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SC rejects Sasikala’s plea against conviction in DA case

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The setback to the AIADMK general secretary comes at a time when her loyalists, led by nephew TTV Dhinakaran are trying to destabilise the party’s government in Tamil Nadu

In a massive setback for jailed AIADMK general secretary VK Sasikala, the Supreme Court, on Wednesday, rejected her plea for a review of her conviction to a four-year jail term in connection with a 19-year-old disproportionate assets case.

The apex court’s ruling comes at a time when Sasikala’s nephew and AIADMK deputy general secretary TTV Dhinakaran is attempting a coup of sorts against the party’s Edappadi Palaniswami-led government in Tamil Nadu.

The review petition filed by Sasikala, the late AIADMK chief J Jayalalithaa’s  foster son VN Sudhakaran and Sasikala’s sister-in-law Ilavarasi, in May this year, had challenged the apex court’s verdict which had set aside an earlier judgment of the Karnataka High Court which had acquitted the trio.

Sasikala’s lawyers had pleaded with the court that the key accused in the case, Jayalalithaa, is no more and Sasikala held no public office, the Prevention of Corruption Act doesn’t apply to her.

However, the apex court found no merit in the argument and held that there was no error in its earlier judgment.

“We do not find any error in the common judgment impugned, much less an apparent error on the face of the record, so as to call for its review. The review petitions are, accordingly, dismissed,” a two-judge Bench of Justices SA Bobde and Amitava Roy said in its verdict.

Sasikala and the other accused in the case had been convicted on February 14 on charges of amassing disproportionate assets to the tune of Rs 66.65 crore during Jayalalithaa’s first term as chief minister from 1991 to 1996.

The verdict had disqualified Sasikala from becoming a legislator, which had then ended her hopes of becoming chief minister of Tamil Nadu by ousting her rival O Panneerselvam (OPS). However, her conviction in the DA case had not stopped Sasikala and her loyalists in the AIADMK from forcing OPS to resign and paving the way for her then loyalist, Edappadi Palaniswami (EPS) to become chief minister.

The appointment of EPS had led to a three way split in the AIADMK weeks after he took over as chief minister with him leading one factions and the other two led by OPS and Sasikala’s nephew, Dhinakaran. The split had also forced the election commission to suspend the party ‘two-leaves’ poll symbol.

However, with the EPS and OPS factions having announced their merger, on Monday, the Dhinakaran faction, which has the support of 22 AIADMK MLAs, has once again begun to assert its political ambitions and calling for the resignation of Palaniswami. Sasikala’s stint in prison too has been controversial with a recent video showing her move “in and out” of Bengaluru’s Parappana Agrahara Central Prison, where she had been lodged since her conviction.

With the apex court now rejecting her review petition, AIADMK sources say that the Election Commission too could soon pass an order against her in a petition filed with it that challenges her appointment as the AIADMK general secretary after the demise of Jayalalithaa.

It now remains to be seen how Dhinakaran and the AIADMK legislators loyal to Sasikala react to the verdict and whether their rebellion against the OPS government actually manages to achieve their intended goal – installing someone (read Dhinakaran) from the Sasikala family – known in Tamil politics as the Mannargudi Mafia – in the chair of the Tamil Nadu chief minister. Or will the loyalists now switch sides to their bitter rivals – EPS and OPS.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

India News

Abhishek Banerjee says will not bow to BJP after nearly 11 hours of ED questioning

After spending nearly 11 hours before the Enforcement Directorate, TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee said he would not bow to the BJP and accused the ruling party of using investigative agencies for political purposes.

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Abhishek Banerjee

Trinamool Congress leader and Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee on Tuesday said he would not bow to the BJP after spending nearly 11 hours being questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with an ongoing investigation.

Speaking after the questioning, Banerjee alleged that central agencies were being used to target opposition leaders and asserted that he would continue his political fight despite what he described as sustained pressure.

The TMC leader has repeatedly maintained that investigations involving him are politically motivated, a charge he has made on several previous occasions while appearing before central agencies.

His appearance before the ED comes amid a period of heightened political activity and multiple investigations involving leaders in West Bengal. Recent days have also seen Banerjee face summons and questioning in separate matters by state investigative agencies.

