Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday firmly stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will continue to lead the nation in 2029, asserting that there is “no need to search” for a successor as Modi will retain his position, after Shiv Sena UBT leader Sanjay Raut claimed Modi’s successor will likely be from Maharashtra.

This statement by Fadnavis came in response to claims by Raut, who suggested that Modi had visited the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) headquarters in Nagpur on Sunday to inform RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat of his impending retirement. Modi will turn 75 in September this year.

Speaking to reporters in Nagpur, Fadnavis emphasized, “There is no need to look for his successor. He (Modi) is our leader and will continue to lead.” He also rejected speculations that Modi’s successor might come from Maharashtra, saying, “In our culture, it is not right to talk about succession while the father is still present. That is the way of the Mughals. The time to discuss this has not yet arrived.”

Raut had earlier claimed that the RSS is seeking a change in political leadership. “He (Modi) probably went to the RSS headquarters to submit his retirement application in September,” Raut said. He added, “PM Modi visited the RSS office to announce his retirement. As far as I know, he has not visited the RSS headquarters in the last 10-11 years. The RSS wants new leadership, and now PM Modi is stepping down.”

However, Modi’s visit to the RSS headquarters marked his first since becoming Prime Minister. During the visit, he also laid the foundation stone for the Madhav Netralaya Premium Centre, a new extension of the Madhav Netralaya Eye Institute & Research Centre, named after the late RSS chief Madhavrao Golwalkar.

Addressing the gathering, PM Modi praised the selfless work of RSS volunteers across various fields and regions of India. “The RSS is like a banyan tree of India’s eternal culture and progress, with ideals and principles aimed at safeguarding national awareness,” he said. “This great tree is not ordinary.”

Modi also highlighted the RSS’s dedication and organization over the past century, noting that their efforts are bearing fruit as India moves toward its goal of becoming a developed nation, ‘Viksit Bharat,’ by 2047. “The period from 2025 to 2047 is crucial because we have big goals ahead. We must lay the foundation for the next 1,000 years of a strong and advanced India,” he added.

The statements from both leaders have sparked a political debate, with Fadnavis staunchly supporting Modi’s continued leadership, while Raut’s claims suggest a potential shift in the political landscape.

Sanoj Mishra, a filmmaker known for offering a role to viral sensation Monalisa during the Kumbh Mela, was arrested by the Delhi Police on Monday for allegedly raping an aspiring female actor for over four years on the pretext of marrying her.

The 45-year-old director, who lives with his family in Mumbai, was apprehended in Ghaziabad following extensive intelligence work and technical surveillance.

The arrest came after the Delhi High Court rejected Mishra’s bail application, paving the way for his custody by the Nabi Karim Police Station. The case revolves around allegations made by a 28-year-old woman from a small town, who accused Mishra of repeatedly raping her over four years under the false promise of marriage.

According to the complainant, she had been in a live-in relationship with Mishra in Mumbai while pursuing her dream of becoming a film actor. She further alleged that Mishra coerced her into undergoing abortions on three separate occasions. In her complaint, lodged on March 6, 2024, she also claimed that Mishra betrayed her trust by refusing to fulfill his marriage commitment.

The Delhi Police confirmed that an FIR was registered against Mishra under multiple sections, including rape, assault, causing miscarriage without consent, and criminal intimidation. The woman’s allegations were substantiated during her statement recorded under Section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC). Authorities also collected medical evidence related to the alleged abortions from Muzaffarnagar, strengthening the case.

The incident that prompted the complaint occurred on February 18, 2025, when Mishra allegedly took the victim to Hotel Shiva in Nabi Karim. According to the police, he engaged in physical relations with her during this encounter before abandoning her, which led her to report the matter to the authorities.

Mishra’s arrest marks a significant development in the case, following the Delhi High Court’s decision to deny him bail after a detailed review of the evidence. The filmmaker, who gained attention for his work in the film industry, now faces serious legal consequences as the investigation continues.

Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, has penned a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding the immediate cancellation of tenders that allow offshore mining along the coasts of Kerala, Gujarat, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. In his communication, Gandhi expressed deep concerns over the potential threats to marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of coastal communities.

In the letter, Gandhi criticized the central government’s decision to open up offshore mining to private entities without conducting thorough environmental impact assessments. “I strongly condemn the central government’s move to permit offshore mining along the coasts of Kerala, Gujarat, and Andaman & Nicobar without proper consultation or study,” he wrote.

Gandhi highlighted the widespread protests by coastal communities against the tender process, which they argued disregards the ecological and socio-economic ramifications. He pointed out that millions of fisherfolk are apprehensive about how offshore mining could disrupt their traditional way of life and threaten their income.

According to Gandhi, the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2023, has faced significant opposition due to its implications. He warned that such activities could lead to severe environmental damage, including harm to marine life, destruction of coral reefs, and reduction in fish stocks—critical issues for the sustainability of fishing communities.

The recent tender invitations by the Ministry of Mines for licenses to explore 13 offshore blocks have sparked further outrage. Among these, three blocks are located off Kollam’s coast, a key area for fish breeding, and another three are near the Great Nicobar Islands, known for their rich marine biodiversity. Gandhi argued that these locations are particularly vulnerable, and the lack of stakeholder consultation or long-term impact studies is alarming.

Citing ongoing research by the Marine Monitoring Lab (MML) at the University of Kerala’s Department of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries, Gandhi noted that offshore mining could have devastating effects on fish breeding, especially in Kollam. He emphasized that over 1.1 million people in Kerala depend on fishing, making any threat to this sector a significant concern.

“Great Nicobar is a global biodiversity hotspot, home to numerous endemic species,” Gandhi stated, adding that any mining activity could cause irreversible damage. He also linked the erosion of coastal ecosystems to increased vulnerability to natural disasters like cyclones, questioning the government’s decision to proceed without scientific backing.

In his appeal to the Prime Minister, Gandhi urged the cancellation of the current tenders and called for comprehensive scientific studies to evaluate both the environmental and socio-economic impacts of offshore mining. “Most crucially, all stakeholders, particularly our fisherfolk, must be involved in any major decisions,” he stressed, underscoring their deep connection to the ocean’s health.

“Let’s work together towards a sustainable future for all,” Gandhi stated in his letter, urging collective action to protect both the environment and the communities that rely on it.