Chandukaka Saraf Enters Its 200th Year, Bringing a 200-Year Legacy Closer to Gen Z
Pune (Maharashtra) [India], September 29: For 200 years, jewellery has been part of Chandukaka Saraf's story. Today, the brand is looking at how the next generation wants to wear it.
Maharashtra clears 1.32 crore for 4 Lokayukta cars amid austerity calls
The Maharashtra government has approved 1.32 crore for the purchase of four luxury vehicles for members of the state Lokayukta.
The Shares Grandfather Left Behind: How Forgotten Investments Are Becoming a New Business
Pune (Maharashtra) [India], September 28: It often starts with an old file pulled out while clearing a cupboard. Inside may be a share certificate bought by a father or grandfather
Apraava Energy acquires Raigad transmission project SPV in Maharashtra
The project will involve 400 circuit kilometres of transmission lines and a pooling station, enabling reliable supply to pumped storage plants and evacuation of 3 GW of power
Fighting for electoral integrity: Thackeray brothers announce October 4 march against ECI
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 29 (IANS) In a bid to signal a unified front against the Election Commission of India (ECI), Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray and Shiv Sena (UBT) President Uddhav Thackeray on Tuesday addressed a joint press conference to unveil the blueprint for a public protest march scheduled for October 4. The demonstration is directed against the ECI, led by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, accusing the body of functioning as an extension of the ruling party at the Centre and deceiving voters through the controversial Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. Outlining the logistics and roadmap for the October 4 rally, Raj Thackeray announced that the protest is structured as a non-partisan movement representing the collective voice of citizens. Protesters will assemble at 10:00 a.m. at the Richardson & Cruddas premises in Byculla. The march will move from Byculla toward Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) between 11:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.. The march will terminate near the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) headquarters where a stage will be set up to convert the rally into a public meeting. We have been consistently raising concerns over EVM manipulation and electoral malpractices for years. Back in 201718, I met several political leaders regarding these issues. This march stands against the humiliation of voters and the subversion of our electoral integrity. Whatever we have to say, we will deliver directly from the stage on October 4, Raj Thackeray stated. Emphasising that the demonstration transcends individual party politics, the Thackeray cousin brothers laid down strict guidelines for participants. They said neither the MNS nor Shiv Sena (UBT) will carry party flags or banners. All marchers will carry exclusively the Indian National Flag to underscore the fight for democracy and the Constitution. Rather than sending formal letters, the leadership will personally place phone calls to all Opposition parties, inviting them to join the movement, said Raj Thackeray adding that leaders from ruling parties who oppose the poll panel's functioning are also welcome on stage. Responding to allegations from the BJP which claimed that the Opposition is manufacturing fabricated stories regarding CEC Gyanesh Kumar to blame the poll panel for political failures Raj Thackeray dismissed the ruling party's defence with a sharp Marathi idiom. If our protest is directed strictly at the Election Commission, why is the BJP feeling the heat? As the Marathi saying goes, 'Khai tyala khavkhave (guilty conscience needs no accuser)', he said. Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray said that there is no competition on who organises the protest march against the CEC and the malfunctioning of the poll panel. They were replying to a question on a nationwide protest organised by the Congress party on the issue. Raj Thackeray added that if residents of a housing society hold such a protest, it is welcome. The joint call for action follows a high-level meeting with Maharashtra Chief Electoral Officer S Chockalingam regarding irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). Over the weekend, Raj Thackeray took to social media platform X to attack the poll panel, alleging that under CEC Gyanesh Kumar, the ECI has acted like a ranch office of the ruling establishment to perpetrate massive voter fraud. The upcoming October 4 demonstration marks a significant reunion of the Thackeray brothers on a shared political stage, setting the stage for a major political confrontation in Mumbai ahead of key electoral battles. Meanwhile, Uddhav Thackeray announced his full support for the agitation by Cockroach Janata Party on October 2 in Mumbai against CEC Gyanesh Kumar.
Prozo has unveiled a new fulfilment centre in Bhiwandi, bolstering its presence in Maharashtra. The facility, which covers 1.1 lakh sq. ft., is strategically located to support logistics along vital corridors.
