All
Politics
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Celebrities
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has intensified her cultural outreach to the state’s traditional bhadralok — the educated, intellectually inclined middle class — by foregrounding her persona as an author and artist. This strategy was prominently displayed at the ongoing Kolkata International Book Fair, where she released several new works and announced plans for “Boi Tirtha”, a permanent Book Pilgrimage Centre. These efforts underscore how her prolific literary and artistic output runs parallel to her political career. This year, nine of Banerjee’s books are being sold at the fair, bringing her lifetime total to 162 published works. Over the years, she has consistently expressed herself through songs, poems, paintings, and literature, cultivating a distinct artistic identity. During Saraswati Puja, she shared a song on X, with lyrics and music composed by her. She is also a fixture of Durga Puja, often composing theme songs and devotional numbers like ‘Maa Go Tumi Sarbojanin’. Her creative work frequently blends cultural pride with political messaging. Recently, she penned 26 poems opposing the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Her past works have addressed the Singur and Nandigram movements, as well as critiques of central policies like demonetisation, GST, CAA, and NRC. Unlike her predecessor, Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, who embodied a refined, elite intellectualism, Banerjee is often seen as outside the traditional bhadralok mould. She turns this perceived lack of polish into an advantage, presenting simplicity and emotional honesty as strengths. Boi Tirtha project for which she has assigned Rs 10 crore is envisioned as a museum-cum-mall for rare books, Banerjee has already sketched its design, aiming to provide Kolkata with a permanent literary landmark before the book fair’s 50th edition.
Varun Dhawan’s turn as Major Hoshiyar Singh in Border 2 is nothing short of a revelation. He brings together innocence and intensity, vulnerability and steel, playing a character who is emotional yet detached, fiercely loyal and deeply patriotic. His performance anchors the film: every nuance, small gestures, that trademark half-smile, and sudden flashes of resolve, adds layers to a role many had prematurely dismissed. When the first song, “Sandese Aate Hain,” dropped, social media was quick to mock Varun, spawning memes that focused on his style of acting and that one-sided smile. Those jokes snowballed into a narrative that he might be the weak link in a high-stakes war drama. But Border 2’s reception has decisively flipped the script. Opening around Rs 32 crore and rallying to over Rs 40 crore on its second day, the film was on track to cross the Rs 100 crore mark by the first weekend and possibly Rs 150 crore with the extended Republic Day holiday. Box-office success has a way of speaking louder than criticism, and in Varun’s case it has been vindication. More than just a personal win, this success has bolstered the film’s consolidated standing and reaffirmed Sunny Deol’s mass appeal, while giving Varun a new lease on his career. Critics and audiences alike are now praising his commitment, range, and the emotional truth he brings to the character. To the trolls who wrote him off early, the answer was simple: deliver a performance that connects—and let the numbers follow. In Border 2, Varun Dhawan has done exactly that, turning mockery into momentum and scepticism into applause.
The latest news from Odisha is that IndiGo airlines is planning to discontinue its thrice weekly direct flight service between Bhubaneswar and Dubai from March 2026. The service was launched on May 15, 2023 by then Biju Janata Dal government headed by Naveen Patnaik. It is learnt that IndiGo is not accepting any bookings beyond March this year. Regular air travellers are surprised by this move and have raised concerns. There are over 40,000 Odia diasporas living in the Middle East and this could affect their travel plans, business and tourism. An email query to IndiGo regarding this issue did not get any response. When direct flight scheme was launched, the then Patnaik had made Budgetary provision of Rs 100 cr towards viability gap funding (VGF) every year to ensure sustainability of service, wherein, the state had to bear part of the operational cost until passenger occupancy gets stabilised and the route becomes commercially viable. Sources at AAI New Delhi say when the Dubai flight is going full, why IndiGo is now resorting to this kind of pressure tactic? It seems, the ball is now in the BJP-run Odisha government’s court and how it resolves needs to be seen.
It is not hard to decode the confident stance of Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin in the run up to state assembly elections. Surprisingly, he carefully moved away from the powerful shadow of his father M Karunanidhi to find his own space, emerging as a much talked about CM who could stand his ground. It was not surprising that he used his first Assembly address of 2026 to not just pat himself and his government on the back, but also list its achievements in the face of “daunting challenges”. Stalin was candid enough to admit “when he took over in 2021, there was much trepidation, self-doubt and a sense of fear …could I make TN happy, fulfil poll promises.” The self-congratulatory tone set in fast…“I am a happy man, very satisfied and can claim that we will form government 2.0 and even overtake our success.” This motivated chest thumping had its share of diatribes too…he blamed the previous 10 years of AIADMK rule for bringing down the state in every matrix of development. Stalin’s undiluted harangue and the way he took on the Governor RN Ravi and his running feud with him, added spice. For political watchers, it was an entertaining yet disturbing, unsettling phase when the Centre and State were at loggerheads. Federalism and democratic ecosystems bore the brunt of this clash. Stalin is no doubt a driven man, sure of his ability to pluck the low hanging fruit.
The police have issued a notice to newly elected All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) corporator from Mumbra, Sahar Shaikh, under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) following a controversial remark in which she said the entire town would be “painted green”. The action comes after a video of Shaikh’s victory speech went viral on social media. In the clip, she is seen ridiculing NCP-SP MLA Jitendra Awhad, who had been her political mentor until recently. “In the next five years, every candidate in Mumbra will be from AIMIM. Mumbra must be completely painted green,” she said. Soon after the video surfaced, a BJP delegation led by former MP Kirit Somaiya submitted a written complaint to the police, alleging that the remarks were provocative and could incite communal tension in the sensitive township. Objecting to the statement, Somaiya said, “Mumbra belongs to Maharashtra, and the state bows before the saffron of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.” Though his letter did not name Shaikh, the complaint prompted the police to initiate preventive action. A police official said the notice was issued as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order. Shaikh has been advised to exercise restraint in public speeches and avoid statements that could hurt sentiments or disturb communal harmony. Responding to the controversy, Shaikh claimed that her words were being deliberately misinterpreted for political purposes. She maintained that her remark only reflected her ambition to expand AIMIM’s political presence in the area and was not intended to provoke or divide.
Maharashtra’s politics has long been a maze of caste equations, regional ambitions, cooperative networks and dominant local satraps. But in recent years — and more sharply after the latest civic and local body elections — a striking new trend is seen emerging. All political parties are discarding ideological commitments and old rivalries to cobble together expedient alliances at the grassroots. Across wards and municipalities, the political battle is no longer anchored in principles or programmes. Instead, it revolves around arithmetic, individual clout and the urgency for political survival. Once sworn adversaries, many are sharing rallies, ideological oppositions are sunk and erstwhile bitter enmities are quietly buried in the scramble for seizing power. Crass pragmatism has triumphed over sanctity of philosophy. In short, convenience has replaced conviction. In this arena of local politics, “no holds barred” has become the key word. It is a ruthless realism where power matters more than what one once stood for. While the BJP has established its numerical prime position in the state polity by winning over half of the seats in the 29 municipal corporations that went to the polls, the Shiv Sena led by Uddhav Thackeray and the NCP established by Sharad Pawar were the main losers. However, in the post-poll scenario that is throwing one surprise after another, both these parties are engaged in forming alliances with some of their former opponents. The clear picture will become visible in a few days once the mayoral elections are held. Till then, the once unthinkable permutations and combinations will be watched by the hapless electors.
Maharashtra political potboiler is over, and yet the real corporate battle has only just begun. Suave Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis launched into Davos, Switzerland, knowing fully well Maharashtra’s top-notch status cannot be taken for granted has inked 85 MoUs. A state meeting recently witnessed his outburst, “If Hemanta Biswas can, Maharashtra will do better.” The comment was in context of the medical infrastructure blueprint that his Assam counterpart is credited with making progress. Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu, a Davos veteran, tom-toms his Hydrogen valley, Data Centre, Bio-Centre Capital of India, Google IT collaboration projects speaking quantum language. Biswas claims Rs 1 lakh crore in FDI to include a Data Centre project making Assam the gateway of South Asia, somewhere in the future. Fadnavis is single-mindedly prioritizing innovation, smart city securing Rs 1 lakh crore from five EU nations. The intense political battle he just won across 29 civic corporations, without involving PM Narendra Modi once, has bolstered his image. His business acumen, infrastructure push in the energy sector is crucial to bringing in business, no mean feat considering three decades old transmission and distribution lines running across the state compared to a fully rejuvenated Gujarat with fully modernized power transmission lines. Maharashtra is setting up 16000 MW of solar power to be distributed free to agriculturists in the state. If only focus on modernizing the three-decade old power infrastructure lines follows, the “theft and dacoity” of electricity as PM Atal Behari Vajpayee put it that hovers around 18-20% would be curbed bringing down electricity cost for industry on parity with other states of India.
