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Mamata Banerjee (File photo) NEW DELHI: The rebel faction of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), led by leader of the opposition and Uluberia Purba MLA Ritabrata Banerjee, on Monday named senior party MLA Arup Roy as the chairperson of what it described as the “real” TMC. Trinamool was founded by Mamata Banerjee in January 1998 after she quit the Congress. She has led the party since its inception and served as West Bengal chief minister for 15 years before the TMC was voted out of power in the assembly elections in April.The decision to appoint Roy was taken at a special session held at a five-star hotel in Kolkata’s New Town, attended by rebel legislators, councillors and former elected representatives from several districts.The dissident camp maintained that the meeting had been convened to address what it called a “constitutional crisis” within the organisation.”The organisational structure was not renewed after the expiry of its tenure. Therefore, it became necessary to initiate the process of reconstituting the party’s national leadership,” a leader present at the meeting quoted Ritabrata Banerjee as saying.Roy, the MLA from Howrah Central, was elected chairperson by voice vote.The faction also announced a new national working committee comprising Roy, Ritabrata Banerjee, one-time Mamata Banerjee aide and former Kolkata mayor Firhad Hakim, Arup Biswas, Biplab Mitra, Akhruzzaman Ansari, Sabina Yasmin, Sandipan Saha, Rathin Ghosh, and Javed Khan.Firhad Hakim, Arup Biswas, Rathin Ghosh and Sabina Yasmin were named vice-chairpersons, while Ritabrata Banerjee, Javed Khan and Sandipan Saha were appointed general secretaries.Akhruzzaman Ansari was later named treasurer. The faction also resolved to appoint an auditor to examine the party’s finances.Sending a message to Mamata?The backdrop itself underscored the political messaging of the gathering. While the TMC’s party symbol remained prominently displayed, portraits of Mahatma Gandhi, Rabindranath Tagore, and BR Ambedkar adorned the stage. Conspicuously absent were photographs of Mamata Banerjee and her nephew Abhishek Banerjee, long seen as her political successor and blamed by many dissidents as the reason for their revolt.After TMC’s defeat, 58 of its 80 MLAs backed Ritabrata Banerjee’s claim to the post of leader of the opposition, rejecting the nominee favoured by the Mamata Banerjee camp. The rebels have since asserted that its strength in the assembly has risen to around 65 legislators.The turmoil has extended beyond the state assembly.In Parliament, the party recently suffered another setback when 20 of its 28 Lok Sabha MPs broke away from the TMC parliamentary party and merged with the little-known Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI), while extending support to the BJP-led NDA.The BJP, which heads the Union government, is now also in power in West Bengal, marking its first-ever government in the state.(With PTI inputs)Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosMahua’s ‘Rs 4 Crore Upfront’ Claim Sparks Defamation Threat; 20 Rebel TMC MPs To Sue Moitra | Watch84% Of Indians May Now Live In Urban Areas; India May Create A Third Settlement CategoryUS Approves $482.2 Million Military Support Deal for India’s Apache Helicopters and M777 HowitzersArmed Nihangs, 2 hostages: How A Gurdwara Standoff Unfolded In UttarakhandRG Kar Victim’s Family Alleges Evidence Cover-Up, Demands CBI Quiz Mamata Banerjee’s Nephew”Why Does Delhi Police Need Aadhaar Cards From People Joining A Protest?”: CJP QuestionsMassive Fire At Lucknow Coaching Centre, 14 Charred To Death, Students Jump From Building To Escape’Not Allowed To Speak’: AIADMK Stages Walkout, Alleges Speaker Silenced Opposition VoicesWhy Pakistan Is Threatening India Over Water Amid A Deepening Domestic Crisis?TVK Government Revokes 46 DMK-Era Temple Projects Worth ₹245.85 Crore, Cites Temple Welfare123Photostories5 signs of a healthy gut, an NHS doc explainsWhat if the secret to a healthier ageing brain has been sitting in your fruit bowl all along? 