June 13, 2026

Tejas jet crashed in Dubai NEW DELHI: A Tejas fighter jet participating in the Dubai Air Show crashed on Friday after nosediving during an aerobatic display, the Indian Air Force (IAF) said in a statement. The HAL-built light combat aircraft went down at around 2.10pm (local time) while executing a manoeuvre, sending thick black smoke across the venue as spectators looked on. The Dubai Airshow is being held from November 17–21 at the DWC Dubai Airshow Site.Air Force issues statementThe IAF confirmed that the aircraft crashed during a display sortie and said the pilot sustained fatal injuries. “An IAF Tejas aircraft met with an accident during an aerial display at Dubai Air Show, today. The pilot sustained fatal injuries in the accident.IAF deeply regrets the loss of life and stands firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief,” the statement read.Tejas Crashes In Dubai Air Show Display As Massive Fireball Sparks Panic, Pilot Succumbs To InjuriesLater, the chief of defence Anil Chauhan also expressed condolences for the pilot. “General Anil Chauhan, CDS and all ranks of Indian Armed Forces deeply regret the incident in which an IAF Tejas aircraft met with an accident during an aerial display at Dubai Air Show, today. The pilot sustained fatal injuries in the accident. We deeply regret the loss of life and stand firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief,” said the statement posted by Integrated Defence Staff HQ. Inquiry orderedA court of inquiry has been constituted to investigate the cause of the crash, said the IAF. “A court of inquiry is being constituted, to ascertain the cause of the accident,” it said.Also read: Tejas fighter jet crashes during Dubai air show; eyewitness footage captures impactCrash took place mid-displayThe jet appeared to nose-dive while performing a manoeuvre before crashing near the runway. Smoke was seen rising from the site as emergency crews responded. Spectators, including families and children, witnessed the incident.The air show was on its final day, hosted at Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central.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 MediaVideosTejas Crashes In Dubai Air Show Display As Massive Fireball Sparks Panic, Pilot Succumbs To InjuriesDeadly 5.5 Earthquake Rocks Bangladesh, Killing At Least Six, Triggers Widespread Panic Across DhakaIndia Demands End To Veto Manipulation And Calls For Comprehensive Reform Of The UN Security CouncilOperation Sindoor 2.0 Talk Rises As Expert Says India Must Hit Pak But Fix White Collar Terror TooIn Fiery UK Conclave Speech, Suhel Seth Says India Has Evolved Beyond 1947, Now Shapes Global PowerShashi Tharoor Says The UN Cannot Be Abandoned Despite Gaza And Ukraine At Desmond Tutu LecturePiyush Goyal Says India And Israel Are Emotionally Close, Recalls Pahalgam And Delhi Terror Attacks’Eternally Grateful’: Sheikh Hasina’s Son Thanks PM Modi For Saving His Mother’s Life, Slams YunusIndia And Israel Launch FTA Talks; Piyush Goyal, Nir Barkat Sign Terms Of ReferenceDelhi’s Pollution Forces Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong To Cough, Stop Her Speech Midway123PhotostoriesWorld Television Day: 10 remarkable facts about theidiotbox5 high-fiber foods to combine with broccoli and easy dishesFrom ‘120 Bahadur’ to ‘The Family Man 3’: Movies and OTT releases to watch this weekendHow Bollywood mothers turned tender love into unshakeable strength on screenMumbai Infrastructure Boost: LBS Marg-BKC Flyover Connector Nears Early Completion, Promises Seamless Traffic Flow7 birds whose name starts with letter U10 cute baby girl names inspired by popular cartoon charactersKFC, McDonald’s, Pizza Hut, Haldiram’s And More May Soon Set Up Outlets At Indian Railway StationsAllu Arha birthday special: Adorable social media moments shared by Allu Arjun and Sneha ReddyWho are Smriti Mandhana’s parents? The quiet strength behind the cricket star123Hot PicksDelhi AQI TodayBihar Minister List 2025Bihar CM Oath CeremonyGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingBest Rockstar Games to Play for GTA 6Savannah JamesWayne GretzkysTrevon DiggsDelhi School Suicide CaseKolkata EarthquakeCandace OwensGavin BrindleySophie CunninghamMLB Trade Rumors

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Tejas jet crashed in Dubai NEW DELHI: A Tejas fighter jet participating in the Dubai Air Show crashed on Friday after nosediving during an aerobatic display, the Indian Air Force (IAF) said in a statement. The HAL-built light combat aircraft went down at around 2.10pm (local time) while executing a manoeuvre, sending thick black smoke across the venue as spectators looked on. The Dubai Airshow is being held from November 17–21 at the DWC Dubai Airshow Site.Air Force issues statementThe IAF confirmed that the aircraft crashed during a display sortie and said the pilot sustained fatal injuries. “An IAF Tejas aircraft met with an accident during an aerial display at Dubai Air Show, today. The pilot sustained fatal injuries in the accident.IAF deeply regrets the loss of life and stands firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief,” the statement read.Tejas Crashes In Dubai Air Show Display As Massive Fireball Sparks Panic, Pilot Succumbs To InjuriesLater, the chief of defence Anil Chauhan also expressed condolences for the pilot. “General Anil Chauhan, CDS and all ranks of Indian Armed Forces deeply regret the incident in which an IAF Tejas aircraft met with an accident during an aerial display at Dubai Air Show, today. The pilot sustained fatal injuries in the accident. We deeply regret the loss of life and stand firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief,” said the statement posted by Integrated Defence Staff HQ. Inquiry orderedA court of inquiry has been constituted to investigate the cause of the crash, said the IAF. “A court of inquiry is being constituted, to ascertain the cause of the accident,” it said.Also read: Tejas fighter jet crashes during Dubai air show; eyewitness footage captures impactCrash took place mid-displayThe jet appeared to nose-dive while performing a manoeuvre before crashing near the runway. Smoke was seen rising from the site as emergency crews responded. Spectators, including families and children, witnessed the incident.The air show was on its final day, hosted at Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central.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 MediaVideosTejas Crashes In Dubai Air Show Display As Massive Fireball Sparks Panic, Pilot Succumbs To InjuriesDeadly 5.5 Earthquake Rocks Bangladesh, Killing At Least Six, Triggers Widespread Panic Across DhakaIndia Demands End To Veto Manipulation And Calls For Comprehensive Reform Of The UN Security CouncilOperation Sindoor 2.0 Talk Rises As Expert Says India Must Hit Pak But Fix White Collar Terror TooIn Fiery UK Conclave Speech, Suhel Seth Says India Has Evolved Beyond 1947, Now Shapes Global PowerShashi Tharoor Says The UN Cannot Be Abandoned Despite Gaza And Ukraine At Desmond Tutu LecturePiyush Goyal Says India And Israel Are Emotionally Close, Recalls Pahalgam And Delhi Terror Attacks’Eternally Grateful’: Sheikh Hasina’s Son Thanks PM Modi For Saving His Mother’s Life, Slams YunusIndia And Israel Launch FTA Talks; Piyush Goyal, Nir Barkat Sign Terms Of ReferenceDelhi’s Pollution Forces Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong To Cough, Stop Her Speech Midway123PhotostoriesWorld Television Day: 10 remarkable facts about theidiotbox5 high-fiber foods to combine with broccoli and easy dishesFrom ‘120 Bahadur’ to ‘The Family Man 3’: Movies and OTT releases to watch this weekendHow Bollywood mothers turned tender love into unshakeable strength on screenMumbai Infrastructure Boost: LBS Marg-BKC Flyover Connector Nears Early Completion, Promises Seamless Traffic Flow7 birds whose name starts with letter U10 cute baby girl names inspired by popular cartoon charactersKFC, McDonald’s, Pizza Hut, Haldiram’s And More May Soon Set Up Outlets At Indian Railway StationsAllu Arha birthday special: Adorable social media moments shared by Allu Arjun and Sneha ReddyWho are Smriti Mandhana’s parents? The quiet strength behind the cricket star123Hot PicksDelhi AQI TodayBihar Minister List 2025Bihar CM Oath CeremonyGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingBest Rockstar Games to Play for GTA 6Savannah JamesWayne GretzkysTrevon DiggsDelhi School Suicide CaseKolkata EarthquakeCandace OwensGavin BrindleySophie CunninghamMLB Trade Rumors