Two days ahead of PM Modi’s public meeting at Madurantakam, Chengalpattu district on January 23, the BJP stepped up its campaign to expand the NDA ahead of the assembly elections. On January 21, AMMK general secretary TTV Dhinakaran, rejoined the NDA alliance in the presence of Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal in Chennai. He had moved out of the NDA in September 2025. This was six months after Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that AIADMK chief Eddapadi K Palaniswami would be the CM face and lead the AIADMK- BJP alliance in Tamil Nadu in April 2025. In a reversal of events early this year, Dhinakaran flew into Delhi, met Amit Shah to pave the way for his return into the NDA fold. It is being said the AMMK commands considerable influence among the Mukkulathor community or Thevars in southern TN. Dhinakaran rejoining the NDA could spell trouble for the ruling DMK. So too the joining of Anbumani Ramadoss-led PMK. It is being said Amit Shah was very keen that all anti-DMK votes in the South, particularly the Thevar community votes should not be fragmented. Dhinakaran described the past differences as merely a “family feud”. On his part, AIADMK chief Palaniswami also welcomed Dhinakaran. The only person acting pricey is DMDK leader Premalatha, widow of late actor Vijayakanth. She is bargaining for two Rajya Sabha seats, a ministerial berth for her son in Modi Govt and some 20 assembly seats. It is her demand to accommodate her son in the Central Govt that has spooked Delhi. Meanwhile, it is learnt that DMK has asked Congress to scale down its demand for seats to 28 and has offered instead to bankroll poll expenses of Assam assembly elections. This simply shows how desperately DMK needs Congress — that is why it is trying to keep it away from actor Vijay’s TVK.
Ahead of the Assembly elections this year, the West Bengal BJP leadership is facing an uncomfortable situation after Kharagpur Sadar MLA Hiran Chatterjee posted pictures on social media announcing his second marriage, revealing that the ceremony had taken place in Varanasi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s parliamentary constituency. What initially remained a low-key development within the party escalated after Hiran’s first wife, Anindita Chatterjee, publicly claimed that there had been no legal divorce between them. The claim has caused disquiet within the BJP, with party sources confirming that internal discussions are under way on whether Hiran, a popular Bengali star, should be re-nominated from Kharagpur Sadar. The issue has since acquired a legal dimension, with Anindita and the couple’s daughter, Niyasha, filing a complaint against the MLA and his alleged second wife. A section within BJP is viewing the issue with concern, particularly given the party’s ideological emphasis on Hindu traditions and Hindutva. Senior leaders, speaking off the record, acknowledge that while marriage is a personal decision, contracting a second marriage without a legal divorce can amount to a criminal offence and raises questions of propriety and ethics. The party’s current position, sources said, is that there is no documentary proof available so far to establish the second marriage. The filing of a formal complaint by Hiran’s first wife and daughter has, however, sharpened scrutiny of the MLA and fuelled speculation within party circles. The continued silence of the leadership, leaders admit privately, is being interpreted both as an attempt to limit political damage and as a possible indication of a growing distance between the party and the sitting MLA — a distance that could ultimately influence ticket decisions.
This year there has been too much shrill in the social media about the World Economic Forum held in Davos, Switzerland. The general lament has been “Why are India’s Union ministers and chief ministers going all the way to Davos to sign MoUs with the CEOs of Indian companies when the same could have been done in India …in the CM’s cabin”? Why waste taxpayers money? Effectively, countering this criticism, Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis told Rahul Kanwal of NDTV, that Davos is a meeting place…attended by the who’s who. A number of Indian companies have foreign partners and those people attend the event… and we get an opportunity to meet them while signing the MoUs. And sometimes we just meet the foreign partners and the MoU is subsequently signed in India. Adding further, he said all states in India hold Investment Summit … .so there is no need for it…you can sign MoUs in Mantralaya. Well put. The 56th meeting will see leaders from business, government, international organizations, civil society and academia attend. Capturing the pulse will be over 400 plus journalists & media representatives. The World Economic Forum (WEF) is an international advocacy non-governmental organization and think tank founded on 24 January 1971 by German engineer Klaus Schwab. The main objective of the Davos WEF is to “improve the state of the world” through public-private cooperation.
The police have issued a notice to newly elected All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) corporator from Mumbra, Sahar Shaikh, under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) following a controversial remark in which she said the entire town would be “painted green”. The action comes after a video of Shaikh’s victory speech went viral on social media. In the clip, she is seen ridiculing NCP-SP MLA Jitendra Awhad, who had been her political mentor until recently. “In the next five years, every candidate in Mumbra will be from AIMIM. Mumbra must be completely painted green,” she said. Soon after the video surfaced, a BJP delegation led by former MP Kirit Somaiya submitted a written complaint to the police, alleging that the remarks were provocative and could incite communal tension in the sensitive township. Objecting to the statement, Somaiya said, “Mumbra belongs to Maharashtra, and the state bows before the saffron of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.” Though his letter did not name Shaikh, the complaint prompted the police to initiate preventive action. A police official said the notice was issued as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order. Shaikh has been advised to exercise restraint in public speeches and avoid statements that could hurt sentiments or disturb communal harmony. Responding to the controversy, Shaikh claimed that her words were being deliberately misinterpreted for political purposes. She maintained that her remark only reflected her ambition to expand AIMIM’s political presence in the area and was not intended to provoke or divide.
Maharashtra’s politics has long been a maze of caste equations, regional ambitions, cooperative networks and dominant local satraps. But in recent years — and more sharply after the latest civic and local body elections — a striking new trend is seen emerging. All political parties are discarding ideological commitments and old rivalries to cobble together expedient alliances at the grassroots. Across wards and municipalities, the political battle is no longer anchored in principles or programmes. Instead, it revolves around arithmetic, individual clout and the urgency for political survival. Once sworn adversaries, many are sharing rallies, ideological oppositions are sunk and erstwhile bitter enmities are quietly buried in the scramble for seizing power. Crass pragmatism has triumphed over sanctity of philosophy. In short, convenience has replaced conviction. In this arena of local politics, “no holds barred” has become the key word. It is a ruthless realism where power matters more than what one once stood for. While the BJP has established its numerical prime position in the state polity by winning over half of the seats in the 29 municipal corporations that went to the polls, the Shiv Sena led by Uddhav Thackeray and the NCP established by Sharad Pawar were the main losers. However, in the post-poll scenario that is throwing one surprise after another, both these parties are engaged in forming alliances with some of their former opponents. The clear picture will become visible in a few days once the mayoral elections are held. Till then, the once unthinkable permutations and combinations will be watched by the hapless electors.
Veteran leader Sharad Pawar and Shiv Sena boss Uddhav Thackeray have been totally decimated in the election to 29 municipal corporations across Maharashtra, raising a question mark about the next turn in their political journey. Just half a dozen of the civic bodies marked any presence of the parties led by the two prominent leaders, leaving the field open to the saffron outfit, led by chief minister Devendra Fadnavis. The other casualty is Pawar’s nephew Ajit, who took on the BJP for no obvious reason and has been mauled badly in his own stronghold, Pune city and district. A few select bodies like Kolhapur, Vasai-Virar, Malegaon, Chandrapur, Parbhani and Amaravati have shown electoral wins of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) candidates, though most have been elected on their own steam. The MVA is now rudderless in the state and the voters, too, have expressed their displeasure on its negative campaigning, which was replete with abuse and curses. On the other hand, Fadnavis and deputy CM Eknath Shinde continuously harped on the theme of development. The results have conclusively shown that Uddhav’s clout is now confined only to Mumbai, of course lesser than earlier. As far as Sharad Pawar is concerned, he neither campaigned nor addressed any rally. His inaction is blamed for the pitiable condition of his party. Thus, both leaders will have to explain to their cadres what plan of action is in their mind.
Ill-famed Shrikant Pangarkar will henceforth be seen in the civic hall of Jalna Municipal Corporation despite being named as an accused in the 2017 killing of journalist Gauri Lankesh. The Jalna results were declared on Friday and Pangarkar emerged as the winner in Ward 13. He defeated his opponents of the BJP and other parties in a multi-corner contest. The Shiv Sena led by deputy CM Eknath Shinde had chosen not to field any candidate in the ward, a decision that foretold the electoral outcome. Soon after the results, he began celebrating with his supporters. The images went viral, causing an outrage. The criminal case related to Lankesh’s murder is sub-judice, thus enabling Pangarkar to contest. Facing the media after this, Pangarkar asserted that he had not been convicted; hence, the legal process was still underway.” His defence nonplussed the reporters. The assassination of Gauri Lankesh took place in Bengaluru on 5 September 2017. The killing triggered a widespread debate across the country. In August 2018, the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad arrested Pangarkar as an accused though was granted bail by the Karnataka high court on 4 September 2024. Earlier, Pangarkar had served as a corporator in Jalna between 2001 and 2006 as a member of the undivided Shiv Sena. However, as he was not given a ticket in 2011, he moved to the Hindu Janjagruti Samiti, a right-wing organisation. Only a year before, while the November 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections were to happen, Pangarkar joined the Shinde Sena. The move backfired and Shinde had to keep in abeyance Pangarkar’s entry. Despite that interlude, Pangarkar is back in the news.
A cursory glance at the profile of various candidates trying their luck in the upcoming municipal corporation elections in Maharashtra presents an interesting insight into their education, assets and property, their past and the party they belong to. The data reflects not just static wealth, but growth over election cycles. Under election law, candidates declare their movable and immovable assets, liabilities, education and if there are any criminal cases against them at the time of nomination. These details are made public. Hopefully, the voters will make their own assessment at the time of voting on 15 January 2026 across 29 municipal corporations throughout the state. A quick scan shows that in Nagpur, candidate asset declarations range from Rs 7.78 lakh to nearly Rs 95 crore. In Mumbai, former mayor Kishori Pednekar has declared a fantastic rise in her assets since the last civic election in 2017. It was Rs 1.61 crore in 2017, now touching Rs 5.26 crore. Deputy CM Eknath Shinde’s trusted soldier Sada Sarvankar’s son Samadhan has declared assets worth Rs 46.59 crore, one of the highest among BMC candidates. He is matched by former mayor Shraddha Jadhav of Shiv Sena (UBT), whose assets exceed Rs 46 crore, as well. The most common denominator about the candidates is that all of them are keen to serve the public.
