June 23, 2026

Mamata Banerjee ousts Firhad Hakim, 7 other rebels from TMC NEW DELHI: The Mamata Banerjee-led faction of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Tuesday expelled her former aide and ex-Kolkata mayor Firhad Hakim, along with seven other rebel leaders, a day after the dissident camp “ousted” the former West Bengal chief minister as the party’s chairperson.The expelled leaders include Javed Ahmed Khan, Arup Roy, Rathin Ghosh, Biplab Mitra, Sabina Yasmin, Aroop Biswas and Snehasis Chakraborty.The move came hours after the Mamata Banerjee-led faction issued show-cause notices to the leaders, accusing them of “deliberately engaging in anti-party activities.”On Monday, the rebel camp led by leader of the opposition Ritabrata Banerjee, announced a new leadership structure for the TMC, naming veteran MLA Arup Roy as its chairperson in place of Mamata Banerjee.The dissidents also unveiled a 30-member National Working Committee (NWC), while maintaining that they wanted the former West Bengal chief minister to serve as the party’s mentor.Ritabrata Banerjee later said Arup Roy had been unanimously elected as the Trinamool’s new chairperson. Former minister Aroop Biswas and MLA Firhad Hakim were appointed vice-chairpersons.”A special session of the All India Trinamool Congress was organised here today. During this session, the All India Trinamool Congress Committee and the NWC were constituted through a unanimous election of delegates. Arup Roy has been elected as the Chairperson of the All India Trinamool Congress,” Ritabrata Banerjee told reporters.The 30-member committee includes Firhad Hakim, Arup Biswas, Rathin Ghosh, Sabina Yasmin, Javed Khan, Sandipan Saha and others.Ritabrata Banerjee further said district presidents and district committees would also be constituted in the coming days.”We have repeatedly stated our stance regarding Mamata Banerjee’s role within the TMC. We want ‘Didi’ to assume the responsibility of a mentor and guide us,” he added.Later, while speaking to ANI on the National Working Committee meeting chaired by Mamata Banerjee, the West Bengal LoP questioned the legitimacy of decisions taken by the rival group.(with ANI 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 MediaVideosAjit Doval, Wang Yi Review India-China Ties, Border Progress At BRICS NSA Meeting In New DelhiAfter Lucknow Fire Killed 15, Kanpur Launches Safety Crackdown On Coaching CentresRow Erupts Over US Ambassador Sergio Gor’s ‘Two Nations’ Remark After Meeting TN CM VijayCM Vijay’s First Detailed Assembly Speech: Hits Back At ‘Actor’s Party’ Jibe, Renews Anti-NEET PushTMC Leader Humiliated In Public | Shoe Garland, Sit-Ups & Eggs Thrown Amid Corruption AllegationsNSA Ajit Doval Flags Evolving Terrorism And Disruptive Technologies At BRICS MeetBengaluru NEET Controversy: Cong Says Rally Did Not Disrupt Exam, Calls BJP Charges BaselessEU Unveils Ambassadors Network In India, Seeks Stronger People-To-People LinksLucknow Fire Kills 15; SIT Formed To Probe Safety Violations, Four Accused ArrestedTMC Rift Out In Open As Rebel Camp Forms 30-Member National Panel123Photostories7 Auspicious house names are popular among homeowners who believe in wealth, peace and prosperityChinese proverb of the day on success: ‘Be not afraid of going slowly; be afraid only of standing still’Woodworm alert: 7 signs and prevention tips every UK homeowner should knowPsychology says people who say ‘no’ more often aren’t selfish; they may have healthier emotional boundariesThis small island in Europe has more puffins than humans and feels frozen in timePsychologist reveals 5 things ‘fun dads’ do that can raise happier childrenSadhguru’s go-to summer coolers for better digestion and hydrationPsychology says people who can’t stop thinking about an ex aren’t necessarily still in love; they may be missing a version of themselvesHeatwave gardening: The right way to water your plants when temperatures soar7 Low-maintenance UK plants that attract birds, bees, and butterflies123Hot PicksIPL tradeGold rate todayCUET UG Result 2026Telangana school bandhCBSE 12th revaluationMaldivian wisdomSpanish proverbMalay proverbPortuguese proverbTop TrendingGeorge KurianUS-Iran WarKunal ShahFIFA World Cup 2026ITR filing 2026CUET UG Result 2026NEET UG ExamGold rate todayDelhi weatherMumbai rain

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Mamata Banerjee ousts Firhad Hakim, 7 other rebels from TMC NEW DELHI: The Mamata Banerjee-led faction of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Tuesday expelled her former aide and ex-Kolkata mayor Firhad Hakim, along with seven other rebel leaders, a day after the dissident camp “ousted” the former West Bengal chief minister as the party’s chairperson.The expelled leaders include Javed Ahmed Khan, Arup Roy, Rathin Ghosh, Biplab Mitra, Sabina Yasmin, Aroop Biswas and Snehasis Chakraborty.The move came hours after the Mamata Banerjee-led faction issued show-cause notices to the leaders, accusing them of “deliberately engaging in anti-party activities.”On Monday, the rebel camp led by leader of the opposition Ritabrata Banerjee, announced a new leadership structure for the TMC, naming veteran MLA Arup Roy as its chairperson in place of Mamata Banerjee.The dissidents also unveiled a 30-member National Working Committee (NWC), while maintaining that they wanted the former West Bengal chief minister to serve as the party’s mentor.Ritabrata Banerjee later said Arup Roy had been unanimously elected as the Trinamool’s new chairperson. Former minister Aroop Biswas and MLA Firhad Hakim were appointed vice-chairpersons.”A special session of the All India Trinamool Congress was organised here today. During this session, the All India Trinamool Congress Committee and the NWC were constituted through a unanimous election of delegates. Arup Roy has been elected as the Chairperson of the All India Trinamool Congress,” Ritabrata Banerjee told reporters.The 30-member committee includes Firhad Hakim, Arup Biswas, Rathin Ghosh, Sabina Yasmin, Javed Khan, Sandipan Saha and others.Ritabrata Banerjee further said district presidents and district committees would also be constituted in the coming days.”We have repeatedly stated our stance regarding Mamata Banerjee’s role within the TMC. We want ‘Didi’ to assume the responsibility of a mentor and guide us,” he added.Later, while speaking to ANI on the National Working Committee meeting chaired by Mamata Banerjee, the West Bengal LoP questioned the legitimacy of decisions taken by the rival group.