Tejas fighter jet crashes during Dubai air show: IAF launches probe after pilot killed — What we know so far

Tejas jet crashed in Dubai

NEW DELHI: A Tejas fighter jet participating in the Dubai Air Show crashed on Friday after nosediving during an aerobatic display, the Indian Air Force (IAF) said in a statement. The HAL-built light combat aircraft went down at around 2.10pm (local time) while executing a manoeuvre, sending thick black smoke across the venue as spectators looked on. The Dubai Airshow is being held from November 17–21 at the DWC Dubai Airshow Site.

Air Force issues statement

The IAF confirmed that the aircraft crashed during a display sortie and said the pilot sustained fatal injuries. “An IAF Tejas aircraft met with an accident during an aerial display at Dubai Air Show, today. The pilot sustained fatal injuries in the accident.IAF deeply regrets the loss of life and stands firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief,” the statement read.

Tejas Crashes In Dubai Air Show Display As Massive Fireball Sparks Panic, Pilot Succumbs To Injuries

Later, the chief of defence Anil Chauhan also expressed condolences for the pilot. “General Anil Chauhan, CDS and all ranks of Indian Armed Forces deeply regret the incident in which an IAF Tejas aircraft met with an accident during an aerial display at Dubai Air Show, today. The pilot sustained fatal injuries in the accident. We deeply regret the loss of life and stand firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief,” said the statement posted by Integrated Defence Staff HQ.

Inquiry ordered

A court of inquiry has been constituted to investigate the cause of the crash, said the IAF. “A court of inquiry is being constituted, to ascertain the cause of the accident,” it said.Also read: Tejas fighter jet crashes during Dubai air show; eyewitness footage captures impact

Crash took place mid-display

The jet appeared to nose-dive while performing a manoeuvre before crashing near the runway. Smoke was seen rising from the site as emergency crews responded. Spectators, including families and children, witnessed the incident.The air show was on its final day, hosted at Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central.





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Police personnel stand guard near the site of a fire at a hotel in the Malviya Nagar area (PTI Photo) A family had booked a room at the Flourish Stay bed-and-breakfast to be close to a critically ill relative undergoing treatment at a nearby hospital. On the morning of June 3, they were having breakfast in the basement when a fire broke out. Trapped without an escape route, the family, along with several others, desperately tried to get out. Despite frantic phone calls and rescue attempts, they could not escape. Hours later, eight members of the family were found dead, their bodies burnt beyond recognition.Among the 22 people killed in the tragic fire at a hotel in Delhi’s Malviya Nagar were eight members of the extended Agarwal family. Vivek Agarwal, a Gurugram-based chartered accountant, had been staying at the hotel with his family to remain close to his father, who was admitted to the ICU of the nearby Max Hospital. A week after losing most of his family in the fire, 75-year-old Radhe Shyam Agarwal succumbed to a lung infection at the hospital on Tuesday.Mahender Garg recalls that his cousin Vivek sounded frantic during a phone call made about 10 minutes before the fire escalated.“I am trapped in the basement. Please send the fire brigade quickly and get me out of here,” he pleaded.How the tragedy unfoldedAccording to reports, the fire may have originated from a commercial LPG cylinder explosion in the basement kitchen or from an air-conditioning unit on the ground floor. Before the blaze engulfed the building, witnesses reported hearing a loud explosion.As the flames intensified, thick black smoke spread rapidly through the hotel, fuelled by combustible materials. The smoke travelled through a single central staircase, gradually engulfing the entire building.Guests staying on the upper floors had little choice but to jump from windows to escape the flames. Local residents and neighbours placed mattresses on the ground to cushion their fall. One woman jumped from the third floor carrying a child in her arms. Though injured, both survived. Those trapped in the basement had no such option.While some victims suffered fatal burn injuries, most reportedly died due to severe smoke inhalation and respiratory damage. The smoke was unable to escape because of poor ventilation, sealed windows and glass panels.Among the many alleged safety lapses at the hotel was the basement’s sole entrance, which was reportedly locked. Rescue teams took around 10 minutes to gain access, after which six or seven people were rescued.What Delhi’s basement laws sayBasements in Delhi are regulated by the Unified Building Bye-Laws (UBBL) and the Master Plan for Delhi (MPD). Rule 7.4.11 of the UBBL-2016 permits basements to be used for the storage of household goods, non-flammable materials, dark rooms, strong rooms, bank cellars, library stack rooms, air-conditioning equipment and other utilities.Rule 4.4.3 of the Delhi Building Bye-Laws states that basements are not counted under the Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of a building and therefore cannot be used as independent residential units. The regulations also mandate a minimum height of 2.4 metres, adequate ventilation, fire safety measures, waterproofing and proper drainage. UNCHECKED AND DANGEROUS“Vents with cross-sectional area (aggregate) not less than 2.5 per cent of the floor area spread evenly round the perimeter of the basement shall be provided in the form of grills or breakable stall board lights or pavement lights or by way of shafts,” the law states.“Alternatively, a system of air inlets shall be provided at basement floor level and smoke outlets at basement ceiling level.”Cooking activities and kitchens in basements and on rooftops were banned after the 2019 fire at Hotel Arpit Palace in Karol Bagh that claimed 17 lives. Yet reports following similar incidents repeatedly point to violations of these regulations, often with fatal consequences.Dwelling on what-ifs after a tragedy can seem futile. Yet one question lingers: if the Agarwal family had been anywhere else in the hotel and not in the basement, could their lives have been saved?Not an isolated catastropheBasement misuse in Delhi has been under scrutiny following several tragedies, most notably the 2024 Rajendra Nagar incident, in which three students drowned in the basement library of Rau’s IAS Study Circle after rainwater flooded the premises. The basement was authorised only for storage, parking and utility purposes, not as a library.The negligence that led to the avoidable deaths of three young students was not an isolated violation of safety norms.Rajendra Nagar, Mukherjee Nagar and Ber Sarai are major hubs for students preparing for civil services and other competitive examinations. These areas are densely populated, with buildings packed closely together.“Look at how closely the houses are built to one another. In case a fire breaks out, it will not remain confined to one building. It will spread,” said a local resident.Students point out that many libraries continue to operate from basements despite repeated incidents involving flooding, fires and structural hazards.“Accidents are unpredictable. In case of flooding or a sudden fire, there is no possibility of escape,” said Nikhil, an 18-year-old student from Uttar Pradesh. TRAGEDY STRIKESStudents’ apprehensionsMany students living in these coaching hubs come from outside Delhi. They leave home in pursuit of better opportunities, while their families place immense trust in landlords, hostel operators and coaching institutions to keep them safe in an unfamiliar city.But with each new tragedy, that trust gives way to anxiety.Ajit had come to Ber Sarai to visit his younger brother, who is preparing for competitive examinations. He spoke of the constant worry that comes with having a sibling living far from home.“The MCD should inspect the kind of structures being built, the ventilation arrangements and the number of exits available. The government must be responsible. If a library or coaching centre is operating out of a basement, there should be at least two exits,” he said.Ajit recalled his own time living in Mukherjee Nagar when the Rajendra Nagar tragedy occurred. Following the incident, coaching classes were disrupted and several libraries were shut down. He said his years there were marked by recurring safety concerns, including fire incidents he had personally witnessed.Yet such tragedies continue to recur, claiming the lives of students, workers, migrants and tourists. Stampedes, drownings and fires become headlines every year. Systemic change rarely follows, and accountability seldom extends beyond individual punishment.Incidents such as the Malviya Nagar hotel fire and the Rajendra Nagar coaching centre tragedy have repeatedly drawn attention to the misuse of basements and violations of safety norms in the capital. Yet questions remain over how effectively existing regulations are being enforced, and whether lessons from past disasters are translating into meaningful changes on the ground.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorAnanya PodderAnanya Podder, a news intern at the Times of India, is a political science major who completed a PG Diploma from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication. Currently working across diverse beats.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndia, France Expected To Deepen Defence Cooperation With Focus On Submarines And Fighter JetsEl Nino Officially Sets In Over Pacific Ocean, IMD Warns Of Further Strengthening During MonsoonDRDO Conducts Three Successful Missile Tests, Strengthens India’s Ballistic Missile Defence Shield’Like My Son’: Kalyan Banerjee’s Surprise Remark On Abhishek Sparks Fresh BuzzOpposition Alleges BJP Using Agencies As Political Toolkit After FIR Against MamataPolice Conduct 4-Hour Search At Abhishek Banerjee’s Kolkata Residence In Fraud ProbeFive IAF Personnel Killed After AN-32 Aircraft Crashes During Routine Sortie In AssamIndian-Origin Man Jailed For 34 Years In UK For Kidnapping, Torturing And R*ping Young WomanNEET-UG Re-Exam Gets CAPF Cover, IAF Support And Extra Time For StudentsSanjay Raut Alleges EVMs Were Deliberately Set Ablaze, Targets BJP Over West Bengal Fire Incident123PhotostoriesCrossover of Imtiaz Ali’s characters: Director says at a dinner table, ‘Geet will make bad order; Tara will help’ – Exclusive7 social skills that can help children become confident and make friends easily5 ancient temples in Karnataka that are architectural marvelsLong before becoming the world’s first trillionaire, Elon Musk survived on hot dogs and oranges for a day in CanadaWhat people who stay healthy into their 80s do differently every day5 signs life’s hardest phase is finally behind you5 animals that are often called the world’s dumbestHave you done the “sun test” before investing in a houseEl Niño is more than a weather event: How it could affect your healthInside Karishma Tanna’s luxurious 2-storey Mumbai home: Massive living room, stunning balcony views and more123Hot PicksRe-NEET admit cardAIDMK MeetWomen t20 World Cup Match todayTulsi GabbardMandi-Kullu trafficDelta Air Lines flightSpaceX IPOKCET 2026 verification slipKCET counselling 2026Top TrendingAsha Sharma Net WorthUPSC Prelims ResultSpaceX IPOFIFA World Cup 2026Women T20 World CupPune Techie SuicideAbhishek BanerjeeComedian PranitTMC Leader Kunal GhoshCBSE Class 10 Second Board Result

