BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis will be sworn in as Maharashtra's chief minister for a third time on December 5 after being chosen as the BJP legislature party leader. The party won 132 out of 288 assembly seats, forming a strong coalition with Shiv Sena and NCP. Fadnavis has a notable political career since 1992.
Devendra Fadnavis has been elected as the BJP's legislative party leader in Maharashtra and is set to be sworn in as Chief Minister on December 5th, 2024. The oath-taking ceremony will take place at Azad Maidan in Mumbai, with Prime Minister Modi expected to attend. The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance secured a landslide victory in the state assembly elections.
Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi criticized Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy's view on a 70-hour workweek, rejecting the notion of neglecting work-life balance. Gogoi argued that life encompasses family responsibilities, equally shared by men and women, a choice often unavailable to working women.
Former Shrimoni Akali Dal president Sukhwinder Singh Badal survived an assassination attempt at the Golden Temple while performing 'Seva'. The assailant, Narain Singh Chaura, was apprehended by police. Despite the attempt, Badal will continue his religious penance. An independent investigation will be carried out by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee.
After an assassination attempt, Shiromani Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal was spotted washing utensils at the Golden Temple, continuing his 'seva'. The attack, which occurred while Badal was fulfilling his duties, ended without injury thanks to the intervention of bystanders, resulting in the immediate apprehension of assailant Narain Singh.
Uttar Pradesh police increased security in several districts as Rahul Gandhi and Congress MPs plan to visit Sambhal. Prohibitory orders are extended till December 31. The district administration denied their visit after November 24 clashes led to deaths and injuries, including police personnel, during a court-mandated survey of the Jama Masjid, claimed to be originally a temple.
Amid uncertainty over Maharashtra's new chief minister, posters suggesting Devendra Fadnavis as the frontrunner were seen in Mumbai. A significant BJP meeting is set to decide the leader, who will stake a claim to form the government. Preparations for the swearing-in ceremony at Azad Maidan are underway, with several VVIPs, including the Prime Minister, expected to attend.
Opposition leaders criticized the AAP government in Punjab for a security failure at the Golden Temple where a man fired at SAD leader Sukhbir Singh Badal. BJP, SAD, and Congress leaders condemned the incident, calling for a judicial enquiry and highlighting the deteriorating law and order situation, with demands for accountability and strict punishment for the attacker.
A Congress delegation raised concerns with the Election Commission over anomalies in Maharashtra electoral rolls and post-poll voter turnout surge. The EC responded with clarifications, noting additions matched population growth and deletions were minimal. Procedural formalities caused the voter turnout gap. The EC urged Congress to raise objections during the draft roll scrutiny.
Israel’s economy minister Nir Barkat highlighted the challenge posed by Iran and its proxies in West Asia. He emphasized Israel's goals in Gaza to eliminate Hamas and secure hostages, while supporting stronger economic ties with India. Barkat also reaffirmed Israel's willingness to normalize relations with Saudi Arabia and praised India's support for Israel.
Delhi's Rose Avenue court extends police custody of AAP MP Naresh Balyan by one day in an extortion case involving gangster Kapil Sangwan. His bail application awaited, Delhi Police directed to respond. AAP and Balyan allege political motivation behind arrest, claiming innocence.
Several school districts, including Haywood, Jackson, Madison, and Mitchell counties, face closures with provisions for remote learning or optional teacher workdays amid weather disruptions. While Swain County schools offer an optional workday for staff, Transylvania County schools implement a two-hour delay. Both Watauga and Yancey counties schedule remote learning and workdays due to inclement conditions.
Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman revealed in the Lok Sabha that she faced ridicule in Tamil Nadu for learning Hindi during her school years, accusing the state of treating Hindi and Sanskrit as foreign languages. Responding, DMK's Thoothukudi MP K Kanimozhi stated that Tamil Nadu opposes the imposition of Hindi, not the learning of it.
Residents of Aragandapuram in Tamil Nadu protested during forest minister K Ponmudy's visit, hurling mud at him due to inadequate flood relief. The protest, held on Chennai-Trichy National Highway, highlighted the lack of essentials after Cyclone Fengal's devastation. Chief Minister MK Stalin announced compensation and relief packages, while Prime Minister Modi assured central support following Stalin's request for assessment.
Bangladesh summoned Indian high commissioner Pranay Verma to discuss a breach at the Bangladesh assistant high commission in Agartala. The MEA condemned the incident involving demonstrators. Tensions have escalated due to rising attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh and the arrest of Iskcon priest Chinmoy Krishna Das, raising concerns about minority safety.
Jharkhand's cabinet expansion will take place on December 5, with 11 ministers expected to take oath. Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) General Secretary Supriyo Bhattacharya assured that the cabinet will be inclusive, representing all sections, including women, youth, and farmers. This follows a meeting with Congress' central leadership regarding the cabinet appointments. Meanwhile, Maharashtra will also swear in its chief minister on December 5.
Authorities in Uttar Pradesh have restricted entry to violence-hit Sambhal until 10 December, urging Rahul Gandhi to reconsider his visit. Officials aim to prevent further tensions following recent clashes that left five dead and multiple injuries during an ASI survey at a mosque. Critics call for independent investigation.
The Taj Mahal in Uttar Pradesh's Agra received a bomb threat via email, which turned out to be a hoax after thorough investigation by bomb disposal and dog squads. Incidents of hoax threats have significantly increased, prompting the civil aviation ministry to plan amendments to existing laws and implement stringent measures to handle such situations.
Congress MP Manickam Tagore dismisses the idea of Mamata Banerjee leading the INDIA bloc, calling it a 'joke,' despite TMC leaders advocating for her, based on her track record against BJP and Narendra Modi. TMC asserts Mamata's leadership qualities and preparedness within the opposition bloc.
The Supreme Court has raised concerns about the reinstatement of Tamil Nadu Minister V. Senthil Balaji in the state cabinet, after his bail in a money laundering case. In response, the BJP has urged Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to immediately remove Balaji, questioning the legal and ethical implications of his retention.