August 11, 2026
TGPSC releases DIET Lecturer recruitment notification: Applications open from June 24- check details

TGPSC releases DIET Lecturer recruitment notification: Applications open from June 24- check details

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Telangana Public Service Commission (TGPSC) has issued a notification for recruitment to DIET Lecturer and Senior Lecturer posts under the School Education Department. A total of 86 vacancies will be filled in District Institutes of Education and Training (DIET) across Telangana. The recruitment includes 23 Senior Lecturer posts and 63 Lecturer posts in various subjects….

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Akshay Kumar seeks blessings at Mata Vaishno Devi temple ahead of ‘Welcome To The Jungle’ release, fans rush for selfies

Akshay Kumar seeks blessings at Mata Vaishno Devi temple ahead of ‘Welcome To The Jungle’ release, fans rush for selfies

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Akshay Kumar visited Mata Vaishno Devi Temple ahead of his film Welcome To The Jungle’s release on June 26, 2026. Fans mobbed him for selfies at the temple. Directed by Ahmed Khan, the film features a massive ensemble cast of 34 actors including Suniel Shetty, Disha Patani and others. Ahead of the release of his…

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Restaurant switches hall last minute, serves stale food at birthday party: Consumer court orders Rs 50,000 compensation

Restaurant switches hall last minute, serves stale food at birthday party: Consumer court orders Rs 50,000 compensation

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

NEW DELHI: The district consumer commission, Thiruvananthapuram, has directed a restaurant to pay Rs 50,000 to a customer after his daughter’s first birthday party was allegedly ruined by poor service and stale food, holding the restaurant’s manager and managing director jointly liable for deficiency in service.What was the issueComplainant Prathap Wilson approached a restaurant in…

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Meet Steven Schwartz: The Gen Z founder who sold water bottles as a child and built a .6 billion company creating 650 millionaires | World News

Meet Steven Schwartz: The Gen Z founder who sold water bottles as a child and built a $1.6 billion company creating 650 millionaires | World News

Vamsikrishna05 mins mins

Whop has emerged as a fast-growing layered digital marketplace reshaping how creators monetise online audiences through courses, communities, tools and niche digital products. Unlike traditional platforms, it enables individuals to build multiple income streams by serving tightly defined micro-niches that scale through volume rather than celebrity influence. Founder Steven Schwartz, whose unconventional upbringing spanned countries…

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Representative image NEW DELHI: A 22-year-old Agniveer who had been untraceable for the last three days was found dead inside a vacant barrack at the Sikh Light Infantry Regimental Centre in Fatehgarh on Thursday, officials told news agency PTI.The deceased, identified as Jasanpreet Singh, hailed from Bhagatgarh village in Punjab’s Barnala district and was serving with the Sikh Light Infantry Regimental Centre. He had arrived in Fatehgarh in March for training.According to officials, Singh had been reported missing from his battalion three days earlier, following which regimental authorities began efforts to locate him.The body was discovered after a strong foul smell was noticed coming from an abandoned barrack near the Military Training Centre quarters. Police were informed and a team headed by Central Jail outpost in-charge Shiv Kumar reached the location.After entering the locked barrack, officers found Singh hanging from a noose. Officials said the body was estimated to be two to three days old and was in an advanced state of decomposition.A forensic team subsequently examined the site and gathered evidence as part of the investigation.Police said preliminary findings indicated that the barrack had been locked from the inside and suggested that the Agniveer had allegedly died by suicide.The body was sent for a post-mortem examination before being handed over to the concerned Army unit. Sources told PTI the autopsy report pointed to death by hanging and indicated that the incident had taken place around two days before the body was found.Both Army authorities and the local police are investigating the circumstances leading to the death.Officials said the soldier’s family has been informed. The incident has cast a pall of gloom over the regiment.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 MediaVideosCalcutta High Court Refuses Interim Relief to TMC, Ritabrata Banerjee Stays Leader of OppositionSix Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs Stay Away From Delhi Meet, Uddhav Camp on Edge As Defection Buzz IntensifiesVaiko-Vijay Meetings Trigger Buzz Over MDMK’s Future In Tamil Nadu’s Changing PoliticsModi-Starmer Confirm July 15 Launch Of Trade Pact Projected To Boost Bilateral CommerceJharkhand Rajya Sabha Polls Turn Into Numbers Battle As BJP Eyes Surprise Upset Against INDIA BlocDelhi-NCR Unveils Vision For Four New Cities As Population Set To Surge’Mother Of All Trade Deals’: India, EU Target FTA Signing Before End Of 2026’Jahan Thackeray Wahan Shiv Sena’: Sanjay Raut Rejects Split RumoursDefence Output More Than Doubles In Five Years As India Pushes Self-RelianceRanchi Police Arrest 2 Accused In RSS Office Petrol Bomb Attack123PhotostoriesWhat are Mathani and Hasua? 8 traditional kitchen tools missing from modern city kitchensTop parenting coach shares how to teach sons to choose the right friends at every age5 essential blood tests you should take before joining the gym, doctor revealsLegendary cricketer Jhulan Goswami’s home in Chakdaha, West Bengal is defined by simplicity, cricket memorabilia and family bond114-year-old barfi: This famous desi barfi was first made by a wrestler for personal nutrition5 highly venomous sea snakes found in Indian waters and where they are found‘Main Vaapas Aaunga’: All about the 5BHK mansion in Imtiaz Ali’s directorialMalasana to water therapy: 5 simple morning habits that can heal your body and mind from the inside outFather’s Day 2026: Skip the mug this year – 10+ gift ideas dads will actually rememberKeep mosquitoes away naturally: 8 plants every balcony garden should have123Hot PicksOperation TigerCA TopperLionel MessiVaibhav SooryavanshiCrude prices fallStock MarketThomas TuchelWBJEE admit cardMP board second resultTop TrendingCristiano RonaldoIshan KishanShubham GillFIFA World Cup 2026What is Legacy BadgeDownload Optifine for Minecraft 26.2Aman SangerCBSE 10th Second Board Result 2026Eknath ShindeDevajit Saikia