Police personnel stand guard near the site of a fire at a hotel in the Malviya Nagar area (PTI Photo) A family had booked a room at the Flourish Stay bed-and-breakfast to be close to a critically ill relative undergoing treatment at a nearby hospital. On the morning of June 3, they were having breakfast in the basement when a fire broke out. Trapped without an escape route, the family, along with several others, desperately tried to get out. Despite frantic phone calls and rescue attempts, they could not escape. Hours later, eight members of the family were found dead, their bodies burnt beyond recognition.Among the 22 people killed in the tragic fire at a hotel in Delhi’s Malviya Nagar were eight members of the extended Agarwal family. Vivek Agarwal, a Gurugram-based chartered accountant, had been staying at the hotel with his family to remain close to his father, who was admitted to the ICU of the nearby Max Hospital. A week after losing most of his family in the fire, 75-year-old Radhe Shyam Agarwal succumbed to a lung infection at the hospital on Tuesday.Mahender Garg recalls that his cousin Vivek sounded frantic during a phone call made about 10 minutes before the fire escalated.“I am trapped in the basement. Please send the fire brigade quickly and get me out of here,” he pleaded.How the tragedy unfoldedAccording to reports, the fire may have originated from a commercial LPG cylinder explosion in the basement kitchen or from an air-conditioning unit on the ground floor. Before the blaze engulfed the building, witnesses reported hearing a loud explosion.As the flames intensified, thick black smoke spread rapidly through the hotel, fuelled by combustible materials. The smoke travelled through a single central staircase, gradually engulfing the entire building.Guests staying on the upper floors had little choice but to jump from windows to escape the flames. Local residents and neighbours placed mattresses on the ground to cushion their fall. One woman jumped from the third floor carrying a child in her arms. Though injured, both survived. Those trapped in the basement had no such option.While some victims suffered fatal burn injuries, most reportedly died due to severe smoke inhalation and respiratory damage. The smoke was unable to escape because of poor ventilation, sealed windows and glass panels.Among the many alleged safety lapses at the hotel was the basement’s sole entrance, which was reportedly locked. Rescue teams took around 10 minutes to gain access, after which six or seven people were rescued.What Delhi’s basement laws sayBasements in Delhi are regulated by the Unified Building Bye-Laws (UBBL) and the Master Plan for Delhi (MPD). Rule 7.4.11 of the UBBL-2016 permits basements to be used for the storage of household goods, non-flammable materials, dark rooms, strong rooms, bank cellars, library stack rooms, air-conditioning equipment and other utilities.Rule 4.4.3 of the Delhi Building Bye-Laws states that basements are not counted under the Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of a building and therefore cannot be used as independent residential units. The regulations also mandate a minimum height of 2.4 metres, adequate ventilation, fire safety measures, waterproofing and proper drainage. UNCHECKED AND DANGEROUS“Vents with cross-sectional area (aggregate) not less than 2.5 per cent of the floor area spread evenly round the perimeter of the basement shall be provided in the form of grills or breakable stall board lights or pavement lights or by way of shafts,” the law states.“Alternatively, a system of air inlets shall be provided at basement floor level and smoke outlets at basement ceiling level.”Cooking activities and kitchens in basements and on rooftops were banned after the 2019 fire at Hotel Arpit Palace in Karol Bagh that claimed 17 lives. Yet reports following similar incidents repeatedly point to violations of these regulations, often with fatal consequences.Dwelling on what-ifs after a tragedy can seem futile. Yet one question lingers: if the Agarwal family had been anywhere else in the hotel and not in the basement, could their lives have been saved?Not an isolated catastropheBasement misuse in Delhi has been under scrutiny following several tragedies, most notably the 2024 Rajendra Nagar incident, in which three students drowned in the basement library of Rau’s IAS Study Circle after rainwater flooded the premises. The basement was authorised only for storage, parking and utility purposes, not as a library.The negligence that led to the avoidable deaths of three young students was not an isolated violation of safety norms.Rajendra Nagar, Mukherjee Nagar and Ber Sarai are major hubs for students preparing for civil services and other competitive examinations. These areas are densely populated, with buildings packed closely together.“Look at how closely the houses are built to one another. In case a fire breaks out, it will not remain confined to one building. It will spread,” said a local resident.Students point out that many libraries continue to operate from basements despite repeated incidents involving flooding, fires and structural hazards.“Accidents are unpredictable. In case of flooding or a sudden fire, there is no possibility of escape,” said Nikhil, an 18-year-old student from Uttar Pradesh. TRAGEDY STRIKESStudents’ apprehensionsMany students living in these coaching hubs come from outside Delhi. They leave home in pursuit of better opportunities, while their families place immense trust in landlords, hostel operators and coaching institutions to keep them safe in an unfamiliar city.But with each new tragedy, that trust gives way to anxiety.Ajit had come to Ber Sarai to visit his younger brother, who is preparing for competitive examinations. He spoke of the constant worry that comes with having a sibling living far from home.“The MCD should inspect the kind of structures being built, the ventilation arrangements and the number of exits available. The government must be responsible. If a library or coaching centre is operating out of a basement, there should be at least two exits,” he said.Ajit recalled his own time living in Mukherjee Nagar when the Rajendra Nagar tragedy occurred. Following the incident, coaching classes were disrupted and several libraries were shut down. He said his years there were marked by recurring safety concerns, including fire incidents he had personally witnessed.Yet such tragedies continue to recur, claiming the lives of students, workers, migrants and tourists. Stampedes, drownings and fires become headlines every year. Systemic change rarely follows, and accountability seldom extends beyond individual punishment.Incidents such as the Malviya Nagar hotel fire and the Rajendra Nagar coaching centre tragedy have repeatedly drawn attention to the misuse of basements and violations of safety norms in the capital. Yet questions remain over how effectively existing regulations are being enforced, and whether lessons from past disasters are translating into meaningful changes on the ground.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorAnanya PodderAnanya Podder, a news intern at the Times of India, is a political science major who completed a PG Diploma from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication. Currently working across diverse beats.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndia, France Expected To Deepen Defence Cooperation With Focus On Submarines And Fighter JetsEl Nino Officially Sets In Over Pacific Ocean, IMD Warns Of Further Strengthening During MonsoonDRDO Conducts Three Successful Missile Tests, Strengthens India’s Ballistic Missile Defence Shield’Like My Son’: Kalyan Banerjee’s Surprise Remark On Abhishek Sparks Fresh BuzzOpposition Alleges BJP Using Agencies As Political Toolkit After FIR Against MamataPolice Conduct 4-Hour Search At Abhishek Banerjee’s Kolkata Residence In Fraud ProbeFive IAF Personnel Killed After AN-32 Aircraft Crashes During Routine Sortie In AssamIndian-Origin Man Jailed For 34 Years In UK For Kidnapping, Torturing And R*ping Young WomanNEET-UG Re-Exam Gets CAPF Cover, IAF Support And Extra Time For StudentsSanjay Raut Alleges EVMs Were Deliberately Set Ablaze, Targets BJP Over West Bengal Fire Incident123PhotostoriesCrossover of Imtiaz Ali’s characters: Director says at a dinner table, ‘Geet will make bad order; Tara will help’ – Exclusive7 social skills that can help children become confident and make friends easily5 ancient temples in Karnataka that are architectural marvelsLong before becoming the world’s first trillionaire, Elon Musk survived on hot dogs and oranges for $1 a day in CanadaWhat people who stay healthy into their 80s do differently every day5 signs life’s hardest phase is finally behind you5 animals that are often called the world’s dumbestHave you done the “sun test” before investing in a houseEl Niño is more than a weather event: How it could affect your healthInside Karishma Tanna’s luxurious 2-storey Mumbai home: Massive living room, stunning balcony views and more123Hot PicksRe-NEET admit cardAIDMK MeetWomen t20 World Cup Match todayTulsi GabbardMandi-Kullu trafficDelta Air Lines flightSpaceX IPOKCET 2026 verification slipKCET counselling 2026Top TrendingAsha Sharma Net WorthUPSC Prelims ResultSpaceX IPOFIFA World Cup 2026Women T20 World CupPune Techie SuicideAbhishek BanerjeeComedian PranitTMC Leader Kunal GhoshCBSE Class 10 Second Board Result