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Evening news wrap: 6 rebel Uddhav MPs join Shinde’s Shiv Sena; 15 killed in Lucknow fire tragedy & more Six Shiv Sena (UBT) Lok Sabha MPs officially joined Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena in Mumbai, reducing Uddhav Thackeray’s faction to three MPs and boosting Shinde’s strength in Parliament.Keir Starmer resigned as Labour leader after electoral setbacks, internal dissent, policy failures and controversies weakened his authority. He will remain UK prime minister until a successor is chosen.At least 15 students were killed and several injured in a major fire at a coaching-cum-gaming facility in Lucknow’s Aliganj area, triggering rescue operations and high-level government intervention.India and the UAE are holding early-stage talks on the potential sale of BrahMos missiles and the Akashteer air defence system, reflecting deepening strategic ties and growing regional security concerns.Former South Africa batter Daryll Cullinan has expressed concern over Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s workload and aggressive batting style, warning that the 15-year-old could face injury risks while still developing physically.Here are the top 5 stories for the day:Shinde welcomes 6 rebel Uddhav MPs into Shiv Sena foldSix rebel Lok Sabha MPs from Shiv Sena (UBT) formally joined the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena in Mumbai on Monday, making the split in Uddhav Thackeray’s party official. Welcoming the MPs, Shinde declared “Operation Tiger” successful and described the move as the second phase of expanding the Shiv Sena founded on Balasaheb Thackeray’s principles. The switch leaves Sena (UBT) with only three MPs in the Lok Sabha, while Shiv Sena’s tally rises to 13. The six MPs meet the two-thirds requirement needed to avoid anti-defection disqualification. Read the full story.Keir Starmer steps down as UK PMUK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his resignation as Labour Party leader, saying he accepted the party’s verdict “with good grace” and would remain caretaker prime minister until a successor is elected. His departure follows poor local election results, growing support for Reform UK, and mounting internal criticism. Andy Burnham’s return to Parliament intensified leadership pressure, while senior ministers publicly challenged Starmer’s authority. Unfulfilled promises on economic growth and public services, policy reversals and controversies, including the appointment of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the US, further eroded support. Read the full story.Lucknow fire tragedy: ‘Students jumped out of building’, at least 15 killedA devastating fire at a coaching-cum-gaming centre in Lucknow’s Aliganj area claimed at least 15 students’ lives and injured several others on Monday. Fourteen fire tenders, including a hydraulic platform vehicle, were deployed to contain the blaze and carry out rescue operations. Deputy chief minister Brajesh Pathak said all trapped children had been accounted for and assured strict action against those responsible after an inquiry. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced ex-gratia compensation for victims’ families, while UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath cut short his Aligarh visit and rushed to Lucknow. Read the full story.UAE looking to buy India’s BrahMos, AkashteerIndia is in advanced early-stage discussions with the United Arab Emirates over the possible sale of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and the indigenous Akashteer air defence command system, according to Reuters. If finalised, the UAE would become the fourth foreign buyer of BrahMos after the Philippines, Vietnam and Indonesia. The talks come amid heightened Gulf security concerns and efforts by Abu Dhabi to diversify defence suppliers. The potential deal highlights expanding India-UAE strategic cooperation and follows a sharp rise in India’s defence exports and growing global interest in BrahMos. Read the full story.’Sachin’s career almost got cut short’: Ex-cricketer warns Vaibhav SooryavanshiDaryll Cullinan has cautioned against overlooking the physical strain placed on teenage cricket sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, whose explosive batting has drawn widespread admiration. The former South Africa batter warned that the 15-year-old’s powerful swings, heavy bat use and packed cricket schedule could increase the risk of wrist, elbow and joint injuries while his body is still growing. Citing Sachin Tendulkar’s career-threatening tennis elbow as an example, Cullinan stressed that modern players face greater workloads and urged attention to Sooryavanshi’s long-term health despite advances in training and recovery methods. Read the full story.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosUS Approves $482.2 Million Military Support Deal for India’s Apache Helicopters and M777 HowitzersArmed Nihangs, 2 hostages: How A Gurdwara Standoff Unfolded In UttarakhandRG Kar Victim’s Family Alleges Evidence Cover-Up, Demands CBI Quiz Mamata Banerjee’s Nephew”Why Does Delhi Police Need Aadhaar Cards From People Joining A Protest?”: CJP QuestionsMassive Fire At Lucknow Coaching Centre, 4 Charred To Death, Students Jump From Building To Escape’Not Allowed To Speak’: AIADMK Stages Walkout, Alleges Speaker Silenced Opposition VoicesWhy Pakistan Is Threatening India Over Water Amid A Deepening Domestic Crisis?TVK Government Revokes 46 DMK-Era Temple Projects Worth ₹245.85 Crore, Cites Temple Welfare’Loyalty For Sale’: Aaditya Thackeray Fumes On Rebel Sena MPs As UBT Camp Faces Biggest SetbackMumbai’s Water Reserves Fall To Critical 9 Percent; Can The Delayed Monsoon Prevent A Crisis?123Photostories5 signs of a healthy gut, an NHS doc explainsWhat if the secret to a healthier ageing brain has been sitting in your fruit bowl all along? 