Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah will file his nomination papers from Gandhinagar constituency on March 30.

Shah, who is a Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament (MP), will contest the Lok Sabha elections for the first time. He has been fielded from Gandhinagar constituency, which is currently held by BJP veteran LK Advani.

"He will file the nomination at 12:30 pm on Saturday in the presence of Home Minister Rajnath Singh, former Chief Minister of Punjab Parkash Singh Badal, Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, Lok Janshakti Party president Ram Vilas Paswan and BJP`s national general secretary Ram Lal," said Mahendra Panday, BJP secretary, in a press release.

Before filing the nomination, Shah will address a huge election rally in Naranpura area of Ahmedabad, followed by a roadshow which will start from DRH Regency hotel and culminate at Patidar Chowk in Ghatlodia area.

Shiv Sena spokesperson Sanjay Raut told ANI, "Amit Shah called up Uddhav Thackeray and extended a special invitation, requesting our party chief to accompany him to file nomination in Gandhinagar. He has accepted the nomination."&nbsp;

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah will file his nomination papers from Gandhinagar constituency on March 30. Shah, who is a Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament (MP), will contest the Lok Sabha elections for the first time.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah will file his nomination papers from Gandhinagar constituency on March 30. Shah, who is a Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament (MP), will contest the Lok Sabha elections for the first time. He has been fielded from Gandhinagar constituency, which is currently held by BJP veteran LK Advani. "He will file the nomination at 12:30 pm on Saturday in the presence of Home Minister Rajnath Singh, former Chief Minister of Punjab Parkash Singh Badal, Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, Lok Janshakti Party president Ram Vilas Paswan and BJP`s national general secretary Ram Lal," said Mahendra Panday, BJP secretary, in a press release. Before filing the nomination, Shah will address a huge election rally in Naranpura area of Ahmedabad, followed by a roadshow which will start from DRH Regency hotel and culminate at Patidar Chowk in Ghatlodia area. Shiv Sena spokesperson Sanjay Raut told ANI, "Amit Shah called up Uddhav Thackeray and extended a special invitation, requesting our party chief to accompany him to file nomination in Gandhinagar. He has accepted the nomination."

Amit Shah to file his nomination from Gandhinagar on Saturday

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday said that opposition's defeat is certain in the ensuing Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra as BJP and Shiv Sena are contesting the polls in an alliance with each other.

Speaking to ANI, Thackeray said, "We did not come here to demonstrate our power. It is obvious that the alliance is already very powerful. Since the BJP and the Shiv Sena are contesting the polls in an alliance, opposition's defeat is certain."

Earlier in the day, he addressed a gathering here, during which he reaffirmed his whole-hearted support to the BJP and its president Amit Shah by asserting that whatever issues they had in past are resolved and they would never ‘stab it in the back.’

Thackeray made these statements while sharing the stage with senior BJP leaders during the filing of the nomination of BJP chief Amit Shah.

He also said that despite having differences in the past, BJP and Shiv Sena are together because of their ideologies.

Maharashtra will go to polls in the first four phases, beginning April 11. Results of the polls will be declared on May 23.&nbsp;

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday said that opposition's defeat is certain in the ensuing Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra as BJP and Shiv Sena are contesting the polls in an alliance with each other.

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday said that opposition's defeat is certain in the ensuing Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra as BJP and Shiv Sena are contesting the polls in an alliance with each other. Speaking to ANI, Thackeray said, "We did not come here to demonstrate our power. It is obvious that the alliance is already very powerful. Since the BJP and the Shiv Sena are contesting the polls in an alliance, opposition's defeat is certain." Earlier in the day, he addressed a gathering here, during which he reaffirmed his whole-hearted support to the BJP and its president Amit Shah by asserting that whatever issues they had in past are resolved and they would never ‘stab it in the back.’ Thackeray made these statements while sharing the stage with senior BJP leaders during the filing of the nomination of BJP chief Amit Shah. He also said that despite having differences in the past, BJP and Shiv Sena are together because of their ideologies. Maharashtra will go to polls in the first four phases, beginning April 11. Results of the polls will be declared on May 23.

Opposition's defeat is certain; BJP, Shiv Sena are together in Lok Sabha polls: Uddhav Thackeray

BJP president Amit Shah Saturday said the 2019 Lok Sabha elections will be fought only on the issue of who will lead the country after the polls.

Addressing a rally here before <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amit-shah-to-file-his-nomination-from-gandhinagar-on-saturday-206640">filing his nomination papers for the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha seat</a>, Shah claimed that in Prime Minister Narendra Modi, people saw the leader they had been waiting for since the last 70 years.

Union ministers Rajnath Singh and Nitin Gadkari and leaders of NDA allies, including Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, SAD supremo Parkash Singh Badal and LJP founder Ram Vilas Paswan were present on the stage with Shah.

"During my visits to different places in the country, I found people chanting only Modi's name to lead the country," Shah said.

"This election will be fought only on the issue of who will lead the country... When I ask this question to people from Himachal to Kanyakumari and from Kamrup to Gandhinagar, I can only hear one sound -- 'Modi, Modi, Modi'" he said.

"In Narendra Modi, people have found the leader they had been waiting for since the last 70 years," Shah said.

He said it was his "good fortune" to file his nomination papers from Gandhinagar, which has been represented by LK Advani, Ataji (A B Vajpayee) and Purshottam Ganesh Mavlankar in the past.

The BJP chief's Lok Sabha poll debut from the Gandhinagar constituency will mark a generational shift in the party as this seat has been held by Advani since 1998.

The state BJP feels that Shah's nomination will energise the party in Gujarat and help it win all the 26 Lok Sabha seats in the state.

BJP president Amit Shah Saturday said the 2019 Lok Sabha elections will be fought only on the issue of who will lead the country after the polls. Addressing a rally here before filing his nomination papers for the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha seat, Shah claimed that in Prime Minister Narendra Modi, people saw the leader they had been waiting for since the last 70 years.

BJP president Amit Shah Saturday said the 2019 Lok Sabha elections will be fought only on the issue of who will lead the country after the polls. Addressing a rally here before filing his nomination papers for the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha seat, Shah claimed that in Prime Minister Narendra Modi, people saw the leader they had been waiting for since the last 70 years. Union ministers Rajnath Singh and Nitin Gadkari and leaders of NDA allies, including Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, SAD supremo Parkash Singh Badal and LJP founder Ram Vilas Paswan were present on the stage with Shah. "During my visits to different places in the country, I found people chanting only Modi's name to lead the country," Shah said. "This election will be fought only on the issue of who will lead the country... When I ask this question to people from Himachal to Kanyakumari and from Kamrup to Gandhinagar, I can only hear one sound -- 'Modi, Modi, Modi'" he said. "In Narendra Modi, people have found the leader they had been waiting for since the last 70 years," Shah said. He said it was his "good fortune" to file his nomination papers from Gandhinagar, which has been represented by LK Advani, Ataji (A B Vajpayee) and Purshottam Ganesh Mavlankar in the past. The BJP chief's Lok Sabha poll debut from the Gandhinagar constituency will mark a generational shift in the party as this seat has been held by Advani since 1998. The state BJP feels that Shah's nomination will energise the party in Gujarat and help it win all the 26 Lok Sabha seats in the state.

Lok Sabha polls will be fought on issue of who will lead country: Amit Shah

In the first campaign rally of the BJP-led NDA for the Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis Sunday attacked the Congress for questioning ‘genuineness’ of the cross-border strike. He said only two types of people–Pakistan and the Congress and its allies–are questioning the veracity of the operation conducted by the Indian armed forces.

Fadnavis also attacked NCP chief Sharad Pawar in the rally, which was held in Kolhapur in western Maharashtra, known as the stronghold of the Congress and the NCP. In his address, Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray too attacked Pawar for “destroying” Maharashtra during his long political career. “Only two types of people are questioning the surgical strikes. One of them is Pakistan and the other one is Congress and its allies,” Fadnavis said. “After the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, there was only condemnation. But after the terror attack in Uri (in 2017), our government carried out a surgical strike,” the chief minister said. Given that Kolhapur district is the nerve centre of sugar politics from where the NCP and Congress draw its electoral strength, Fadnavis took a dig at Pawar.

“We may understand little about sugar industry, but we have taken more decisions for this industry than anyone else,” he said. Kolhapur and Sangli districts had witnessed violence in January this year in the wake of the failure of some sugar factories to pay arrears to sugarcane cultivators. Appealing the people to vote for the BJP again, Fadnavis said a large number of bank accounts were opened under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “Some Rs 80,000 crore has been transferred into bank accounts under several welfare schemes. It is my open challenge to the Congress and the NCP to compare the figures of my government to their rule of 15 years prior to 2014,” he said. Thackeray also took a dig at Pawar. “In his entire political career, Pawar destroyed Maharashtra. We know the quality of such people,” he said.

The Sena chief also taunted the Congress and the NCP over a string of leaders from both the parties defecting to the NDA partners in the run-up to Lok Sabha polls. “I do not know if anybody is left in the Opposition camp to contest against us. At this rate of exodus…I hope the BJP will not induct Sharad Pawar into its fold one day,” he quipped. Thackeray announced candidature of Narendra Patil from Satara Lok Sabha constituency, who will contest against NCP stalwart and sitting MP Udayanraje Bhosale. Out of the total 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra, the BJP and the Sena will contest 25 and 23 seats each. In the seat-sharing deal announced Saturday, the Congress and the NCP announced to contest 24 and 20 seats, respectively, while leaving four seats to smaller allies under the aegis of the “United Progressive Mega-Alliance”.&nbsp;

In the first campaign rally of the BJP-led NDA for the Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis Sunday attacked the Congress for questioning ‘genuineness’ of the cross-border strike.

In the first campaign rally of the BJP-led NDA for the Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis Sunday attacked the Congress for questioning ‘genuineness’ of the cross-border strike. He said only two types of people–Pakistan and the Congress and its allies–are questioning the veracity of the operation conducted by the Indian armed forces. Fadnavis also attacked NCP chief Sharad Pawar in the rally, which was held in Kolhapur in western Maharashtra, known as the stronghold of the Congress and the NCP. In his address, Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray too attacked Pawar for “destroying” Maharashtra during his long political career. “Only two types of people are questioning the surgical strikes. One of them is Pakistan and the other one is Congress and its allies,” Fadnavis said. “After the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, there was only condemnation. But after the terror attack in Uri (in 2017), our government carried out a surgical strike,” the chief minister said. Given that Kolhapur district is the nerve centre of sugar politics from where the NCP and Congress draw its electoral strength, Fadnavis took a dig at Pawar. “We may understand little about sugar industry, but we have taken more decisions for this industry than anyone else,” he said. Kolhapur and Sangli districts had witnessed violence in January this year in the wake of the failure of some sugar factories to pay arrears to sugarcane cultivators. Appealing the people to vote for the BJP again, Fadnavis said a large number of bank accounts were opened under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “Some Rs 80,000 crore has been transferred into bank accounts under several welfare schemes. It is my open challenge to the Congress and the NCP to compare the figures of my government to their rule of 15 years prior to 2014,” he said. Thackeray also took a dig at Pawar. “In his entire political career, Pawar destroyed Maharashtra. We know the quality of such people,” he said. The Sena chief also taunted the Congress and the NCP over a string of leaders from both the parties defecting to the NDA partners in the run-up to Lok Sabha polls. “I do not know if anybody is left in the Opposition camp to contest against us. At this rate of exodus…I hope the BJP will not induct Sharad Pawar into its fold one day,” he quipped. Thackeray announced candidature of Narendra Patil from Satara Lok Sabha constituency, who will contest against NCP stalwart and sitting MP Udayanraje Bhosale. Out of the total 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra, the BJP and the Sena will contest 25 and 23 seats each. In the seat-sharing deal announced Saturday, the Congress and the NCP announced to contest 24 and 20 seats, respectively, while leaving four seats to smaller allies under the aegis of the “United Progressive Mega-Alliance”.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Maharashtra CM, Uddhav Thackeray target Sharad Pawar, Opposition in first NDA rally

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray Friday said his party has forged an alliance with the BJP for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls with an aim to provide a strong and progressive government at the Centre.

