INTERVIEW| 'I once sought clearance for mission to eliminate Dawood,' recounts Filmmaker Major Ravi
The Heckler & Koch MP5 submachine gun and Glock 17 pistol from his commando days still remain close-to-heart buddies for Major A K Ravindran (retd), better known as Major Ravi. Known for his military valour, war films, and outspoken socio-political views, he comes across as a unique mix of a hardened fighter, ace storyteller and a maverick politician. In a freewheeling, three-hour interaction at TNIE s Kochi office, Major Ravi revisited his childhood struggles, Army days, NSG operations, the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, his filmmaking journey, politics, and his admiration for Prime Minister Narendra Modi Lets start with your childhood, the making of the soldier As a child, I was not great at studies. I was a typical village boy. School was about freedom from the suffocation at home for me. We were brought up in a strict environment at home. At school, there was freedom. In fact, I used to hate holidays. At my house, the atmosphere was that of a typical orthodox joint family. I was like Appu in M T Vasudevan Nairs Nalukettu. Often, I had to sleep after having just rice porridge, as my mother had to bear the wrath of her mother-in-law. Naturally, the children feel the brunt. I never had the freedom to play freely with my cousins. I wore a vallikalasam and just hung around at home. Because of my fathers temper, my mother suppressed everything and never complained to him. Was your father in the military? No, my father managed the familys farming activities while his brothers were in the military. He handled the familys 100-odd acres of agricultural land in Pattambi (Palakkad). My childhood friends were the boys who came to look after the cows. Thats why I find it hard to relate to the disparity that Vedan (the Malayalam rapper) sings about. My friends were Krishnan, the blacksmiths son, and Kuttappa, the son of Kunnumel Shankaran. There was no caste or colour discrimination. My mother raised me that way. When I looked at the elders in the house, none had high education. Many had joined the Army in their early years. So I felt I too could join the Army once I completed Class 8, and I could earn a living with that salary. That was my modest ambition. My goal was simple: escape from home. I eventually left home after failing Class 9. While my fathers brothers were in the Army, my mothers elder brother was in the Navy. He helped his nephews join the navy. So, initially, I thought I could also join through that route. But because of family rivalries, that did not happen. So I took a train to Bombay. I had only Rs 16 in my pocket. I spent three nights at VT (Victoria Terminus) station. I sat in a corner with my small suitcase, staring into a vacuum, with no clue what lay ahead. What happened then? I didnt know Hindi or English. I used to follow anyone wearing a mundu, thinking they might be Malayalis who could help me. Like a hapless dog that would look up to people for some affection. But nobody cared in those days Im talking about 1975. I was exhausted. And thats when I realised what real hunger meant. For three days, I survived on robusta bananas. I was down with dysentery. Fortunately, from my suitcase, I found an address from my fathers diary: Kuttan Nair, Menons Mess, Koliwada. Around 11pm, I boarded a suburban train without a ticket. As luck would have it, the ticket-checker caught me and put me with a group of ticketless travellers, most of them migrant workers. I still remember asking them: Will we get food in jail? I was that famished. And then I saw God in human form. A tall man in a white suit, looking like Sai Baba, extended his hand towards me. I was frail, weighing 37kg. He lifted me over a fence, hit on my back and told me to run. Trudging down a street, I bumped into a Malayali. He guided me to Menons Mess. At the restaurant, a relative Kuttan Mama was sitting at the counter. I was meeting him for the first time. When I introduced myself, he was shocked. Bursting into tears, I whimpered that I was hungry. He immediately shouted for food to be brought, though the shop was about to close. I remember the smell of sambar and fried fish. That, to date, remains the tastiest meal I have ever had. Later, he arranged a place at a nearby chawl for me to sleep in. Soon I started working at the eatery cleaning tables, picking up plates and, at times, manning the counter. During that time, one day, I stopped a man who was leaving without paying for the food he ate. I held back one of his gang members. Everyone rebuked me for doing so. That man stared, smiled and left. It was much later I discovered from a newspaper article that he was Karim Lala, an underworld don. Those days, Kuttan Mama would say he would send me to the Gulf once I turned 18. Sometimes I wonder had that happened, maybe Id have become a don more dreadful than Dawood (laughs)! What led you to the Army? About a month after the Karim Lala incident, an uncle of mine told me about an Army recruitment drive. I went, and surprisingly, I was the only one who matched the requirements 52 kg weight (thanks to the mess food!), height, chest all perfect. I was selected and joined a unit in Nashik. Over the next three years, I started studying seriously. When others would go for drinks at night, I would study in peace. I cleared Class 10, then pre-degree and later enrolled in Punjab University. I then attempted the officer test, and cleared it on my first attempt. Later, I got into the NSG again on the first attempt. Which operation did you get the gallantry medal for? I have been in several operations. In fact, I could have applied for more. For medals and awards, one often has to do a lot of paperwork. I was never interested in that. Many people realised I was the one leading the NSG team involved in the hunt for Rajiv Gandhis killers only after the web series The Hunt was released recently. Even some batchmates called me up to confirm if the Captain Raveendran in the series was based on me. For the Rajiv Gandhi operation, I didnt get a medal, though it was one of the biggest and riskiest operations. I never sought one. And I have no complaints. Thats how I have lived my life. Could you tell us about NSG operations in Kashmir? Our base was in Manesar, about 40km from Palam airport. There are three squadrons, and one is always on alert. A team consists of 30 men and an officer. I have been part of ops in Kashmir and Punjab. Our first operation was in February 1989, when Rubaiya Sayeed was kidnapped. I had just arrived after my marriage when we got the alert to go to Kashmir. I left my wife at the military mess. We were thrilled about the opportunity for action. Now, if you ask me to kill someone, I would think twice. But back then, I was duty-bound. We waited for three days, but we knew we wouldnt get permission to attack. We had identified the hideout in Kupwara, but Mufti Mohammed Sayeed, who was the home minister at the time, did not allow it, saying his daughter would get hurt. It was his policy of releasing four terrorists that eventually led to the Kandahar hijacking a chain reaction. Once you bend in front of these terrorists, it creates more problems. Look at the US policy they dont talk. Thats what Modiji is doing now with surgical strikes. Now, the adversaries fear us. Earlier, we would go for diplomatic talks. In Pahalgam, Modi gave full freedom to the armed forces. What is the most memorable operation you have been part of? All were memorable but the most challenging one would be the Rajiv Gandhi operation. I only realised it now. We had to stop the terrorists from consuming cyanide. One had split seconds. I had to move stealthily and grab the cyanide before they even realised what was happening. Are the depictions in the Hunt accurate? The series has totally neglected one person. Radha Vinod Raju, the person who raised NIA. He was a Kochi native. He was a DIG during the CBI inquiry. He was the mastermind of the operation in terms of coordination. Moreover, there are several discrepancies in the series. Amod Kanth, one of the officers shown, had said he would sue the makers. One scene shows you threatening LTTE tigress Nalini with rape No, nothing of that sort had happened. But I just let it pass. I did dial up (director) Nagesh Kukunoor. He said his father was unwell, and that he would call me back. But he has not done so. Several militants whom you had apprehended were pardoned and released from prison It is not the right of Rajiv Gandhis wife to pardon the militants. Around 22 policemen had lost their lives. Was their wives opinion sought when deciding to let these militants go? Is this country a monarchy? Did they ask us? Furthermore, why did SIT not question the politicians? During this case, the order was not to interrogate any of the politicians. Why was it so? You tell me, who killed Rajiv Gandhi? I ask this question even now. I dont think it was linked to him sending the IPKF to Sri Lanka. It was a smokescreen. Are you hinting at an internal conspiracy? You have to ask questions. Indira Gandhi, Sanjay Gandhi, Madhavrao Scindia, Rajesh Pilot, YSR Why and how did the lives of these leaders end in gruesome ways? The public needs to ask these questions. These incidents seem to be something right out of the pages of a Sidney Sheldon novel. A power play seemed to be taking place. You were once close to the Congress. Now you are with the BJP. How did that happen? I was apolitical for a long time. I, however, couldnt accept communism that had anti-national elements. As for the Congress, I didnt have any problems with them. I had shared many platforms with Congress leaders. Mullappally Ramachandran had once called me to meet him. However, after I left, the meeting turned into big news. When the media asked me for a comment, I remarked that I was not happy with the Pinarayi government, and the Congress seemed to be the only alternative in the state at that time. The media, however, presented the interpretation that I had joined Congress. I began getting calls from Delhi after the news broke. You should understand that I had been associated with RSS from my childhood. So many wondered what happened. To clarify, I am still a BJP man, but no official position now. When Rajeev Chandrasekhar became the BJP state president , I met him and told him that I am not interested in any position. But I assured him that he could count on me whenever the party needed me. Otherwise, I hate jostling on stage for visibility. You said earlier, BJP couldnt come to power in the state and hence the Congress was the only choice... Has the situation changed now? Yes, but the BJP needs to do many more things here. For instance, there needs to be enhanced booth-level work. Its a conducive climate in the state. But if you dont play well like the reaction in the nuns issue. There is no need for show offs or drama. That said, many common people here still act foolishly. If Pinarayi announces a kit or something, they will forget everything and vote the Left again to power. The Congress is standing on loose ground. One cant even watch the mobile because of the