Politics in Gujarat is witnessing a significant shift with Faisal Patel, the son of late Congress leader Ahmed Patel, inclining towards the BJP, even as his sister Mumtaz gears up for a political debut as a Congress candidate.
Ahmed Patel, a close associate of former Congress President Sonia Gandhi, passed away in 2020 due to COVID-19. Considered a major figure in Congress politics, his death left a huge void in the party. The ongoing tussle between his children, Faisal and Mumtaz, over his political legacy has now become the talk of the town.
Recently, Faisal posted a picture on social media with the Gujarat BJP President C.R. Paatil, igniting speculation about his political leanings (June 7 on Twitter) . In response, Mumtaz shared a photograph with former Congress President Rahul Gandhi, underlining her allegiance to the party. This exchange of pictures seems to suggest a clear divergence in their political paths.
Before the Gujarat Legislative Assembly elections, Mumtaz had shown indications of taking over her father's legacy. She had been actively involved in community service through various institutions set up by her father, meeting with senior leaders of the Bharuch Congress, social leaders, and people from various walks of life.
There are clear signs in the political corridors that while Faisal seems to be getting closer to the BJP, Mumtaz is trying to establish her political career within the Congress.
Daughter follows father's footsteps
At the age of 26 in 1977, their father Ahmed won the election from Bharuch, becoming the youngest member of Parliament. Echoing his path, Mumtaz expressed her political aspirations on Twitter in August 2022, stating that she is interested in politics and keen to contest elections from Bharuch in 2024.
Sri Lankan Navy arrests 32 Tamil fishermen, five boats seized
The Sri Lankan Navy has arrested 32 fishermen from Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) and fishing in Lankan waters.
Mann Ki Baat: PM Modi hails ISRO's century in rocket launches, urges people to dedicate a day for science
Addressing the 119th episode of his monthly radio programme, 'Mann Ki Baat', on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the Indian Space Research Organisation, saying it has hit the century in space. Last month, the country witnessed the ISRO's 100th rocket launch.
Mizoram student stabbed to death in Kerala, batchmate arrested
A 22-year-old BTech student from Mizoram was stabbed to death near his college in Thiruvananthapuram. The deceased, Valentine, was a student at Rajadhani Institute of Engineering & Technology, Nagaroor.
Italy PM slams Left's double standards, says when Trump, Meloni, Modi talk, they are called threat to democracy
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has accused left-wing politicians of being "nervous" over former US President Donald Trump's victory, claiming that conservatives are unfairly labelled as a "threat to democracy" while leftist leaders are celebrated for similar global alliances.
NDRF intensifies rescue operation to save 8 trapped in Telangana tunnel
National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams on Sunday intensified rescue efforts to save eight persons trapped in an under-construction tunnel after a portion of its roof collapsed in Telangana’s Nagarkurnool district on February 22.
Israel delays Palestinian prisoner release after 'humiliating' hostage handovers
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday that the release of Palestinian prisoners would be delayed until Hamas ceases its "humiliating ceremonies" during the release of Israeli hostages under the ceasefire deal.
PM Modi on 3-day visit to MP, Bihar, Assam from today
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Assam from February 23 to 25 to participate in several developmental projects and inaugurate business summits.
US senators call out China for 'weaponising' UN 1971 resolution, vow support to Taiwan
The United States Senators accused China of subverting United Nations Resolution 2758 in an attempt to isolate Taiwan. The senators proposed a resolution in the Senate reaffirming US support for Taiwan. The resolution opposes China's attempt to prevent Taiwan's meaningful participation in international organisations.