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A day after Pawar-Thackeray ‘summit’, MVA rubbishes rumours of ‘rift’

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A day after the late-night rendezvous between Nationalist Congress Party supremo Sharad Pawar and Shiv Sena (UBT) President Uddhav Thackeray, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) leaders sought to allay fears of any ‘rift’ in the three-party Opposition alliance, here on Wednesday.

Thackeray, along with party MP Sanjay Raut, had rushed to meet Pawar after his remarks to a private TV channel that sparked off huge speculation of fissures in the MVA and its possible repercussions.

Among other things, Pawar had claimed to the TV channel that Thackeray did not consult the MVA allies before quitting as the Chief Minister in June 2022, that set political tongues wagging.

The 75-minute meeting was held in bonhomie and a day later today (April 12), Pawar and Raut said that the MVA will continue to work with renewed vigour for future political challenges.

Raut said that they had detailed discussions on the political developments in the state and the nation, the future implications, among others, and reiterated that there are “no differences in the MVA”.

State Congress President Nana Patole also expressed similar views and said that if the MVA alliance leaders meet other “then what is wrong” and said there was no need for making any wild speculations in the matter.

Meanwhile, AICC General Secretary K. C. Venugopal Rao is likely to visit Maharashtra and meet Thackeray and Pawar in the wake of the recent developments that signalled major cracks in the MVA, which seem to have been sorted out by the Pawar-Thackeray late-night meeting.

The MVA was perturbed by Pawar’s comments last week questioning the need for a Joint Parliamentary Probe into the Adani Group scam, but on Tuesday, he apparently softened his stance and said he would not oppose the JPC if other Opposition parties wanted it.

Later, Pawar and his nephew Leader of Opposition Ajit Pawar remarks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s academic qualifications, the reliability of EVMs, among others, also became the topic of discussion among the three allies.

Maharashtra

Mumbai Rains: City On High Tide Alert; Waves Anticipated To Reach 14 Feet As IMD Predicts Heavy Rainfall

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Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has released a high tide warning for Mumbai from July 24 to July 27, forecasting tide heights exceeding 4.5 meters. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert because of anticipated heavy to very heavy rainfall.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has announced a high tide alert for Mumbai from July 24 to July 27, expecting tide levels above 4.5 meters. The India Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for anticipated heavy rainfall, forecasting extreme tides of 4.67 meters on July 26 and 4.60 meters on July 27.

The IMD predicts a predominantly overcast sky with heavy rainfall expected in some parts of Mumbai and nearby areas on July 24, accompanied by strong winds of 40 to 50 km/h, resulting in an orange alert for the city and a red alert for the Konkan region.

Tide Times For Today

on July 25, mostly cloudy skies with a chance of heavy rain. Tides: High at 12:40 PM (4.66 m) and low at 6:46 PM (1.40 m). Residents, especially those in low-lying and coastal regions, are urged to take precautions during high tide times because of potential flooding and waterlogging. Emergency responders are prepared as the city experiences increased monsoon conditions.

Between July 24 and 31, 2025, Mumbai will witness two high and low tides each day. The highest tides will occur at 4.66 meters on July 26th at 1:15 PM, while the lowest will be 3.71 meters on July 28th at 2:34 AM.

Low tides will mainly be under 1.73 meters, reaching a low of -0.3 meters on July 24th at 5:07 AM. The peak low tide will reach 1.73 meters on July 31st at 9:40 AM. Sunrise will transition from 6:13 AM to 6:15 AM, and sunset will vary from 7:14 PM to 7:17 PM.

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Maharashtra

Maharashtra: MNS Workers Assault Attendant At Nanded Bus Stand For Refusing To Speak Marathi

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Nanded: In another instance of vigilantism over language, workers of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) allegedly assaulted a Hindi-speaking migrant worker at the state transport bus stand in Nanded on Wednesday. The attendant, posted outside the ladies’ toilet, was reportedly targeted for refusing to speak in Marathi when questioned by a local.

The incident came to light after multiple videos surfaced on social media. In one clip, a man is seen confronting the attendant for collecting Rs 5 from women for using the toilet, which is generally free. When asked to respond in Marathi, the attendant allegedly said, “I will not speak Marathi, do what you want to do.” The video was reportedly circulated among local MNS workers, including the party’s Nanded city chief.

Video Shows MNS Workers Assaulting Man

Soon after, another video showed a group of men wearing MNS scarves slapping and punching the attendant. They are heard berating him not only for refusing to speak Marathi but also accusing him of misbehaving with women and being rude.

Under pressure, the man was made to deliver a forced apology on camera, stating in Marathi: “I apologise to Marathi people and to Raj Thackeray. I will not repeat this mistake again.” Despite the videos going viral, no formal FIR had been registered till Wednesday evening.

Growing Incidents Of Violence Involving MNS Workers

This episode adds to a growing list of similar incidents involving MNS workers taking offense over language. Just earlier this month, MNS cadres had allegedly assaulted shopkeepers in Mira Road, Thane and Vikhroli for not speaking Marathi. The party has long positioned itself as a protector of Marathi identity, often using aggressive means.

Party chief Raj Thackeray had previously said he was “proud” of MNS workers for “defending Marathi pride,” while Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had condemned such vigilantism. “No one has the right to assault someone for not speaking a particular language,” Fadnavis had said.

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Maharashtra

Supreme Court Stays Bombay High Court’s Acquittal in 2006 Mumbai Train Blasts Case

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New Delhi, July 24, 2025 — The Supreme Court of India has issued a stay on the Bombay High Court’s recent decision to acquit 12 men previously convicted in the 2006 Mumbai suburban train bombings. The apex court, however, clarified that the accused will not need to return to jail while the legal process continues.

The move comes days after the Maharashtra government filed a challenge against the High Court’s ruling, expressing serious concern over the acquittal of all 12 individuals who had been found guilty nearly a decade earlier. The Supreme Court agreed to examine the appeal and put the acquittal order on hold until further notice.

Background of the Case

On July 11, 2006, a series of coordinated bomb blasts targeted local trains on Mumbai’s Western Railway line during evening rush hour. The attacks resulted in the deaths of around 190 people and left over 800 injured. It was one of the deadliest terror strikes in India’s history.

In 2015, a special court convicted 12 men under anti-terror laws, sentencing five to death and the remaining to life imprisonment. However, the Bombay High Court overturned these convictions in July 2025, citing weak and unreliable evidence, inconsistencies in witness testimonies, and procedural lapses in the investigation.

Supreme Court’s Intervention

Responding to the state’s petition, the Supreme Court noted the seriousness of the matter and temporarily suspended the High Court’s decision. The court stated that although the acquittal order is stayed, the accused who had already been released will not be required to surrender at this stage.

Government’s Stand

The Maharashtra government described the High Court’s judgment as deeply concerning, arguing that the earlier trial had followed due process and that crucial evidence—such as confessions and material recovered—was improperly dismissed. The government urged the Supreme Court to uphold the original convictions in the interest of justice for the victims and their families.

What Lies Ahead

The Supreme Court is expected to conduct a detailed review of the High Court’s findings and the prosecution’s evidence. The final verdict could have a significant impact on how terrorism-related cases are investigated and prosecuted in the future, especially with respect to the handling of confessional statements, forensic evidence, and procedural safeguards.

The case continues to be a matter of national attention due to its historical gravity and implications for the justice system. Families of the victims, legal experts, and civil rights advocates are all watching closely as the country’s top court re-evaluates one of India’s most complex terror cases.

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