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As the political crisis continues to unfold, all eyes are on President Moon Jae-in and whether he will be able to navigate the turbulent waters and restore confidence in the government. The upcoming presidential election will be a crucial test of South Korea's democracy and the people's ability to hold their leaders accountable.
As the launch of the AI data center approaches, both Sharp and KDDI are committed to ensuring that the project meets the highest standards of quality and performance. Through continuous research and development efforts, the companies aim to push the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of AI and data management, setting new benchmarks for excellence and driving industry-wide innovation.
Title: Premier League Title Odds Update: Liverpool Rise to 82%, Arsenal and Manchester City Both Drop PointsAs Tserl continues to grow and mature as a player, it is important for both fans and the club to be patient with his development. Success in football is not always measured by goals and assists, but by the growth and progress of a player over time. With his dedication and determination, Tserl has all the tools to carve out a successful career for himself at Bayern Munich.In addition to his gaming habits, further details about the suspect's background have started to surface. Described as a quiet and introverted individual by those who knew him, the suspect had recently been struggling with personal and financial challenges. Friends and acquaintances have expressed shock at the news of his involvement in such a violent incident, highlighting the need for better mental health support and intervention programs.
Furthermore, Natural Beauty Group shared how they have leveraged data intelligence to create a unified and seamless shopping experience for their customers across online and offline channels. Through the implementation of advanced data analytics and AI tools, they have been able to track customer interactions and purchase history, enabling them to provide personalized recommendations and promotions both in-store and online. This integration of omnichannel data has not only improved customer satisfaction but also increased sales and brand loyalty.Shoppers bemused as Easter eggs hit shop shelves before New Year’s EveThe assassin who cooly gunned down the UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in front of witnesses on Wednesday morning made a head-scratching stop before he carried out his hit. New photos released by police show that the suspect dipped into a nearby Starbucks just before he descended upon the Midtown Hilton around 6:45 a.m. to fatally shoot the 50-year-old Thompson as he walked there to give a speech at an investors meeting. The new photos—pulled from security footage—revealed only the alleged gunman’s eyes and hands, as he was wearing the same black facemask and black hoodie he wore during the shooting. Police did not say if the mystery man ordered anything at the coffee joint or if—by some extreme luck—he happened to give his first name for his hypothetical order. Police said the gunman “targeted” Thompson and fled the scene on an e-bike after shooting the health insurance CEO in his calf and back. He remained at large as of Wednesday afternoon. Donald Trump ’s coming back home...to NBC. The president-elect will sit down with Meet the Press moderator Kristen Welker for his first network interview since he won the presidency again last month. The conversation will tape on Friday before it airs on Sunday, and the network plans to release the full interview and transcript after it concludes. The sit-down marks a turn for Trump, who effectively shunned traditional media outlets in the run-up to the election in favor of either gabs with Fox News or lengthy debates with Joe Rogan. The interview comes more than a year after Welker launched her show with a Trump interview in September 2023, which critics— including at the Daily Beast —derided as unchallenging and ineffective despite Welker’s skill as an interviewer. Trump has previously derided Welker as “terrible,” “horrible,” and a “radical left Democrat.” The nights are longer, the weather is colder, and there’s no better time to get some sleep. Get ready for the winter with Bearaby’s Black Friday Sale , featuring up to 30% off all of the brand’s made-to-make-you-cozy bedtime essentials. Fall asleep faster and enjoy a more restful sleep with Bearaby’s soft and breathable knitted weighted blanket , made of 100% organic cotton. Made with a custom, plant-based material that the brand calls MelofoamTM, this soothing body pillow melts away tension and relieves pressure by providing support to your joints, neck, and back. This gently weighted sleep mask leverages a tension-melting clay material to cradle your eyes and block out light, giving you a first-class ticket to dreamland. Don’t sleep on this heated neck wrap , which cradles your neck, back, and shoulders to create a warm, calming comfort that will put you at ease. Alternatively, chill it in the freezer to help soothe sore