Nominations in the ongoing municipal corporation polls in Maharashtra reveal interesting details and expectedly, those vying to enter the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the richest civic body, attract maximum attention. They are found across all parties and election wards. For instance, Deputy CM Eknath Shinde’s trusted soldier Sada Sarvankar’s son Samadhan has declared assets worth Rs 46.59 crore, one of the highest among BMC candidates. He is matched by former mayor Shraddha Jadhav of Shiv Sena (UBT), whose assets exceed Rs 46 crore as well. The astounding increase is over the 8 years, when the last BMC election was held in 2017. In Mumbai, most candidates possess multiple of crores, which include real estate, posh vehicles and gold or jewellery. They are spread across all major parties. Another facet is that female candidates are as wealthy as their male counterparts, in some cases even more. A few notables include former mayor Vishakha Sharad Raut (Ward No 191 Sena UBT). Her total assets stood at Rs 21.83 crore. The Increase over 2017 is Rs.7 crore. Former MLA Yamini Jadhav (Ward No. 209 Sena Shinde) shows total assets of Rs.14.57 crore. The increase is Rs 4 crore in just one year. Former MP Kirit Somaiya’s son Neel (Ward No. 107 BJP) has total assets of Rs 9 crore. In his case, the increase is of Rs 7 crore over 8 years. A recent entrant into the BJP, Tejaswi Abhishek Ghosalkar (Ward No. 2) has total assets worth Rs 5 crore, showing an increase of Rs 4.75 crore over the past 8 years. Veteran corporator Shailesh Phanse has declared assets worth Rs 25 crore (Ward 59 Sena UBT), showing a spectacular increase of Rs 16 crore over 8 years. In short, more candidates are well provided for than those lacking resources.
While the Maha Vikas Aghadi which is in shambles is finding it difficult to find sufficient candidates to field for the coming municipal corporation elections in Maharashtra, the ruling Mahayuti has already opened its account in some cities. The most striking score, so far, is in Panvel, a satellite town of Mumbai. At least eight BJP candidates have been considered elected since there are no opposition nominees. Similarly, major corporations like Kalyan-Dombivali, Thane, Bhiwandi, Ahilya Nagar, Jalgaon and Pune are following suit. Incidentally, most victorious candidates are proved lucky since in several places, their opponents were eliminated as their nomination documents were found lacking in scrutiny. While chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has expressed confidence that the Mahayuti will sweep all the 29 municipal corporations on 16 January, deputy CM Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena, too, has half a dozen winners to its credit. Although there was large scale defection and rebellion till the other day, leaders of all major parties have become successful in quelling the revolts. Munira Shaikh Fakir Mohamed of Islam Party has been elected unopposed from a ward in Malegaon, considered a sensitive town communally. The Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party led by veteran Sharad Pawar appear to be the most vulnerable in the power play. The final picture will be clear by Saturday (Jan3) when the names of those who have withdrawn from the contest will become known. Nonetheless, the saffron outfit is already on cloud nine.
If you are worried about the future of Mumbai, wait till 16 January since the brothers Thackeray have promised the moon to Mumbaikars if they come to power in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on that day. The only catch is that the two parties, the Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), are facing a formidable adversary, the BJP-led Mahayuti, which is ruling Maharashtra with a thumping majority. Moreover, most former BMC corporators and Mumbai MLAs are in the saffron fold, complemented by deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena. In addition, the Congress has decided to go it alone, making the Sena’s challenge more difficult. Given this ground reality, Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray and his cousin, MNS scion Amit Thackeray, have come out with a fantastic manifesto for Mumbai to lure the voters. The duo has made such tall promises that if ever they become a reality, Mumbai will compete with the best cities around the world. For instance, housing units with an area up to 700 sq ft will be exempted from property tax. Secondly, the female domestic servants in Mumbai will be paid a monthly dole of Rs 1500. Fisherwomen will be provided with meals at Rs 10; young entrepreneurs will be extended Rs 1 lakh as employment assistance fund; all BMC parking lots will be free of charge; zero bill for power consumers using 100 units or less per month and a mini sports complex in each civic ward. Interestingly, the manifesto has kept away from the touchy issue of the declaration that the next Mumbai mayor will be a Marathi Manoos.
The entry of Rashid Mamu, former mayor of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, in the Shiv Sena led by Uddhav Thackeray has stirred a hornet’s nest because prominent Sena leaders from that city have publicly objected to this development. Local Sena leaders complain that this entry has been engineered by former legislative council opposition leader Ambadas Danve without consulting them. Former MP Chandrakant Khaire, a close loyalist of Balasaheb Thackeray, has reminded the Sena leadership that Rashid Mamu was among those who had pelted stones at a Sena procession taken out to demand a Uniform Civil Code some years ago. Khaire has declared that he will make efforts to ensure that Mamu is not selected by the party to contest the civic election from Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar. Mamu was admitted into the Sena at Matoshri in Mumbai in presence of Uddhav and Danve. Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, too, has castigated Uddhav Sena for welcoming Mamu in its fold. In a stinging indictment, Fadnavis has said, “It is extremely painful to see that such an individual (Mamu) has been admitted by the Sena (UBT). This decision has been taken by the son of Hindu Hriday Samrat Balasaheb Thackeray for gaining votes. This type of appeasement of licking somebody’s shoes for political benefit makes me very sad.” The CM has warned his erstwhile ally that patriots and nationalists will not pardon the Sena (UBT) for such decisions.
Psephologists and political analysts have started gearing up in Maharashtra where various municipal corporation elections are scheduled on 15 January. Expectedly, the initial focus is on making predictions about the number of seats likely to be won by the ruling saffron Mahayuti, led by the BJP, in Mumbai. The fight for the BMC will be thus mainly confined between the BJP and the alliance of the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (Sena), led by the cousins, Uddhav and Raj Thackeray. The first such prediction has been posted by Amitabh Tiwari of ‘Vote India Vibe.’ According to him, the Mahayuti can win up to 114 seats in the 227-member civic body, followed by the Sena alliance at around 80. The basis for this estimate is the voting pattern witnessed in the assembly election held a year earlier. The Mahayuti had won almost 240 seats in the 288-member house. The other factor in reaching this conclusion is the demographic profile of Mumbai. As of now, the Congress party has decided to go it alone in the election, underscoring the possibility of a split in the opposition vote. More such ‘surveys’ are expected to tumble out in the next two weeks, about Mumbai and other major cities like Pune, Nagpur and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar.
Indians are known to flout any and every rule if they are not watched or stopped. When abroad, they praise and follow all rules and regulations but once back home, their original instinct takes over. It is so widespread that nowadays, even traffic police personnel ignore the violators or at the most, capture them in mobile cameras. Hence, walking even on footpaths is no longer safe since ubiquitous two-wheelers can bump into you, from behind mostly. Traffic anywhere in India is a testimony to this national malady. Therefore, those criticising the British for enslaving India will find it quite unnerving that in Pimpri-Chinchwad in Pune, some foreign nationals were seen stopping two-wheeler riders who were using the footpath and urging them to follow traffic rules. The incident has been recorded by Pune Mirror at Rakshak Chowk in the Pimple Nilakh area. Following its ‘X’ post, there is a barrage of angry retorts. One respondent says, “When outsiders have to teach us how to use our own roads, it’s a serious question mark on our civic sense. Rules aren’t optional, they reflect basic respect for others.” Politician Satyajit Tambe is equally critical. He has lamented in his post, “If foreigners feel the need to point out basic traffic rules, it highlights how urgently we need better civic sense on our roads.” Dr Neeraj Sharma is more direct when he writes, “It’s a shame that we need foreigners to come and teach us civility. I have repeatedly said that we need to change our primary education syllabus and add Civics and civility to it rather than reading about the Battle of Plassey.” The post hopefully serves some useful purpose.
Congress MLC Pradnya Satav’s decision to resign her post and join the BJP has wider ramifications than was initially understood. It is now clear that the most affected individual by her abrupt change of loyalty is none other than Rahul Gandhi. Although the state Congress failed to persuade her to stay over in the party, Pradnya decided to join the ruling party since she felt that no developmental work will be possible in her Hingoli area unless there is a strong political support. Unfortunately for the Congress party, its last leader from Marathwada, former CM Ashok Chavan, is now a BJP MP while his daughter is elected to the legislative assembly on that party’s ticket. Pradnya’s husband Rajiv Satav was a close confidant of Rahul Gandhi, who had entrusted him to handle the last assembly election in Gujarat. In that election, the Congress had won 77 seats, a record in recent times, against the BJP’s 99. After Rajiv’s untimely demise in 2021 in the Covid pandemic, the Congress party sent Pradnya to the state legislative council, a gesture to pay homage to her husband. However, over the past three years, Pradnya realised the importance of political backing and has decided to join the saffron outfit. With her decision, Rahul Gandhi’s leadership limitations have once again been exposed. Nonetheless, on her part, Pradnya has praised Rahul and Sonia Gandhi. But that will be her swan song for the Congress, it is now clear.