Maharashtra Approves Rs 1.32 Crore Luxury Cars For Lokayukta Amid Drought
A budget of Rs 33 lakh has been sanctioned per vehicle while Maharashtra has declared drought in 265 of its 358 talukas.
Market experts shared their insights on fundamentals and technical levels for key stocks
Maharashtra Congress Alleges Misuse of ECI-Net; Demands Action Against CEC
Congress spokesperson Atul Londhe claimed certain officials had misused the software to classify voters and engineer electoral roll anomalies
Tulshi villagers in Maharashtra have protested decades of water scarcity by putting up 'Village for Sale' banners, demanding action on stalled canal work. Residents say depleted water sources have left the village dependent on tankers.
Maharashtra Public Service Commission Postpones Key Exams Amid Paper Leak Concerns
The Maharashtra Public Service Commission has postponed three major examinations due to ongoing protests and concerns over paper leaks. This decision aims to restore confidence among candidates following irregularities in the Drug Inspector exam. While new dates for the postponed exams have yet to be announced, the MPSC plans to conduct a thorough investigation before rescheduling. Additionally, the Commission will re-evaluate answer sheets from the 2025 Main Examination in response to complaints. The situation has raised significant concerns regarding the integrity of the recruitment process.
Fire breaks out at Bank of India office in Pune, seven fire tenders deployed | VIDEO
A fire broke out at a Bank of India office located on the sixth floor of a building in Maharashtra's Pune on Tuesday. The building is located on Laxmi Road in the city. The incident...
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra vs Fold8: What Does the Extra Rs. 20,000 Get You
Pune (Maharashtra) [India], September 29: Samsung has expanded its foldable smartphone portfolio with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8. The Galaxy Z Fold8 starts at Rs. 1,79,999, while the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra starts at Rs. 1,99,999. Both models combine foldable displays with flagship performance, but they target slightly different requirements.
Bullet Train: First Steel Bridge Installed In Maharashtra After Being Transported Over 1,000 km
The 14-metre-high and as-wide structure was launched over National Highway-3 at Dive-Anjur village in the Bhiwandi area on Monday, a release by the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Ltd. said.
23.45 Crore SJP Ultrasonics IPO to Open on September 30
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], September 29: The Company Provides, an end-to-end plastic joining and automation solutions provider, offering specialised solutions mainly in the Automotive industry and industries related to Medical, Electrical,
MPSC Defers State Services Main Exam 2026; Check Revised Schedule and Latest Updates
The Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) has postponed the State Services Main Examination 2026, which was scheduled to begin on October 3, 2026. The Commission has also deferred the Maharashtra Civil Engineering Main Examination 2026 and the Maharashtra Group-B (Non-Gazetted) Main
Maharashtra CET Cell has released the B.Pharm and Pharm.D CAP Round 1 allotment result 2026 at ph2026.mahacet.org. Check how to view the result @ cetcell.mahacet.org
Bullet train: First steel bridge set up in Maharashtra after being transported over 1,000 km
A 100-meter-long steel bridge for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project has been successfully installed in Thane. This bridge, weighing 1,405 metric tonnes, is the first of its kind in Maharashtra. It was transported from a workshop in Trichy, Tamil Nadu, and assembled on-site after traveling 1,300 kilometers. Sixteen out of the planned twenty-eight steel bridges along the bullet train corridor have now been completed.
We will not join anyone, others may join us: Sharad Pawar dismisses rumours of NCP(SP) joining NDA
Sharad Pawar ruled out NCP(SP) joining the NDA or merging with another party, saying those who want to join his party are welcome. He also discussed Maharashtra's drought situation and urged party workers to learn AI for future political and election-related work.
Vikram Solar shares rise 3% after securing 400 MW module order from leading EPC company
Vikram Solar shares rose 3% after securing a 400 MW module supply order for decentralised solar projects across Maharashtra. The company will supply 620 Wp N-Type TOPCon G12R modules from October 2026 through March 2027. The order strengthens its presence in agricultural-feeder solarisation and Indias expanding renewable energy infrastructure.
Amid the Maharashtra SIR, Maharashtra CEO S. Chokalingam has demanded changes to the ECINet software. Learn more about the ERO's powers, logical discrepancies, and the omission of 20.7 million draft voter names.What is the demand of Maharashtra CEO?In Maharashtra, questions are being rai...