Representative image NEW DELHI: A 22-year-old Agniveer who had been untraceable for the last three days was found dead inside a vacant barrack at the Sikh Light Infantry Regimental Centre in Fatehgarh on Thursday, officials told news agency PTI.The deceased, identified as Jasanpreet Singh, hailed from Bhagatgarh village in Punjab’s Barnala district and was serving with the Sikh Light Infantry Regimental Centre. He had arrived in Fatehgarh in March for training.According to officials, Singh had been reported missing from his battalion three days earlier, following which regimental authorities began efforts to locate him.The body was discovered after a strong foul smell was noticed coming from an abandoned barrack near the Military Training Centre quarters. Police were informed and a team headed by Central Jail outpost in-charge Shiv Kumar reached the location.After entering the locked barrack, officers found Singh hanging from a noose. Officials said the body was estimated to be two to three days old and was in an advanced state of decomposition.A forensic team subsequently examined the site and gathered evidence as part of the investigation.Police said preliminary findings indicated that the barrack had been locked from the inside and suggested that the Agniveer had allegedly died by suicide.The body was sent for a post-mortem examination before being handed over to the concerned Army unit. Sources told PTI the autopsy report pointed to death by hanging and indicated that the incident had taken place around two days before the body was found.Both Army authorities and the local police are investigating the circumstances leading to the death.Officials said the soldier’s family has been informed. The incident has cast a pall of gloom over the regiment.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 MediaVideosCalcutta High Court Refuses Interim Relief to TMC, Ritabrata Banerjee Stays Leader of OppositionSix Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs Stay Away From Delhi Meet, Uddhav Camp on Edge As Defection Buzz IntensifiesVaiko-Vijay Meetings Trigger Buzz Over MDMK’s Future In Tamil Nadu’s Changing PoliticsModi-Starmer Confirm July 15 Launch Of Trade Pact Projected To Boost Bilateral CommerceJharkhand Rajya Sabha Polls Turn Into Numbers Battle As BJP Eyes Surprise Upset Against INDIA BlocDelhi-NCR Unveils Vision For Four New Cities As Population Set To Surge’Mother Of All Trade Deals’: India, EU Target FTA Signing Before End Of 2026’Jahan Thackeray Wahan Shiv Sena’: Sanjay Raut Rejects Split RumoursDefence Output More Than Doubles In Five Years As India Pushes Self-RelianceRanchi Police Arrest 2 Accused In RSS Office Petrol Bomb Attack123PhotostoriesWhat are Mathani and Hasua? 8 traditional kitchen tools missing from modern city kitchensTop parenting coach shares how to teach sons to choose the right friends at every age5 essential blood tests you should take before joining the gym, doctor revealsLegendary cricketer Jhulan Goswami’s home in Chakdaha, West Bengal is defined by simplicity, cricket memorabilia and family bond114-year-old barfi: This famous desi barfi was first made by a wrestler for personal nutrition5 highly venomous sea snakes found in Indian waters and where they are found‘Main Vaapas Aaunga’: All about the 5BHK mansion in Imtiaz Ali’s directorialMalasana to water therapy: 5 simple morning habits that can heal your body and mind from the inside outFather’s Day 2026: Skip the mug this year – 10+ gift ideas dads will actually rememberKeep mosquitoes away naturally: 8 plants every balcony garden should have123Hot PicksOperation TigerCA TopperLionel MessiVaibhav SooryavanshiCrude prices fallStock MarketThomas TuchelWBJEE admit cardMP board second resultTop TrendingCristiano RonaldoIshan KishanShubham GillFIFA World Cup 2026What is Legacy BadgeDownload Optifine for Minecraft 26.2Aman SangerCBSE 10th Second Board Result 2026Eknath ShindeDevajit Saikia