The BJP and the Sena have reached a pre-poll alliance for the next month's Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra, where they will contest 25 and 23 seats, respectively.

The differences between the two parties have been sorted out, Thackeray said, adding the Sena never had personal issues but only matters concerning the interest of people which have been addressed by the government.

Thackeray was addressing a joint meeting of BJP-Sena workers here.

Explaining his decision to align again with the BJP, he said, "I thought this is the election of the country. The government has taught a good lesson to Pakistan (in form of air strikes).

"I recall the earlier governments of (Congress) which only condemned attacks on armed forces but did not do anything. Who would like to bring back such a government? The Congress-NCP should not teach us patriotism," he said.

However, things have changed under the BJP-led NDA government.

"Now also attacks are taking place and soldiers are being martyred. But, we are taking revenge of our martyrs by attacking Pakistan," Thackeray said.

There should be a government which gives support to the families of the martyrs, the Sena chief said.

The Sena has tied up with the BJP in order to provide a strong and progressive government at the Centre, he said.

"Why should we only fight for power...Yes, we fought with each other but when the time came we came together. Power is not our dream, but the country's (welfare) is our dream," he said.

Thackeray took a swipe at NCP chief Sharad Pawar, saying in Pakistan a cricketer (Imran Khan) became prime minister and here, a person dreaming to become PM became a cricket administrator.

These people want power but first, they should realise do they have the ability to sit on that chair? he asked.

Two Hindutva parties, which unfortunately were going away from each other, have come together now and has made "anti-Hindu" elements uncomfortable, the Sena chief said.

The Sena chief expressed the hope the saffron alliance will win the maximum seats in Maharashtra, which at 48, sends the second highest number of MPs to the Lok Sabha after Uttar Pradesh's 80.

"Today our hearts have met and the voice of Hindutva has become strong again," Thackeray said.&nbsp;

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray Friday said his party has forged an alliance with the BJP for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls with an aim to provide a strong and progressive government at the Centre.

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray Friday said his party has forged an alliance with the BJP for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls with an aim to provide a strong and progressive government at the Centre. The BJP and the Sena have reached a pre-poll alliance for the next month's Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra, where they will contest 25 and 23 seats, respectively. The differences between the two parties have been sorted out, Thackeray said, adding the Sena never had personal issues but only matters concerning the interest of people which have been addressed by the government. Thackeray was addressing a joint meeting of BJP-Sena workers here. Explaining his decision to align again with the BJP, he said, "I thought this is the election of the country. The government has taught a good lesson to Pakistan (in form of air strikes). "I recall the earlier governments of (Congress) which only condemned attacks on armed forces but did not do anything. Who would like to bring back such a government? The Congress-NCP should not teach us patriotism," he said. However, things have changed under the BJP-led NDA government. "Now also attacks are taking place and soldiers are being martyred. But, we are taking revenge of our martyrs by attacking Pakistan," Thackeray said. There should be a government which gives support to the families of the martyrs, the Sena chief said. The Sena has tied up with the BJP in order to provide a strong and progressive government at the Centre, he said. "Why should we only fight for power...Yes, we fought with each other but when the time came we came together. Power is not our dream, but the country's (welfare) is our dream," he said. Thackeray took a swipe at NCP chief Sharad Pawar, saying in Pakistan a cricketer (Imran Khan) became prime minister and here, a person dreaming to become PM became a cricket administrator. These people want power but first, they should realise do they have the ability to sit on that chair? he asked. Two Hindutva parties, which unfortunately were going away from each other, have come together now and has made "anti-Hindu" elements uncomfortable, the Sena chief said. The Sena chief expressed the hope the saffron alliance will win the maximum seats in Maharashtra, which at 48, sends the second highest number of MPs to the Lok Sabha after Uttar Pradesh's 80. "Today our hearts have met and the voice of Hindutva has become strong again," Thackeray said.

Shiv Sena allied with BJP to provide strong government at Centre: Uddhav Thackeray

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray Saturday appealed to the leaders and office-bearers of his party to ensure the victory of BJP-Sena alliance in the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls.

Thackeray held a meeting of party MPs, district and taluka chiefs at the party headquarters to devise a strategy for the polls. It was the first meeting after a decision was taken to join hands with the BJP for the Lok Sabha and state assembly polls.

The directives assume significance as a section of grassroots party workers are not happy with his decision to ally with the BJP.

Sena spokesperson Neelam Gorhe said, "Uddhav ji believes in a two-way approach towards party workers. He gives them guidance and takes their advice."

He said Thackeray was conducting meetings at various levels, to clear doubts and answer queries of grassroots workers regarding the alliance.

Meanwhile, another Sena leader quoted Thackeray as saying the Sena-BJP alliance's victory was very important for the country and all party workers should strive hard for it.

He also said efforts should be made at the local level to pave the way for the alliance's victory.&nbsp;

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray Saturday appealed to the leaders and office-bearers of his party to ensure the victory of BJP-Sena alliance in the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls.

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray Saturday appealed to the leaders and office-bearers of his party to ensure the victory of BJP-Sena alliance in the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls. Thackeray held a meeting of party MPs, district and taluka chiefs at the party headquarters to devise a strategy for the polls. It was the first meeting after a decision was taken to join hands with the BJP for the Lok Sabha and state assembly polls. The directives assume significance as a section of grassroots party workers are not happy with his decision to ally with the BJP. Sena spokesperson Neelam Gorhe said, "Uddhav ji believes in a two-way approach towards party workers. He gives them guidance and takes their advice." He said Thackeray was conducting meetings at various levels, to clear doubts and answer queries of grassroots workers regarding the alliance. Meanwhile, another Sena leader quoted Thackeray as saying the Sena-BJP alliance's victory was very important for the country and all party workers should strive hard for it. He also said efforts should be made at the local level to pave the way for the alliance's victory.

Uddhav Thackeray asks party workers to ensure BJP-Sena victory

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray said Tuesday evening that he <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-2019-bjp-to-contest-25-seats-shiv-sena-23-in-alliance-in-maharashtra-198153">decided to join hands with the BJP</a> because of the saffron party's changed way of dealing with its allies.

Thackeray was speaking to Sena workers at his residence here.

On Monday, Shiv Sena and BJP, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-mad-murderer-yogi-adityanath-hypocrite-shiv-sena-139795">the sparring ruling allies</a>, announced that they would contest the coming Lok Sabha and Maharashtra Assembly elections together.

"I experienced the change in the way they treat people, hence I decided to join hands with the BJP," Thackeray said.

He also reiterated that the BJP's proposal that the chief minister will be from the party which will send more MLAs to the Assembly was not acceptable to the Sena.

"I want to see a Sena chief minister and I will work for it," he said.

"I have already won in the treaty, now we should win the real battle of the election," Thackeray said.

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray said Tuesday evening that he decided to join hands with the BJP because of the saffron party's changed way of dealing with its allies.

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray said Tuesday evening that he decided to join hands with the BJP because of the saffron party's changed way of dealing with its allies. Thackeray was speaking to Sena workers at his residence here. On Monday, Shiv Sena and BJP, the sparring ruling allies, announced that they would contest the coming Lok Sabha and Maharashtra Assembly elections together. "I experienced the change in the way they treat people, hence I decided to join hands with the BJP," Thackeray said. He also reiterated that the BJP's proposal that the chief minister will be from the party which will send more MLAs to the Assembly was not acceptable to the Sena. "I want to see a Sena chief minister and I will work for it," he said. "I have already won in the treaty, now we should win the real battle of the election," Thackeray said.

Agreed to alliance as BJP's way of treating allies has changed: Uddhav Thackeray

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/trump-says-pulwama-attack-a-horrible-situation-198413">Trump says Pulwama attack a 'horrible situation'</a>

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday described as a "horrible situation" the Pulwama terrorist attack by the Jaish-e-Mohammed group, in which 40 Indian paramilitary personnel were killed, saying he was getting reports on it and would issue a statement.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/unleashing-the-power-of-south-asia-at-wion-conclave-today-in-dubai-thought-leaders-to-discuss-way-forward-for-the-region-198427">Unleashing the Power of South Asia: At WION conclave today in Dubai, thought leaders to discuss </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/unleashing-the-power-of-south-asia-at-wion-conclave-today-in-dubai-thought-leaders-to-discuss-way-forward-for-the-region-198427">way</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/unleashing-the-power-of-south-asia-at-wion-conclave-today-in-dubai-thought-leaders-to-discuss-way-forward-for-the-region-198427"> forward for the region</a>

WION is holding its 'Unleashing the Power of South Asia' conclave today in Dubai, the UAE. &nbsp;

The summit will bring together thought leaders from around the world to find common ground on the way forward for the South Asian region.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/un-urges-india-pakistan-to-take-immediate-steps-to-defuse-tensions-198397">UN Secretary-General Guterres urges India, Pakistan to defuse tension, offers to broker peace</a>

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday called on India and Pakistan to take immediate steps to defuse tensions and offered to help broker a solution if both sides agree.

The two countries have been locked in a diplomatic clash following a suicide attack on February 14 in Kashmir that killed 40 Indian security personnel, triggering counter-operations by Indian forces in the area.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/un-urges-india-pakistan-to-take-immediate-steps-to-defuse-tensions-198397">Britain to strip teen who joined Islamic State of citizenship: Lawyer</a>

Britain will strip citizenship from Shamima Begum, a UK teenager who joined the Islamic State group in Syria and wants to return home with a newborn baby, a lawyer for her family said Tuesday.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/agreed-for-alliance-as-bjps-way-of-treating-allies-has-changed-uddhav-thackeray-198407">Agreed to </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/agreed-for-alliance-as-bjps-way-of-treating-allies-has-changed-uddhav-thackeray-198407">alliance</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/agreed-for-alliance-as-bjps-way-of-treating-allies-has-changed-uddhav-thackeray-198407"> as BJP's way of treating allies has changed: Uddhav Thackeray</a>

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray said Tuesday evening that he decided to join hands with the BJP because of the saffron party's changed way of dealing with its allies.

Thackeray was speaking to Sena workers at his residence here.

Trump says Pulwama attack a 'horrible situation' US President Donald Trump on Tuesday described as a "horrible situation" the Pulwama terrorist attack by the Jaish-e-Mohammed group, in which 40 Indian paramilitary personnel were killed, saying he was getting reports on it and would issue a statement.

Trump says Pulwama attack a 'horrible situation' US President Donald Trump on Tuesday described as a "horrible situation" the Pulwama terrorist attack by the Jaish-e-Mohammed group, in which 40 Indian paramilitary personnel were killed, saying he was getting reports on it and would issue a statement. Unleashing the Power of South Asia: At WION conclave today in Dubai, thought leaders to discuss way forward for the region WION is holding its 'Unleashing the Power of South Asia' conclave today in Dubai, the UAE. The summit will bring together thought leaders from around the world to find common ground on the way forward for the South Asian region. UN Secretary-General Guterres urges India, Pakistan to defuse tension, offers to broker peace UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday called on India and Pakistan to take immediate steps to defuse tensions and offered to help broker a solution if both sides agree. The two countries have been locked in a diplomatic clash following a suicide attack on February 14 in Kashmir that killed 40 Indian security personnel, triggering counter-operations by Indian forces in the area. Britain to strip teen who joined Islamic State of citizenship: Lawyer Britain will strip citizenship from Shamima Begum, a UK teenager who joined the Islamic State group in Syria and wants to return home with a newborn baby, a lawyer for her family said Tuesday. Agreed to alliance as BJP's way of treating allies has changed: Uddhav Thackeray Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray said Tuesday evening that he decided to join hands with the BJP because of the saffron party's changed way of dealing with its allies. Thackeray was speaking to Sena workers at his residence here.