muscles. If you buy something from this post, we may earn a small commission. A 60-year-old California art teacher died after being bit by a bat in her classroom, according to officials. Leah Seneng died on Nov. 22, a month after removing a bat from her classroom at Bryant Middle School in Dos Palos. Before class started, the teacher discovered the bat and “scooped it up to take it outside,” unaware that it had rabies, friend and family spokesperson Laura Splotch told NBC News. Seneng thought she had just been scratched, and didn’t seek immediate treatment, Splotch said. After not having any symptoms for weeks, Seneng went on Nov. 18 to the hospital, where it was determined that the classroom encounter likely gave her rabies. Her condition quickly worsened and she died four days later. NBC News reported that it was the first rabies death in Fresnno County since 1992. According to the CDC , less than 10 people die each year in the United States. The teacher is survived by her daughter and husband. “It’s very shocking, still, to think that she’s no longer around because of something so random,” Splotch said to NBC News. The Satanic Temple will begin offering a religious studies program at a public elementary school in Ohio after a parent’s request. Seeking an alternative to the school’s Christian release program, a concerned parent at Edgewood Elementary school in Marysville, Ohio requested for a different program to be implemented at the school for non-Christian students. The school’s initial release program, organized by LifeWise Academy, sees students being removed from classes for 55 minutes each week to study the Bible or visit local churches. With the Satanic Temple’s new program, the Hellion Academy of Independent Learning (Hail), students at Edgewood can instead partake in “self-directed learning” and “good works in the community” once every month, where they’ll also have “inspirational guest speakers” and “tons of fun,” per the organization’s Facebook page . The Satanic Temple identifies as a “non-theistic” church, meaning it doesn’t believe in deities like God or Satan, but rather claims it is instead on a mission to promote pluralism among different religious views. “We aren’t trying to shut the LifeWise Academy down,” June Everett, an ordained minister at the Temple, told WCMH . “But I do think a lot of school districts don’t realize when they open the door for one religion, they open it for all of them.” Scouted selects products independently. If you purchase something from our posts, we may earn a small commission. Whether you’re looking for sleep support, stress relief, a little physical relief, or just a little something to take the edge off, Kind Oasis’ premium, hemp-derived cannabis edibles are the perfect treat. to relax and unwind without the smoke and carcinogens you inhale with a joint, whether it be a Delta, CBD, or THC-forward product. The family-owned cannabis company offers a wide range of handcrafted cannabis products made in small batches that undergo strict quality control and third-party testing, so you can rest assured you’re getting top-quality and extra-pure products with every order. Kind Oasis offers something for everyone looking to enjoy the potentially mood-enhancing benefits of cannabis, whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned smoker looking to ditch the flames. Not sure where to start? Some of the brand’s bestsellers include its Delta-8 and Delta-9 gummies, which some users say offer very similar benefits to conventional and higher-dose THC edibles while being chemically distinct from traditional THC products subject to federal and state criminal bans and Delta-based products are often available for order and delivery online in almost all jurisdictions, even those without state-legalized marijuana. Kind Oasis offers a slew of different treats, from THC-infused seltzers (and flavored syrups that can be added to green baked goods and spiked coffee drinks!) to full-spectrum CBD gummies for those who prefer a mild effect (or live in regions in which THC is not legal). Whatever your cannabis needs are, Kind Oasis has you covered with a product that will give you the right feeling, no matter what you prefer: an active candy or sweet or a flavorful and relaxing beverage. M issing woman Hannah Kobayashi ’s Venmo account has reportedly been flooded with donations after news broke that she recently crossed into Mexico. The Hawaii native was initially reported missing by family on Nov. 11 after failing to board a connecting flight from Los Angeles to New York three days prior. The LA Police Department swiftly commenced an investigation into Kobayashi’s disappearance to determine if there was any foul play. On Monday, however, surveillance footage from Customs and Border Protection showed Kobayashi crossing into Mexico alone with her luggage, seemingly unharmed, the day before. Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell disclosed that Kobayashi had been “classified a voluntary missing person” in a press conference on Monday, adding that foul play is no longer suspected in her disappearance. Following the update, Venmo users have been sending money and recommendations to Kobayashi for her apparent trip to Mexico, according to The Daily Mail . “I hope you’re safe. You don’t owe an explanation. Here’s some taco money, girl. Have fun!,” one user wrote. Another said, “Way to make it to Mexico girlie! Have a chicharron on me!” Frasier star Kelsey Grammer is set to release a memoir in 2025 about his sister, Karen, and her murder in 1975. Karen, who was 18 at the time of her death, was kidnapped by multiple men from her job at Red Lobster. She was later stabbed to death after being raped. In a People exclusive , Grammer talked about his sister’s memory, and the healing journey he and his family have been on since the tragedy. “It is not a grief book. It is a life book, a celebration of Karen’s life,” Grammer, 69, told the outlet. “From a loving brother, I invite you to meet Karen. To know her and remember her with me.” Grammer has faced multiple other untimely deaths in his family. His father was killed by a trespasser on his property when the actor was just 13-years-old, which was five years before his sister’s death. Then in 1980, his two half brothers dying in a scuba diving incident. The memoir, entitled, “Karen: A Brother Remembers,” is expected to be released in May 2025. “Fifty years hence, I learned that love, that our love, is forever,” Grammer said. Prince William and Prince Harry are engaging in yet another very public display showing how toxic their relationship has become by refusing, once again, to appear together at an award ceremony honoring their mother’s legacy. While Harry will appear via pre-recorded video at the Diana Awards tomorrow, William will not attend and instead handed out letters to the winners on Wednesday. It’s arguably a slightly less absurd solution than that employed at another awards ceremony for the charity in March this year, which saw William speak live at the event with Harry’s speech delayed till after he had left. Adding to the sense of bitterness back then, Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, announced the launch of her American Riviera Orchard brand on Instagram minutes before William took to the stage. Prince William’s new letter seemed to adopt some Sussex buzzwords, with the future king writing: “I am so proud of the impact every one of you has had on your communities and beyond. You are driven by kindness and compassion and through this you are all changing the world for the better.” Donald Trump picked tech entrepreneur Jared Isaacman to lead NASA, the president-elect announced on Truth Social. Isaacman currently serves as the CEO of the payments-technology company Shift4 Payments. The billionaire has also helped pioneer private space travel by funding Elon Musk’s SpaceX flights. “Jared will drive NASA’s mission of discovery and inspiration, paving the way for groundbreaking achievements in Space science, technology, and exploration,” Trump said in a post. Isaacman has been on two SpaceX flights, first in 2021 and most recently in September. “On my last mission to space, my crew and I traveled farther from Earth than anyone in over half a century. I can confidently say this second space age has only just begun,” Isaacman wrote on X following the announcement. “At NASA, we will passionately pursue these possibilities and usher in an era where humanity becomes a true spacefaring civilization.” Scouted selects products independently. If you purchase something from our posts, we may earn a small commission. It’s not every day that you can score a deal on a high-quality printer at a lower cost. Investing in a quality printer for your home or office is a game-changer, and while it’s not the most fun purchase, it’ll pay for itself in a couple of months. Fortunately, you don’t have to pay full price for a solid printer, thanks to HP’s current sale . Right now, you can score the HP Envy Inspire 7955e , the brand’s premium at-home photo printer for $70 off. If you’re looking for a solid holiday gift that they’ll actually use, the deluxe multi-purpose printer is a great choice—especially for photographers and anyone who works from home. The all-in-one printer is also designed with HP’s Wolf Essential Security system to keep your information secure and keep hackers out. Plus, unlike other printers that require you to get your hands dirty to replenish the ink, this one offers a 15-second mess-free ink refill experience with bottles that can be plugged into the tank. Say goodbye to messes and hello to your new printer . Best of all? For a limited time, score three months of Instant Ink with HP+. Donald Trump has named former White House aide Peter Navarro as a senior counselor in his impending administration after the MAGA loyalist spent four months in prison for refusing to testify to Congress about the Jan. 6 insurrection. Navarro will serve as senior counselor for trade and manufacturing, the president-elect announced in a pair of Wednesday Truth Social posts , hailing him as “a man who was treated horribly by the Deep State, or whatever else you would like to