Mumbai, Jul 14

Terming the recent claims by former union Home Secretary R V S Mani regarding the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks as "deeply disturbing," Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday demanded a high-level, impartial investigation into the alleged ISI-Congress conspiracy.

Addressing a press conference following a marathon Cabinet meeting, the Chief Minister pivoted from this grave national security concern to announce a massive development roadmap for the state. Among the key decisions, the government has cleared a landmark expansion of the 'Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Shetkari Karjmukti Yojana-2026,' which is set to benefit approximately 56 lakh farmers by removing previous eligibility barriers and offering new incentives for regular repayment.

Fadnavis also sought to settle the brewing controversy surrounding the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC), categorically dismissing opposition allegations of land privatization. He clarified that MSRTC would retain full ownership of its assets, with surplus land slated for development under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model to ensure the long-term financial viability of the state’s transport network.

The Cabinet further approved a new "Monetization Policy" to boost the revenue of local self-governing bodies and sanctioned the implementation of the central "Urban Challenge Fund" to accelerate infrastructure projects in cities. Notable regional initiatives included a Rs 24.95 crore modernization package for the Beed District Sports Complex and the establishment of an international-grade agricultural market in Dahanu (Palghar), spanning 558.43 hectares.
Refuting political attacks from the opposition, the Chief Minister dismissed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s criticism of the state’s handling of paper leaks as "ill-informed" and labeled Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray’s recent political posturing as "hollow."

Other administrative decisions included doubling the rehabilitation grant for acquitted prisoners from Rs 25,000 to Rs 50,000 and approving critical amendments to the Maharashtra Minor Mineral Extraction Rules, 2013, to improve regulatory transparency.

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Mumbai, Jul 13 

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has added another milestone to his political career, with his name now being etched among the top three longest-serving Chief Ministers of the state, BJP state chief spokesperson Navnath Ban said on Monday.

Addressing a press conference at the BJP state headquarters, Ban said that Fadnavis, who had earlier completed a consecutive five-year term as Chief Minister, had earned the distinction due to the blessings of Maharashtra's 140 million people.

He expressed confidence that Fadnavis would eventually emerge as the state's longest-serving Chief Minister.
"Devendra Fadnavis, who has served as Chief Minister on three occasions, has consistently received public support because of the many decisions he has taken in the interest of Maharashtra. There is no doubt that he will go on to set a new record as the longest-serving Chief Minister,” Ban said.

Describing Fadnavis as an "infrastructure man", Ban said Maharashtra was well aware of his contributions. He added that Fadnavis also holds the record for implementing the highest number of farm loan waivers. Public welfare projects such as housing in Bombay Development Directorate (BDD) chawls, the Atal Setu, the Mumbai Metro network, the Coastal Road and the Samruddhi Mahamarg, had been undertaken during his tenure, he said.

Launching a sharp attack on Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut, Ban questioned what achievements could be attributed to him. He accused Raut of adopting a pro-Pakistan stance and alleged that Uddhav Thackeray had abandoned the ideology of his father for electoral gains.

Referring to the Ladki Bahin scheme, Ban questioned why Raut had been critical of the initiative since its launch. He warned that opposition to the scheme could invite the ire of its beneficiaries. He also alleged that the Congress had approached the courts seeking to halt the programme.

"As long as the BJP-Mahayuti government remains in power, no one will be able to discontinue the Ladki Bahin scheme. Beneficiaries currently receive Rs 1,500 per month, and we remain committed to fulfilling our electoral promise of increasing the amount to Rs 2,100," he declared.

Ban also criticised Raut and Uddhav Thackeray for sharing political space with the Samajwadi Party and the Congress. He alleged that the Samajwadi Party had a history of violence against devotees during the Ayodhya movement, while accusing the Congress of having denied the existence of Lord Ram.

Commenting on recent remarks by senior leader Sharad Pawar, Ban said Pawar had praised Fadnavis for his decision to announce a farm loan waiver of up to Rs 2 lakh despite there being no elections at the time. He claimed that while Pawar was taking all parties along, the Shiv Sena (UBT) faction was increasingly becoming isolated within the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance.