(with ANI 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 MediaVideosAjit Doval, Wang Yi Review India-China Ties, Border Progress At BRICS NSA Meeting In New DelhiAfter Lucknow Fire Killed 15, Kanpur Launches Safety Crackdown On Coaching CentresRow Erupts Over US Ambassador Sergio Gor’s ‘Two Nations’ Remark After Meeting TN CM VijayCM Vijay’s First Detailed Assembly Speech: Hits Back At ‘Actor’s Party’ Jibe, Renews Anti-NEET PushTMC Leader Humiliated In Public | Shoe Garland, Sit-Ups & Eggs Thrown Amid Corruption AllegationsNSA Ajit Doval Flags Evolving Terrorism And Disruptive Technologies At BRICS MeetBengaluru NEET Controversy: Cong Says Rally Did Not Disrupt Exam, Calls BJP Charges BaselessEU Unveils Ambassadors Network In India, Seeks Stronger People-To-People LinksLucknow Fire Kills 15; SIT Formed To Probe Safety Violations, Four Accused ArrestedTMC Rift Out In Open As Rebel Camp Forms 30-Member National Panel123Photostories7 Auspicious house names are popular among homeowners who believe in wealth, peace and prosperityChinese proverb of the day on success: ‘Be not afraid of going slowly; be afraid only of standing still’Woodworm alert: 7 signs and prevention tips every UK homeowner should knowPsychology says people who say ‘no’ more often aren’t selfish; they may have healthier emotional boundariesThis small island in Europe has more puffins than humans and feels frozen in timePsychologist reveals 5 things ‘fun dads’ do that can raise happier childrenSadhguru’s go-to summer coolers for better digestion and hydrationPsychology says people who can’t stop thinking about an ex aren’t necessarily still in love; they may be missing a version of themselvesHeatwave gardening: The right way to water your plants when temperatures soar7 Low-maintenance UK plants that attract birds, bees, and butterflies123Hot PicksIPL tradeGold rate todayCUET UG Result 2026Telangana school bandhCBSE 12th revaluationMaldivian wisdomSpanish proverbMalay proverbPortuguese proverbTop TrendingGeorge KurianUS-Iran WarKunal ShahFIFA World Cup 2026ITR filing 2026CUET UG Result 2026NEET UG ExamGold rate todayDelhi weatherMumbai rain


Mamata hits back at rebels: TMC expels Firhad Hakim, Aroop Biswas and 6 others over 'anti-party activities'
Mamata Banerjee ousts Firhad Hakim, 7 other rebels from TMC

NEW DELHI: The Mamata Banerjee-led faction of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Tuesday expelled her former aide and ex-Kolkata mayor Firhad Hakim, along with seven other rebel leaders, a day after the dissident camp “ousted” the former West Bengal chief minister as the party’s chairperson.The expelled leaders include Javed Ahmed Khan, Arup Roy, Rathin Ghosh, Biplab Mitra, Sabina Yasmin, Aroop Biswas and Snehasis Chakraborty.The move came hours after the Mamata Banerjee-led faction issued show-cause notices to the leaders, accusing them of “deliberately engaging in anti-party activities.”On Monday, the rebel camp led by leader of the opposition Ritabrata Banerjee, announced a new leadership structure for the TMC, naming veteran MLA Arup Roy as its chairperson in place of Mamata Banerjee.The dissidents also unveiled a 30-member National Working Committee (NWC), while maintaining that they wanted the former West Bengal chief minister to serve as the party’s mentor.Ritabrata Banerjee later said Arup Roy had been unanimously elected as the Trinamool’s new chairperson. Former minister Aroop Biswas and MLA Firhad Hakim were appointed vice-chairpersons.“A special session of the All India Trinamool Congress was organised here today. During this session, the All India Trinamool Congress Committee and the NWC were constituted through a unanimous election of delegates. Arup Roy has been elected as the Chairperson of the All India Trinamool Congress,” Ritabrata Banerjee told reporters.The 30-member committee includes Firhad Hakim, Arup Biswas, Rathin Ghosh, Sabina Yasmin, Javed Khan, Sandipan Saha and others.Ritabrata Banerjee further said district presidents and district committees would also be constituted in the coming days.“We have repeatedly stated our stance regarding Mamata Banerjee’s role within the TMC. We want ‘Didi’ to assume the responsibility of a mentor and guide us,” he added.Later, while speaking to ANI on the National Working Committee meeting chaired by Mamata Banerjee, the West Bengal LoP questioned the legitimacy of decisions taken by the rival group.(with ANI inputs)



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Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Chief minister Rekha Gupta has ordered a corruption probe against two senior Delhi Health Department officers over alleged irregularities in the procurement of medicines and other medical supplies for government hospitals, officials said on Tuesday.Treating the allegations with “utmost seriousness”, Gupta has sought an inquiry under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, into complaints against Dr Vatsala Aggarwal and Deputy Controller of Accounts Neeraj Chopra linked to the procurement process, a senior Delhi government official said.”In the latest move, the government has recommended an investigation into allegations against Dr Vatsala Aggarwal and Deputy Controller of Accounts Neeraj Chopra following complaints regarding the functioning of the Central Procurement Agency (CPA),” the official said.The recommendation stems from