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

NEW DELHI: A 22-year-old Agniveer who had been untraceable for the last three days was found dead inside a vacant barrack at the Sikh Light Infantry Regimental Centre in Fatehgarh on Thursday, officials told news agency PTI.The deceased, identified as Jasanpreet Singh, hailed from Bhagatgarh village in Punjab’s Barnala district and was serving with the…

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WBJEE 2026 results out: Shabwat Banerjee tops— Check list of top 10 rank holders

WBJEE 2026 results out: Shabwat Banerjee tops— Check list of top 10 rank holders

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

The West Bengal Joint Entrance Examinations Board (WBJEEB) has released the WBJEE 2026 results along with the list of top rank holders for engineering, technology, architecture and pharmacy admissions in the state. The rank list was made available on the official website, where candidates can also download their rank cards.In the merit list, Shabwat Banerjee…

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When Deepika Padukone made an unfiltered ‘Cocktail’ confession: ‘It’s a bigger compliment when women make pass at me’

When Deepika Padukone made an unfiltered ‘Cocktail’ confession: ‘It’s a bigger compliment when women make pass at me’

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

When Deepika Padukone made an unfiltered ‘Cocktail’ confession Back in 2012, ‘Cocktail’ emerged as one of Bollywood’s defining romantic dramas, winning audiences over with its refreshing take on love, friendship, heartbreak, and self-discovery. Fourteen years later, the franchise is ready for its next chapter as ‘Cocktail 2’ heads to theatres on June 19 with Shahid…

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Psychology says people who travel solo at least once a year share these 8 personality traits — and they are not what you would expect |

Psychology says people who travel solo at least once a year share these 8 personality traits — and they are not what you would expect |

Vamsikrishna06 mins mins

For many people, travelling alone still sounds intimidating. Solo travellers are often stereotyped as lonely, restless or simply trying to escape everyday life. Solo travel, however, has become increasingly popular, especially among younger generations who are choosing to explore the world on their own. From Gen Z backpackers to millennials taking annual trips, more people…

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Miocene Epoch Fossils: 15-million-years old shark fossils discovered by Odisha teacher and students on a random field visit, locals called them ‘Asura Hadda’

Miocene Epoch Fossils: 15-million-years old shark fossils discovered by Odisha teacher and students on a random field visit, locals called them ‘Asura Hadda’

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Professor Debabrata Nandi and his students were out on a field visit when they noticed some fossil-like remnants there. When they went to the local people to ask about them, they got to know they referred to it as ‘Asura Hadda’ or ‘demon’s bones’.“After that, we investigated further and found several fossils, including microfossils such…

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‘Troubling question is this’: Delhi High Court raises concerns over Telegram’s architecture in NEET leak case, reserves verdict

‘Troubling question is this’: Delhi High Court raises concerns over Telegram’s architecture in NEET leak case, reserves verdict

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

The Delhi High Court on Thursday reserved its judgment in Telegram’s challenge to government action taken against the platform, after questioning whether issues in its architecture had led authorities to invoke emergency powers.During the hearing, the Bench told Telegram that it appeared the company was aware of structural concerns related to its platform. The court…

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Quote of the day by Frank Sinatra: ‘Luck is only important in so far as getting the chance to sell yourself at the right moment. After that, you’ve got to have talent’

Quote of the day by Frank Sinatra: ‘Luck is only important in so far as getting the chance to sell yourself at the right moment. After that, you’ve got to have talent’

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

Frank Sinatra was a legendary icon in the music and entertainment industry. People often have a tendency to leave their fate up to simple luck, sometimes even when they have the chance to control it themselves. Today’s quote from Frank Sinatra talks about how luck is an important thing involved in succeeding; however, it is…

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How Israel seized 1,000 sq km in two years, its biggest territorial expansion in decades

How Israel seized 1,000 sq km in two years, its biggest territorial expansion in decades

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

Israel has seized large chunks of Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria (Representational image/AP) Over the past two-and-a-half years, since the war with Hamas erupted in October 2023, Israel has taken control of large areas in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria, marking its biggest expansion of military-held territory in decades.The combined area—about 1,000 square kilometres (386 square miles)—is…