call it.” Navarro was convicted on two counts of contempt for refusing to comply with a subpoena from Congress—prosecutors said he “chose allegiance to former President Donald Trump over the rule of law.” Hours after his release from prison in July, Navarro delivered a speech at the Republican National Convention. Now, he will be back in the White House. “The Senior Counselor position leverages Peter’s broad range of White House experience, while harnessing his extensive Policy analytic and Media skills,” Trump wrote in his announcement. “His mission will be to help successfully advance and communicate the Trump Manufacturing, Tariff, and Trade Agendas.” A senior member of Russian President Vladimir Putin ’s government disclosed classified information on Russian soldiers who may be missing in action in Ukraine, The Times of London reports. At a recent parliamentary meeting, Anna Tsivileva—who happens to be Putin’s first cousin once removed, in addition to deputy defense minister—said the government had received 48,000 requests from soldiers’ relatives seeking to DNA test unidentified remains. Russia has not been publicizing casualties in the war, though efforts by Russian media to tally the deaths estimate that nearly 80,000 soldiers have died since fighting began. As the conflict drags on, families of the missing have been lobbying for answers on their loved ones’ whereabouts. Per The Times , Andrei Kartapolov, who leads the parliamentary defense committee, asked those present “not to mention these numbers anywhere,” adding: “This is classified information and quite sensitive.” To which Tsivileva reportedly responded: “I did not name the number of missing persons, but the number of requests to us. Many of them will be found.”
Mercy Aigbe has shared a video of how she lost some properties worth millions of naira to a fire incident at her building In her post, she said that she was devastated about her loss, but she thanked God that no life was lost He colleagues and fans sympathised with her and also appreciated God while encouraging her about the post PAY ATTENTION: Got a Minute? Complete Our Quick Survey About Legit.ng Today! Nollywood actress, Mercy Aigbe , has shared a sad news with her fans on social media, and they have been sympathising with her. The mother of two, who recently joined a challenge online, shared a video of her burnt building on Instagram . In the caption of her post, she said that she was devastated about her situation, but she thanked God. Mercy Aigbe shares update The movie star appreciated God that no life was lost in the inferno. However, in the recording, almost all the properties she has in the house were burnt. Read also Egungun Saga: Netizens Lambastes Comedian's Wife For Defending His 'Video', "Loyalty or Ment" PAY ATTENTION: Follow us on Instagram - get the most important news directly in your favourite app! The living room of the actress , who once complained about the economy, was reduced to ashes. The fans, ceilings were all burnt. In one of the rooms, a machine that looked like a gym equipment was also burnt. The clip captured what was left of the dining section, some of the chairs were not touched by the inferno. Mercy Aigbe's fans and colleagues sympathised with her and prayed for her and her household. See the post here: How fans reacted to Aigbe's post Legit.ng compiled the reactions of fans to Aigbe's post. Here are some of the comments below: @ruggedybaba: "So sorry dear." @amebohotgist: "OMG, this is bad." @realchidiebereaneke: "Oh my God, So sorry." @officialomoborty: "Haaa! Jesu o! Thank God for life. Pele." @blessingjessicaobasi: "Oh Lord!!! Soo sorry,Thank God for Life and indeed He will restore a million folds." @nhn_couture: "Omg, so sorry sis." Read also Gbemi O shares what she will do with cheating partner, men scream: "Stop giving women mic to speak" @julietibrahim: "Omg glory be to God! So sorry." @realchidimmaaneke: "Jesus! So sorry." @toyin_abraham: "Jesus, Olorun, no wonder you were crying on phone. I’m so sorry sis." Mercy Aigbe shows off in-law Legit.ng had reported that the actress had celebrated her husband's family member who graduated from law school a few months ago. The actress shared lovely pictures of the lady, who schooled abroad. In her post, she showered sweet words on her, and she called her a darling and stated how proud she was of her. Her husband also thanked God for the lady. PAY ATTENTION: Сheck out news that is picked exactly for YOU ➡️ find the “Recommended for you” block on the home page and enjoy! Source: Legit.ngPARIS (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron expressed “gratitude” Saturday to those who saved, helped and rebuilt Notre Dame Cathedral. “I stand before you ... to express the gratitude of the French nation,” Macron said at the reopening ceremony. “Tonight, the bells of Notre Dame are ringing again. And in a moment, the organ will awaken,” sending the “music of hope” to Parisians, France and the world. Macron spoke in front of 1,500 guests invited to celebrate the restoration of Paris’ 12th-century cathedral which was nearly