complaints alleging financial and administrative irregularities in the procurement of medicines, surgical items and medical equipment by the CPA functioning under the Directorate of Health Services.Reiterating her government’s zero-tolerance policy towards corruption, CM Gupta directed that the inquiry be conducted in a fair, impartial and transparent manner.She has also said that anyone found guilty after due process of law would face strict action in accordance with legal provisions.Earlier this month, the Delhi government suspended Dr Vinod Kumar Ranga, Head of Office of the Central Procurement Agency, and Dr Vatsala Aggarwal, former Director General of Health Services, after obtaining the approval of Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu.Officials had alleged “serious irregularities” in the tendering process for procurement, claiming corruption and losses to the state exchequer.The chief minister has stressed that transparency and public accountability remain central to her government’s functioning and that misuse of public resources will not be tolerated.The Delhi government’s Anti-Corruption Branch last week arrested Dr Vinod Kumar Ranga in connection with the case.An FIR has been registered under provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, along with criminal conspiracy charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.The probe is underway and more arrests are likely, officials added.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosUpto 80% Jump in Green Card Fee? Proposition Made; What Would Be Indians’ Stake?’Pakistan’s Desperate Attempt To Deflect’: India Snubs Khawaja Asif’s ‘War Over Indus’ RemarkAliganj Fire: Jyoti’s Brother Alleges Corruption, Seeks Murder Charges Against OfficialsMaharashtra RTI Rules 2026 Under Scrutiny: Anna Hazare Demands Changes; Signals Possible Strike’We Expect…’: India Reacts To Alleged Desecration Of Lord Ram Photo In BangladeshLucknow Fire: 15 Dead, No NOC, One Exit — India’s Decade-Long Fire Safety Failure ExplainedPune’s Ketan Agarwal’s Death Was No Accident: Police | Fiancée & Alleged Lover Arrested For MurderMinority Affairs MoS George Kurian Resigns; BJP Veteran’s Exit Sparks Kerala Political Buzz | WatchFrom Airports To Your Aadhaar: What The Govt’s Facial Recognition Surveillance Platform Will AccessBattle For ‘Real TMC’ Intensifies As TMC Shuffles Leadership Amid Rebel Challenge | Watch123PhotostoriesEvery child needs these 4 social skills before age 10 to feel confident and includedWhat’s attracting tourists to Kodaikanal? 7 reasons this hill station continues to charm travellersSmiling depression: Doctor explains how some people use happiness as a mask10 classic Anglo-Saxon baby names that survived centuries of changeBigg Boss Malayalam 8: Celebrities netizens wish to see on the showLong-lived families reveal a rare genetic clue to healthy ageing; scientists say it may help explain why some people stay disease-free for years longer7 schools where India’s richest send their kidsFrom Delhi Gymkhana Club to Calcutta Club: 6 iconic clubs of India that have shaped the country’s culinary cultureBritish-inspired window designs: 7 elegant styles that can add timeless charm to Indian homesThis is the ‘Northernmost Capital on Earth’ and it offers midnight sun, geothermal streets and surreal views123Hot PicksIPL tradeGold rate todayCUET UG Result 2026Telangana school bandhCBSE 12th revaluationMaldivian wisdomSpanish proverbMalay proverbPortuguese proverbTop TrendingGeorge KurianUS-Iran WarKunal ShahFIFA World Cup 2026Stock market crashCUET UG Result 2026Ketan AgarwalGold rate todayDelhi weatherMumbai rain

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Chief minister Rekha Gupta has ordered a corruption probe against two senior Delhi Health Department officers over alleged irregularities in the procurement of medicines and other medical supplies for government hospitals, officials said on Tuesday.Treating the allegations with “utmost seriousness”, Gupta has sought an inquiry under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, into complaints against Dr Vatsala Aggarwal and Deputy Controller of Accounts Neeraj Chopra linked to the procurement process, a senior Delhi government official said.”In the latest move, the government has recommended an investigation into allegations against Dr Vatsala Aggarwal and Deputy Controller of Accounts Neeraj Chopra following complaints regarding the functioning of the Central Procurement Agency (CPA),” the official said.The recommendation stems from complaints alleging financial and administrative irregularities in the procurement of medicines, surgical items and medical equipment by the CPA functioning under the Directorate of Health Services.Reiterating her government’s zero-tolerance policy towards corruption, CM Gupta directed that the inquiry be conducted in a fair, impartial and transparent manner.She has also said that anyone found guilty after due process of law would face strict action in accordance with legal provisions.Earlier this month, the Delhi government suspended Dr Vinod Kumar Ranga, Head of Office of the Central Procurement Agency, and Dr Vatsala Aggarwal, former Director General of Health Services, after obtaining the approval of Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu.Officials had alleged “serious irregularities” in the tendering process for procurement, claiming corruption and losses to the state exchequer.The chief minister has stressed that transparency and public accountability remain central to her government’s functioning and that misuse of public resources will not be tolerated.The Delhi government’s Anti-Corruption Branch last week arrested Dr Vinod Kumar Ranga in connection with the case.An FIR has been registered under provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, along with criminal conspiracy charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.The probe is underway and more arrests are likely, officials added.