News brief: Big stories of the day

The Pulwama terror attack has shown that it is now time to penetrate into Pakistan directly, said Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Friday.

&nbsp;"This is not just a terrorist attack but an incursion of our intelligence agencies. If India had no prior information about such a major attack, then the question arises. What is the role of the intelligence agencies? If an intelligence failure led to the terrorist attack on the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) convoy then those who were in charge should be removed," Uddhav Thackeray said while speaking to media persons on the ghastly terror attack on CRPF convoy in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir."

"After surgical strikes of 2016, it is now time to penetrate into Pakistan directly," he added.&nbsp;

Appealing the whole nation to stand together against Pakistan, Thackrey said, "In the whole country, people should come together to tell Pakistan that our country will not bend and we will teach them a lesson. Those who are in powers, if they do not understand what they are doing then they should be removed from their positions. We had made surgical strikes in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir but now have to penetrate into Pakistan directly."

"Elections and every other thing is secondary but it is most important to give a tit-for-tat response to Pakistan," he added.&nbsp;

As many as 40 CRPF personnel were killed after a suicide bomber attacked a CRPF convoy in Pulwama district with a vehicle laden with explosives.

The convoy comprised 78 buses in which around 2,500 personnel were travelling from Jammu to Srinagar.&nbsp;

The slain CRPF personnel were travelling in a bus which came under the terror attack.JeM, a Pakistan-based terrorist group, has claimed the responsibility for the attack which left the bus extensively damaged.&nbsp;

The Pulwama terror attack has shown that it is now time to penetrate into Pakistan directly, said Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Friday. "This is not just a terrorist attack but an incursion of our intelligence agencies.

The Pulwama terror attack has shown that it is now time to penetrate into Pakistan directly, said Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Friday. "This is not just a terrorist attack but an incursion of our intelligence agencies. If India had no prior information about such a major attack, then the question arises. What is the role of the intelligence agencies? If an intelligence failure led to the terrorist attack on the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) convoy then those who were in charge should be removed," Uddhav Thackeray said while speaking to media persons on the ghastly terror attack on CRPF convoy in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir." "After surgical strikes of 2016, it is now time to penetrate into Pakistan directly," he added. Appealing the whole nation to stand together against Pakistan, Thackrey said, "In the whole country, people should come together to tell Pakistan that our country will not bend and we will teach them a lesson. Those who are in powers, if they do not understand what they are doing then they should be removed from their positions. We had made surgical strikes in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir but now have to penetrate into Pakistan directly." "Elections and every other thing is secondary but it is most important to give a tit-for-tat response to Pakistan," he added. As many as 40 CRPF personnel were killed after a suicide bomber attacked a CRPF convoy in Pulwama district with a vehicle laden with explosives. The convoy comprised 78 buses in which around 2,500 personnel were travelling from Jammu to Srinagar. The slain CRPF personnel were travelling in a bus which came under the terror attack.JeM, a Pakistan-based terrorist group, has claimed the responsibility for the attack which left the bus extensively damaged.

It's time to penetrate into Pakistan directly: Uddhav Thackeray on Pulwama terror attack

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who returned here leaving his Vidarbha tour halfway through, rushed to the residence of Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray Thursday evening.

He was accompanied by BJP leader and state revenue minister Chandrakant Patil, party sources said.

Senior Sena leader and state industries minister Subhash Desai was also present as Fadnavis met Thackeray at `Matoshri', the Thackeray family's residence in suburban Bandra.

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Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis: The discussion with Shiv Sena chief was positive &amp; some questions related to the general public and farmers were kept before us to which we have given a positive response. I feel very soon we will take a unanimous decision and reach a conclusion. <a href="https://t.co/MLk6w6Qw4q">https://t.co/MLk6w6Qw4q</a>
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Fadnavis, who was on Vidarbha tour, cancelled some of his programmes scheduled for Thursday evening and rushed back to Mumbai to meet Thackeray after the Sena chief indicated that he would like to meet, sources said.

The meeting was in progress late Thursday night.

The Sena has been regularly hitting out at its ally BJP on various issues over the last few years.

While the BJP has indicated that it would like to form an alliance with it for the coming Lok Sabha elections, the Sena has been giving mixed signals.&nbsp;

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who returned here leaving his Vidarbha tour halfway through, rushed to the residence of Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray Thursday evening.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who returned here leaving his Vidarbha tour halfway through, rushed to the residence of Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray Thursday evening. He was accompanied by BJP leader and state revenue minister Chandrakant Patil, party sources said. Senior Sena leader and state industries minister Subhash Desai was also present as Fadnavis met Thackeray at `Matoshri', the Thackeray family's residence in suburban Bandra. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis: The discussion with Shiv Sena chief was positive & some questions related to the general public and farmers were kept before us to which we have given a positive response. I feel very soon we will take a unanimous decision and reach a conclusion. https://t.co/MLk6w6Qw4q — ANI (@ANI) February 14, 2019 × Fadnavis, who was on Vidarbha tour, cancelled some of his programmes scheduled for Thursday evening and rushed back to Mumbai to meet Thackeray after the Sena chief indicated that he would like to meet, sources said. The meeting was in progress late Thursday night. The Sena has been regularly hitting out at its ally BJP on various issues over the last few years. While the BJP has indicated that it would like to form an alliance with it for the coming Lok Sabha elections, the Sena has been giving mixed signals.

Maharashtra CM Fadnavis meets Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray

Quoting a book, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Wednesday said the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/crop-insurance-scheme-designed-to-profit-insurance-firms-chidambaram-177381">Centre's crop insurance scheme </a>was "as big a scam" as the Rafale fighter jet deal.

Taking a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's frequent foreign tours, he said mere speeches and announcements will not help the public and demanded that the BJP-led government<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/crop-insurance-scheme-likely-to-get-rs-13000cr-in-fy19-budget-29093"> solve farmers' problems </a>before looking at alliance talks for the forthcoming elections.

Modi had launched the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojna in 2015 with the main objective to provide insurance cover and financial support to farmers in the event of failure of any of the notified crops as a result of natural calamities, pests, and diseases.

Addressing a rally in Beed district of Maharashtra during his tour of the drought-hit Marathwada region, Thackeray asked how many people received benefits of the government's crop insurance scheme after paying instalments to insurance firms.

"People have got cheques of Rs 2, Rs 5, Rs 50, Rs 100. I don't do 'Mann ki Baat' (referring to Modi's monthly radio programme) but believe in speaking 'Jann ki Baat'. Allegations are being made that there is a scam of thousands of crores in the crop insurance scheme," he said.

"Who should we question? There is someone called Sainath, who is an expert on the subject, who has written a book. He has said the crop insurance scam is as big a scam as Rafale," Thackeray said.

While the Opposition Congress has been alleging corruption in the Rafale jet deal, the government has denied it.

Claiming that there was a "bubble" of announcements, Thackeray asked the government to "solve the problems of farmers before considering any alliance talks".

The Sena has been regularly hitting out at the BJP despite being part of the government in Maharashtra and at the Centre. Its leaders have often said they would contest the next polls on their own.

Thackeray's party and the BJP had contested the 2014 Lok Sabha polls in an alliance but split up at the time of Assembly polls. The Sena joined the state government later.

"Everyday you (Modi) go to different countries and say my country is changing. How many days left (in power) for you now?" Thackeray asked.

"You go to different countries everyday and think our country is changing. Today Russia, tomorrow Japan and day after China. Then say our country is changing. The country may be changing for you but not for people, their conditions, their sorrows are not changing," he said.

The Sena chief said he would not mind if he does not get a single vote after speaking truth, but he was averse to winning elections by speaking lies.

He said the Centre had neither been able to resolve issues or farmers nor constructed the Ram temple.

"If the issue was to be decided by court, why did you make this promise in your poll manifesto?" Thackeray asked.

Hitting out at the Centre's drought assessment team which visited the state last month to take stock of the situation, he said it was "useless" and a mere ploy to show "carrots" to people.

"It needs to be understood who is truly yours and who is not. Mere speeches and announcements do not fill the vessels of people. The central team to assess drought came and went. Did you get anything? It is strange they need a mechanism to see drought even after the area is drought-hit," he said.

Assuring his support to farmers amid the ongoing drought situation, he appealed them to support his party.

The state received inadequate rainfall last monsoon and the government had earlier declared drought in 151 out of the 353 talukas in the state.

Earlier in the day, the Sena leader handed over 100 cattle fodder-laden trucks and other essential supplies to farmers and undertook a tour of the drought-hit region.

Beed, which was earlier a stronghold of the NCP, is now dominated by the BJP while Sena has no presence in the district.

Taking a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's frequent foreign tours, Uddhav Thackeray said mere speeches and announcements will not help the public.

Quoting a book, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Wednesday said the Centre's crop insurance scheme was "as big a scam" as the Rafale fighter jet deal. Taking a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's frequent foreign tours, he said mere speeches and announcements will not help the public and demanded that the BJP-led government solve farmers' problems before looking at alliance talks for the forthcoming elections. Modi had launched the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojna in 2015 with the main objective to provide insurance cover and financial support to farmers in the event of failure of any of the notified crops as a result of natural calamities, pests, and diseases. Addressing a rally in Beed district of Maharashtra during his tour of the drought-hit Marathwada region, Thackeray asked how many people received benefits of the government's crop insurance scheme after paying instalments to insurance firms. "People have got cheques of Rs 2, Rs 5, Rs 50, Rs 100. I don't do 'Mann ki Baat' (referring to Modi's monthly radio programme) but believe in speaking 'Jann ki Baat'. Allegations are being made that there is a scam of thousands of crores in the crop insurance scheme," he said. "Who should we question? There is someone called Sainath, who is an expert on the subject, who has written a book. He has said the crop insurance scam is as big a scam as Rafale," Thackeray said. While the Opposition Congress has been alleging corruption in the Rafale jet deal, the government has denied it. Claiming that there was a "bubble" of announcements, Thackeray asked the government to "solve the problems of farmers before considering any alliance talks". The Sena has been regularly hitting out at the BJP despite being part of the government in Maharashtra and at the Centre. Its leaders have often said they would contest the next polls on their own. Thackeray's party and the BJP had contested the 2014 Lok Sabha polls in an alliance but split up at the time of Assembly polls. The Sena joined the state government later. "Everyday you (Modi) go to different countries and say my country is changing. How many days left (in power) for you now?" Thackeray asked. "You go to different countries everyday and think our country is changing. Today Russia, tomorrow Japan and day after China. Then say our country is changing. The country may be changing for you but not for people, their conditions, their sorrows are not changing," he said. The Sena chief said he would not mind if he does not get a single vote after speaking truth, but he was averse to winning elections by speaking lies. He said the Centre had neither been able to resolve issues or farmers nor constructed the Ram temple. "If the issue was to be decided by court, why did you make this promise in your poll manifesto?" Thackeray asked. Hitting out at the Centre's drought assessment team which visited the state last month to take stock of the situation, he said it was "useless" and a mere ploy to show "carrots" to people. "It needs to be understood who is truly yours and who is not. Mere speeches and announcements do not fill the vessels of people. The central team to assess drought came and went. Did you get anything? It is strange they need a mechanism to see drought even after the area is drought-hit," he said. Assuring his support to farmers amid the ongoing drought situation, he appealed them to support his party. The state received inadequate rainfall last monsoon and the government had earlier declared drought in 151 out of the 353 talukas in the state. Earlier in the day, the Sena leader handed over 100 cattle fodder-laden trucks and other essential supplies to farmers and undertook a tour of the drought-hit region. Beed, which was earlier a stronghold of the NCP, is now dominated by the BJP while Sena has no presence in the district.