Taking another swipe at Sanjay Raut, Ban said the Shiv Sena (UBT) had been weakened politically and alleged that only Raut and Uddhav Thackeray remained at the forefront of the faction.

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Pune, July 11, 2026: Following the tragic accident at the Waste-to-Energy project in Moshi, Deputy Chief Minister and Guardian Minister Sunetra Pawar visited the accident site today to inspect the ongoing search and rescue operations. She took a detailed review of the rescue efforts from concerned officials and also interacted with the relatives of citizens affected by the accident, offering them comfort and assuring them of full administrative support.

Present on the occasion were Assembly Deputy Speaker Anna Bansode, MLA Sunil Shelke, former MLA Vilas Lande, Mayor Ravi Landge, Standing Committee Chairman Abhishek Barne, Corporator Vitthal (Nana) Kate, Municipal Commissioner Dr. Vijay Suryavanshi, Additional Commissioners Kuldeep Jangam and Trupti Sandbhor, Deputy Commissioner Anna Bodade, Special Officer Kiran Gaikwad, along with public representatives, senior officials, and officers from concerned departments.

Speaking to the media, Deputy CM Sunetra Pawar said, "The accident that occurred in Moshi is extremely painful and sensitive. The government stands with the families of the citizens who lost their lives in this accident. Even as the state legislature session is underway, I have been continuously monitoring the entire situation since the first day of this accident. Instructions were immediately given to deploy the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to the site. I also remained in constant touch with the administration through video conferencing and other means to review the rescue operations."

She further said, "Toxic gas emanating from the debris pile, continuous rainfall, and the complex structure of the debris created some obstacles in the rescue operation. However, search and rescue work is being carried out on a war footing with the help of state-of-the-art machinery and trained teams. Clear instructions have been given to the administration to ensure that bodies recovered from the accident site are shown to their relatives with dignity."

Stating that a thorough investigation into the causes of the accident would be conducted and strict legal action taken against those found guilty, she said, "A fair inquiry into this matter will be conducted. As per the inquiry report, whoever is found responsible will face strict action as per rules. Additionally, financial assistance is being provided from three levels — the concerned company, the Maharashtra government, and the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation — to ensure immediate relief to the affected families."

Referring to her conversation with the relatives, Deputy CM Sunetra Pawar said, "I personally spoke with the relatives of the affected to understand their feelings, difficulties, and demands. Soon, a joint meeting of the state government, municipal corporation administration, and the concerned company will be held to positively discuss all their demands, and necessary decisions will be implemented to ensure they receive justice."

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Mumbai, Correspondent

The oath-taking ceremony of 16 newly elected Members of Legislative Council was held in the Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad) Hall here today.

Sharad Pawar-led NCP Lok Sabha MP Supriya Sule's son-in-law Arun Lakhani was among those who took their oaths. Supriya Sule's daughter Revati Sule was also present at the Legislative Council Hall.

The 16 MLCs sworn in to Legislative Council include Vikram Kakade, Aniket Tatkare, Dhairyasheel Kadam, Gokul Gite, Rajiv Potdar, Basavaraj Patil, Arun Lakhani, Amar Rajurkar, Avinash Brahmankar, Dushyant Chaturvedi, Nandkishore Mahajan, Praveen Pote, Suhas Shirsath, Ravindra Phatak, Rajendra Raut and Prajakta Tanpure.
Vikram Kakade is from Pune, Rajendra Raut is from Solapur, Aniket Tatkare is from Ratnagiri and Dhairyasheel Kadam is from Satara. Some MLCs who were elected during the previous Legislative Council elections were also administered the oath of office here today.

The results of the local body legislative council elections in the state were announced here on Monday, June 22, and the ruling BJP-led Mahayuti won a resounding victory by winning 10 out of 11 seats, though Mahayuti (Shinde-led Sena) candidate Narendra Darade was defeated in Nashik.

However, Gokul Geete, who won from Nashik, met Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Monday evening, after his victory and joined the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, thus becoming part of the ruling BJP-led Mahayuti alliance.
The BJP has significantly strengthened its position in the Maharashtra Legislative Council after the latest round of elections, moving closer to a standalone majority in the upper house of the state legislature.