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosUpto 80% Jump in Green Card Fee? Proposition Made; What Would Be Indians’ Stake?’Pakistan’s Desperate Attempt To Deflect’: India Snubs Khawaja Asif’s ‘War Over Indus’ RemarkAliganj Fire: Jyoti’s Brother Alleges Corruption, Seeks Murder Charges Against OfficialsMaharashtra RTI Rules 2026 Under Scrutiny: Anna Hazare Demands Changes; Signals Possible Strike’We Expect…’: India Reacts To Alleged Desecration Of Lord Ram Photo In BangladeshLucknow Fire: 15 Dead, No NOC, One Exit — India’s Decade-Long Fire Safety Failure ExplainedPune’s Ketan Agarwal’s Death Was No Accident: Police | Fiancée & Alleged Lover Arrested For MurderMinority Affairs MoS George Kurian Resigns; BJP Veteran’s Exit Sparks Kerala Political Buzz | WatchFrom Airports To Your Aadhaar: What The Govt’s Facial Recognition Surveillance Platform Will AccessBattle For ‘Real TMC’ Intensifies As TMC Shuffles Leadership Amid Rebel Challenge | Watch123PhotostoriesEvery child needs these 4 social skills before age 10 to feel confident and includedWhat’s attracting tourists to Kodaikanal? 7 reasons this hill station continues to charm travellersSmiling depression: Doctor explains how some people use happiness as a mask10 classic Anglo-Saxon baby names that survived centuries of changeBigg Boss Malayalam 8: Celebrities netizens wish to see on the showLong-lived families reveal a rare genetic clue to healthy ageing; scientists say it may help explain why some people stay disease-free for years longer7 schools where India’s richest send their kidsFrom Delhi Gymkhana Club to Calcutta Club: 6 iconic clubs of India that have shaped the country’s culinary cultureBritish-inspired window designs: 7 elegant styles that can add timeless charm to Indian homesThis is the ‘Northernmost Capital on Earth’ and it offers midnight sun, geothermal streets and surreal views123Hot PicksIPL tradeGold rate todayCUET UG Result 2026Telangana school bandhCBSE 12th revaluationMaldivian wisdomSpanish proverbMalay proverbPortuguese proverbTop TrendingGeorge KurianUS-Iran WarKunal ShahFIFA World Cup 2026Stock market crashCUET UG Result 2026Ketan AgarwalGold rate todayDelhi weatherMumbai rain

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With the entry of the six MPs, Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena now has 13 MPs in the Lok Sabha, making the party a key player within the BJP-led NDA. NEW DELHI: Tigers or traitors! Yes, you guessed it right. We are talking about the six Uddhav Sena MPs who crossed the political divide in Maharashtra to be on the right side of power.Well, they were “Tigers” for Eknath Shinde, who boastfully claimed credit for successfully poaching six MPs from the rival Sena faction while they were labelled “traitors” by Uddhav Thackeray camp which was dealt a second blow by the defectors in a span of 4 years.They are the latest set of legislators who have ditched their original parties to veer towards power in this “season of defections.” The six “Tigers” follow in the footsteps of their Trinamool and AAP “comrade-in-arms” – who managed to change ships by outmanoeuvring the provisions of the anti-defection law.With six defected MPs on his side, a proud Shinde marked the culmination of “Operation Tiger”. No, this was not about the preservation of the four-legged felines, it was about engineering defections of MPs from Uddhav Sena to Shinde Sena which was achieved with perfection.Rebels are ‘Dhurandhars’Maharashtra deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde proudly announced that he was behind engineering these defections. And why not? After all, the defections make his Shiv Sena, the second largest party in Maharashtra in terms of MPs. Not only that – at the national level – Shinde’s Shiv Sena now becomes the fourth-largest constituent within the NDA coalition, trailing only behind BJP (240 MPs), NCPI (20 MPs via the TMC split) and TDP (16).”Operation Tiger is now complete and successful. My operations are fool proof,” Shinde said while referring to the six defected MPs as Dhurandhar (stalwarts/experts) who are connected to ground.Interestingly, the number that changed sides could easily have been seven had another deal with a prospective rebel for a Union Cabinet berth gone through.This is what Shiv Sena leader Ramdas kadam had to say: “Back in 2022, there were 40 MLAs, including 10 ministers, and Eknath Shinde pledged that I will bring all of them back. He succeeded in getting 60 MLAs and even today six MPs have joined us to support development in their respective constituencies. I welcome them. A seventh MP has also signed in the paper but he demanded a cabinet post to which Eknath Shinde declined. He went back after that… I will not name him but he sits next to Uddhav Thackeray.”Season of defectionsThe defections of Uddhav Sena MPs is the third “power” shift this season. It all started with seven AAP MPs in Rajya Sabha announcing merger with the BJP. Ironically the rebellion was led by Raghav Chadha, who was once the most trusted aide of Arvind Kejriwal. Kejriwal watched helplessly as seven of his MPs jumped on the other side of the political divide, dealing him a crushing blow ahead of the Punjab assembly elections next year.That was followed by the great exodus in Trinamool Congress, a party that unravelled like a pack of cards after Mamata Banerjee lost the 2026 assembly elections at the hand of the BJP. Today, the government in West Bengal is being run by the BJP and the opposition is also working under the guidance of the BJP. The entire Trinamool rebellion – first at Kolkata and then in the national capital – played out under the watch of the BJP leaders. For now, Mamata is battling the rebels as they try to now gain control of the Trinamool Congress.Will there be more defections this season?Well, we do not know. But there are two obvious targets – Akhilesh Yadav’s Samajwadi Party with 37 Lok Sabha members and