Crop insurance as 'big' a scam as Rafale: Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Monday targeted senior ally BJP by raking up the alleged corruption in the Rafale deal and said the party's perception of being a "world winner" had been shattered with the results of the just-held state assembly polls.

Thackeray, who had visited Ayodhya last month to push for the construction of a Ram temple at the disputed site in the holy town, said he may soon visit Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Lok Sabha constituency Varanasi.

The Sena leader, whose party is a constituent of the BJP-led governments at the Centre and state, was addressing a public rally in Solapur district here.

Thackeray, who has consistently attacked the Modi government on a range of issues, said he has already taken the decision on whether to form an alliance with the BJP for the upcoming General Elections.

The Sena chief in January had announced his party would contest all future Lok Sabha and assembly elections on its own.

In the last six months, the BJP leadership has been consistently stressing on an alliance with the Sena for the upcoming polls.

The Amit Shah-led party has regularly insisted that the Maharashtra-based outfit is its natural ally and they will resolve their differences amicably.

However, at the Pandharpur rally, Thackeray appeared to be in no mood to spare the lead NDA constituent.

"The BJP's perception of a 'world winner' has been shattered by the results of the assembly elections in the five states.

"The outcome of Mizoram and Telangana assembly elections has given a clear message that voters have rejected national parties and chosen strong regional options," he said.

In the just-held polls, the BJP was ousted from power in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh by the Congress, while regional parties did well in Mizoram and Telangana.

"The Chhattisgarh assembly election has also given a strong message against the BJP. People were fed up with the BJP government and hence they rejected it," said Thackeray.

He also took on the Modi government over issues like allegations of&nbsp;irregularities in the Rafale fighter jet deal and implementation of crop insurance scheme for farmers.

"There have been several allegations over the Rafale fighter jet deal and I do not know how the Supreme Court has given a clean cheat. But I know the Modi government has refused pay hike for jawans," the Sena chief said.

Commenting on the finalisation of seat-sharing in Bihar between the JD(U), the LJP and the BJP for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, he asked chiefs of the two regional parties to clarify their stand on Ram Mandir and Hindutva.

"Nitish Kumar (the JD-U chief) and (LJP president) Ram Vilas Paswan should declare their views on Ram Mandir and Hindutva," the Sena leader said.&nbsp;

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Monday targeted senior ally BJP by raking up the alleged corruption in the Rafale deal and said the party's perception of being a "world winner" had been shattered with the results of the just-held state assembly polls.

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Monday targeted senior ally BJP by raking up the alleged corruption in the Rafale deal and said the party's perception of being a "world winner" had been shattered with the results of the just-held state assembly polls. Thackeray, who had visited Ayodhya last month to push for the construction of a Ram temple at the disputed site in the holy town, said he may soon visit Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Lok Sabha constituency Varanasi. The Sena leader, whose party is a constituent of the BJP-led governments at the Centre and state, was addressing a public rally in Solapur district here. Thackeray, who has consistently attacked the Modi government on a range of issues, said he has already taken the decision on whether to form an alliance with the BJP for the upcoming General Elections. The Sena chief in January had announced his party would contest all future Lok Sabha and assembly elections on its own. In the last six months, the BJP leadership has been consistently stressing on an alliance with the Sena for the upcoming polls. The Amit Shah-led party has regularly insisted that the Maharashtra-based outfit is its natural ally and they will resolve their differences amicably. However, at the Pandharpur rally, Thackeray appeared to be in no mood to spare the lead NDA constituent. "The BJP's perception of a 'world winner' has been shattered by the results of the assembly elections in the five states. "The outcome of Mizoram and Telangana assembly elections has given a clear message that voters have rejected national parties and chosen strong regional options," he said. In the just-held polls, the BJP was ousted from power in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh by the Congress, while regional parties did well in Mizoram and Telangana. "The Chhattisgarh assembly election has also given a strong message against the BJP. People were fed up with the BJP government and hence they rejected it," said Thackeray. He also took on the Modi government over issues like allegations of irregularities in the Rafale fighter jet deal and implementation of crop insurance scheme for farmers. "There have been several allegations over the Rafale fighter jet deal and I do not know how the Supreme Court has given a clean cheat. But I know the Modi government has refused pay hike for jawans," the Sena chief said. Commenting on the finalisation of seat-sharing in Bihar between the JD(U), the LJP and the BJP for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, he asked chiefs of the two regional parties to clarify their stand on Ram Mandir and Hindutva. "Nitish Kumar (the JD-U chief) and (LJP president) Ram Vilas Paswan should declare their views on Ram Mandir and Hindutva," the Sena leader said.

Shiv Sena chief Thackeray targets BJP over Rafale, assembly poll results

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya Sunday disapproved of the Shiv Sena's push for constructing a Ram temple here, saying the party had no role in the temple movement.

Maurya's remarks came a day after Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray asked the BJP-led NDA government to declare a date for the construction of the Ram temple.

"There is no problem in Uddhav Thackeray catching a glimpse of Ram Lalla... But, had Balasaheb Thackeray been alive, he would have prevented Uddhav from doing whatever he is doing,? Maurya told PTI on the phone.

"The Shiv Sena had no role in the temple movement or even in the Dharam Sabha, though Balasaheb Thackeray would support the Vishwa Hindu Parishad,? he said. 
He said Uddhav Thackeray should take the VHP, "which is leading such a large-scale movement, along with his party. There is no point creating a divide".

The deputy chief minister, who was part of the VHP during the Ram temple movement, said, "The devotees of Lord Ram know who can actually make a sacrifice now and who had made a sacrifice earlier."

Maurya also denounced Akhilesh Yadav's statement that the Army must be deployed for the Dharam Sabha, saying the remarks showed the Samajwadi Party chief's frustration. 
Referring to the firing on the Kar Sevaks in Ayodhya in 1990, he said, "If Akhilesh Yadav is thinking that a 1990-like situation will prevail, then this will not happen under the government headed by Yogi Adityanath. We will provide adequate security to all and take necessary action."

"This is a Dharam Sabha, and there is no need to deploy the Army, and Akhilesh Yadav must understand this," the UP deputy chief minister said.

Asked about a section of the Muslim community feeling apprehensive about the event, he said, "No one needs to fear (anything). There is peace in Uttar Pradesh. The government has made elaborate security arrangements to ensure that no untoward incident takes place." 
Maurya said, "A large section of the Muslim community wants a temple at the Ram Janmabhoomi. However, some political parties that indulge in appeasement politics are trying their best to create hindrances."&nbsp;

"The BJP supports the construction of a grand Ram temple in Ayodhya, and it has assumed the shape of a national movement. For the BJP, Ram temple has never been an election issue, but has been a matter of faith and devotion. There is no point in deriving any electoral mileage from this issue," he added.

The UP's deputy chief minister also made it clear that no mosque, memorial or tomb (maqbara) in the name of Babar will be allowed to come up at Ram Janmabhoomi.

Asked about a date for the construction of Ram temple, Maurya said, "Till the time the matter is pending in the Supreme Court, neither the BJP nor other organizations associated with the temple movement can tell the dates. This is the job of the VHP, the Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas and the seers. The BJP will lend its moral support to this movement."

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya Sunday disapproved of the Shiv Sena's push for constructing a Ram temple here, saying the party had no role in the temple movement.

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya Sunday disapproved of the Shiv Sena's push for constructing a Ram temple here, saying the party had no role in the temple movement. Maurya's remarks came a day after Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray asked the BJP-led NDA government to declare a date for the construction of the Ram temple. "There is no problem in Uddhav Thackeray catching a glimpse of Ram Lalla... But, had Balasaheb Thackeray been alive, he would have prevented Uddhav from doing whatever he is doing,? Maurya told PTI on the phone. "The Shiv Sena had no role in the temple movement or even in the Dharam Sabha, though Balasaheb Thackeray would support the Vishwa Hindu Parishad,? he said. He said Uddhav Thackeray should take the VHP, "which is leading such a large-scale movement, along with his party. There is no point creating a divide". The deputy chief minister, who was part of the VHP during the Ram temple movement, said, "The devotees of Lord Ram know who can actually make a sacrifice now and who had made a sacrifice earlier." Maurya also denounced Akhilesh Yadav's statement that the Army must be deployed for the Dharam Sabha, saying the remarks showed the Samajwadi Party chief's frustration. Referring to the firing on the Kar Sevaks in Ayodhya in 1990, he said, "If Akhilesh Yadav is thinking that a 1990-like situation will prevail, then this will not happen under the government headed by Yogi Adityanath. We will provide adequate security to all and take necessary action." "This is a Dharam Sabha, and there is no need to deploy the Army, and Akhilesh Yadav must understand this," the UP deputy chief minister said. Asked about a section of the Muslim community feeling apprehensive about the event, he said, "No one needs to fear (anything). There is peace in Uttar Pradesh. The government has made elaborate security arrangements to ensure that no untoward incident takes place." Maurya said, "A large section of the Muslim community wants a temple at the Ram Janmabhoomi. However, some political parties that indulge in appeasement politics are trying their best to create hindrances." "The BJP supports the construction of a grand Ram temple in Ayodhya, and it has assumed the shape of a national movement. For the BJP, Ram temple has never been an election issue, but has been a matter of faith and devotion. There is no point in deriving any electoral mileage from this issue," he added. The UP's deputy chief minister also made it clear that no mosque, memorial or tomb (maqbara) in the name of Babar will be allowed to come up at Ram Janmabhoomi. Asked about a date for the construction of Ram temple, Maurya said, "Till the time the matter is pending in the Supreme Court, neither the BJP nor other organizations associated with the temple movement can tell the dates. This is the job of the VHP, the Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas and the seers. The BJP will lend its moral support to this movement."

Shiv Sena has no role in temple movement: UP Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya

In a ground-breaking statement, former Uttar Pradesh chief minister and Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Friday urged the Supreme Court to take note of the situation in Ayodhya and call the Army, if needed, to keep it under control.

Talking to reporters, Yadav said: "The BJP does not believe in either the Supreme Court or the Constitution. The BJP can go to any extent. The kind of environment there is in Uttar Pradesh, especially in Ayodhya, the Supreme Court should take notice of it and bring Army, if necessary."

The statement comes ahead of a mass gathering by organisations such as the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and some Hindu activists and saints in Ayodhya over the weekend to build up pressure on the central government for a Ram temple at the site of the razed Babri mosque.

The mega show will coincide with a two-day visit of Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray to Ayodhya.

His statement comes following the increased demand for an early court decision on the construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya.

Certain sections are also pushing for an ordinance to hasten the construction process.

Earlier in the day, Shiv Sena Member of Parliament Sanjay Raut implied that it would not take long to bring an ordinance for construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya when it took only 17 minutes for the Ram bhakts (devotees) to demolish Babri Masjid.

Even BJP MLA Surendra Singh reportedly stirred up a controversy when he warned that 1992 could be repeated in Ayodhya, if required, during a "Dharam Sabha" to be held November 25.

A big push for the temple construction came on Tuesday when a litigant Mohammad Iqbal Ansari, in the Babri Masjid case, said that he does not have any objection to an ordinance for Ram temple construction.

On October 29, the Supreme Court adjourned the Ram Janambhoomi-Babri Masjid title suit till January 2019 to fix the next hearing date in the matter, challenging the Allahabad High Court ruling of 2010.

The Allahabad High Court in its 2010 verdict had suggested a division of the disputed land in Ayodhya - one for each of the parties the Nirmohi Akhara, the Sunni Waqf Board and Ram Lalla.

It is believed that the Babri Masjid which was constructed by Mughal emperor Babur in Ayodhya in 1528 was allegedly demolished by Hindu activists on December 6, 1992, who claimed that the mosque was built after destructing the Ram Temple to the ground.&nbsp;

In a ground-breaking statement, former Uttar Pradesh chief minister and Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Friday urged the Supreme Court to take note of the situation in Ayodhya and call the Army, if needed, to keep it under control.