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Has the time come for Congress’s breakaway parties to return to the fold? NEW DELHI: Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress is not merging with the Congress. That’s final for now. Both the parties have firmly rejected speculations about a merger, dismissing them as “baseless rumours” and “fake news”.But not before the speculations triggered a larger and far more interesting political debate: should leaders like Mamata Banerjee and Sharad Pawar, who broke away from the Congress decades ago to chart their own political course, consider returning to the grand-old-party’s fold to strengthen the opposition fight against the BJP?The merger buzz gained traction after Mamata Banerjee met Sonia Gandhi and later her nephew and political heir Abhishek Banerjee held a lengthy meeting with Rahul Gandhi. The meetings came against the backdrop of an unprecedented crisis within the Trinamool Congress following its crushing defeat in the 2026 West Bengal assembly elections. Sonia Gandhi meets Mamata Banerjee during INDIA bloc meeting in New DelhiFor the first time, the once-impenetrable fortress of the TMC showed deep cracks. Mamata Banerjee, who ruled Bengal for 15 years and appeared invincible until recently, was reduced to just 80 seats in the assembly as the BJP formed its first-ever government in the state. But her setback did not end with the election results. Several newly-elected MLAs and some of the closest aides of Mamata Banerjee rebelled against the party and reached out to the BJP. Much of the anger within the TMC was directed at Abhishek Banerjee, with sections of the old guard accusing the leadership of sidelining those who spent years building the party. Such rapid was the unravelling of the Trinamool Congress that the once-invincible Mamata Banerjee, who had been dismissive about the Congress for the last 15 years, was forced to rush to the grand-old-party for help. It is this exact plight of Mamata Banerjee which prompted suggestions from some quarters that the Trinamool chief, who had formed the party in 1998 after breaking away from the Congress, should consider “Ghar-wapasi.” And this suggestion was not just for Mamata, but also for leaders like Sharad Pawar. Pawar, who formed the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in 1999, and faced a similar challenge after his party split. Pawar eventually lost control of the NCP name and its iconic clock symbol to the faction led by his nephew Late Ajit Pawar.Another leader who faces challenges similar to Mamata is Uddhav Thackeray. Udhhav, who lost control of Shiv Sena after rebellion by his party MLAs, is now battling fresh speculations of further defections amid reports of “Operation Tiger”. There are reports that 6 of his 9 MPs are in touch with Eknath Shinde, who had led the rebellion against Uddhav, and is now deputy chief minister in the BJP-led government in Maharashtra.Together these stories point to a broader reality: several regional parties that once appeared dominant in their respective states are confronting an increasingly assertive BJP that has not just defeated them but is also benefitting from their implosion.It is this backdrop that has revived an idea that would have seemed improbable just a few years ago. The ‘ghar-wapasi’ debateThe homecoming debate was triggered by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut, who argued that parties born out of the Congress should reunite with the parent organisation to strengthen the opposition against the BJP. Sanjay Raut floated the idea of mergerThe Sena (UBT) leader went a step further, urging Sharad Pawar to take the lead in bringing together parties that emerged after splitting from the Congress.Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot backed the idea, saying “the time has come”, while Maharashtra Congress leader Nana Patole argued that leaders such as Mamata Banerjee and Sharad Pawar increasingly recognise the need for a stronger Congress to counter the BJP. Congress leader Nana Patole backed the ideaAt first glance, the argument appears compelling. The BJP has emerged as the dominant force in the country. When Prime Minister Narendra Modi first came to power in 2014, the BJP was in power in just seven states. With victories in West Bengal and Assam, the BJP-led NDA now governs 22 states and Union Territories. Opposition unity remains a work in progress. Several regional parties are weaker today than they were some years ago.But before asking whether Congress’s former children should return home, it is worth asking why they left in the first place.Why Congress’s children walked awayMamata Banerjee did not leave the Congress because of ideological differences. She walked out in 1998 because she believed the party had become incapable of defeating the Left Front in West Bengal. Frustrated with the Congress high command and convinced that Bengal required a more aggressive opposition, she founded the Trinamool Congress. Congress splinters that survived, built independent regional identitiesThe move paid off. In 2011, Mamata accomplished what the Congress had failed to do for decades, ending the Left Front’s 34-year rule in West Bengal.Sharad Pawar’s exit came under different circumstances. In 1999, Pawar, PA Sangma and Tariq Anwar challenged Sonia Gandhi’s foreign origin and subsequently formed the Nationalist Congress Party. While the NCP remained ideologically close to the Congress and frequently governed alongside it, Pawar succeeded in building an independent political identity rooted in Maharashtra.YS Jagan Mohan Reddy’s departure was driven by succession politics. Following the death of his father, former Andhra Pradesh chief minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy, Jagan felt sidelined by the Congress leadership and eventually floated the YSR Congress Party. Within a few years, the YSRCP had virtually replaced the Congress in Andhra Pradesh.Their exits were driven by different factors, but each believed they stood a better chance outside the Congress than inside it.In most cases, they were right.What has now changed?What has changed is not the Congress. It is the exponential rise of the BJP.When Mamata Banerjee left the Congress in 1998 and Sharad Pawar followed in 1999, the BJP was nowhere near as dominant as it is today. Regional parties grew by occupying political space vacated by a declining Congress.Today many of those same parties are confronting a very different challenge.Over the last decade, the BJP has expanded beyond its traditional Hindi heartland, ending the BJD’s 24-year rule in Odisha, conquering West Bengal and making steady inroads into regions where it was once considered weak. The result is that regional parties which once competed primarily with the Congress increasingly find themselves battling the BJP for voters, leaders, organisational networks and political relevance.Political scientist and Fellow at New Delhi-based think-tank Centre for Policy Research (CPR), Rahul Verma notes that Congress reunification is not without precedent. Leaders who broke away from the party in the past, including Pranab Mukherjee and those associated with formations such as the Tamil Maanila Congress and Tiwari Congress, eventually returned to the parent organisation.However, Verma argues that the political context today is fundamentally different. “In those times, the Congress was still a formidable force and was in a position to form governments at the national level. Some of these leaders could be accommodated in the party and in the government. The problem today is that when you are talking about parties like the TMC, YSRCP and