sleaze coming out these days How do you view the current Congress leadership in Kerala? I cannot tolerate its present leadership in Delhi. In Kerala, I like the earlier leadership. like V M Sudheeran, Mullappally Ramachandran and others. Current ones like V D Satheesan are the new generation. Shashi Tharoor is an intellectual man. He should be used in Kerala. Maybe the BJP could do that he is ready. Is Shashi Tharoor coming to the BJP? Have you talked to him? No, I didnt. But then there has been a lot of talk about it. His posturing nowadays is not in line with the Congress. Will you be contesting in the upcoming assembly elections? No. I wont stand as a candidate if you ask me to do so on the eve of the election day. Now only seven months are left for the election. What the BJP should do now is that it should allocate the seats now and ask the candidates to start working there. That they wont do. Last time, they asked me to contest from Ernakulam. I didnt. I didnt have any interest. What could I do in just 15 days? How is your relation with the Delhi circles of BJP? I dont do anything for my benefit. If some anti-national things happen here, I alert the top leadership. Thats all. My last personal request to the Centre was permission for a clandestine mission to kill Dawood Ibrahim. Ten former commandos were willing to join me. We had a clear plan. But then the Covid struck, and the mission did not take off. Recently, there were suggestions that the military training should be given to the RSS cadre. You run one academy Agniveer academy. Your opinion on mandatory military training? Its very difficult to have such a system in this country, because we have a huge population, 140-145 crore. Agreed the same will help cultivate discipline, patriotism, etc. But we are already providing the same through NCC programmes. Many children pass out of NCC and join the army. Now the four-year Agniveer course is there. When it was first suggested, there was a lot of opposition. But take the case of my academy. Of the 580 candidates who appeared for the test, 547 made it. The problem is not that, but the intrusion of the drug mafia. It is a huge challenge. Does the new generation have a weaker sense of patriotism? No. But there is a small segment not limited to any religion or caste that is consumed by fanaticism, anti-India attitudes. I dont know what they gain out of it. Maybe they crave attention, and think they will get noticed by making such statements. But the youth has got a lot of patriotism. On one occasion, a group of handsome students, mainly Muslim children, from Kannur and Kozhikode came up to me when they met me at the LuLu Mall and started taking pictures. I asked them why they were here and they replied they were appearing for the NDA test the next day. So the country is undergoing a change. If someone says something, then the outburst comes: Go to Pakistan. Thats not right. If someone makes an anti-national remark, asking him to go to Pakistan is not what we should do. Instead we should try to change them. How did 'Keerthi Chakra' happen? I have been a film buff since childhood. I used to envy Prem Nazir sir, Sathyan Sir, Madhu sir. When I was in the military, I used to look at the mirror and think, I look good, and I can act in movies. Also, I was part of drama and other events. Once I came back, I started working with Priyan chettan (filmmaker Priyadarshan). He used to give me small roles. He didnt accept that I am an actor. Then I started assisting him in ads. I started understanding the basics of the craft. I had been planning 'Keerthi Chakra' since 2000, with Biju Menon as the lead. Biju brought a producer. But it did not work out. After two years, I felt I should present this to Mohanlal. So I went to Kanhangad and narrated the story to him. Then destiny took over. There is a poignant song on Kashmir in the film. Was it something you held in your heart? Yes. It was based on my memories from Kashmir, my interactions with the local community. Even now, the song is played there in tourist places. They say it is Major Saabs song. Many boat operators of Dal Lake call me often. I made Kailash Kher re-render the song as his initial take lacked pathos. Moved by my vision for the song, he eventually refused to accept remuneration. He left taking just one rupee from me. Empuraan row: Mohanlal issues apology for 'distress' caused, assures to remove controversial portions Your views on 'Empuraan' stirred a controversy what actually happened? I still maintain that Lal had not watched the film before its release. The issue is over. They got publicity. Then there was a statement that I degraded her (Mallika Sukumarans) sons movie. Even now, I say, technically, he did a good job. But they shouldnt have portrayed the scene (the riot) in the beginning the way it was. It was misleading. They should have shown how it all started from the train (the Godhra train burning incident). That was what I found to be problematic. Was Mohanlal really upset after watching the film? Obviously. I know him well. He was targeted. I took on that attack. Everyone attacked me. And I was okay with that. Some people attract you in a special way. Take Narendra Modi. He is a non-corrupt, committed person. I will die for him. Similar is the case with Mohanlal. I am close to Mammukka as well. I was hurt when I heard he was unwell. But I keep a distance with him out of respect. I have shouted at people who criticised him too. Are you making a film on the Galwan standoff? I had planned such a film. But in the Malayalam industry, many producers lack commitment. I am currently working on a film titled Hanara, which is set along the Line of Control. It tells the story of an Indian soldier who becomes emotionally drawn to a girl from the Pakistani side. As the mystery unfolds, deeper themes are explored. I want to raise a question do we really need these lines between nations? Despite being a BJP leader, the way you talk sometimes seems detached from politics I am not detached, I am just talking like a human. There is no detached tone, I am always with the BJP. Now, a lot of people from probable alliance parties especially those who may have a mind block towards the Lotus symbol have been approaching me, asking me to take initiative for a third front formation. If I get the blessings from Amit Shah ji and the PM, I will consider that. Meanwhile, I will keep speaking my mind freely. And people will take me up in the air (referring to trolling). Then I come down and say something then again go up in the air. That keeps happening. And I am quite okay with that by now (laughs). (With inputs from Kiran Prakash, Rajesh Abraham, Manoj Viswanathan, S Neeraj Krishna, Krishna Kumar K E and Harikrishna.)
IRCTC announces Jyotirling with Shirdi Yatra train from Tirunelveli
The train will cover Nashik, Shirdi, Shanisingnapur, Pandharpur, and Mantralayam; it will leave Tirunelveli on November 9
Soldier injured as parachute crashes on house in Maharashtra
One soldier was injured when his parachute crashed on a house during a military demonstration in Maharashtra's Nashik district on Thursday.
NEW DELHI: In a big relief to former CSDS director and renowned political analyst Sanjay Kumar, the Supreme Court on Monday, stayed theFIRs registered against him in connection with histweets claiming significant voter number discrepancies in the 2024 Maharashtra elections. A two-judge bench of the apex court headed by CJI BR Gavai and Justice NV Anjaria, stayed the FIRs after hearing the plea of Kumar. The accused Kumar, moved the apex court seeking to quash the FIRs, claiming that the allegations are baseless. He contended before the SC that the FIRS are an abuse of the State power. Kumar clarified that the tweets were later deleted by him citing data errors. A tweet giving wrong information cannot form the basis of an FIR for offences such as Forgery. The allegations made therein are baseless, and the criminal sections invoked are demonstrably inapplicable to the facts and circumstances of the case, he argued. 'Vote theft in Maharashtra polls': Rahul demands machine-readable digital voter rolls; Fadnavis rebuts charges Claiming innocence in the case, Kumar submitted that there was no criminal intent, as the post was a bona fide and inadvertent error, for which he issued a public apology clarification. The court taking Kumars submissions into record that he had already apologised in the case, the SC stayed the FIRs and issued notice on his appeal. Kumar's lawyer argued before the top court that hehas an impeccable integrity of 30 years of conscientious service to the nation and to the world. He is highly respected. It was a mistake. He apologized, he said and sought staying of the FIRs. The laywer even surprisingly submitted that I deleted, I apologized publicly, after that, an FIR. According to the prosecution, on August 17, Kumar posted on his X handle about the increase and decrease in the number of voters in specific constituencies. However, after realising that the post was based on an erroneous analysis, he posted on August 19 expressing apology for his post and clarifying that his earlier post was a mistake. Following that, the officers reporting to the Election Commission of India registered two FIRs, one at Nashik and another at Nagpur, under various sections of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023.
MNS Workers Assault Man After Argument Over Accident In Nashik: 'Should Learn Marathi'
The victim was learning how to drive when his car allegedly brushed past his neighbour's vehicle, leading to a violent confrontation where an MNS worker asked him to speak Marathi.
Video: Stray Dog's Brutal Beatdown Of Leopard, Drags It 300 Metres
A stray dog and a leopard faced off in Maharashtra's Nashik. The 'fight' ended in the dog 'defeating' the leopard and dragging it for 300 metres. The episode unfolded in Nashik's Niphad and a video of the fight has gone viral on social media.
Two Children Trapped, Seven Others Rescued As Building Collapses In Maharashtra's Nashik
At least two children remain trapped after a building collapsed in Nashiks Old City area on Wednesday night. Seven people were rescued and admitted to a hospital.
Rly service between Mumbai & Nashik hit
Psephologist Sanjay Kumar booked over Maharashtra election post
The District Election Officers (DEOs) of both Nagpur and Nashik confirmed that Kumar had shared misleading data about voter numbers for the 2024 Lok Sabha and Maharashtra Assembly elections, specifically for the Ramtek and Devlali constituencies
FIRs Against Psephologist Sanjay Kumar For Spreading Fake Info Over Maharashtra Polls
Professor Sanjay Kumar of Lokniti-CSDS faces FIRs in Nagpur and Nashik for allegedly spreading false info about Maharashtra elections.
Centre approves 62,000-crore order for 97 LCA Mk1A fighters, giving IAF a major boost
The government has approved an order for 97 more LCA Mk1A aircraft. Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) will manufacture these jets. This 62,000 crore deal increases the Air Force's LCA Mk1A fighter count to 180. Production will occur at Bengaluru and Nashik, aiming for 24 jets annually.