In a ground-breaking statement, former Uttar Pradesh chief minister and Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Friday urged the Supreme Court to take note of the situation in Ayodhya and call the Army, if needed, to keep it under control. Talking to reporters, Yadav said: "The BJP does not believe in either the Supreme Court or the Constitution. The BJP can go to any extent. The kind of environment there is in Uttar Pradesh, especially in Ayodhya, the Supreme Court should take notice of it and bring Army, if necessary." The statement comes ahead of a mass gathering by organisations such as the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and some Hindu activists and saints in Ayodhya over the weekend to build up pressure on the central government for a Ram temple at the site of the razed Babri mosque. The mega show will coincide with a two-day visit of Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray to Ayodhya. His statement comes following the increased demand for an early court decision on the construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya. Certain sections are also pushing for an ordinance to hasten the construction process. Earlier in the day, Shiv Sena Member of Parliament Sanjay Raut implied that it would not take long to bring an ordinance for construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya when it took only 17 minutes for the Ram bhakts (devotees) to demolish Babri Masjid. Even BJP MLA Surendra Singh reportedly stirred up a controversy when he warned that 1992 could be repeated in Ayodhya, if required, during a "Dharam Sabha" to be held November 25. A big push for the temple construction came on Tuesday when a litigant Mohammad Iqbal Ansari, in the Babri Masjid case, said that he does not have any objection to an ordinance for Ram temple construction. On October 29, the Supreme Court adjourned the Ram Janambhoomi-Babri Masjid title suit till January 2019 to fix the next hearing date in the matter, challenging the Allahabad High Court ruling of 2010. The Allahabad High Court in its 2010 verdict had suggested a division of the disputed land in Ayodhya - one for each of the parties the Nirmohi Akhara, the Sunni Waqf Board and Ram Lalla. It is believed that the Babri Masjid which was constructed by Mughal emperor Babur in Ayodhya in 1528 was allegedly demolished by Hindu activists on December 6, 1992, who claimed that the mosque was built after destructing the Ram Temple to the ground.

Supreme Court should send Army to Ayodhya if necessary: Akhilesh Yadav

Arriving here ahead of a planned VHP rally for a Ram temple, Shiv Sena Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray asked the Narendra Modi government on Saturday to spell out the date when it will be constructed.&nbsp;

Day, months, years and generations have passed,? he said. Mandir wahin baneyenge, par date nahin batayenge (You say you will make the temple there, but won't tell the date),? he said.

First, say when will you construct the temple, the rest we will talk later, he said in what sounded like a dare to the Bharatiya Janata Party government ahead of next year's Lok Sabha elections.

Thackeray arrived in Ayodhya for a two-day visit, which he claimed was not political. 
&nbsp;

Arriving here ahead of a planned VHP rally for a Ram temple, Shiv Sena Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray asked the Narendra Modi government on Saturday to spell out the date when it will be constructed.

Arriving here ahead of a planned VHP rally for a Ram temple, Shiv Sena Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray asked the Narendra Modi government on Saturday to spell out the date when it will be constructed. Day, months, years and generations have passed,? he said. Mandir wahin baneyenge, par date nahin batayenge (You say you will make the temple there, but won't tell the date),? he said. First, say when will you construct the temple, the rest we will talk later, he said in what sounded like a dare to the Bharatiya Janata Party government ahead of next year's Lok Sabha elections. Thackeray arrived in Ayodhya for a two-day visit, which he claimed was not political.

Spell out the date for Ram temple construction: Uddhav Thackeray

Ram Mandir Ultimatum by Shiv Sena Chief Uddhav Thackeray

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday said the Ram temple issue is raked up before every election and wondered for how long will people be 'fooled' with the 'mandir wahi banayenge' slogan.

Thackeray said that during his visit to Ayodhya on November 25, he would "seek an answer" as to how many more elections will people be fooled with the slogan.

The Sena chief collected soil from Shivneri fort in Junnar tehsil of Pune district, where Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was born.&nbsp; 
He told reporters that he will carry the soil to Ayodhya during his visit on Sunday.

Thackeray had announced during the Shiv Sena's Dussehra rally in Mumbai that he will visit Ayodhya on 25 November and "question" Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the issue of the construction of the Ram temple.

"The soil where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was born carries with its sentiments of all Hindus and collecting these sentiments will speed up the process of the construction of Ram temple," he said.

"The issue of Ram temple is raked up before every election. I will seek an answer as to for how many more elections will the people be fooled with the slogan Mandir wahi banayenge," he said.

The slogan is used by Hindutva groups, who aim to build a Ram temple on the site of the demolished Babri Masjid in Ayodhya.

Asked if permissions were granted for his public rally in Ayodhya, Thackeray said his original programme includes visit to the site to seek Lord Ram's blessings, as announced in the rally.

"Seers there had expressed their desire that I should visit the site, so I will take their blessings and also take part in the evening aarti on the banks of the Sarayu river," he said.

In a bid to intensify his party's campaign for the Ram temple in Ayodhya, Thackeray has given a new slogan-- 'Pehle mandir, fir sarkaar' (first the temple, then the government).

A Sena functionary said a special train has been booked to ferry Shiv Sena members to Ayodhya for Thackeray's visit.

Women party workers and Yuva Sena cadres have been asked not to come to Ayodhya for want of accommodation, he said.&nbsp;

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday said the Ram temple issue is raked up before every election and wondered for how long will people be 'fooled' with the 'mandir wahi banayenge' slogan.

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday said the Ram temple issue is raked up before every election and wondered for how long will people be 'fooled' with the 'mandir wahi banayenge' slogan. Thackeray said that during his visit to Ayodhya on November 25, he would "seek an answer" as to how many more elections will people be fooled with the slogan. The Sena chief collected soil from Shivneri fort in Junnar tehsil of Pune district, where Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was born. He told reporters that he will carry the soil to Ayodhya during his visit on Sunday. Thackeray had announced during the Shiv Sena's Dussehra rally in Mumbai that he will visit Ayodhya on 25 November and "question" Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the issue of the construction of the Ram temple. "The soil where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was born carries with its sentiments of all Hindus and collecting these sentiments will speed up the process of the construction of Ram temple," he said. "The issue of Ram temple is raked up before every election. I will seek an answer as to for how many more elections will the people be fooled with the slogan Mandir wahi banayenge," he said. The slogan is used by Hindutva groups, who aim to build a Ram temple on the site of the demolished Babri Masjid in Ayodhya. Asked if permissions were granted for his public rally in Ayodhya, Thackeray said his original programme includes visit to the site to seek Lord Ram's blessings, as announced in the rally. "Seers there had expressed their desire that I should visit the site, so I will take their blessings and also take part in the evening aarti on the banks of the Sarayu river," he said. In a bid to intensify his party's campaign for the Ram temple in Ayodhya, Thackeray has given a new slogan-- 'Pehle mandir, fir sarkaar' (first the temple, then the government). A Sena functionary said a special train has been booked to ferry Shiv Sena members to Ayodhya for Thackeray's visit. Women party workers and Yuva Sena cadres have been asked not to come to Ayodhya for want of accommodation, he said.

Ram temple issue raked up before every election: Thackeray

Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray on Monday ensured that Ram Mandir would be built, will also throw a jab at Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;

While addressing the crowd he said: "Just like Rs 15 lakh in everyone’s account, is Ram Mandir also a jumla? When we're taking up this issue, we aim to ensure that Ram Mandir is actually built. This issue comes up only during the elections and once elections are over it is forgotten," as quoted by news agency ANI.&nbsp;

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Just like Rs 15 lakh in everyone’s account,is Ram Mandir also a jumla? When we're taking up this issue, we aim to ensure that Ram Mandir is actually built.This issue comes up only during the elections &amp;once elections are over it is forgotten: Uddhav Thackeray, Shiv Sena in Mumbai <a href="https://t.co/XFlMCTDMUU">pic.twitter.com/XFlMCTDMUU</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1064803939693023232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Thackeray is set to visit Ayodhya on November 24 and 25 to pay obeisance to the Ram Lalla at Ram Janmabhoomi.&nbsp;

He also came up with a new slogan "pehle mandir, fir sarkaar" (First temple, then government).&nbsp;

The Shiv Sena, which is the part of the BJP-led governments in both Maharashtra and the Centre, has been aggressively pushing for the construction of the temple since the party's annual Dussehra rally last month.

The party has often taunted its ally BJP over the saffron party's "failure" to construct the temple in the last four years despite coming to power.

Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray on Monday ensured that Ram Mandir would be built, will also throw a jab at Prime Minister Narendra Modi. While addressing the crowd he said: "Just like Rs 15 lakh in everyone’s account, is Ram Mandir also a jumla?

Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray on Monday ensured that Ram Mandir would be built, will also throw a jab at Prime Minister Narendra Modi. While addressing the crowd he said: "Just like Rs 15 lakh in everyone’s account, is Ram Mandir also a jumla? When we're taking up this issue, we aim to ensure that Ram Mandir is actually built. This issue comes up only during the elections and once elections are over it is forgotten," as quoted by news agency ANI. Just like Rs 15 lakh in everyone’s account,is Ram Mandir also a jumla? When we're taking up this issue, we aim to ensure that Ram Mandir is actually built.This issue comes up only during the elections &once elections are over it is forgotten: Uddhav Thackeray, Shiv Sena in Mumbai pic.twitter.com/XFlMCTDMUU — ANI (@ANI) November 20, 2018 × Thackeray is set to visit Ayodhya on November 24 and 25 to pay obeisance to the Ram Lalla at Ram Janmabhoomi. He also came up with a new slogan "pehle mandir, fir sarkaar" (First temple, then government). The Shiv Sena, which is the part of the BJP-led governments in both Maharashtra and the Centre, has been aggressively pushing for the construction of the temple since the party's annual Dussehra rally last month. The party has often taunted its ally BJP over the saffron party's "failure" to construct the temple in the last four years despite coming to power.

'Is Ram Mandir also a jumla?' asks Shiv Sena's Uddhav Thackeray

Former Maharashtra chief minister and Congress leader Ashok Chavan on Saturday criticised Shiv Sena for not being serious about Ayodhya temple matter and added that the name of the temple is being taken as the 2019 general elections are inching closer, reported news agency ANI.&nbsp;

Reacting on Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray`s upcoming visit to Ayodhya, Chavan told&nbsp;on Saturday, "Uddhav Thackeray Uddhav Thackeray is giving new statements every other day. Shiv Sena has never been serious on Ayodhya matter. Ayodhya name is being taken again and again because elections are approaching, he said&nbsp;

"Upset with the delay in the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Thackeray, on October 18, announced that he would visit the city on November 25.

"We warn everyone who thinks that Hindutva has died. We are still alive. We are saddened that Ram Temple has not been constructed yet. I will visit Ayodhya on November 25," Thackeray had said.&nbsp;

On senior Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut`s recent remark that the Supreme Court cannot solve the Ram Temple issue because it is a matter of faith, Chavan said&nbsp;''Our country functions on the basis of the Constitution. Whatever decision will be taken by courts will be followed by the entire nation.''&nbsp;

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Uddhav Thackeray is giving new statements every other day. Shiv Sena has never been serious on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ayodhya?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ayodhya</a> matter. Ayodhya name is being taken again&amp;again because elections are approaching: Ashok Chavan,Congress,on Uddhav Thackeray’s statement ‘I'll visit Ayodhya on 25 Nov’. (20.10) <a href="https://t.co/AAUDVC8nSC">pic.twitter.com/AAUDVC8nSC</a>
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&nbsp;

Former Maharashtra chief minister and Congress leader Ashok Chavan on Saturday criticised Shiv Sena for not being serious about Ayodhya temple matter and added that the name of the temple is being taken as the 2019 general elections are inching closer, reported news agency ANI.