destroyed by a fire in 2019. They included world leaders like President-elect Donald Trump , U.S. first lady Jill Biden, Britain’s Prince William and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below. PARIS (AP) — Howling winds couldn’t stop Notre Dame Cathedral ’s heart from beating again. With three resounding knocks on its doors by Paris Archbishop Laurent Ulrich, wielding a specially designed crosier carved from fire-scorched beams, the monument roared back to life Saturday evening. For the first time since a devastating blaze nearly destroyed it in 2019, the towering Gothic masterpiece reopened for worship, its rebirth marked by song, prayer, and awe beneath its soaring arches. The ceremony, initially planned to begin on the forecourt, was moved entirely inside due to unusually fierce December winds sweeping across the Île de la Cité, flanked by the River Seine. Yet the occasion lost none of its splendor. Inside the luminous nave, choirs sang psalms, and the cathedral’s mighty organ, silent for nearly five years, thundered to life in a triumphant interplay of melodies. The restoration, a spectacular achievement in just five years for a structure that took nearly two centuries to build, is seen as a moment of triumph for French President Emmanuel Macron, who championed the ambitious timeline — and a welcome respite from his domestic political woes . The evening’s celebration, attended by 1,500 dignitaries, including President-elect Donald Trump, Britain’s Prince William, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, underscored Notre Dame’s enduring role as both a spiritual and cultural beacon. Observers see the event as Macron's, and his intention to pivot it into a fully fledged diplomatic gathering, while highlighting France’s ability to unite on the global stage despite internal political crises. Monumental feats of restoration Inside, 42,000 square meters of stonework — an area equal to six soccer pitches — were meticulously cleaned, revealing luminous limestone and intricate carvings. Overhead, 2,000 oak beams, nicknamed “the forest,” were used to rebuild the spire and roof, restoring the cathedral’s iconic silhouette. The thunderous great organ, with 7,952 pipes ranging from pen-sized to torso-wide, resounded for the first time since the fire. Its newly renovated console, boasting five keyboards, 115 stops, and 30 foot pedals, was a marvel of restoration, reawakening a cornerstone of Notre Dame’s identity. Guests gradually filing into the cathedral for the evening reopening ceremonies were awestruck by the renovated interiors, many whipping out cellphones to capture the moment. “It’s a sense of perfection,” said François Le Page of the Notre Dame Foundation, which raised nearly half of the €900 million ($950 million) in donations for the restoration. He last visited in 2021, when the cathedral was cloaked in scaffolding. “It was somber,” he said. “It’s night and day.” The Rev. Andriy Morkvas, a Ukrainian pastor who leads the Volodymyr Le Grand church in Paris, reflected on his first visit to Notre Dame in over a decade. “I didn’t recognize it,” he said. “God is very powerful; He can change things.” He expressed hope that the cathedral’s revival could inspire peace in his homeland, drawing strength from the presence of Ukraine’s president. “I think that will have a big impact,” he said. “I hope Notre Dame and Mary will help us resolve this conflict.” The reopening of Notre Dame comes at a time of profound global unrest, with wars raging in Ukraine and the Middle East. For Catholics, Notre Dame’s rector said the cathedral “carries the enveloping presence of the Virgin Mary, a maternal and embracing presence.′′ “It is a magnificent symbol of unity,” Dumas said. “Notre Dame is not just a French monument—it is a magnificent sign of hope.” The international range of dignitaries coming to Paris underline the cathedral’s significance as a symbol of shared heritage and peace. Canadian visitor Noelle Alexandria, who had traveled to Paris for the reopening, was struck by the cathedral’s ability to inspire. “She’s been nearly ruined before, but she always comes back,” Alexandria said. “Not many of us could say the same after such tragedy, but Notre Dame can.” Historical details enrich the occasion Guests entered through Notre Dame’s iconic western façade, whose arched portals adorned with biblical carvings were once a visual guide for medieval believers. Above the central Portal of the Last Judgment, the Archangel Michael is depicted weighing souls, as demons attempt to tip the scales. These stone figures, designed to inspire both awe and fear, set the stage for a ceremony steeped in history. Inside, the hum of hundreds of guests awaiting the service filled the cathedral with human sounds once more — a stark contrast to the construction din that echoed there for years. Tuners restoring the great organ often worked through the night to find the silence needed to perfect its 7,952 pipes, ranging from pen-sized to torso-wide. Notre Dame echoed to the sound of a sustained standing ovation after the showing of a short movie that