NCP, Congress itself is a very small player in states such as West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh, and even in Maharashtra it is not particularly strong,” he told TOI.While a merger could potentially benefit both sides in the medium term, given that all three parties are facing electoral headwinds, Verma questioned how practical such an arrangement would be. “Congress does not have much to offer beyond party positions. Leaders like Mamata Banerjee and Jagan Mohan Reddy have built successful independent political careers outside the Congress. The practicality and feasibility of how that accommodation would work remains a question,” he said.Why merger may not be practicalWhile the idea of homecoming sounds grand, its actual implementation on the ground may neither be easy nor practical.Consider this: If Mamata Banerjee and Sharad Pawar were to return to the Congress fold, would they be willing to function under the leadership structure of Rahul Gandhi or Mallikarjun Kharge after running independent parties for decades?Would their supporters accept such a transition?Would party workers who spent years fighting each other suddenly become colleagues overnight?In West Bengal, for example, it would be literally impossible to visualise Congress’s Adhir Ranjan Choudhary working in tandem with Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee. Those who have followed Adhir’s politics would know that the entire politics of the former West Bengal Congress president has centred around opposing Mamata Banerjee and her Trinamool Congress.Many of these parties built their identity by positioning themselves as alternatives to the Congress. Returning to the fold risks diluting the very identity that helped them grow.Doesn’t the INDIA bloc already serve that purpose? Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, party MP Sonia Gandhi, Samajwadi Party MP Akhilesh Yadav, TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee and others during the INDIA bloc meeting, in New Delhi.If opposition parties are already working together under the INDIA bloc umbrella, what additional advantage does a formal merger provide?Congress, TMC, Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP (SP) and several other parties already coordinate on national issues and parliamentary strategy while retaining their individual identities.If countering the BJP is the objective, the 2024 Lok Sabha elections is proof that opposition unity does not necessarily require a merger.The Congress, TMC, DMK, Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP (SP), Samajwadi Party and several other parties fought under the INDIA bloc banner while retaining their separate identities. Together, they significantly reduced the BJP’s tally from its 2019 peak and denied it a standalone majority. The coalition came under pressure only when the electoral battle entered the states where political rivalry between the opposition ranks rocked the boat. That problem is unlikely to disappear simply because party headquarters decide to merge.Does merger help the Congress?The merger experiment may make for good optics and also catchy headlines, but does it help the Congress to revive electorally? Perhaps not. Neither Mamata Banerjee in West Bengal nor Sharad Pawar in Maharashtra commands the political influence they once did. Both leaders are grappling with challenges that would have been difficult to imagine at the peak of their careers. The last assembly elections in Maharashtra showed that Sharad Pawar’s influence in the state is on the wane. The veteran leader struggled to even make an impact in his stronghold of Baramati. Similarly, in West Bengal, Mamata is dealing with the fallout of a major electoral defeat and a growing internal crisis within the TMC.The Congress, meanwhile, requires more than high-profile leaders. It needs robust state-level organisations, local leadership and grassroots workers.Anti-BJP coalition better than mergerMamata Banerjee, Sharad Pawar, and Jagan Mohan Reddy became political heavyweights because they proved they could survive and thrive outside the Congress system. They didn’t need Congress. They built their empires on strong regional pride and their own distinct leadership styles.There is little doubt that the BJP’s rise has made opposition unity more important than ever before. But unity does not necessarily mean merger. In fact, the experience of the INDIA bloc suggests that opposition parties can work together against the BJP while retaining their separate identities and leadership structures.That is perhaps the more practical path forward. Congress and its former leaders may find themselves cooperating more closely in the years ahead, but a formal return to the parent fold appears far less likely.For leaders like Mamata Banerjee and Sharad Pawar, revival may depend less on returning to the Congress and more on returning to the streets, rebuilding their organisations and reconnecting with voters.That, after all, is how they became powerful in the first place.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorPriyanka MukherjeePriyanka Mukherjee is an Assistant News Editor at The Times of India, where deadlines rarely slow down. Often juggling breaking news, long-form explainers and the everyday chaos of the newsroom, she is usually managing stress, chasing clarity and trying to log off on time (rarely successful). She also cares deeply about stories around women’s rights and social change, while two very opinionated dogs make sure she never truly switches off.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosSix Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs Stay Away From Delhi Meet, Uddhav Camp on Edge As Defection Buzz IntensifiesVaiko-Vijay Meetings Trigger Buzz Over MDMK’s Future In Tamil Nadu’s Changing PoliticsModi-Starmer Confirm July 15 Launch Of Trade Pact Projected To Boost Bilateral CommerceJharkhand Rajya Sabha Polls Turn Into Numbers Battle As BJP Eyes Surprise Upset Against INDIA BlocDelhi-NCR Unveils Vision For Four New Cities As Population Set To Surge’Mother Of All Trade Deals’: India, EU Target FTA Signing Before End Of 2026’Jahan Thackeray Wahan Shiv Sena’: Sanjay Raut Rejects Split RumoursDefence Output More Than Doubles In Five Years As India Pushes Self-RelianceRanchi Police Arrest 2 Accused In RSS Office Petrol Bomb Attack’Calculated Move To Isolate And Endanger Her’: TMC On Mamata Security Row123PhotostoriesTop parenting coach shares how to teach sons to choose the right friends at every age5 essential blood tests you should take before joining the gym, doctor revealsLegendary cricketer Jhulan Goswami’s home in Chakdaha, West Bengal is defined by simplicity, cricket memorabilia and family bond114-year-old barfi: This famous desi barfi was first made by a wrestler for personal nutrition5 highly venomous sea snakes found in Indian waters and where they are found‘Main Vaapas Aaunga’: All about the 5BHK mansion in Imtiaz Ali’s directorialMalasana to water therapy: 5 simple morning habits that can heal your body and mind from the inside outFather’s Day 2026: Skip the mug this year – 10+ gift ideas dads will actually rememberKeep mosquitoes away naturally: 8 plants every balcony garden should have6 wild animals that have been known to prey on humans – what travellers need to know123Hot PicksOperation TigerCA TopperLionel MessiVaibhav SooryavanshiCrude prices fallStock MarketThomas TuchelWBJEE admit cardMP board second resultTop TrendingCristiano RonaldoIshan KishanShubham GillFIFA World Cup 2026What is Legacy BadgeDownload Optifine for Minecraft 26.2Aman SangerCBSE 10th Second Board Result 2026Eknath ShindeDevajit Saikia