After leaving the ED office, Banerjee reiterated that he would not be intimidated and said he remained committed to his political responsibilities. He also accused the BJP of attempting to weaken opposition parties through investigative action, an allegation that the BJP has rejected in the past.

The Enforcement Directorate has not publicly commented on Banerjee’s remarks. The investigation related to the questioning remains ongoing.

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India News

DMK attacks Rahul Gandhi, accuses him of weakening opposition unity

DMK has intensified its criticism of Rahul Gandhi, alleging that the Congress leader’s actions have weakened opposition unity and strained relations within the INDIA bloc.

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The war of words between the DMK and Congress has intensified, with the DMK launching a strong attack on Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and accusing him of contributing to divisions within the opposition alliance. The criticism comes amid strained ties between the two parties following their political split in Tamil Nadu.

According to the DMK, Rahul Gandhi’s political approach has weakened unity among opposition parties. The party’s IT wing mocked the Congress leader on social media, while an editorial published in the DMK’s official mouthpiece Murasoli questioned his recent remarks on opposition solidarity.

DMK questions Rahul Gandhi’s remarks on opposition unity

In its editorial, Murasoli argued that Rahul Gandhi was speaking about opposition unity despite, according to the DMK, contributing to disagreements among alliance partners in several states. The publication cited criticism directed at Congress by various opposition parties and suggested that the party’s actions had often created tensions within the INDIA bloc.

The editorial also referred to past political disputes involving Congress and Left parties, particularly in Kerala, claiming such episodes had raised concerns among opposition allies about Congress’s approach toward its partners.

Tamil Nadu political fallout adds to tensions

The attack comes after a major political realignment in Tamil Nadu. Following the 2026 Assembly elections, Congress ended its alliance with the DMK and joined the government led by Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). The move left the DMK in the opposition and significantly altered the political equation between the two former allies.

The DMK has alleged that Congress benefited from the alliance during the election and later abandoned its partner. The party’s editorial questioned whether assurances from Congress leadership would be trusted by alliance partners after the developments in Tamil Nadu.

Congress rejects allegations

Congress has not issued a detailed official response to the editorial, but party sources have rejected the allegations. According to the party, its decisions in Tamil Nadu were made in line with the mandate delivered by voters and were not intended to undermine either the DMK or the broader opposition alliance.

The latest exchange highlights growing strains between two key opposition parties even as leaders continue to stress cooperation on national issues. Just days earlier, Rahul Gandhi had said that the DMK remained aligned with the opposition on defending the “idea of India” despite political differences.

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Entertainment

Kumkum Bhagya actor Sanchita Ugale dies by suicide near Mumbai at 22

Television actor Sanchita Ugale, known for Kumkum Bhagya and Wagle Ki Duniya, died by suicide at her residence near Mumbai. Police have launched an investigation.

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Sanchita Ugale

Television actor Sanchita Ugale, known for her appearances in Kumkum Bhagya, Wagle Ki Duniya and Dilwali Dulha Le Jayegi, died by suicide at her residence in Nalasopara East near Mumbai on June 14. She was 22.

According to police officials, the incident took place at her home in Achole village, Nalasopara East. Authorities said Ugale had locked herself inside her bedroom and was later found hanging from a ceiling fan. Family members and local residents rushed her to a hospital, where doctors declared her dead.

Police have registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR) and launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death. Officials said inquiries are underway and the exact reason behind the incident has not yet been established.

Career across television, OTT and films

Ugale had built a growing presence in the entertainment industry through television, streaming projects and films. Apart from Kumkum Bhagya and Wagle Ki Duniya, she played a lead role in Dilwali Dulha Le Jayegi. She also appeared in OTT projects such as Crime Aaj Kal and Silence 2.

The actor was also associated with the film Chhaava, which contributed to her growing recognition among audiences.

Last social media post draws attention

Following news of her death, social media users shared and commented on Ugale’s final Instagram post, which had been uploaded hours before the incident. The post showed the actor in traditional attire lip-syncing to a classic Bollywood song. Fans expressed shock and grief after learning of her death.

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