Former Maharashtra chief minister and Congress leader Ashok Chavan on Saturday criticised Shiv Sena for not being serious about Ayodhya temple matter and added that the name of the temple is being taken as the 2019 general elections are inching closer, reported news agency ANI. Reacting on Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray`s upcoming visit to Ayodhya, Chavan told on Saturday, "Uddhav Thackeray Uddhav Thackeray is giving new statements every other day. Shiv Sena has never been serious on Ayodhya matter. Ayodhya name is being taken again and again because elections are approaching, he said "Upset with the delay in the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Thackeray, on October 18, announced that he would visit the city on November 25. "We warn everyone who thinks that Hindutva has died. We are still alive. We are saddened that Ram Temple has not been constructed yet. I will visit Ayodhya on November 25," Thackeray had said. On senior Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut`s recent remark that the Supreme Court cannot solve the Ram Temple issue because it is a matter of faith, Chavan said ''Our country functions on the basis of the Constitution. Whatever decision will be taken by courts will be followed by the entire nation.'' Uddhav Thackeray is giving new statements every other day. Shiv Sena has never been serious on #Ayodhya matter. Ayodhya name is being taken again&again because elections are approaching: Ashok Chavan,Congress,on Uddhav Thackeray’s statement ‘I'll visit Ayodhya on 25 Nov’. (20.10) pic.twitter.com/AAUDVC8nSC — ANI (@ANI) October 20, 2018 ×

Uddhav Thackeray has never been serious on Ayodhya issue: Ashok Chavan

In an apparent dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday said that there was no "wave" in the country like the one in 2014.

Addressing the party workers at the Sena's annual Dussehra rally at Shivaji Park in Mumbai, he said there was no wave like 2014.

"There is no wave as it was in 2014," he said, suggesting that the BJP would not be able to replicate its 2014 success in the Lok Sabha elections next year.

In 2014, the BJP's success in Lok Sabha elections had been widely attributed to a "Modi wave".

In another dig at the BJP leadership, he said "Shani" (Saturn) and "Mangal" (Mars) have become problem-creators in the country's horoscope. 
"You know who am I talking about," he told the crowd, without elaborating further.&nbsp;

In an apparent dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday said that there was no "wave" in the country like the one in 2014.

In an apparent dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday said that there was no "wave" in the country like the one in 2014. Addressing the party workers at the Sena's annual Dussehra rally at Shivaji Park in Mumbai, he said there was no wave like 2014. "There is no wave as it was in 2014," he said, suggesting that the BJP would not be able to replicate its 2014 success in the Lok Sabha elections next year. In 2014, the BJP's success in Lok Sabha elections had been widely attributed to a "Modi wave". In another dig at the BJP leadership, he said "Shani" (Saturn) and "Mangal" (Mars) have become problem-creators in the country's horoscope. "You know who am I talking about," he told the crowd, without elaborating further.

Uddhav Thackeray takes a dig at Modi, says no 2014-like wave now

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday expressed his disappointment over the delay in the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya.

Addressing party workers' in Mumbai Thackeray said, "We are saddened that Ram Mandir has not been constructed yet".

He also assured the people that Hindutva can never die until they were alive.

"We warn everyone who thinks that Hindutva has died. We are still alive", he added.&nbsp;

Thackeray also said that he would visit Ayodhya on November 25 and question Modi over the delay in the construction of the temple.

"I will go to Ayodhya on November 25. I will ask questions to the prime minister (over alleged delay in constructing the temple)...We are not enemies of the prime minister, but we don't want to play with the emotions of the people," he said.&nbsp;

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Our party stands with all the women who spoke out against sexual harassment and abuse: Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray addressing party workers' in Mumbai <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Metoo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Metoo</a> <a href="https://t.co/G43OjwUdoF">pic.twitter.com/G43OjwUdoF</a>
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He also sought answers from&nbsp;PM Modi over his failure to visit Ayodhya in the past four and half years, after becoming the prime minister.

Thackeray asked the ruling BJP to declare its promise to construct the Ram temple as a "jumla" (gimmick) if it is not going to implement the same.

He also hit out at the BJP-led government over several issues, including price rise, alleged delay in implementing the promise of abrogating Article 370 and for not acting tough against Pakistan.

Speaking on the recent #MeToo movement in the country, Thackeray said, "Our party stands with all the women who spoke out against sexual harassment and abuse".

In the party convention held earlier this year, the Sena, a constituent of the BJP-led governments at the Centre and in Maharashtra and the oldest member of the NDA, had declared to go solo in future polls.

(With inputs from agencies)

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday expressed his disappointment over the delay in the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. Addressing party workers' in Mumbai Thackeray said, "We are saddened that Ram Mandir has not been constructed yet".

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday expressed his disappointment over the delay in the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. Addressing party workers' in Mumbai Thackeray said, "We are saddened that Ram Mandir has not been constructed yet". He also assured the people that Hindutva can never die until they were alive. "We warn everyone who thinks that Hindutva has died. We are still alive", he added. Thackeray also said that he would visit Ayodhya on November 25 and question Modi over the delay in the construction of the temple. "I will go to Ayodhya on November 25. I will ask questions to the prime minister (over alleged delay in constructing the temple)...We are not enemies of the prime minister, but we don't want to play with the emotions of the people," he said. Our party stands with all the women who spoke out against sexual harassment and abuse: Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray addressing party workers' in Mumbai #Metoo pic.twitter.com/G43OjwUdoF — ANI (@ANI) October 18, 2018 × He also sought answers from PM Modi over his failure to visit Ayodhya in the past four and half years, after becoming the prime minister. Thackeray asked the ruling BJP to declare its promise to construct the Ram temple as a "jumla" (gimmick) if it is not going to implement the same. He also hit out at the BJP-led government over several issues, including price rise, alleged delay in implementing the promise of abrogating Article 370 and for not acting tough against Pakistan. Speaking on the recent #MeToo movement in the country, Thackeray said, "Our party stands with all the women who spoke out against sexual harassment and abuse". In the party convention held earlier this year, the Sena, a constituent of the BJP-led governments at the Centre and in Maharashtra and the oldest member of the NDA, had declared to go solo in future polls. (With inputs from agencies)

Will visit Ayodhya on November 25, question prime minister over delay in temple construction: Uddhav Thackeray

Amid the competing politics over Ram temple, the Shiv Sena on Thursday announced that its chief Uddhav Thackeray will visit Ayodhya after Dussehra to reaffirm his party's commitment to the issue.

The announcement came a day after Ram Janmabhoomi Trust chief Janmejay Sharanji Maharaj met Thackeray at the party's headquarters Sena Bhawan here.

Sharanji Maharaj invited Thackeray to visit Ayodhya, telling him that the trust needed Sena's assistance for the construction of Ram temple, Shiv Sena sources said.

Thackeray will announce the date of his visit to Ayodhya at the party's annual Dussehra rally to be held in Mumbai on October 19, senior Sena leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut told PTI.

He said his party has been maintaining that only the Shiv Sena has the "courage" to build a Ram temple in Ayodhya.

The Shiv Sena is of the view that if the Ram temple is not constructed now, then it cannot be constructed ever, he added.

Thackeray had recently said that the BJP would once again rake up the emotive issue of Ram temple in the run-up to the 2019 polls.

Ram temple construction in Ayodhya has been one of the core issues of the BJP, which is an ally of the Shiv Sena.

The Sena, which has resolved to go solo in the future elections, has often targeted the BJP for "delaying" the construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya despite having a majority.

"The Sena has always championed the cause of Ram temple in Ayodhya. The BJP, despite being in power for four years, has not yet fulfilled its commitment of building a grand Ram temple there," Raut said Thursday.

Sharanji Maharaj said he told the Shiv Sena chief that his father late Bal Thackeray had contributed to the demolition of the Babri Masjid (on December 6, 1992), he should now contribute to the construction of the Ram temple there.

With the Lok Sabha polls less than a year away, the pitch for the construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya has been intensifying lately within the BJP, even as the matter is sub-judice.

Senior Sena leader Arvind Sawant said that before the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, the NDA had given three assurances to people -to abrogate Article 370 of the Constitution, construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya and to solve the Kashmir issue.

Article 370 of the Indian Constitution accords special status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir.

"We are not doing something which we haven't spoken about earlier. When nobody took responsibility for the Babri Masjid demolition, (Sena founder) Balasaheb did so.

Now four-and-a-half years have passed (since NDA came to power) but the construction of Ram temple has still not begun and the issue is pending in court," Sawant said.

"The Sena will stand for the issue," said the Lok Sabha MP from Mumbai South constituency.

The Uddhav Thackeray-led party is a constituent of the BJP-led NDA governments at the Centre and in Maharashtra

Amid the competing politics over Ram temple, the Shiv Sena on Thursday announced that its chief Uddhav Thackeray will visit Ayodhya after Dussehra to reaffirm his party's commitment to the issue.

Amid the competing politics over Ram temple, the Shiv Sena on Thursday announced that its chief Uddhav Thackeray will visit Ayodhya after Dussehra to reaffirm his party's commitment to the issue. The announcement came a day after Ram Janmabhoomi Trust chief Janmejay Sharanji Maharaj met Thackeray at the party's headquarters Sena Bhawan here. Sharanji Maharaj invited Thackeray to visit Ayodhya, telling him that the trust needed Sena's assistance for the construction of Ram temple, Shiv Sena sources said. Thackeray will announce the date of his visit to Ayodhya at the party's annual Dussehra rally to be held in Mumbai on October 19, senior Sena leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut told PTI. He said his party has been maintaining that only the Shiv Sena has the "courage" to build a Ram temple in Ayodhya. The Shiv Sena is of the view that if the Ram temple is not constructed now, then it cannot be constructed ever, he added. Thackeray had recently said that the BJP would once again rake up the emotive issue of Ram temple in the run-up to the 2019 polls. Ram temple construction in Ayodhya has been one of the core issues of the BJP, which is an ally of the Shiv Sena. The Sena, which has resolved to go solo in the future elections, has often targeted the BJP for "delaying" the construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya despite having a majority. "The Sena has always championed the cause of Ram temple in Ayodhya. The BJP, despite being in power for four years, has not yet fulfilled its commitment of building a grand Ram temple there," Raut said Thursday. Sharanji Maharaj said he told the Shiv Sena chief that his father late Bal Thackeray had contributed to the demolition of the Babri Masjid (on December 6, 1992), he should now contribute to the construction of the Ram temple there. With the Lok Sabha polls less than a year away, the pitch for the construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya has been intensifying lately within the BJP, even as the matter is sub-judice. Senior Sena leader Arvind Sawant said that before the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, the NDA had given three assurances to people -to abrogate Article 370 of the Constitution, construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya and to solve the Kashmir issue. Article 370 of the Indian Constitution accords special status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir. "We are not doing something which we haven't spoken about earlier. When nobody took responsibility for the Babri Masjid demolition, (Sena founder) Balasaheb did so. Now four-and-a-half years have passed (since NDA came to power) but the construction of Ram temple has still not begun and the issue is pending in court," Sawant said. "The Sena will stand for the issue," said the Lok Sabha MP from Mumbai South constituency. The Uddhav Thackeray-led party is a constituent of the BJP-led NDA governments at the Centre and in Maharashtra

Uddhav Thackeray to visit Ayodhya for Ram temple

Amid the claims made by BJP officials about the <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/amit-shah-visits-shiva-sena-chief-uddhav-thackeray-expected-to-try-and-mollify-him-142682">"positive" meeting between Amit Shah and Shiv Sena chief</a> Uddhav Thackeray, Maharashtra MP and Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut has clarified that the Shiv Sena will stick to its resolution of contesting the upcoming elections on its own.

Raut said, "We know what the agenda of Amit Shah ji is but Shiv Sena has passed a resolution that we'll contest all upcoming elections on our own. There will be no change in that resolution".

BJP president Amit Shah and Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray held a meeting at Thackeray's residence on Wednesday. The meeting was part of BJP's ongoing `Sampark for Samarthan` (Contact for Support) campaign.