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(Image source: PTI) A team from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) arrived in Kozhikode on Saturday after a Nipah virus infection was confirmed in the district.The team held discussions with Revenue minister AP Anil Kumar, doctors and district administration officials to review the situation and assess measures being taken to prevent further spread of the virus. Officials said the ICMR experts are expected to remain in the district for the next few days. Experts from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) have also visited the district.Three relatives test negative, surveillance intensifiedThe Nipah patient, a 43-year-old man from Ramanattukara, is currently undergoing treatment at the Government Medical College Hospital after laboratory tests confirmed the infection.Health authorities have placed 87 contacts under surveillance and are carrying out extensive monitoring in the affected area. Officials said tests conducted on three close relatives of the patient returned negative results.Minister Anil Kumar chaired a high-level review meeting and directed officials to ensure all necessary facilities, medicines and medical equipment are available for the patient and those under observation.Nipah cases in IndiaAccording to WHO and government data, India has reported only a limited number of confirmed Nipah cases over the years, though the virus has a high fatality rate and requires intensive containment efforts.Earlier this year, two confirmed Nipah cases were reported in West Bengal, both of whom were healthcare workers. Male nurse was cured of disease and discharged, however, the female nurse died of cardiac arrest as she later developed a lung infection.She had been taken off ventilator support at the end of January.What is the Nipah virus?Nipah is a zoonotic virus that can spread from animals to humans and, in some cases, through human-to-human transmission.Fruit bats, also known as flying foxes, are the natural reservoir of the virus. The infection can cause severe respiratory illness, encephalitis and neurological complications, with a case fatality rate estimated between 40 and 75 per cent.There is currently no approved vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for the disease.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 MediaVideosDRDO Conducts Three Successful Missile Tests, Strengthens India’s Ballistic Missile Defence Shield’Like My Son’: Kalyan Banerjee’s Surprise Remark On Abhishek Sparks Fresh BuzzOpposition Alleges BJP Using Agencies As Political Toolkit After FIR Against MamataPolice Conduct 4-Hour Search At Abhishek Banerjee’s Kolkata Residence In Fraud ProbeFive IAF Personnel Killed After AN-32 Aircraft Crashes During Routine Sortie In AssamIndian-Origin Man Jailed For 34 Years In UK For Kidnapping, Torturing And R*ping Young WomanNEET-UG Re-Exam Gets CAPF Cover, IAF Support And Extra Time For StudentsSanjay Raut Alleges EVMs Were Deliberately Set Ablaze, Targets BJP Over West Bengal Fire IncidentIAF’s ‘Workhorse’ AN-32 Aircraft Crashes And Catches Fire At Jorhat Air Force Station | Watch‘Won’t Let Indus Waters Reach Patrons Of Terror’: Rajnath Singh Reinforces India’s Pakistan Policy123PhotostoriesCrossover of Imtiaz Ali’s characters: Director says at a dinner table, ‘Geet will make bad order; Tara will help’ – Exclusive7 social skills that can help children become confident and make friends easily5 ancient temples in Karnataka that are architectural marvelsLong before becoming the world’s first trillionaire, Elon Musk survived on hot dogs and oranges for a day in CanadaWhat people who stay healthy into their 80s do differently every day5 signs life’s hardest phase is finally behind you5 animals that are often called the world’s dumbestHave you done the “sun test” before investing in a houseEl Niño is more than a weather event: How it could affect your healthInside Karishma Tanna’s luxurious 2-storey Mumbai home: Massive living room, stunning balcony views and more123Hot PicksRe-NEET admit cardAIDMK MeetWomen t20 World Cup Match todayTulsi GabbardMandi-Kullu trafficDelta Air Lines flightSpaceX IPOKCET 2026 verification slipKCET counselling 2026Top TrendingAsha Sharma Net WorthUPSC Prelims ResultSpaceX IPOFIFA World Cup 2026Women T20 World CupPune Techie SuicideAbhishek BanerjeeComedian PranitTMC Leader Kunal GhoshCBSE Class 10 Second Board Result

