Breaking news on November 27

Uddhav Thackeray has talked to PM Narendra Modi over the phone and invited him to tomorrow's oath-taking ceremony. This was in addition to an invitation letter that was sent to PM Modi. 

Uddhav Thackeray has called Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He also informed him about the swearing-in ceremony. 

Aaditya Thackeray, Shiv Sena after leaving Congress president Sonia Gandhi's residence said: "We came here to seek her blessings. We will also invite Dr. Manmohan Singh."

Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray has reached the residence of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh. 

NCP's Praful Patel after attending the meeting of NCP-Congress-Shiv Sena MLAs in Mumbai said: "It's not decided yet how many ministers will take oath with Chief Minister tomorrow."

Praful Patel said: "Maharashtra Assembly speaker to be from Congress. Meanwhile, Deputy CM will be from NCP."

Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray has reached Delhi to invite Congress interim President Sonia Gandhi in Uddhav's swearing-in ceremony.

Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind's review petition challenging Supreme Court's Ayodhya verdict ready will be filed on December 3 or 4.

The crucial meeting of NCP, Shiv Sena, and Congress leaders came to an end.

Assam Government prohibits manufacturing, storage, transportation, display, distribution and sale of gutkha, pan masala or any chewing material containing tobacco or nicotine as ingredients, for a period of 1 year.

21 Hindu migrants from Pakistan, who had been living in the state, were granted Indian citizenship today. They were handed over the citizenship certificates at the District Collectorate in Jaipur today.

Photo: Police take away Kanakamala Islamic State module case accused after they were produced in NIA court in Kochi.

The story behind Kanakamala IS terror module case:

A special NIA court here on Wednesday awarded 14 year rigorous imprisonment to a man arrested in connection with a conspiracy to carry out terror strikes across Kerala and neighbouring states in 2016. The Court had on Monday found guilty six people including prime accused Manseed Mehmood, arrested by the National Investigating Agency in the Kanakamala IS terror plot case. One accused in the case, Jasim N K was acquitted. Special judge P Krishnakumar also awarded 10 years rigorous imprisonment to second accused Swalih Mohammed and seven years rigorous imprisonment to third accused Rashid Ali
in the case.

The court has found that they had not joined the ISIS but made it clear that they were qualified to be called as members of a terror gang.

The NIA had busted the IS module from Kanakamala in Kannur district in October 2016 when they were holding a meeting to plan terror attacks against prominent persons, including judges, police officers and politicians, and foreign tourists. 

(PTI Inputs)

In a tragic accident in Nepal's Arghakhanchi district, reportedly, 16 people have died. As per initial reports, the accident occurred when the bus carrying over 23 passengers was traveling from Sandhikhak to Butwal.

As per reports, 16 people have died and several others have been injured in the accident that happened in Narpani on Wednesday afternoon. 

"The bus numbered Lu 2 Kha 2148 slipped of the road and dived 500 meters down," said Madhav Regmi, Deputy Superintendent of Police.

Lok Sabha passes the Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu (Merger of Union Territories) Bill, 2019

BJP leader Pragya S Thakur said: "Anderson (Chairman-CEO of Union Carbide Corporation during 1984 Bhopal disaster) came in the form a terrorist. A foreigner comes here, kills thousands. There are many who are still suffering. The then Congress govt helped him escape. This is terrorism."

"They (Congress) say I'm a terrorist but they are the ones who gave protection to a terrorist. Even after 34 years, life remains affected. People are still not in the condition to work. Many laborers have demanded MRS, where they can retire on medical grounds," she added. 

Meanwhile, here are some stunning pictures from India as we also bring to you some stunning photos from Kashmir, Varanasi and across India.

The Congress leader Ashok Chavan has reached Mumbai's YB Centre. 

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Rajya Sabha said: "India's real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth was at 6.4% at the end of 2009-2014, whereas between 2014-2019 it was at 7.5%"

Lok Sabha passes the Special Protection Group (Amendment) Bill, 2019. Congress MPs had walked out of the house in protest

Shia Board chairman Waseem Rizvi said: "UP Shia Waqf Board will stake claim over 5-acre land for building a mosque if Sunni Board rejects the offer."