The meeting was scheduled by the BJP chief to reduce the growing tensions between the two parties, said a BJP official.

Differences between the two parties emerged lately and were clearly seen in the recent bypoll&nbsp;elections where the two parties contested separately.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis who was also present in the meeting said that although there was no plan to dissolve the alliance, mutual efforts were essential for sustaining ties.

(With inputs from ANI) 
&nbsp;

Maharashtra MP and Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut said, 'We know what the agenda of Amit Shah ji is but Shiv Sena has passed a resolution that we'll contest all upcoming elections on our own. There will be no change in that resolution'

Amid the claims made by BJP officials about the "positive" meeting between Amit Shah and Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, Maharashtra MP and Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut has clarified that the Shiv Sena will stick to its resolution of contesting the upcoming elections on its own. Raut said, "We know what the agenda of Amit Shah ji is but Shiv Sena has passed a resolution that we'll contest all upcoming elections on our own. There will be no change in that resolution". BJP president Amit Shah and Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray held a meeting at Thackeray's residence on Wednesday. The meeting was part of BJP's ongoing `Sampark for Samarthan` (Contact for Support) campaign. The meeting was scheduled by the BJP chief to reduce the growing tensions between the two parties, said a BJP official. Differences between the two parties emerged lately and were clearly seen in the recent bypoll elections where the two parties contested separately. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis who was also present in the meeting said that although there was no plan to dissolve the alliance, mutual efforts were essential for sustaining ties. (With inputs from ANI)

Despite Amit Shah's meeting, Shiv Sena clarifies 'will contest all upcoming elections on our own'

Bharatiya Janata Party chief Amit Shah is planning an outreach aimed at reinforcing the NDA’s unity at a time when the Opposition is trying to stitch together a coalition for the 2019 general elections.&nbsp

On Wednesday, Amit Shah will meet Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray in Mumbai.

This move is being seen as the saffron party’s attempt to improve ties with ally parties ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp

He is also likely to meet Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) patriarch Parkash Singh Badal in Punjab on Thursday.

The meeting with the Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray and SAD leaders was scheduled after the BJP faced consecutive defeats in the Karnataka assembly elections and bypolls in a few states, the daily reported.

Rift between the BJP and the Sena has been widening ever since the former staked claim for chief ministership in their coalition government in Maharashtra, though the latter considered itself as the “big brother” in the partnership in the state. &nbsp

The BJP is also organising a “mahabhoj” (grand feast) on June 7 in Patna for all its allies in Bihar.

Rift between the BJP and the Sena has been widening ever since the former staked claim for chief ministership in their coalition government in Maharashtra.

Bharatiya Janata Party chief Amit Shah is planning an outreach aimed at reinforcing the NDA’s unity at a time when the Opposition is trying to stitch together a coalition for the 2019 general elections. On Wednesday, Amit Shah will meet Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray in Mumbai. This move is being seen as the saffron party’s attempt to improve ties with ally parties ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. He is also likely to meet Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) patriarch Parkash Singh Badal in Punjab on Thursday. The meeting with the Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray and SAD leaders was scheduled after the BJP faced consecutive defeats in the Karnataka assembly elections and bypolls in a few states, the daily reported. Rift between the BJP and the Sena has been widening ever since the former staked claim for chief ministership in their coalition government in Maharashtra, though the latter considered itself as the “big brother” in the partnership in the state. The BJP is also organising a “mahabhoj” (grand feast) on June 7 in Patna for all its allies in Bihar.

Eye on 2019 polls: Amit Shah to meet Uddhav Thackeray to mend NDA cracks

As part of his 'Sampark for Samarthan' (Contact for Support) campaign, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah is scheduled to meet Shiv Sena Chief Uddhav Thackeray at the latter's residence on Wednesday.

Launched in May this year, the Sampark for Samarthan initiative was devised to generate awareness about the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government's achievements in the last four years.

In the recent past, differences have cropped up in the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance in Maharashtra.

In this regard, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis clarified that although there was no plan to dissolve the alliance, mutual efforts were essential to sustain ties.

Minister of State for Home, Hansraj Ahir had also quashed the possibility of a breakup of the alliance, as the BJP and Shiv Sena were two separate parties, but followed the same ideology.

In the run-up to the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, Shah will reach out to 50 people personally with details of initiatives and achievements of the government, whereas each BJP worker is expected to contact at least 10 people.

There will also be a special session of 'Sampark for Samarthan' on the NaMo App.

On Monday, Shah met with Yoga guru Ramdev and sought his support for the party.

"Meeting Baba Ramdev means we are meeting millions of people (who are his followers). He has assured us full support for next year's elections," Shah said.

Ramdev, on his part, lauded the leadership of Prime Minister Modi and the achievements so far and said no Prime Minister had managed to garner respect from powerful world leaders to this extent.

In the recent past, differences have cropped up in the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance in Maharashtra

As part of his 'Sampark for Samarthan' (Contact for Support) campaign, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah is scheduled to meet Shiv Sena Chief Uddhav Thackeray at the latter's residence on Wednesday. Launched in May this year, the Sampark for Samarthan initiative was devised to generate awareness about the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government's achievements in the last four years. In the recent past, differences have cropped up in the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance in Maharashtra. In this regard, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis clarified that although there was no plan to dissolve the alliance, mutual efforts were essential to sustain ties. Minister of State for Home, Hansraj Ahir had also quashed the possibility of a breakup of the alliance, as the BJP and Shiv Sena were two separate parties, but followed the same ideology. In the run-up to the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, Shah will reach out to 50 people personally with details of initiatives and achievements of the government, whereas each BJP worker is expected to contact at least 10 people. There will also be a special session of 'Sampark for Samarthan' on the NaMo App. On Monday, Shah met with Yoga guru Ramdev and sought his support for the party. "Meeting Baba Ramdev means we are meeting millions of people (who are his followers). He has assured us full support for next year's elections," Shah said. Ramdev, on his part, lauded the leadership of Prime Minister Modi and the achievements so far and said no Prime Minister had managed to garner respect from powerful world leaders to this extent.

Amit Shah to meet Uddhav Thackeray on Wednesday

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray said Tuesday that the next general elections and the elections to the Maharashtra state assembly could be held in December 2018.&nbsp;

Thackeray was speaking at a national executive meet of his party. The Sena also announced Tuesday that it would contest the elections <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-not-align-with-bjp-in-2019-lok-sabha-assembly-elections-shiv-sena-30469" target="_blank">on its own</a>, not in alliance with the BJP.&nbsp;

Addressing the meet, Thackeray said that &quot;we should bring down this self-advertising government&quot;.&nbsp;

And that &quot;we will come to power in Maharashtra on our own&quot;.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Shiv Sena&#39;s Uddhav Thackeray speaking at Party&#39;s national executive meeting in Mumbai <a href="https://t.co/0sqKAuSckG">https://t.co/0sqKAuSckG</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/955701707429703680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Sena has so far been a difficult BJP ally, taking the ruling BJP to task both in Maharashtra and at the Centre.&nbsp;

The last general and Maharashtra assembly elections were held in 2014. Which means they should be going to the polls again in 2019.&nbsp;

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who is currently in Davos, reacted to the announcements saying &quot;let&#39;s wait, they have been saying many things&quot;.&nbsp;&nbsp;

He added that his government would &quot;complete its term&quot;.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> &#39;Lets wait, they have been saying many things, as of now we are in alliance in the Govt and this Govt will complete its term&#39; says Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Davos?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Davos</a> on Shiv Sena going alone in 2019 <a href="https://t.co/JEPm6Wcy5g">pic.twitter.com/JEPm6Wcy5g</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/955719332553568256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Shiv Sena announced Tuesday that it would contest the elections on its own, not in alliance with the BJP.

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray said Tuesday that the next general elections and the elections to the Maharashtra state assembly could be held in December 2018. Thackeray was speaking at a national executive meet of his party. The Sena also announced Tuesday that it would contest the elections on its own, not in alliance with the BJP. Addressing the meet, Thackeray said that "we should bring down this self-advertising government". And that "we will come to power in Maharashtra on our own". #WATCH Shiv Sena's Uddhav Thackeray speaking at Party's national executive meeting in Mumbai https://t.co/0sqKAuSckG — ANI (@ANI) January 23, 2018 × The Sena has so far been a difficult BJP ally, taking the ruling BJP to task both in Maharashtra and at the Centre. The last general and Maharashtra assembly elections were held in 2014. Which means they should be going to the polls again in 2019. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who is currently in Davos, reacted to the announcements saying "let's wait, they have been saying many things". He added that his government would "complete its term". #WATCH 'Lets wait, they have been saying many things, as of now we are in alliance in the Govt and this Govt will complete its term' says Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis in #Davos on Shiv Sena going alone in 2019 pic.twitter.com/JEPm6Wcy5g — ANI (@ANI) January 23, 2018 ×

Uddhav Thackeray: Lok Sabha, Maharashtra elections could be held in 2018

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday addressed the plenary session of the 48th edition of the World Economic Forum at Davos in Switzerland. PM Narendra Modi is the first Indian prime minister to attend Davos summit in 20 years.

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The BSE Sensex on Tuesday BSE Sensex breached the 36,000 level mark to end at an all-time high at 36, 140 after the International Monetary Fund said India would regain the title as the world&#39;s fastest growing major economy in 2018-19.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-should-focus-on-womens-inclusion-in-economy-imf-chief-lagarde-30519" target="_blank">India should focus on women&#39;s inclusion in economy: IMF Chief Lagarde</a>

IMF chief Christine Lagarde today said India must continue with reforms especially in the financial services sector and should urgently focus on broad- based and the true inclusion of women in its economy.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/uddhav-thackeray-lok-sabha-maharashtra-elections-could-be-held-in-2018-30484" target="_blank">Uddhav Thackeray: Lok Sabha, Maharashtra elections could be held in 2018</a>

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray said Tuesday that the next general elections and the elections to the Maharashtra state assembly could be held in December 2018.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Highlights: PM Narendra Modi's big India pitch at Davos Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday addressed the plenary session of the 48th edition of the World Economic Forum at Davos in Switzerland. PM Narendra Modi is the first Indian prime minister to attend Davos summit in 20 years. BSF launches 'Operation Bhima' against Pak Rangers along LoC BSF launched "Operation Bhima" against Pakistan Rangers even as firing stopped along the Line of Control(LoC) today. Reports said Pakistan Army chief met Pakistani Rangers as India's border security force(BSF) released a video on Monday and informed about the planned firing on Pakistan's post. Sensex closes above 36,000 mark at all-time high The BSE Sensex on Tuesday BSE Sensex breached the 36,000 level mark to end at an all-time high at 36, 140 after the International Monetary Fund said India would regain the title as the world's fastest growing major economy in 2018-19. India should focus on women's inclusion in economy: IMF Chief Lagarde IMF chief Christine Lagarde today said India must continue with reforms especially in the financial services sector and should urgently focus on broad- based and the true inclusion of women in its economy. Uddhav Thackeray: Lok Sabha, Maharashtra elections could be held in 2018 Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray said Tuesday that the next general elections and the elections to the Maharashtra state assembly could be held in December 2018.

WION Evening News brief, January 23, 2018

The Shiv Sena said today that it will not align with BJP in the 2019 Lok Sabha and Assembly elections.

The party passed the resolution at its national executive meet in Mumbai.

The announcement was made by party leader Sanjay Raut who moved the resolution, stating that the BJP had been demoralising the party for the last three years.

&quot;I moved the resolution for the Shiv Sena to fight the Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha polls on its own in 2019,&quot; Raut said.

&quot;The BJP allied with the Sena in the name of Hindutva and the Sena kept patience for Hindutva. However, the BJP in the last three years has been demoralising the Sena and using power to do so,&quot; Sanjay Raut said. His resolution was backed by senior leaders of the Shiv Sena.

