Maharashtra
Different Journeys, Same Destination: Devendra Fadnavis, Eknath Shinde, And Ajit Pawar Unite As Maharashtra’s Leadership Trio

Devendra Fadnavis was sworn in as the new Chief Minister of Maharashtra in a grand and colorful ceremony at the Azad Maidan on Thursday evening. Eknath Shinde, leader of the Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar, leader of the NCP, took oath as Deputy Chief Ministers.
Here’s a look at the political careers of the CM and DyCMs.
Devendra Fadanvis
Devendra Fadnavis, the political stalwart who rose from humble beginnings to become a key figure in Maharashtra politics, was on Thursday evening sworn in as chief minister – a position he has held twice before.
During his previous tenure as Chief Minister, before the 2019 elections, Fadnavis famously recited the line “Mi Punha Yein” (I will back), which became both a widely celebrated and critiqued tagline. However, the political landscape shifted dramatically after the elections when Uddhav Thackeray parted ways with the BJP. Fadnavis then allied with the NCP’s Ajit Pawar, and both were sworn in as Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister, respectively, in a government that lasted less than 80 hours.
Fadnavis faced ridicule over his “Mi Punha Yein” remark during the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government’s tenure. In 2022, Eknath Shinde led a split in the Shiv Sena and formed a new government with the BJP. Although many expected Fadnavis to return as the CM, he was appointed Deputy Chief Minister instead. After a challenging political journey of five years, Fadnavis has finally reclaimed the Chief Minister’s position.
From being a corporator and mayor in the Nagpur Municipal Corporation to becoming the Chief Minister of the state, Fadnavis has had a distinguished political career. Fadnavis began his political career as an active member of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). At 22, he became a corporator in the Nagpur civic body and its youngest Mayor in 1997 at age 27.
In 1999, he was first elected to the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly from the West Nagpur constituency, where he was re-elected consecutively for two terms. Later, he won the elections from the South West Nagpur constituency four times. Since 1999, he has represented Nagpur in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly.
Eknath Shinde
From a Shiv Sena rebel in 2022, veteran politician Eknath Sambhaji Shinde went on to acquire the image of a doer and man of action as chief minister in a short span of two-and-a-half years when he headed the Mahayuti government in Maharashtra.
Shinde, who had no prior political background, began his political career in 1980. After working for some time in organisational roles for the Shiv Sena, he was appointed to various constitutional positions. He won his first election as a corporator in the Thane Municipal Corporation in 1997, followed by his appointment as Leader of the House in 2001.
In 2004, Shinde was elected to the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly. A year later, he was named the Thane district head of Shiv Sena. Over the years, Shinde’s popularity grew, leading to his re-election to the Assembly in 2009, 2014, and 2019.
During his tenure in the Legislative Assembly, Shinde held several significant roles. From 2014 to 2019, he served as the Minister for Public Works and Guardian Minister of Thane district. In 2018, he was appointed the Leader of the Shiv Sena in the Assembly.
In 2019, he assumed additional responsibilities as the Minister for Public Health and Family Welfare, as well as the Minister for Urban Development and Public Works. He also briefly served as the acting Minister of Home Affairs later that year.
A turning point in his political career came in June 2022, when Shinde, along with several MLAs, moved to Surat, Gujarat, sparking a political crisis in Maharashtra. This led to Uddhav Thackeray’s resignation as Chief Minister. Shinde subsequently formed a new government in alliance with the BJP and NCP and was sworn in as the 20th Chief Minister of Maharashtra in June 2022.
On December 5, 2024, Shinde took oath as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, further cementing his role as a key figure in the state’s political landscape.
Ajit Pawar
Ajit Pawar, who has long aspired to become the chief minister but finished second five times, has once again been appointed as the Deputy Chief Minister. This marks the sixth time as the deputy chief minister, setting a unique record.
A stalwart of Maharashtra politics, Ajit Pawar is a seasoned leader renowned for his administrative expertise, sharp political instincts, and strong grassroots presence. Over his political career, he has served as deputy chief minister under Chief Ministers Prithviraj Chavan, Devendra Fadnavis, Uddhav Thackeray and Eknath Shinde.