Maharashtra rain fury: Seven dead, crops damaged; Mumbai, Thane, other districts on red alert
MUMBAI: Heavy rain across Maharashtra has left seven people dead, damaged nearly two lakh hectares of standing crops, and caused widespread disruption to property and daily life. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday reviewed the situation with divisional commissioners via video conference. He directed revenue and administrative officers to conduct damage assessments of affected crops and properties and ensure timely compensation. So far, seven people have died due to heavy rain, and several rivers have also crossed the danger level. The alert message has been sent to the concerned people, Fadnavis said In Sambhaji Nagar district alone, 800 villages were affected. The two lakh hectares of land with standing crops got damaged. The panchanama will be carried out and compensations will also be given, he added. The chief minister also instructed officials to provide shelter, food and other necessities to people stranded by floods and heavy rain. Authorities have declared holidays for schools and colleges on Tuesday as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for August 18-19 in Mumbai, Thane, Raigad and Palghar districts and a yellow and orange alerts for other parts of the state. Mumbai reels under 177 mm rain in 8 hours; flights hit, schools shut as red alert issued The state government has asked local administrations to close schools and colleges in districts under heavy rain warnings. In Marathwada, five people drowned in flooding, while two others died in house and wall collapse incidents. In Mumbai, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) declared a holiday for all schools. Afternoon classes were also cancelled, its PRO said. Waterlogging caused severe traffic congestion across the city. Airlines issued advisories to passengers after the city remained lashed by heavy showers for a fourth consecutive day. IndiGo and Akasa Air urged travellers to check flight status and plan their journeys in advance due to flooding and traffic disruptions. Both carriers posted updates on their official X handles. Thane, Mumbai and Navi Mumbai face the wrath Incessant heavy rains on Monday triggered a landslide in a hilly area in Kalyan in Thane district, damaging four houses, officials said. The landslide occurred on Monday afternoon at Netivali Hill in the Jai Bhavani Nagar area of Kalyan. Nobody was injured. Roads in several areas across Thane, Palghar, and Navi Mumbai regions were waterlogged, and traffic crawled as copious downpours lashed the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Some residents have been shifted to a municipal school in Netivali for safety, and arrangements for food and accommodation have been made, said Deputy Commissioner Sanjay Jadhav of the Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC). Thane city recorded more than 100 mm of rainfall at 4.30 pm, said Yasin Tadvi, chief of the disaster management cell of the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC). Elsewhere in Thane district, rescue teams used boats to transport schoolchildren in Kalwa, where heavy flooding disrupted movement. Meanwhile, Navi Mumbai recorded 115.17 mm of rainfall from 8.30 am on August 17 to 8.30 am on August 18, with another 83.68 mm between 8.30 am and 5.30 pm. The city had earlier logged 134.68 mm and 105.70 mm of rainfall over the preceding two days. Despite the heavy downpour, officials said proactive measures kept the situation under control. Our teams are removing blockages in drains, deploying additional pumps, and monitoring tide levels. Citizens should remain indoors except for essential work and contact the civic helpline for emergencies, said Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation Commissioner Kailash Shinde. In the wake of heavy rains in Mumbai over the last few days, Vihar lake, one of the key sources of potable water for the metropolis, started overflowing on Monday afternoon, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said. The lake, which has a storage capacity of 2,769.8 crore litres, is the sixth of the seven reservoirs, that supply potable water to Mumbai, to overflow, bringing relief to local residents. The lake, located in the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, overflowed at 2.45 pm , the BMC said. Last year, the lake started overflowing almost a month early, on July 25. A day before, another lake in Mumbai, Tulsi, overflowed following heavy rains in the city and suburbs. Mumbai receives 3,800 MLD (millions of litres per day) water from seven reservoirs -- Bhatsa, Upper Vaitarna, Middle Vaitarna, Tansa, Modak Sagar, Vihar and Tulsi -- located in Mumbai, Thane and Nashik districts. The scenic Powai lake in Mumbai also started overflowing earlier this year, but its water is not used for drinking purpose, BMC officials said.
EC should first give affidavit that voter list is clean, then we'll also follow: Congress
NEW DELHI: The Congress on Monday hit back at Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, saying that first the poll body should submit an affidavit in the Supreme Court that its voter list is clean and then it will also give an affidavit that there are irregularities in the existing list. The opposition party also alleged that Gyanesh Kumar sounded like a BJP spokesperson during his press conference in New Delhi. The Congress made the remarks a day after the CEC served a seven-day ultimatum on party leader Rahul Gandhi to submit a signed affidavit to back his claims, else his allegations will be considered baseless and invalid. Addressing a press conference along with party leader Kanhaiya Kumar during the Voter Adhikar Yatra here, Congress' media and publicity department head Pawan Khera said, As this yatra began, Gyanesh Kumar had to do a press conference. We got to know that there is a Chief Election Commissioner. Earlier, we used to think that there would be an Anurag Thakur, a Sambit Patra or a person named source making comments but we finally saw the CEC, Khera said in Daboor where the yatra took a lunch break. He (Gyanesh Kumar) threatened to give an affidavit. He would get scared of threats but we don't. They don't believe their own data, he said. Kanhaiya Kumar alleged that the BJP wants to do vote chori and steal the Constitution. Before the Lok Sabha polls, the BJP raised the slogan of 'Ab ki baar 400 paar' and some of their outspoken leaders removed the lid on the conspiracy to change the Constitution, he claimed. In Haryana and Maharashtra, opinion polls suggested that a Congress government would be formed but the opposite happened, Kanhaiya Kumar said. We asked for a machine-readable format but they refused. The EC kept saying that there is no problem but now they are saying that 'we are doing SIR to correct the issues in the voter list', he said. The EC itself is saying there is something wrong in the voter list, which means that it was lying before, Kumar said. When Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi gave proof of the irregularities in the vote' list, the EC asked him to file an affidavit, he said. It seemed a BJP spokesperson is speaking. And there was no reply given in the press conference, Kanhaiya Kumar said. We have found several irregularities. All BLOs (booth-level officers) are not getting forms filled door-to-door. The EC wants to give only data they are not bothered whether it is right or wrong. Dead people found mention in lists and living people are removed from it, he said. If the EC gives affidavit, we are also prepared to give an affidavit. They must show their papers first, Kumar said. Asked what sort of affidavit they should give, Kumar said the EC's paper is a voter list and it should give it in a machine-readable format. Give an affidavit in the Supreme Court that your voters list is clean and then we will also give an affidavit that there are irregularities in the existing voter list, he said. Talking about the problems being faced by the people in Bihar during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, Kanhaiya Kumar said when people find that their names are not there on the draft list, they go to the BLO, but that officer is not accepting the Aadhaar card as proof of identity. Kanhaiya Kumar said genuine voters were being harassed and cited his example that the spelling of his father's name differs in different documents due to which hurdles were being created. People are being harassed for small errors, he claimed. We want to ask that 65 lakh people were removed but they should also give data how many names have been added, Kanhaiya Kumar said. The intentions of the EC are not clear. It is busy highlighting the face of the supreme leader, the Congress leader said and demanded a clean voters list. If a government is formed through chori (theft) then such a government will not work honestly, the Congress leader said. SIR is a straightforward way of vote chori, he said, and urged people to come forward and fight against vote chori to save democracy. Kanhaiya Kumar said the BJP is rattled as we are getting people's support. In a post on X earlier, Khera said, The Election Commission of India wants us to believe that IN JUST SIX MONTHS between the 2024 Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha elections in Maharashtra: -- Close to 40% of the electorate died/ permanently migrated in Ramtek and Devlali assembly constituencies. Around 45% of the electorate suddenly became eligible to vote in Nashik West and Hingna assembly constituencies. Next they will announce that 2+2 = 420, he said, taking a swipe at the EC. In his first press conference after Gandhi levelled allegations of vote chori in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and several opposition leaders flagged issues about the revision of electoral rolls in Bihar, Gyanesh Kumar asked the Congress leader to either apologise or back his claims within a week with a signed affidavit as required under electoral rules. Give an affidavit or apologise to the nation. There is no third option. If an affidavit is not given within seven days, this means that all allegations are baseless, said Gyanesh Kumar, flanked by Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi. The remarks by the CEC came on a day when Gandhi-led opposition launched the 'Vote Adhikar Yatra' in Bihar and stepped up attack against the SIR of electoral rolls in the poll-bound state. The Congress and other opposition parties have been pressing the EC to provide a machine-readable digital copy of the Maharashtra voter lists, alleging irregularities in the 2024 state polls.
India monsoon LIVE: IMD issues red alert in Mumbai as heavy downpour causes waterlogging
IMD Mumbai issued a warning of intense rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds (3040 kmph) in parts of north and central Maharashtra, including Nashik, Dhule, Jalgaon, Aurangabad region, Beed, and Nanded.
Raut Says No Power In Country Can Defeat United Thackerays
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut announced on Friday that Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray are considering contesting the upcoming municipal elections in Mumbai, Thane, Nashik, and other cities together.
Uddhav and Raj Thackeray will contest civic elections together, says Sanjay Raut
Sanjay Raut announced that Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS will contest upcoming civic elections together in Mumbai, Thane, Nashik, and Kalyan-Dombivali, aiming to unite Marathi-speakers. Raut stated discussions are ongoing with MNS for an alliance. BJP leaders dismissed the announcement, questioning whether the Thackeray cousins had even spoken and accusing Sena (UBT) of only remembering Marathi voters near elections.