Retreating from its record peak, market benchmark BSE Sensex ended 68 points lower on Tuesday as investors booked profits at higher levels amid mixed cues from global markets. After scaling its record intra-day high of 41,120.28, the 30-share BSE Sensex settled 67.93 points, or 0.17 percent, lower at 40,821.30. The broader NSE Nifty gave up its life-time peak of 12,132.45 and finished 36.05 points, or 0.30 percent, down at 12,037.70.

The Shiv Sena has invited 700 farmers for Uddhav Thackeray's swearing-in ceremony. 

The Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray has reached Mumbai's YB Centre. 

P Chidambaram while being taken to jail after hearing said: "Governor, Prime Minister and President were all responsible for that midnight affair (Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar oath). It is sad that the President is involved, deeply sad that he is woken up at 4 am in the morning."

Ajit Pawar after attending the meeting of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MLAs in Mumbai said: "Chief Minister will take oath tomorrow, I informed our MLAs about that programme and told them that all of us have to be there."

The leaders of Congress, Shiv Sena and NCP and are conducting a meeting in Mumbai's YB Centre. 

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh gets a clean chit in Ludhiana City Centre case. He said: "The matter has finally been decided today in our favor and the charges against us have been rejected."

Special court extends Congress leader P Chidambaram's judicial custody till 11 December in the INX money laundering case.

P Chidambaram produced before Delhi court on expiry of judicial custody in connection with INX Media money laundering case. 

Body of a 16-year-old girl who was missing since yesterday, found near her residence in suspicious circumstances today, prima facie it appears she fell down from the terrace. The body has been sent for postmortem and further investigation is underway.

Former Deputy CM of Maharashtra Ajit Pawar said: "Why I supported BJP, will tell later."

Preparations underway at Shivaji Park, ahead of the swearing-in ceremony of Uddhav Thackeray as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, tomorrow.

Bombay High Court, while hearing an old petition filed in 2010, raised security concerns on tomorrow's oath ceremony at Shivaji Park. HC has not stopped the function but has asked authorities to ensure the security, saying that such functions shouldn't become a regular feature at the park. 

NIA Special Court Ernakulam convicted 6 accused in ISIS Omar Al-Hindi Module Case. Accused M Muhmood and Swalih Mohammed sentenced to 14 years and 10 years of rigorous imprisonment. Rashid Ali, Ramshad NK, Safvan P, and Moinudheen PK sentenced to 7 years, 3 years, 8 years and 3 years rigorous imprisonment respectively.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, in Lok Sabha said: "I have come here with an amendment in Special Protection Group (SPG) Act. After the amendment, under this Act, SPG cover will be given only to the PM and members of his family who live officially with him at the PM's residence."

"SPG cover will also be given to a former Prime Minister and his family, living at a residence allotted by the government, for a period of 5 years," he added. 

MoS for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai in a written reply in Rajya Sabha on whether citizenship will be granted to Hindu or any other individual of the minority group from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan: They can seek Indian citizenship under relevant provisions of Citizenship Act 1955.

Arun Singh to be the BJP's candidate from Uttar Pradesh for Rajya Sabha, CK Ramamurthy to be the party's candidate from Karnataka.

My personal opinion is that BJP should not have taken the support of Ajit Dada Pawar. He is an accused in the massive irrigation scam and faces many allegations, so we should not have allied with him, says Senior BJP leader Eknath Khadse

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi likely to skip Uddhav swearing-in as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, says sources

We are committed to making a new Maharashtra. There are several first time MLAs and we all felt proud while taking oath. Want to serve the people of the state, said Aditya Thackeray

Arvind Kejriwal, Mamata Banerjee, Akhilesh Yadav among other Chief Ministers to be invited for Uddhav Thackeray's swearing-in ceremony on November 28 in Mumbai's Shivaji Park

"I will say the right thing at the right time, don't worry," says Devendra Fadnavis on if it was a mistake to ally with Ajit Pawar, a day after resigning as Maharashtra Chief Minister

Ajit Pawar: Party will decide on my role. I changed my decision after the Supreme Court order and after I spoke to my party colleagues.

