Job changes have become increasingly common, but many employees face unexpected problems related to their Provident Fund (PF) accounts during this transition. One such issue is having more than one Universal Account Number (UAN). While it may seem harmless at first
A powerful explosion struck a residential building in Iran's southern port city of Bandar Abbas on Saturday, causing extensive damage, with authorities yet to determine the cause. According to Iranian state television, the blast occurred in an eight-storey structure located on Moallem Boulevard
New Delhi: Commercial LPG gas cylinder price hiked: Oil marketing companies (OMCs) have increased the price of commercial LPG gas by Rs 49. The latest LPG rates are effective from today, 1 February 2026. However the prices of domestic LPG cylinders have not been changed
Ananya Panday, Janhvi Kapoor To Sahher Bambba: Actresses Serving Major Style Goals In Trendy White Dresses Bollywood Actresses Inspired White Dresses: White-hued dresses carry the charm of modern elegance, minimalism and also look regal. When you want to subtly stand out, radiating serene vibes
Union Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday said that actor Vijay is “at best a vote-cutter, not a king," asserting that there is no possibility of any political alliance with Vijay's Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). Goyal said that many film stars have entered politics in the past but failed to
United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested 1,993 Indian nationals in 2025, more than double the 820 arrested the previous year, marking a significant escalation in enforcement after President Donald Trump took office in January. Of the 1,993 arrests, 1
Union Budget 2026: The Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is all set to present the ninth budget for the financial year 2026-27 in the parliament on Sunday, February 1. Market expectations remain subdued, as investors are largely prioritising policy stability over bold, headline-making reforms
Uttarakhand's winter pilgrimage is gaining momentum, with over 34,000 pilgrims visiting the winter seats of Char Dham shrines since their closure. This initiative, promoted by Prime Minister Modi, has replaced winter desolation with bustling activity
Tale Of Two NCPs: As Sunetra Pawar Becomes Maharashtra Deputy CM, Reunion On Hold?
Tale Of Two NCPs: As Sunetra Pawar Becomes Maharashtra Deputy CM, Reunion On Hold?
In a historic but politically fraught ceremony in Mumbai on Saturday, Sunetra Pawar was sworn in as the first woman Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra. The rapid transition, occurring just three days after the tragic death of her husband, Ajit Pawar, in a plane crash, has not only reshaped the state cabinet but has also cast a long shadow over the future of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).
While the swearing-in marks a moment of continuity for the Mahayuti government, it has also exposed an air of uncertainty within the Pawar family and the broader NCP ecosystem. Speaking from his residence in Baramati, NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) chief Sharad Pawar earlier expressed surprise at the speed of the developments.
“I have had no discussion with Sunetra Pawar regarding this. I only learnt about the swearing-in ceremony through the morning news," he told reporters. While he acknowledged the right of Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare to decide their faction's course, his absence—and that of his immediate family—from the ceremony at Lok Bhavan spoke volumes. The veteran leader noted that while family members support each other emotionally in times of grief, political decisions remain a separate, often conflicting, arena.
Perhaps the most significant revelation from Sharad Pawar's remarks was the status of the long-rumoured NCP merger. He confirmed that prior to the crash, positive talks between the two factions were in an advanced stage, led by the late Ajit Pawar and Jayant Patil.
“The decision on the merger was supposed to be announced on February 12," Sharad Pawar revealed. “Ajit had given this date himself. It was his wish that both NCPs should come together, and it was our wish as well."
Observers say that with the primary architect of this reunification now gone, the merger appears to have been put on the back burner. By elevating Sunetra Pawar to the Deputy CM's post, the Ajit Pawar-led faction has signalled its intent to maintain a distinct political identity and leadership structure rather than folding back into the parent organisation immediately.
The path ahead for both factions is fraught with electoral and organisational hurdles. For Sunetra Pawar, the immediate challenge is to transition from a Rajya Sabha MP to a member of the State Legislature, likely through a by-election in the Baramati assembly seat left vacant by her husband.