21-year-old Muslim youth, Suleman Rahim Khan, a resident of Chhoti Betawad in Maharashtras Jamner taluka was abducted, assaulted and brutally murdered by a mob on Monday, reported Maktoob Media . The mob also attacked the youth's family, including mother and sister, while trying to save him. According to the report, citing eye witnesses, the youth was abducted by a mob of 9-15 men from a cafe, just meters away from the Jamner police station, while he was allegedly with a 17-year-old-girl from another community. The youth was dragged by the mob to a vehicle and taken to different locations, assaulted and then dumped at the doorstep of his house. The attackers then assaulted Suleman's family when they tried to help the youth who was fighting for his life, leaving his father, mother and sister injured. Suleman was later taken to the Jalgaon District Hospital where he was declared dead on arrival. According to police, sticks, iron rods, and bare hands were used to assault the youth, causing fatal internal injuries. Suleman had recently completed his 12th standard and was preparing to join the police service. On the day of the attack, he had traveled to Jamner to submit his police application. There was not a single inch on my sons body without wounds. They left him battered. When we ran to save him, they turned their violence on me, my wife, and my daughter. Suleman was my only son. I will not rest until the culprits face the harshest punishment the law can give, exactly for what they did to him, Rahim Khan, father of Suleman was quoted as saying by Maktoob . The killing sparked protests in Jamner, with relatives and community leaders demanding strict action against the attackers including charges under Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA). Residents also staged a sit in protest outside the Jamner police station, demanding immediate arrests of the attackers. According to the report, Superintendent of Police Maheshwar Reddy informed that four people have been arrested so far, while five more suspects are being traced. We are still investigating the matter and cannot exactly say the reason for the attack at this time. The situation in Jamner is under control, and additional forces from the crime branch and Nashik Range have been deployed, the inspector was quoted as saying by Maktoob. The accused have been booked on charges of murder, kidnapping, rioting, and unlawful assembly under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Meanwhile, former AIMIM MP Imtiaz Jaleel alleged that the police had pressurized the family to conduct last rites before all the accused were arrested. Another case of mob lynching. 20 year old college student beaten to death in front of his parents and sister by goons in a villlage in Jamner taluka, Jalgaon on Monday afternoon. Suleman khan was attacked on the charge that he was talking to a girl from another community. Police now pressurising family to do last rites while family is demanding arrests of all accused, he wrote in a post on X.
CBI Busts Fake Amazon Tech Support Centre Operating In Maharashtra, 5 Arrested
The CBI has dismantled a clandestine syndicate of cyber criminals masquerading as Amazon technical support centre operational at a resort in Maharashtra's Nashik, arresting five Mumbai-based fraudsters, officials said.
CBI Busts Fake Amazon Technical Support Centre Operating From Resort In Nashik; 5 Arrested
New Delhi, Aug 10: The CBI has dismantled a clandestine syndicate of cyber criminals masquerading as Amazon technical support centre operational at a resort in Maharashtras Nashik, arresting five Mumbai-based fraudsters who were allegedly targeting US and Canadian citizens, officials said Sunday. The illegal enterprise comprising a coterie of six Mumbai-based fraudsters, named as accused in the FIR, operated in conspiracy with other unidentified bank officials and private individuals. They allegedly committed financial frauds by impersonation, making phishing calls from [] The post CBI Busts Fake Amazon Technical Support Centre Operating From Resort In Nashik; 5 Arrested appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Three-Year-Old Boy Mauled To Death By Leopard, Sister Ties Rakhi Before Last Rites
In Nashik, Maharashtra, a three-year-old boy was mauled to death by a leopard while playing near his home. The tragic incident occurred just before Rakshabandhan.
One Student Killed, 11 Injured After Tomato-Laden Tempo Mows Them Down In Nashik
According to police, the tempo, heading towards Pimpalgaon, veered out of control and hit a group of students crossing the highway.
Shiv Sena (UBT), MNS to 'surely' contest Maharashtra local bodies polls together
Sanjay Raut stated that Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS will likely contest local body polls together, hinting at a reunion of Uddhav and Raj Thackeray after their July protest. Raut expressed confidence that an alliance between the cousins' parties would secure a majority in key municipal corporations, including Mumbai, Pune, and Nashik. Discussions between the two leaders are expected soon.
Lt Col Purohit gets warm welcome as he returns home in Pune after acquittal in Malegaon blast case
Pune, Aug 3: Lieutenant Colonel Prasad Purohit, one of the seven accused acquitted by a court in the 2008 Malegaon bomb blast case, was accorded a grand welcome by his family members and supporters on his return home in Pune on Sunday. A special court in Mumbai on Thursday acquitted Purohit, former BJP MP Pragya Singh Thakur and five others, nearly 17 years after a blast in Malegaon town in Nashik district of north Maharashtra claimed six lives. While acquitting [] The post Lt Col Purohit gets warm welcome as he returns home in Pune after acquittal in Malegaon blast case appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Political row erupts over Malegaon blast verdict
NEW DELHI/BHOPAL/MUMBAI/LUCKNOW : Following the acquittal of all accused in the Malegaon blast case, the BJP on Thursday accused the Congress of having concocted the theory of Hindu terror during its tenure in power, to allegedly thwart the political rise of Narendra Modi, who was then the Chief Minister of Gujarat. The BJP claimed the Congress devised this narrative as part of a strategy to appease Muslim voters. The Congress can go to any extent in its vote bank politics, stated former Law Minister and senior BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad at a media briefing. He demanded an apology to the nation from former Congress presidents Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. Prasad demanded that those discharged from the case, including former BJP MP Pragya Singh Thakur and Lt Colonel Prasad Purohit, be compensated adequately. Thakur supporters celebrate In Bhopal, supporters of Pragya Thakur danced and distributed sweets after hearing the verdict. They want a grant celebration after Thakur returns from Mumbai to her B-29, 74 Bungalows residence in a couple of days. Five kilometres away, supporters burst crackers outside the residence of former CM Uma Bharti at 6, Shyamala Hills. She turned emotional, recounting her meeting with Thakur while the latter was incarcerated. Bharti recalled, I met Pragya at the Nashik Jail, when no one went there to meet her. A Maharashtra police officer had told me that she was tortured unimaginably. I was in tears while meeting her and still remember her confirming that she had been tortured beyond imagination. She called Thakur Durga, who preferred torture in custody to succumbing under pressure. Bharti pointed out, No ordinary woman could have tolerated such extreme torture. At Nashik Jail, she told me, tell all people, that Ill prefer dying and never allow Hindus and the colour saffron to get kalankit (tarnished). Bharti said thanks to the verdict, even I stand acquitted in the court of my soul. He stated, All those who coined the term saffron terrorism should now either apologise to the Hindus or jump into the Ganga or Narmada. Maha slugfest Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis posted on X, Atankwad bhagwa na kabhi kha, na hai, na kabhi rahega (Terrorism was never saffron, is not, and will never be). Deputy CM Eknath Shinde said the verdict was delayed justice, adding that bomb blasts were frequent when the Congress was in power for which innocents were framed. He said, Shiv Sena never had any doubt that the accused were falsely framed and would get justice. Colonel Purohit, Sadhvi Pragya and seven others have had to endure immense mental and physical torture due to this allegation. The Hindu people will never forget this injustice. A Hindu can never commit anti-national acts, because patriotism is a religious act for Hindus. On Fadnaviss reaction, Maharashtra Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant said, His tweet reveals his political mindset. This is precisely why questions have been raised about the attitude of the investigative agencies. These people view terrorism through a political lens as well. People associated with the BJP and RSS, for their political interests, had even called a brave officer like martyr Hemant Karkare a traitor. Sawant reacted to Fadvanis, saying, Was it due to this political mindset that Rohini Salian ji was asked to adopt a soft stance towards the accused and to slow down the pace of the investigation? Witnesses were offered inducements. A witness like Randhir Singh was even given a ministerial position in Jharkhand. However, this verdict is not surprising, as the NIA had already given a clean chit. Former CM Prithviraj Chavan of the Congress asked, The question remains, then why no one is guilty and convicted for this crime? Then, who killed these five people who died in the bomb blast? In contrast, Congress ally Shiv Sena of Uddhav Thackeray welcomed the verdict. While Thackeray did not react, his party party MLC and leader of Opposition said, Satya Mev Jayate truth has prevailed. Both factions of the Sena appeared to be on the same side on the verdict. Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut said, The NIA courts verdict has erased the stigma on Hindus today. There is no doubt that the slogan Garv se kaho hum Hindu hai will now be echoed a hundred times louder. Yogi takes shot at Cong Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said the Malegaon verdict was a reflection of the Congress partys anti-India, anti-justice and anti-Sanatan character. The exoneration is a living testament to the phrase Satyamev Jayate. The verdict again exposes the Congress which coined the false term, saffron terror, and defamed crores of Sanatan believers, saints, and patriots, he said. The case Trail Sept 27, 2008: An explosive device strapped to a motorcycle detonated near a mosque at Bikku chowk in Malegaon town Sept 29, 2008: An FIR was lodged at Azad Nagar police station at Malegaon Oct21 , 2008: Maharashtra Terrorist Squad (ATS) took over this case Nov 27, 2008: ATS chief Hemant Karkare was killed in a terrorist attack in Mumbai Oct 23, 2008: ATS made the first arrest in this case, namely Sadvi Pragya Singh as well as three other accused Oct 23, 2008: ATS arrested Lt Col Prasad Purohit for involvement and conspiracy Jan 20, 2009: ATS filed chargesheet and charged them under MCOCA & UAPA July 2009: The special court said that the MCOCA was not applicable in the case Aug 2009: Maha govt moved against the special court in Bombay High Court July 2010: Bombay High Court overturned the special court order and upheld the charges under MCOCA Aug 2010: Accused Pragya and Lt Colonel Purohit moved SC against the HC order Apr 13, 2011: NIA took over case and held Lokesh Sharma & Dhan Singh; total arrested 14 Apr 2015: The SC sent back the case to special court to reconsider the applicability of MCOCA Feb 2016: NIA told court that theyd sought AGs view and MCOCA was applicable May 2016: NIA filed another chargesheet in special court and asked to drop MCOCA against the accused and give a clean chit to all seven Apr 25, 2017: The Bombay High Court granted bail to Sadvi Pragya Singh but no relief to Lt Colonel Purohit Sept 21, 2017: Lt Colonel Purohit finally got the bail via the Supreme Court. Later all accused arrested in this case were granted bail Dec 27, 2017: The special court of NIA dropped the charge that the accused was a member of the terrorist organisation and raising funds for it Dec 3, 2018: The trail began with examinations of first witnesses Sept 14, 2023: Court examined 323 prosecution witnesses; 37 turned hostile July 23, 2023: The examination of defence witnesses were completed Aug 12, 2023: The special court recorded the final statement of accused Apr 19, 2025: The special court closed the trail for the judgment July 31, 2025: Special court judge LK Lahoti acquitted all seven accused
