Monday, June 29

Maharashtra

Raj Thackeray Slams RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat Over Language Remark, Mocks RSS Event as “Boring Sermon” Attended Out of Fear
Maharashtra, Politics, State

Raj Thackeray Slams RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat Over Language Remark, Mocks RSS Event as “Boring Sermon” Attended Out of Fear

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...
Sunetra Pawar Assumes Charge as Maharashtra Deputy CM, Emotional Tribute to Late Ajit Pawar
Maharashtra, Politics, State

Sunetra Pawar Assumes Charge as Maharashtra Deputy CM, Emotional Tribute to Late Ajit Pawar

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...
Row Erupts in Maharashtra After Students Perform Sword Dance to Pakistani Song in Govt Urdu School
Maharashtra, State

Row Erupts in Maharashtra After Students Perform Sword Dance to Pakistani Song in Govt Urdu School

Yavatmal (Maharashtra): A major controversy has erupted in Maharashtra’s Yavatmal district after a video surfaced showing school students allegedly dancing with swords to a Pakistani patriotic military song during a cultural programme at a government Urdu school. The incident has triggered sharp political reactions, prompting the education department to order an inquiry. The programme was reportedly held on January 31 at a school under the Umarkhed Municipal Council limits. In the viral video, students can be seen performing a choreographed dance while holding swords, with a song playing in the background that opposition leaders claim is linked to Pakistan’s military and its 1965 war propaganda. BJP Councillor Files Complaint BJP councillor Gopal Kalane lodged a complaint with the...
Shock Defeat for Social Media Star Nirmala Nawale in Maharashtra District Council Elections
Maharashtra, Politics, State

Shock Defeat for Social Media Star Nirmala Nawale in Maharashtra District Council Elections

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 ...
Sharad Pawar Admitted to Pune Hospital Following Health Deterioration
Maharashtra, Politics, State

Sharad Pawar Admitted to Pune Hospital Following Health Deterioration

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 ...
Baba Siddique Murder: Bombay High Court Grants Bail to First Accused Akashdeep with Strict Conditions
Maharashtra, Politics, State

Baba Siddique Murder: Bombay High Court Grants Bail to First Accused Akashdeep with Strict Conditions

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 ...
BJP Corporator Proposes Congestion Tax on Single-Occupancy Private Vehicles in Mumbai
Maharashtra, State

BJP Corporator Proposes Congestion Tax on Single-Occupancy Private Vehicles in Mumbai

Mumbai: To tackle traffic congestion and air pollution in Mumbai, BJP corporator Makarand Narwekar, elected for the third time, has proposed the implementation of a congestion tax on private vehicles carrying only one passenger. Narwekar has suggested starting the initiative in South Mumbai and has formally written to the BMC Commissioner for consideration. Citing global examples, Narwekar pointed out that cities like London, New York, and Singapore have successfully implemented congestion charges, which have helped reduce the number of vehicles on the road and encouraged greater use of public transport. He believes that a similar policy in Mumbai would control traffic volume and improve air quality. Narwekar, one of the wealthiest corporators in the BMC and brother of Maharashtra As...
Manjusha Nagpure Becomes Pune Mayor; Parshuram Wadekar Elected Deputy Mayor
Maharashtra, State

Manjusha Nagpure Becomes Pune Mayor; Parshuram Wadekar Elected Deputy Mayor

Pune: Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has finally got a new mayor after a four-year gap. BJP’s Manjusha Nagpure was elected unopposed as the Mayor, while the Deputy Mayor post went to Parshuram Wadekar from the Republican Party of India (Athawale). The BJP secured a smooth victory in the process. The mayoral election in Pune saw last-minute withdrawals from NCP and Congress candidates, leaving Nagpure as the sole contender. The withdrawals came after an appeal by BJP PMC group leader Ganesh Bidkar to ensure a peaceful election and to honor the late Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and former Union Minister Suresh Kalamadi. Initially, three nominations had been filed for the Mayor post. In the recent PMC elections, the BJP emerged as the largest party after a four-year hi...
Pilot Hypnotized? Amol Mitkari Calls Ajit Pawar Plane Crash a Conspiracy, Political Heat Rises in Maharashtra
Maharashtra, State

Pilot Hypnotized? Amol Mitkari Calls Ajit Pawar Plane Crash a Conspiracy, Political Heat Rises in Maharashtra

Mumbai: Political tensions have escalated in Maharashtra over the crash of the chartered aircraft carrying the late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Eleven days after the tragedy, the exact cause of the crash remains unclear. Meanwhile, NCP MLC Amol Mitkari has intensified the debate, calling the incident a possible conspiracy. Mitkari Questions Pilot Conduct Mitkari raised serious questions, asking: “Was the pilot hypnotized or bribed to carry out this act?” He claimed that the pilot did not make a “Mayday” call nor maintain contact with Pune Airport after takeoff. He emphasized the need for a thorough investigation. Amid these developments, Ajit Pawar’s ashes were immersed in Prayagraj. Why Was the Pilot Changed Twice? On the morning of 28 February, Ajit Pawar’s Learjet-45 c...
Two EVMs Found in Car at Solapur Eatery Sparks Political Row, Maharashtra State Election Commission Breaks Silence
Maharashtra, State

Two EVMs Found in Car at Solapur Eatery Sparks Political Row, Maharashtra State Election Commission Breaks Silence

Pune/Solapur:A major controversy erupted in Maharashtra after two Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) were reportedly found inside a car parked near a roadside eatery (dhaba) in Mohol town of Solapur district, shortly after voting for local body elections. The incident triggered allegations of possible tampering and raised serious concerns about transparency in the electoral process. Following the uproar, the Maharashtra State Election Commission (SEC) issued an official clarification, stating that the machines recovered from the vehicle were reserve EVMs and were not used for voting. Incident Occurred After District Council Voting It is important to note that voting was conducted on Saturday for elections to 12 Zilla Parishads (District Councils) and 125 Panchayat Samitis across Ma...