(Image source: PTI) A team from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) arrived in Kozhikode on Saturday after a Nipah virus infection was confirmed in the district.The team held discussions with Revenue minister AP Anil Kumar, doctors and district administration officials to review the situation and assess measures being taken to prevent further spread of the virus. Officials said the ICMR experts are expected to remain in the district for the next few days. Experts from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) have also visited the district.Three relatives test negative, surveillance intensifiedThe Nipah patient, a 43-year-old man from Ramanattukara, is currently undergoing treatment at the Government Medical College Hospital after laboratory tests confirmed the infection.Health authorities have placed 87 contacts under surveillance and are carrying out extensive monitoring in the affected area. Officials said tests conducted on three close relatives of the patient returned negative results.Minister Anil Kumar chaired a high-level review meeting and directed officials to ensure all necessary facilities, medicines and medical equipment are available for the patient and those under observation.Nipah cases in IndiaAccording to WHO and government data, India has reported only a limited number of confirmed Nipah cases over the years, though the virus has a high fatality rate and requires intensive containment efforts.Earlier this year, two confirmed Nipah cases were reported in West Bengal, both of whom were healthcare workers. Male nurse was cured of disease and discharged, however, the female nurse died of cardiac arrest as she later developed a lung infection.She had been taken off ventilator support at the end of January.What is the Nipah virus?Nipah is a zoonotic virus that can spread from animals to humans and, in some cases, through human-to-human transmission.Fruit bats, also known as flying foxes, are the natural reservoir of the virus. The infection can cause severe respiratory illness, encephalitis and neurological complications, with a case fatality rate estimated between 40 and 75 per cent.There is currently no approved vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for the disease.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 MediaVideosDRDO Conducts Three Successful Missile Tests, Strengthens India’s Ballistic Missile Defence Shield’Like My Son’: Kalyan Banerjee’s Surprise Remark On Abhishek Sparks Fresh BuzzOpposition Alleges BJP Using Agencies As Political Toolkit After FIR Against MamataPolice Conduct 4-Hour Search At Abhishek Banerjee’s Kolkata Residence In Fraud ProbeFive IAF Personnel Killed After AN-32 Aircraft Crashes During Routine Sortie In AssamIndian-Origin Man Jailed For 34 Years In UK For Kidnapping, Torturing And R*ping Young WomanNEET-UG Re-Exam Gets CAPF Cover, IAF Support And Extra Time For StudentsSanjay Raut Alleges EVMs Were Deliberately Set Ablaze, Targets BJP Over West Bengal Fire IncidentIAF’s ‘Workhorse’ AN-32 Aircraft Crashes And Catches Fire At Jorhat Air Force Station | Watch‘Won’t Let Indus Waters Reach Patrons Of Terror’: Rajnath Singh Reinforces India’s Pakistan Policy123PhotostoriesCrossover of Imtiaz Ali’s characters: Director says at a dinner table, ‘Geet will make bad order; Tara will help’ – Exclusive7 social skills that can help children become confident and make friends easily5 ancient temples in Karnataka that are architectural marvelsLong before becoming the world’s first trillionaire, Elon Musk survived on hot dogs and oranges for $1 a day in CanadaWhat people who stay healthy into their 80s do differently every day5 signs life’s hardest phase is finally behind you5 animals that are often called the world’s dumbestHave you done the “sun test” before investing in a houseEl Niño is more than a weather event: How it could affect your healthInside Karishma Tanna’s luxurious 2-storey Mumbai home: Massive living room, stunning balcony views and more123Hot PicksRe-NEET admit cardAIDMK MeetWomen t20 World Cup Match todayTulsi GabbardMandi-Kullu trafficDelta Air Lines flightSpaceX IPOKCET 2026 verification slipKCET counselling 2026Top TrendingAsha Sharma Net WorthUPSC Prelims ResultSpaceX IPOFIFA World Cup 2026Women T20 World CupPune Techie SuicideAbhishek BanerjeeComedian PranitTMC Leader Kunal GhoshCBSE Class 10 Second Board Result

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NEW DELHI: Top aide of Mamata Banerjee and Trinamool Congress leader Sudip Bandyopadhyay met Union minister Bhupendra Singh on Saturday. Rebel TMC MP Satabdi Roy was also present at the meeting.Bandyopadhyay’s name was not in the list of 19 of 20 rebel TMC MPs who have expressed their willingness to side with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the Lok Sabha.TMC MLA Kunal Ghosh reacted to Bandyopadhyay’s meeting with Singh saying that he has a “history of changing parties”.”Mamata didi gave positions and honour to these people, and this is what these people give in return. Sudip Bandyopadhyay has a history of changing parties…We had said that he is not good and his politics worked only by misleading Mamata didi. I was once suspended by the party for it. Today, it is being proved that what I said that day was correct,” he said.The rebel MPs are scheduled to meet West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari on Sunday, ahead of their meeting with the Lok Sabha Speaker.”West Bengal CM will meet the rebel TMC MPs in Delhi, ahead of the rebel TMC MPs’ meeting with the Lok Sabha Speaker,” ANI quoted rebel TMC MP Jagdish Basunia saying.However, he did not say that there would be 20 rebel MPs who would meet the Lok Sabha Speaker. “We have been given a date for Monday (15th June) (for meeting with Lok Sabha Speaker). All (rebel) MPs will go to him, all of they are coming to Delhi tomorrow. A meeting of all MPs with CM (Suvendu Adhikari) will be held on Sunday (14th June) and then we will go to the Speaker on Monday…19 MPs will be there,” he said.Earlier, rebel TMC MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar had revealed that 20 MPs have formally requested separate seating in the Lok Sabha, a move widely seen as reflecting a split within the party’s parliamentary wing. The development comes against the backdrop of mounting friction within the TMC after its disappointing showing in the 2026 West Bengal assembly elections, which is said to have deepened divisions between senior party leaders and the Mamata Banerjee-led central leadership.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 MediaVideosDRDO Conducts Three Successful Missile Tests, Strengthens India’s Ballistic Missile Defence Shield’Like My Son’: Kalyan Banerjee’s Surprise Remark On Abhishek Sparks Fresh BuzzOpposition Alleges BJP Using Agencies As Political Toolkit After FIR Against MamataPolice Conduct 4-Hour Search At Abhishek Banerjee’s Kolkata Residence In Fraud ProbeFive IAF Personnel Killed After AN-32 Aircraft Crashes During Routine Sortie In AssamIndian-Origin Man Jailed For 34 Years In UK For Kidnapping, Torturing And R*ping Young WomanNEET-UG Re-Exam Gets CAPF Cover, IAF Support And Extra Time For StudentsSanjay Raut Alleges EVMs Were Deliberately Set Ablaze, Targets BJP Over West Bengal Fire IncidentIAF’s ‘Workhorse’ AN-32 Aircraft Crashes And Catches Fire At Jorhat Air Force Station | Watch‘Won’t Let Indus Waters Reach Patrons Of Terror’: Rajnath Singh Reinforces India’s Pakistan Policy123PhotostoriesCrossover of Imtiaz Ali’s characters: Director says at a dinner table, ‘Geet will make bad order; Tara will help’ – Exclusive7 social skills that can help children become confident and make friends easily5 ancient temples in Karnataka that are architectural marvelsLong before becoming the world’s first trillionaire, Elon Musk survived on hot dogs and oranges for a day in CanadaWhat people who stay healthy into their 80s do differently every day5 signs life’s hardest phase is finally behind you5 animals that are often called the world’s dumbestHave you done the “sun test” before investing in a houseEl Niño is more than a weather event: How it could affect your healthInside Karishma Tanna’s luxurious 2-storey Mumbai home: Massive living room, stunning balcony views and more123Hot PicksRe-NEET admit cardAIDMK MeetWomen t20 World Cup Match todayTulsi GabbardMandi-Kullu trafficDelta Air Lines flightSpaceX IPOKCET 2026 verification slipKCET counselling 2026Top TrendingAsha Sharma Net WorthUPSC Prelims ResultSpaceX IPOFIFA World Cup 2026Women T20 World CupPune Techie SuicideAbhishek BanerjeeComedian PranitTMC Leader Kunal GhoshCBSE Class 10 Second Board Result