Veteran leader Sharad Pawar’s 85th birthday celebrations have refreshed speculation about his future moves. Showing clear signs of ageing, Pawar will retire from the Rajya Sabha in 2026. His parliamentary career began in 1967 when he won the Baramati assembly seat in Pune district. And for the last 58 years, he has been a member of either the state legislature or parliament. However, the assembly election last year has decimated his faction of the Nationalist Congress Party to such an extent that he will have to secure support from some other party to be re-elected to the Upper House of Parliament. While the BJP is unlikely to help him, Pawar will have to depend upon either his nephew Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction or the Shiv Sena splinter led by deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde. As both are with the BJP through the thick and thin so far, Pawar will have to weave his strategy. But he is a master in such political manipulations and can re-enter Parliament, if he wishes, his supporters are confident. However, there is a third possibility. The President of India can nominate Pawar to the Rajya Sabha, in view of his long career in public life. And none will object since Pawar is on friendly terms with all political parties and prominent industrial magnates. The presence of Gautam Adani at Pawar’s Delhi residence to join the celebratory dinner is quite eloquent, it is felt. All said and done, Pawar has once again shown that he is still active.
Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis is proud that Maharashtra has become the first state in India to equip its police force with an AI-powered platform to accelerate cybercrime investigations. “MahaCrimeOS AI” is developed by CyberEye in partnership with Microsoft India Development Center and Maharashtra’s Special Purpose Vehicle, MARVEL. Unveiled at the Microsoft AI Tour in Mumbai, Microsoft Chairman & CEO Satya Nadella announced that the platform allows ‘instant case creation, multilingual data extraction, contextual legal assistance and automated workflows.’ Integrating India’s criminal laws and open-source intelligence, the AI platform will help officers link cases, analyse digital evidence and respond to threats more effectively, reducing manual effort. “MahaCrimeOS AI is designed to augment police officers with AI tools, enabling faster, more efficient investigations,” according to Puneet Chandok, President of Microsoft India & South Asia. This initiative is not just about technology—it’s about building trust, protecting citizens, and setting a new benchmark for digital safety in India. MahaCrimeOS AI is a pioneering platform, powered by AI and Azure, developed by CyberEye. The innovation in cutting-edge technologies leads Maharashtra in maintaining law and order machinery. The announcement was made by Nadella, who also met Fadnavis to discuss the future of digital safety and AI-driven governance in the state. Currently live in 23 Nagpur police stations, MahaCrimeOS AI will be expanded to all 1100 police stations across Maharashtra, Fadnavis said.
The BJP’s plans of ruling Maharashtra single-handed at a future date are becoming gradually visible. Various tiny sections of population like Banjara, Laman, Valmiki and other fringe communities will be approached under a systematic strategy by the party’s rank and file. Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has organised three mega events through the Medical Assistance Cell he has set up with a view to integrating them into the mainstream. Details in regard to the timing and location of the three gatherings will be announced soon. In the long run, the BJP will have to garner at least 40% of the votes if it wants to go it alone in the state. At present, its vote bank is nearly 27%. Since 2014, the BJP has faced three elections each, for the assembly and the parliament. While some were solo, it had found partners for others. Overall, its own vote tally has remained between 25% and 28%. The Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde) has secured over 12% of the votes while the NCP (Ajit Pawar) managed to clock 9%. Union home minister Amit Shah’s statement last year that the BJP will not need ‘crutches’ (support of other parties) in 2029 is recalled in this connection. Already, the BJP is in a comfortable position in the state. Hence, the concern felt by its allies about its planning has been on the rise.
The much-awaited elections to municipal corporations and zilla parishads (ZPs) across Maharashtra are expected to take place between 15 and 20 January 2026. The people’s verdict for this trial of strength will determine the fate of several political leaders and parties. The indications about the timeline for the elections are based on the fact that the voter lists for the elections will be published by December 10, followed by the promulgation of the Model Code of Conduct between 15 and 20 December. The State Election Commission has held a meeting with all municipal corporations already, in preparation of the hustings. The Supreme Court has once again directed that all these elections must be over by January 31 next year. There are a slew of sanctions to various pending or lagging civic projects all over the state. Moreover, impossible promises are showered by the political parties, which have shed all inhibitions while forming local-level electoral alliances. Just as the three-party government led by chief minister Devendra Fadnavis is completing its first year in office, constant reports about the unrest between the BJP, the Shiv Sena led by deputy CM Eknath Shinde and the NCP led by deputy CM Ajit Pawar are surfacing every day. The bitterness among the major parties in the state is amplified by poaching of prominent workers from one party to another. The main victims of this are the Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). Hence, the coming elections will mark a watershed in the state politics.
Controversial artiste Rakhi Sawant’s shocking comments on actor Dharmendra’s demise rankled his fans and even some members of the public. A couple of days ago, Rakhi was present for an event in Mumbai. During the media interaction on the subject, Rakhi showed her acting prowess by donning a serious look instantly. She made many audacious claims. At one point, she alleged that Dharmendra had breathed his last two or three days before 24 November. Asked to state the basis of this shocker, Rakhi nonchalantly replied that several people had told her this. Unabashed, she claimed that Dharmendra had appeared in her dream. Rakhi lamented that she was hurt just like his numerous fans as she couldn’t get to see him one last time before his final rites. Rakhi is known for never missing a chance to create a sensation or to hog the limelight. Rakhi continues to face flack for her latest outpouring but is unfazed. Several social media posts have been uploaded against Rakhi. Most have described her as ‘insensitive’ for passing such hurtful remarks on the late superstar. Rakhi knows how to make waves. Her well-known roles have been in reality TV shows and Hindi movies. Rakhi has starred in a number of Bollywood films and is well-known for her item songs and fearless public persona. After appearing in “Bigg Boss 1” and making it to the finals of “Bigg Boss 14,” she gained wide publicity. To remain noticed, she manages to send shockwaves.
Although the use of laser beams is banned for public celebrations, the restriction is more observed in breach than compliance. The same is the case with installing Dolby speakers, which can damage the hearing owing to their high decibel intensity. However, a Pimpri resident will henceforth represent all those ignoring the rules after learning it the hard way himself. Pimpri is a suburb of Pune and its municipal corporation is among the richest in India, given the proliferation of industrial units in its environs. Expectedly, the flaunting of money is quite common. Gopi Pandharinath Lokhande, president of Bhairavnath Mitra Mandal in Pimpri, has been sentenced to simple imprisonment for two days and a fine of Rs 1000 for use of laser beam lights during the Ganesh festival procession taken out on 4 September 2024. He was found guilty of flouting Section 163 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Samhita. The police presented video recording of the procession and the preventive notice served on the Mandal regarding the ban on using laser beams. These proved conclusive. If the laser beams fall directly, they can seriously hurt eyes. Children, senior citizens and women are especially vulnerable. Similarly, they can distract airplane pilots if projected near airports or airways. The Pimpri court has underscored this restriction through the punishment it has awarded to Lokhande.
The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA)has perhaps forgotten the adage – once bitten, twice shy. Despite its humiliating defeat in the Maharashtra assembly elections just a year ago, MVA partners have failed to team up to take on the saffron Mahayuti, led by the BJP. While voting for the local body elections is scheduled to take place on December 3, only three days are left for campaigning. However, the Congress has refused to include the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena led by Raj Thackeray into the MVA fold. The NCP-SP led by veteran Sharad Pawar is hardly visible except in certain pockets in Pune and Satara districts. Moreover, it has aligned with the NCP faction led by deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar, who split the parent party three years ago. Thereby, confusing signals about the Pawar clan in particular and about MVA in general are becoming viral, adding to the vexation of the voting public. Surprisingly, no prominent MVA leader has ventured out for campaigning against the Mahayuti. On the other hand, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and both deputy CMs, Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde, are combing the countryside tirelessly. MVA leaders are visible only in front of TV cameras or through press notes, making impossible demands. Perhaps sensing the verdict, they have started shouting in chorus against EVMs and charging that the electoral rolls are suspicious. Re-enactment of Bihar is, thus, feared by the rank and file of MVA.
While love and pride for Marathi is the basis of both Shiv Sena factions and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), the same factor can play a decisive role in determining the final seat sharing between cousins Uddhav and Raj Thackeray. Both have held repeated meetings to hammer out a solution, which still seems elusive as both are trying to claim certain civic constituencies in Mumbai having predominant Marathi-speaking population. This also covers nearly two dozen civic wards which were won by the Sena (UBT) in the last municipal election. Given the possibility of an electoral understanding, MNS leader Raj Thackeray, too, is learnt to be desirous of fielding his candidates from these areas, for the same reason. At present, the Sena (UBT) is a decimated force in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) since most of its elected corporators have joined the Sena faction led by deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde. Their wards, too, are on the bargaining block, demanded by both sides. In any case, MNS has a sizable presence in at least 30 wards. Assessing the overall scenario, Uddhav drove to Raj’s Shivaji Park residence on November 27 in a bid to take the talks further. As the Congress has refused to accept MNS in the Maha Vikas Aghadi fold, it will be a tough challenge for the cousins to decide their future course of action. Moreover, the Marathi factor has also potential to influence the outcome of the election for the most affluent civic corporation in India.
A woman passenger’s bluster that her husband eats only fresh food now stands to gulp humble pie since her bravado of cooking Maggie on the mobile charging socket in the train they were travelling on has invited Central Railway’s punitive action against her. The woman’s identity has not been divulged but in a video that has gone viral, she is seen and heard telling other passengers in the coach smugly, “Saheb likes only freshly made food. I have no holiday here, too.” The clip has been watched by over 65,000 viewers. Railway Protection Force authorities have declared that action was being initiated against her. Passengers are advised to refrain from any such hazardous behaviour. If they notice any such activity, report it immediately, RPF has urged the travelling public. The woman’s “Maggi hack” has raised alarm overall. A passenger alerted that the amperage is not equipped for high-power appliances. Another has commented wryly, “Civic sense of Indians is so high that they will do all the stupidity and flaunt it in public as a biggest achievement.” Supporting the comment, another says, “Indians have no sense of consideration, courtesy or respect towards shared public space. They will treat everything as private space.” While many have questioned the efficacy of security measures on trains, there are those who have demanded to know the sense of filming such blatant violation of law.
