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Tuesday,22-July-2025
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Maharashtra

Maharashtra Govt Formation: BJP To Secure 22 Ministerial Berths In New Cabinet, Shinde Sena 12, Ajit Pawar’s NCP To Get 10, Claims Report

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Maharashtra Govt Formation: BJP To Secure 22 Ministerial Berths In New Cabinet, Shinde Sena 12, Ajit Pawar's NCP To Get 10, Claims Report

Mumbai: The suspense over Maharashtra’s next Chief Minister is nearing its end, with final decisions revolving around cabinet allocation and leadership. Reports suggest the cabinet will include 42 ministers, distributed as 22 for the BJP, 12 for the Shiv Sena and 10 for Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction.

The BJP is crucially negotiating key portfolios, including Home, which signals its intent to solidify control following its election dominance. It is yet officially unclear that who gets what in the Maharashtra cabinet.

A decisive meeting in Delhi between Devendra Fadnavis, Eknath Shinde, Ajit Pawar and Union Home Minister Amit Shah was aimed at resolving outstanding issues. The meeting, seen as pivotal, concluded with expectations of an imminent announcement pending approval from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Shinde Hints At Leaving CM Post For Fadnavis

Eknath Shinde earlier on Wednesday cleared the way for Fadnavis to take the top post, stating that he will abide by the BJP’s central leadership’s decision. “I will not be an obstacle. We trust whatever PM Modi decides,” Shinde reassured reporters. His comments showed his willingness to prioritise coalition stability over personal ambition.

Shinde’s role within the new setup remains uncertain. Several reports suggest he may be appointed as Deputy Chief Minister or offered a central role. However, other reports quoting Shiv Sena sources indicate he may stay in the state cabinet.

The BJP’s insistence on Fadnavis for the Chief Minister position comes after its strong performance in the recent Assembly elections, where it secured 132 out of 288 seats. However, the decision is not without challenges.

Challenges Ahead Of Making Fadnavis Maharashtra CM

Caste dynamics are at play, with Fadnavis being a Brahmin, while most MLAs are from the Maratha community. The BJP is navigating these complexities, with Amit Shah consulting senior leaders, including Vinod Tawde, to address potential backlash. Maratha leader Manoj Jarange-Patil’s past remarks against Fadnavis add to the sensitivities.

Beyond leadership, the shape of the cabinet is critical. The proposed allocation mirrors the alliance’s electoral strength, reinforcing the BJP’s dominant position. Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction and the Shiv Sena will also secure substantial roles, maintaining a balance within the coalition.

With all key players in alignment and assurances given, the focus now shifts to formalising these decisions. Today’s developments are expected to shape Maharashtra’s political landscape majorly, with the BJP keen to consolidate its position both through leadership and strategic control of key ministries.

Crime

Thane Crime Branch Seizes ₹1.69 Crore Worth MD Powder; Man Arrested While En Route To Mumbra

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The Thane Crime Branch Unit One has arrested a man for allegedly possessing over 1 kilogram of MD powder, valued at ₹1.69 crore, which he intended to sell in Mumbra. The accused has been identified as Mohanlal Joshi alias Sharma, a resident of Kudus village in Wada, Palghar.

According to officials, acting on a tip-off received on July 18, a team was deployed near the Mumbra bypass flyover bridge, where the suspect was expected to arrive. The man was intercepted in his car en route to Mumbra. Upon searching the vehicle, the police discovered and seized 1.209 kilograms of MD powder, with an estimated value of ₹1,69,26,000.

He was taken to the police station, and a case was registered against him under the relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

An investigating officer from Thane Crime Branch Unit One said they are currently probing the source of the contraband and its intended recipients. Efforts are also underway to determine how many others may be involved in the case. Further investigation is ongoing.

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Maharashtra

Air India Flight From Kochi Veers Off Runway While Landing At Mumbai Airport Amid Heavy Rains

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Mumbai: A major tragedy averted on Monday as Air India flight, AI2744, from Kochi veered off runway at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport amid heavy rains in the city. All passengers are reported to be safe.

As per Air India’s spokesperson, the flight experienced heavy rain during landing, resulting in a runway excursion. The aircraft was taxied safely to the gate. All passengers and crew members deboarded the flight. The aircraft has been grounded for checks.

The hard landing reportedly caused damaged to the primary runway. Repair works are currently underway. Three tyres burst during the landing and the engine of the aircraft likely to have been damaged, Emergency teams were deployed to control the situation.

Visuals Of The Damaged Plane:

“An incoming aircraft from Kochi experienced a runway excursion at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), Mumbai at 09.27 hours on 21 July 2025. CSMIA’s emergency response teams were immediately activated to manage the runway excursion,” a spokesperson for CSMIA said, as quoted by the media house.

“All passengers and crew are safe. There are minor damages reported to the airport’s primary runway – 09/27. In order to ensure continuity of operations, the Secondary Runway 14/32 has been activated. At CSMIA, safety always remains our highest priority,” the CSMIA spokesperson added.

Mumbai Rains:

Heavy rains lashed Mumbai on Monday, throwing normal life out of gear. Waterlogging was reported in several areas, leading to traffic disruption, especially in western and central suburbs. Local train services were also affected due to heavy showers. Local trains on the harbour line were reportedly running 20-25 minutes late.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted more rains in the city during the week as the monsoon activity intensified. On Tuesday, moderate rainfall and overcast skies are expected, along with occasional thunderstorms. The overall temperature will remain mild, although humidity levels may remain steady.

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Maharashtra

Mumbai HC Acquits All Convicted in 2006 Train Blasts Case; Death Sentences Overturned

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Mumbai | July 21, 2025 — In a landmark verdict, the Bombay High Court has acquitted all 12 individuals previously convicted in the 2006 Mumbai local train serial bomb blasts case, reversing the 2015 judgment of the MCOCA special court which had handed out death and life sentences.

The case (G.R. No. 05/2006, MCOCA Special Case No. 21/2006) pertains to the horrific series of bomb blasts that rocked the Western Railway suburban trains in Mumbai on July 11, 2006, killing over 180 people and injuring more than 800.

On September 30, 2015, the special MCOCA court had sentenced:

  • 5 accused to death,
  • 7 accused to life imprisonment,
  • while 1 accused was acquitted.

Following standard procedure, the death sentences were referred to the Bombay High Court for confirmation, and the convicted individuals filed appeals challenging their sentences.

A division bench of Justice Anil Kilor and Justice S. G. Chapalgaonkar heard the matter extensively from *July 2024, with final arguments concluding on *January 27, 2025.

On July 21, 2025, the High Court delivered its judgment:

  • Rejected the death reference,
  • Allowed the appeals of all convicted individuals,
  • Set aside the 2015 convictions and sentences passed by the MCOCA special court.

Representing the Government of India and the state of Maharashtra were Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Raja Thakare and Special Public Prosecutor Chimalkar, who argued for upholding the original verdict.

The Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), Maharashtra, has stated that it is currently analyzing the High Court’s detailed judgment. Consultations are underway with legal experts and special prosecutors to determine the next course of legal action, which may include an appeal to the Supreme Court.

The verdict has sparked significant public and legal interest, as it not only impacts one of the most devastating terror incidents in Mumbai’s history but also raises serious questions about the prosecution’s evidence and investigation.

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