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Govt won’t go against sentiments of people on Article 35A: Rajnath

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Amid continued tensions in the Valley, Union home minister reiterates that he’s willing to talk to all stakeholders for resolving all problems of the state

Amid rising concerns among the people and political stakeholders in Kashmir over the Supreme Court’s forthcoming verdict on a petition that seeks quashing of Article 35A that gives the state some special rights, union home minister Rajnath Singh has assured that the Centre “will not go against the sentiments” of the Kashmiri people on the polarising issue.

Singh, who is on a four-day visit to the strife-torn northern state, spoke to the media in Srinagar on a range of issues including the possible abrogation of Article 35A, militancy in the Valley, need for confidence building measures and the Centre’s roadmap for restoring lasting peace in the region.

“I understand there is no scope for doubt or suspicion (on whether Article 35A will be quashed). Nowhere has the central government initiated anything with regard to this issue. We have not gone to court. I am not talking only about Article 35A. Whatever we do, whatever our government does, we will not do anything against the sentiments of the people here. We will respect them,” Singh said, replying to a volley of questions over the Centre’s stand on a petition in the Supreme Court that demands abrogation of Article 35A.

Article 35A is a provision in the Indian Constitution under Article 370 that grants special rights and privileges to the State and its citizens. While the BJP has traditionally been a votary of quashing the Article, the latest row over the issue began when the Centre informed the Supreme Court during arguments in a case that demands abrogation of the special constitutional provision that the matter requires a “larger debate”. The Centre’s submission was at variance with previous governments which had always insisted that Article 35A should not be diluted or quashed.

Singh’s clarification expectedly was welcomed by the two key Kashmiri political parties like the ruling PDP – with which the BJP is in alliance in the state – and the National Conference. Former J&K chief minister Omar Abdullah of the NC said: “This is a very important statement from the Union home minister. His assurance will go a long way towards silencing the noises against Article 35A. The Union government must now file a counter affidavit in the Supreme Court to defend Article 35A. That is the way to carry this assurance forward.”

Govt won’t go against sentiments of people on Article 35A: Rajnath

Asked whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government was willing to speak to separatists and leaders of the Hurriyat Conference in Kashmir to find a solution to the problems of the state, Singh said: “Whenever I have come here, I have come with an open heart and an open mind. I said I want to speak to everyone. People who have to talk should step forward.”

At a time when Kashmir was repeatedly witnessing major unrest among its civilian population, especially the youth, with recurring incidents of stone pelting and violent protests by them against the security forces deployed in the conflict areas of the Valley, Singh advocated for a more humanitarian approach towards stone pelters.

The union home minister said he had told the state government and security agencies not to be harsh with minors arrested for stone-pelting. “At the security review meeting, I told them, that small children, those under 18 years… many of them would have committed a crime, a mistake after coming under somebody’s influence. But they should not be treated like criminals. Whatever action you have to take against them should be under the Juvenile Justice Act. I also appeal to the stone-pelting youth to stay away from such activities.”

Singh, who had last month claimed that his government would find a permanent solution for the “Kashmir problem” by 2022, said that this solution would be based on “5 C’s – compassion, communication, co-existence, confidence-building and consistency”.

Talking tough on Pakistan and its role in spreading terror in Kashmir and other parts of the country, Singh said that while India had wanted good relations with its neighbour and made every effort to achieve them, the response from Pakistan “had not been what was expected”.

“What has the neighbour been doing… infiltrating terrorists. I want to tell Pakistan to stop infiltration,” Singh said.

Earlier, addressing displaced border villagers at a relief camp in Nowshera town in Rajouri district, Singh said that he had told the director general of Border Security Force (BSF) in 2014 that “we shouldn’t fire first but if they (Pakistani forces) fire even a single bullet then there should be no count of bullets from our side.”

Insisting that India “wasn’t weak anymore” under the leadership of Modi, the home minister said that the security forces in the Valley had been authorised to strike hard against Pakistan if the neighbour violates ceasefire or indulges in direct or indirect terror activity in the region.

“The situation has improved from what it was in 2014 after security forces were authorised to retaliate strongly. It will improve further in the days to come. Pakistan has no option but to stop ceasefire violations today or tomorrow. I assure all of you that situation will improve in the coming days,” he said.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Sharad Pawar reacts to Sunetra Pawar’s deputy chief minister appointment

Sharad Pawar clarifies that NCP did not inform the family before naming Sunetra Pawar as Maharashtra deputy chief minister.

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January 31, 2026

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Sharad Pawar

Sunetra Pawar, the wife of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, is set to take on a prominent role following her husband’s tragic death in a plane crash on Wednesday morning. The decision to appoint her as Deputy Chief Minister was made solely by the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), and Sharad Pawar, Ajit Pawar’s uncle and NCP-SP chief, revealed that the family was not consulted.

Addressing the media in Baramati, Sharad Pawar stated, “I don’t know,” when asked about being involved in the decision-making process for Ajit Pawar’s successor. He further clarified that he learned about the planned oath ceremony on Saturday evening through news reports. “We don’t know about the swearing-in. We got to know about it through the news. I have no idea about the swearing-in,” he added.

