Maharashtra
Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024: Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi Pays Homage To Dr BR Ambedkar At Deekshabhoomi In Nagpur, Launches Party’s Campaign With Criticism Of BJP & RSS On Inequality
Nagpur: Congress leader and star campaigner Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday launched his party’s election campaign with a visit to Deekshabhoomi that stands in memory of B R Ambedkar and then latching on to the Constitution book that stands for equality.
“When I talk about the caste census, Modiji says that I am dividing the nation. But I am amplifying only a feeble voice from the deprived masses. I have heard the voice which says 90% of the population gets no benefit of the country’s resources. Only a caste census can give justice to this 90% deprived population of India,” said Rahul.
“The RSS and the BJP cannot attack the Constitution from the front. So they hide behind ‘vikas’ , ‘pragati’ , unity (words like ‘development’, ‘progress’, patriotism’) to carry on their agenda of inequality that ensures benefits only to few individuals at the cost of vast majority of people,” said the Congress leader.
Gandhi was addressing a “Samvidhan Samman Sammelan” (Respecting Constitution conference) organized by OBC youth Rights Forum which was attended by members of 200 civil society organizations and NGOs and social bodies that work for equal rights among people.
Though the convention was supposed to be non-political and pro-Constitution affair with no Congress leader adorning the dais except Rahul Gandhi, the purpose of hitting the BJP-RSS hard under the garb of saving statute book was more than obvious. “Modiji is having sleepless nights ever since I raised this demand of caste census,” thundered Rahul Gandhi.
Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi Accuses BJP & RSS Of Ignoring The Caste Census Demand
“The BJP and RSS are huddled in meetings to find a way to wriggle out of this situation but are finding it hard to take a position, “ Rahul stated accusing the BJP and RSS of ignoring the caste census demand as they wanted only 5% of the people in the country to accumulate wealth and enjoy benefits of power. “From where does the RSS get money to maintain its huge facility here and to run Shishu Mandirs and Eklavya Vidyalayas,” he asked and answered that it comes from BJP-run governments in MP, Rajasthan , Gujarat and from favoured industrialists Adani and Ambani.
Rahul Gandhi Reaffirms His Commitment To The Caste Census
Rahul Gandhi reaffirmed his commitment to the caste census, describing it as a step towards justice and equity. He argued that the level of caste-based discrimination in India is unparalleled in the world. Arriving here this afternoon, Gandhi first visited Deekshabhoomi, the historic site where Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Indian Constitution, embraced Buddhism in 1956.
Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi Pays Tribute To Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar
Paying homage to Ambedkar before attending the Samvidhan Sammelan, Gandhi highlighted Ambedkar’s legacy.
“When you read Ambedkar ji’s writings, you’ll see that he isn’t speaking of his own struggles but of others’. Ambedkar ji and Gandhiji never focused on their own pain—they spoke for the suffering of the people. When India entrusted Ambedkar ji with drafting the Constitution, it meant it resonates voices and pain of millions of marginalised masses.”
The Constitution drafted by Ambedkar is not just a book but a way of life, Gandhi said. When people from the RSS and BJP attack the Constitution, they are attacking the voice of the country, he added. “You won’t find a single Dalit, OBC and Adivasi in the management team of Adani group,” Gandhi said. “You waive off Rs 16 lakh crore debts of just 25 people, but when I speak of farmers’ loan waiver, I am attacked for changing habits of these people,” he lamented.
“Caste census will bring a clarity an paradigm shift as it will ensure justice to 90% of people who are missing from judiciary, bureaucracy, corporate management . It will give these deprived masses, power, wealth and respectability ,” Gandhi said. “We have demolish the 50 per cent (reservation cap) wall,” he added. We have to tell the country that we are fighting to secure justice for over 90 per cent marginalised people in the country,” he said.
Maharashtra
FDA conducts major raid on cosmetics store in Jogeshwari, seizes unlabeled toilet soap

Mumbai, July 16: A team of Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Greater Mumbai Division conducted a major raid at M/s JK Soap Bazaar, 10/11, Qadir Ismail Estate, Near Momin Colony, Patel Estate Road, Jogeshwari (West), Mumbai – 400102. During the operation conducted on July 14, 2026, it was observed that unlabeled toilet soap was being stored and offered for sale in the establishment. The seized soap lacked statutory information like batch/lot number, date of manufacture, ‘first use’ date, manufacturing license number, and name and address of the manufacturer. Selling cosmetics without such mandatory labelling is a violation of the law. During this operation, toilet soap worth about Rs 10,93,692 was seized, and two samples were collected for analysis as part of the ongoing investigation. The accused in this case is Nabiullah and necessary legal action is being initiated against him. “The Food and Drug Administration gives top priority to the protection of the health of citizens. Making any cosmetic product available for sale in the market without labelling as per the law is a very serious matter. It becomes difficult to verify the source, quality and safety of such products. Therefore, strict legal action will be taken against the violating manufacturers, distributors and sellers.” This warning was given by Takaram Mandhe, Commissioner, Food and Drug Administration, Maharashtra State.
Maharashtra
AIMIM Govindi corporator’s husband Atiq Khan banished from city for a year, makes emotional appeal to public on social media and apologizes