Sharad Pawar’s NCP with 8.Uttar Pradesh minister and Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP) chief Om Prakash Rajbhar has already claimed that the split within the Samajwadi Party is inevitable and will be led by “son of UP’s land of rebels”, apparently referring to SP MP Sanatan Pandey.”The split is bound to happen,” Rajbhar asserted. Launching a harsh critique at Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, he said: “The way the entire ‘Saifai’ family jumped into abusing me and offering explanations over one of my reactions, it would be better for Akhilesh ‘Babu’ to stop focusing on Twitter politics, AI-driven and press-conference politics, and instead launch a ‘Save the MPs’ campaign”.Sanatan Pandey responded to Rajbhar’s social media posts calling them “laughable” and unexpected.”I am finding all these statements laughable. I never expected that someone would make such comments about me. I am unable to understand how to respond to this. Until now, the Samajwadi Party fulfilled my wish of becoming an MLA and MP, but now OP Rajbhar has made me popular internationally,” Pandey said.But as we have seen all such claims are denied till they eventually happen.Another national leader heading a regional party who needs to be on guard is Sharad Pawar. His NCP(SP) has 8 members in Lok Sabha. Under the new “defection formula” 6 of them would be enough to avoid the anti-defection law.Why anti-defection law has failed And that brings us to the Anti-defection Act. It was introduced in 1985, through the 52nd Amendment Act of 1985 and inserted in the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution. The aim was to bring political stability by curbing “horse-trading” and opportunistic party-hopping.It provides for disqualification if an elected member voluntarily relinquishes their original political party’s membership or votes or abstains from voting in the House contrary to the “whip” (direction) issued by the party, without obtaining prior permission.Independent members joining any political party after their election face disqualification as also the nominated members who join any political party if more than six months have elapsed since they were nominated to the House.While it was reasonably effective for a long period of time, parties have now found a way around it. Disqualification under the anti-defection law does not apply if a party merges with another with at least two-thirds of the legislators in the legislature party agreeing to the merger. And this is how the last three defections have succeeded.ConclusionGone are the days when poaching of tigers, sorry legislators, was a hush-hush operation with which parties would not associate openly. The new normal in politics is to openly and brazenly entice legislators to shift loyalties if it suits the numbers’ game. We have seen plenty of this on display in the last two months. And going forward we may see a lot more – especially in the run up to the Monsoon session of Parliament where numbers are needed to prove a “delimitation” point. Already, claims have been made about Samjawadi Party being the next in the firing line and also Sharad Pawar faction of the NCP. It matters little if the opposition cries foul and compares this to a “livestock market” – after all they have been power-less in holding their flock together.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosUpto 80% Jump in Green Card Fee? Proposition Made; What Would Be Indians’ Stake?’Pakistan’s Desperate Attempt To Deflect’: India Snubs Khawaja Asif’s ‘War Over Indus’ RemarkAliganj Fire: Jyoti’s Brother Alleges Corruption, Seeks Murder Charges Against OfficialsMaharashtra RTI Rules 2026 Under Scrutiny: Anna Hazare Demands Changes; Signals Possible Strike’We Expect…’: India Reacts To Alleged Desecration Of Lord Ram Photo In BangladeshLucknow Fire: 15 Dead, No NOC, One Exit — India’s Decade-Long Fire Safety Failure ExplainedPune’s Ketan Agarwal’s Death Was No Accident: Police | Fiancée & Alleged Lover Arrested For MurderMinority Affairs MoS George Kurian Resigns; BJP Veteran’s Exit Sparks Kerala Political Buzz | WatchFrom Airports To Your Aadhaar: What The Govt’s Facial Recognition Surveillance Platform Will AccessBattle For ‘Real TMC’ Intensifies As TMC Shuffles Leadership Amid Rebel Challenge | Watch123PhotostoriesWhat’s attracting tourists to Kodaikanal? 7 reasons this hill station continues to charm travellersSmiling depression: Doctor explains how some people use happiness as a mask10 classic Anglo-Saxon baby names that survived centuries of changeBigg Boss Malayalam 8: Celebrities netizens wish to see on the showLong-lived families reveal a rare genetic clue to healthy ageing; scientists say it may help explain why some people stay disease-free for years longer7 schools where India’s richest send their kidsFrom Delhi Gymkhana Club to Calcutta Club: 6 iconic clubs of India that have shaped the country’s culinary cultureBritish-inspired window designs: 7 elegant styles that can add timeless charm to Indian homesThis is the ‘Northernmost Capital on Earth’ and it offers midnight sun, geothermal streets and surreal viewsFrom pride parades to custody battles: 9 fathers who chose their children over society’s judgment123Hot PicksIPL tradeGold rate todayCUET UG Result 2026Telangana school bandhCBSE 12th revaluationMaldivian wisdomSpanish proverbMalay proverbPortuguese proverbTop TrendingGeorge KurianUS-Iran WarKunal ShahFIFA World Cup 2026Stock market crashCUET UG Result 2026Ketan AgarwalGold rate todayDelhi weatherMumbai rain

