Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray were seen travelling on the same commercial flight from Mumbai to Nagpur, triggering fresh political discussions in the state.

The two leaders, who have remained political rivals in recent years, reportedly exchanged greetings and briefly interacted during the journey. Reacting to the unexpected encounter, Fadnavis remarked that the meeting of the leaders had become the “biggest news of the day”.

Thackeray was accompanied by his son and MLA Aaditya Thackeray, Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut and other senior leaders of the Shiv Sena (UBT). The flight came at a time when Maharashtra politics has witnessed significant developments, including recent defections from the Thackeray-led party.

The shared journey quickly sparked speculation in political circles. However, leaders from the ruling alliance played down the development, describing it as a routine interaction between political opponents rather than an indication of any new political understanding.

While the brief interaction generated considerable attention, no political discussions or meetings beyond customary greetings were officially reported.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said the Centre is preparing amendments to the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act to close loopholes allegedly exploited by drug trafficking networks and strengthen India’s anti-narcotics framework.

Addressing the 10th apex-level meeting of the Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD) in New Delhi, Shah said the government is re-examining the existing law and invited states to submit suggestions for the proposed changes. The amendments are being worked on by the Ministry of Finance to make the legislation more effective in tackling organised drug syndicates.

Centre seeks stronger legal framework against narcotics

Shah stressed the need for a tougher approach towards drug traffickers and peddlers, while advocating a compassionate stance towards victims of addiction. He outlined a three-pronged strategy against drug trafficking — “detect, disrupt and destroy” — and urged all stakeholders to intensify efforts against the narcotics menace.

The Home Minister also asked state governments to share suggestions on strengthening the NDPS Act. Directors General of Police have been asked to forward recommendations to the Ministry of Home Affairs, while Chief Secretaries can submit their inputs to the Department of Revenue under the Ministry of Finance.

Seizures of synthetic drugs rise over past decade

Highlighting the government’s anti-drug campaign, Shah said that between 2004 and 2014, around 26 lakh kilograms of synthetic drugs were seized across the country. In comparison, agencies confiscated approximately 1.18 crore kilograms of synthetic drugs between 2014 and 2026.

He further said the estimated value of drugs seized during 2014-2026 stood at around Rs 1.84 lakh crore, significantly higher than the nearly Rs 40,000 crore worth of narcotics seized during the previous decade. According to Shah, these figures reflect the expanded scale and effectiveness of anti-drug enforcement efforts.

The minister also called for real-time information sharing among states through digital platforms developed by the Narcotics Control Bureau and urged authorities to ensure NCORD meetings deliver measurable outcomes. He unveiled the “Vision Document on Drug Control (2026-2029)”, which aims to provide a roadmap for reducing drug demand, curbing supply and minimising harm caused by substance abuse.

The alleged embezzlement of donations received at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya has triggered major developments, with all eight accused named in the FIR now under arrest and senior temple trust officials resigning from their positions. Authorities have said the investigation will continue and anyone found guilty will face strict action.

The First Information Report was registered following recommendations made by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the Uttar Pradesh government to probe allegations of irregularities in the handling of donations received at the temple. The complaint was lodged by a member of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.

According to officials, the eight accused were associated with the process of counting cash and valuables offered by devotees at the temple. Senior officials confirmed that all those named in the FIR have been arrested and are currently being questioned as part of the ongoing investigation.

Champat Rai and Anil Mishra step down

Amid the growing controversy, Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust General Secretary Champat Rai resigned from his post on moral grounds. Trust member Anil Mishra also submitted his resignation, officials confirmed. Their resignations come as scrutiny over the alleged misappropriation of temple donations intensifies.

Yogi Adityanath says guilty will not be spared

Addressing a public meeting in Deoria, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said action began immediately after the SIT submitted its report. He asserted that no individual involved in wrongdoing would be exempted from legal action.

The chief minister described Ayodhya as a symbol of faith and said that public sentiments attached to Lord Ram and Sanatan Dharma cannot be compromised. He assured that the government would ensure a fair probe and separate truth from falsehood.

The issue has also sparked political reactions, with opposition leaders questioning the investigation and demanding accountability, while BJP leaders have maintained that strict action will be taken against all those responsible.