Maharashtra
Maharashtra: Congress livid as Didi writes UPA’s epitaph
Relegated to the political pavement as West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stormed Mumbai in her 2-day-long high-profile trip which ended on Thursday, the Maharashtra Congress unitedly slammed her for her ‘RIP’-ping comments spelling doom for the UPA.
Banerjee met leaders of two of the 3 ruling allies – Nationalist Congress Party President Sharad Pawar and Shiv Sena’s MP Sanjay Raut and Tourism Minister Aditya Thackeray, met civil society members, some industrialists, film personalities, but obviously she had no love lost for the state Congress.
The visiting leader’s shocker came during her brief media interaction, when she virtually blurted out – “What UPA? There’s no UPA now…” stunning the Congress and momentarily even the NCP supremo Pawar seemed dazed but kept his legendary cool.
An enraged Congress top brass hit back, though diplomatically – to avoid antagonising the Sena-NCP leaders or even remotely appear siding with the BJP – and harked on the grand old party’s contributions, the Gandhis’ leadership while blaming Banerjee’s “personal ambitions and ego” and painting the BJP as the real villain.
“The BJP is a threat to the Constitution and Democracy. Congress President Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi are constantly challenging the dictatorial attitude of the BJP,” said State Congress President Nana Patole.
The Congress Legislature Party Leader Balasaheb Thorat dismissively said, “no individual party can fight the BJP if that party only thinks of its own political gains and personal ambitions” and the Congress remains the sole viable option before the country.
AICC Secretary Sanjay Dutt said, “if there is one party which has been fighting fascist forces and standing up for the people of India, it’s the Congress”, and others are now posturing only to grab the ‘chair’ (power).
“If any other party leader makes any baseless, sarcastic or malafide comments about Rahul Gandhi, we will give a befitting reply and show them the mirror of their past stance and statements,” hissed Dutt.
State PWD Minister Ashok Chavan hit back at Banerjee saying the “Congress and its leadership needs no certification for its commitment to Democracy and Constitution, or its tireless struggle against the BJP’s policies”.
“Since before Independence, Congress has been fighting for the commoners, the rights of the people… The (BJP) central government is using the ‘divide-and-rule’ policy on the opposition parties. In such a scenario, it becomes the responsibility of all non-BJP parties not to indulge in politics that supports this policy of the Centre,” said Chavan sharply.
Patole pointed out how Rahul Gandhi has stood firm against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP, on the land acquisition law and the three black agriculture laws, the BJP’s divisive policies, inflation, unemployment, etc.
“The country is more important than personal ambitions or egos… A political party restricted to one state cannot provide an alternative to the BJP. Given the gravity of the situation, all like-minded parties must come together in the national interest,” urge Patole, adding only Congress is the viable option to the BJP.
Thorat cautioned that criticising Rahul Gandhi would only help the BJP which he has fearlessly challenged, plus the Congress and the entire Gandhi family has borne the oppression of the BJP, but they were not cowed down.
Some political commentators have claimed that despite the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) venturing into uncharted territories where it is barely known or has any base, ultimately they will need Congress support to form the government as it happened during the tenures of the former prime minister H.D. Deve Gowda or I.K. Gujral.
Besides Congress, even the Opposition BJP leaders attacked Didi, questioning her ‘private’ meeting with Shiv Sena leaders and asked whether Maharashtra would go the West Bengal way.
Crime
Thane Rural Police Arrest Titwala Man For Brutal Murder Of Missing Ola Driver

Mumbai: Thane Rural Police have arrested Adarsh Chandrakant Bhalerao from Titwala for the murder of missing Ola driver Nasir Ahmed.
Ahmed’s body was found in the jurisdiction of Otur Police Station near Malshej Ghat, while his blood-stained car was discovered in a forest near Govili village on the Kalyan–Murbad road.
Police traced the accused through CCTV footage and technical analysis, and the motive behind the murder is still under investigation.
The dead body with multiple wounds of a Ola driver Nasir Ahmed was found 90 km from Titwala in one of the forest, he was missing since last four days, his car was found in a pool of blood at abondoned place near Govali village, Kalyan Taluka police (Thane Rural) doing the further probe.
Maharashtra
Mahayoti’s big gift to the people of Mumbai… Now there is no tax for houses up to 500 square feet, the Municipal Corporation has increased this limit to 700 square feet.