With the entry of the six MPs, Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena now has 13 MPs in the Lok Sabha, making the party a key player within the BJP-led NDA. NEW DELHI: Tigers or traitors! Yes, you guessed it right. We are talking about the six Uddhav Sena MPs who crossed the political divide in Maharashtra to be on the right side of power.Well, they were “Tigers” for Eknath Shinde, who boastfully claimed credit for successfully poaching six MPs from the rival Sena faction while they were labelled “traitors” by Uddhav Thackeray camp which was dealt a second blow by the defectors in a span of 4 years.They are the latest set of legislators who have ditched their original parties to veer towards power in this “season of defections.” The six “Tigers” follow in the footsteps of their Trinamool and AAP “comrade-in-arms” – who managed to change ships by outmanoeuvring the provisions of the anti-defection law.With six defected MPs on his side, a proud Shinde marked the culmination of “Operation Tiger”. No, this was not about the preservation of the four-legged felines, it was about engineering defections of MPs from Uddhav Sena to Shinde Sena which was achieved with perfection.Rebels are ‘Dhurandhars’Maharashtra deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde proudly announced that he was behind engineering these defections. And why not? After all, the defections make his Shiv Sena, the second largest party in Maharashtra in terms of MPs. Not only that – at the national level – Shinde’s Shiv Sena now becomes the fourth-largest constituent within the NDA coalition, trailing only behind BJP (240 MPs), NCPI (20 MPs via the TMC split) and TDP (16).”Operation Tiger is now complete and successful. My operations are fool proof,” Shinde said while referring to the six defected MPs as Dhurandhar (stalwarts/experts) who are connected to ground.Interestingly, the number that changed sides could easily have been seven had another deal with a prospective rebel for a Union Cabinet berth gone through.This is what Shiv Sena leader Ramdas kadam had to say: “Back in 2022, there were 40 MLAs, including 10 ministers, and Eknath Shinde pledged that I will bring all of them back. He succeeded in getting 60 MLAs and even today six MPs have joined us to support development in their respective constituencies. I welcome them. A seventh MP has also signed in the paper but he demanded a cabinet post to which Eknath Shinde declined. He went back after that… I will not name him but he sits next to Uddhav Thackeray.”Season of defectionsThe defections of Uddhav Sena MPs is the third “power” shift this season. It all started with seven AAP MPs in Rajya Sabha announcing merger with the BJP. Ironically the rebellion was led by Raghav Chadha, who was once the most trusted aide of Arvind Kejriwal. Kejriwal watched helplessly as seven of his MPs jumped on the other side of the political divide, dealing him a crushing blow ahead of the Punjab assembly elections next year.That was followed by the great exodus in Trinamool Congress, a party that unravelled like a pack of cards after Mamata Banerjee lost the 2026 assembly elections at the hand of the BJP. Today, the government in West Bengal is being run by the BJP and the opposition is also working under the guidance of the BJP. The entire Trinamool rebellion – first at Kolkata and then in the national capital – played out under the watch of the BJP leaders. For now, Mamata is battling the rebels as they try to now gain control of the Trinamool Congress.Will there be more defections this season?Well, we do not know. But there are two obvious targets – Akhilesh Yadav’s Samajwadi Party with 37 Lok Sabha members and Sharad Pawar’s NCP with 8.Uttar Pradesh minister and Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP) chief Om Prakash Rajbhar has already claimed that the split within the Samajwadi Party is inevitable and will be led by “son of UP’s land of rebels”, apparently referring to SP MP Sanatan Pandey.”The split is bound to happen,” Rajbhar asserted. Launching a harsh critique at Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, he said: “The way the entire ‘Saifai’ family jumped into abusing me and offering explanations over one of my reactions, it would be better for Akhilesh ‘Babu’ to stop focusing on Twitter politics, AI-driven and press-conference politics, and instead launch a ‘Save the MPs’ campaign”.Sanatan Pandey responded to Rajbhar’s social media posts calling them “laughable” and unexpected.”I am finding all these statements laughable. I never expected that someone would make such comments about me. I am unable to understand how to respond to this. Until now, the Samajwadi Party fulfilled my wish of becoming an MLA and MP, but now OP Rajbhar has made me popular internationally,” Pandey said.But as we have seen all such claims are denied till they eventually happen.Another national leader heading a regional party who needs to be on guard is Sharad Pawar. His NCP(SP) has 8 members in Lok Sabha. Under the new “defection formula” 6 of them would be enough to avoid the anti-defection law.Why anti-defection law has failed And that brings us to the Anti-defection Act. It was introduced in 1985, through the 52nd Amendment Act of 1985 and inserted in the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution. The aim was to bring political stability by curbing “horse-trading” and opportunistic party-hopping.It provides for disqualification if an elected member voluntarily relinquishes their original political party’s membership or votes or abstains from voting in the House contrary to the “whip” (direction) issued by the party, without obtaining prior permission.Independent members joining any political party after their election face disqualification as also the nominated members who join any political party if more than six months have elapsed since they were nominated to the House.While it was reasonably effective for a long period of time, parties have now found a way around it. Disqualification under the anti-defection law does not apply if a party merges with another with at least two-thirds of the legislators in the legislature party agreeing to the merger. And this is how the last three defections have succeeded.ConclusionGone are the days when poaching of tigers, sorry legislators, was a hush-hush operation with which parties would not associate openly. The new normal in politics is to openly and brazenly entice legislators to shift loyalties if it suits the numbers’ game. We have seen plenty of this on display in the last two months. And going forward we may see a lot more – especially in the run up to the Monsoon session of Parliament where numbers are needed to prove a “delimitation” point. Already, claims have been made about Samjawadi Party being the next in the firing line and also Sharad Pawar faction of the NCP. It matters little if the opposition cries foul and compares this to a “livestock market” – after all they have been power-less in holding their flock together.