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Maharashtra

After ruling state for 52 years, Congress struggles to recapture Maharashtra

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One of the few states that was once considered a Congress stronghold, Maharashtra slipped out of the Congress grip first in 1995 and then in 2014, and the party now struggles to make a comeback fighting all odds, within and outside.

The Congress has ruled the prosperous west Indian state for 52 years since it was founded on May 1, 1960 — either solo, or through alliances, or via one or the other breakaway factions.

It was in 1995 that the sun first set on the party and the first real non-Congress government of Shiv Sena-Bharatiya Janata Party alliance came to power and governed a full term.

The Congress bounced back in the 1999 Assembly elections, with a reduced majority, formed an alliance with the breakaway Nationalist Congress Party (NCP-1999), and they ruled for 15 years.

During the BJP wave unleashed by Narendra Modi, who became the Prime Minister in 2014, the Congress-NCP government was also washed away.

After five years, in 2019, it rebounded as an ally in the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government comprising Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress, which was toppled after two-and-a-half years, while the party grappled with severe ‘leakages’ at various levels.

“The problems largely started around a decade ago when the BJP took recourse to caste-communal politics, subverting institutions, false narratives, raising irrelevant matters while ignoring the real and burning problems of the economy, inflation, unemployment, farmers, women, youth, etc,” said Congress working President Naseem Khan.

He argued that now the people have realised the hollow claims of the Modi regime and are gradually veering around to clean, ethical, values and issue-based politics that Congress represents.

Khan denies that the state Congress is crumbling and pointed to its growing influence in the past few years at local, state and national levels, indicating how its mass support base remains largely intact.

A former four-time Congress MP feels that the state unit is plagued by infighting — as in other states or even at the national level — for which it had to pay dearly in 2014, and joining the MVA in 2019 was a ‘compromise’ to keep the BJP at bay.

“Many state leaders remain busy on social media, give lousy TV bytes or issue bland statements that are ignored� Instead, they must go for ‘mass-connect’, reach out to understand people’s grievances, open channels with other like-minded parties, take up public-oriented campaigns etc., since modern-day politics is very different from the pre-2000 era,” he said, requesting anonymity.

A present state office-bearer confided how the current AICC Maharashtra in-charge, S.K. Patil, is reportedly adapting “a lackadaisical approach, barely communicates in Hindi or rarely goes beyond Mumbai, cutting himself off from the ‘actual ground problems’ afflicting the party organisation”.

“Earlier, some of the AICC in-charges (like Mallikarjun Kharge) could even communicate in Marathi, would crack the whip during crises, tour different parts of the state, interact with district-level workers, and keep their fingers on the pulse of the party and the people,” he pointed out.

Mumbai Congress North Indian Cell Vice-President V.P. Singh feels many ‘inefficient or disinterested’ persons have been foisted both in the party at various levels, affecting the party workers’ morale and creating more rifts that are exploited by the opponents, citing various examples.

“What we need is to rebuild the party at the booth level with committed activists who will strengthen the district, the state and the national-level organisation. This aspect has been lost as many leaders prefer greenhorn sycophants over experienced performers with mass outreach,” rued Singh.

Khan confidently asserted that the Congress is readying for the Assembly polls, whenever they are held, and is optimistic of regaining its numero uno status soon, both in the Assembly and Parliamentary elections.

Fortunately, most leaders are buoyed by the ongoing Bharat Jodo Yatra led by Rahul Gandhi and the Indian National Congress Presidential elections, with a united chorus that it would do “a sea of good and invigorate the party from bottom to the top” for future challenges.

“The response to Rahulji across the BJY route is phenomenal and has ‘electrified’ the entire party. By the time it is completed, the Congress will re-emerge as a major force to reckon with in the 2024 elections� Already certain actions of the BJP betray their deep worries,” said Khan.