Why has Maharashtra declared drought in 265 talukas and what do farmers get? | Explained
The declaration comes as the monsoon nears its end, with a shortfall in rainfall. Only five districts have recorded rain at or above the average for the period
FDA's Big Crackdown In Mumbai: Licences Of 13 Reputed Food Establishments Suspended - Full List
The Maharashtra FDA has suspended licences of 13 food establishments in Mumbai and 30 across the state during a festive-season crackdown from September 23-27. Over 50.60 tonnes of food worth Rs 1.20 crore was seized over hygiene, labelling and safety violations.
Too much light at night may affect heart; avoid bright screens before bed
Donald Trump confirms Iran contact, offers no sign of deal
The questions came during a White House event on a proposed steel investment in Iowa
Shake down middlemen, not common citizens, to finance drought aid: Shiv Sena(UBT) in 'Saamana'
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 29 (IANS) In a sharp critique of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnaviss recent appeal urging citizens to cut back on personal celebrations and donate their savings towards drought relief, the Shiv Sena(UBT) on Tuesday questioned the state administrations intent and priorities. Terming the governments approach picking pennies from empty pockets, the Thackeray camp in an editorial in the party's mouthpiece, 'Samaana', asserted that asking a financially strained public to fund disaster management is both insensitive and inadequate. The editorial drew attention to the escalating agrarian crisis across Maharashtra, noting that four farmers had died by suicide within a span of just two days across Parbhani, Yavatmal, Solapur, and Hingoli districts due to severe drought-induced debt and hardship. It warned that without immediate, direct state assistance, drought-affected areas risk turning into graveyards, placing the entire responsibility for sustaining these communities squarely on the shoulders of the Chief Minister and his administration. Directly challenging CM Fadnavis, the Thackeray camp stated that instead of asking common citizens -- who are already grappling with inflation and economic stress -- to cut down on small family functions like weddings and naming ceremonies, the government should crack down on internal corruption, kickbacks, and contractor commissions. The editorial pointed to alleged financial irregularities in various state infrastructure initiatives, citing the controversial coastal land sales in the Konkan region and heavy fund flows around the Shaktipeeth Expressway. It further claimed that public funds are routinely diverted to favour contractors, urging the Chief Minister to curb these leakages to generate drought relief capital rather than asking the public to scrimp. The state government has become a government of commission-agents and contractors. There is looting everywhere. Inventing unnecessary projects to divert the treasury to contractors and warm one's own pockets -- even if the Chief Minister stops this loot, it will benefit the drought-affected, remarked the Thackeray camp. Taking aim at political rivalries and horse-trading allegations, the editorial called on the ruling alliance to redirect political expenditures towards rural distress. It suggested that funds allegedly set aside for political defection and electioneering be diverted immediately to help affected farmers. Furthermore, the editorial proposed several key measures for the government to generate substantial drought funds. It called upon the government to ensure pending instalments meant for political allies are transferred directly into drought relief funds and mandate substantial contributions from major Mumbai builders, Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) developers, and senior bureaucrats whose revenues remain high. The editorial urged the state government to request an allocation of Rs 2,000 crore to Rs 4,000 crore from the unutilised balance in the PM CARES Fund to support Maharashtras agricultural sector. The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena, in conclusion, emphasised that symbolic donations from ministers, such as giving up a single months official salary, amount to empty gestures given the vast resources controlled by ruling politicians. It urged the leadership to demonstrate true courage by shaking down the thriving nexus of corrupt officials, contractors, and political middlemen to secure genuine relief for the states 11 crore citizens.
