FIDE's neutral flag has historically shielded chess players like Viktor Korchnoi, Alireza Firouzja, and Ian Nepomniachtchi from state-driven geopolitical conflicts, preserving their right to compete.
Nurul Izzah Anwar, daughter of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, has stepped back from the deputy presidency of the ruling People's Justice Party, posing a major political setback for the prime minister.
Three former Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders, Sushmita Dev, Sukhendu Sekhar Ray, and Prakash Chik Baraik, formally joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Kolkata. Their induction follows resignations amid internal turmoil in the TMC after its defeat in the West Bengal assembly elections.
Former Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders Sushmita Dev, Sukhendu Sekhar Ray, and Prakash Chik Baraik formally joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Kolkata, West Bengal. Their defection follows weeks of internal rebellion within the TMC and comes after their resignations from the party and Rajya Sabha.
Three former Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders, Sushmita Dev, Sukhendu Sekhar Ray, and Prakash Chik Baraik, formally joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Kolkata, West Bengal, weeks after resigning from TMC amid internal party rebellion following an electoral defeat.
MP Saayoni Ghosh encountered protests and mocking chants in Baruipur while visiting the family of a murdered girl. Protesters called her a "turncoat" due to her recent defection from TMC to NCPI. Other political leaders also met the family.
Shiv Sena minister Gulabrao Patil claimed "Operation Tiger 3.0" began to bring 14 Shiv Sena (UBT) MLAs to Eknath Shinde's faction, a claim contradicted by minister Uday Samant. Uddhav Thackeray toured constituencies of rebel MPs, while a Congress MLA denied defection rumors.
Shiv Sena minister Gulabrao Patil claims "Operation Tiger 3.0" will see 14 Shiv Sena (UBT) MLAs join Eknath Shinde's party, a claim contradicted by minister Uday Samant. Uddhav Thackeray tours rebel constituencies as Congress MLA Vijay Wadettiwar denies defection rumors.
The BJP aims to win Punjab in 2027, a state it has never governed alone, amidst AAP's civic poll boost, Congress's leadership vacuum, and SAD's survival battle.
Six MPs have switched allegiance from Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena to Eknath Shinde's faction, strengthening the BJP-led NDA coalition. Shinde hailed the move as 'Operation Tiger' completion, while Thackeray's camp labeled the defectors 'traitors'. This follows similar defections in other parties and highlights the challenges posed by the anti-defection law.
Congress leader Pawan Khera criticized the BJP's "Operation Tiger," which saw six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs join Eknath Shinde's faction, calling it "Operation Keechad" and questioning the BJP's motives behind weakening opposition parties.
Rebel MP Omraje Nimbalkar announced his decision to join Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena, citing the need to be in power for constituency development. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis confirmed the move, calling it a 'successful operation'. Nimbalkar's exit is a significant blow to Uddhav Thackeray's party.
Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde hinted at further defections from Shiv Sena UBT, stating "This is just a trailer. Picture abhi baki hai." He mocked Shiv Sena UBT leaders and referred to the rebel MPs' move as 'Op Tiger', while downplaying 'Op Tudva'. Shinde claimed his party has grown from 40 MLAs to 60.
Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde stated that the potential defection of six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs to his faction is a prelude to larger political changes. He alluded to internal issues within Uddhav Thackeray's camp and expressed confidence in the Mahayuti's victory in upcoming legislative council polls.
Six Lok Sabha MPs from Uddhav Thackeray's Sena UBT skipped a party meeting, prompting plans for disqualification under the anti-defection law. Legal experts are divided on whether skipping a meeting constitutes grounds for disqualification, with some arguing the Tenth Schedule applies only to conduct within the legislative House.
Shiv Sena factions are in a dispute over alleged defections, with UBT Sena claiming two MPs haven't signed a letter to form a separate group. UBT leader Raut alleges pressure and bribery, including Rs 50 crore offers, to MPs, linking it to a pending court case.
Sena UBT MP Sanjay Raut used profanity at a press conference to describe party defectors, defending his language as common in Maharashtra and citing its use in media. He also alleged defectors were offered Rs 50 crore and favorable court verdicts.
Shiv Sena factions are in a dispute over alleged defections. UBT claims two MPs haven't signed for a separate group, while Shinde Sena sources say the move is complete. Allegations of bribery and pressure, including a court case, are also involved.
Shiv Sena (UBT) has appealed to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla not to recognize any separate faction within the party, as several Lok Sabha MPs are reportedly defecting to the rival Eknath Shinde-led SS-BJP combine. Leader Sanjay Raut alleged financial incentives for the defections and warned the wavering MPs.
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav dismissed claims of a major party split, attributing the rumors to the BJP's history of engineering defections. He stated the SP is prepared for challenges and remains a strong organization.
Three Shiv Sena (UBT) Lok Sabha MPs met the Speaker to preempt claims by rebel MPs amid fears of a fresh split. This follows allegations by Sanjay Raut that MPs are being lured with substantial sums to switch parties.
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav dismissed claims of a major split within his party, attributing the rumors to the BJP's alleged history of engineering defections. He stated the SP is prepared for such challenges and remains a strong organization.
Iran's national soccer team debuts in the 2026 World Cup under a cloud of political uncertainty and logistical challenges. The article explores the intersection of sports, identity, and politics in Iran, highlighting athlete defections, activism, and the struggle for women's sports.
Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT) has called a meeting of all MLAs and MLCs on June 22 amidst speculation that some MPs may defect to Eknath Shinde's faction. Shinde faction claims "Operation Tiger" is in final stages, while Thackeray faction dismisses these as BJP's attempts to break parties.