Despite speculations about facing challenges in retaining the Baramati constituency during the assembly elections, Ajit Pawar was re-elected for the eighth consecutive time with a significant majority. His re-election solidifies his position as a key figure in Maharashtra politics.
In 1991, Ajit Pawar contested the Lok Sabha elections for the first time and became the Member of Parliament (MP) from Baramati. That same year, following the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi and the subsequent political changes at the Centre, Sharad Pawar was appointed as the Union Defence Minister.
After Sharad Pawar resigned from his position in the Baramati Assembly constituency, Ajit Pawar contested the by-election and was elected as the MLA for the first time. Since then, for the past 35 years, he has been consistently elected from the Baramati.
While in government, Ajit Pawar has handled key portfolios such as finance minister, water resources minister and rural development minister. He has also served as the guardian minister of Pune. After the fall of the MVA government, he served as the Leader of the Opposition in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly for a year.
Crime
Mumbai: Malad Police Arrest Trio For ATM Card Theft, Fraudulent Withdrawals Across City

Three people were arrested by Malad Police for allegedly stealing ATM cards from unsuspecting bank customers. The accused discreetly noted down PINs and later withdrew money from victims’ accounts, targeting ATMs in Andheri, Bandra, Kandivali, Borivali, Chembur, and Malad this month alone.
The latest case was reported on October 8 in Malad. A 55-year-old man’s ATM card got stuck while withdrawing cash. The accused helped retrieve the card while secretly noting his PIN, later stealing the card and fraudulently withdrawing Rs 40,000 from his account.
After the complaint, a team led by Senior Inspector Dushyant Chavan analyzed CCTV footage and traced the suspects. Monitoring their movements, police followed a vehicle to Chembur and identified its owner, who admitted hiring the car to the three accused.
The arrested individuals are Mohammad Aarif Khan, 47, a chauffeur; Abdul Haqiq Khan, 34, a truck driver; and Danish Khan, 23, a labourer. Abdul Haqiq and Danish have prior criminal records in Uttar Pradesh.
Maharashtra
Mumbai’s Rising Skyline, Falling Safety: Repeated Tragedies Expose Grim Reality At Construction Sites

Mumbai: On October 8, two separate incidents reminded the city once again of this grim reality. In Jogeshwari East, 22-year-old Sanskruti Amin lost her life when a cement block fell from an under-construction building, fatally striking her on the head. On the same day, in Chembur, a 46-year-old labourer plunged to his death from the 13th floor while plastering a wall.
Relatives of both victims have accused the builders of negligence, alleging that basic safety norms were ignored. “If helmets or safety nets had been in place, these deaths could have been prevented,” said one relative, visibly angry at the developers’ indifference.
Unfortunately, these are not isolated incidents. Just fifteen days later, yet another construction worker died under similar circumstances — this time, the developer had reportedly failed to provide safety harnesses.
Despite the frequency of such tragedies, accountability remains rare. Police cases, if filed at all, usually target the on-site supervisor or contractor. Developers — who are ultimately responsible for ensuring compliance with safety norms — often escape scrutiny.
According to labour activists, Mumbai witnesses several such deaths every year, many of which go unreported or are quietly settled. “Workers’ lives are treated as cheap. There is no system to monitor safety compliance effectively,” said an activist who has been tracking such incidents.
Many small and mid-level builders cut corners to save costs, skipping helmets, harnesses, barricades, and safety training altogether. In the meantime, the families of victims are left to fight lengthy legal battles or simply move on, with little hope of justice or compensation.
Adv. Bhimesh Mutula, Secretary of the Maharashtra State Nurses and Labour Workers’ Association, stated, “Safety norms in new constructions and redevelopment projects remain only on paper. The safety of workers, structural inspections at construction sites, and physical inspections by the concerned authorities are being seriously neglected. It is very painful that even after the death or accident of workers, their families do not receive justice or compensation.”
Meanwhile, Mumbai BJP President and MLA Ameet Satam has written to BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, demanding a thorough probe into the Sanskruti Amin incident. Satam also urged the BMC to conduct a citywide audit of all under-construction sites to ensure compliance with safety norms.