The coming local body election in Maharashtra has forced the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi partners to face a Hobson’s Choice, giving indications that the BJP-led Mahayuti will have a smooth sailing, thanks to the likely vote division in the opposition camp. The already decimated Congress party has declared that it will not team up with the Shiv Sena (UBT) since its leader Uddhav Thackeray has decided to fight the election jointly with cousin Raj Thackeray’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). If both, the Congress and Uddhav, remain firm on their stand, the Mahayuti’s expectation to win on a platter will become a reality as the opposition’s vote bank will be dented. Realising this possibility, Uddhav has started persuading the Congress to remain in MVA. So far, the outcome is elusive. On the other hand, the Congress has urged senior leader Sharad Pawar to extend his support to it but the NCP(SP) is yet to make up its mind. The Hobson’s Choice, thus, faces the Congress and Uddhav’s Sena. If Uddhav and Raj are not hand in hand, the Marathi vote in Mumbai and Thane will be split, to the advantage of the Mahayuti. If the cousins come together, the Congress and perhaps even the NCP(SP) can think of other options, ultimately harming the MVA prospects, overall. Although all is not well in the Mahayuti camp either, the MVA’s splintering will override the saffron camp’s differences and present it with a massive mandate, it seems as of now.
Mindless exhibition of pride for Marathi language has led to a horrific tragedy, claiming a young student’s life. The deceased, Arnav Khaire, was a student of Kelkar College in Mulund. His father Jitendra has complained to the police that the youngster ended his life after he was assaulted by a group of co-commuters while travelling in a second-class compartment of a suburban train. Arnav had requested one of the co-commuters to move slightly in Hindi. This reportedly led to the tragedy as the group asked why he wasn’t speaking in Marathi. Even after Arnav told them that he was Marathi, they still attacked him. Depressed, Arnav committed suicide, the father has complained. Assistant Commissioner of Police Kalyanji Ghete has formed a special team to investigate. Over the past few months, assaulting those unable to respond in Marathi has taken place time and again, especially in the Mumbai-Thane belt. Those facing the wrath of proponents of use of Marathi include a bank official, a shopkeeper and stray non-Maharashtrians. Arguments over speaking Marathi have been reported from varied locations. For example, clashes in suburban trains are more common occurrences. Autorickshaw drivers, hawkers and even social media users. Some time ago, a shopkeeper in Vikhroli was attacked for a WhatsApp status deemed offensive to the Marathi community. He was forced to apologise after being physically assaulted. Afraid, those at the receiving end rarely lodge police complaints. However, the trend of assault has created an atmosphere of apprehension.
Presence of mind by a Varanasi journalist resulted in the reunion of a four-year-old girl with her parents. The toddler was kidnapped from Mumbai in May this year. The Mumbai Police had launched two special search efforts called “Operation Shodh” (Operation Trace) to find the missing child. The breakthrough came when a local Hindi-speaking journalist alerted the authorities about a girl, speaking in Marathi, housed at a local children’s shelter. The girl and her family, originally from Solapur, were in Mumbai for her father’s medical treatment when she went missing on 20 May while playing in a crowded area. Mumbai police teams travelled to Uttar Pradesh time and again during their six-month investigation. The child had been left near Varanasi station by an unidentified suspected kidnapper. Local authorities placed her in the care of an orphanage, where staff members started calling her “Kashi.” After receiving the tip, Mumbai police confirmed her identity and later, the parents, too, identified their daughter over a video call before her physical reunion with them, incidentally on Children’s Day. Mumbai’s DCP Zone 1 Dr Pravin Mundhe and Senior Inspector Yogesh Sable led the investigations. The CCTV footage revealed that the kidnapper boarded a train from Lokmanya Tilak Terminus towards Uttar Pradesh. During the November 1 to 15 ‘Operation Shodh’ drive, the police distributed the girl’s photos, stuck posters all over Varanasi and published information in the local newspapers. That was when the breakthrough came. The kidnapper is still at large.
Known as ‘Bihar’s Singham’ for making Patna a safe city for girls and women some years ago, former IPS officer Shivdeep Lande’s attempt at transition from Khaki to Khadi has been foiled by that state’s voters in the two assembly constituencies he chose to test his luck from. Born in a farmer family from Vidarbha in Maharashtra, Lande cracked the UPSC tests to join the IPS in 2006. His first posting was in the Naxal-infested Munger district of Bihar. It became sensational owing to his incredible feats, one after another. But his popularity was at its peak when he took over as Patna SP. The anti-social elements in Bihar’s capital used to tremble to even hear his name. Lande was married in 2014 to Mamata Shivtare, the daughter of a Shiv Sena leader and then minister, Vijay Shivtare. After serving in Bihar, Lande returned to Maharashtra and resigned from the police force. In April this year, Lande floated his own political party, the Hind Sena, and announced that he will field candidates in all 243 seats. However, he himself contested from two constituencies – Jamalpur and Araria – where he had earlier served and amassed popularity. While pollster Prashant Kishor’s defeat has been highlighted by the media, Lande’s decimation has been ignored, more or less, once again proving the adage that a politician is born, not made.
The resounding victory of the NDA and the BJP in the Bihar assembly election will result in scripting the future prospects of many individuals. Although the focus will remain on PM Narendra Modi, Union home minister Amit Shah and Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar, there are many more who have influenced the outcome to some degree, according to the assignments entrusted to them. Prominent among them are Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis. There are several reasons for his glee at the results, a fabulous achievement for the saffron outfit. Fadnavis found time to visit Bihar to campaign for NDA’s Bihar candidates while handling various tricky situations in the state. Agitations by Maratha and OBC leaders, the flood devastation, the opposition attacks and daily problems concerning law and order had been taking much of his time. Known to be working till 2 am every night and starting his next day at 7 am, Fadnavis planned his Bihar sojourn carefully and gave a series of campaign speeches in Bihar’s 61 assembly constituencies spread over seven districts. To his delight, 49 of these seats have been bagged by the BJP. Expectedly, he was lambasted by the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi for ‘abandoning’ Maharashtra which needed his attention. However, those who knew Fadnavis ignored this criticism. The Bihar victory has further consolidated his firm political clout. No doubt, BJP rank and file has started expressing confidence that the coming local body elections will be a cakewalk for the party. But Fadnavis is cautious.
The ownership of 14 villages claimed by the Maharashtra and Telangana governments has been under dispute in Chandrapur district which is along the border of the two states. While the revenue department of the Maharashtra government is the claimant of the villages, the same are under the forest department of the Telangana government. The issue has a long history. According to authorities in Maharashtra, the Supreme Court has ruled in its favour. Nonetheless, the resolution of the matter is still awaiting a final outcome. Over the years, the villages in Jivti tehsil of Maharashtra occupy nearly 15,000 acres of land. The Maharashtra authorities complain that the villages have been shown by Telangana as part of its territory. Telangana’s Asifabad district forest authorities have been looking after the green cover in the area. Meanwhile, the villagers are reported to be exercising their voting rights in both states. The villages have been at the centre of the dispute, with residents often living under dual administration and having voting rights in both states. Finally, in July 2025, the Maharashtra government has announced that it has started the process to merge these 14 villages into the state’s jurisdiction. While some residents have asked to remain in Telangana to access its welfare schemes, Maharashtra’s stance is that the villages are predominantly Marathi-speaking. Due to the lack of a clear administrative structure, the villages have two sarpanchs, two Gram Panchayats and separate schools for Marathi and Telugu speakers. The issue has been holding fire but no immediate solution is forthcoming.
Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar is finding himself in hot water following the allegations against his son Parth in connection with a massive land deal in Pune involving hundreds of crores of rupees. Noted social activist Anna Hazare’s spirited attack against the Pawar clan has added another dimension to the suspicious deal. The web of doubt around the father-son duo is becoming thicker since Ajit has claimed that he is unaware of the transactions conducted by his son, “an adult and running his own business.” As chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered a thorough enquiry into the serious charges, Ajit has gone on the defensive. Hazare’s stinging statement about the ‘culture of Baramati’ has an indirect past reference to the developments when then chief minister Sharad Pawar was facing grave allegations regarding several land deals under the civic development plan for Mumbai. Later, the allegations were declared unfounded by an inquiry committee. Incidentally, Hazare was at the forefront of levelling the allegations, along with controversial municipal officer GR Khairnar. Obliquely referring to those events, Hazare has remarked that the family and the culture of a particular place are responsible for occurrence of such deeds. In a guarded response, Pawar’s daughter Supriya Sule, MP, has sided with Parth. The DCM is finding it difficult to defend or criticise, given the perceived role of Parth. The scandal’s fallout will have a bearing on the strategy for the upcoming local body elections in Maharashtra, weakening Ajit’s bargaining stakes.