Has the time come for Congress’s breakaway parties to return to the fold? NEW DELHI: Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress is not merging with the Congress. That’s final for now. Both the parties have firmly rejected speculations about a merger, dismissing them as “baseless rumours” and “fake news”.But not before the speculations triggered a larger and far more interesting political debate: should leaders like Mamata Banerjee and Sharad Pawar, who broke away from the Congress decades ago to chart their own political course, consider returning to the grand-old-party’s fold to strengthen the opposition fight against the BJP?The merger buzz gained traction after Mamata Banerjee met Sonia Gandhi and later her nephew and political heir Abhishek Banerjee held a lengthy meeting with Rahul Gandhi. The meetings came against the backdrop of an unprecedented crisis within the Trinamool Congress following its crushing defeat in the 2026 West Bengal assembly elections. Sonia Gandhi meets Mamata Banerjee during INDIA bloc meeting in New DelhiFor the first time, the once-impenetrable fortress of the TMC showed deep cracks. Mamata Banerjee, who ruled Bengal for 15 years and appeared invincible until recently, was reduced to just 80 seats in the assembly as the BJP formed its first-ever government in the state. But her setback did not end with the election results. Several newly-elected MLAs and some of the closest aides of Mamata Banerjee rebelled against the party and reached out to the BJP. Much of the anger within the TMC was directed at Abhishek Banerjee, with sections of the old guard accusing the leadership of sidelining those who spent years building the party. Such rapid was the unravelling of the Trinamool Congress that the once-invincible Mamata Banerjee, who had been dismissive about the Congress for the last 15 years, was forced to rush to the grand-old-party for help. It is this exact plight of Mamata Banerjee which prompted suggestions from some quarters that the Trinamool chief, who had formed the party in 1998 after breaking away from the Congress, should consider “Ghar-wapasi.” And this suggestion was not just for Mamata, but also for leaders like Sharad Pawar. Pawar, who formed the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in 1999, and faced a similar challenge after his party split. Pawar eventually lost control of the NCP name and its iconic clock symbol to the faction led by his nephew Late Ajit Pawar.Another leader who faces challenges similar to Mamata is Uddhav Thackeray. Udhhav, who lost control of Shiv Sena after rebellion by his party MLAs, is now battling fresh speculations of further defections amid reports of “Operation Tiger”. There are reports that 6 of his 9 MPs are in touch with Eknath Shinde, who had led the rebellion against Uddhav, and is now deputy chief minister in the BJP-led government in Maharashtra.Together these stories point to a broader reality: several regional parties that once appeared dominant in their respective states are confronting an increasingly assertive BJP that has not just defeated them but is also benefitting from their implosion.It is this backdrop that has revived an idea that would have seemed improbable just a few years ago. The ‘ghar-wapasi’ debateThe homecoming debate was triggered by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut, who argued that parties born out of the Congress should reunite with the parent organisation to strengthen the opposition against the BJP. Sanjay Raut floated the idea of mergerThe Sena (UBT) leader went a step further, urging Sharad Pawar to take the lead in bringing together parties that emerged after splitting from the Congress.Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot backed the idea, saying “the time has come”, while Maharashtra Congress leader Nana Patole argued that leaders such as Mamata Banerjee and Sharad Pawar increasingly recognise the need for a stronger Congress to counter the BJP. Congress leader Nana Patole backed the ideaAt first glance, the argument appears compelling. The BJP has emerged as the dominant force in the country. When Prime Minister Narendra Modi first came to power in 2014, the BJP was in power in just seven states. With victories in West Bengal and Assam, the BJP-led NDA now governs 22 states and Union Territories. Opposition unity remains a work in progress. Several regional parties are weaker today than they were some years ago.But before asking whether Congress’s former children should return home, it is worth asking why they left in the first place.Why Congress’s children walked awayMamata Banerjee did not leave the Congress because of ideological differences. She walked out in 1998 because she believed the party had become incapable of defeating the Left Front in West Bengal. Frustrated with the Congress high command and convinced that Bengal required a more aggressive opposition, she founded the Trinamool Congress. Congress splinters that survived, built independent regional identitiesThe move paid off. In 2011, Mamata accomplished what the Congress had failed to do for decades, ending