Uddhav Thackeray, who slammed the Narendra Modi-led BJP government at the party&#39;s executive meet&nbsp;today, said that he would fight elections for the cause of Hindutva in every state.

&quot;We will fight elections in every state for the cause of Hindutva, I take this vow today,&quot; Uddhav Thackeray said.

&quot;PM calls himself &#39;Pant Pradhan&#39;. All he does is travel abroad. He took Israeli PM to Ahmedabad, why not to Lal Chowk in Srinagar? Why couldn&#39;t he have done a roadshow in Srinagar? Had he hoisted tricolour in Lal Chowk, we would have felt a sense of pride towards our PM,&quot; Uddhav Thackeray said.

Nitin Gadkari (union minister) came to Maharashtra and insulted the Navy which guards our borders here. People of armed forces are the ones with real 56-inch chest, how can you insult them?: Uddhav Thackeray added.

Despite their coalition government, the Shiv Sena -- led by its chief Uddhav Thackeray -- have for long been critical of the BJP government at the centre as well as the state.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The announcement was made by party leader Sanjay Raut who said that the BJP had been demoralising the party for the last three years

The Shiv Sena said today that it will not align with BJP in the 2019 Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. The party passed the resolution at its national executive meet in Mumbai. The announcement was made by party leader Sanjay Raut who moved the resolution, stating that the BJP had been demoralising the party for the last three years. "I moved the resolution for the Shiv Sena to fight the Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha polls on its own in 2019," Raut said. "The BJP allied with the Sena in the name of Hindutva and the Sena kept patience for Hindutva. However, the BJP in the last three years has been demoralising the Sena and using power to do so," Sanjay Raut said. His resolution was backed by senior leaders of the Shiv Sena. Uddhav Thackeray, who slammed the Narendra Modi-led BJP government at the party's executive meet today, said that he would fight elections for the cause of Hindutva in every state. "We will fight elections in every state for the cause of Hindutva, I take this vow today," Uddhav Thackeray said. "PM calls himself 'Pant Pradhan'. All he does is travel abroad. He took Israeli PM to Ahmedabad, why not to Lal Chowk in Srinagar? Why couldn't he have done a roadshow in Srinagar? Had he hoisted tricolour in Lal Chowk, we would have felt a sense of pride towards our PM," Uddhav Thackeray said. Nitin Gadkari (union minister) came to Maharashtra and insulted the Navy which guards our borders here. People of armed forces are the ones with real 56-inch chest, how can you insult them?: Uddhav Thackeray added. Despite their coalition government, the Shiv Sena -- led by its chief Uddhav Thackeray -- have for long been critical of the BJP government at the centre as well as the state. (With inputs from agencies)

Will not align with BJP in 2019 Lok Sabha, assembly elections: Shiv Sena

Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday alleged the BJP was trying to &quot;upstage&quot; his party on its home-turf, violating an understanding that underpinned the saffron alliance for over two decades. He also reiterated his party will fight all future elections alone.

Addressing a farmers&#39; rally at Paithan in Aurangabad district of central Maharashtra, Mr Thackeray said, &quot;The understanding in the alliance for the last 25 years was that the BJP will lead the country and we will deal with Maharashtra. Also, we didn&#39;t want a division of Hindu votes.

&quot;We always helped them. Now they (the BJP) are trying to upstage us in our own house. What should we do?&quot;&nbsp;

After his announcement last month that the Sena will contest the next Assembly as well as Lok Sabha polls alone, Mr Thackeray said there was a debate now as to who would be the loser from the decision, his party or the BJP.

&quot;Election results will show who will win or lose. The Shiv Sena will fight alone and win,&quot; he said.

He took a swipe at the NCP too, saying it neglected farmers when it was in power, and now in opposition it is trying to project itself as the champion of their cause by organising rallies.

The NCP had held a rally in Aurangabad on Saturday.

It is only the Shiv Sena which has relentlessly fought for farmers over the last decade, he said.

As to the criticism the Sena has faced for constantly sniping at the BJP while sharing power with it in Maharashtra as well as at the Centre, Thackeray said, &quot;Shiv Sena is taking on the government for people&#39;s issues and not for self- interest. We will continue to fight with the government on the issues concerning common people.&quot;&nbsp;

The BJP-led state government agreed to give a loan-waiver to farmers only because of Sena&#39;s pressure, Mr Thackeray claimed.

The schemes of the Union government remain only on paper and they have nothing to show on the ground, Mr Thackeray said.

 
Sugar is being imported from Pakistan, shortchanging domestic farmers, he alleged. &quot;What kind of love for farmers this is?&quot; he asked.

"Election results will show who will win or lose. The Shiv Sena will fight alone and win," he said

Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday alleged the BJP was trying to "upstage" his party on its home-turf, violating an understanding that underpinned the saffron alliance for over two decades. He also reiterated his party will fight all future elections alone. Addressing a farmers' rally at Paithan in Aurangabad district of central Maharashtra, Mr Thackeray said, "The understanding in the alliance for the last 25 years was that the BJP will lead the country and we will deal with Maharashtra. Also, we didn't want a division of Hindu votes. "We always helped them. Now they (the BJP) are trying to upstage us in our own house. What should we do?" After his announcement last month that the Sena will contest the next Assembly as well as Lok Sabha polls alone, Mr Thackeray said there was a debate now as to who would be the loser from the decision, his party or the BJP. "Election results will show who will win or lose. The Shiv Sena will fight alone and win," he said. He took a swipe at the NCP too, saying it neglected farmers when it was in power, and now in opposition it is trying to project itself as the champion of their cause by organising rallies. The NCP had held a rally in Aurangabad on Saturday. It is only the Shiv Sena which has relentlessly fought for farmers over the last decade, he said. As to the criticism the Sena has faced for constantly sniping at the BJP while sharing power with it in Maharashtra as well as at the Centre, Thackeray said, "Shiv Sena is taking on the government for people's issues and not for self- interest. We will continue to fight with the government on the issues concerning common people." The BJP-led state government agreed to give a loan-waiver to farmers only because of Sena's pressure, Mr Thackeray claimed. The schemes of the Union government remain only on paper and they have nothing to show on the ground, Mr Thackeray said. Sugar is being imported from Pakistan, shortchanging domestic farmers, he alleged. "What kind of love for farmers this is?" he asked.

Uddhav Thackeray says BJP trying to "upstage" Shiv Sena on its home turf

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday termed SC judges presser against Chief Justice of India as &nbsp;&#39;disturbing&#39; and sought action against those judges but we should try to understand as to why the four judges have taken such a step.

The Shiv Sena said one should try to understand the reason behind the mutiny of four senior-most judges of the Supreme Court against the Chief Justice of India (CJI).

With the judges turning against the judiciary itself, Thackeray opined that faith of the people in Judiciary will decrease.

&quot;All 4 pillars of democracy should stand independently, if they fall on each other, it will collapse,&quot; he added.

In the press conference held yesterday, Justices Madan B. Lokur, Kurien Joseph, Ranjan Gogoi and Jasti Chelameswar questioned the conduct of the CJI, alleging that selective Benches were being appointed to preside over certain cases in the apex court.

The case of the CBI judge Justice Loya&#39;s death is one among the certain cases hinted by the four judges.

&quot;If there is anything suspicious behind the death of Justice Loya, it should come out,&quot; Thackeray said.

&quot;All the four pillar of democracy should stand independently, if they fall on each other it will all collapse,&quot; the Shiv Sena chief further remarked.

Thackeray also took a swipe at the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), &quot;What is happening now is just to win elections and make their Chief Ministers and put their people at important posts, but their duties towards the people are ignored.&quot;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

(With ANI inputs)&nbsp;

With the judges turning against the judiciary itself, Thackeray opined that faith of the people in Judiciary will decrease.

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday termed SC judges presser against Chief Justice of India as 'disturbing' and sought action against those judges but we should try to understand as to why the four judges have taken such a step. The Shiv Sena said one should try to understand the reason behind the mutiny of four senior-most judges of the Supreme Court against the Chief Justice of India (CJI). With the judges turning against the judiciary itself, Thackeray opined that faith of the people in Judiciary will decrease. "All 4 pillars of democracy should stand independently, if they fall on each other, it will collapse," he added. In the press conference held yesterday, Justices Madan B. Lokur, Kurien Joseph, Ranjan Gogoi and Jasti Chelameswar questioned the conduct of the CJI, alleging that selective Benches were being appointed to preside over certain cases in the apex court. The case of the CBI judge Justice Loya's death is one among the certain cases hinted by the four judges. "If there is anything suspicious behind the death of Justice Loya, it should come out," Thackeray said. "All the four pillar of democracy should stand independently, if they fall on each other it will all collapse," the Shiv Sena chief further remarked. Thackeray also took a swipe at the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), "What is happening now is just to win elections and make their Chief Ministers and put their people at important posts, but their duties towards the people are ignored." (With ANI inputs)

SC judges' presser against CJI 'disturbing': Shiv Sena

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray slammed the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government on Sunday over the proposed chemical industry projects in Konkan region of Maharashtra, saying that they would not let the party spoil Konkan and its beauty.

Pointing that the chemical industries were &quot;forcibly established&quot; in Maharashtra, Thackeray said that Gujarat, on the other hand, was reaping such benefits of development as the bullet train project.

&quot;Shiv Sena will not allow to spoil Konkan and its beauty and make Gujarat prosperous&quot;, Thackeray said at Global Konkan Mahotsav in Navi Mumbai`s CIDCO exhibition centre.

The Shiv Sena Chief was referring to the Jaitapur Nuclear Power Project, the West Coast Refinery and Petrochemical project proposed to go on floors in Ratnagiri district along the Konkan coast of Maharashtra.

&quot;Appeals are made that development projects should not be opposed but why hazardous projects in Konkan? Shift these projects to somewhere else, who is preventing you?&quot; asked Thackeray and added, &quot;Mumbai, our Mumbai is not only the capital of Maharashtra but was recognised as the financial centre of the country, but now Gujarat is being made as the new business centre.

&quot;The Shiv Sena has been opposing both projects citing these are hazardous to the environment as well as detrimental to the health of residents of the region.

&quot;People are here, they have also their opinion, have you asked them what these people want? Every area has their own MPs and MLAs, and if their opinion is not taken or heard for development projects of their constituencies, then what is the point?&quot; asked Thackeray.&nbsp;

The Shiv Sena Chief was referring to the Jaitapur Nuclear Power Project proposed to go on floors in Ratnagiri district along the Konkan coast of Maharashtra

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray slammed the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government on Sunday over the proposed chemical industry projects in Konkan region of Maharashtra, saying that they would not let the party spoil Konkan and its beauty. Pointing that the chemical industries were "forcibly established" in Maharashtra, Thackeray said that Gujarat, on the other hand, was reaping such benefits of development as the bullet train project. "Shiv Sena will not allow to spoil Konkan and its beauty and make Gujarat prosperous", Thackeray said at Global Konkan Mahotsav in Navi Mumbai`s CIDCO exhibition centre. The Shiv Sena Chief was referring to the Jaitapur Nuclear Power Project, the West Coast Refinery and Petrochemical project proposed to go on floors in Ratnagiri district along the Konkan coast of Maharashtra. "Appeals are made that development projects should not be opposed but why hazardous projects in Konkan? Shift these projects to somewhere else, who is preventing you?" asked Thackeray and added, "Mumbai, our Mumbai is not only the capital of Maharashtra but was recognised as the financial centre of the country, but now Gujarat is being made as the new business centre. "The Shiv Sena has been opposing both projects citing these are hazardous to the environment as well as detrimental to the health of residents of the region. "People are here, they have also their opinion, have you asked them what these people want? Every area has their own MPs and MLAs, and if their opinion is not taken or heard for development projects of their constituencies, then what is the point?" asked Thackeray.

Won't let them spoil Konkan, Uddhav Thackeray slams BJP-led chemical industry projects

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