India News

DK Shivakumar’s troubles continue as ministerial hopefuls seek Delhi’s intervention

Discontent over cabinet formation and portfolio allocation has prompted several Congress leaders in Karnataka to approach the party high command, adding to the challenges facing Chief Minister DK Shivakumar.

Published

2 months ago

June 9, 2026

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Barely days after taking charge as Karnataka Chief Minister, D. K. Shivakumar is grappling with mounting dissatisfaction within the Congress ranks over cabinet formation and portfolio allocation.

Several legislators who were left out of the ministry, along with some unhappy over the departments assigned to them, have reportedly approached the party’s central leadership in New Delhi, creating a fresh headache for the new chief minister. The unrest comes at a time when Shivakumar is attempting to stabilize his administration following a major leadership transition in the state.

Cabinet formation sparks discontent

The Congress government in Karnataka was sworn in earlier this month with Shivakumar taking oath as chief minister along with a limited set of ministers. The cabinet still has several vacancies, leaving many legislators hopeful of a future berth.

However, the exclusion of several senior leaders and dissatisfaction over portfolio distribution have triggered lobbying efforts in Delhi. The issue adds to the political challenges facing Shivakumar as he seeks to balance regional, caste and factional interests within the ruling party.

Recent controversies add pressure

The latest developments come after a series of cabinet-related controversies. Senior leader Ramalinga Reddy had earlier expressed unhappiness over portfolio allocation, while Krishna Byre Gowda also raised concerns regarding responsibilities linked to his department. These episodes have highlighted internal tensions within the Congress government.

Shivakumar has also faced criticism over the absence of women in the first phase of cabinet formation, though he has indicated that future expansions could address representation concerns.

Delhi leadership likely to play key role

With multiple aspirants reportedly reaching out to the party high command, the Congress leadership may have to step in to manage competing demands and prevent factional tensions from escalating. The handling of cabinet expansion and portfolio adjustments is expected to be closely watched in the coming weeks.

For Shivakumar, who recently achieved his long-standing ambition of becoming chief minister, managing internal expectations may prove as important as governing the state itself.

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India News

Rescue operation underway after water surge traps workers in Chamoli tunnel

At least 10 workers are believed to be trapped after a sudden surge of water and debris entered a tunnel at a THDC project site in Chamoli.

Published

6 hours ago

August 13, 2026

APNLive Desk

At least 10 workers are believed to be trapped after water and debris entered a tunnel at a Tehri Hydro Development Corporation Limited (THDC) project site in Pipalkoti in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district. A rescue operation is underway.

According to police, 18 labourers were working inside the tunnel when a sudden surge of water occurred. The strong current swept several workers towards the tunnel’s exit, according to a preliminary report.

Eight workers have been rescued so far, while 10 are still believed to be trapped inside the tunnel.

“Additional ambulances have been dispatched to the site. Police and administrative teams have arrived at the location,” Chamoli Superintendent of Police Surjeet Singh Pawar said.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has directed officials to carry out rescue and relief operations on a war footing.

Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have also been dispatched to assist in the rescue operation.

India News

Delhi Metro to start services at 4 am on Independence Day

Delhi Metro will begin services at 4 am on August 15, with trains running every 30 minutes before regular services start.

Published

6 hours ago

August 13, 2026

APNLive Desk

Delhi Metro services will start at 4 am on August 15 to facilitate the movement of special guests, invitees and members of the public attending the Independence Day celebrations, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) said on Thursday.

Metro trains will operate at 30-minute intervals on all lines from 4 am until regular revenue services begin according to the scheduled timetable for the day.

Special QR tickets for Independence Day invitees

The DMRC said 1.30 lakh special pre-vended QR tickets have been supplied to the Ministry of Defence for the travel of special guests and bona fide invitees attending the celebrations.

Invitees carrying valid physical admit cards issued by the Ministry of Defence will also be provided special pre-vended QR tickets at designated Metro stations to facilitate their travel.

The cost of journeys made using these special QR tickets will be reimbursed to the DMRC by the Ministry of Defence, the corporation said.

Nearest Metro stations to Red Fort

The Lal Quila, Jama Masjid and Delhi Gate Metro stations are the nearest stations to the venue of the Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort.

The early start of Metro services is aimed at facilitating the movement of people attending the celebrations on Independence Day.

India News

Bengal withdraws Banga Bibhushan from BJP MP Nagendra Ray over Netaji remarks

West Bengal has withdrawn the Banga Bibhushan awarded to BJP MP Nagendra Ray after his controversial remarks about Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

Published

7 hours ago

August 13, 2026

APNLive Desk

The West Bengal government has withdrawn the Banga Bibhushan, the state’s highest civilian honour, from BJP Rajya Sabha MP Nagendra Ray, popularly known as Ananta Maharaj, amid controversy over his remarks about Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

The award was conferred on Ray on February 21, 2026, when the Mamata Banerjee government was in power. The state government said the honour recognises distinguished and exemplary contributions to the state and its people and carries a high degree of dignity and prestige.

Why Bengal withdrew the award

The decision came less than 24 hours after Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari directed the police to take stringent action, including arrests, against people making derogatory remarks about Netaji on social media.

Adhikari had also said that the law would apply equally to MPs, MLAs and government officials.

The directive followed remarks by Ananta Maharaj in which he described Netaji as a “war criminal” and questioned his leadership as well as the role of the Azad Hind Fauj in India’s freedom struggle.

What the Bengal government said

In its order, the state government said that “certain facts and circumstances” had emerged that raised questions over Nagendra Ray’s continued retention of the honour.

The government said the competent authority had concluded that retaining the Banga Bibhushan was inconsistent with the dignity, prestige and purpose of the award.

It therefore withdrew and annulled the honour conferred upon Nagendra Ray on February 21, 2026, with immediate effect. The order did not specifically identify the particular offence behind the decision.

Who is Nagendra Ray?

Nagendra Ray, popularly known as Ananta Maharaj, is a BJP Rajya Sabha MP from West Bengal who hails from Cooch Behar in the northern part of the state and is a leader of the Rajbanshi community.

The withdrawal of the state honour comes amid controversy over his remarks concerning Netaji, a prominent figure in India’s freedom struggle and a revered personality in Bengal.