the Left Front’s 34-year rule in West Bengal.Sharad Pawar’s exit came under different circumstances. In 1999, Pawar, PA Sangma and Tariq Anwar challenged Sonia Gandhi’s foreign origin and subsequently formed the Nationalist Congress Party. While the NCP remained ideologically close to the Congress and frequently governed alongside it, Pawar succeeded in building an independent political identity rooted in Maharashtra.YS Jagan Mohan Reddy’s departure was driven by succession politics. Following the death of his father, former Andhra Pradesh chief minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy, Jagan felt sidelined by the Congress leadership and eventually floated the YSR Congress Party. Within a few years, the YSRCP had virtually replaced the Congress in Andhra Pradesh.Their exits were driven by different factors, but each believed they stood a better chance outside the Congress than inside it.In most cases, they were right.What has now changed?What has changed is not the Congress. It is the exponential rise of the BJP.When Mamata Banerjee left the Congress in 1998 and Sharad Pawar followed in 1999, the BJP was nowhere near as dominant as it is today. Regional parties grew by occupying political space vacated by a declining Congress.Today many of those same parties are confronting a very different challenge.Over the last decade, the BJP has expanded beyond its traditional Hindi heartland, ending the BJD’s 24-year rule in Odisha, conquering West Bengal and making steady inroads into regions where it was once considered weak. The result is that regional parties which once competed primarily with the Congress increasingly find themselves battling the BJP for voters, leaders, organisational networks and political relevance.Political scientist and Fellow at New Delhi-based think-tank Centre for Policy Research (CPR), Rahul Verma notes that Congress reunification is not without precedent. Leaders who broke away from the party in the past, including Pranab Mukherjee and those associated with formations such as the Tamil Maanila Congress and Tiwari Congress, eventually returned to the parent organisation.However, Verma argues that the political context today is fundamentally different. “In those times, the Congress was still a formidable force and was in a position to form governments at the national level. Some of these leaders could be accommodated in the party and in the government. The problem today is that when you are talking about parties like the TMC, YSRCP and NCP, Congress itself is a very small player in states such as West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh, and even in Maharashtra it is not particularly strong,” he told TOI.While a merger could potentially benefit both sides in the medium term, given that all three parties are facing electoral headwinds, Verma questioned how practical such an arrangement would be. “Congress does not have much to offer beyond party positions. Leaders like Mamata Banerjee and Jagan Mohan Reddy have built successful independent political careers outside the Congress. The practicality and feasibility of how that accommodation would work remains a question,” he said.Why merger may not be practicalWhile the idea of homecoming sounds grand, its actual implementation on the ground may neither be easy nor practical.Consider this: If Mamata Banerjee and Sharad Pawar were to return to the Congress fold, would they be willing to function under the leadership structure of Rahul Gandhi or Mallikarjun Kharge after running independent parties for decades?Would their supporters accept such a transition?Would party workers who spent years fighting each other suddenly become colleagues overnight?In West Bengal, for example, it would be literally impossible to visualise Congress’s Adhir Ranjan Choudhary working in tandem with Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee. Those who have followed Adhir’s politics would know that the entire politics of the former West Bengal Congress president has centred around opposing Mamata Banerjee and her Trinamool Congress.Many of these parties built their identity by positioning themselves as alternatives to the Congress. Returning to the fold risks diluting the very identity that helped them grow.Doesn’t the INDIA bloc already serve that purpose? Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, party MP Sonia Gandhi, Samajwadi Party MP Akhilesh Yadav, TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee and others during the INDIA bloc meeting, in New Delhi.If opposition parties are already working together under the INDIA bloc umbrella, what additional advantage does a formal merger provide?Congress, TMC, Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP (SP) and several other parties already coordinate on national issues and parliamentary strategy while retaining their individual identities.If countering the BJP is the objective, the 2024 Lok Sabha elections is proof that opposition unity does not necessarily require a merger.The Congress, TMC, DMK, Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP (SP), Samajwadi Party and several