In Indian politics, some leaders become synonymous with their party. Their voice becomes the voice of the party, the party is identified by their name, but the game of power is murderous. One day suddenly he is thrown aside. These stories are not just personal, but stories of alliances, families, factionalism and the hunger for ‘new faces’. Be it Raghav Chaddha, RCP Singh or Sanjay Joshi.. These leaders were also once ‘priceless gems’ of the party. Let’s understand in the explainer how this became ‘old stuff’…

Raghav Chaddha- AAP: Face of Delhi Model, suddenly removed in 2026

Raghav Chadha was one of the brightest faces of AAP. In 2022, he became Rajya Sabha MP from Punjab, became the national spokesperson of the party, asked sharp questions on the budget and took Kejriwal’s ‘Arvind Kejriwal’ image to the national level, but on April 2, 2026, AAP suddenly took a shocking decision. Raghav Chadha was removed from the post of deputy leader in Rajya Sabha. His place was given to Ashok Mittal. The party wrote a letter to the Rajya Sabha Secretariat saying that now Chadha should not be given time to speak from the party quota.

Political experts believe that Chadha had become silent after AAP’s defeat in the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections. He stayed away from Kejriwal’s programs, increasing his distance from the core agenda of the party. Party sources called it ‘indiscipline’. BJP and Congress termed it as ‘rift in AAP’. Till just 24 hours ago, Chadha was the face of the party, the next day he was sidelined.

RCP Singh- JD(U): Closest to Nitish Kumar, out in 2022

RCP Singh was the most trusted aide of Nitish Kumar. In 2020, he became the National President of JD(U), in 2021 he became the Union Steel Minister. He was considered Nitish’s ‘right hand’, but Nitish refused to give him Rajya Sabha ticket in 2022. Then he was accused of corruption. On 6 August 2022, JD(U) sought clarification from him. On the same day RCP Singh left the party. He said, ‘There was a relationship with Nitish Kumar for 30 years, but now it is over.’ Nitish did not call him a ‘traitor’, but the party made it clear – there is no place for him now. Today he is out of JD(U).

Sanjay Joshi- BJP: Chanakya of RSS, ‘sitting’ in the eyes of Modi

Sanjay Joshi was an old warrior of BJP and RSS. In the 1990s, he became the general secretary of Gujarat BJP and strengthened the organization, but was removed in 2005 after a CD scandal. In 2011, Nitin Gadkari got him re-entered into the party, but Narendra Modi, who was the then Chief Minister of Gujarat, was unhappy with this decision. Finally on June 8, 2012, Sanjay Joshi resigned from BJP. After 2014, he became completely sidelined. In 2015, the party served notices to those who put up posters on his birthday. Even today he is a ‘closed chapter’ for BJP.

Ghulam Nabi Azad- Congress: 50 years of service, ‘Rahul Gandhi broke it’ in 2022

Ghulam Nabi Azad was one of the biggest faces of Congress. He was a Rajya Sabha MP from Jammu and Kashmir, Health Minister and Congress General Secretary. Referring to Rahul Gandhi’s ‘one person, one post’ policy in 2022 and the lack of consultation in the party, he left Congress by writing a 5-page letter on 26 August 2022. He wrote in a letter to Sonia Gandhi, ‘Rahul Gandhi has destroyed the advisory system of the party.’ Then Azad formed his own party DPAP, but he was ‘synonymous’ in Congress, today he is sidelined.

Dinesh Trivedi- TMC: Minister in Mamata’s government, resignation in 2021

Dinesh Trivedi was a senior leader of Trinamool Congress (TMC) and had also been the Railway Minister. He resigned from Rajya Sabha on 12 February 2021, before the 2021 West Bengal elections. He said, ‘Violence and incidents are not tolerable in Bengal.’ After his resignation, he also praised Modi. He was an ‘old confidant’ in Mamata Banerjee’s TMC, but was suddenly sidelined.

Raj Thackeray- Shiv Sena: Nephew of Bal Thackeray, sidelined by family in 2005

Raj Thackeray was the most aggressive face of Shiv Sena, but after Uddhav Thackeray was made the working president in 2003, Raj felt insulted. On 27 November 2005, he left Shiv Sena while giving an emotional speech at Shivaji Park Gymkhana. He said, ‘I had only asked for respect, I got insult.’ Later he formed MNS. Even after 20 years, he is the ‘sideline’ face of Shiv Sena.