"I have already said that I was with NCP and I am with NCP. Have they expelled me? Have you heard or read this anywhere? I am still with NCP," says Ajit Pawar.

Ajit Pawar likely to be Cabinet minister in Uddhav Thackeray-led government: Sources

"In the end, he admitted his mistake. It is a family matter and Pawar Sahib has forgiven him. He is very much in the party and his position in the party has not changed," NCP leader Nawab Malik said.

Supreme Court refuses to grant urgent hearing of a plea against the Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress alliance, alleging 'breach of trust of voters against the mandate in Maharashtra'

Congress leader P Chidambaram on Wednesday attacked the BJP over the way Devendra Fadnavis was sworn in as Maharashtra chief minister, calling it an "assault" on the office of the President to wake him at 4 am to get the order revoking President's rule signed.

Ups and downs are a part of politics, we will work on our strategy after Uddhav Thackeray's swearing-in: Chhagan Bhujbal

Senior Uttar Pradesh Congress leader Pradeep Mathur on Wednesday called Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari a "BJP agent" and demanded his dismissal for dragging the office of the President into controversy.

"Sack Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari if he does not tender his resignation on his own for working as a BJP agent," Mathur urged President Ram Nath Kovind in his statement.

Maharashtra CM candidate Uddhav Thackeray returns to family residence Matoshree in Mumbai, after meeting Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari at Raj Bhawan,

Talking to news agency ANI, Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut exuded confidence in Shiv Sena and said they can form govt even in Delhi as well

"No decision has been taken on who will be deputy CM," Maharashtra Congress President Balasaheb Thorat told reporters

Shiv Sena Chief & 'Maha Vikas Aghadi' (NCP-Congress-Shiv Sena alliance) CM candidate, Uddhav Thackeray meets Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari at Raj Bhawan.

Shiv Sena leader and Chief Minister candidate Uddhav Thackeray is on his way to meet Governor

Ajit Pawar meets Jayant Patil at the special Assembly session called by Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari

"We are happy that Ajit Pawar has come back. He is also here today. He is a part of NCP. Going forward, we would work under his guidance," says NCP MLA Rohit Pawar at the assembly in Mumbai:

I was never thrown out of NCP, says Ajit Pawar

I was always a part of NCP and will continue to remain a part of it, says Ajit Pawar

Shiv Sena's Neelam Gorhe said: We are happy that finally the dream of Balasaheb ji Thackeray is being fulfilled. 'Maha Vikas Aghadi' will be led by Uddhav Thackeray, guided by Sharad Pawar & Sonia ji madam has made an immense contribution to it, so we will do great work for Maharashtra

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NCP leader Supriya Sule at the assembly in Mumbai said: We have a lot of new responsibilities. Every citizen of Maharashtra stood by us.

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Ajit Pawar, Chhagan Bhujbal, Aaditya Thackeray among those administered oath as MLAs.

Pro tem Speaker Kalidas Kolambkar starts administering
oath to members in the 288-member House

NCP leader Supriya Sule shakes hands, welcomes BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis, who resigned as the chief minister on Tuesday evening,

NCP leader Ajit Pawar received a warm welcome from Supriya Sule at Vidhan Sabha. Supriya Sule welcomed cousin Ajit Pawar with a hug and warm smile at the oath-taking ceremony. Supriya Sule welcomed cousin Ajit Pawar came along with other NCP leaders to join the MLAs at the swearing-in ceremony. 

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray will have to prove majority in the Maharashtra assembly within 7 days of being sworn-in as the chief minister. The NCP-Congress-Shiv Sena collision on Tuesday evening staked claim to form the government in Maharashtra with the support of 166 MLAs.

"I will go to Delhi to meet my 'elder brother' after the government is formed," Uddhav Thackeray said, referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi who had called him "younger brother" during campaign rallies.

Shiv Sena MLAs are leaving the Lemon Tree Hotel to go to the Maharashtra assembly to take oath as members of the House.