documented the gargantuan rebuilding effort. Outside, the word “MERCI” — thank you — was projected against the cathedral’s iconic western facade. The movie showed the terrible wounds left by the inferno — the gaping holes torn into its vaulted ceilings and the burned roof. But that was followed by images of all types of artisans, many using traditional handicraft techniques, who collectively restored Notre Dame to look better now than ever. "We went from night to light," said one of the workers in the movie. Macron's political woes The celebration is expected to give a much-needed boost to embattled Macron, whose prime minister was ousted this week , plunging the nation’s politics into more turmoil. The French president, who has called Notre Dame's reopening “a jolt of hope,” will address the gathering. He had hoped the occasion would briefly silence his critics and showcase France’s unity and resilience under his leadership. Macron's presidency now faces its gravest crisis after the government's collapse this week in a historic no-confidence vote that toppled Prime Minister Michel Barnier. The vote followed months of political gridlock after snap elections in June. Calls are now growing louder from opposition forces for Macron to resign. But he vowed Thursday to remain in office until the end of his term in 2027, and said he'll name a new prime minister within days. As France struggles with economic woes and social unrest, Notre Dame's rebirth celebrations form a stark contrast. Security is tight for this global event Security will be high through the weekend, echoing measures taken during the Paris Olympics earlier this year. The Île de la Cité — the small island in the River Seine that is home to Notre Dame and the historic heart of Paris— is closed to tourists and non-residents. Police vans and barriers blocked cobblestoned streets in a large perimeter around the island, while soldiers in thick body armor and sniffer dogs patrolled embankments. A special security detail is following Trump. Public viewing areas along the Seine’s southern bank will accommodate 40,000 spectators, who can follow the celebrations on large screens. For many, Notre Dame’s rebirth is not just a French achievement but a global one — after the reopening, the cathedral is set to welcome 15 million visitors annually, up from 12 million before the fire. ___ Sylvie Corbet, Yesica Brumec, Marine Lesprit and Mark Carlson in Paris contributed. ___ Associated Press religion coverage receives support through The AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. Thomas Adamson And John Leicester, The Associated PressArizona junior tight end Keyan Burnett is entering the transfer portal, he announced on his social media accounts Saturday afternoon. Burnett will enter the transfer portal after three seasons at Arizona. Burnett entered the portal in January after the UA hired head coach Brent Brennan, but withdrew his name. Burnett signed with Arizona as a four-star prospect in 2022 out of Servite High School in Anaheim, California. The 6-6, 248-pound Burnett was one of four Servite players to sign with Arizona in '22, along with wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, quarterback Noah Fifita and linebacker Jacob Manu. Burnett is the son of former Arizona linebacker and "Desert Swarm" member Chester Burnett, who was a Second-Team All-Pac-10 selection in 1996. Arizona tight end Keyan Burnett (88) looks up field for room to run after making a catch over the middle against Texas Tech in the third quarter. The younger Burnett played his first two seasons behind Tanner McLachlan, who was Arizona's most productive tight end since Rob Gronkowski. After McLachlan went on to play in the NFL, Burnett had a productive spring and fall training camp and appeared due for a breakout junior season, but injuries hindered Burnett throughout the season. In eight games this season, Burnett had a career-high 18 catches for 217 yards and a touchdown. His only touchdown as a Wildcat was the 35-yard dagger score in Arizona's upset win over 10th-ranked Utah in Salt Lake City. Burnett joins offensive lineman Wendell Moe, quarterback Brayden Dorman, tight end Dorian Thomas, running back Rayshon Luke, wide receiver AJ Jones and running back Brandon Johnson as players entering the transfer portal. The transfer portal officially opens on Monday. Contact Justin Spears, the Star's Arizona football beat reporter, at jspears@tucson.com . On X(Twitter): @JustinESports Respond: Write a letter to the editor | Write a guest opinion Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sports Reporter