CM Ibrahim- JDS: Face of Karnataka, thrown out in 2023

CM Ibrahim was the Karnataka president of JDS, but in October 2023 he opposed the BJP-JDS alliance. Kumaraswamy removed him on 19 October 2023 and expelled him from the party on 9 December 2023. Abraham said, ‘I will go to the people.’ He was ‘Deve Gowda’s confidant’ in JDS, but was sidelined overnight.

Azam Khan- SP: Badshah of Rampur, jail and sideline

Azam Khan was the most powerful face of SP. He has been MLA and Minister from Rampur 7 times, but was sent to jail in many cases since 2020. Convicted in fake PAN card case in February 2020. Then in November 2025 he was sentenced to 7 years. While in jail, SP sidelined him. Akhilesh Yadav had said about Azam Khan, ‘The party will decide.’ While in jail, his active role in SP reduced. In some reports, the family complained that Akhilesh Yadav did not show much support during his jail term. The command of the party in Rampur was handed over to other leaders. Although soon after his release, Akhilesh made him the star campaigner of Bihar elections, but due to repeated jail visits, Azam Khan distanced himself from political activities.

O. Panneerselvam- AIADMK: Became CM after Jayalalitha, but Sasikala sidelined

O. Panneerselvam (OPS) was closest to Jayalalitha. After the death of Jayalalitha in December 2016, he became the Tamil Nadu CM from AIADMK, but in 2017, VK Sasikala tried to make herself the CM by removing him. OPS started ‘Dharma Yudh’. Later met with EPS, but in 2026 EPS refused to let OPS come back into the party. He was the ‘honest face’ of AIADMK, today he is standing on the sidelines.

These stories show that it is not easy to become a ‘synonym’ in politics, but it is even easier to be sidelined. The face that is there today becomes ‘old’ tomorrow. These leaders remind that the party is always above the ‘individual’, but sometimes the individual is sacrificed.

These days, controversy over the name of Tipu Sultan is increasing in Maharashtra. This controversy started after the picture of Tipu Sultan was installed in the office of Deputy Mayor Shan-e-Hind in Malegaon Municipal Corporation. As soon as this matter came to light, a heated debate started regarding it in local politics. The state government opposed it, while Shiv Sena UBT has also given its response on the issue.

But amidst all this, a question is also arising that who is the one who put up the picture of Tipu Sultan, after which this whole uproar got aired. Her name is Shan-e-Hind, Deputy Mayor of Malegaon Municipal Corporation. Let us know who is Shaan-e-Hind.

Political and family background of Shaan-e-Hind

Shaan is associated with the Hind Islam Party and is a well-known political personality of Malegaon. She has a BA LLB degree and has been a corporator three times. She is the daughter of late Nihal Ahmed, who was MLA of Malegaon five times from Janata Dal. Nihal Ahmed was influential in the politics of Malegaon and Nashik for decades. He became the first Mayor of Malegaon after it became a Municipal Corporation in 2002. Hind’s mother Sajeda Nihal Ahmed had previously been the head of the Municipal Council, which clearly shows the dominance of the family.

Family tragedy and political turn

After the death of Hind’s father and brother within a short period of time, she came to the forefront of active politics. She was married to Mustaqeem Dignity, a close associate of her late brother. Family legacy and local support gave him a strong base. In 2023, he left Janata Dal Secular. She opposed the party’s alliance with BJP under the leadership of HD Deve Gowda and also became emotional in public. Later she joined Samajwadi Party and contested the 2024 assembly elections, although she had to face defeat.

New political strategy and alliance

Politics in Malegaon has long revolved around two families, Nihal Ahmed and late Congress leader Sheikh Rasheed. In a major change, Hind and her husband ended their years-long rivalry with the Sheikh family. He joined hands with ISLAM Party of former MLA Sheikh Asif. This alliance was made to challenge the growing influence of Mufti Ismail. Mufti Ismail had won the Malegaon Central seat in 2019 and 2024. This alliance got 40 seats in the corporation and with external support paved the way for Hind to become the Deputy Mayor on 7 February.

After the gazette notification issued by the Urban Development Department last evening, the political stir has intensified. After this notification, a new situation has arisen regarding the entry and record process of Shiv Sena corporators. According to sources, corporators of Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) will not go to Kokan Bhawan today. It is believed that the party has decided to distance itself from this process for now.

Original documents with the party

According to the information, Eknath Shinde faction has kept the original documents of all its newly elected corporators with itself. This is indicating that the party is completely alert about the future strategy and does not want to take any step in haste.