BHOPAL: A distance of five kilometres separates the official bungalows of two saffron-clad women politicians of the ruling BJP in Bhopal. But the celebrations at the residences of these two former Bhopal MPs, to mark the acquittal of one of them, Pragya Singh Thakur, in the 2008 Malegaon blast case , stood in sharp contrast. While Thakur was in Mumbai for the NIA courts judgment in the 17-year-old terror case, a handful of her supporters at the B-29 residence in the 74 Bungalows area danced to drumbeats and distributed sweets, awaiting her arrival in Bhopal two days later for the grand celebrations. Five kilometres away, outside the 6 Shyamala Hills residence of former Madhya Pradesh CM and ex-Union minister Uma Bharti, it was the sound of bursting crackers that marked the acquittal of Thakur and others in the blast case. Recounting her visit to Nashik Jail, where Thakur had been lodged, Bharti, who is considered one of the prominent BJP figures in the Ayodhya Ram Temple movement, turned emotional. I met Pragya at the Nashik Jail, when no one went there to meet her. A Maharashtra police officer had told me that she was tortured unimaginably. I was in tears while meeting her and still remember her having confirmed to me about having been tortured beyond imagination. I didnt carry anything for her it was she who had kept a garland for me, Bharti said. 2008 Malegaon blast: Mere suspicion can't replace real proof; no evidence for conviction, says court She is Durga (goddess), who preferred tolerating extreme mental and physical torture in custody, rather than succumbing under intense pressure. No ordinary woman could have tolerated such extreme torture. At Nashik Jail, she told me, tell all people, that Ill prefer dying and never allow Hindus and the colour saffron to get kalankit (tarnished), Bharti added while recounting her meeting with Thakur in the jail. Welcoming the NIA courts judgment, Bharti said the verdict had not just absolved Thakur and others from allegedly false charges, but had also given her personal relief. Even I stand acquitted in the court of my soul, she said. Bharti alleged that the 2008 blast incident had been deliberately chosen as part of a larger conspiracy to coin the term saffron terrorism as a counter-narrative against Islamic fundamentalism. Lies were added in the case, and those arrested were subjected to horrific torture just to force them to take certain names. Had they taken those names, then most office-bearers of nationalist organisations and most BJP leaders would have been put behind bars and subjected to similar torture, she alleged. All those who coined the term saffron terrorism should now either apologise to the Hindus or jump into the river Ganga or Narmada. The people now need to decide what extraordinary punishment should be given to those politicians, including P Chidambaram, Rahul Gandhi, Digvijaya Singh and those from left parties, for their deliberate attempts to create fear among Muslims for the consolidation of the minority communitys votes by creating the fake narrative of Hindu fundamentalism to counter Muslim fundamentalism, she added. 'Terrorism was never saffron': Fadnavis hails Malegaon blast verdict; BJP demands Rahul, Sonia Gandhi's apology
2008 Malegaon blast: Mere suspicion can't replace real proof; no evidence for conviction, says court
MUMBAI: A special court while acquitting seven accused in the 2008 Malegaon bomb blast case on Thursday observed mere suspicion cannot replace real proof and that there was no cogent or reliable evidence to warrant conviction. No religion teaches violence, the court said. Terrorism has no religion, but the court cannot convict on mere perception, it observed. There is also no evidence to prove that explosive substances were transported or stored by Lt Colonel Prasad Purohit in his house or that he had assembled the bomb, the court said. The judge also held that provisions of the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) were not applicable to the case as there was no proper application of mind before grant of sanction for the same. An explosive device strapped to a motorcycle went off near a mosque in the town, located about 200 km from Mumbai, on September 29, 2008 killing six persons and injuring 101 others. The court on Thursday acquitted the seven accused - former BJP MP Pragya Singh Thakur, Lt Col Purohit, Major Ramesh Upadhyay (retired), Ajay Rahirkar, Sudhakar Dwivedi, Sudhakar Chaturvedi and Sameer Kulkarni. Special judge A K Lahoti, presiding over National Investigation Agency (NIA) cases, while reading out the judgment said there was no eliable and cogent evidence against the accused that proved the case beyond reasonable doubt. The prosecution's case was that the blast was carried out by right wing extremists with an intention to terrorise the Muslim community in the communally sensitive Malegaon town in Nashik district. The court in its judgment flagged several loopholes in the prosecution's case and the investigation carried out, and said the accused persons deserved the benefit of doubt. Mere suspicion cannot take the place of real proof, the court said, adding that in the absence of any evidence, the accused persons deserve the benefit of doubt. The overall evidence does not inspire confidence in the court to convict the accused. There is no reliable and cogent evidence to warrant conviction, the judge said while reading out the judgment. The court further said it was not established that the motorbike used in the blast was registered in the name of Thakur, as claimed by the prosecution. The prosecution has proved that the blast took place but could not prove that the explosive was fitted in the motor bike, it observed. On the prosecution's case that the accused persons had attended several meetings in Bhopal and Nashik where the conspiracy for the blast was hatched, the court said no witness has supported this theory and hence, neither the meeting nor the conspiracy hatched could be proved. While there is evidence to show that money was distributed by right wing group 'Abhinav Bharat', there is no evidence to prove that the same was used to fund terrorist activities, the court observed. The money seems to have been used by Purohit for the construction of his house, it added. There is also no evidence to prove that explosive substances were transported or stored by Purohit in his house or that he had assembled the bomb, the court said.
On September 29, 2008, a bomb exploded in Malegaon, Nashik district, killing 10 and injuring over 100 people
NIA Court Acquits All Accused in Malegaon Blast Case
On September 29, 2008, six people were killed and several others injured when an explosive device strapped to a motorcycle detonated near a mosque in Malegaon City, Nashik.
Private hospital ordered to pay Rs 34 lakh compensation for delaying ICU treatment over consent
Wockhardt Hospitals in Nashik must pay 34 lakh to the father of a deceased patient. The consumer commission found the hospital negligent for delaying ICU admission. Ravindra Naidu died in 2010 after a nosebleed. His father alleged delayed ICU care. The hospital claimed the family refused ICU admission. The commission emphasized that emergency care is a right.
ED raids former Vasai Virar Municipal Commissioner's premises in PMLA case
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) raided premises linked to former VVCMC Commissioner Anil Pawar, investigating money laundering related to illegal construction since 2009. Searches in Virar, Mumbai, and Nashik targeted Pawar, family, and associates, uncovering digital devices revealing VVCMC officials' involvement. This follows the demolition of 41 illegal buildings after a Bombay High Court order and a dismissed Supreme Court petition.
IMD issues heavy rains alert for Konkan, hilly areas of Pune, Nashik, Satara
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Palghar district, anticipating heavy to very heavy rainfall with extremely heavy downpours in isolated areas on July 26.
NEW DELHI: The Uttar Pradesh government has told the Supreme Court that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is deliberately spreading hatred through pre-planned actions, referring to his alleged remarks against freedom fighter Veer Savarkar during the Bharat Jodo Yatra in 2022. The government made this claim in an affidavit filed in response to Gandhi's Special Leave Petition (SLP), which seeks to quash a summons issued by a Lucknow lower court based on a criminal complaint by lawyer Nripendra Pandey. A two-judge bench of the top court, comprising Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice Manmohan, is scheduled to hear the matter. In its previous hearing on 25 April, the Supreme Court had stayed the Allahabad High Court's order refusing to quash the summons and had directed the UP government to file a response. The Yogi Adityanath-led government, in its affidavit, defended the summons and urged the court to dismiss Gandhi's appeal, stating, All the allegations are supported by the investigation, which indicates deliberate spreading of hatred through pre-planned actions. The affidavit claimed that the magistrate had thoroughly reviewed the case file, statements, and investigation report before issuing the summoning order under Sections 153A (promoting enmity between groups) and 505 (statements conducive to public mischief) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Nashik court grants bail to Rahul Gandhi in defamation case over remarks about Savarkar The affidavit described the Allahabad High Court's decision as legally sound and maintained that the apex court should not interfere. During a previous hearing, the Supreme Court had criticised Gandhis remarks on Savarkar, calling them irresponsible and cautioning him against making such statements in the future. Let us not mock our freedom fighters, the bench had warned, adding that further comments of this nature could attract suo motu action. The court also drew attention to historical correspondence, asking Gandhi whether he was aware that even Mahatma Gandhi had once signed off as your faithful servant in letters to the British, and questioned whether similar logic would then brand the Father of the Nation as a servant of the British. Defamation case for Savarkar remark: SC to hear Rahul Gandhi's plea on Friday The controversy stems from Gandhi's alleged remark during a rally in Maharashtras Akola district on 17 November 2022, where he referred to Savarkar as a British servant who received a pension. This led Advocate Pandey to file a criminal complaint in Lucknow, alleging that Gandhi had insulted Savarkar and incited social disharmony. The lower court, while issuing the summons, stated that the remarks had spread hatred and ill-will in society. Gandhis challenge to this order was dismissed by Justice Subhash Vidyarthi of the Allahabad High Court on 4 April this year, who noted that Gandhi could instead pursue a revision petition under Section 397 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. With no relief from the High Court, Gandhi has now sought intervention from the Supreme Court.
