby were immediately taken to the hospital for further treatment." Savita Patil, assistant matron at the hospital, provided assurance of their well-being. Patil said that both mother and the baby were discharged from the hospital after three days of treatment. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Muslim girl born on Mahalaxmi Express train named after Hindu goddess

<p>Russian authorities have recovered the bodies of all four Indian students who tragically drowned in the Volkhov River, as per a Maharashtra government official who reportedly confirmed this development on Saturday (June 8).</p>

<p>Jalgaon district collector Ayush Prasad said, “While two bodies were found within the first two days of the June 4 incident, Russian officials said two more were recovered this morning."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The deceased students have been identified as Harshal Anantrao Desale, Jishan Ashpak Pinjari, Jia Firoj Pinjari, and Malik Gulamgous Mohammad Yakub. They are all aged between 18 and 20 and were studying at Yaroslav-the-Wise Novgorod State University.</p>

<p>To repatriate the bodies, they are being flown to Mumbai. Once the bodies arrive in Mumbai&nbsp;they will be transported to Jalgaon district, the native place of the students.&nbsp;Jishan and Jia Pinjari were siblings from Amalner in Jalgaon, while Desale was from Bhadgaon in the same district.</p>

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<p>The tragic incident occurred while the students were on a walk along the Volkhov River. The students entered the waters, during which one of the deceased students Jishan Pinjari was on a video call with his family.</p>

<p>“When they entered the Volkhov river, Jishan made a video call to his family. His father and other family members were pleading with Jishan and the others to come out of the waters when a strong wave swept them away,” a family member shared with a media outlet.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/meme-fest-of-indian-politics-from-nitish-kumar-to-melodi-are-memes-the-new-political-currency-729896">'Meme Fest' of Indian politics: From Nitish Kumar to Melodi, are memes the new political currency?</a></p>

<p>A fifth student, Nisha Bhupesh Sonawane, survived the incident and is currently under medical care. "Sonawane is now under the care of medical staff," a university official confirmed.</p>

<h2><strong>MEA condoles&nbsp;bereaved families</strong></h2>

<p>The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India on Friday (June 7)&nbsp;confirmed the incident and expressed condolences to the bereaved families. "Our Consulate in St. Petersburg remains in contact with the university and local authorities and is providing all possible assistance," the ministry said in a statement.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pm-narendra-modi-swearing-in-ceremony-three-layered-security-to-be-put-in-place-729919">PM Narendra Modi swearing-in ceremony: Three-layered security to be put in place</a></strong></p>

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<p>The MEA had initially reported that two bodies were recovered and stated that the Indian consulate in St. Petersburg was coordinating with local authorities for the repatriation of the mortal remains.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Indian embassy in Moscow assured that efforts are underway to expedite the return of the deceased students' bodies to their relatives.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Jalgaon District Collector Ayush Prasad said that the support has been received from the Indian embassy and consulate in Russia. In response to the incident, the Indian embassy in Russia issued an advisory urging Indian students in the country to exercise extreme caution near water bodies.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Russian authorities have recovered the bodies of all four Indian students who tragically drowned in the Volkhov River, as per a Maharashtra government official who reportedly confirmed this development on Saturday (June 8).

Russian authorities have recovered the bodies of all four Indian students who tragically drowned in the Volkhov River, as per a Maharashtra government official who reportedly confirmed this development on Saturday (June 8). Jalgaon district collector Ayush Prasad said, “While two bodies were found within the first two days of the June 4 incident, Russian officials said two more were recovered this morning." The deceased students have been identified as Harshal Anantrao Desale, Jishan Ashpak Pinjari, Jia Firoj Pinjari, and Malik Gulamgous Mohammad Yakub. They are all aged between 18 and 20 and were studying at Yaroslav-the-Wise Novgorod State University. To repatriate the bodies, they are being flown to Mumbai. Once the bodies arrive in Mumbai they will be transported to Jalgaon district, the native place of the students. Jishan and Jia Pinjari were siblings from Amalner in Jalgaon, while Desale was from Bhadgaon in the same district. Also Read | Italy and Kazakhstan summits top diplomatic agenda for new Indian government The tragic incident occurred while the students were on a walk along the Volkhov River. The students entered the waters, during which one of the deceased students Jishan Pinjari was on a video call with his family. “When they entered the Volkhov river, Jishan made a video call to his family. His father and other family members were pleading with Jishan and the others to come out of the waters when a strong wave swept them away,” a family member shared with a media outlet. Also Read | 'Meme Fest' of Indian politics: From Nitish Kumar to Melodi, are memes the new political currency? A fifth student, Nisha Bhupesh Sonawane, survived the incident and is currently under medical care. "Sonawane is now under the care of medical staff," a university official confirmed. MEA condoles bereaved families The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India on Friday (June 7) confirmed the incident and expressed condolences to the bereaved families. "Our Consulate in St. Petersburg remains in contact with the university and local authorities and is providing all possible assistance," the ministry said in a statement. Watch | PM Narendra Modi swearing-in ceremony: Three-layered security to be put in place × The MEA had initially reported that two bodies were recovered and stated that the Indian consulate in St. Petersburg was coordinating with local authorities for the repatriation of the mortal remains. The Indian embassy in Moscow assured that efforts are underway to expedite the return of the deceased students' bodies to their relatives. Jalgaon District Collector Ayush Prasad said that the support has been received from the Indian embassy and consulate in Russia. In response to the incident, the Indian embassy in Russia issued an advisory urging Indian students in the country to exercise extreme caution near water bodies. (With inputs from agencies)

Bodies of all four Indian students recovered from Russia’s Volkhov river, to be repatriated

The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad on Sunday arrested a contractual employee of Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) in Navi Mumbai for allegedly sharing confidential information with a Pakistan-based intelligence operative.

Maharashtra: Mazagon Dock worker held for sharing confidential information to Pak intel

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