Meanwhile, all Shiv Sena corporators staying at Taj Lands End Hotel in Bandra were instructed to check out. On the fourth day, finally all 29 Shiv Sena councilors were discharged from the hotel. All these councilors were staying in Taj Lands End Hotel since January 17.

Belapur tour canceled for now

According to the information received from the party leaders, the plan to go to Belapur in Navi Mumbai for group formation has been canceled for the time being. It is clear from this that the party is internally rethinking its strategy.

Due to the changed role of Shiv Sena, various kinds of speculations are being made in political circles. Continuous meetings are going on within the party and the future course of action is being seriously discussed.

Eyes fixed on Delhi meeting

Now everyone’s eyes are fixed on the important meeting to be held in Delhi today. It is believed that after this meeting, the future political direction and strategy of Shiv Sena can become clear. At present the party has maintained silence, but a major decision is expected to be taken in the coming hours.

After the elections of 29 metropolitan municipalities in Maharashtra, politics is taking a new turn with the results of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. Even though no one party has clearly got the power of the Municipal Corporation on the basis of numbers, the key to reach the post of Mayor is currently in the hands of Shiv Sena Chief and Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde. In the current political situation, the role of Shinde faction has emerged as ‘kingmaker’.

The support of 114 councilors is necessary for majority in the 227-member Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. According to the election results, BJP has emerged as the largest party with 89 seats, but it is 25 seats away from the majority. Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena has 29 seats, while the Uddhav Thackeray faction has got 65 seats. Congress has got 24 seats, AIMIM 8 and MNS 6 seats.

In this mathematics, if BJP and Shinde Shiv Sena come together, they will have a total of 118 councilors, which crosses the majority figure. This is the reason why the consent of Shinde group is being considered decisive in the mayor’s election.

BMC Elections: Why the need to send Jeet Alliance councilors to hotel?

Amidst this political importance, Eknath Shinde has shifted all his 29 councilors to a five star hotel in Bandra area of ​​Mumbai. The party fears that there may be attempts to sabotage the councilors i.e. horse trading. However, from the Shinde faction it has been officially described as a three-day workshop.

According to party leaders, in this workshop the councilors are being given information about the functioning of BMC, administrative procedures and development plans. Shinde faction leader Rahul Shewale says that this meeting has been organized in connection with the strategy for the upcoming local body elections and preparation of programs for the birth centenary of Balasaheb Thackeray.

Is BJP upset with these demands of Shiv Sena?

Amidst all this, questions are being raised in political circles that when Bharatiya Janata Party and Shinde Sena fought the elections together, then what happened now that councilors had to be sent to hotels.

If sources are to be believed, before the mayor elections, Shinde Sena has also put forward its major demands before the alliance. According to sources, Shinde faction wants that the five-year mayor tenure should be divided into two and a half years, in which the first two and a half years will be their mayor.

Apart from this, he is also eyeing the post of Chairman of the Standing Committee, considered the most powerful of BMC. Shinde Sena is demanding a share in the ratio of 2:1 in the formation of committees.

What did CM Devendra Fadnavis say on BMC?

On this entire incident, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis says that there will be no horse trading of any kind. He has clarified that the final decision regarding the mayor will be taken by BJP and Shinde Shiv Sena together and the administration of Mumbai will be given stability. At the same time, Shiv Sena UBT President Uddhav Thackeray, while commenting on the recent situation, has raised questions on the political working style of BJP.

Overall, the balance of power in BMC is such that the selection of the mayor does not seem possible without the support of the Shinde faction. The talks regarding enclosure of councillors, terms of power sharing and posts have made it clear that the next decision of the Mumbai government largely depends on the strategy and consent of Eknath Shinde.

In Maharashtra, the controversial statement of Shiv Sena MLA Prakash Surve of Eknath Shinde faction has become the center of political debate. Surve had said in a program that “Marathi is my mother, but North India is my aunt”, after which opposition parties and Marathi organizations expressed strong protest. In view of the increasing opposition, the MLA has publicly apologized.

What was the statement and how did the controversy escalate?

During the program, Surve had said, “I say… Marathi is my motherland, my mother and North India is my aunt.” Once the mother dies, it is okay but the aunt should not die because the aunt loves her more.

As soon as the video of his statement went viral on social media, protests started. Displeasure was expressed in many areas of Mumbai and Thane. When the pressure increased, Surve said with folded hands in front of the media, “Marathi is both my mother and aunt.” These words came out unconsciously. If anyone’s sentiments have been hurt, I apologize.