Rahul Gandhi granted bail in Savarkar defamation case
Rahul Gandhi has also appealed in the Nashik Sessions Court against the issuing of process by the additional chief judicial magistrate. The appeal will be heard next month
Nashik court grants bail to Rahul Gandhi in defamation case over remarks about Savarkar
MUMBAI: A court in Maharashtra's Nashik city on Thursday granted bail to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in a defamation case filed against him for remarks about Hindutva ideologue V D Savarkar during the Bharat Jodo Yatra in 2022. Appearing through video link before additional chief judicial magistrate R C Narwadia, Gandhi, the leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha, pleaded `not guilty'. Nashik-resident Devendra Bhutada, through his lawyer Manoj Pingle, has filed the criminal defamation case under sections 500 (defamation) and 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace) of the Indian Penal Code. After Gandhi pleaded not guilty, his lawyers sought bail. The court allowed the plea on a bond of Rs 15,000, said advocate Pingle. The complainant, director of an NGO, alleged that Gandhi, at a press conference in Hingoli and in a speech during his yatra in November 2022, made statements that harmed Savarkar's reputation. The speech of the accused along with press statements try to ruin the reputation of the complainant's idol Swatantryaveer Savarkar and his contribution to the society along with his noble work in the pre-independence period, the complaint said. Gandhi said that Savarkar prayed for release with folded hands and later on promised to work for the British government, it alleged. Gandhi is also facing a defamation case in Pune, filed by Savarkar's grandnephew, over his statements about the late Hindutva ideologue.
Nashik court grants bail to Rahul Gandhi in Savarkar defamation case
A Nashik court granted bail to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in a defamation case filed by Satyaki Savarkar, V.D. Savarkar's grandnephew, over remarks made in the UK in 2023. Gandhi pleaded not guilty to the charges under Section 500 of the Indian Penal Code. The court has scheduled July 29 as the date to begin recording evidence in the case.
'Don't know how to play rummy,' says Maharashtra minister; rejects resignation demand
NASHIK: Maharashtra Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate claimed on Tuesday that he never played rummy on his mobile phone as alleged by opposition parties and rejected demands to step down, stressing that a trivial issue was blown out of proportion. The Nationalist Congress Party leader warned of legal action against politicians who defamed him by sharing his video. A political storm erupted on Sunday after NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar posted a video clip of Kokate purportedly playing rummy on his mobile phone during the monsoon session of the state legislature. On Monday, Pawar's colleague Jitendra Awhad posted two videos, claiming Kokate was playing 'Junglee rummy' on his mobile phone during the monsoon session. Amid the growing clamour for Kokate's resignation, NCP state president Sunil Tatkare on Monday said the party head and Deputy CM Ajit Pawar will take a serious note of the video and talk to the minister accordingly. I don't know how to play online rummy. One needs an OTP, and a bank account needs to be linked to play the game. One can check if my mobile phone is linked to any such game. I was trying to skip a game which popped up on my screen for 10 to 15 seconds, Kokate told a press conference here. Asked about demands for his resignation, the minister retorted, Tell me what has happened for which the resignation has been demanded. Have I molested someone? Have I stolen something or decided against farmers? Do I have a criminal background? Kokate said he will sue the opposition leaders who tried to defame him by circulating only a part of the video. They haven't shown the full video. It would have cleared the facts. This is a small issue and it has been stretched too far, he added. The NCP leader said he would write to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, his deputy Ajit Pawar, and the legislative assembly speaker to conduct a thorough inquiry into the matter. Fadnavis slams Agriculture Minister for playing rummy during Assembly; Opposition releases two new videos If the video is proved right, I will tender my resignation. The CM or Deputy CM can give a statement during the winter session of the state legislature, and I will tender my resignation to the Governor without even meeting the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister, Kokate added. Fadnavis on Monday expressed his disapproval over Kokate's video clip. Responding to the chief minister's remarks, Kokate said, The CM's reaction is based on media reports. It's true I didn't brief him. Kokate asserted that he has been following the rules and regulations of the state legislature for the last 25 years. Kokate, who represents the Sinnar constituency in Nashik district, is not a stranger to controversies. His remarks had embarrassed the NCP in the past. A huge row erupted in April when Kokate stated that farmers do not spend money received from agriculture schemes on intended purposes, but instead use it for engagement ceremonies and weddings. As his remarks drew condemnation, he expressed remorse and tendered an apology. Earlier this year, Kokate had allegedly compared farmers to beggars, inviting severe criticism. Even a beggar does not take Re 1 in alms, but here we are giving crop insurance for Re 1. Even then, some people try to misuse it, he had said. Kokate is also facing legal trouble. A magistrate court in Nashik district had convicted Kokate and his brother, Sunil Kokate, on the charge of submitting fake documents to secure flats under a government quota, and sentenced them to two years of imprisonment. Their conviction was stayed by the district court on March 5.
Maha to probe honeytrap allegations after Cong demand
The Maharashtra government has promised to investigate allegations of a honeytrap racket targeting state officials in Thane, Nashik, and Mumbai, following demands from a Congress MLA for a formal statement in the assembly.
Visakhapatnam, Ranchi, Vijayawada, Nashik and Raipur emerge as career hubs in LinkedIn study
A list put out by LinkedIn highlights tier-2 and tier-3 growth pockets for professionals looking to relocate, tap into new industries or grow their careers locally
7 Die As Their Car Collides With Motorcycle In Nashik, Bikers Injured
Seven people, including three women, three men, and a two-year-old child, were killed in a road accident in Maharashtra's Nashik on Wednesday when their car collided with a motorcycle. The two individuals on the motorcycle sustained serious injuries.
7 Killed, 2 Injured In Car-Bike Collision In Nashik
Seven persons were killed and two others seriously injured after a car collided with a motorcycle in Maharashtra's Nashik district, police said on Thursday.
7 People, Including Women And Child, Killed In Car-Bike Collision In Nashik
Seven people were killed in the road accident between a car and a bike in Nashik, officials said.
Seven killed in car-motorbike collision in Maharashtra's Nashik
NASHIK : Seven persons were killed and two others seriously injured after a car collided with a motorcycle in Maharashtra's Nashik district, police said on Thursday. The accident took place late Wednesday night near Dindori town in the district, they said. The police received an alert at 11.57 pm about the incident which took place near a nursery on Vani-Dindori road, an official said. When the police reached the spot, the two vehicles were found fallen in a small canal alongside the road, the official said. Seven persons were killed and two others suffered serious injuries, the police said. After being alerted, police and other agencies reached the spot and launched a rescue operation.
Job Market Momentum Growing In Non-Metro Tier-2 And Tier-3 Cities: Report
The Cities on the Rise report, by professional network platform LinkedIn, identifies Visakhapatnam, Ranchi, Vijayawada, Nashik, and Raipur as the fastest-growing non-metro hubs where professional opportunities are accelerating.
Sula Vineyards Q1 Update: Revenue Declines 8%, Wine Tourism Continues To Rise
The Nashik-based company's wine tourism segment garnered a revenue of Rs 13.7 crore, up 21.8% as against Rs 11.3 crore in the year-ago period.
IAF pilot Lokendra Singh Sindhu killed in Rajasthan jet crash had become a father a month ago
CHNADIGARH: Squadron Leader Lokendra Singh Sindhu, one of the two Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots who were killed in a crash of a Jaguar fighter jet near Churu in Rajasthan on Wednesday, had become father a month ago and the family in Haryana had been in celebration mode before the tragedy struck. Sindhu, hailing from Kheri Sadh village in Haryana's Rohtak, spoke with his family through a video call on Tuesday evening and just hours before the incident took place, he exchanged messages with his family, enquiring about general welfare. Some of Sindhu's family members, who spoke to reporters in Rohtak on Thursday, said the family was celebrating the birth of the pilot's son who was born exactly a month ago on June 10, but no one knew what fate had in store. Flight Lieutenant Rishiraj Singh (23) was the other IAF pilot who was killed in the crash on Wednesday morning. After the incident, the IAF said a court of inquiry has been constituted to ascertain the cause of the accident. A function had been organised by Sindhu's family on June 30 in connection with the birth of his child which he had attended. He rejoined the duty the next day, his family members said. His grandfather Balwan Singh said Sindhu leaves behind his wife, a month-old son, a brother, a sister, his parents and grandparents. He has one child, who turned one month old on July 10, Singh said. We shared a good bond and all those memories are flashing back now, said his grandfather about Sindhu. Sindhu's brother Gyanendra said that when he came to know about the jet crash through the media he called up his brother-in-law in Nashik, who is a wing commander. Praising Sindhu and expressing pride for him, Gyanendra said that his brother ensured that the ill-fated jet was taken away from any civilian population on the ground. He tried to take it to a safe place to avoid human casualties, but in doing so the aircraft lost height and he could not eject from it, Gyanendra said. He was very skilful and his reflections were very sharp...., he said. I spoke to him a day before over video call. It was his niece's birthday and everyone was celebrating, he said.