NCP MP Supriya Sule welcomes Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray at the Maharashtra assembly for the oath-taking ceremony. Supriya Sule hugged Aaditya Thackeray, who is a first time MLA in Maharashtra. Aaditya Thackeray offered prayer at Siddhivinayak temple in Mumbai, ahead of special Assembly session

Uddhav Thackeray to leave for Raj Bhavan at 9 am, where he will meet Governor

NCP MLAs to leave for Maharashtra special Assembly session in a short while

The BJP said on Tuesday that it should function as a strong opposition in the Assembly. A meeting of party MLAs and senior leaders was held here in the evening. Speaking to reporters later, BJP leader Ashish Shelar said, "In the meeting, the party decided to function as a strong opposition in the assembly. We wish good luck to the parties which are forming a government. "The BJP will try to protect the interest of common man," Shelar added.

Shiv Sena President Uddhav Thackeray late on Tuesday staked his claim to form the government in Maharashtra before Governor B.S. Koshyari, party sources said. The Governor has accepted the claim and announced that Thackeray will be sworn-in as on 5 p.m. on November 28 (Thursday) at Shivaji Park.

A high-level delegation including NCP leader Praful Patel, NCP state chief Jayant Patil, Congress state President Balasaheb Thorat, Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde, Samajwadi Party state President Abu Asim Azmi and other leaders of the Maha Vikas Aghadi met the Governor and submitted a letter from Thackeray, support letters of all alliance partners, and other documents, to the Governor.

Even after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accepted its defeat in Maharashtra as Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis quit his post a day before the crucial floor test in the Assembly, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Modi tweeted, "this is not the end. Wait for some months".

His remarks came soon after the four-day-old BJP government supported by Ajit Pawar, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) supremo Sharad pawar's nephew, resigned in Maharashtra.

NCP supremo Sharad Pawar, who scripted the Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress regime, reached the Trident Hotel on Tuesday amidst cheers from workers of all the three parties, though having being written off by political analysts ahead of the crucial Maharashtra Assembly elections after his party's lacklustre performance in the Lok Sabha polls earlier this year.

Despite the momentary setback of nephew Ajit Pawar's abortive rebellion, Sharad Pawar has emerged the winner in the political game, which was changing its course every minute. He has successfully enthroned Shiv Sena Uddhav Thackeray as Chief Minister with much manoeuvring.

The path was not easy at it seems now - Pawar had pushed for a rotational Chief Minister in the state but the Shiv Sena insisted on a full five year term. Then Uddhav Thackeray's nominees for CM also found no takers, including name of his son and first-time MLA, Aditya Thackeray.

The Sena-NCP-Congress government, set to take power on Thursday, will have to take steps to check the widening revenue deficit of India's second most politically important state.

For 2019-20 (BE), revenue receipts have been estimated at Rs 3.15 lakh crore while revenue expenditure has been estimated at Rs 3.35 lakh crore. The state continues to estimate a revenue deficit for FY20 (BE) and it stands at Rs 20,293 crore. This is the only FRBM norm that has not been adhered to in the second successive year, according to rating agency CARE Ratings.

Former Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's wife Amruta Fadnavis on Tuesday tweeted an Urdu couplet to say that she will come back.​ Amruta, a banker by profession, tweeted, "Palat me aaungi shakhon pe khushbuye lekar, khija ki jad mein hoon, mausam jara badalne de."

"Thanks, Mah (Maharashtra) for a memorable five years as your Vahini (sister-in-law)! The love showered by you will always make me nostalgic! I tried to perform my role to best of my abilities-with desire only to serve and make a positive diff," she added.

Sanjay Raut has said that the Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress alliance will invite Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for the swearing-in ceremony of Uddhav Thackeray

Meanwhile, left parties on Tuesday question the role of the governor in the formation of the Maharashtra govt by the BJP

"He (Governor) gave us his time today, and the chance to form government. We want to work for the people and provide a stable government to the state," Aaditya Thackeray said on Tuesday night after meeting Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari

Swearing-in ceremony of Uddhav Thackeray as Maharashtra Chief Minister will be held at Shivaji Park in central Mumbai on 28th November

Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray arrives at the residence of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Chief Sharad Pawar