1 2 3 Nagpur: Just like the road to Delhi's seat of power runs through Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh), no political party can conquer Maharashtra's throne without wresting Vidarbha. And this was again proved true on Saturday with BJP-led Mahayuti coalition, comprising BJP, Shiv Sena and the Ajit Pawar-led faction of NCP, bagging 47 of 62 assembly seats from the region, leaving Congress-led Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) with only 13 — a stark reflection of BJP's dominance in the region. BJP contested on 149 seats in Maharashtra, and 33% of those were in Vidarbha. Congress went further and bet more on Vidarbha, by fielding 40% of their total 102 candidates from the region. And while Vidarbha proved to be the nemesis for the grand old party, the saffron brigade won a landslide. BJP Consolidates Its Stronghold in Vidarbha BJP achieved a significant milestone in this election, securing 37 seats in Vidarbha — seven more than its tally in the 2019 elections. This marks a new record for the party in the region, further solidifying its stronghold. If BJP insiders are to be believed, Vidarbha is likely to provide Maharashtra with its chief minister for the fourth time in the form of Devendra Fadnavis after Vasantrao and Sudhakarrao Naik. The party's exceptional performance statewide, winning 133 seats — its best-ever tally since it began contesting in Maharashtra — underscores the effectiveness of its leadership and campaign strategy. Shiv Sena and NCP Factions Hold Ground Maharashtra Jharkhand Maharashtra Alliance View i Party View Seats: 288 Results Majority: 145 BJP+ 229 MVA 47 OTH 12 Results : 288 / 288 BJP+ WON Jharkhand Alliance View i Party View Seats: 81 Results Majority: 41 INDIA 56 NDA 24 OTH 1 Results : 81 / 81 INDIA WON Source: PValue The Sena under Eknath Shinde, maintained its consistency by winning four seats in Vidarbha, mirroring its performance in both 2014 and 2019 elections when it was an undivided party. Meanwhile, the Ajit Pawar-led faction of NCP made a strong debut in Vidarbha, securing six seats. This performance matched the undivided NCP's tally of six in the 2019 elections and significantly outperformed its lone win in 2014. Congress Faces Devastating Losses For Congress, Vidarbha turned out to be a battleground of diminishing returns. The region was a party's bastion for over six decades. The party's dismal performance in 2024, with just 10 seats, marks its second-worst showing in the region since 1962. In 2014 elections, held in the shadow of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first wave, Congress managed 10 seats. In 2019, the party improved slightly, winning 15 seats. In 2024, however, the tide reversed sharply, leaving Congress with minimal ground to stand on in Vidarbha. Congress ally, the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena, won four seats this time, but failed to make a substantial impact. Sharad Pawar's NCP faction did not secure a single seat in its regional debut, reflecting MVA's inability to make inroads against the Mahayuti's might. Vidarbha's Role in Maharashtra Politics Vidarbha's electoral significance cannot be overstated. The region has consistently played a pivotal role in shaping Maharashtra's govt, particularly with BJP's stronghold over its urban and rural constituencies. This year's results have only cemented Vidarbha's status as the power centre for the BJP-led Mahayuti coalition. BJP's focus on regional development, coupled with welfare schemes targeted at farmers, youth, and women, resonated deeply with Vidarbha's voters. Initiatives such as improved irrigation infrastructure, industrial corridors, and healthcare outreach helped the party consolidate its support base, even in areas where opposition parties once held sway. With Vidarbha delivering a decisive mandate, the BJP-led Mahayuti coalition now stands on firm ground to form a stable govt in Maharashtra. Devendra Fadnavis's likely elevation as Chief Minister for a third term reflects the region's continued dominance in state politics. Meanwhile, the Congress-led MVA faces an uphill battle to rebuild its presence in Vidarbha and beyond. For now, Vidarbha has proven once again that its voice is critical in determining the political trajectory of Maharashtra, solidifying the BJP's position as the dominant force in the state. All major BJP leaders in Vidarbha won their seats with impressive margins. Devendra Fadnavis, the Deputy Chief Minister, retained his seat comfortably, further bolstering his position as the face of the party in Maharashtra. Chandrashekar Bawankule, BJP's state president, achieved a resounding victory, reinforcing the party's grassroots strength in the region. Sudhir Mungantiwar, the state's forest minister, also won convincingly, adding to the BJP's robust showing. Congress's Narrow Survival Nana Patole, the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president, barely retained his seat in Sakoli, eking out a narrow victory by just 208 votes. Vijay Wadettiwar, the Leader of Opposition in the outgoing assembly, offered a rare bright spot for Congress, winning his constituency with a comfortable margin of 14,000 votes. # Performance of major parties in Vidarbha in assembly polls Year -----Total seats ------- BJP -----Shiv Sena ----NCP -----Cong ------SS (UBT) ----- NCP-SP 2024 --------62 --------------37 --------4 ---------——-6 ————9 —————4 -----------00 2019 --------62 --------------29 --------4 ---------——-6 ————15 ————NA -----------NA 2014 --------62 --------------44 --------4 —————-1 ————10 ————NA ---------- NA