other parties fought under the INDIA bloc banner while retaining their separate identities. Together, they significantly reduced the BJP’s tally from its 2019 peak and denied it a standalone majority. The coalition came under pressure only when the electoral battle entered the states where political rivalry between the opposition ranks rocked the boat. That problem is unlikely to disappear simply because party headquarters decide to merge.Does merger help the Congress?The merger experiment may make for good optics and also catchy headlines, but does it help the Congress to revive electorally? Perhaps not. Neither Mamata Banerjee in West Bengal nor Sharad Pawar in Maharashtra commands the political influence they once did. Both leaders are grappling with challenges that would have been difficult to imagine at the peak of their careers. The last assembly elections in Maharashtra showed that Sharad Pawar’s influence in the state is on the wane. The veteran leader struggled to even make an impact in his stronghold of Baramati. Similarly, in West Bengal, Mamata is dealing with the fallout of a major electoral defeat and a growing internal crisis within the TMC.The Congress, meanwhile, requires more than high-profile leaders. It needs robust state-level organisations, local leadership and grassroots workers.Anti-BJP coalition better than mergerMamata Banerjee, Sharad Pawar, and Jagan Mohan Reddy became political heavyweights because they proved they could survive and thrive outside the Congress system. They didn’t need Congress. They built their empires on strong regional pride and their own distinct leadership styles.There is little doubt that the BJP’s rise has made opposition unity more important than ever before. But unity does not necessarily mean merger. In fact, the experience of the INDIA bloc suggests that opposition parties can work together against the BJP while retaining their separate identities and leadership structures.That is perhaps the more practical path forward. Congress and its former leaders may find themselves cooperating more closely in the years ahead, but a formal return to the parent fold appears far less likely.For leaders like Mamata Banerjee and Sharad Pawar, revival may depend less on returning to the Congress and more on returning to the streets, rebuilding their organisations and reconnecting with voters.That, after all, is how they became powerful in the first place.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorPriyanka MukherjeePriyanka Mukherjee is an Assistant News Editor at The Times of India, where deadlines rarely slow down. Often juggling breaking news, long-form explainers and the everyday chaos of the newsroom, she is usually managing stress, chasing clarity and trying to log off on time (rarely successful). She also cares deeply about stories around women’s rights and social change, while two very opinionated dogs make sure she never truly switches off.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosSix Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs Stay Away From Delhi Meet, Uddhav Camp on Edge As Defection Buzz IntensifiesVaiko-Vijay Meetings Trigger Buzz Over MDMK’s Future In Tamil Nadu’s Changing PoliticsModi-Starmer Confirm July 15 Launch Of Trade Pact Projected To Boost Bilateral CommerceJharkhand Rajya Sabha Polls Turn Into Numbers Battle As BJP Eyes Surprise Upset Against INDIA BlocDelhi-NCR Unveils Vision For Four New Cities As Population Set To Surge’Mother Of All Trade Deals’: India, EU Target FTA Signing Before End Of 2026’Jahan Thackeray Wahan Shiv Sena’: Sanjay Raut Rejects Split RumoursDefence Output More Than Doubles In Five Years As India Pushes Self-RelianceRanchi Police Arrest 2 Accused In RSS Office Petrol Bomb Attack’Calculated Move To Isolate And Endanger Her’: TMC On Mamata Security Row123PhotostoriesTop parenting coach shares how to teach sons to choose the right friends at every age5 essential blood tests you should take before joining the gym, doctor revealsLegendary cricketer Jhulan Goswami’s home in Chakdaha, West Bengal is defined by simplicity, cricket memorabilia and family bond114-year-old barfi: This famous desi barfi was first made by a wrestler for personal nutrition5 highly venomous sea snakes found in Indian waters and where they are found‘Main Vaapas Aaunga’: All about the 5BHK mansion in Imtiaz Ali’s directorialMalasana to water therapy: 5 simple morning habits that can heal your body and mind from the inside outFather’s Day 2026: Skip the mug this year – 10+ gift ideas dads will actually rememberKeep mosquitoes away naturally: 8 plants every balcony garden should have6 wild animals that have been known to prey on humans – what travellers need to know123Hot PicksOperation TigerCA TopperLionel MessiVaibhav SooryavanshiCrude prices fallStock MarketThomas TuchelWBJEE admit cardMP board second resultTop TrendingCristiano RonaldoIshan KishanShubham GillFIFA World Cup 2026What is Legacy BadgeDownload Optifine for Minecraft 26.2Aman SangerCBSE 10th Second Board Result 2026Eknath ShindeDevajit Saikia

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