NEW DELHI: Top aide of Mamata Banerjee and Trinamool Congress leader Sudip Bandyopadhyay met Union minister Bhupendra Singh on Saturday. Rebel TMC MP Satabdi Roy was also present at the meeting.Bandyopadhyay’s name was not in the list of 19 of 20 rebel TMC MPs who have expressed their willingness to side with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the Lok Sabha.TMC MLA Kunal Ghosh reacted to Bandyopadhyay’s meeting with Singh saying that he has a “history of changing parties”.”Mamata didi gave positions and honour to these people, and this is what these people give in return. Sudip Bandyopadhyay has a history of changing parties…We had said that he is not good and his politics worked only by misleading Mamata didi. I was once suspended by the party for it. Today, it is being proved that what I said that day was correct,” he said.The rebel MPs are scheduled to meet West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari on Sunday, ahead of their meeting with the Lok Sabha Speaker.”West Bengal CM will meet the rebel TMC MPs in Delhi, ahead of the rebel TMC MPs’ meeting with the Lok Sabha Speaker,” ANI quoted rebel TMC MP Jagdish Basunia saying.However, he did not say that there would be 20 rebel MPs who would meet the Lok Sabha Speaker. “We have been given a date for Monday (15th June) (for meeting with Lok Sabha Speaker). All (rebel) MPs will go to him, all of they are coming to Delhi tomorrow. A meeting of all MPs with CM (Suvendu Adhikari) will be held on Sunday (14th June) and then we will go to the Speaker on Monday…19 MPs will be there,” he said.Earlier, rebel TMC MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar had revealed that 20 MPs have formally requested separate seating in the Lok Sabha, a move widely seen as reflecting a split within the party’s parliamentary wing. The development comes against the backdrop of mounting friction within the TMC after its disappointing showing in the 2026 West Bengal assembly elections, which is said to have deepened divisions between senior party leaders and the Mamata Banerjee-led central leadership.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 MediaVideosDRDO Conducts Three Successful Missile Tests, Strengthens India’s Ballistic Missile Defence Shield’Like My Son’: Kalyan Banerjee’s Surprise Remark On Abhishek Sparks Fresh BuzzOpposition Alleges BJP Using Agencies As Political Toolkit After FIR Against MamataPolice Conduct 4-Hour Search At Abhishek Banerjee’s Kolkata Residence In Fraud ProbeFive IAF Personnel Killed After AN-32 Aircraft Crashes During Routine Sortie In AssamIndian-Origin Man Jailed For 34 Years In UK For Kidnapping, Torturing And R*ping Young WomanNEET-UG Re-Exam Gets CAPF Cover, IAF Support And Extra Time For StudentsSanjay Raut Alleges EVMs Were Deliberately Set Ablaze, Targets BJP Over West Bengal Fire IncidentIAF’s ‘Workhorse’ AN-32 Aircraft Crashes And Catches Fire At Jorhat Air Force Station | Watch‘Won’t Let Indus Waters Reach Patrons Of Terror’: Rajnath Singh Reinforces India’s Pakistan Policy123PhotostoriesCrossover of Imtiaz Ali’s characters: Director says at a dinner table, ‘Geet will make bad order; Tara will help’ – Exclusive7 social skills that can help children become confident and make friends easily5 ancient temples in Karnataka that are architectural marvelsLong before becoming the world’s first trillionaire, Elon Musk survived on hot dogs and oranges for $1 a day in CanadaWhat people who stay healthy into their 80s do differently every day5 signs life’s hardest phase is finally behind you5 animals that are often called the world’s dumbestHave you done the “sun test” before investing in a houseEl Niño is more than a weather event: How it could affect your healthInside Karishma Tanna’s luxurious 2-storey Mumbai home: Massive living room, stunning balcony views and more123Hot PicksRe-NEET admit cardAIDMK MeetWomen t20 World Cup Match todayTulsi GabbardMandi-Kullu trafficDelta Air Lines flightSpaceX IPOKCET 2026 verification slipKCET counselling 2026Top TrendingAsha Sharma Net WorthUPSC Prelims ResultSpaceX IPOFIFA World Cup 2026Women T20 World CupPune Techie SuicideAbhishek BanerjeeComedian PranitTMC Leader Kunal GhoshCBSE Class 10 Second Board Result