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosUpto 80% Jump in Green Card Fee? Proposition Made; What Would Be Indians’ Stake?’Pakistan’s Desperate Attempt To Deflect’: India Snubs Khawaja Asif’s ‘War Over Indus’ RemarkAliganj Fire: Jyoti’s Brother Alleges Corruption, Seeks Murder Charges Against OfficialsMaharashtra RTI Rules 2026 Under Scrutiny: Anna Hazare Demands Changes; Signals Possible Strike’We Expect…’: India Reacts To Alleged Desecration Of Lord Ram Photo In BangladeshLucknow Fire: 15 Dead, No NOC, One Exit — India’s Decade-Long Fire Safety Failure ExplainedPune’s Ketan Agarwal’s Death Was No Accident: Police | Fiancée & Alleged Lover Arrested For MurderMinority Affairs MoS George Kurian Resigns; BJP Veteran’s Exit Sparks Kerala Political Buzz | WatchFrom Airports To Your Aadhaar: What The Govt’s Facial Recognition Surveillance Platform Will AccessBattle For ‘Real TMC’ Intensifies As TMC Shuffles Leadership Amid Rebel Challenge | Watch123PhotostoriesWhat’s attracting tourists to Kodaikanal? 7 reasons this hill station continues to charm travellersSmiling depression: Doctor explains how some people use happiness as a mask10 classic Anglo-Saxon baby names that survived centuries of changeBigg Boss Malayalam 8: Celebrities netizens wish to see on the showLong-lived families reveal a rare genetic clue to healthy ageing; scientists say it may help explain why some people stay disease-free for years longer7 schools where India’s richest send their kidsFrom Delhi Gymkhana Club to Calcutta Club: 6 iconic clubs of India that have shaped the country’s culinary cultureBritish-inspired window designs: 7 elegant styles that can add timeless charm to Indian homesThis is the ‘Northernmost Capital on Earth’ and it offers midnight sun, geothermal streets and surreal viewsFrom pride parades to custody battles: 9 fathers who chose their children over society’s judgment123Hot PicksIPL tradeGold rate todayCUET UG Result 2026Telangana school bandhCBSE 12th revaluationMaldivian wisdomSpanish proverbMalay proverbPortuguese proverbTop TrendingGeorge KurianUS-Iran WarKunal ShahFIFA World Cup 2026Stock market crashCUET UG Result 2026Ketan AgarwalGold rate todayDelhi weatherMumbai rain

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Amit Shah Nafed and NCCF to procure ‘every single grain’ of pulses and oilseeds directly from farmers NEW DELHI: Union home and cooperation minister Amit Shah on Tuesday directed National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation (Nafed) and National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation (NCCF) to procure “every single grain” of pulses and oilseeds directly from farmers “with complete transparency, eliminating the entire network of middlemen,” and ensure that the income reaches the farmers’ bank accounts directly within 48 hours.Speaking at the launch of four Nafed initiatives, including a digital auctioning platform, Shah also set a two-year deadline, saying it will be ensured that all farmers are able to sell pulses directly to these two organisations within the next two years and receive payment directly into their bank accounts.“This will ensure fair and remunerative prices for farmers, automatically increase the area under pulse cultivation, and make the country self-reliant in pulses,” said the minister.Nafed on the occasion launched four major initiatives, including its auction portal ‘NAFEX.in’ to ensure enhanced transparency, efficiency and ease of operations in the auction process. The other three include Nafed-KALYAN scholarship for children of farmers, DRISHTI portal for inventory management of pulses and oilseeds, and ERP portal for strengthening enterprise resource planning.Shah said Nafed has decided to earmark 1% of its profits for scholarships for higher education and career development of children from farmer families. “This arrangement will help address the difficulties faced by farmers’ children in pursuing higher education and building their careers,” he said.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorVishwa MohanVishwa Mohan is Senior Editor at The Times of India. He writes on environment, climate change, agriculture, water resources and clean energy, tracking policy issues and climate diplomacy. He has been covering Parliament since 2003 to see how politics shaped up domestic policy and India’s position at global platform. Before switching over to explore sustainable development issues, Vishwa had covered internal security and investigative agencies for more than a decade.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosUpto 80% Jump in Green Card Fee? Proposition Made; What Would Be Indians’ Stake?’Pakistan’s Desperate Attempt To Deflect’: India Snubs Khawaja Asif’s ‘War Over Indus’ RemarkAliganj Fire: Jyoti’s Brother Alleges Corruption, Seeks Murder Charges Against OfficialsMaharashtra RTI Rules 2026 Under Scrutiny: Anna Hazare Demands Changes; Signals Possible Strike’We Expect…’: India Reacts To Alleged Desecration Of Lord Ram Photo In BangladeshLucknow Fire: 15 Dead, No NOC, One Exit — India’s Decade-Long Fire Safety Failure ExplainedPune’s Ketan Agarwal’s Death Was No Accident: Police | Fiancée & Alleged Lover Arrested For MurderMinority Affairs MoS George Kurian Resigns; BJP Veteran’s Exit Sparks Kerala Political Buzz | WatchFrom Airports To Your Aadhaar: What The Govt’s Facial Recognition Surveillance Platform Will AccessBattle For ‘Real TMC’ Intensifies As TMC Shuffles Leadership Amid Rebel Challenge | Watch123PhotostoriesWhat’s attracting tourists to Kodaikanal? 