Prakash Survey on Marathi: Marathi Motherland, North India Mavshi, Aayi Meli Tari Chalel Mavshi Nahi!#abpmajha #abpmazha #prakashsurve #maharashtrapolitics #marathinews pic.twitter.com/vwVBGXrCV5

— ABP Majha (@abpmajhatv) November 3, 2025

Government and opposition face to face

Maharashtra Industries Minister Uday Samant defended Surve, saying that the statement was not made intentionally and the MLA immediately expressed regret. Samant alleged that the opposition is unnecessarily trying to give political color to this matter. According to PTI, he said that the government under the leadership of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is continuously working to maintain the prestige of Marathi language, which has also recently got the status of classical language.

Opposition from Marathi organizations and opposition

Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT), Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and Marathi Ekikaran Samiti termed Surve’s statement as an “attack on Marathi identity”. On November 4, these parties took out a protest march in Dahisar and demanded an apology from the MLA on a public platform. Organizations said that such comparison is an insult to Marathi culture and leaders should choose their words carefully. Although Surve’s apology has calmed the atmosphere to some extent amidst the growing controversy, the discussion is still going on in political circles.

The Bombay High Court has acquitted 12 people convicted in the 2006 Mumbai local train blasts. The court said that the prosecution failed to fulfill concrete evidence against these accused.

Reacting to this decision, Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam said, “This decision is very unfortunate. The investigating agencies should investigate the matter afresh. The government and the agency should avenge the murder of innocent people by appealing to the Supreme Court against this decision.”

High court decision and its base

A special bench of Justices Anil Killor and Justice Shyam Chandak said that the evidence presented by the prosecution was not enough to convict the accused. According to PTI, the court acquitted everyone by canceling the death sentence of 5 accused and the life imprisonment of 7.

The court said, “It is difficult to believe that the accused committed this crime. The prosecution failed to prove the case completely.” Now these 12 persons have been ordered to be released immediately if they are not wanted in any other case.

Backgrounds and developments of judgment

On 11 July 2006, there were seven serial blasts in Mumbai’s local trains, in which more than 180 people were killed and hundreds were injured. In this case, 12 people were convicted by a special court in 2015. Of these, 5 were hanged and 7 were sentenced to life imprisonment.

On Monday, when the High Court ruled, all the accused appeared in the court through video conference and thanked their lawyers. There is now a new twist in this 19 -year -old case. This decision of the Bombay High Court is considered to be important not only from the legal point of view but also from the social and political point of view.

In Maharashtra politics, there are chances of extreme ups and downs at this time. On the one hand, the dispute between the two Shiv Sena (Shinde faction and the UBT) is such that the heads of both parties ignore each other. On the other hand, there is talk of both parties coming together in the assembly once again.

Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council and senior Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve has said that even today the partition of Shiv Sena knocks them. He clearly said that a strong organization like Shiv Sena is unfortunate and now the time has come that both groups should be one again.

Regrets of breaking up organization- Ambadas Danve

According to PTI, Danve said in a conversation with a Marathi channel, “We are not born for power. The power keeps on coming, but the unity of the organization is the greatest strength. Someone has taken a bad eye on our Shiv Sena and split into the organization. This wound should be filled someday.” He said that the solidarity of Shiv Sena has been his identity and all Shiv Sainiks should come together.

There was a big political change in Shiv Sena

There was a big political earthquake in the Shiv Sena in the year 2022, when Eknath Shinde rebelled with 39 MLAs and formed a separate faction. After this, Shinde joined the government with BJP and is now the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra. Danve said that political changes continue, but the spirit of ideological unity and original organization should remain.

Talk of raising the party again

Danve also said that his party should be in power, this is his personal feeling but the organization is strengthened above that. He said, “As a Shiv Sainik, I want the Shiv Sena to emerge again as a strong and organized party. It is not a mistake to expect unity.”

Union hm amit shah in Mumbai: Union Home Minister Amit Shah was on Friday (20 June) on the round of Mumbai, the capital of Maharashtra. During his visit to Mumbai, Union Home Minister Amit Shah attended the inauguration of the newly constructed headquarters building of Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (MACCIA) and the inauguration ceremony of the State Level Cooperative Industrial Conference. Addressing the function, Union Home Minister Amit Shah also mentioned Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and his party Shiv Sena.