PM Benjamin Netanyahu meets Emirati leader in secret weekend trip to Abu Dhabi
Netanyahu asked Sheikh Mohamed to deny the report, according to the person who purported to have first-hand information about the meeting
40 rescued after boat capsizes in waters west of Puerto Rico, two dead
Many of them do so on makeshift vessels that sometimes capsize in rough waters, with Monday marking the latest deadly voyage
From cocktails to bites: Indulge in these new food menus in Mumbai this week
While you can explore a curated cocktail menu, you can also indulge in Buffalo Chicken Wings glazed with buffalo hot sauce served with blue cheese ranch, and more
Rohit Pawar threatens Samruddhi Expressway blockade over Maharashtra drought aid
Rohit Pawar said the state government had declared drought in several parts of Maharashtra but had not yet announced the quantum of financial assistance for affected farmers
Ebola virus in Congo has reached 8067
Congo announced an outbreak on May 15, caused by the rare Bundibugyo virus
Tamil Nadu CM Vijay launches gold ring scheme for newborn babies
Rolling out the scheme at the Government Rajaji hospital here, Vijay held the babies for a while and gave away the gold rings
Maharashtra SIR: CEO S. Chockalingam Seeks Four Changes To ECINet Software For Notice Process
Chockalingam asked that EROs, usually sub-divisional magistrates or officers of equivalent rank, be allowed to waive hearings.
Congress workers: Gaddar Gyanesh painted on CECs Agra residence
The protesters arrived at Kumars residence in the morning in large numbers and raised slogans outside his Vijay Nagar home
Bombay High Court to hear plea seeking transparency in Maharashtra SIR
The petitioners submitted that the matter raised an issue concerning citizens rights. Their counsel told the Bench that the exercise could result in the deletion of 2.1 crore names from the electoral rolls in the State
Maharashtra govt sets up chief secretary-led panel amid MLC poll code
The committee will scrutinise proposals from government departments before they are forwarded to election authorities, according to a circular issued by the General Administration Department on Monday
Pope Leo XIV urged religious leaders to preach peace and unity
He urged Europe to draw from its Christian roots and traditions of dialogue to blunt the desire for domination driving todays wars, as he wrapped up a visit to France by recalling the forces that contributed to the continents peaceful integration
Ambala building collapse toll climbs to six
Two more people, who were pulled out from under the debris, were declared dead late Sunday night, they said
Late September rains bring winter-like chill to Delhi-NCR; more showers likely before dry spell
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 29 (IANS) Rain brought winter-like weather to Delhi-NCR residents in the early hours of Monday, with the national capital waking up to cooler conditions and cloudy skies. The region is likely to witness isolated rainfall on Tuesday, continuing the light spell recorded on Monday. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), dry weather is expected to set in from September 30, with mainly clear skies likely through the first week of October. Rain, thunderstorms and lightning are expected at isolated places across Delhi, Chandigarh and Haryana on Tuesday. Similar weather conditions are likely in Punjab. However, from September 30, mainly dry weather is expected over several parts of northwest India. As the southwest monsoon nears its final departure from the country, rainfall activity continues across several regions. While some areas are witnessing heavy showers, thunderstorms and strong winds have brought a noticeable change in weather conditions elsewhere. From the hilly states of North India to Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Northeast India and several parts of South India, rainfall is expected. Some areas may also receive heavy rain accompanied by strong winds and lightning. According to the IMD, heavy rainfall is likely in Himachal Pradesh, parts of the Northeast, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and South Interior Karnataka. Rain and thunderstorm activity may also continue across Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh. Delhi had received 4.3 mm of rain at Safdarjung on Sunday morning, after recording 0.6 mm until 8.30 p.m. the previous evening, extending rainfall into the final days of September. The September 27 shower was the first rain recorded this late in the month since September 29, 2019, when 0.3 mm was recorded. The late-season rain arrived just four days after the southwest monsoon withdrew from Delhi on September 23. The IMD's normal withdrawal date for the national capital is September 25, based on the 1971-2019 period. This year's withdrawal was the earliest since 2002, when the monsoon exited Delhi on September 20. The 2026 monsoon arrived on July 2, five days later than the normal onset date of June 27. It lasted 83 days, seven days shorter than the normal duration. Delhi's rainfall pattern was also uneven during the season. Safdarjung recorded 728.6 mm of rainfall between June 1 and September 23, against the normal 629.7 mm, marking a surplus of 16 per cent. The seasonal rainfall was classified as normal by the IMD despite being above the long-period average. The late showers added at least another 4.3 mm at Safdarjung by Sunday morning. Meanwhile, Delhi-NCR's air quality remained in the 'satisfactory' category. Monitoring stations recorded AQI levels of 58 at Mandir Marg, 60 at Aya Nagar, 60 at Punjabi Bagh, 83 at CRRI Mathura Road, 67 at Sirifort, 72 at IGNOU-Maidan Garhi, 73 at Chandni Chowk, 58 at Burari Crossing, 69 at Anand Vihar, 82 at Mundka, 77 at Jahangirpuri, 70 at Okhla Phase-2 and 65 at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
J&K Assembly passes resolution seeking urgent restoration of full statehood
The resolution was moved by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday last week
Saudi Foreign Minister arrives in United States for talks with Macro Rubio
Asked on Sunday whether military strikes could return before the elections, Trump said, Its possible, but I just dont want to say that.
