Maharashtra
Distribution of 32 lakh kits will not bring real happiness to Muslims: Abu Azmi on BJP’s ‘Saugat-e-Modi’
Mumbai, March 27: As the BJP launched a nationwide outreach programme ‘Saugat-e-Modi’ aimed at economically weaker Muslim families ahead of Eid, Samajwadi Party (SP) MLA Abu Azmi voiced strong criticism, stating that the distribution of 32 lakh kits would not bring real happiness to Muslims.
According to Azmi, the true source of happiness for Muslims would come if innocent Muslims currently imprisoned were released before Eid.
Talking to media, Abu Azmi said: “32 lakh kits will not bring happiness to the weaker section of Muslims. Real happiness will come when the innocent Muslims, who are unjustly imprisoned, are released before Eid. If you had told them to go home and celebrate Eid with their families, I would have seen that as a real gift. If you really want to give a gift, then the gift would be the rights given to Muslims by the Constitution of Bhimrao Ambedkar, where every person should receive their rightful share according to their numbers. If you had done that, I would have considered it a gift.”
Azmi further accused the BJP of using this initiative to influence Muslims in light of the upcoming Bihar elections. He claimed that the outreach programme was merely an attempt to win votes by targeting the Muslim community under the pretext of providing welfare.
“It is no surprise that such things happen when elections are near. With the Bihar elections approaching, it seems the BJP is trying to appease Muslims. They are trying to take over Muslim lands, while the entire Muslim community is opposing the amendments to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. Those who own the land don’t want changes, but the BJP is determined to make amendments. What kind of gift is this? The real issue is that they are entering mosques, burning the Quran, and causing distress to Muslims,” Azmi said.
He added: “You’re offering these so-called gifts, but you won’t give Muslims even one minister, one MLA, or one MP. There is no need for such gifts. The real gift will be when Muslims are granted the rights promised to them by the Constitution. Only then would I truly consider it a gift, and I would love that.”
Azmi also responded to the recent strict instructions issued by Uttar Pradesh Police, which prohibited Namaz on roads and other public places. In Meerut, the police have advised Muslims to offer Namaz only at designated mosques or other grounds meant for mass prayer.
“What if the government decides tomorrow that we cannot pray? If we pray, they’ll threaten to shoot us or send us to jail. For hundreds of years, people have been praying in public spaces when mosques were small or overcrowded, sometimes even on roads next to gutters. But instead of harassing people for praying, the government should provide space for them to pray, clean up the areas, and respect their right to practice their religion. It’s not about blocking traffic; it’s about deliberately harassing Muslims,” he said, expressing concern over the increased restrictions on religious practices.
Azmi further reacted to the recent controversy surrounding comedian Kunal Kamra, whose satirical remarks on social media have led to protests and demands for his YouTube channel to be banned.
Azmi found the response disproportionate, particularly when compared to the lack of action in the case of insults toward Islam.
“Kunal Kamra’s remarks about the Deputy Chief Minister were inappropriate, but we must remember that when insults are made against our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), no action is taken. Salman Rushdie and Taslima Nasreen, who have written defamatory books about Islam, receive protection under freedom of speech laws. In contrast, Kamra’s remarks have sparked massive outrage, and there’s even a push to ban his YouTube channel. This is a clear double standard. It shows how democracy is being undermined in our country,” Azmi concluded.
Maharashtra
Mumbai: Accused wanted in Kurla Methi River irregularities arrested, accused of cheating crores of rupees and creating fake AMU

Mumbai: Economic Wing AOW has claimed to have arrested the wanted accused and contractor in the case of Mithi Nadi cleanliness and irregularities. The AOW has arrested the absconding wanted Sunil Shyam Narayan SM Infrastructure, Mahesh Madhav Rao Purohit. During the investigation of the Mithi Nadi contract and irregularities worth crores of rupees, the police had registered a case. Earlier, three accused were arrested. According to the EOW, from 2013 to 2023, fake MAUs were prepared and bills worth crores of rupees were approved in collusion with BMC officers. A proposal to purchase a machine to remove garbage from 2021 to 2024 was also approved and under the guise of the same, a fraud of crores of rupees was committed for cleaning the garbage. In this case, the police have arrested the accused agents Ketan Kadam, Jay Joshi and Mithi Nadi contractor Sher Singh Rathore. By preparing fake documents, the accused also prepared fake AMUs and also signed fake signatures. The accused were produced in court and remanded in custody until December 16.
Maharashtra
ED, ATS Conduct Raids Across Maharashtra & Delhi Over Suspected Terror-Funding

Mumbai: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday carried out a coordinated search operation in Borivali village near Padgha in Thane district, with assistance from the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), officials said.
The operation, which began in the early hours of Thursday, extended to multiple residential premises as ED officials probed suspected terror funding and related financial transactions. ATS personnel provided on-ground support to coordinate the ED searches.
According to ED officials, the searches were conducted at nearly 40 locations across Maharashtra including Padgha, Pune, and Malegaon as well as in Delhi. The searches are linked to suspected financial transactions associated with terror-related activities.
The ED had recently registered an ECIR linked to the NIA’s ISIS terror module case involving Saquib Nachan, as well as the Pune ISIS module case. While ATS is simultaneously investigating the same modules, it is assisting the ED by sharing intelligence, leads, and field updates, helping ensure that the ongoing search operations are thorough, coordinated, and synchronised.
Officials said the operation is ongoing, with teams continuing to probe the suspected financial networks connected to the terror modules.
Maharashtra
Raj Thackeray Appears Before Thane Court, Denies Guilt In 2008 Railway Assault Case

MNS chief Raj Thackeray appeared before the Thane Railway Court on Thursday for a hearing linked to the 2008 railway recruitment violence at Kalyan station. The incident involved MNS workers assaulting North Indian candidates who had arrived for recruitment exams, leading to disruption and damage to railway property. A case was registered against Thackeray and several party workers soon after.
During the brief hearing, the judge asked Thackeray whether he confessed to the charges. Thackeray replied that he did not admit guilt. The judge noted that the matter could be concluded within a month and asked for full cooperation from all accused. Thackeray agreed to comply.
Speaking after the hearing, Thackeray’s lawyer Omkar Rajurkar said the next date has not been decided yet and will be issued later. He added that Thackeray does not need to appear again in person unless directed. Rajurkar confirmed that the court asked whether the accused admitted to the crime, and Thackeray stated clearly that he did not. The judge reiterated that cooperation was expected as the case nears completion.
Rajurkar stressed that Thackeray would continue to cooperate fully with the proceedings.
The case dates back to 2008, when MNS workers allegedly targeted North Indian candidates at Kalyan station during a railway recruitment drive. The attackers argued that migrant job seekers were taking opportunities meant for local youth. Following the violence, a case was filed against Raj Thackeray and seven MNS workers, all of whom were arrested but later released.
Originally heard in the Kalyan Court, the matter was later shifted to the Thane Railway Court. Due to repeated absence of the accused at earlier hearings, the court had issued an arrest warrant, which was later cancelled after an application by Thackeray’s legal team.
With the court indicating that the case could conclude within a month, the matter now moves towards its final phase.
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