Presently, the BJP holds 35 seats in the 73-member Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad), making it the single largest political force in the house and giving the ruling Mahayuti alliance a stronger hold in legislative proceedings.
The latest results have further consolidated the position of the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance at a time when the Opposition is grappling with internal differences over the post of Leader of the Opposition (LoP).

The party may receive another opportunity to strengthen its numbers later this year when biennial elections are held for five Graduate and Teachers' constituencies.

If the BJP wins at least three of the five seats, its strength in the Legislative Council would cross the 40-seat mark, giving it a standalone majority without relying on alliance partners.

Such an outcome would further strengthen the BJP's ability to push legislation through the upper house and reduce its dependence on coalition negotiations.

Significantly, the BJP already holds one of the most important positions in the Legislative Council through Chairman Ram Shinde.

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By Milind Pol, Tasgaon

The question increasingly troubling ordinary citizens today is: Where exactly is Maharashtra's politics headed? Political disagreements, electoral contests, shifts in power, and ideological battles are natural components of a healthy democracy. However, the developments of the past few years have raised serious concerns about the very foundations of democratic values.

Former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar once famously remarked, "Politics is a dirty game." Many may have dismissed the statement as a casual observation, but recent events have made the underlying truth of those words far more evident. Political competition, ideological conviction, and public service appear to be giving way to a culture where power is pursued at any cost.

Maharashtra has long been known as a land of ideas, social reform, and dignified political traditions. The legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's Swarajya, Mahatma Phule's social revolution, Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj's progressive governance, and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's vision of equality shaped a political culture rooted in principles and ideology. Political parties differed, leaders clashed, and opinions diverged, but there were values, boundaries, and convictions that guided public life.

Today, however, those distinctions seem increasingly blurred. Political ideology often appears secondary to immediate calculations of power. Leaders who were yesterday accused of corruption, misgovernance, or betraying public trust suddenly become symbols of development and integrity the moment they switch sides. Fierce opponents become allies overnight, while former allies transform into political enemies with equal speed.

For the average voter, such developments are both confusing and disheartening. Citizens cast their votes based on party ideologies, declared policies, and the promises made by political leaders. Yet the post-election realignments often leave them wondering whether their vote, their trust, and their expectations carry any meaning at all.

Particularly troubling is the growing culture of political engineering through defections and party splits. This was never a defining feature of Maharashtra's political tradition. Political disagreements existed, but systematically weakening opponents by breaking parties, inducing elected representatives to switch loyalties, and using political power to undermine rivals was not considered acceptable political conduct. Maharashtra witnessed fierce electoral battles, victories, and defeats, but the contest was largely one of ideas rather than organized efforts to dismantle political opponents.

The greatest victims of this trend are often grassroots party workers. Many dedicate years, sometimes decades, to a particular ideology, organization, and leadership. They make sacrifices, engage with communities, and defend their party's position in public. Yet they frequently find themselves working alongside individuals whom they once opposed politically and who, after crossing over, are rewarded with prestigious positions. Such circumstances inevitably raise questions about the value of loyalty and commitment.

The growing unease among citizens is therefore not merely dissatisfaction with one political party or another. It reflects a deeper anxiety about the state of democracy itself. Democracy is not merely about holding elections. It is built upon public trust, respect for commitments, adherence to ethical standards, and the sanctity of the people's mandate.

History repeatedly reminds us that no political power is permanent. Many empires were built upon wealth, influence, and overwhelming authority, yet few survived the test of time. Even Ravana, blessed with immense power and divine boons, ultimately fell because of his arrogance. His golden kingdom was reduced to ashes. The lesson remains relevant: public sentiment and the judgment of history are often stronger than political power.

This is why many citizens today are increasingly concerned. Rising unemployment, widening economic inequality, growing political opportunism, and declining trust in democratic institutions are creating layers of public frustration. If these grievances converge, the consequences could be significant. History across the world has shown that public anger, when ignored for too long, can trigger profound political transformations.

Both those in power and those in opposition would do well to recognize this reality. The true strength of democracy does not lie in the corridors of power but in the confidence people place in the system. When citizens begin to feel that their vote, their aspirations, and their trust are repeatedly disregarded, democracy itself faces a serious challenge.