Student held for trespass, theft at Shiv Sena MLC Neelam Gorhe's Pune home
Police said the case was registered on the complaint of a security guard deployed at the bungalow. The FIR invokes provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) relating to theft and house trespass or house-breaking
Maharashtra FDA suspends licence of 122-year-old Kyani cafe in Mumbai: Here's what inspection found
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration is taking continuous action against hotels and restaurants keeping in mind the health of the people. In this regard, the FDA on Monday took action against the famous 122-year-old Irani Kyani Cafe in Mumbai and suspended its licence. The action was taken at the Iranian cafe in Kalbadevi.
Maharashtra FDA chief to act if money-demand allegations are proven
FDA commissioner responds to Sanjay Rauts allegations of officials seeking money from hotels, restaurants, and quick-commerce firms
Maharashtra Public Service Commission Postpones 3 Exams Amid Paper Leak Concerns
Maharashtra Public Service Commission Exams 2026: The commission stated that the 2026 Main Examinations for State Services, Maharashtra Civil Engineering Services, and Maharashtra Group-B (Non-Gazetted) have been postponed.
Pandal dismantling should be done mindfully
The point is that an effort has been made, awareness is on the up and we have seen action across the city.
Sangeet Natak Akademi awardee and Lavani icon, Shakuntala Nagarkars demise has left a massive vacuum for the fraternity, as well for countless fans like us who she drew towards the folk art form
Sign before praying: A new conversion law is affecting churchgoers in Indian state
A new anti-conversion law in Maharashtra is raising questions about faith, choice and freedom.
SIR row: Congress holds protest across Maharashtra seeking Gyanesh Kumars removal
According to the Maharashtra Congress, demonstrations were held outside district collectorates across the State, including in Pune, Nagpur, Nashik, Kolhapur, Solapur, Thane, Amravati and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
Raut Alleges Systemic Extortion By Maharashtra FDA Officers
Mr. Raut commended Mr. Mundhes relentless crackdown on adulterated milk, analog paneer, unhygienic restaurant kitchens, and expired goods since taking charge of the FDA in May 2026.
COEP, JSW join hands for Rs 800 crore indigenous battery technology centre
Crop-loss panchanamas across Maharashtra from today, says agriculture minister
Pune city at high risk of Zika cases in future, states NIV research
2 Class 12 students killed as speeding truck rams two-wheeler
Amravati ashramshala girl death sparks outrage
Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has asked states to prepare rabi crop plans based on water availability and soil moisture, with water-stressed areas prioritising less water-intensive crops. He also called for higher cultivation of pulses and oilseeds to reduce Indias import dependence, while flagging drought conditions in Maharashtra and Karnataka.
PCMC plans to add 22 new fire vehicles to its fleet in boost to faster rescue ops in high-rise bldgs
Income Tax officials clean Sarasbaug temple premises
Student dies, friend injured after motorcycle hits vehicle in Bavdhan
Lohagad murder: Ketan, Siya, Chetan spotted at crime scene in tourists photos
PWD Plans To Open Ajni Underpass By Nov, Remaining Works To Continue In Phases
Alarming Dip in Groundwater Level in Amravati District
Three Talukas in Over-exploited Category
Eight Crematoriums Wallow In Apathy, Now Get Nod For Rs40 Crore Phased Facelift
Last years flood erodes topsoil, now drought wilts crops in Dharashiv & Solapur
Trader ends life in Kalamna Market shop
Joshi elected Hockey Maharashtra joint vice-president
Hazari Pahad fire: 4homes wrecked, but no casualties
14-year-olds murder in Jaripatka triggers chain of gang violence, dad runs amok at ground zero
First steel bridge for bullet train project in Maharashtra launched over Nashik highway
Two held for pledging fake gold chains, taking Rs4.44 lakh from Chakan jeweller
Minor worker dies after getting trapped in stone crusher in Pune
Maharashtra Food Body Suspends 30 Licenses, Seizes Stock Worth A Crore
An FDA statement on Monday said licences or registration certificates of 13 establishments in Mumbai, six in Konkan division, eight in Pune division and three in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar division were suspended.