Top BJP leader Ashish Shelar has been entrusted with the responsibility of the coming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) election by the BJP, underscoring the importance of the electoral fight considered the decisive battle for the existence of the Shiv Sena (UBT). Although Andheri MLA Amit Satam was appointed Mumbai BJP chief just a month ago, his predecessor Shelar has been reassigned this assignment given the enormity of the challenge. Of late, Shelar has been mounting one attack after another against Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray and the Congress party, main partners of the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). The BJP is determined to wrest the BMC’s control from the arch rival Shiv Sena, which is not joined by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena leader Raj Thackeray. The two organisations are trying their best to lure the Marathi-speaking population’s vote by constantly harping on the ‘outsider’ tag against several BJP bigwigs, who are from Gujarat or north India. This has put the Congress party in a quandary, given the Bihar assembly election voting, forcing its top leaders to stay away from a joint morcha taken out by the two cousins. By next week, the picture is expected to be clear on this count. Nonetheless, the BJP is going ahead as the main constituent of the Mahayuti under the stewardship of Ashish Shelar, who knows Mumbai like the back of his hand.
The incidence of cyber cheating is repeated over and over again, despite the cautionary messages circulated by the authorities. Even those conversant with online trading are no exception. In a latest shocking disclosure, it has been reported that a 36-year old woman from Panvel near Mumbai has ended her life after she was deprived of over Rs.5.30 crore by a Gujarat-based fraudster. Anagha Patil, the unfortunate victim, committed suicide owing to the frustration allegedly caused by Ravi Hareshbhai Bhadka, whom police teams are tracing. The two met in Delhi three years ago while attending an offline course. He assured Anagha of handsome returns through forex transactions. She invested some amounts and the returns lured her to pay him more and more. Soon, her other family members also started investing. But the return inflow dried up and Ravi started rejecting their telephone calls. By this time, the total remittance to him was over Rs 5.38 crore. Under stress, Anagha hanged herself on October 8. The police are trying to nab Ravi ever since. In another case that has surfaced from Nasik, a retired government officer has lost nearly Rs 2.25 crore despite his knowledge of online trading. He was assured by a woman, who claimed her name was Anjali Mehta, that he will stand to earn Rs 4.50 crore against the investment. The victim trusted her and went on sending the money. Finally, the inevitable happened. A case of cheating has been registered against the dupers.
Internationally famous wrestler Sikandar Shaikh’s arrest by the Punjab Police in connection with an interstate arms smuggling network has shocked sports circles in Maharashtra. Initial investigations reportedly suggest his alleged ties with the notorious Papla Gujjar gang, which has been under scrutiny for supplying illegal firearms to various regions. Shaikh shot to fame in 2004 after winning the prestigious ‘Maharashtra Kesari’ title, the state’s award for the topmost wrestler. Shaikh’s father was a labourer. Hence, his success had earned him universal accolades. Originally from Mohol taluka in Solapur district, Shaikh grabbed attention of the sports arena following his one spectacular win after another in conventional wrestling bouts. Shaikh and four others were arrested at Mohali in Punjab while allegedly transporting arms in a vehicle. His family and well-wishers have refuted the charges. The police party recovered a cash amount of Rs 1.99 lakh, five pistols, cartridges and the two vehicles. An ace wrestler, Shaikh has been residing in Punjab for the past several months, those who know him say. According to another acquaintance, Sikandar wins almost all the bouts and his annual income is rumoured to be around Rs 5 crore. So far, he has been presented with a dozen SUVs, around 10 Bullet motorcycles and 40 buffaloes as prizes. Hence, his alleged involvement in such a crime is laughable, retort his supporters.
Strange political formations are occurring in Maharashtra’s sport arena despite appeals from all concerned that the two should not be mixed. At the centre of these developments are veteran leader Sharad Pawar, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, deputy CM Ajit Pawar and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray, representing the important political parties in the state. Elections to the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) and the Maharashtra Olympic Association (MOA) are due in the near future. For the cricket body, Sharad Pawar and Fadnavis are reportedly in tandem. Pawar’s recent praise of Fadnavis for ‘keeping politics out of sports’ has raised many eyebrows. While these four leaders are insistent for election of their close followers on MCA, another shade is added by another deputy CM Eknath Shinde, who is trying to induct Vihang Sarnaik, son of minister Pratap Sarnaik, the buyer of the first Tesla car in India. Ajit Pawar is peeved since his 13-year tenure as MOA president has come under severe criticism by Union minister of state Murlidhar Mohol and BJP MLC Sandip Joshi. The duo had levelled several allegations, all of which have been refuted by Ajit Pawar, who has pointed out that he is dedicated to the MOA’s interests and that the charges are made by politicians, not by any players. These developments have come at a time when the state is gearing up to hold the local body elections, including in Mumbai and Pune, the centres of the two skirmishes.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut will be out of action for at least two months, he himself has conveyed through a social media post. Raut had been spearheading the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) campaign against the ruling Mahayuti alliance government in Maharashtra ever since it was first formed in 2022. Derided as a Bhonga (loudspeaker) by his political critics, Raut made a daily appearance on TV news channels almost every morning. Counted among close aides of Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray, the ‘Saamana’ executive editor has announced that he will be away from public life for the next two months due to health issues. The announcement has come as a dampener for the Sena and MVA since no immediate replacement is in sight, especially as it comes on the eve of the crucial BMC election, which will determine the future of the Uddhav Sena and Raj Thackeray’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena. In his emotional message titled “A humble request to all friends, family and workers,” Raut has urged the Sena supporters to continue their faith in him during this difficult period. “As per medical advice, I have been advised against going out and mingling with crowds. There is no way around it. I am sure I will recover well and come to meet you in the new year. May your love and blessings remain with me,” he has said in his post.
Alleged suicide by a woman doctor working at a government hospital at Phaltan in Maharashtra’s Satara district has shaken the state since the name of a Member of Parliament is said to be connected with the development. There is no confirmation of this information from the police but the political undertones behind the drastic action are slowly becoming known. The deceased had written a note on the backside of her palm, clearly blaming a police sub inspector and another person. The PSI, Gopal Badne, has been suspended forthwith while investigations are underway to unravel different angles of the tragedy. The death occurred in a hotel room on October 23 night. In her suicide note, the victim wrote that Badne raped her four times over the past five months. The other individual, Prashant Bankar, had been mentally torturing her, she grieved. In view of the gravity of the incident, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis called SP Tushar Doshi and ordered the suspension. As of now, the identity of the MP is unknown although it is whispered that he had spoken with the doctor on a couple of occasions though from the mobile handsets belonging to some other persons. It is also alleged that she had been resisting pressure from certain police personnel and political workers who were demanding favourable medical reports from her in certain matters. The police have not corroborated any such social media posts while her body has been sent for a post mortem.
The ruling Mahayuti in Maharashtra is facing some tough moments at present. Those at the receiving end are alleged to be related with certain questionable matters. The latest ‘expose’ in this series, by state Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal, has created a sensation. Sapkal has alleged that 21 MLAs have received a Diwali gift of a Defender SUV each from the same contractor. The price of a Defender SUV is said to be around Rs 2 crore. The genesis of the charge is the Defender in which Shiv Sena (Shinde) MLA Sanjay Gaikwad was found moving around. When the MLA’s pictures in the SUV became viral, he explained that the vehicle belonged to one of his relatives, who is a contractor. “He is first my kin and then a businessman,” Gaikwad defended his position. It later transpired that Gaikwad was exposed by certain Mahayuti leaders. However, even before the dust over the matter had settled, Sapkal had burst a political bomb. He has raised many questions. For instance, he has demanded that the identity of the contractor and the beneficiary MLAs should be revealed by the authorities. Similarly, he has asked if the Defender SUV used by Gaikwad belongs to the fleet of the 21 vehicles or is it the 22nd. That SUV had become a centre of attraction in Buldana town which is Gaikwad’s constituency since it was flaunting MLA stickers. A response from the Mahayuti is eagerly awaited by its supporters and detractors.
India’s wealthiest ‘farmer’ Amitabh Bachchan has celebrated his 83rd birthday on 11 October by purchasing three plots of land at Alibaug near Mumbai. Already owning a land parcel in the same locality, Amitabh has been leading the list of celebrities who have preferred Alibaug for land purchases. Alibaug, the Raigad district headquarters, has emerged as perhaps the most popular tourist destination over the years outside Mumbai. Now that multiple options like the expressway and the water transport services are becoming available, land prices in Alibaug and the environment are constantly showing an upward trend. Top stars like Shahrukh Khan, Anushka Sharma, Kartik Aaryan, Kriti Sanon and cricketer Virat Kohli are among those who have invested in land in the area. Amitabh’s latest purchase was registered on 7 October by paying stamp duty of over Rs.39 lakh. The lands have been sold by a firm, HOABL Landbuild, which had sold land to him earlier, too. That was in April 2024. Amitabh’s previous land purchase that became famous was in Ayodhya. It took place just before the Ram Temple was inaugurated in Ayodhya. The Alibaug land is near the Mandwa jetty, which runs regular sea trips to Mumbai daily. The land holds potential of development as a sprawling villa. Amitabh has so far maintained silence over the transactions. His three bungalows in Mumbai are in the elite Juhu area. The latest acquisition by him makes him one of prominent real estate owners in India.
