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Maharashtra Govt Formation: BJP To Secure 22 Ministerial Berths In New Cabinet, Shinde Sena 12, Ajit Pawar’s NCP To Get 10, Claims Report

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Maharashtra Govt Formation: BJP To Secure 22 Ministerial Berths In New Cabinet, Shinde Sena 12, Ajit Pawar's NCP To Get 10, Claims Report

Mumbai: The suspense over Maharashtra’s next Chief Minister is nearing its end, with final decisions revolving around cabinet allocation and leadership. Reports suggest the cabinet will include 42 ministers, distributed as 22 for the BJP, 12 for the Shiv Sena and 10 for Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction.

The BJP is crucially negotiating key portfolios, including Home, which signals its intent to solidify control following its election dominance. It is yet officially unclear that who gets what in the Maharashtra cabinet.

A decisive meeting in Delhi between Devendra Fadnavis, Eknath Shinde, Ajit Pawar and Union Home Minister Amit Shah was aimed at resolving outstanding issues. The meeting, seen as pivotal, concluded with expectations of an imminent announcement pending approval from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Shinde Hints At Leaving CM Post For Fadnavis

Eknath Shinde earlier on Wednesday cleared the way for Fadnavis to take the top post, stating that he will abide by the BJP’s central leadership’s decision. “I will not be an obstacle. We trust whatever PM Modi decides,” Shinde reassured reporters. His comments showed his willingness to prioritise coalition stability over personal ambition.

Shinde’s role within the new setup remains uncertain. Several reports suggest he may be appointed as Deputy Chief Minister or offered a central role. However, other reports quoting Shiv Sena sources indicate he may stay in the state cabinet.

The BJP’s insistence on Fadnavis for the Chief Minister position comes after its strong performance in the recent Assembly elections, where it secured 132 out of 288 seats. However, the decision is not without challenges.

Challenges Ahead Of Making Fadnavis Maharashtra CM

Caste dynamics are at play, with Fadnavis being a Brahmin, while most MLAs are from the Maratha community. The BJP is navigating these complexities, with Amit Shah consulting senior leaders, including Vinod Tawde, to address potential backlash. Maratha leader Manoj Jarange-Patil’s past remarks against Fadnavis add to the sensitivities.

Beyond leadership, the shape of the cabinet is critical. The proposed allocation mirrors the alliance’s electoral strength, reinforcing the BJP’s dominant position. Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction and the Shiv Sena will also secure substantial roles, maintaining a balance within the coalition.

With all key players in alignment and assurances given, the focus now shifts to formalising these decisions. Today’s developments are expected to shape Maharashtra’s political landscape majorly, with the BJP keen to consolidate its position both through leadership and strategic control of key ministries.

Maharashtra

FDA conducts major raid on cosmetics store in Jogeshwari, seizes unlabeled toilet soap

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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.

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Maharashtra

AIMIM Govindi corporator’s husband Atiq Khan banished from city for a year, makes emotional appeal to public on social media and apologizes

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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.

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Major hurdle in completion of expansion project in Mumbai railway network, several projects are facing delays due to encroachment on railway lands, RTI reveals

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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.

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