For the party, the “what next" depends on three critical factors:
The Leadership Vacuum: While Sunetra provides a symbolic and dynastic anchor, the faction lacks the “24-hour" administrative machinery that Ajit Pawar commanded. The roles of Praful Patel (as National President) and Sunil Tatkare will be crucial in keeping the 40 MLAs together.
The Sympathy Factor: The upcoming by-election and local body polls will test whether the “Pawar" name, when carried by Sunetra, can withstand the political weight of Sharad Pawar's influence.
Reunification Prospects: While the February 12 deadline is likely to be missed, the emotional pull for a united NCP remains strong among the cadre. However, Sunetra's induction into the cabinet suggests a commitment to the Mahayuti alliance for the foreseeable future.
As the state completes its period of mourning, the NCP stands at a crossroads. Whether Sunetra Pawar's elevation acts as a bridge to reconciliation or a permanent wall between the two factions will determine the survival of Ajit Pawar's political legacy in the post-2026 era.
Source: News18
Related Posts: Protests erupt in Karnataka Assembly after governor reads only two lines from speech to House Mumbai police say actor fired two rounds while checking gun One flag, two traditions Two Ingredients Two midday meal cooks die after their health worsens amid protest for pay hike Shopkeeper held in Dehradun for attacking two Kashmiri brothers Buying A Two-Wheeler In UP Two suspected Maoists killed in gunfight with security forces in Bijapur Did Beyoncé split country music in two Mumbai-based Polestar orders two 60-ton green tugs from CSL
Prime Minister Modi last visited the air base of Adampur on May 13, 2025, where he had interacted with brave air warriors and soldiers, days after India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Dera Sachkhand Ballan in Punjab on the occasion of Ravidass
Just now
At just 22 years old, Brian Bennett, the right-handed batting all-rounder, has already represented Zimbabwe across all three formats. He is now poised for a key role in Zimbabwe's campaign at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.At just 22 years old
Just now
A vast release of documents connected to Jeffrey Epstein's investigations has revealed interactions between the financier and numerous powerful men, including Prince Andrew, Elon Musk, and Richard Branson. Many individuals have denied close ties or involvement in Epstein's alleged crimes
Just now
In a shocking incident, a woman was shot dead in Uttarakhand's Rishikesh. The incident was reported to the police at around 9:30 pm on Saturday. The matter is under investigation and police are suspecting it to be a one-sided love affair case. However
Just now
As Instagram Reels began dominating India's social media landscape, Sadab decided to give his dreams a chance. Initially experimenting with YouTube comedy videos alongside friends, he spent nearly a year creating long-form content. Despite sincere effort, success remained elusive
Just now
Employers of gig workers are consulting experts to assess the cost and operational impact of the draft rules on four labour codes. Experts told ET that several companies are conducting internal readiness exercises and consulting professionals from staffing agencies and law firms to ensure
Just now
India's cities are widely recognised as engines of economic growth. They generate over half of the GDP. Yet, there is a persistent paradox: India has rich cities, but city governments are chronically underfunded. The introduction of the Goods and Services Tax in 2017
Just now
Campaigners trying to prevent the closure of the UK's oldest surviving Indian restaurant are going to take a petition to Buckingham Palace in the next few weeks, calling on King Charles III to intervene. Veeraswamy, a restaurant founded in 1926 and still in its original location on London's Regent
Just now
It has been some start to life as a Premier League manager for Liam Rosenior. Saturday's thrilling comeback win against West Ham was Chelsea's third league win in a row since the 41-year-old replaced Enzo Maresca at the start of January. And, in one of his biggest tests to date
Just now
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted light rain for Delhi on Sunday as Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman prepares to present the Union Budget 2026-27 today. According to the IMD forecast, many places in Delhi are likely to receive “very light rain/drizzle” in the
Just now
