Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Tajinder Singh Tiwana secured a resounding victory in Ward 47, Malad West, with a massive margin of 13,858 votes.

During the campaign for Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections, BJP leader K. Annamalai actively campaigned in several areas including those with Tamil population. He had described Mumbai as an “international city” while campaigning. The remark sparked criticism from Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray, who reportedly mocked Annamalai with a “rasmalai” jibe.

Tiwana, who serves as the President of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha’s Mumbai unit, emerged victorious.

As a counter to Rasmalai jibe, the BJP has doubled down by sharing pictures of the sweet, along with memes and videos mocking Raj Thackeray for his comment.

His win is part of BJP’s strong showing in the Malad West area, where the party also secured victories in nearby wards, including Ward 35 (Yogesh Varma) where Annamalai campaigned. The broader BMC elections saw the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance (including Shiv Sena under Eknath Shinde) perform robustly across Mumbai’s 227 wards

No disputes, recounts, or formal challenges to Tiwana’s victory in Ward 47 have been reported as of January 17, 2026.

The BMC elections occurred on January 15, 2026, with results declared on January 16, covering 227 wards. BJP emerged as the single largest party with 89 seats, securing a simple majority alongside its ally Shiv Sena (29 seats), totaling 118 seats for the Maha Yuti alliance.

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In a move to celebrate Maharashtra’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage, Sony Marathi unveiled “Kon Honar Maharashtracha Ladka Kirtankar,” India’s first-ever reality show dedicated to the art of Kirtan.

The show was officially launched in a grand ceremony by the Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, who also unveiled the iconic Veena-shaped trophy, symbolizing the deep-rooted tradition of devotional music.

The show, set to premiere on April 1, 2025, offers a landmark platform to revive and honor the age-old practice of Kirtan, providing a fresh and engaging stage for spiritual music enthusiasts across the nation.

Speaking at the occasion, Devendra Fadnavis, stated, “Maharashtra’s rich spiritual heritage has always been its strength—and Kirtan is at the heart of that legacy. It has educated, uplifted, and united generations through devotion and storytelling. I commend Sony Marathi for creating a platform that honours this tradition while bringing it to a new generation. Kon Honar Maharashtracha Ladka Kirtankar is not just a show but a cultural movement that will keep our sacred legacy alive and thriving.”

With 108 contestants representing all 36 districts of Maharashtra, the show serves as a heartfelt tribute to the timeless tradition of spiritual storytelling—an art form that has echoed through generations. Among others who attended the unveiling event in Mumbai were Gaurav Banerjee, MD & CEO of Sony Pictures Networks India, along with prominent figures from the Kirtan community. The launch event, held as a devotional evening, featured a captivating Kirtan performance by Avadhoot Sudhir Gandhi.

The judges—H.B.P. Radhatai Sanap and H.B.P. Jagannath Maharaj Patil—were honored for their significant contributions to the Kirtan tradition. H.B.P. Radhatai Sanap has elevated the Mahasangvi Sansthan by using her kirtans to raise awareness on crucial societal issues, particularly in the areas of education and social welfare.

Similarly, H.B.P. Jagannath Maharaj Patil, known for his authentic delivery in a local dialect, used his Kirtans to address important themes. The Chief Minister also honored descendants of Maharashtra’s most revered saints for preserving this rich tradition.

Attendees included, H.B.P. Madhav Maharaj Namdas (descendant of Sant Namdev Maharaj), Ravikant Maharaj Vasekar (descendant of Sant Savata Maharaj), Jabbar Maharaj Sheikh (descendant of Sant Sheikh Muhammad), Bapusaheb Maharaj Dehukar (descendant of Sant Tukaram), H.B.P. Janardan Maharaj Jagnade (descendant of Santaji Jagnade) and Gopalbuwa Makashir (descendant of Sant Nilobaray) The ‘Kon Honar Maharashtracha Ladka Kirtankar’ will have its grand premiere on April 1 on Sony Marathi.

–IANS

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Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday warned that action will be taken against those found repeatedly involved in committing crime of cow slaughter.

He announced in the Assembly that a case will be registered under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act. “According to the law, cow slaughter is a crime. However, it has been observed that cow slaughter is being committed repeatedly. Those who repeatedly commit such crimes will be taken action under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act,” he said in his reply to a query raised by Congress legislator Sangram Jagtap.

Minister of State for Home (Rural), Pankaj Bhoyar, said, “On November 2, 2024, a dispute broke out between two communities in Shrigonda of Ahilyanagar district. This dispute later turned into a fight. As soon as the information about this incident was received, the police reached the spot. The police also admitted the injured in the fight to the hospital. Unfortunately, one person who was admitted to the Khasi Gi Hospital in Ahilyanagar died in this. It does not appear that the police showed any kind of delay in this case.” The police took immediate action in this case and arrested the criminal.