This 133 km long expressway can be completed in three years, for which 1545 hectares of land will have to be acquired.
Mumbai is bracing for heavy rainfall. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings for Mumbai, Konkan, and western Maharashtra. An orange alert is in place for Thane, Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg. A red alert is issued for Pune district's ghat areas. Nashik, Satara, and Kolhapur's hilly regions also face orange alerts. Konkan region is expected to receive significant rainfall.
9 Airbags In Rs 1.5 Crore SUV But One 'Mistake' Leads To Nashik Businessman's Death In Crash
As another speeding vehicle splashed water onto the windshield of the SUV, the driver's visibility was momentarily lost. In those crucial seconds, the vehicle veered out of control
Nashik SHOCKER! Husband cheats many people by wearing police wife's uniform
Maharashtra police have arrested an impersonator who cheated many people here by wearing the uniform of his wife who is a police officer.
MoRTH to frame IRC guidelines after adopting new-age machines for faster highway construction
NEW DELHI: After the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) decided to adopt Automated and Intelligent Machine-aided Construction (AIMC) for highway development to ensure timely project completion, it announced that Indian Roads Congress (IRC) guidelines will be prepared based on feedback from contractors and concessionaires. The ministry has already sanctioned atleast 16 projects, where innovative machines will be used. According to the officials, Cabinet approval is awaited for 10 projects envisaged for implementation of AIMC system. With a significant growth in the national highways network including a significant increase in Greenfield and Brownfield highways with high embankments requiring a significant amount of earthwork and proper compaction in the last one decade, it has been felt appropriate to induct AIMC in highway construction, said officials. The decision to formally adopt the system was taken after evaluation of efficacy in a pilot; Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway Project, where in GPS-aided Motor Grader, Intelligent Compactor and Stringless Paver were used. The ministry also took into consideration the feedback from stakeholders and international guidelines and specifications. The ministry has also sought feedback on adoption of AIMC to formulate IRC guidelines, added officials. Officials added that the ministry would facilitate the concessionaire or contractor with the required license for the radio frequency range from the Department of Telecommunication (DoT) for the use of machines. The list of projects, which are already sanctioned, includes Western Bypass Gwalior (29 kms), 6-lane Greenfield Ludhiana Bypass (25 kms), Deoghar Bypass (49 kms), Shillong-Silchar Corridor (167 kms), Vrindavan Bypass (15 kms) and Patna-Arrah-Sasaram (125 kms) in Bihar. The projects which have been submitted for the Cabinet approval are Satellite Township Ring Road of Bengaluru (STRR) Karnataka (144 kms), BadveI Nellore Corridor (108 kms) in Andhra Pradesh, 4-lane access controlled Sirhind-Sehna section of NH-205AG (107 kms) in Punjab, and Nashik-Ahmednagar- Solapur-Akkalkot segment of the Surat-Chennai Expressway (374 kms). The ministry, in December, sought feedback from roads construction agencies, public work departments in states and union territories and other stakeholders on the proposal for adoption of the construction facilitated by innovatory. The benefits of AIMC are expected high adherence to design specification, improved rideability, performance durability and longevity and reduced wastage as well. The technology-driven construction also increases productivity, helps in real-time documentation, brings better transparency and minimises human interventions.
Rs 3,700 Crore, 8 New Roads & Amrit Snan: Maharashtra Begins Preparations For Nashik Kumbh Mela
The upcoming Nashik Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027 will witness a significant traditional change, as the age-old practice of 'Shahi Snan' will be replaced with 'Amrit Snan'
Centre Clears Multi-Crore Highway Overhaul In Maharashtra Ahead of Nashik Kumbh 2025
With lakhs of devotees expected to arrive in Nashik, the government is reinforcing and expanding road networks connecting Nashik to cities like Mumbai, Pune, Palghar & Dhule
Roads connecting Nashik to be upgraded ahead of Simhastha Kumbh Mela: Fadnavis
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that all roads leading to Nashik will be upgraded before the Simhastha Kumbh Mela, scheduled to begin on October 31, 2026. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has granted in-principle approval for the development and construction of necessary road infrastructure to manage the expected surge in devotees.
Centre Clears Major Road Projects In Nashik Ahead Of Simhastha Kumbh Mela
A meeting was held at the Chief Minister's Secretariat in Nagpur's Hyderabad House. The 2027 Sinhastha Kumbha Mela in Nashik was the top agenda. The meeting focused on improving the road infrastructure to handle the surge in pilgrims in the city.
BJP takes into its fold man it said had ties with '93 blast convict
Despite past accusations of ties to a 1993 bomb blasts convict, former Shiv Sena (UBT) Nashik unit chief Sudhakar Badgujar joined BJP, prompting internal dissent within the party's Nashik unit. The induction occurred after Badgujar's expulsion from Shiv Sena (UBT) and a meeting with Devendra Fadnavis, with senior BJP leaders welcoming him despite initial claims of unawareness.
HAL Tejas Program Back On Track? First Nashik Built Mk 1A Variant Likely To Fly Next Month
Eight killed as heavy rain, lightning lash Maharashtra; red alert issued for coastal districts
MUMBAI: At least eight persons were killed, mostly due to lightning strikes, as heavy rains pummelled parts of Maharashtra, officials said on Sunday. The weather department has issued a red alert for the coastal districts of Ratnagiri and Raigad and an orange alert for Palghar, Thane, and Sindhudurg, and ghat areas of Pune, Satara and Kolhapur, they said. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been stationed for rescue operations. As per the state disaster management report, Ratnagiri recorded the highest rainfall at 88.1 mm, followed by Raigad with 65.3 mm, Sindhudurg with 43.8 mm, Thane with 29.6 mm, and Yavatmal with 27.5 mm, in 24 hours ending at 11 am. According to authorities, eight people have lost their lives, and 10 have suffered injuries in different parts of the state. Fatalities, mostly due to lightning strikes, were reported in Mumbai, Sindhudurg, Dhule, Nashik, Sambhajinagar, Nandurbar, and Amravati, they said. Among major rivers in the Konkan region, the Jagbudi River in Ratnagiri district is flowing above the warning level, and Khed, Alsure, Chinchghar and Prabhuwadi villages on its banks may be affected if the water level rises, the disaster management report stated.
Ordinance Issued To Set Up Special Authority For Nashik Kumbh Mela
State issues ordinance forming 22-member Kumbh Mela Authority chaired by Nashik Divisional Commissioner Dr. Pravin Gedam; empowered to plan, approve, and oversee 4,065 crore in projects for 2026 event.
Maharashtra government hikes liquor taxes to raise 14,000crore in annual revenue
MUMBAI: The Maharashtra state cabinet on Tuesday approved a significant increase in excise duty on liquor, aiming to boost revenue by approximately 14,000crore per year . The state cabinet approved the Excise Departments recommendations after a secretary-level study group reviewed best practices from other states. The group proposed measures to expand liquor production, streamline licensing, and enhance excise duty and tax collection. Key decisions approved by the cabinet Excise duty increases: Indian-Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) up to 260 per bulk litre will now be taxed at 4.5 the declared production cost, up from the previous 3. Country liquor duty has increased from 180 to 205 per proof litre. New Maharashtra-Made Liquor (MML): A new category of grain-based foreign liquor, to be produced exclusively by Maharashtra distillers. Manufacturers must register their MML brands separately. Revised minimum retail prices for 180ml bottles: Country liquor: 80 MML: 148 IMFL: 205 Premium foreign liquor: 360 Licensing amendments: Sealed foreign liquor shops (FL-2) operating under lease agreements will incur a 15% increase in annual license fees. Hotel/restaurant licenses (FL-3) on the same basis will face a 10% fee hike Strengthening the excise department: An AI-enabled integrated control room will monitor distilleries, bottling units, wholesalers, and other operations. A new divisional office dedicated to Mumbai (city and suburbs) will be established, along with six additional superintendent offices in Mumbai suburbs, Thane, Pune, Nashik, Nagpur, and Ahilyanagar. Recruitment of 1,223 new staff: 744 regular and 479 supervisory positions.
3 Central Varsities to Work Together to Revamp Sanskrit Education
This was discussed at the fourth Utkarsha Samaroh (excellence ceremony) held at Central Sanskrit University in Nashik on Monday.
Sena (UBT) expels a party leader, two days after his meeting with CM
Sudhakar Badgujar had a meeting with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on June 2 in Nashik where he expressed his displeasure over the functioning of Shiv Sena (UBT) and claimed that about a dozen other leaders have been unhappy with the party.
BJP Minister Predicts Earthquake In Shiv Sena (UBT) Within 8 Days
The developments are taking place on the backdrop of discontent in the Shiv Sena (UBT) over the Savarkar issue. Last week, Nashik party leader Bala Darade had threatened to blacken Congress party leader Rahul Gandhis face for allegedly insulting the Hindutva ideologue.
Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Kumbh Mela to begin on October 31, 2026
The Simhastha Kumbh Mela held once in twelve years, will commence on October 31, 2026, with a flag hoisting at Trimbakeshwar and Ramkund in Nashik and wrap up on July 24, 2028.
Dates set for Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Kumbh Mela
The flag will be taken down on July 24, 2028, which will mark the conclusion of the Simhastha Kumbh Mela, which is held once in 12 years.
Nashik Kumbh Mela schedule out but suspense over guardian minister pick continues
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis addresses the Nashik guardian minister issue. He indicates unresolved differences among ruling allies. The post is crucial for the upcoming Simhastha Kumbh Mela. Fadnavis emphasizes that administrative work proceeds smoothly. He urges against politicizing the religious event. Earlier appointments were stayed due to reported disputes. Key leaders have previously held the position.