Maharashtra today does not need new political slogans or yet another political formation. What it needs is political honesty, ideological commitment, respect for public promises, and above all, recognition that democracy is greater than any individual leader or government.

Maharashtra is not merely a laboratory for political experiments. It is the land of saints, social reformers, intellectuals, and a proud democratic heritage. It has elevated many leaders to positions of power, but it has also demonstrated the ability to hold them accountable when necessary.

Governments change. Parties split and merge. Political faces and slogans evolve. But once public trust is broken, rebuilding it becomes extraordinarily difficult.

The most important question today is not who occupies the seat of power. The real question is: Who will step forward to preserve the values, principles, and ethical foundations that once defined Maharashtra's politics?

Even if that answer is not found today, history will undoubtedly demand it tomorrow.

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Mumbai, Correspondent

To further strengthen the agricultural education, research, and extension system in the state, the revised staffing pattern for a total of 3,723 posts in Group 'A' and Group 'B' categories of agricultural universities has been approved. This new staffing pattern has been formulated after 23 years, i.e., since 2003. This decision will make human resource management in universities more effective, enhance the quality of research and teaching, and help disseminate modern agricultural technology to farmers at a faster pace,” informed Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharne.

The State Government has granted approval to the revised staffing pattern for Group-A and Group-B category posts across all four agricultural universities in the state. The Department of Agriculture and ADF (Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development, and Fisheries) has issued a Government Resolution (GR) to this effect, approving a revised staffing pattern of 3,723 posts in total, which includes 3,611 regular posts and 112 posts to be filled through outsourcing.

This decision will significantly strengthen the administrative and academic frameworks of Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri; Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola; Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli; and Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani.

According to the Government Resolution, the approved regular staffing pattern allocates 1,217 posts to Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri; 589 posts to Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli; 890 posts to Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani; and 915 posts to Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola. Additionally, approval has been granted to fill certain posts through outsourcing.

The government clarified that the procedures regarding Group-C and Group-D category posts are being handled independently, and orders regarding those will be issued at a later date.

This decision has been made keeping in view the changing requirements in the field of agricultural education and research. It is being considered a crucial step toward enhancing the efficiency of agricultural universities, boosting research, and providing higher-quality education to students.

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Kolhapur: Taking a significant step toward women empowerment and sustainable mobility, the Government of Maharashtra has launched the ‘Pink E-Rickshaw’ scheme. Under the leadership of the Department of Women and Child Development, this initiative aims to deploy 10,000 eco-friendly Kinetic Green electric three-wheelers across eight districts Pune, Nashik, Nagpur, Ahmednagar, Solapur, Kolhapur, Amravati, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The project is intended to promote both environmental sustainability and economic independence for women.

Speaking at the event, Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare said the initiative will boost green mobility and open up new livelihood opportunities for women.

The fourth fleet of Pink E-Rickshaws was handed over to women beneficiaries in a special event held in Kolhapur.

As part of the scheme, the Maharashtra government will provide a 20% subsidy on the cost of each e-rickshaw. Beneficiaries will contribute 10% as a down payment, while the remaining 70% will be financed through bank loans arranged by the project's financial partners. These loans will be offered at low-interest rates, ensuring accessible financial support.

Further, the state government and Kinetic Green will collaborate with local women’s self-help groups and run on-ground programs to support beneficiaries. Kinetic Green will also provide free driver training, assist in obtaining driving licenses, and set up robust charging infrastructure.

To support the rollout, Kinetic Green will install 1,500 charging stations across the eight participating districts. Each vehicle and battery will come with a five-year warranty, and an Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC) will cover all scheduled and preventive maintenance services. Beneficiaries will receive one free service every quarter for five years.

Prominent dignitaries present at the Kolhapur launch event included MP Shahu Maharaj, School Education and Technical Minister Hasan Mushrif, Guardian Minister Prakash Ambitkar, former MLA Rajesh Patil, Zilla Parishad CEO Karthikeyan, Kinetic Green Founder & CEO Sulajja Firodia Motwani, and Co-founder & Executive Director Ritesh Mantri.

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