However, he was released on bail from the court. Minister Bhoyar also said that strict action will be taken in the cases in Shrigonda city and no one will be released. Meanwhile, State Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate in the Assembly said that if there is any delay in the insurance company’s obligations under the crop insurance scheme, legal action will be taken against the concerned insurance company. He was responding to a query raised by BJP legislator Shweta Mahale.

“The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana is a scheme of the Central government and as per the guidelines of the Central government, this scheme is being implemented in the state from the 2016 Kharif season. The Prime Minister’s Crop Insurance Scheme has been implemented in Buldhana district through the Agricultural Insurance Company of India. In Buldhana and Chikhali talukas, farmers have insured 1.26 lakh hectares through 1.45 lakh insurance applications in 2023 Kharif season. The area is covered under insurance. As of March 18, 2025, 26,488 insurance applications worth Rs 21.17 crore were approved, of which 16 were approved,” said Minister Kokate.

The Minister also said that a compensation of Rs 8.80 crore has been distributed for 457 insurance applications. The remaining 10,311 insurance applications are pending for compensation of Rs 12.37 crore. He added that the amount of crop insurance compensation has exceeded 110 per cent of the accumulated insurance premium. The state government has initiated the process of providing funds to the insurance company for compensation of losses above 110 per cent, he said.

–IANS

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Maharashtra Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse announced on Thursday that the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) pattern will be implemented in government schools across the state from the academic year 2025-26. Textbooks under CBSE will be made available in Marathi by April 1.

The Education Department has issued instructions to the schools governed by the state education boards to implement the CBSE curriculum, the Minister told the Legislative Council. The minister replied to the question raised by the BJP legislator Prasad Lad. He wanted to know whether the Steering Committee has approved the curriculum plan of the CBSE especially when the implementation of the National Education Policy for schools from class 3 to 12 is underway in the state.

“CBSE pattern will be implemented from the academic year 2025-2026 and the government has taken this decision with an aim of improving the quality of students in the state,” said the minister.

His announcement comes days after the Steering Committee had approved the State Curriculum Framework in relation to the school education department. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had reviewed the work of all the departments including the school education department for the next 100 days. Accordingly, he had expressed confidence in the meeting of the School Education Department that Maharashtra would once again come to the forefront of school education.

The Chief Minister directed that the Education Department should take steps for quality education. He has also directed the School Education Department about the adoption of the CBSE pattern in the state government schools by making necessary changes.

–IANS

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Mumbai, March 20 (IANS) The Maharashtra Cyber, a nodal agency for cybersecurity and cybercrime enforcement, has initiated action against social medical accounts spreading inflammatory content.

The Maharashtra Cyber, in coordination with the Nagpur City Cyber Police Station, has identified multiple social media accounts engaged in disseminating objectionable content in connection with the violence that erupted in Nagpur on March 17. The cyber cell has also identified a Facebook account operated from Bangladesh, which threatened to incite large-scale riots in Nagpur, sources said on Thursday.

The post is reported to have been made by a Bangladeshi who claimed it was a small incident and there will be bigger riots in future. The sources said the police have launched an investigation “More than 140 instances of objectionable content across Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube have been identified and reported. In response, notices under Section 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000 have been issued to facilitate the immediate takedown of such content. Additionally, notices under Section 94 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023 have been issued to uncover the real identities of the individuals operating these accounts. Strict legal action will be taken against those responsible for spreading such provocative content,” said a media release issued late Wednesday night by the office of the Additional Director General of Police, Maharashtra State Cyber Department.

“The content in question is deliberately designed to hurt the sentiments of a particular religious group, incite communal unrest, and further escalate the ongoing law and order situation in the state. By exploiting deeply held beliefs, such material seeks to provoke the public, create discord, and deepen divisions within communities. Such actions not only violate legal provisions but also pose a serious threat to peace and stability,” said the department in a release. “The Maharashtra Cyber Department remains steadfast in its commitment to identifying and prosecuting individuals who misuse digital platforms to disrupt communal harmony. Citizens are urged to exercise caution while sharing information online and to refrain from engaging with or amplifying unverified or objectionable content,” said the department.

“Dedicated to maintaining a secure and lawful digital environment, the Maharashtra Cyber Department actively monitors online platforms, including social media, to identify and take action against objectionable content that threatens public order, social harmony, or national security,” said the statement. Maharashtra Cyber’s move comes after Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday told the state Assembly that “Maharashtra is a stable and progressive state and is known for peace and harmony. The government will take strict action if anyone disturbs the law and order in the state.” He assured that law and order will be maintained and make the state a ‘safe and prosperous Maharashtra’. “No one should disturb the peace in Maharashtra. If anyone tries to disturb it, he will not be spared,” he warned.

