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Thursday, February 19, 2026
TopicMaharashtra Politics

Topic: Maharashtra Politics

Ajit Pawar’s death brings new churn to Maharashtra politics. Pawar family still holds the key

To carry forward Ajit Pawar’s political legacy, Sunetra Pawar would be given the mandate. It means power may remain in his family, and the other faction may have to wait longer.

A teary farewell in Baramati: In death, Ajit Pawar brings political rivals, entire Pawar clan together

Maharashtra deputy CM’s last journey drew massive crowds from across state, united in grief at Baramati, his political launchpad & a seat he represented in legislature since 1991.

Siddaramaiah did a big disservice to Karnataka by not greeting German Chancellor Merz

ThePrint view on the most important issues.

Rumbles in NCP camps over Pawar parivar civic poll pact—discontent for some, practical move for others

Coalition of NCPs led by Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar sets off speculation of a merger in the future even as parties say alliance only for Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad civic polls.

Ranjitsinh Nimbalkar: Former BJP MP caught in a political storm over Satara doctor suicide case

The doctor was found hanging in a hotel room in Satara with a note scrawled on her palm that said a cop had raped her multiple times and landlord’s son had sexually harassed her.

How a new Pawar is becoming a big headache for Maharashtra govt, with a senior Pawar’s blessing

From exposing ministers’ alleged misconduct to joining protests, NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar's new role as party general secretary has seen him taking on state govt more aggressively.

With talks of leadership change & mega membership drives, both NCPs kick off local polls campaign

Both NCP factions held their functions in Pune—an NCP stronghold. Sharad & Ajit Pawar said any decisions on alliances in different places would be made after consulting local leaders.

Is a Pawar reunion on the cards? What the two NCPs are thinking

Hopes of the factions joining hands were raised after frequent meetings between Sharad & Ajit Pawar. Rohit Pawar says it’ll be an ‘emotional decision’.

Uddhav Sena draws Mahayuti flak for skipping Pahalgam all-party meet, slams Amit Shah

In Saamana, the party asked what a govt 'that clamps down on Oppn' will achieve with the meeting. MP Arvind Sawant said, he & MP Sanjay Raut were traveling for parliamentary work.

With caste and political arithmetic in mind, how Fadnavis has been building up MLC Ram Shinde

Shinde, elected as Maharashtra Legislative Council chairman, is a Dhangar, a community BJP is trying to placate. He is also expected to check clout of Ahmednagar satrap Radhakrishna Patil.

On Camera

Telangana spoke up for Muslim vendor who was attacked. South is different from the North

A poor Muslim man from Kurnool, selling khoya buns during the Medaram Jatara in Telangana, was harassed by some YouTubers and surrounded by a mob over allegations of 'food jihad'.

In the West, there’s anxiety. In India, optimism—Rishi Sunak says India poised to be leader in AI

On Wednesday, the former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was speaking in New Delhi at a Carnegie & Observer Research Foundation event on AI.

US military commander, envoy Sergio Gor visit Indian Army Western Command, Bengaluru next

At the Western Army Command, the American delegation was briefed on the capabilities of the formation, past operations and the path ahead.

The new Great Game—Trump’s playing for time, China for leverage & India for wiggle room

This is the game every nation is now learning to play. Some are finding new allies or seeing value among nations where they’d seen marginal interest. The starkest example is India & Europe.