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The recent selection of chief ministers in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh by the BJP's top leadership has caused concern within the Maharashtra BJP. The consistent pattern of sidelining established leaders in favour of fresh faces has sparked discussions in Nagpur, where the winter session is underway. Speculation and debate are rife not only within the state BJP but also among its allies about the potential implications for Maharashtra if the BJP-led alliance secures victory in the upcoming assembly elections next year. The uncertainty surrounding leadership choices and power dynamics adds an intriguing dimension to the political discourse in the region.

The Indian Navy assisted in the rescue of an injured crew member from the hijacked vessel MV Ruen in the early hours of December 18, 2023. The injured crew member had sustained injuries during the incident but was reported to be stable. To make sure of his safety, the ship was successful in securing his release by the hijackers.

"The injured crew member was medically managed onboard the IN ship but due to urgent medical attention required, which was beyond the scope of the ship, he has been transferred ashore to Oman," the Indian Navy said in a statement.

LK Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi, BJP stalwarts who played a crucial role in the 1990 Rath Yatra that paved the way to the party's accession to power, have been invited by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad for the consecration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya next month. The invitation came a day after a temple trust official said they had been asked not to come because of their advanced age.

Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) president Alok Kumar said that both BJP veterans said that they will try their best to attend the January 22 event.

Amid speculation about the alleged poisoning and hospitalisation of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim in Pakistan, credible intelligence sources have debunked these rumours, which emerged on social media on December 17.

The unfounded claims gained traction following a late-night video from a Pakistani YouTuber, who, relying on unverified social media reports, speculated on Ibrahim's poisoning and hospitalisation.

Will Arvind Kejriwal appear before ED? AAP MP gives 'vipassana' hint

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal is going for the Vipassana session starting December 19, AAP MP Sandeep Pathak said on Monday, while reacting to the Enforcement Directorate's summons to his boss in connection with the liquor policy case. The agency has called the AAP convener for questioning on December 21.

This is the second time the agency has summoned him. The Enforcement Directorate had called Kejriwal on November 2. He, however, failed to appear before the agency citing election campaigns in five states.