–IANS

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A shocking incident has come to light during the violence that rocked the city on Monday night. While the police tried to contain the situation in wake of arson and vandalism, the unruly crowd in Bhaldarpura area tried to tear the uniform of a female police official and molest her. The Ganeshpeth police has registered a case against the mob. This misbehavior towards the female police officer is being condemned at all levels. According to police sources, strict action is being initiated against those involved in this case.

The violent mob, which was setting vehicles on fire, damaging public properties, when confronted by the police personnel, attacked them in return and pelted stones at the cops. According to police sources, a female police official was cornered and molested by the rowdy crowd, however, soon fellow police personnel came to her rescue, taking her to safe location. “The unruly mob beat some of police personnel including four deputy commissioners of police. A mob cornered a female police officer and misbehaved by trying to tear her clothes. However, the lady officer could escape before the mob could further target her,” sources added.

This incident has been included in the FIR registered by the Ganeshpeth police station. The police sources said that they have launched manhunt to detain those involved in the molestation of the lady officer. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday claimed that the violence was preplanned while the Deputy Chief minister Eknath Shinde termed it was premeditated. Fadnavis said some people deliberately carried out attacks because almost a trolley full of stones has been found.

Weapons have also been seized in large quantities. Meanwhile, the minister of state for home Yogesh Kadam on Wednesday said the government will not spare those who attacked the police personnel during violence. “The morale of the police should not be affected. This is our responsibility. Instructions have been given to take strict action against those who raise their hands against the police,”he added. To a question on videos of the Nagpur incident going viral, the minister said, ”I have only one request, nothing will be achieved by making such videos viral.”

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An FIR has been registered against Maharashtra Samajwadi Party (SP) chief and MLA Abu Azmi over his remarks defending Mughal ruler Aurangzeb Alamgir, asserting that he was “not a cruel leader.”

His statement has sparked widespread controversy, drawing sharp criticism from political leaders across the spectrum. The controversy erupted after Azmi made the remarks while addressing reporters in Mumbai at the commencement of the Maharashtra Assembly session. Responding to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s recent comparison of Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee with Aurangzeb, Azmi argued that the Mughal ruler was being misrepresented.

Following his remarks, Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske filed a complaint at Thane’s Wagle Estate Police Station, leading to an FIR being registered against Azmi under sections 299, 302, 356(1), and 356(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Azmi had stated, “Aurangzeb got several temples built. In Varanasi, he saved a Hindu girl child from a priest who had an evil eye on her. He had the priest trampled by elephants.”

Defending his stance, he had further elaborated, “I don’t consider Aurangzeb a cruel ruler. During that era, power struggles were political, not religious. Aurangzeb’s army had many Hindus, just as Chhatrapati Shivaji’s army had several Muslims.”

He also claimed that during Aurangzeb’s reign, India’s territorial boundaries extended up to Afghanistan, adding that the ruler was being unfairly vilified through a religious lens. The comments have ignited a political storm, with Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde leading the charge against Azmi.

Strongly condemning his remarks, Shinde demanded an apology, stating, “He must apologise for this because Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj was a patriot and a true nationalist. Aurangzeb was responsible for the brutal 40-day torture and execution of Sambhaji Maharaj. Glorifying Aurangzeb’s rule is a serious offence, and for this, Abu Azmi must apologise. By speaking against a patriot, he has positioned himself as anti-national.”

–IANS

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Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday said that the state government will soon sign an MoU with ‘Youth for Jobs’ organisation for employment of divyang (disabled) youth in Maharashtra. Initially, the organisation will assist the government in Vidarbha and North Maharashtra in creating employment and self-employment opportunities.

The state government and local district administrations will provide full support for this initiative. CM Fadnavis expressed confidence that local voluntary organisations will also step forward to contribute to the overall development of society. “The state government is committed to providing training and employment opportunities to disabled youth, ensuring their economic self-reliance. In this regard, registered disabled individuals in the state will be provided with a Unique Disability ID (UDID) over the next five years, facilitating their access to employment and self-employment opportunities. The government is effectively implementing schemes for the disabled, while voluntary organisations are also stepping forward for their development,” said the CM.

He further added, “The state government will soon sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the ‘Youth for Jobs’ organisation. Initially, the organisation will assist the government in Vidarbha and North Maharashtra in creating employment and self-employment opportunities, with plans to expand this initiative across the state in the future. This will provide employment to disabled youth.”

He said that the government is always keen on ensuring that divyangs receive their rightful benefits and full access to announced schemes. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched several important schemes and decisions to realise the vision of a ‘Developed India.’ To generate more employment opportunities through skill-based education, the Skill Development Department has been established. In line with this, the state government is also making significant decisions for the welfare of the youth,” he added.