Several other party leaders at different levels echo similar sentiments, and strongly express the need “to rebuild the party on a war-footing”, opening party offices at the village levels (rural) or ward levels (urban), counter or expose the government policies at all levels, aggressively woo the media, and top national leaders should tour different states regularly for feedback.

In conclusion, notwithstanding the conviction by many leaders, the Congress in the state indeed faces a tough challenge to resurrect itself to its preeminent status — before it ‘leaks’ afresh�

Crime

Indian Navy sailor, wife and two children found dead at Mumbai residence

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Mumbai, Aug 16: An Indian Navy sailor, his wife and their two minor children were found dead at their residence in Navy Nagar, Colaba, in south Mumbai, police said.

The incident was reported on August 15. According to preliminary information from the police, the sailor is suspected to have died by suicide, while the deaths of his wife and two children, aged two months and three years, are suspected to have resulted from poisoning. The exact circumstances surrounding the deaths are yet to be established.

Police said a post-mortem examination is being conducted and further investigation is underway. The findings of the post-mortem and other aspects of the investigation are expected to help establish the cause and sequence of the deaths.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Manish Kalwaniya said a prima facie investigation indicated that the sailor had died by hanging, while poisoning appeared to be the cause of death of his wife and children.

The Indian Navy has also confirmed the incident and said it is extending assistance to the investigation.

“In an unfortunate incident at Navy Nagar, Colaba, an Indian Navy sailor along with his wife and 2 children have been found dead at their residence on 15 Aug 26. Investigation is in progress by the Police and the Indian Navy is extending all possible assistance towards the same,” the Indian Navy said in a statement.

The incident has prompted an investigation by both the police and the Navy. Officials are examining the circumstances that preceded the deaths and other relevant evidence as part of the probe.

The identities of the deceased have not been disclosed in the information available so far.

Authorities are continuing their investigation, while the post-mortem examination is underway to determine the precise causes of death.

Further details are expected as the investigation progresses.

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Maharashtra

Mumbai: Online single window system launched for permission to build Ganesh Mandals, public can apply for one-year or five-year permission

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To simplify the process of obtaining necessary permission for constructing Mumbai Mandap Marmiya, the Mumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has once again made available an online single window system for public Ganesh Chaturthi Mandals in Mumbai. A computerised system has been enabled on the website of the Municipal Corporation for granting permission for construction of temporary
Mandap during the public Ganesh Chaturthi festival. The system has been made available for online use from Friday, August 14, 2026.

Moreover, since the hearing regarding public Ganesh Chaturthi is currently underway. The Mandals are bound by the orders passed by the court and the permission is being granted in compliance with these instructions.

Public Ganesh Chaturthi Mandals will have to submit their applications for permission for Mandap through the BMC website (https://portal.mcgm.gov.in) labeled ‘Mandap for Citizens (Public Ganesh Chaturthi/Other Festivals)’. The applications will be scrutinised by the concerned ward office on receipt. Thereafter, the process of obtaining ‘No Objection Certificates’ (NOCs) from the concerned local police and traffic police will be done through a computerised system. The entire process will be implemented under the guidance of the Divisional Assistant Commissioner and Zonal Deputy Commissioner.

Procedure for New Mandals
Mandals applying for the first time to construct a public Ganesh Chaturthi Mandap* (marquee) on government or private land will have to submit an online application through the website of the Municipal Corporation. After scrutiny of the application by the Divisional Office and obtaining NOC from the local and traffic police, the application will be submitted to the Zonal Deputy Commissioner for approval. Once the approval of the Deputy Commissioner is received and the Mandal pays a fee of Rs 100, the permission for the Mandap will be granted at the divisional level.

Renewal facility for Mandals with five-year permission Renewal of permissions for Mandals who had obtained permission for the first five years (on government or private land) will be processed through a computerized system. Ganeshotsav Mandals who had obtained permission for five years last year will have to submit an online application for renewal of their permission for the year 2026.

