Morning Briefing: NCP and BJP Leaders Clash Over RSS; Rain Expected in Delhi Today, and More

A roundup of the top headlines, recommended stories, and a curated selection of must-read news items.

On Thursday, a conflict erupted between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its Maharashtra ally, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) led by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, sparked by an article in *Organiser*, a weekly publication with close ties to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The article criticized the BJP for its alliance with the NCP.

Responding to the article, NCP leader and state minister Chhagan Bhujbal acknowledged some truth in the criticism, noting similar reproaches directed at the BJP for incorporating Congress leaders such as former Chief Minister Ashok Chavan. He also highlighted that former Congress leader Milind Deora was brought into the Rajya Sabha by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena.

Bhujbal questioned, "But who talks about the BJP's reduced seats in Uttar Pradesh and their losses in other states?"

NCP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Praful Patel stated that an article in a weekly should not be seen as reflecting the BJP's official position.

PTI quoted Patel, saying, "It should not be interpreted in that manner."

However, NCP youth wing leader Sooraj Chavan sharply criticized the tendency to attribute the BJP's successes to the RSS's efforts while blaming Ajit Pawar for any setbacks.

In response, BJP MLC Pravin Darekar asserted, “The RSS is like a father figure to us all. Comments about the RSS are unnecessary. Sooraj Chavan should have refrained from commenting on the organization. The BJP has not criticized the NCP. It would be preferable to discuss such matters in NDA meetings.”

*The New Indian Express*, citing anonymous sources, suggested that following the article, the BJP might sever ties with Ajit Pawar and contest assembly elections with Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena as its partner.

"RSS-BJP cadres are trained with an anti-Pawar stance. They oppose Ajit Pawar due to his connections with the irrigation and Maharashtra state cooperative bank scams. However, this narrative lost prominence after junior Pawar allied with the BJP and was appointed Deputy Chief Minister in the MahaYuti government," a senior BJP leader, who wished to remain anonymous, told the newspaper.