The reputed housekeeping giant, BVG Group, is finding itself in the eye of a storm following its distribution of chicken masala packets as Diwali gifts to employees at the Vitthal temple in Pandharpur, the most important pilgrimage sanctum sanctorum for innumerable devotees. While the BVG management is yet to come out with a response, the Vitthal temple authorities have condemned the act and indicated that reviewing the vendor contract is an option for them. BVG India Ltd is a large integrated facility management company. Founded in 1993 by struggler Hanmantrao Ramdas Gaikwad, it has grown from a social enterprise to become India’s largest company in its field. It provides services such as solid waste management, emergency response and renewable energy solutions. BVG serves a wide range of sectors including government, metro rail, IT and has a trained workforce of over 100,000. BVG also provides staff for the Vitthal temple. The personnel received chicken masala packets as Diwali gifts. This triggered off a wave of anger because the Warkari sect is strictly vegetarian. Hence a non-vegetarian gift appeared as an assault on religious sentiments. was seen as a religious trespass. Minister for Cultural Affairs Ashish Shelar has ordered an immediate inquiry into the incident. The temple’s executive officer Rajendra Shelke has served a legal notice against the firm. He took preventive steps as soon as the outrage became known. Similarly, the firm stopped the distribution of the offending packets. Shelke insisted that the temple’s sanctity is the foremost and it is everybody’s sacred duty to preserve it.
Followers of Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and deputy CM Eknath Shinde have started clashing openly over the proposed seat sharing for the coming local body elections in Thane despite assurances by both leaders that they will fight the polls jointly under the Mahayuti banner. A stronghold of the saffron forces for a long time, Thane has occasionally proved to be the bone of contention between the BJP and the Shiv Sena even when Balasaheb Thackeray and Pramod Mahajan were alive. However, the differences would vanish once a directive was received from above for both camps. That camaraderie has evaporated after the emergence of Shinde as a power centre. The BJP has asked its powerful leader Ganesh Naik to ‘look after’ Thane while Shinde’s Man Friday Naresh Mhaske, Thane MP, is in the vanguard of the Sena (Shinde) campaign. Thane city’s MLA Sanjay Kelkar of the BJP has repeatedly warned the Sena of a serious fallout if his demand for 70 seats in the civic house of over 130 is not honoured. On the other hand, Mhaske is firm on his stand that his party must get at least 80 seats. While Fadnavis has made it clear that winning the election for the Mahayuti is crucial, Shinde is yet to shed his reticence. Surprisingly, the INDIA Bloc is yet to spell out its plans for the third most important municipal corporation in Maharashtra, after Mumbai and Pune.
BJP’s aggressive MLA Gopichand Padalkar has once again stirred a hornet’s nest by asking Hindu girls not to go to gyms. Addressing a public rally in Beed, Padalkar said, “Hindu girls should practise yoga at home. They don’t know that a larger conspiracy is being hatched.” Naming a section of the population, Padalkar alleged that ‘they’ are trying to lure Hindu girls. The MLA, an erstwhile right hand of Republican leader Prakash Ambedkar, has found himself in soup time and again due to his shocking utterances. For instance, at a recent public meeting, he had made disparaging remarks in connection with the parentage of senior NCP(SP) leader Jayant Patil. He was immediately chastised by chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and was lying low for a short while. However, his Beed remarks have roused the Opposition parties. Padalkar said Hindu girls shouldn’t go to the gyms in which they did not know who the trainer is. They should be wary of such places.” He also demanded verification of the identity of college-going youths. Those without identification, too, should be checked and their entry into colleges should be banned, he suggested. Padalkar said a formidable preventive machinery would have to be created to curb such incidents. Padalkar’s Beed visit has gone viral on the social media since he has warned that various place names will be changed. His object was the names with Mughal dynastic history. In this connection, he mentioned Ahilyanagar, which was earlier Ahmednagar. Opposition leaders have started castigating him for his statements.
Slain police sub inspector Prakash Pandurang More’s daughter Anushka has finally been appointed in a government job. Her father was killed by Pakistani terrorists in the 26/11 Mumbai attack in 2008. Anushka has obtained a bachelor degree in pharmacy. She has been posted in the medical education department of the state government on compassionate grounds. Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis had urged the Maharashtra Public Service Commission to relax the relevant rules so that Anushka could be accommodated in a suitable government job. Fadnavis handed over the appointment letter to Anushka at a function in Mumbai on Friday. He said, “It is our duty to do justice towards the families of the valorous jawans. The appointment of Anushka is a salute to the gallantry of PSI Prakash More. I feel that I have fulfilled a sacred responsibility.” More was among the many police personnel killed during the attack. Subsequently, the government had initiated the process of absorbing their dependents in the government service on the ground of compassion, an old practice in Maharashtra. Tears in her eyes, Anushka recalled the bravery of her late father and said he died for the country. She said the family was satisfied that the sacrifice had been honoured. Anushka is among the thousands of appointees, who have been employed by the state on compassionate grounds.
Mumbai’s importance as the nation’s economic capital will increase by a quantum leap when Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates the first phase of the greenfield Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) on 8 October. The airport, when fully operational, is estimated to generate business worth Rs 1 lakh crore rupees through various activities in and around it. The nearby JNPA port and the upcoming Delhi-Mumbai freight corridor will be the two important drivers to boost the economy of Maharashtra and India. After several hiccups, the NMIA will witness the first commercial flights in December. The airport has been built at an investment of about Rs 20,000 crore. Once all the four terminals are completed, the total approximate investment will be of Rs 1 lakh crore. The second airport in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region after the existing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai, has secured its aerodrome licence from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation on 30 September. The joint venture project will be developed in phases by NMIA. Adani Group has 74% stake and the balance 26% is with the City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra Limited (CIDCO), completely owned by the State government. According to the schedule available, the PM will land at the Navi Mumbai International Airport in the afternoon and will spend almost two hours there. Modi will first visit the terminal building and then address the inaugural function, opening a new chapter in India’s efforts to become self-reliant.
Unified Shiv Sena’s leader Ramdas Kadam has alleged that Sena chief Balasaheb Thackeray’s body was kept at Matoshri two days after he died. Kadam said Balasaheb’s finger prints, too, were taken. A former close associate of the Thackeray family, Kadam has switched to the Sena faction of deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde and since then has been a relentless critic of Uddhav and the Sena (UBT). Kadam made these damning allegations at the Dussehra rally of his party. He has dared Uddhav to prove him false by facing him. Kadam has time and again lambasted Uddhav but his attack on Thursday (Oct 2) against Uddhav was particularly vitriolic. Kadam has demanded that his charges should be investigated by the government and warned Uddhav that he would come out with more damning information which will ‘shake Matoshri.’ Kadam said Uddhav is the only leader who tried to finish the political career of his followers. Kadam reiterated his allegations at a press conference. In one context, the name of veteran leader Sharad Pawar, too, has surfaced. Significantly, no prominent leader belonging to any party has reacted to Kadam’s charges. Most said they were unaware of the circumstances Kadam was talking about. Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut came down heavily against Kadam but almost all other leaders have found it wise to keep away from the controversy, at least for the present.
The absence of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena founder Raj Thackeray at the Dussehra rally organised by Shiv Sena (UBT) has once again created an atmosphere of suspense about two cousins coming together for the coming local body elections in the state. When Uddhav and Raj shared a stage a couple of months ago, those advocating their union were overjoyed, expressing confidence that the duo will sweep the civic election in Mumbai, Thane and in some other important cities. On his part, Uddhav has repeatedly reassured his followers and those wishing the alliance that MNS will stay with his Sena. “We were present on the same dais to tell you that we will be united in the future,” Uddhav said at his rally held at Shivaji Park in central Mumbai. Raj Thackeray’s mansion, Shiv Teerth, is just across the park grounds. Many fervently expected Raj to turn up for the public meeting, which was attended by Sainiks in large numbers despite the slush created by rains. As it became clear that the MNS leaders would not arrive, efforts were made to find solace in Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut’s statement that the other Shiv Teerth, too, should be regarded as ‘ours.’ The Shivaji Park precinct is traditionally described as Shiv Teerth (Pilgrimage to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj). A few years ago, Raj constructed his second abode opposite Shivaji Park grounds, naming it Shiv Teerth. Hence, the word play, which has failed to end the suspense.
With the authorities certifying the Mumbai Metro-3 Aqua Line safe for operations, a red-letter day will dawn soon in the metropolis as lakhs of commuters will be able to save precious time day in and day out. The average Mumbaikar is accustomed to spending at least five hours daily, commuting between home and the place of work. The journey in overcrowded suburban trains and overloaded BEST buses becomes more arduous. All that will be past as henceforth, the travel between SEEPZ in Andheri (E) and Cuffe Parade at the extreme end of south Mumbai will be less than 30 minutes, in AC comfort. The service frequency will run a train every three minutes. The Aqua route will be completely underground save one station. While its 26 stations will be below ground, the Aarey Colony station will be at grade. This means it will be at ground level and hence visible. Metro Line 3 will utilize a critical Tunnel Ventilation and Environmental Control System (TVE) to ensure passenger comfort and safety, including 24×7 cooling, fresh air supply and smoke extraction during fire emergencies. This technologically advanced system lowers tunnel temperatures, removes harmful gases and controls smoke in the world’s most modern underground rail network. The line’s commissioning had been planned much earlier but the COVID pandemic and allied developments have delayed the project.
Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has asserted that he will stay in the state for the full term of five years. Talking to senior editors at the India Today Conclave in Mumbai, Fadnavis reiterated that he is making this statement since he is conversant with the way the BJP takes important decisions. Fadnavis is considered a front-runner to take up the BJP’s presidency and media speculation has been rife on this count. Rejecting any such possibility, he said the successor to present BJP president JP Nadda will be a staunch follower of the RSS ideology. Nadda has been given extensions amidst reports that the RSS and the BJP are still to agree on the next incumbent of the single largest political party in the world. Taking a dig at the media forecasts, Fadnavis said he was amazed to read some of the names mentioned to be in the race. Fadnavis has also discounted reports that a discord exists between him and deputy CM Eknath Shinde. He said, “During my first tenure, Shinde was in my cabinet. Later, I became deputy CM in his cabinet. Now, the position has reversed again. We are working in close coordination and there is no substance in the reports that we are at loggerheads.” Fadnavis has been the focus of opposition criticism for some time on different issues and it has been suggested obliquely that some of his cabinet colleagues are fomenting unrest against him. Hence, his unambiguous assertion about leading the state for the full term is likely to dampen any such attempts, if they are made in reality.
Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar is finding himself in troubled waters for his two recent statements. Firstly, Pawar told agitated flood victims in no uncertain terms a couple of days ago, “You can make any claims but money can’t become available unless you have it.” He was interacting with the aggrieved farmers who have been demanding substantial assistance since they have lost everything in the current flooding calamity in many parts of the state. His candid admission has caused consternation, some of which is political. Pawar has been called insensitive by his detractors. Secondly, Pawar’s assertion that reservations should be based on an applicant’s economic status has invited ire by his closest associate, firebrand leader Chhagan Bhujbal, who has been championing the OBC reservation cause. Bhujbal said the reservations was not a Garibi Hatao programme but it was a measure to uplift the communities that have been backward socially. Bhujbal’s vocal opposition has once again bared the split in the polity of Maharashtra. At the core of the conflict is the state government’s recent resolution to grant ‘Kunabi’ status to Marathas, which is considered a higher caste on the social spectrum. Bhujbal has not minced his words in the past, either. So far, Pawar has not reacted to his outburst. But either way, the reservation issue is bound to have repercussions in the coming local body elections that will determine the shape of the politics in Maharashtra.
The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena is testing its own concoction, that too, in Dadar, Mumbai where the Shiv Sena was born. The Shiv Sena and its breakaway faction, MNS, have invariably championed the cause of Marathi and Marathi Manoos. It always taunts the BJP on this count. But the wheel has turned a full circle now. The trigger is an eatery, ‘Indori Chaat and Much More’ started by staunch MNS spokesman, Sandeep Deshpande in the heart of Dadar. The chef and the menu are, of course, from Indore. The restaurant attracted attention when two famous food bloggers visited and then praised it. The BJP has seized the opportunity to troll Deshpande. The media, too, has reminded MNS of its original agenda of preserving Marathi, jobs for locals and justice for the sons of soil. A BJP social media activist has taunted Deshpande for an earlier MNS declaration that the next Mumbai mayor will be a Marathi Manoos. “You can’t even find a Marathi chef but boast of installing a Marathi mayor in Mumbai,” says one of the posts. Incidentally, Maharashtra and Indore have a historical connection. The Indore rulers, the Holkar clan, had their origins in Maharashtra. Indore’s most illustrious ruler, Devi Ahilyabai, was born in the state’s Ahmednagar district, which is now renamed as Ahilya Nagar after her. Deshpande’s restaurant has given his detractors a chance to hit back, literally in the belly.
Maratha reservation demand’s uncrowned king Manoj Jarange Patil is known for his stinging tongue. His two favourite targets are Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and NCP’s senior OBC leader Chhagan Bhujbal. While attacking them, Jarange has crossed the limit occasionally and has had to apologise, too. As the intensity of the Maratha agitation is waning for a variety of reasons, Jarange has warned the government of staging a mass rally in Delhi to press the demand afresh. The protest action led by him in Mumbai a couple of weeks ago elicited a huge response but the government resolution issued subsequently is now mired in controversy. Hence, to keep the steam up, Jarange had organised a meeting of his close associates at his village, Antarwali Sarati. As the meet was underway at an open field, those present started running helter-skelter suddenly. The reason was that a swarm of honeybees had descended on the group, forcing the activists to abandon the discussion. Fortunately for Jarange, some of them had a shawl with them. They covered the leader and took him to a safer place. In the reconvened meeting, Jarange did not forget to warn Bhujbal in his trademark style. But the social media discussion centred on the poetic justice dispensed to Jarange. “If you bite others, beware of a fallout,” some suggested wryly.
The sweet and sour friendship between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and NCP leader Sharad Pawar has been vexing political circles for all these years. Neither loses a chance to reiterate its existence nor to take pot shots at each other. But both have maintained a dignified level. On the other hand, the Congress and the Shiv Sena (UBT) don’t waste a single opportunity to criticise Modi and the BJP. Both these parties had reminded Modi on his 75th birthday that he himself had imposed the age limit for retirement from active politics. Of course, the BJP had soon thereafter clarified that the observation did not apply to Modi. Still, some mediapersons approached Pawar to elicit his comments on the issue, hoping to extract a juicy quote. Pawar being Pawar, he floored them all. He said, “If I myself have not retired, how can I advise anyone to bow out?” Pawar was born on 12 December 1940. Interestingly, there were no further questions. Pawar has disappointed INDIA Bloc and other Opposition parties on many occasions by taking a clear stand on several issues without caring for the possible criticism. For instance, when there was a demand to appoint a JPC to probe the Hindenburg allegations against the Adani Group, Pawar had dismissed the proposal as a non-starter. It is another matter that the industrialist has been a regular caller on Pawar. It is also a coincidence that Pawar’s statement about Modi’s 75th birthday has come on the day Adani has been exonerated by the SEBI of any wrongdoing.
BJP MLA Gopichand Padalkar’s shocking statement expressing doubts about the parentage of senior NCP(SP) leader Jayant Patil has been roundly condemned and is causing grave concern the depth to which political culture is sinking in the state. Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has admonished Padalkar, who has declared that he will abide by the CM’s order and refrain from making such a statement again. Padalkar, a former aide of Republican leader Prakash Ambedkar, is known for his audacious utterances. But the barb at Jayant Patil has crossed all limits, Sharad Pawar told Fadnavis in a phone call. Initially, Padalkar had refused to apologise by arguing that Pawar was silent when some INDIA Bloc bigwigs had made objectionable statements about Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his mother. However, as the intensity of the criticism went on mounting, Padalkar relented. Jayant Patil is the son of the late Rajarambapu Patil, who was a heavyweight leader in the 1970’s and 80’s. He was tipped to become the chief minister of Maharashtra. His son Jayant is an astute politician and has handled the finance portfolio of the state for a long time, creating a record of presenting the maximum number of budgets. Jayant is among the closest colleagues to Pawar. The other angle to the acrimony between Padalkar and Jayant is that while the former belongs to the OBCs, Patil is a Maratha. At present, the two communities are at loggerheads on the issue of Marathas demanding reservations from the OBC quota. Tempers have been running high between the two sides. Padalkar has only added fuel to the fire by his reckless remark.
A little-known historical episode concerning the relations between India and Nepal has gone viral on the social media over the past few days. As the symbiotic bonds between the two countries are recalled by many people from both sides of the border, the role of Indian leaders concerning Nepal is under scanner once again. One such topic is the merger of Nepal with India that did not happen. It speculates how this probable relationship could have changed the political map of South Asia. Then PM Jawaharlal Nehru has been blamed for stalling this possible merger. It is said that Nepal’s then King Tribhuvan Bir Bikram Shah proposed that merger. However, Nehru rejected the idea, according to references in former President Pranab Mukherjee’s memoir, ‘The Presidential Years.’ Mukherjee observed that had Indira Gandhi been in her father’s place, she would have accepted, just the way she later integrated Sikkim into India. Former Prime Minister Chandra Shekhar also has backed Mukherjee’s claim. In his Hindi autobiography, moreover, he has stated that Nepal could have been a part of India but for Nehru. In ‘Jeevan Jaisa Jiya,’ Chandrashekhar has described how Nepalese leader BP Koirala was disturbed when then Deputy PM Charan Singh broached the subject of merger at their meeting in presence of PM Morarji Desai. Earlier this year, Nepal’s Deputy PM Prakashman Singh lauded Chandra Shekhar’s role in consolidating the Nepal-India relations at an interaction organized by the Ganeshman Singh Foundation on 7 April. Interestingly, Nehru was criticised in the past for rejecting a similar offer from Baluchistan, whose leaders wanted to join India.
TRENDS & VIEWS
Editor’s Note: Short Post Noticed By People Who Matter
Four years have zipped by and we are crossing another milestone on 31st January 2025 – it’s our 4th Anniversary. It feels good.
Looking back at the 1460 days, I must say Short Post has made its mark with people who matter via 4000 stories published in the areas of politics, business, entertainment and sports. All made possible by the unflinching commitment and dedication of our senior editors, most of whom have been part of this journey from Day One.
Small pack, big impact is in essence the story of Short Post which was launched at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021. It shows our conviction. In all humility, I can say, we have created a new niche in the news segment space like Hindustan Unilever which created a new segment, when it launched CloseUp Gel.
Yes, we have created a brand (in a limited sense), created demand (readers) and created supply (senior journalists). But we are facing teething problems like all start-ups. What makes us happy and confident is the recognition of our efforts. For instance, we have an arrangement with the OPEN Magazine, part of the $4.5 billion Kolkata-based Sanjiv Goenka-RPG Group. This arrangement sees around 10 Short Post stories posted on OPEN Magazine website every week. This arrangement is testimony that our content has been well received! Also, I may add that the Maharashtra government has recognised Short Post and has allowed our senior editor to cover the Assembly sessions. Ditto: Odisha.
Our goal is to ensure that Short Post becomes a habit. I would like people to keep checking their smartphones to know the latest Authentic Gossip. As regards AI and the fear of it disrupting all businesses including media. On that, personally, I have no such fear as I am confident AI cannot smell news particularly Authentic Gossip. That’s the place we are well entrenched.