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12 NEW DELHI: The INDIA bloc hit the “reset” button this week with a five-point truce plan. The opposition alliance met after a gap of two years to recalibrate their anti-BJP strategy. There was some hard talk, some emotional hugs, and a lot of reconciliation to keep the alliance intact and relevant in the face of an existential crisis precipitated by recent electoral defeats.So far, so good.But the question is: Will this reset ensure lasting opposition unity? Did the allies address the fault lines that divide them?Well, the answer is “No”. Watch Five Key Resolutions: INDIA Bloc Targets SIR, Economy, Exams And Farmers’ IssuesLet’s first understand the genesis of the INDIA bloc. The opposition alliance was born with the sole motive of stopping the BJP’s march in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections by keeping the anti-NDA votes intact. Clearly, it was an alliance formed to counter the BJP at the national level without considering the challenges and contradictions at the state level. Little wonder its Lok Sabha cheers were short-lived.The INDIA bloc did prevent the BJP from crossing the majority mark in Lok Sabha, something the saffron party had achieved in 2014 and 2019 elections. But as the electoral contests entered the states, this national opposition alliance collapsed like a house of cards. The allies at the national level became fierce political rivals in states. So, when the electorally bruised allies met in the national capital on June 8, they needed to address this fault line more than anything else. But the 25 parties that joined the unity huddle did not focus on finding ways for better coordination at the state level.How political rivalry between allies in key states became the nemesis of INDIA blocCongress vs Samajwadi Party in Madhya PradeshIronically, the first tussle over seat sharing surfaced during the assembly elections in 2023 even as the INDIA bloc allies were finalising details of their national anti-BJP alliance. The Congress then refused to give seats to Samajwadi Party which led to an angry Akhilesh Yadav openly targeting the grand-old-party. The INDIA alliance collapsed in Madhya Pradesh and the two allies fought against each other. This open tussle could have impacted the alliance in Uttar Pradesh where SP was the main player. However, according to reports, it was timely intervention by Priyanka Gandhi that eventually led to a truce.Congress vs AAP in Haryana and DelhiThe Congress and Arvind Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party shared a blow hot and cold relationship from the Day 1 of the alliance. The two parties contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections together in Delhi, but failed to win any of the 7 seats. And then started a game of open war of words between the two allies. While AAP, the dominant partner in Delhi, refused to align with the Congress for assembly elections in the national capital, the grand-old-party returned fire in Haryana where they snubbed Kejriwal’s party. The AAP eventually walked out of the opposition alliance and has targeted the Congress at every opportunity. One of the reasons why AAP will not return to the INDIA fold for now is the upcoming assembly elections in Punjab where Kejriwal’s party is in power and the Congress is the main rival. Already, the AAP vs Congress rivalry is playing out in the state.Congress vs TMC in West BengalNow, let’s discuss Mamata Banerjee, the Trinamool Congress chief and the former chief minister of West Bengal. The recent assembly elections left her battered and bruised. Mamata not just lost power in West Bengal, she is on the verge of losing control over her party. If that eventually happens, Mamata will be joining the likes of Uddhav Thackeray and Sharad Pawar, who faced similar fate in Maharashtra.The latest meeting of the INDIA bloc was reportedly called at the behest of Mamata after her poll drubbing. Now, when you compare this to Mamata’s stand on the opposition alliance when her dominance was at its peak in West Bengal, you can’t miss the irony. When Mamata was ruling West Bengal, she refused to cede even an inch of extra ground to the Congress and refused to consider any alliance with the grand-old-party. However, that has now changed. Mamata now desperately needs the support of INDIA bloc alliance to take her fight forward against the BJPCongress vs Left in KeralaLet’s move to the south. In Kerala, the Congress and the Left have been political rivals for years. However, ignoring this ground rivalry, the two parties joined hands at the national level under the INDIA banner in 2023. But in the run up to assembly elections earlier this year, the two parties targeted each other with vengeance like never before.And this rivalry in the state elections has now become a bone of contention in their coordination under the INDIA banner. The CPM is attacking Rahul for unleashing a no-holds barred attack against its leader and former chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan.Congress: A ‘glue’ that fails to bindIronically, it is the Congress, which was referred to by National Conference leader and J&K chief minister Omar Abdullah as the glue that binds together the opposition coalition, is at the centre of all political differences within the opposition coalition.The Congress’s competing relationship with the regional allies in the states has been the major reason for differences between the INDIA bloc allies. And this rivalry will not end till the INDIA bloc partners find a mutually satisfactory formula that recognises the political rivalry in the states as a part of their relationship dynamics.However, the 5-point truce plan talks nothing about tackling this inherent problem. While the state elections since 2024 have gradually tilted the balance of power within the INDIA bloc in favour of the Congress, the leaders of the grand-old-party realize that this gain holds little value while the entire opposition space is gradually being usurped by the BJP.Mamata, Kejriwal and MK Stalin of the DMK in Tamil Nadu – the three biggest regional satraps in the opposition alliance have all lost elections in their strongholds and perhaps realize that their clout in the INDIA bloc has diminished.The AAP is no longer in the alliance and the DMK just walked out miffed with what it called Congress’s betrayal in the state as the grand-old-party dumped its ally for a new friend Vijay’s TVK which provided it an opportunity to return to state government after nearly six decades.Uttar Pradesh nextThe next battlefield for the INDIA bloc will likely be Uttar Pradesh, where Akhilesh Yadav’s Samajwadi Party and the Congress are the main players in the opposition space. They contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in alliance with great success pushing the BJP on the backfoot. But as they gear up for the assembly elections in the state next year, seat sharing may once again bring out their differences in the open. Interestingly, in the Delhi meeting – Akhilesh reportedly said that the Congress party should “show a big heart” and back the strongest anti-BJP force in individual states.This is a clear message from Samajwadi Party, which is the dominant partner in the state, that it will want to dictate terms in the assembly elections even as the Congress will continue to fight for its space. It will be interesting to see how the two parties can find the middle ground when they start negotiating seat sharing.What’s nextClearly, the INDIA bloc cannot become a cohesive group without finding a solution to solve the differences between the allies in the states. Mamata has realized this after losing everything in West Bengal. The AAP may also learn it the hard way. It has already lost Delhi to BJP after the Congress made the electoral battle in the state a three-way contest. If Kerjiwal’s party loses Punjab in another three-way contest involving Congress, it may be left without a government in any state, like Mamata Banerjee. Already, AAP has lost most of its Rajya Sabha members to the BJP in an indication of what the future may hold for the party.If the members of the INDIA bloc do not play their cards well, they could end up ceding more political space to the BJP in the future. Any truce plan to keep the parties together will not succeed till it addresses the fundamental fault line of rivalry in the states within the opposition alliance. The Congress now has an upper hand in the alliance and has also shown the willingness to be flexible. But will it be ready to compromise on seats? Well, we will have to wait and see.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosDRDO Conducts Three Successful Missile Tests, Strengthens India’s Ballistic Missile Defence Shield’Like My Son’: Kalyan Banerjee’s Surprise Remark On Abhishek Sparks Fresh BuzzOpposition Alleges BJP Using Agencies As Political Toolkit After FIR Against MamataPolice Conduct 4-Hour Search At Abhishek Banerjee’s Kolkata Residence In Fraud ProbeFive IAF Personnel Killed After AN-32 Aircraft Crashes During Routine Sortie In AssamIndian-Origin Man Jailed For 34 Years In UK For Kidnapping, Torturing And R*ping Young WomanNEET-UG Re-Exam Gets CAPF Cover, IAF Support And Extra Time For StudentsSanjay Raut Alleges EVMs Were Deliberately Set Ablaze, Targets BJP Over West Bengal Fire IncidentIAF’s ‘Workhorse’ AN-32 Aircraft Crashes And Catches Fire At Jorhat Air Force Station | Watch‘Won’t Let Indus Waters Reach Patrons Of Terror’: Rajnath Singh Reinforces India’s Pakistan Policy123PhotostoriesCrossover of Imtiaz Ali’s characters: Director says at a dinner table, ‘Geet will make bad order; Tara will help’ – Exclusive7 social skills that can help children become confident and make friends easily5 ancient temples in Karnataka that are architectural marvelsLong before becoming the world’s first trillionaire, Elon Musk survived on hot dogs and oranges for a day in CanadaWhat people who stay healthy into their 80s do differently every day5 signs life’s hardest phase is finally behind you5 animals that are often called the world’s dumbestHave you done the “sun test” before investing in a houseEl Niño is more than a weather event: How it could affect your healthInside Karishma Tanna’s luxurious 2-storey Mumbai home: Massive living room, stunning balcony views and more123Hot PicksRe-NEET admit cardAIDMK MeetWomen t20 World Cup Match todayTulsi GabbardMandi-Kullu trafficDelta Air Lines flightSpaceX IPOKCET 2026 verification slipKCET counselling 2026Top TrendingAsha Sharma Net WorthUPSC Prelims ResultSpaceX IPOFIFA World Cup 2026Women T20 World CupPune Techie SuicideAbhishek BanerjeeComedian PranitTMC Leader Kunal GhoshCBSE Class 10 Second Board Result