The demand follows the tragic death of 22-year-old Amin, who was killed by a falling brick from a redevelopment site in Jogeshwari East on October 8. Around 1,000 residents joined a protest march on Sunday, demanding action against the builder.
“It has been brought to my notice that there were prior complaints regarding safety norms not being followed at the said site, and no action was taken. If these allegations are true, the BMC administration should take immediate action against the concerned officials,” Satam said.
He further called for stringent safety checks across the city. “The BMC must audit all under-construction sites to check whether safety norms are being followed. Any violations must be rectified at the earliest. In the interest of public safety, a stop-work notice should be issued until compliance is ensured,” he added.
Meanwhile, the BMC’s Building Proposal Department, which grants permissions for new constructions and redevelopment, stated that it is the responsibility of the owner, builder, developer, architect, and other professionals to take all precautionary measures on-site to avoid any mishap.
‘Special Safety Control Guidelines’ were issued by the State Urban Development Department in August 2025 for construction activities in high-rises. Some of the key recommendations include the appointment of safety officers, safety measures for façade and height work, and the safeguarding of adjacent areas as part of the Building Proposal’s Intimation of Disapproval (IOD) conditions.
“As per the provision of DCPR 2034 Clause 12(5), it is the responsibility of the builder on record to ensure necessary safety precautions are taken on-site and in its immediate surroundings. The grant of IOD does not render BMC liable for any injury or damages whatsoever. In simple words, when the builder is permitted to start work, he accepts full responsibility for compliance with safety norms,” said a senior BMC officer.
The officer added that while the BMC does inspect construction sites, the visits are not frequent.
A police officer said, “When a complaint is received regarding unauthorised construction, the police stop the construction and inform the municipal authorities. The police cannot take direct action. Based on the municipal corporation’s directions and the complaint, a case is then registered against those responsible. If the municipal body requests police protection for the demolition of such illegal structures, the police provide security. However, if the police register a case against unauthorised construction, they must obtain approval from the municipal corporation for further action.”
A retired police officer added that this process often leads to significant delays.
The complete responsibility for the safety of workers at a building construction site lies with the concerned builder, contractor, or supervisor. It is the duty of the relevant administrative authorities to ensure that proper facilities and safety measures are provided at the construction site.
If safety measures are not in place and a worker dies as a result, a preliminary investigation is conducted, and a case is registered against those responsible, followed by further legal action, according to a police official.
As the skyline of Mumbai continues to rise, it does so on a shaky foundation not of cement and steel, but of ignored safety measures and forgotten lives. Until strict accountability is enforced, more such headlines will continue to remind the city of the price paid for negligence.
Key Facts
Fifteen days later, another worker died due to lack of safety harnesses.
Developers reportedly failed to provide proper safety measures.
Police cases usually target supervisors or contractors; developers often escape scrutiny.
Victims’ families often face long legal battles or give up hope for justice.
Many such deaths go unreported or are quietly settled.
Many small and mid-level builders skip safety gear and training to cut costs.
Builders, developers, and architects are fully responsible for on-site safety.
Safety Guidelines
Special Safety Control Guidelines (August 2025) for High-Rise Construction Include:
Appointment of safety officers.
Safety for façade and height work.
Protection of adjacent areas.
A senior BMC officer admitted that inspections are carried out but not frequently.
Maharashtra
Mumbai: Ahead of Diwali, citizens beam with smiles… Goods worth over 1 crore returned, police performance praised, and people in a joyous mood.

Mumbai: Mumbai Police has brought back the happiness of the citizens before Diwali by returning their lost and stolen goods and spreading smiles on their faces. DCP Manish Kalwaniya in Zone 8 of Mumbai has today returned the lost and other belongings of the citizens before Diwali, worth more than one crore, including 2000 mobile phones. The DCP said that the people’s joy has doubled after the return of stolen and lost goods because most of them had given up hope of their belongings, but the police have brought smiles back to their faces. Mumbai Police has started a process of returning people’s belongings at various police stations. This process has been started on the initiative of Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti. After the return of stolen and lost goods, the trust of the people in the police in Mumbai has been further strengthened and now the police is performing better in such cases in which people’s belongings have been stolen or have disappeared. The police have now brought smiles to the faces of many people who had forgotten their belongings or did not expect that their belongings would be available to them again.
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