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Former Lok Sabha Speaker Shivraj Patil passes away at 90

Former Lok Sabha Speaker and Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil passed away at his residence in Latur at the age of 90, following a brief illness.

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Shivraj Patil

Senior Congress leader and former Lok Sabha Speaker Shivraj Patil passed away on Friday morning at his residence in Latur, Maharashtra. He was 90. Family sources said Patil died at his home, ‘Devghar’, following a brief illness.

Patil is survived by his son Shailesh Patil, daughter-in-law Archana, who is associated with the BJP, and two granddaughters. His demise marks the end of a long political career that spanned several decades and key constitutional positions.

Long public life spanning legislature and governance

Born on October 12, 1935, Shivraj Patil began his political journey at the grassroots level as the municipal council chief of Latur. He entered the Maharashtra legislature as an MLA in the early 1970s before moving to national politics.

Patil went on to represent the Latur Lok Sabha constituency seven times. However, he faced defeat in the 2004 general elections when he lost the seat to BJP leader Rupatai Patil Nilangekar.

Between 1991 and 1996, Patil served as the 10th Speaker of the Lok Sabha, a role in which he earned wide respect for maintaining parliamentary decorum. He later held the crucial portfolio of Union Home Minister from 2004 to 2008.

Respected parliamentarian and constitutional expert

Apart from his legislative roles, Shivraj Patil also served as the Governor of Punjab and Administrator of the Union Territory of Chandigarh from 2010 to 2015. Party leaders recalled that he was known for his dignified conduct and restraint, rarely engaging in personal attacks either in public speeches or private interactions.

He was widely regarded as a scholar-politician, with a strong command over Marathi, English and Hindi. His deep understanding of constitutional matters and his articulate presentations in Parliament made him a respected figure across party lines.

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Melody runs out of stock on quick-commerce apps as viral PM Modi-Meloni video triggers candy frenzy

A casual diplomatic gift has triggered an unprecedented consumer rush, leaving quick-commerce apps like Blinkit, Zepto, and Instamart completely out of stock of the iconic Melody candy.

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A simple packet of the classic chocolate-and-caramel toffee Melody has unexpectedly gone viral after a light-hearted diplomatic moment between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni triggered a wave of online buzz and consumer interest in India.

Viral Modi-Meloni moment drives internet frenzy

The trend began after a video of PM Narendra Modi gifting a packet of Parle Melody to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during his visit gained traction on social media. The clip shows the two leaders sharing a warm and informal exchange, which quickly caught the attention of users online.

Meloni’s positive reaction in the video and the friendly interaction between the two leaders helped fuel the popularity of the moment, which users soon began referring to as part of the “Melodi” meme trend.

Melody demand spikes on quick-commerce platforms

Following the viral spread of the video, demand for Melody toffees reportedly surged across India. Users on social media began sharing screenshots showing the candy listed as out of stock on quick-commerce platforms such as Blinkit and Zepto in several locations.

The sudden spike in interest led to widespread discussion online, with many users humorously linking the diplomatic moment to the sudden shortage of the nostalgic candy.

‘Melodi’ meme trend returns

Beyond the retail impact, the interaction once again revived the popular “Melodi” meme trend on social media. Users flooded platforms with memes, edits, and humorous posts referencing the friendly exchange between the two leaders.

The trend highlights how light-hearted diplomatic moments can quickly evolve into viral cultural phenomena in the digital age.

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Congress to join Vijay cabinet in Tamil Nadu after 59 years, two MLAs set to become ministers

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The Congress party is set to become part of the Tamil Nadu government for the first time in nearly six decades, with two of its MLAs expected to join Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay’s cabinet in an upcoming expansion.

According to reports, the Congress leadership has approved the induction of two legislators into the Vijay-led administration, marking the party’s return to power-sharing in Tamil Nadu after 59 years.

The development comes days after actor-turned-politician Vijay’s party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), formed the government in Tamil Nadu following the 2026 Assembly elections. Congress had extended support to TVK during the government formation process earlier this month.

Reports said MLAs K Rajesh Kumar and P Viswanathan are among the likely Congress leaders to be sworn in as ministers. The cabinet expansion is expected to strengthen the alliance between TVK and Congress while also giving Congress a direct role in governance in the state.

Congress had last been part of the Tamil Nadu government in 1967, making the latest move a major political milestone in the state’s history. Political observers see the decision as an attempt to consolidate the ruling alliance and maintain stability in the new government.

The TVK government led by Vijay has already begun administrative restructuring and portfolio allocation after taking office earlier this month. Vijay retained key departments including Home, Police and Youth Welfare in the initial cabinet formation.

The Congress leadership had earlier indicated its willingness to participate in the Tamil Nadu government after extending support to Vijay during the post-election negotiations.

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BJP attacks Rahul Gandhi over traitor remark against PM Modi, Amit Shah

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Rahul-Gandhi

Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi triggered a sharp political controversy on Wednesday after calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh “traitors” during an address to Congress workers in Uttar Pradesh’s Rae Bareli.

The remarks drew an immediate backlash from the Bharatiya Janata Party, with several leaders accusing the Congress MP of using “the language of terrorists” and attempting to insult democratic institutions.

According to reports, Rahul Gandhi told party workers that when RSS members speak about PM Modi and Amit Shah, they should respond by saying, “Your Prime Minister is a traitor, your home minister is a traitor, your organisation is a traitor.” He further alleged that the ruling establishment had “worked to sell out India” and attacked the Constitution as well as the ideals of Dr BR Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi.

The Congress leader made the remarks while addressing workers in Rae Bareli, his parliamentary constituency in Uttar Pradesh. His comments quickly became the centre of a heated political exchange between the BJP and Congress.

BJP leaders strongly condemned the statement, saying Rahul Gandhi’s comments crossed democratic boundaries. Party leaders claimed his language echoed narratives used by hostile elements against India and accused him of targeting the Indian state for political gains.

The controversy intensified further after Rahul Gandhi also criticised PM Modi over a viral video showing the Prime Minister gifting a packet of “Melody” candy to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during his visit to Rome. Gandhi reportedly mocked the gesture amid ongoing political debates over economic and governance issues.

The latest exchange adds to the escalating war of words between the BJP and Congress ahead of key political battles in several states and the broader national political contest. Political tensions between the two parties have intensified in recent weeks over issues ranging from governance and foreign visits to economic concerns and constitutional debates.

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