Mumbai: Maharashtra AIMIM leader and husband of a corporator from Govindpura, Atiq Khan, has been banned from the city for one year by the Mumbai Police. In an emotional message on social media, Atiq Khan said that he has been banned from Mumbai city and suburbs for one year, so he will be unable to do pending work or visit the area. If the public or students face educational difficulties due to his absence in the area for one year, he apologizes for it. The police had registered a case against Atiq Khan for violence and rioting, and accordingly, he has been banned, so a complete ban has been imposed on his entry into the area for one year. The ban on this ban will come into effect today. Therefore, Atiq Khan has made a very emotional video and apologized to the public on social media and has also expressed his passion for public service and said that he will continue to serve the public.
Maharashtra
Major hurdle in completion of expansion project in Mumbai railway network, several projects are facing delays due to encroachment on railway lands, RTI reveals

Mumbai: Encroachments on railway land are a major reason for delays in railway projects in Mumbai city. Due to delay in its acquisition, projects have been delayed and their estimates have also increased, this has been revealed in an RTI information filed by RTI activist Anil Gilgali. RTI has revealed that 1,574 encroachments have been identified for two major MRVC rail projects, occupying about 17,000 square meters of land. Information sought by RTI activist Anil Gilgali under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 has revealed that a total of 1,574 encroachments were identified during the acquisition of land for two major rail projects of the Mumbai Rail Development Corporation (MRDC). Out of these, 998 encroachments have been removed so far, while encroachments were found on about 17,068 square meters of land. According to information provided by MRVC to RTI activist Anil Gilgali on July 14, 2026, this information relates to the Kalyan-Badlapur 3rd and 4th rail line projects and the Airoli-Kola elevated corridor project.
Kalyan-Badlapur 3rd and 4th rail line project
According to MRVC, 706 encroachments were identified during the acquisition of land for the 3rd and 4th railway lines of the Central Railway between Kalyan and Badlapur. These include hutments and other structures located on railway land and newly acquired land. Out of these, 620 encroachments have been removed, while encroachments were found on about 9668 square meters of land. MRVC also said that each encroachment occurred in different years, hence it is not possible to identify a specific year. The encroachments identified for the project are located between Kalyan and Badlapur railway stations.
Airoli – Kalwa Elevated Corridor Project.
During land acquisition for the Airoli – Kalwa Elevated Corridor Project, 868 encroachments were identified. These included constructions on railway land and newly acquired land. So far, 378 encroachments have been removed while about 7400 sq m of land was found to be occupied. These encroachments are located between Digha village and Kalwa station. The MRVC also clarified that all the encroachments occurred in different years.
Information on re-encroachments not available
The RTI application also asked in how many areas encroachments were re-established after the encroachments were removed. The MRVC replied that the relevant information was not available.
Anil Gilgali raised important questions.
RTI activist Anil Gilgali said that encroachments have become a serious challenge in railway projects in Mumbai. Encroachments are a major reason for project delays, cost overruns and additional burden on public funds, he said. Mere removal of encroachments is not enough. Railways and MRVC should ensure that no encroachments are created again in the removed areas. Regular monitoring, safeguards and accountability are essential to achieve this.
Gilgali also demanded that information on land acquisition, encroachments, rehabilitation and progress in removal of encroachments for all rail projects be made available on a public portal from time to time, to enhance transparency and provide real-time information to citizens.
He said that availability of land is very important for Mumbai’s rapidly developing rail network. If encroachments are not effectively controlled, many public transport projects in the future may be affected. Therefore, the government, railways and local administration should come together to find a permanent solution.
-
Crime4 years agoClass 10 student jumps to death in Jaipur
-
Maharashtra2 years agoMumbai Local Train Update: Central Railway’s New Timetable Comes Into Effect; Check Full List Of Revised Timings & Stations
-
Maharashtra2 years agoMumbai To Go Toll-Free Tonight! Maharashtra Govt Announces Complete Toll Waiver For Light Motor Vehicles At All 5 Entry Points Of City
-
Maharashtra2 years agoFalse photo of Imtiaz Jaleel’s rally, exposing the fooling conspiracy
-
National News2 years agoMinistry of Railways rolls out Special Drive 4.0 with focus on digitisation, cleanliness, inclusiveness and grievance redressal
-
Maharashtra2 years agoMaharashtra Elections 2024: Mumbai Metro & BEST Services Extended Till Midnight On Voting Day
-
National News2 years agoJ&K: 4 Jawans Killed, 28 Injured After Bus Carrying BSF Personnel For Poll Duty Falls Into Gorge In Budgam; Terrifying Visuals Surface
-
Crime2 years agoBaba Siddique Murder: Mumbai Police Unable To Get Lawrence Bishnoi Custody Due To Home Ministry Order, Says Report