7 reasons this hill station continues to charm travellersSmiling depression: Doctor explains how some people use happiness as a mask10 classic Anglo-Saxon baby names that survived centuries of changeBigg Boss Malayalam 8: Celebrities netizens wish to see on the showLong-lived families reveal a rare genetic clue to healthy ageing; scientists say it may help explain why some people stay disease-free for years longer7 schools where India’s richest send their kidsFrom Delhi Gymkhana Club to Calcutta Club: 6 iconic clubs of India that have shaped the country’s culinary cultureBritish-inspired window designs: 7 elegant styles that can add timeless charm to Indian homesThis is the ‘Northernmost Capital on Earth’ and it offers midnight sun, geothermal streets and surreal viewsFrom pride parades to custody battles: 9 fathers who chose their children over society’s judgment123Hot PicksIPL tradeGold rate todayCUET UG Result 2026Telangana school bandhCBSE 12th revaluationMaldivian wisdomSpanish proverbMalay proverbPortuguese proverbTop TrendingGeorge KurianUS-Iran WarKunal ShahFIFA World Cup 2026Stock market crashCUET UG Result 2026Ketan AgarwalGold rate todayDelhi weatherMumbai rain

Amit Shah Nafed and NCCF to procure ‘every single grain’ of pulses and oilseeds directly from farmers NEW DELHI: Union home and cooperation minister Amit Shah on Tuesday directed National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation (Nafed) and National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation (NCCF) to procure “every single grain” of pulses and oilseeds directly from farmers “with complete transparency, eliminating the entire network of middlemen,” and ensure that the income reaches the farmers’ bank accounts directly within 48 hours.Speaking at the launch of four Nafed initiatives, including a digital auctioning platform, Shah also set a two-year deadline, saying it will be ensured that all farmers are able to sell pulses directly to these two organisations within the next two years and receive payment directly into their bank accounts.“This will ensure fair and remunerative prices for farmers, automatically increase the area under pulse cultivation, and make the country self-reliant in pulses,” said the minister.Nafed on the occasion launched four major initiatives, including its auction portal ‘NAFEX.in’ to ensure enhanced transparency, efficiency and ease of operations in the auction process. The other three include Nafed-KALYAN scholarship for children of farmers, DRISHTI portal for inventory management of pulses and oilseeds, and ERP portal for strengthening enterprise resource planning.Shah said Nafed has decided to earmark 1% of its profits for scholarships for higher education and career development of children from farmer families. “This arrangement will help address the difficulties faced by farmers’ children in pursuing higher education and building their careers,” he said.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorVishwa MohanVishwa Mohan is Senior Editor at The Times of India. He writes on environment, climate change, agriculture, water resources and clean energy, tracking policy issues and climate diplomacy. He has been covering Parliament since 2003 to see how politics shaped up domestic policy and India’s position at global platform. Before switching over to explore sustainable development issues, Vishwa had covered internal security and investigative agencies for more than a decade.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosUpto 80% Jump in Green Card Fee? Proposition Made; What Would Be Indians’ Stake?’Pakistan’s Desperate Attempt To Deflect’: India Snubs Khawaja Asif’s ‘War Over Indus’ RemarkAliganj Fire: Jyoti’s Brother Alleges Corruption, Seeks Murder Charges Against OfficialsMaharashtra RTI Rules 2026 Under Scrutiny: Anna Hazare Demands Changes; Signals Possible Strike’We Expect…’: India Reacts To Alleged Desecration Of Lord Ram Photo In BangladeshLucknow Fire: 15 Dead, No NOC, One Exit — India’s Decade-Long Fire Safety Failure ExplainedPune’s Ketan Agarwal’s Death Was No Accident: Police | Fiancée & Alleged Lover Arrested For MurderMinority Affairs MoS George Kurian Resigns; BJP Veteran’s Exit Sparks Kerala Political Buzz | WatchFrom Airports To Your Aadhaar: What The Govt’s Facial Recognition Surveillance Platform Will AccessBattle For ‘Real TMC’ Intensifies As TMC Shuffles Leadership Amid Rebel Challenge | Watch123PhotostoriesWhat’s attracting tourists to Kodaikanal? 7 reasons this hill station continues to charm travellersSmiling depression: Doctor explains how some people use happiness as a mask10 classic Anglo-Saxon baby names that survived centuries of changeBigg Boss Malayalam 8: Celebrities netizens wish to see on the showLong-lived families reveal a rare genetic clue to healthy ageing; scientists say it may help explain why some people stay disease-free for years longer7 schools where India’s richest send their kidsFrom Delhi Gymkhana Club to Calcutta Club: 6 iconic clubs of India that have shaped the country’s culinary cultureBritish-inspired window designs: 7 elegant styles that can add timeless charm to Indian homesThis is the ‘Northernmost Capital on Earth’ and it offers midnight sun, geothermal streets and surreal viewsFrom pride parades to custody battles: 9 fathers who chose their children over society’s judgment123Hot PicksIPL tradeGold rate todayCUET UG Result 2026Telangana school bandhCBSE 12th revaluationMaldivian wisdomSpanish proverbMalay proverbPortuguese proverbTop TrendingGeorge KurianUS-Iran WarKunal ShahFIFA World Cup 2026Stock market crashCUET UG Result 2026Ketan AgarwalGold rate todayDelhi weatherMumbai rain

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