Maharashtra

Mumbai: The question of conferring the Bharat Ratna on freedom fighter Veer Savarkar has once again stirred political debate, following comments by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat. Speaking at the RSS centenary event held at the Nehru Centre in Mumbai, Bhagwat expressed support for the proposal, stating that awarding the honour to Savarkar would further enhance its prestige. Addressing a direct question, Bhagwat clarified that he is not part of the committee responsible for deciding awards. However, he emphasized that recognizing the legendary freedom fighter with the Bharat Ratna would strengthen the award’s stature. He also noted that even without this formal recognition, Savarkar’s legacy remains influential both in India and abroad. His remarks were met with en...

Mumbai: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has launched a sharp attack on RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat over his recent remarks on language-based movements. Bhagwat had stated that stressing language identity and launching movements around it is “like a disease.” Reacting strongly, Raj Thackeray took to social media platform X and posted a lengthy statement, accusing Bhagwat of insulting regional pride and questioning the RSS’s intentions. He even mocked the RSS event held in Mumbai, calling Bhagwat’s speech “dull and boring,” and claimed that attendees were present not out of respect but due to fear of the Modi government. Raj Thackeray Calls Bhagwat’s Speech “Boring and Lifeless” Referring to the RSS event held on February 8, 2026, at the Nehru Centre Auditorium in W...

Mumbai: Maharashtra’s first female Deputy Chief Minister, Sunetra Pawar, formally took charge of her office on Tuesday at the Maharashtra Government Secretariat in Mumbai. Prior to assuming office, she visited the Siddhivinayak Temple and paid homage at Babasaheb Ambedkar’s Chaityabhoomi. During the ceremony, Pawar appeared deeply emotional, especially when she saw the chair and portraits of her late father-in-law, Ajit Pawar. Emotional Transition at the Secretariat Sunetra Pawar’s first day in office was marked by poignant moments. She became visibly moved while sitting in Ajit Pawar’s chair in the Secretariat. Ajit Pawar, a six-time Deputy CM of Maharashtra, tragically passed away in a chartered plane crash in Baramati on January 28, 2026. Sunetra Pawar had taken her oath as Deputy...

Pune, Maharashtra: Social media star and NCP candidate Nirmala Nawale suffered a stunning defeat in the Maharashtra District Council elections, surprising political observers and her supporters alike. Nawale, who had gained prominence as the Sarpanch of Karegaon, was a joint NCP candidate and was widely expected to win due to her popularity and active campaign. Unexpected Election Result Despite strong backing from the late Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and overwhelming support during the campaign, Nirmala lost the Pune district council seat from the Shirur Karegaon group. She was defeated by Manisha Pachange. Analysts suggest that Pachange’s extensive ground-level campaigning played a key role in overturning Nawale’s apparent advantage. Social Media Stardom Didn’t ...

Pune: Senior NCP leader and former Maharashtra Chief Minister Sharad Pawar has been admitted to a hospital in Pune after his health deteriorated. The 83-year-old politician was initially examined by doctors in Baramati on Monday morning, who then recommended hospitalization in Pune for better treatment. Health Concerns After Family TragedyPawar had been in Baramati since the tragic plane crash on 28 January that claimed the life of his nephew Ajit Pawar. Despite participating actively in funeral rituals and family gatherings, his health reportedly worsened, prompting the move to Pune. According to sources, he had been experiencing persistent cough and phlegm, which caused difficulty in breathing. Medical Precautions During TransferLocal media reports noted that Pawar was examined at ...

Mumbai: In a significant development in the high-profile murder case of NCP leader Baba Siddique, the Bombay High Court on Monday granted bail to the first accused, Akashdeep Karaj Singh. Baba Siddique was shot dead on October 12, 2024, outside his son Zeeshan Siddique’s office in Bandra, Mumbai, triggering nationwide arrests and a major investigation. Details of the Accused and Investigation Akashdeep, 21, from Fazilka district in Punjab, was identified as the main accused and the first to receive bail in the case. He allegedly acted as a coordinator between the shooters and conspirators linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. Police have also pointed to the involvement of Anmol, Lawrence Bishnoi’s brother, though Lawrence himself remains in Sabarmati Jail in Ahmedabad and has not yet ...