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Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut says Congress should take blame if allies feel INDIA bloc is disintegrating

He insisted that if the initiative was only for the Lok Sabha elections, then the INDIA bloc should officially declare its dissolution and allow each ally to proceed independently.

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Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said on Friday that Congress bears the responsibility for maintaining the integrity of the INDIA bloc, being the largest party within the Opposition alliance.

His remarks followed concerns raised by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who expressed disappointment over the uncertainty surrounding the leadership and objectives of the INDIA bloc, suggesting that the alliance should be dissolved if it was intended solely for the 2024 Parliamentary elections.

Raut emphasized that if the alliance members believe the INDIA bloc was established only for the Lok Sabha elections and no longer functions, the onus falls on Congress. He highlighted the absence of communication and dialogue among the coalition members, pointing out that although they collaborated successfully in the Lok Sabha elections, a subsequent meeting to strategize future plans has yet to occur, which he believes is the responsibility of Congress to initiate.

He noted that the lack of cooperation among partners in this anti-BJP coalition has created a perception of disarray, despite comprising more than twenty political parties. Raut stated, “There is no communication, dialogue, or discussion. This leads to ambiguity regarding the stability of the alliance.”

Furthermore, Raut warned that should the alliance, which was formed ahead of the 2024 elections, collapse, it would likely not be salvageable. He insisted that if the initiative was only for the Lok Sabha elections, then the INDIA bloc should officially declare its dissolution and allow each ally to proceed independently.

Stressing the need to rectify previous missteps, Raut cautioned against the dissolution of the opposition grouping, labeling it as a drastic measure. He also critiqued Congress’s central leadership for their lack of involvement during the Maharashtra Assembly elections last November, where the state unit engaged in contentious seat-sharing negotiations.

He explained that there were several Assembly constituencies where the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Shiv Sena (UBT) had viable candidates, yet Congress refused to relinquish claims on those seats. Raut asserted that if Congress had demonstrated cooperative behavior instead of competitive ambitions, a more cohesive seat-sharing agreement could have been reached within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), the coalition comprising the NCP, Shiv Sena (UBT), and Congress, which performed poorly in the elections, securing only 46 seats in the 288-member assembly.

Raut further remarked on the lack of coordination not only within the national INDIA alliance but also among the MVA partners in Maharashtra. He clarified his position regarding the characterizations made by some Congress leaders about Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal, asserting that he does not support such labels.

He predicted that neither Congress nor the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would win the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections on February 5, foreseeing a victory for the ruling AAP. Raut expressed regret that both Congress and AAP are contesting the elections separately, suggesting that collaboration would have been beneficial.

Highlighting internal tensions, Maharashtra Congress leader Nitin Raut stated that MVA allies were preoccupied with power disputes ahead of the elections, resulting in delayed seat-sharing agreements. He acknowledged a collective failure in organizational strategy following the Lok Sabha elections.

Supporting this view, Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar expressed concerns about potential delays orchestrated during the seat-sharing discussions, noting the precious time lost that hindered effective campaigning. He criticized the lack of timely involvement from other leaders.

NCP leader Jitendra Awhad reiterated the need for improved coordination within the MVA and suggested that conversations should be held internally rather than in public forums. Raut added that Wadettiwar was integral to the seat-sharing negotiations and emphasized that Congress could have opted to relinquish certain seats where their allies had strong candidates.

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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Rahul-Gandhi

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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