Maharashtra

Thane, January 19:After nearly two decades of waiting, devotees visiting the revered hill shrine of Shri Malanggad—popularly known as Haji Malang—can finally rejoice. The much-anticipated 1.2-kilometre funicular railway service was inaugurated on Sunday, drastically reducing the arduous two-hour climb to a smooth and safe journey of just 10 minutes. Located around 20 kilometres from Kalyan, the hilltop shrine holds deep religious significance for both Hindus and Muslims. While Hindus worship it as Malanggad, Muslims revere it as the Haji Malang Dargah. The launch of the funicular service marks a historic milestone for pilgrims and locals alike. Inauguration and Free Service for Two Days The service was inaugurated by BJP MLA Kisan Kathore in the presence of BJP MLA Sulabha Gaikwad...

A touching story from Pinguli village, Kudal Taluka, Sindhudurg district, Maharashtra, has gone viral, capturing the hearts of many. Gopal Sawant, a young man from the village, recently secured selection in the CRPF and rushed to share the good news with his mother, who was selling vegetables on the footpath at the time. What followed left everyone deeply moved. A Mother’s JoyGopal, overjoyed by his achievement, hurried to inform his mother. Seeing him approaching, she was initially puzzled as he fell at her feet, seeking her blessings. When she realized that her son had been selected for the CRPF, she embraced him tightly and broke down in tears of happiness. Witnesses say the emotional moment moved everyone present. Gopal’s mother has long supported her family through street vendin...

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: In a significant statement on caste-based discrimination, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said that eliminating casteism from society requires first erasing the notion of caste from our minds. Addressing a public dialogue on the occasion of the RSS’s centenary celebrations, Bhagwat emphasized that if this effort is pursued sincerely, caste discrimination could be completely eradicated within 10 to 12 years. A Historical Perspective on CasteSpeaking at the event, Bhagwat reflected on the historical roots of caste in India, noting that it was originally linked to one’s profession and duties. Over time, however, the system became deeply entrenched in society, leading to hierarchical divisions and discrimination. He urged people to consciously remove caste-based thinki...

Nagpur: In a politically charged statement following his wife’s victory in the Nagpur Municipal Corporation elections, Fahim Khan—named by police as the main accused in the 2025 Nagpur violence—has issued a sharp warning to the ruling establishment, asserting that “Uttar Pradesh-style bulldozer politics will not work in Maharashtra.” Without naming the BJP directly, Khan said the electoral outcome reflected public resistance to what he described as selective and coercive action. “You arrested one Fahim Khan, but today six leaders have been elected. If you try to deliver justice through bulldozers—if you demolish one house—you will create a hundred leaders among Muslims,” he said. He further warned that what he called “wrongful arrests” could cost the ruling party its remaining political...

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: In a dramatic reminder of the power of every single vote, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction) candidate Venkat Dahale clinched victory by a margin of just one vote in the Parbhani Municipal Corporation elections in Maharashtra. In Ward 1A of the Parbhani civic body, Dahale secured 4,312 votes, narrowly defeating his BJP rival Prasad Nagre, who polled 4,311 votes. The razor-thin margin made the contest one of the most closely fought battles in the recent round of municipal elections. According to officials, the contest witnessed intense competition throughout the counting process. Another Shiv Sena candidate, Mohan Sonawane, received 1,363 votes in the same ward, while 113 voters exercised the NOTA (None of the Above) option—underscoring how even ...

Mumbai, January 17, 2026: In the aftermath of the BMC 2026 elections, where Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena lost its decades-long control, the party still secured a strong second position with 65 UBT candidates winning. On Saturday, the newly elected corporators visited Matoshree, Thackeray’s residence, where the former Chief Minister congratulated them, offered guidance, and addressed party workers. Thackeray’s Address Speaking to the gathering of Shiv Sainiks at Matoshree, Thackeray said the opposition had hoped to dismantle Shiv Sena “on paper,” but they failed on the ground. He indirectly criticized the BJP, asserting that while they attempted to manipulate power, money, and machinery—and even brought traitors into their fold—they could not buy loyalty. “Your loyalty deserves respec...