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Atleast 12 feared dead after fire engulfs coaching centre-cum gaming zone NEW DELHI: Several young students have been killed after massive fire broke out at a coaching-cum-gaming zone in Lucknow’s Aliganj area on Monday, while several others are reported to have suffered injuries.Fourteen fire tenders, including a hydraulic platform vehicle, were pressed into service after a fire broke out around 3 pm in a building on Usha Mehta Marg in Lucknow’s Aliganj area. While Uttar Pradesh deputy chief minister Brajesh Pathak, who visited the site, said the fire erupted at an animation centre,while fire department officials said that it originated in a coaching centre operating in the building.15 children deadAt least 15 students are confirmed dead in the incident. Meanwhile, deputy CM Pathak confirmed the death of 14 students.”Our priority is providing the best possible medical treatment to the injured. Details on how and why it occurred will be ascertained only after the inquiry report. Authorities have completed the search operation at the site and confirmed that no children remain trapped. Strict action will be taken against those found responsible with no leniency. The government has reiterated its full support to the affected families and said all necessary assistance will be provided,” he said.Rescue ops onUpon receiving information the fire department reached on scene to lead rescue operation with 14 fire tenders including a hydraulic platform. “Upon receiving information of a fire at a coaching institute in Sector D, B/2, Usha Mehta Marg, within the jurisdiction of AliGanj police station, 14 fire tenders including a hydraulic platform are engaged in firefighting operations,” said Uttar Pradesh Fire & Emergency Services.PM Modi condolesPrime Ministered Narendra Modi condoled the deaths during the incident and anonunced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF. “Anguished by the loss of lives in a fire mishap in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. My condolences to the bereaved families. May the injured recover at the earliest. Rescue operations are underway and authorities are providing all possible assistance. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000,” said PMO on X.Yogi Adityanath rushing to LucknowUttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath cut short his visit to Aligarh and rushed back to Lucknow after being informed about the deadly fire.Addressing a programme in Aligarh, Adityanath said he had intended to stay in the city but decided to return immediately after learning about the incident. “My heartfelt desire was to stay in Aligarh today, but I have to say with sadness that I have just received information that a tragic fire incident has taken place in Lucknow. Some children have been caught in it and have lost their lives. Therefore, I have to return immediately,” Adityanath said.The chief minister expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the incident.He said he had directed the Director General of Police and the Additional Chief Secretary (Home) to reach the spot and submit a report.”I myself am also leaving for there so that we can go into the details of the entire matter, punish those responsible and also express our condolences to the affected families,” he said.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosArmed Nihangs, 2 hostages: How A Gurdwara Standoff Unfolded In UttarakhandRG Kar Victim’s Family Alleges Evidence Cover-Up, Demands CBI Quiz Mamata Banerjee’s Nephew”Why Does Delhi Police Need Aadhaar Cards From People Joining A Protest?”: CJP QuestionsMassive Fire At Lucknow Coaching Centre, 4 Charred To Death, Students Jump From Building To Escape’Not Allowed To Speak’: AIADMK Stages Walkout, Alleges Speaker Silenced Opposition VoicesWhy Pakistan Is Threatening India Over Water Amid A Deepening Domestic Crisis?TVK Government Revokes 46 DMK-Era Temple Projects Worth ₹245.85 Crore, Cites Temple Welfare’Loyalty For Sale’: Aaditya Thackeray Fumes On Rebel Sena MPs As UBT Camp Faces Biggest SetbackMumbai’s Water Reserves Fall To Critical 9 Percent; Can The Delayed Monsoon Prevent A Crisis?Tamil Nadu Ammonia Gas Leak Toll Rises To Five; Factory Owner, Manager Arrested123PhotostoriesWhat if the secret to a healthier ageing brain has been sitting in your fruit bowl all along? 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