Simhastha Kumbh Mela to begin in Nashik-Trimbakeshwar on October 31 next year; CM chairs meet
The Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2026-2028 dates were announced, commencing on October 31, 2026, and concluding on July 24, 2028. Key events include 'Nagar Pradakshina' on July 29, 2027, and three 'Amrut Snan' dates in August and September 2027. The Maharashtra government has allocated significant funds for infrastructure development, including sewage treatment and land acquisition, to ensure a well-organized event.
Recreating Bal Thackeray's voice and making Saamana anchor, Sena (UBT) banks big time on AI
Shiv Sena (UBT) is increasingly using AI for upcoming Maharashtra civic polls. The party recreated Bal Thackeray's voice using AI at a Nashik event. Saamana, Shiv Sena (UBT)'s mouthpiece, introduced 'Tejasvi AI', Marathi media's first AI anchor. Anil Desai, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP, uses AI for data analysis. Aaditya Thackeray is credited for promoting AI use within the party.
Private nursing college principal held on charges of molestation
Nashik police apprehended a 40-year-old nursing college principal in Dwarka for allegedly molesting a minor student from a Scheduled Tribe. The principal is accused of inappropriate touching, soliciting sexual favors, and pulling the victim's dupatta over several months. Following the initial complaint, three more students have come forward with similar accusations, leading to additional charges and arrests.
Mumbai Diary | Rahul soothes frayed tempers in Mumbai Congress
Rahul Gandhi recently held a meeting with Mumbai Congress leaders where leaders expressed displeasure over the working style of incumbent Mumbai Congress president Varsha Gaikwad. They complained that, although they had fully cooperated with her in the Lok Sabha elections, she did not reciprocate during the state assembly elections. Besides, after the polls, no leader was consulted while chalking out the partys programs. Rahul Gandhi patiently listened to them and told them that the Congress party is the natural glue, so they should also work as a cohesive unit, not as separate entities within the party. No end to grand old partys electoral woes After losing the assembly elections, Congress in Maharashtra is trying to bounce back, but its half-hearted efforts under the leadership of political light-weight Harshvardhan Sapkal are not paying off. Therefore, the party cadre is looking at credible secular options either close to power or in power. Several senior Congress leaders and their supporters are in talks with the NCP, led by Deputy CM Ajit Pawar. Most party leaders do not see their future with the Congress, as it has slipped below a 10% vote share. It has been observed in several states, such as UP, Bihar and Tamil Nadu, that it is nearly impossible to bounce back once the Congress vote share dips below 10%. Mundes search for solace continues Silence is the best option when everything is chaos around you. This is concerning NCP MLA and former minister Dhanjay Munde. He had to resign after his close aide Walmik Karad was found to have been the mastermind in the Massajog sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh murder case. Since then, Munde has been seeking solace. Having lost the ministership, he also holds no key position in the party. He reportedly joined a fortnight-long Vipassana course at Igatpuri near Nashik, where he has to do something challenging for politicians to achieve: maintain silence for 8-10 hours during daily meditation and eat only Satvik food. Sudhir Suryawanshi Our correspondent in Maharashtra suryawanshi.sudhir@gmail.com
Uddhav's leader threatens to blacken Rahul's face for...
A local Shiv Sena (UBT) leader has threatened to blacken Rahul Gandhi's face for his remarks about freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, sparking a strong reaction from Congress leaders in Maharashtra. The threat, made by Bala Darade, a deputy city unit chief of the Uddhav Thackeray-led party in Nashik, could put the opposition alliance Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) under strain. The Congress leadership has condemned the threat, stating that their party believes in non-violence but is capable of responding to such threats.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Nirmala Gavit joins Eknath Shinde's party
Along with Nirmala Gavit, more than a thousand women workers from Nashik district joined the Shiv Sena in Eknath Shinde's presence
Jindal Poly Films Gets Closure Notice From Industrial Safety Department
A major fire broke out at Jindal Poly Films' plant at Nashik on May 21. The smoke had been continuously rising from the plant for the last six days.
The daily water crisis in Nashiks Barichivari village
In Nashiks drought-prone village, daily survival hinges on early morning treks to fetch water from distant wells
Mumbai, Pune Rain: How heavy showers in Maharashtra could bring tears to your kitchen
Mumbai Rain News: Unseasonal rains in Maharashtra have devastated onion crops across key growing regions like Nashik and Pune, potentially impacting market supply. Farmers who harvested later faced significant losses due to extreme heat followed by heavy rainfall. While current prices remain low, the reduced supply may soon lead to price increases for consumers, especially in urban centers.
Centre open to considering Andhra Pradesh for Tejas expansion plans
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu met Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday to propose new defence-related investments in the state. The pitch, part of Naidus broader industrial growth agenda, included a request to expand HALs Tejas aircraft manufacturing capacity to Andhra, currently limited to Bengaluru and Nashik
Combat Army Aviation Training School holds passing out parade for skilled aviators, instructors
The Combat Army Aviation Training School in Nashik conducted a combined passing out parade, inducting officers as skilled aviators and instructors. Lt General Vinod Nambiar presided over the event, emphasizing technology's role and Army Aviation's future as first responders.
The shares of Jindal Polyfilms fell over 4% on Friday, while it was down 8.42% on Thursday and 3.68% on Wednesday.
Jindal Poly Films Share Price Slumps After Fire Incident At Nashik Plant
Jindal Poly Films said production and operation is now temporarily halted at the plant.
NCP's Chhagan Bhujbal returns to Maharashtra Cabinet as CM Fadnavis balances caste equations
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday expanded his five-month-old Cabinet with the induction of veteran NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal as a minister. Bhujbal, 77, was sworn in by Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan at Raj Bhavan in the presence of Fadnavis. Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, who heads the NCP, were present at the ceremony, alongside other senior ministers from the Mahayuti government. A prominent OBC leader in the state, Bhujbal has had a long and eventful political career spanning several decades. He was not inducted during Fadnavis initial Cabinet expansion in December last year. #WATCH | Mumbai, Maharashtra | NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal takes oath as a minister in the Maharashtra government at the Raj Bhavan. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar also present. pic.twitter.com/hQ1eqtZrPr ANI (@ANI) May 20, 2025 His inclusion comes following the resignation of Dhananjay Munde, a fellow NCP heavyweight and influential OBC figure, who stepped down as the minister for food, civil supplies and consumer protection in March. Mundes resignation followed the arrest of his close aide Walmik Karad in connection with the murder of Massajog sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh. Munde, however, cited health-related reasons for his sudden departure from the Cabinet. Bhujbals absence during the December expansion had sparked debate within political circles, particularly given his standing in the OBC community. He had been openly critical of the decision, with his exclusion seen as controversial by many within the party ranks. Following Mundes exit, Bhujbals name gained traction as a potential replacement. While speculation mounted, Bhujbal maintained that he did not wish to take up a ministry at the cost of others. However, party leaders reportedly persuaded him, and he is understood to have expressed a desire to return to the Cabinet to complete pending projects in his Yeola constituency. A veteran of Maharashtra politics, Bhujbal was once a close confidant of Sharad Pawar in the undivided NCP. He had earlier stated that the party would not tolerate the silencing of OBC voices and leadership. Reacting to Bhujbals induction, Deputy CM Shinde said Fadnavis would allocate the portfolio and praised Bhujbals vast administrative experience. Chhagan Bhujbal has served as a minister before as well. He has led many departments. He is an experienced minister. He is also a Shiv Sainik of Balasaheb Thackeray. He started from the Shiv Sena. He started from corporator, mayor and went on to become an MLA and a minister. He has held many positions. Today, he has taken the oath again. I want to congratulate him. His experience will benefit the government. The portfolio will be decided by the Chief Minister, Shinde told ANI . Maharashtra Minister and State BJP President Chandrashekhar Bawankule also welcomed Bhujbals return to the Cabinet. Speaking to reporters, Bawankule said, Chhagan Bhujbal is known as an OBC leader, and including him in the cabinet will strengthen the Maharashtra government. Bhujbal will play a major role in fulfilling the resolve of 'Viksit Maharashtra. A legislator from Yeola in Nashik district, Bhujbal has held several key positions in past governments, including serving as Deputy Chief Minister from 1999 to 2003. He began his political journey in the 1960s with the Shiv Sena, during the height of the Marathi identity movement, and has remained a significant figure in Maharashtra politics ever since.
Fadanvis Confident Of Mahayutis Unity In Civic Polls
Civic elections to all 29 Maharashtra municipal corporations, including Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Nashik, Aurangabad, Nagpur and Amravati, were stalled for nearly five years.
Mumbai Braces For Rainy Week, Orange Alert Issued For Pune, Nashik | Check IMD's Forecast
Maharashtra Government To Start Mobile Van Squad For Education Of Street Children
A Women and Child Development (WCD) Department official said they had rolled out a pilot basis project in Mumbai city, Mumbai suburban, Thane, Pune, Nashik and Nagpur districts in 2022-23.
Mumbai weather: IMD issues Yellow alert as rains lash parts of city
Mumbai is under a yellow alert for rainfall on Tuesday and Wednesday. Unseasonal rains continue in parts of Maharashtra. Mumbai recorded a maximum temperature of 34 degrees Celsius. Air quality is satisfactory. Several areas across Maharashtra may witness thunderstorms. An orange alert has been issued for Vidarbha districts. Nashik and Trimbakeshwar also witnessed intense rainfall.