The Divisional Office will personally verify that the location and area of ​​the site matches the permission already granted. After this, NOCs will be obtained from the local and traffic police through a computerized system. The permission for 2026 will be renewed after the Mandal pays a fee of ₹ 100.

Two options for Mandals One-year permission granted in 2025
An important facility has been made available this year for Ganeshotsav Mandals who were granted permission to construct a pavilion for only one year (on government or private land) in 2025. Such mandals can apply for the year 2026 only, or for a period of five years from 2026 to 2030. These applications will be scrutinised by the divisional office, and NOCs will be obtained from the local and traffic police through a computerised system. Thereafter, permission will be granted at the ward level on the basis of the application, on payment of a fee of Rs. 100.

Application period for permission for mandap
Applications for permission to construct mandap* (marquee) for public festivals can be submitted through the computerised system between 14 August 2026 and 13 September 2026. The permission for Ganeshotsav mandap is valid till 26 September 2026. 10 October 2026; The permission for mandap for Navratri has been extended till 21 October 2026.

Mandatory training for two volunteers
To ensure discipline at Ganesh Utsav Mandap sites, a one-day training workshop covering topics like crowd management, fire safety, and first aid will be organized at the ward office level. It is mandatory for two volunteers from each Awami Ganeshotsav Mandal (organizing committee) to attend this training.

Emphasis on construction of pothole-free Mandap
Putholes should not be dug in roads or footpaths for construction of Mandap. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has urged the organizers to use effective techniques that do not require digging of potholes. If potholes are dug on roads or footpaths for construction of Mandap, action will be taken as per the relevant circular.

Furthermore, Awami Ganeshotsav Mandals should strictly follow the conditions and regulations regarding advertisements as stipulated in the circular of the Licensing Department. Compliance with the necessary fire safety measures is also mandatory for the construction of the pavilion.

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Maharashtra

Mumbai: 30 crores fraud in the name of a capital scheme across the state, 4 arrested, 12 lakhs seized, further investigation underway

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Mumbai: Economic Offences Wing (EOW) has claimed to have arrested 4 fraudsters by exposing an illegal company called AI Origin and Digital Origin, which used to cheat people by fooling them in the name of high profits. Origin Mumbai EOW has taken major action against ‘AI Origin/Digital Origin’ The Mumbai Economic Offences Wing (EOW) has registered a case against the operators of the company ‘AI Origin/Digital Origin’ and other accused in connection with an alleged capital investment scam. According to the police, the company collected a huge amount of money from the public by running investment schemes without the required approval from the RBI or SEBI. During the operation, the authorities seized cash, bank passbooks, cars, and laptops/electronic devices worth over Rs 12 lakh. Several accused have been arrested in this case, and the investigation is underway by the Economic Offences Wing. More than 30 crores have been invested in this company. This company had also started its offices in Palghar, Pimpri Chinchwad, Sangli, Sitara, Kolhapur police stations. A case was also registered against this company in Ghatkopar Pantnagar, Mumbai. The EOW has arrested the company’s president Krishna Chavan, Ankush Shantaram, Dr. Swadesh Mohte and agent Subhash Pandre. Along with this, documents and other goods and cash have been seized by raiding the company’s office RA Palm. To entice people to invest in this company, they used to send them on picnics abroad. Not only this, the accused used to organize seminars and lure them in the seminars, along with this, they used to create an environment here that made so much profit on investment. The EOW monitored the investment for a month and after that the operation was carried out. DCP Sangram Nishandar said that the Intelligence Unit of EOW has started keeping an eye on such companies that run such schemes and fool people by posting advertisements on social media. Along with this, social media is also being monitored. This company had also lured people into investing by giving them attractive schemes on social media through new advertisements. He said that after the Torres scheme, the EOW has started monitoring the capital scheme and investigating such cases. Mumbai EOW has exposed a scam worth crores of rupees in its operation and arrested 4 accused.

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