Maharashtra Political Alliances and Supreme Court Directives: Key Updates
Maharashtra Chief Minister's Stance on Local Alliances
Devendra Fadnavis, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, expressed strong disapproval regarding the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) local alliances with the Congress in Ambernath and the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) in Akola. He stated, "These alliances are unacceptable and must be terminated."
These partnerships emerged following the civic elections held in December. Fadnavis warned that disciplinary measures would be enforced against party members who breach these directives.
Congress Takes Action in Ambernath
In response to the alliance with the BJP, the Congress party has disbanded its Ambernath block committee and suspended 12 corporators for forming the alliance without the consent of the state leadership.
Supreme Court Orders Forensic Examination in Manipur Case
The Supreme Court has mandated that the complete audio recording allegedly connecting former Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh to the state's ethnic violence be forwarded to the National Forensic Science University. The court also instructed that voice samples be analyzed and requested the Gandhinagar laboratory to expedite the examination process.
The recordings, believed to be from 2023, feature a voice resembling Singh's, claiming responsibility for instigating the conflict and boasting about disregarding Union Home Minister Amit Shah's directive against the use of explosives during the unrest.
Clashes Erupt During Demolition Drive in Delhi
In Delhi's Ramlila Maidan area, clashes erupted as the Municipal Corporation initiated a demolition operation near a mosque. The demolition was taking place on land adjacent to the Faiz Elahi Mosque and a nearby graveyard at Turkman Gate.
Approximately 100 to 150 individuals gathered at the site as demolition equipment was set to arrive. Madhur Verma, the Joint Commissioner of Police for the Central Range, reported that some individuals attempted to incite violence by throwing stones.
The Delhi Police have detained five individuals and filed a first information report concerning the incident.
Supreme Court Provides Interim Relief to Bhojpuri Singer
The Supreme Court has granted interim protection from arrest to Bhojpuri singer Neha Singh Rathore regarding her social media comments about the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The court also issued a notice regarding Rathore's appeal against the Allahabad High Court's decision to deny her anticipatory bail.
However, the court stipulated that Rathore must comply with summons from the investigating officer. She was charged in April for a video in which she criticized the BJP-led Union government for the Pahalgam attack, labeling it an intelligence and security failure.
Trump Announces Oil Deal with Venezuela
On Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the United States would acquire up to 50 million barrels of oil from Venezuela. He stated that the oil would be sold at market rates, with the proceeds being managed by him to ensure benefits for both the Venezuelan and American people.
Given the current oil price of $56 per barrel, this deal could amount to approximately $2.8 billion.
This announcement follows the recent U.S. military operation that reportedly abducted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, over allegations of drug trafficking.