Mumbai, Oct 14: Launching a scathing attack on the Opposition INDIA Bloc, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde, on Wednesday alleged that marching towards the Supreme Court to exert pressure on the judiciary is a direct insult to constitutional institutions.

Addressing the media after a weekly Cabinet meeting, he claimed, “Holding the Constitution in one hand while pressuring constitutional bodies with the other, is a clear attempt to create anarchy in the country, which will strictly not be tolerated.”

Shinde emphasised that organising protests to pressurise an apex constitutional body like the Supreme Court is a serious matter.

He noted that the Constitution provides independent status to institutions such as the Supreme Court and the Election Commission, and any attempt to undermine them amounts to disrespecting the constitutional framework itself.

“The possibility of foreign powers conspiring behind these demonstrations cannot be ruled out,” he alleged, warning the public to stay vigilant against forces attempting to instigate instability. He further stated that creating distrust against constitutional bodies to build false narratives is detrimental to national interest.

Shinde further informed that the Maharashtra Cabinet passed a congratulatory resolution honouring Prime Minister Narendra Modi on completing 25 years in public leadership (serving as Chief Minister and Prime Minister), which will be formally sent to him.

He highlighted that under PM Modi’s leadership, India’s global stature has soared, with 36 nations conferring their highest civilian honours upon him. Contrasting India’s economic trajectory, he noted that prior to 2014, India was counted among the ‘Fragile Five’ economies, whereas today it stands among the top five global economies and is advancing toward the fourth spot.

With the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, over 25 crore people have risen out of multidimensional poverty, and nearly 80 crore citizens receive food grain support.

Taking a swipe at the Congress, Shinde remarked that late Balasaheb Thackeray’s dreams of abrogation of Article 370 and building the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya remained pending under the Congress’ rule but were fulfilled under PM Modi.

“During Congress rule, terror attacks were met with mere diplomatic letters. Following Pahalgam, PM Modi’s leadership ensured the destruction of terror launchpads inside Pakistan, showing the world a new India that does not write letters but delivers a direct response,” he alleged.

Turning to the agricultural crisis in the state, Shinde informed that the severe drought situation led the government to expand the list of declared drought-hit talukas from 265 to 305. The state is offering 12 major relief concessions, including loan recovery stays, debt restructuring, student fee waivers, and fodder and water supply assistance. He announced that Rs 5,000 financial aid each will be deposited directly into the accounts of drought-affected farmers before Diwali.

“The primary right over the state treasury belongs to the farmers and we will not leave them in the lurch,” he assured.

A central team has already conducted inspections across affected areas, and PM Modi held a 30-minute discussion with Shinde, assuring full central support alongside Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Questioning the Opposition’s priorities, Shinde asked, “In times of drought, what is more important—the farmers or protests against the Supreme Court?”

Concluding his address, he remarked, “Modi doesn’t care about detractors; he keeps working. A lion is not frightened by the noise of jackals,” reiterating that the nation’s path remains focussed on development, national security, and farmer welfare.

Mumbai: During a patrol, the Ghatkopar Unit of the Anti-Narcotics Cell detained an individual standing near the garden outside Lokmanya Tilak Terminus Railway Station—close to the Santacruz-Chembur Link Road bridge in Tilak Nagar, Chembur (East), Mumbai—on suspicion of selling narcotics.

Upon searching him, 22.960 kg of ‘ganja’ (cannabis) was recovered from his possession. He was subsequently arrested, and a case was registered against him under Sections 8(c) and 20(c) of the NDPS Act, 1985. Interrogation revealed that the accused had brought the contraband from the state of Odisha to Mumbai for sale. The arrested individual has been identified as Manish Kumar Baijnath Chaudhary, aged 25.
A total of 22.960 kg of ganja, valued at approximately ₹11,48,000, was seized from the accused.

This successful operation was carried out under the supervision of Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Deven Bharti, along with Anil Kumbhare, Krishnakant Upadhyay, and DCP Purnima Chougule-Shringi.

Mumbai: First Citizen, Mayor Ritu Tawde, has once again demonstrated that instead of merely making announcements or issuing directives, one should set an example through practical action. The Mayor recently announced a special campaign titled “Flex-free Mumbai for 365 days” (following the ten-day Ganeshotsav festival) to remove unauthorized flex banners, posters, and stickers from across the city. She has also appealed to all political parties to cooperate with this initiative.

In this regard, Mayor Ritu Tawde personally took to the streets in her constituency today (October 14, 2026) to launch the campaign.

Mayor Ritu Tawde personally removed unauthorized advertising hoardings, banners, and posters installed at Jhulelal Chowk (Vikrant Circle) and Garodia Nagar—busy areas in Ghatkopar (East) falling under the ‘N’ Ward of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation. All unauthorized hoardings in the vicinity were immediately removed. Furthermore, the Mayor instructed officials to ensure that no new unauthorized hoardings are erected in the future.

Officers and staff from the Shops and Establishments (Licensing) Department, Maintenance Department, Encroachment Removal Department, and other relevant departments were present during the campaign.

Through her actions, the Mayor has set a new precedent for public representatives in Mumbai. This initiative demonstrated that when public representatives take the lead in curbing factors that mar the city’s beauty, it significantly facilitates the administration’s work. The efforts of the Municipal Corporation administration received a major boost when the Mayor herself took to the streets. …undertook the task of removing unauthorized flex banners, posters, and stickers.

To permanently rid Mumbai of the menace of plastic, flex materials, and unauthorized hoardings, Mayor Ritu Tawde has written to the municipal corporation administration, directing the strict implementation of a ‘zero-tolerance’ policy. To expand the reach of this campaign and foster unity across political lines, the Mayor is personally sending letters to the heads and leaders of all political parties. The policy entails stringent measures, such as mandating a QR code system for authorized hoardings (advertising boards), blacklisting printers and agencies that produce unauthorized signage, and ensuring the resolution of citizens’ complaints within a maximum of 72 hours.

Conveying her message during the campaign, Mayor Ritu Tawde stated that just as an example of environmental conservation was set during the Ganesh Utsav festival by prioritizing eco-friendly clay idols, it is the duty of every citizen and public representative to keep Mumbai free from plastic and flex waste throughout the year. The Mayor has appealed to public representatives from all parties, social activists, organizations, and citizens to support this campaign by taking similar initiatives in their respective areas to uphold Mumbai’s aesthetic appeal and civic discipline.

Mumbai’s citizens have welcomed this eco-friendly initiative by the Mayor, who launched the effort from her own municipal ward.