12 NEW DELHI: The INDIA bloc hit the “reset” button this week with a five-point truce plan. The opposition alliance met after a gap of two years to recalibrate their anti-BJP strategy. There was some hard talk, some emotional hugs, and a lot of reconciliation to keep the alliance intact and relevant in the face of an existential crisis precipitated by recent electoral defeats.So far, so good.But the question is: Will this reset ensure lasting opposition unity? Did the allies address the fault lines that divide them?Well, the answer is “No”. Watch Five Key Resolutions: INDIA Bloc Targets SIR, Economy, Exams And Farmers’ IssuesLet’s first understand the genesis of the INDIA bloc. The opposition alliance was born with the sole motive of stopping the BJP’s march in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections by keeping the anti-NDA votes intact. Clearly, it was an alliance formed to counter the BJP at the national level without considering the challenges and contradictions at the state level. Little wonder its Lok Sabha cheers were short-lived.The INDIA bloc did prevent the BJP from crossing the majority mark in Lok Sabha, something the saffron party had achieved in 2014 and 2019 elections. But as the electoral contests entered the states, this national opposition alliance collapsed like a house of cards. The allies at the national level became fierce political rivals in states. So, when the electorally bruised allies met in the national capital on June 8, they needed to address this fault line more than anything else. But the 25 parties that joined the unity huddle did not focus on finding ways for better coordination at the state level.How political rivalry between allies in key states became the nemesis of INDIA blocCongress vs Samajwadi Party in Madhya PradeshIronically, the first tussle over seat sharing surfaced during the assembly elections in 2023 even as the INDIA bloc allies were finalising details of their national anti-BJP alliance. The Congress then refused to give seats to Samajwadi Party which led to an angry Akhilesh Yadav openly targeting the grand-old-party. The INDIA alliance collapsed in Madhya Pradesh and the two allies fought against each other. This open tussle could have impacted the alliance in Uttar Pradesh where SP was the main player. However, according to reports, it was timely intervention by Priyanka Gandhi that eventually led to a truce.Congress vs AAP in Haryana and DelhiThe Congress and Arvind Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party shared a blow hot and cold relationship from the Day 1 of the alliance. The two parties contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections together in Delhi, but failed to win any of the 7 seats. And then started a game of open war of words between the two allies. While AAP, the dominant partner in Delhi, refused to align with the Congress for assembly elections in the national capital, the grand-old-party returned fire in Haryana where they snubbed Kejriwal’s party. The AAP eventually walked out of the opposition alliance and has targeted the Congress at every opportunity. One of the reasons why AAP will not return to the INDIA fold for now is the upcoming assembly elections in Punjab where Kejriwal’s party is in power and the Congress is the main rival. Already, the AAP vs Congress rivalry is playing out in the state.Congress vs TMC in West BengalNow, let’s discuss Mamata Banerjee, the Trinamool Congress chief and the former chief minister of West Bengal. The recent assembly elections left her battered and bruised. Mamata not just lost power in West Bengal, she is on the verge of losing control over her party. If that eventually happens, Mamata will be joining the likes of Uddhav Thackeray and Sharad Pawar, who faced similar fate in Maharashtra.The latest meeting of the INDIA bloc was reportedly called at the behest of Mamata after her poll drubbing. Now, when you compare this to Mamata’s stand on the opposition alliance when her dominance was at its peak in West Bengal, you can’t miss the irony. When Mamata was ruling West Bengal, she refused to cede even an inch of extra ground to the Congress and refused to consider any alliance with the grand-old-party. However, that has now changed. Mamata now desperately needs the support of INDIA bloc alliance to take her fight forward against the BJPCongress vs Left in KeralaLet’s move to the south. In Kerala, the Congress and the Left have been political rivals for years. However, ignoring this ground rivalry, the two parties joined hands at the national level under the INDIA banner in 2023. But in the run up to assembly elections earlier this year, the two parties targeted each other with vengeance like never before.And this rivalry in the state elections has now become a bone of contention in their coordination under the INDIA banner. The CPM is attacking Rahul for unleashing a no-holds barred attack against its leader and former chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan.Congress: A ‘glue’ that fails to bindIronically, it is the Congress, which was referred to by National Conference leader and J&K chief minister Omar Abdullah as the glue that binds together the opposition coalition, is at the centre of all political differences within the opposition coalition.The Congress’s competing relationship with the regional allies in the states has been the major reason for differences between the INDIA bloc allies. And this rivalry will not end till the INDIA bloc partners find a mutually satisfactory formula that recognises the political rivalry in the states as a part of their relationship dynamics.However, the 5-point truce plan talks nothing about tackling this inherent problem. While the state elections since 2024 have gradually tilted the balance of power within the INDIA bloc in favour of the Congress, the leaders of the grand-old-party realize that this gain holds little value while the entire opposition space is gradually being usurped by the BJP.Mamata, Kejriwal and MK Stalin of the DMK in Tamil Nadu – the three biggest regional satraps in the opposition alliance have all lost elections in their strongholds and perhaps realize that their clout in the INDIA bloc has diminished.The AAP is no longer in the alliance and the DMK just walked out miffed with what it called Congress’s betrayal in the state as the grand-old-party dumped its ally for a new friend Vijay’s TVK which provided it an opportunity to return to state government after nearly six decades.Uttar Pradesh nextThe next battlefield for the INDIA bloc will likely be Uttar Pradesh, where Akhilesh Yadav’s Samajwadi Party and the Congress are the main players in the opposition space. They contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in alliance with great success pushing the BJP on the backfoot. But as they gear up for the assembly elections in the state next year, seat sharing may once again bring out their differences in the open. Interestingly, in the Delhi meeting – Akhilesh reportedly said that the Congress party should “show a big heart” and back the strongest anti-BJP force in individual states.This is a clear message from Samajwadi Party, which is the dominant partner in the state, that it will want to dictate terms in the assembly elections even as the Congress will continue to fight for its space. It will be interesting to see how the two parties can find the middle ground when they start negotiating seat sharing.What’s nextClearly, the INDIA bloc cannot become a cohesive group without finding a solution to solve the differences between the allies in the states. Mamata has realized this after losing everything in West Bengal. The AAP may also learn it the hard way. It has already lost Delhi to BJP after the Congress made the electoral battle in the state a three-way contest. If Kerjiwal’s party loses Punjab in another three-way contest involving Congress, it may be left without a government in any state, like Mamata Banerjee. Already, AAP has lost most of its Rajya Sabha members to the BJP in an indication of what the future may hold for the party.If the members of the INDIA bloc do not play their cards well, they could end up ceding more political space to the BJP in the future. Any truce plan to keep the parties together will not succeed till it addresses the fundamental fault line of rivalry in the states within the opposition alliance. The Congress now has an upper hand in the alliance and has also shown the willingness to be flexible. But will it be ready to compromise on seats? Well, we will have to wait and see.Get the latest India news and live updates. 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