Addressing the ceremony of MACCIA, Amit Shah said, “Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has shown to everyone who is the real Shiv Sena.” Amit Shah’s remarks came a day after the Shiv Sena and Uddhav Thackeray factions celebrated the foundation day of the undivided party on behalf of the Shiv Sena and the Shiv Sena (Ubatha) respectively.

Shinde’s Shiv Sena defeated 36 candidates of Shiv Sena (Ubatha) in the last year.

In November last year, Shinde-led Shiv Sena won 57 seats in the 288-member Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, while Shiv Sena (Ubatha) got only 20 seats. Shiv Sena candidates defeated Shiv Sena (Ubatha) candidates on 36 seats.

There will be conflict between Shiv Sena groups in upcoming local body elections

The battle between Shiv Sena groups in the upcoming local body elections across the state is going to be even more sharp, especially in the country’s richest municipal body, Mumbai, which has been a stronghold of undivided Shiv Sena for many decades.

Bala Saheb Thackeray’s established party was divided in June 2022

It is noteworthy that Bala Saheb Thackeray’s established party divided into June 2022 when Shinde rebelled and dropped the Mahavikas Aghadi government led by Uddhav Thackeray. Since then, both groups have been claiming the legacy of Bal Thackeray and have been describing themselves as real Shiv Sena.

Operation Sindoor: Shiv Sena leader Raju Waghmare on Thursday raised a big question about the intention of Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan. He said that these three Khans of Bollywood show patriotism only in their films. But, in honor of the army, a post does not come from them. On the other hand, Pakistan, which begged India for ceasefire, is taking out a rally to celebrate its former cricketer defeat. But, three mines are sitting silent here.

During a conversation with the news agency IANS, the Shiv Sena leader said that it is absolutely true that even after losing, people like Shahid Afridi are taking out rallies and processions to convert their defeat into celebrations and gather support. But the bad thing is that Bollywood stars are still sitting at home and are only showing patriotism in their films.

Targets targeted at all three mines

None of the three Khans Shah Rukh, Salman or Aamir have posted any post nor have they said anything about the army. Since they are such a big celebrity, whatever they say, they have great importance. But in such a difficult situation for the country, if these three mines remain silent and do not express support for the country and our army, then what is their benefit.

He said that if he continues to do so, then the Shiv Sena completely condemns it and Shiv Sena will answer these three Khans in its style. When their movie comes, the answer will be available. He said that if there is no love in the country in the country, then you will have to teach a lesson. When the time comes, these stars go back two steps and sit at home.

He said that the rest of the film stars posted a post regarding Operation Sindoor in honor of the army. Amitabh Bachchan, Ajay Devgan, Akshay Kumar and other stars tweeted. However, nothing came from these three mines. They have to tell that there is love for Pakistan or love towards India has reduced. They have to answer. If these stars have such an attitude, then it is obvious that ‘Shiv Sena will not tolerate. Shiv Sena will be replied in style.

Also read: Tinnu Anand trolled on the talk of stray dogs beating hockey, said- My daughter’s wrist broke

Kunal kamra controversy: A petition has been filed in the High Court in support of the comedian amid a dispute over Kunal Kamra. This petition has demanded that jokes should be recognized under Article 19 of the Constitution as Article 19 of the Constitution guarantees freedom of speech and expression.

Harshvardhan Khandekar, a student studying law, has filed a petition supporting Kunal Kamra through Advocate Amit Kataranavare. This petition filed in the Bombay High Court claimed that Kunal Kamra’s jokes are under the purview of Tanj and Political Criticism.

‘Kunal Kamra’s jokes of some kind of hatred or …’
The petition filed in the High Court states that Kunal Kamra’s jokes were not with the aim of spreading any kind of hatred or enmity. He was just a tanjia. It has also been demanded in the petition that action should be taken against the officials responsible for the action taken by the municipality against Haibitat Studio in Khar. Please tell that the municipality has taken the studio located in Khar in its possession. In such a situation, it has been alleged in this petition that this decision has been taken in a partisan manner and the municipality has misused its jurisdiction.

4 FIRs lodged against Kunal Kamra
Kunal Kamra is trapped in a legal panchade to say controversial poem on Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde. A total of 4 FIRs and two NC (non -cognizable) offenses have been recorded on the comedian so far. All these cases have been registered under sections 353 (1) (b), 353 (2), 356 (2) of BNS. These cases have been transferred to the Khar police for further investigation.

Also read: Kunal Kamra Controversy: Kunal Kamra’s difficulties increased, three cases registered in the same police station