To ensure that all divyangs in the state benefit from government schemes, an updated database is being prepared. A 100 per cent registration drive is being conducted, and registered disabled individuals are being issued a UDID. The state government is making every effort to ensure that disabled individuals receive all the benefits of central and state government schemes, reads the government release. According to the government release, the ‘Youth for Jobs’ organisation, founded and chaired by Meera Shenoy, has successfully worked with the central government and the Gadchiroli district administration to enhance employment opportunities for divyang youth.

Training is provided based on the type of disability, and job fairs are organised to connect trained individuals with industry demands. Companies such as Lifestyle International, Aditya Birla Fashion, Reliance Trends, IIFL, Milan Coffee House, HPCL, BPCL, Sahyog Multi-State Credit Cooperative Society, local automobile dealers, and Disha Manpower & Security are among the private sector employers involved in this initiative. Additionally, self-employment opportunities are being created for those unable to work in jobs, integrating them into the mainstream society. This model will be implemented across all districts in Maharashtra to generate employment opportunities for the disabled, reads the government release.

–IANS

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Maharashtra Minister for Minorities Development & Aukaf, Dattatray Bharane has decided to soon launch Geo-mapping of the properties and lands under the jurisdiction of the state Waqf Board.

This comes amid the parliamentary panel’s move to clear the report on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill despite the opposition’s dissent. The Maharashtra government’s decision will hit those illegally occupying the scattered and unmeasured lands across the state.

The Minister has asked the department to soon start the Geo-mapping survey of such properties across the state to know the present status.

A department source said, “Geo-mapping will provide accurate official information about the number of Waqf properties in the state and the extent of encroachment on them, and will put a stop to encroachments. Various organisations and political parties, including the Maharashtra Waqf Board, have claimed there are 23,566 registered Waqf properties in the state and their total area is 37,330 hectares. However, as per the estimates of the Minorities Department, the number of Waqf properties is around 27,000 and their area is 40,468 hectares. Geo-mapping will be done to remove the discrepancies in this data and ensure accurate registration of properties.”

A survey of Waqf properties was conducted in 1997 through physical inspection. However, it was considered to be a rough estimate. Of these properties, 60 to 70 per cent of the plots are encroached upon and thousands of plots are under litigation.

The department source said that many cases of illegal encroachments on Waqf properties have come to light. However, due to discrepancies in the data, no measures were taken to deal with the situation. “Now, geo-mapping technology will bring clarity to the properties and encroachments and official information will be available at the government level. There is still uncertainty about the exact number of Waqf properties in the state. There is no information about the exact purpose for which these properties are being used and what rates are being charged while renting out these lands,” the source added.

The Mahayuti Minister said Geo-mapping will reveal illegal possessions and, thereafter, the government will be able to take necessary action. The Minorities Development’s decision comes at a time when the parliamentary panel cleared 14 amendments proposed by NDA MPs while 44 suggested by the Opposition were rejected. All the 44 amendments proposed by the Opposition were reportedly against the changes planned in the Bill to the Waqf Act of 2013.

–IANS

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The MahaYuti government in Maharashtra will implement a drone-based monitoring and digital data maintenance mechanism for fishing vessels on January 9 in a serious bid to prevent illegal fishing and implement the state’s Marine Fishing Regulation (Amendment) Act, 2021.

Newly appointed Minister of Fisheries Nitesh Rane said on Friday that nine drones have been made available on lease for the state’s maritime district, including two units each in Raigad and Ratnagiri and one each in Palghar, Thane, Mumbai, and Mumbai Suburban. A control room will be established in the office of the Commissioner of Fisheries. The minister said the department’s vessels conduct patrolling, but the patrol boats can’t inspect every boat. “Unauthorised boats often escape, and they are difficult to catch. The drone monitoring system will effectively curb illegal fishing,” he added.

Shiv Sena legislator and former MP Nilesh Rane raised the issue of illegal fishing and the menace of unauthorised boats in Ratnagiri and other coastal districts of the state in the state assembly during the winter session. He urged the state government to take stern action. According to the Fisheries Department office, the Fisheries Act aims to protect the interests of the state’s traditional fishing community and curb illegal fishing by migrant fishermen.

Earlier, the Maharashtra Maritime Board had thought of launching drone-based monitoring to keep an eye on illegal fishing activities after traditional fishing communities from Uttan, Vasai and other coastal areas in the state had alleged that the big players were not following the annual monsoon fishing ban imposed along the coastline. A deep sea fishing ban is imposed every year to allow fish to breed and repopulate the water. A 61-day marine fishing ban is imposed along the state’s coastal region from June 1 till July 31.

–IANS

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