Sharad Pawar’s remarks underscore a clear separation between family matters and political decisions. The development comes after the NCP experienced a split in 2023, when Ajit Pawar broke away from his uncle’s faction to establish his own political path within Maharashtra.

This appointment positions Sunetra Pawar to carry forward her late husband’s political legacy, even as senior party leaders maintain a cautious distance from the process.

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Fadnavis to personally oversee Maharashtra budget after Ajit Pawar’s death

Devendra Fadnavis says he will personally take charge of Maharashtra’s upcoming budget to ensure Ajit Pawar’s work and vision are carried forward.

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January 31, 2026

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Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday said he would personally oversee the preparation of the Maharashtra government’s 2026–27 budget following the death of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, underlining the need for administrative continuity during the transition.

Fadnavis said Ajit Pawar, who also held the finance portfolio, had already completed most of the groundwork for the upcoming financial year. The chief minister added that he would step in to ensure the process moves forward without disruption.

“To ensure his vision is fulfilled, I will personally oversee the budget work starting tomorrow,” Fadnavis said, noting that Pawar had invested considerable effort in preparing the financial roadmap.

The chief minister clarified that while the bulk of the budget exercise had been completed by Ajit Pawar, decisions regarding who would formally present the budget in the legislature would be taken at a later stage.

“Ajit Dada had handled all the budget preparations. I will now look into the remaining processes. We will decide in due course who will present the budget,” he said.

Fadnavis also sought to reassure political stability within the ruling MahaYuti alliance. He said the Bharatiya Janata Party and the state government would stand “with full force” behind the Nationalist Congress Party and Ajit Pawar’s family.

“Whatever decision the NCP takes regarding its leadership or the family, we as a government and as the BJP will stand firmly behind them,” the chief minister said.

Responding to questions on the vacant deputy chief minister’s post, Fadnavis said discussions were ongoing but emphasised that the decision rested entirely with the NCP.

“They have met me twice to discuss their internal procedures and options. The final call is theirs, and it would not be appropriate for me to comment until they decide,” he said.

Fadnavis also spoke about the pending mayoral elections in Mumbai, Nagpur and other cities, stating that talks within the MahaYuti alliance were continuing. He said candidates would be finalised after consultations with local party leaders and legislators in the coming days.

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From shadows to spotlight: Sunetra Pawar prepares to step into Maharashtra power centre

Sunetra Pawar is set to step into Maharashtra’s power centre as deputy chief minister following the death of her husband Ajit Pawar.

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January 31, 2026

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Sunetra Pawar is likely to take oath as Maharashtra’s deputy chief minister on Saturday evening, marking a decisive shift in her political journey that has largely remained out of the public eye for nearly four decades.

Born Sunetra Patil, she was familiar with politics long before marrying Ajit Pawar in 1985. Her father Bajirao Patil was a prominent local leader, and her brother also remained active in public life. Despite this background, Sunetra Pawar chose not to contest elections for years, instead contributing to political decision-making quietly as the Nationalist Congress Party played a key role in Maharashtra and national politics.

That changed after the NCP split in 2023, when Ajit Pawar broke away from his uncle Sharad Pawar and laid claim to the party’s name and symbol. A year later, Sunetra Pawar entered electoral politics, contesting the 2024 Lok Sabha election from Baramati against her sister-in-law Supriya Sule. She lost the contest by a margin of over 1.5 lakh votes but was elected to the Rajya Sabha a few months later.

Her political trajectory took a dramatic turn on Wednesday after a plane crash claimed the life of Ajit Pawar and four others. The development has placed Sunetra Pawar at the centre of Maharashtra’s political landscape.

At 62, and still coping with personal loss, she is expected to take charge as the NCP legislature party leader and assume the role of deputy chief minister, stepping into a position long associated with her husband’s political influence.

Education and public initiatives

Born in October 1963, Sunetra Pawar holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from SB College in Aurangabad. After her marriage, she was associated with the Baramati High-Tech Textile Park, where she was involved in decision-making related to production, investment, employment, and women’s empowerment.

She is also a trustee of Vidya Pratishthan, an educational group that caters to over 25,000 students.

In 2010, she founded the Environmental Forum of India, which played a role in developing Katewadi village as the country’s first eco-village, focusing on water conservation and solar energy use. Her work has included grassroots campaigns on biodiversity protection, water management, and drought mitigation.

Swearing-in and political challenges ahead

Sunetra Pawar is expected to be sworn in at 5 pm on Saturday, following discussions within the party that led to her agreeing to take up the responsibility.

NCP leader and Maharashtra minister Chhagan Bhujbal said that many within the party believe she should be given the role, adding that the vacant deputy chief minister’s post could be filled by her. He also indicated that a meeting would be held to elect the legislature party leader.

NCP working president Praful Patel said the party was united on the decision.

One of the key political questions ahead of Sunetra Pawar’s tenure will be whether the NCP should pursue reunification with the Sharad Pawar faction. Party sources have said Ajit Pawar was working towards a reunion before his death, though the political dynamics may now shift.

Any reunification would also raise questions about future leadership and political alignment, as Ajit Pawar’s faction is currently aligned with the BJP and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, while the Sharad Pawar group remains with the Congress and the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena.

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