Student (21) allegedly attempts to tamper with water connection of MLC Neelam Gorhe
Over 1,200 Ganapati mandals in Pune to get notices for violating decibel norms
SIR should be scrapped: Civil groups ahead of Wednesdays protest
Voters need not appear in person, BLOs will collect documents & upload: State CEO Chockalingam
Maval farmers firm on Jal Samadhi protest on Oct 2 over Pavana pipeline project
Police constable captured on video abusing cab driver on Karve Road
Student suicide: Police checking if IIT-B followed its cheating SOP
BMC move against multi-storey shanties faces political pushback
1 week on, IIT-B suicide probe panel yet to speak to family
Maharashtra govt proposes policy to provide support to college-going children of single mothers
Igatpuri private medical college gets deemed university status
FDA now suspends licence of iconic Irani restaurant Kyani, 12 others
81-year-old gets advanced heart valve op at BMC-run KEM Hospital for half of private hospital cost
Maha drought worsens, cancels leave for 11 departments
The Maharashtra government has cancelled leaves for employees across 11 departments involved in drought management to assess widespread crop damage, particularly affecting soybean. This follows the declaration of drought in 265 talukas and the announcement of relief measures. Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule is on an assessment tour, facing protests from Congress workers demanding immediate farmer relief.
Maha SIR: CEO announces weekend voter camps across 100,000 stations
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 28 (IANS) In a major push to streamline the electoral roll under the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) drive, Maharashtra Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) S. Chockalingam on Monday announced special camps at polling stations across the state to help citizens rectify discrepancies in their voter records. Addressing the low public response to fixing voter record errors, Chockalingam confirmed that weekend camps will be held at over 100,300 polling stations statewide, including 10,000 centres in Mumbai. Voters can visit these stations directly to submit applications to update names, addresses, or correct errors in draft rolls. The deadline to file claims and objections has been extended to October 12, and processing of notices, claims, and objections will conclude by November 10. The final voter list will be published on November 16. Notices were issued to 1.22 crore voters flagged for logical errors or missing document matches. Citizens no longer need to visit Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) in person; they can respond by sending notices and required documents via WhatsApp. Out of 1.51 crore voters omitted from draft rolls, only 3.9 lakh have resubmitted fresh registration forms over the past month. District Collectors have been instructed to conduct voter registration camps across all junior and senior colleges, with mandatory reporting on student enrolment numbers. Political controversy has erupted after the state government declared drought in 265 talukas without prior clearance from the Election Commission of India (ECI), despite the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) being in force for upcoming Maharashtra Legislative Council (MLC) elections in Teachers and Graduates constituencies. The government is accused of violating MCC guidelines by extending 12 relief concessions without ECI approval. Sources said a proposal seeking clearance was submitted, but the executive order was issued while the application was pending. Earlier, the ECI announced operational measures including door-to-door document collection, exemption from mandatory physical attendance, relief in virtual hearings, family representation and creation of help desks for vulnerable groups. Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will directly visit the homes of citizens flagged as Unmapped or with Logical Discrepancies to collect verification documents. Hearings, if unavoidable, will be conducted online, with any adult family member allowed to represent the voter, the CEOs office said. District Election Officers (DEOs) have been instructed to set up help desks and outreach camps for homeless citizens, migrant labourers, pavement dwellers and night shelter occupants to ensure inclusive enrolment. The current SIR campaign, launched earlier this year, is the first comprehensive door-to-door electoral roll overhaul in Maharashtra since 2002. Rapid urbanisation, migration, unrecorded deaths and duplicate entries over two decades necessitated full-scale verification. During the initial phase, BLOs cross-checked voters against historical rolls from 20022004 to establish eligibility cut-offs. However, heavy monsoon rains in Konkan and Mumbai, civic disruptions, and large numbers of unmapped voters created operational bottlenecks, prompting calls from political parties and civil society groups for more time.