Mumbai: Mahayoti has taken a big decision in the BMC (BMC) i.e. Mumbai Municipal Corporation and the property tax exemption limit for houses in Mumbai (Mumbai) has been increased. According to the new resolution, the proposal to increase the property tax exemption limit from 500 square feet to 700 square feet was unanimously approved. This decision was taken unanimously in the Municipal Corporation hall on Friday. Therefore, the people of Mumbai have received a big gift from the new Mahayoti and the new Mayor in the Municipal Corporation. Interestingly, earlier during the municipal election campaign, the Shiv Sena-MNS alliance had also promised to give a property tax exemption of up to 700 square feet in its manifesto. Earlier, residents of Mumbai did not have to pay any tax for houses up to 500 square feet.
However, now the Municipal Corporation has approved increasing this limit to 700 square feet. Due to this new property tax exemption, the municipality will have to bear a revenue and tax loss of about Rs 700 crore. Middle-class families living in slums and chals in Mumbai get flats free of cost from private developers under the Slum and Chal Rehabilitation and Group Redevelopment Scheme, however, given the financial condition of middle-class families, they are not even able to pay property tax for 500 sq ft flats. The rising expenses of raising a family, medicine, children’s education and property tax and maintenance of the flat cannot be borne, the middle class has no option but to sell their flats and move out of Mumbai so that the real Mumbaikars stay in Mumbai and they do not have to migrate or relocate from Mumbai. It is absolutely necessary to increase the property tax exemption limit. It is strongly felt that property tax on residential flats up to 700 sq ft in Mumbai area should be waived. In this resolution, in paragraph 1 above, the Mayor should be requested to make a suitable representation to the State Government as per the views expressed. Phanse gave this advice in the House. Now the proposal will be sent to the departmental officers for further administrative process. After this, it will go to the Law and Regulations Department. After completing all the legal verifications, the proposal will be presented to the Municipal Commissioner for final approval. After the Commissioner’s signature, a formal circular will be issued and the property tax exemption will be applicable to houses between 500 and 700 sq ft. This decision is likely to provide direct financial relief to thousands of families in Mumbai.
Maharashtra
International Women’s Day 2026: Maha CM Fadnavis, Shinde Share Messages Celebrating Women’s Courage & Achievements

Maharashtra: On the occasion of International Women’s Day on Sunday, March 8, several political leaders from Maharashtra took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to extend greetings and recognise the strength, resilience and contributions of women in shaping society.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis shared a video highlighting the important role women have played in India’s progress across sectors such as education, science, politics, administration, arts and industry. The video also showcased initiatives introduced by the state government to support women, including the Mahila Sanman Yojana and Lakhpati Didi Yojana, aimed at strengthening economic empowerment and opportunities for women in Maharashtra. Sharing the video, Fadnavis wrote, “Happy International Women’s Day! Celebrating the strength, resilience, and leadership of women, today and every day.
”Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also marked the occasion by sharing a message honouring women. Posting an image carrying the words, “From whose womb the entire world is born, that world power’s name is woman,” Shinde extended heartfelt wishes to women across the state.
Sunetra Pawar shared a video message praising women as the foundation and strength of society. She highlighted the courage, patience and determination with which women overcome daily challenges and inspire others. Referring to historic figures such as Jijabai, Ahilyadevi Holkar and Savitribai Phule, Pawar said their ideals continue to guide the journey towards women’s empowerment. She also described it as an honour to serve as a woman leader in Maharashtra’s government and reaffirmed her commitment to strengthening opportunities for women, concluding her message with the words, “Jai Hind, Jai Maharashtra.”
National Congress Party (SP) Leader Sharad Pawar also shared a message emphasising the transformative role women have played across fields including politics, education, culture, sports, administration and space exploration. He noted that despite facing discrimination and restrictive social traditions in the past, women have achieved remarkable success when given opportunities. Pawar urged society to oppose regressive mindsets and uphold the progressive legacy of Shiv, Shahu, Phule, and Ambedkar, as well as the ideals of inspiring figures like Rajmata Jijau, Savitribai Phule, and Ahilyabai Holkar.
Meanwhile, Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde paid tribute to historic women leaders through a video shared on the occasion. In the caption accompanying the video, Tawde highlighted the contributions of figures such as Jijabai, Savitribai Phule, Rani Lakshmibai and Anandibai Joshi, stating that their courage, intellect and struggles laid the foundation for the rights and progress women enjoy today. She added that carrying forward their ideals would be the true tribute to their sacrifices while extending greetings to women on International Women’s Day.
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