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has written to the Chief Electoral Officer raising serious concerns. She alleges that observers are manipulating data during the voter roll revision process. Banerjee claims this is a backdoor mechanism to exclude eligible voters
Just now
Uorfi Javed clarifies she is an atheist, calling claims of being “removed” from Islam and renamed false. Mumbai: Actress and social media personality Uorfi Javed has finally reacted strongly to news circulating online about her religion and identity
Just now
Unidentified individuals fired four rounds outside filmmaker Rohit Shetty's Mumbai residence in Juhu early Sunday. Police and crime branch teams are investigating the incident, which led to intensified security and a forensic team collecting evidence. No injuries were reported
Just now
New Delhi: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is all set to present the Union Budget 2026-27 tomorrow. This will be the ninth consecutive budget presentation by Sitharaman. In the Union Budget 2026, the middle class's biggest hope rests on a restructuring of income tax slabs
Just now
Billionaire businessman and US Commerce Department Secretary Howard Lutnick planned a visit to Jeffrey Epstein's island with his family, emails show - years after Lutnick claimed to have cut off ties with the convicted paedophile. Lutnick, his wife
Just now
An additional excise duty will now be charged on cigarettes and tobacco products, along with a new health and national security cess on pan masala. New Delhi: From February 1, the government is bringing a new tax structure for cigarettes, tobacco products and pan masala
Just now
As the earnings announcement season is underway, several companies listed on the leading stock exchanges – BSE and NSE – are declaring their Q3 FY26 results. State-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) is all set to announce its earnings for the third quarter ended
Just now
JOHANNESBURG (AP) — The West Indies got a consolation win off South Africa after rain reduced their Twenty20 match to a shootout at the Wanderers on Saturday. South Africa won the series 2-1 and the West Indies won the last match by six runs on the DLS method in a thrilling finish
Just now
Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav shared positive news about injured all-rounder Washington Sundar. Sundar has nearly resumed bowling and batting. This comes after he missed the T20I series against New Zealand due to a side strain. India won the series 4-1
Just now
An explosion rocked Bandar Abbas, Iran on Saturday. The blast occurred at an eight-storey building, damaging two floors, vehicles, and shops. Rescue teams are on site. The cause is under investigation. Injured individuals are being taken to hospital. No fatalities have been reported
Just now
Three soldiers were injured during an ongoing encounter between terrorists and security forces in the Dolgam village of Kishtwar district on Saturday morning. Meanwhile, 2 to 3 JeM terrorists were trapped inside the cordon laid by the joint forces
Just now
Weather Warning: Parts of Delhi and adjoining NCR witnessed a sudden dip in temperature, with moderate fog enveloping the region on Saturday morning. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has also issued a yellow alert for rain today. Showers are expected in the Western Himalayan region
Just now
The live streaming of the Budget 2026 presentation will begin at 11 am on February 1. New Delhi: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget 2026 today (Sunday, 1 February 2026) in the Lok Sabha. As has been practiced post covid era
Just now
Tech billionaire Elon Musk on Saturday said that justice in the Jeffrey Epstein case will only be served through the prosecution of those who committed crimes alongside the late financier, dismissing the release of select Epstein-related files as “performative"
Just now
Rain drifts across the car park of Crawley's sprawling Asda, but the gloom does little to slow the steady stream of shoppers this midweek afternoon. Parents hurry past with school bags and groceries; car boots slam shut as people load up their weekly shops
Just now
The ISPR claimed that the Baloch militants conducted several attacks in areas comprising Quetta, Mastung, Nushki, Dalbandin, Kharan, Panjgur, Tump, Gwadar, and Pasni, targeting civilians and security installations. Pakistan's security forces on Saturday claimed that they have killed 92 militants
Just now
Sony has announced the February lineup for PlayStation Plus subscribers, offering four games that span boxing, survival adventure, psychedelic action and aerial combat. The new titles will be available to claim from Tuesday 3 February through to Monday 2 March
Just now
