BJP's national president, Jagat Prakash Narayan Lal Nadda, commonly known as JP Nadda, has officially taken his place in the upper house of the Indian Parliament, the Rajya Sabha. This significant event occurred alongside the swearing-in of five other newly-elected members on a momentous Saturday session.

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray arrived in New Delhi on Monday, March 18, to hold discussions with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, signaling a potential alliance between MNS and the BJP-Shiv Sena-NCP Mahayuti coalition in Maharashtra ahead of the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections set to commence on April 19.

As the political landscape in Maharashtra braces for the conclusion of Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Nyaya Yatra in Mumbai, the looming question of whether Uddhav Thackeray, the Shiv Sena chief and a key figure in the opposition INDIA bloc, will share a stage with the Congress leader has sparked controversy.

In a significant setback for the Congress party in Maharashtra, veteran leader Padmakar Valvi made a pivotal move on Wednesday by joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The transition occurred in Mumbai in the presence of state BJP President Chandrashekhar Bawankule and party leader Ashok Chavan.

Speaking at a state-level training camp for Congress functionaries, Kharge revealed a conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi where he directly questioned the BJP's recruitment drive. 

Chavan's nomination, however, did not come as a surprise, with speculations circulating since his switch to the BJP that he would secure a Rajya Sabha berth.

Chavan hails from Nanded district in Marathwada region. His father, the late Shankarrao Chavan, was also the chief minister of Maharashtra. Ashok Chavan stepped down as chief minister in 2010 following allegations of involvement in the Adarsh housing scam in Mumbai.

Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, Chavan's departure is being viewed as a significant setback for the Congress party.