The ‘INDIA’ alliance organized a march to the Supreme Court in Delhi, attended by Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and Members of Parliament from the alliance. Following this protest, it appears that the ‘INDIA’ alliance has adopted an aggressive stance. Commenting on the protest, Eknath Shinde remarked that yesterday was a ‘black day’ in the country’s history. He observed that the Constitution and the constitutional institutions established by Babasaheb were trampled upon. An unprecedented event occurred where a march to the Supreme Court was undertaken to exert pressure. Condemning the actions of Rahul Gandhi and the ‘INDIA’ alliance, he stated that no amount of condemnation would be enough. While acknowledging their right to protest in a democracy, he questioned the method of leading a march merely to file a petition. He emphasized that they should apologize for attacking India’s judicial system. Claiming that they are actively working to destroy the Constitution and strangle democracy, he added that the current situation poses a danger to the country. He expressed suspicion regarding the involvement of foreign forces, suggesting it could be part of an international conspiracy. Eknath Shinde said, “It is extremely unfortunate that they are pushing the country towards chaos; this is dangerous for the nation.” He added that since they cannot win elections or defeat the Prime Minister, they are resorting to such tactics. Shinde also leveled serious allegations, stating that the opposition is undermining the country’s freedom. Attempts are being made by foreign powers to destabilize the country. He emphasized the need to consistently speak out against their anti-national mindset. They operate under the conviction that they will not come to power at the Centre; this very thought drives their daily actions. It was the opposition itself that once attempted to destroy the Constitution. Referring to the Emergency, Shinde asked: if an Emergency were in place today, would protests even reach the Supreme Court? Nowadays, everyone is free to express their views. Is the current situation an Emergency, or was that the Emergency? Back then, everything was shut down. Is it right to march towards the judiciary and insult it? They talk about ‘breaking India’ and protest while threatening to leave the country. They know their demands are flawed; they are aware they will not get justice because their demands are baseless. They had protested against the increase in voter turnout. Now, if names are removed from the voter list, they protest—even though ‘Form 6’ exists to ensure no injustice occurs. It was merely a drama staged by ‘immature’ (shortsighted) people, all for the sake of gaining power. This is an insult to Lord Shiva; they lack wisdom. If the ‘third eye’ were to open, the ‘INDIA’ alliance would be wiped out. When people gather, they simply step out of their homes; they do not have to travel far—they find a ready-made platform and join in. They simply want to speak out against Modi. They claim that Modi has rendered them unemployed, so what other option do they have but to protest?

Mumbai, Oct 13: Highlighting Maharashtra’s competitive edge, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday affirmed that the state stands at the forefront of creating a robust ecosystem for industrial investment across sectors.

Speaking at the launch of the Maharashtra-UK Partnership program, the Chief Minister urged UK-based institutions and business leaders to actively invest in the state.

CM Fadnavis stated that Maharashtra offers a well-established framework integrating skilled manpower, capital, and technology.

To facilitate swift execution for investors, he assured that all state agencies concerned would seamlessly coordinate through the ‘Invest Maharashtra’ single-window platform.

He emphasised that the visit of the high-level UK delegation—comprising Secretaries of State, Mayors, and senior officials—was not merely a ceremonial visit, but a concrete initiative to transform shared ambitions into active businesses and formal agreements.

Following bilateral talks between the state leadership and the UK delegation, formal Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were exchanged to expand cooperation across critical growth sectors.

CM Fadnavis pointed out that Mumbai bridges international finance, trade, and entrepreneurship directly with global markets. Concurrently, Pune has developed into a major hub for engineering, automotive manufacturing, and Information Technology (IT).

Under the New Education Policy (NEP), international institutions are now permitted to establish campuses in Maharashtra. Institutions such as the University of Bristol, University of York, and University of Aberdeen are setting up physical footprints in the state. Key upcoming projects like EduCity, MediCity, and AI Innovation City will bring together world-class research and global talent pool under one framework, said the CM.

According to the CM, the state offers immense potential for clean energy and sustainability initiatives, including industrial decarbonisation, energy efficiency, water resource management, intelligent transit systems, and resource recycling. The state government pledged complete support for global firms establishing Global Capability Centres (GCCs) and R&D facilities.

The strategic tie-up will unlock export potential for local manufacturers, food processing industries, technology startups, and small-scale entrepreneurs across Maharashtra, allowing them access to new markets and consumer bases in the United Kingdom, he stated.

Speaking at the occasion, UK Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds highlighted that Maharashtra is the most natural entry point for UK businesses expanding into India.

“Maharashtra was chosen for its distinct economic strength, political stability, and strong leadership. The economy of Maharashtra alone exceeds that of Norway in Europe. We have not come here merely to sign a piece of paper; we seek tangible results and success. We look forward to working together to accelerate growth for both nations,” Reynolds remarked.

The UK delegation also included Dame Angela Eagle (Secretary for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Scotland), Douglas Alexander (Minister of State), Sophie Bryce (Director of EU and International Trade), Harshbir Sangha (UK Deputy Trade Commissioner for South Asia), Harjinder Kang (UK Trade Commissioner for South Asia and Deputy High Commissioner for Western India), alongside visiting British Mayors and officials.

Mumbai, Oct 13: Former Shiv Sena-UBT leader Anand Dubey on Tuesday urged the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi to pursue what he called positive politics, support Indian industrialists over foreign entrepreneurs and publicly congratulate Captain Smit Machchhar for his bravery.

Speaking to media, Dubey said the Congress was an old party with sufficient resources to support its workers, but Rahul Gandhi should also focus on constructive politics.

“You (Rahul Gandhi) are one of the leading Opposition leaders; you should engage in positive politics. Please do not choose Elon Musk; please choose Indian industrialists,” the former Shiv Sena-UBT leader said, adding that keeping the country’s money within India would demonstrate commitment to the nation.

He also called on Rahul Gandhi to congratulate Captain Smit Machchhar, whom he described as a national hero.

“If your (Rahul Gandhi’s) conscience is awake, it is not too late to congratulate Captain Smit Machchhar. If you can do it, the nation will stand with you,” he said, adding that such a gesture would demonstrate Rahul Gandhi’s commitment to Indian politics.

Dubey said India, with a population of around 147 crore, had established itself as a country that could engage with major powers, including China, Russia and the United States, and see eye to eye with them.

The former Shiv Sena-UBT leader also shed light on his resignation from the party and said, “I was keen on politics since my college days. I worked for the Youth Congress for 14-15 years. However, I always listened to Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray. I considered Swami Vivekanand as my idol; Bhagat Singh and Rajguru are my idols. I have grown up adhering to the values of Chatrapati Maharaj; thus, Shiv Sena became very dear.”

Dubey said he joined the Shiv Sena in 2019, when it was aligned with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), but became increasingly uncomfortable as the party moved closer to the Congress.

Despite his reservations over the Shiv Sena-BJP coalition’s breakdown in 2022, he noted that he continued working as a spokesperson and political debater, articulating the party’s position.

Dubey said he eventually decided to resign because he disagreed with the Shiv Sena-UBT’s political direction, including what he described as its failure to uphold the legacy of Hindutva idealogue Veer Savarkar.

“When I saw that leaders of my party (Shiv Sena-UBT) are going at Coackroach Janta Party’s platform, supporting them, following Congress, and are not talking in the lines of Veer Savarkar or, for that matter, not praising the Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his bravery, who saved so many lives, and in lieu of that supporting insects like ‘Cockroaches’, I thought I should resign,” he added.

Dubey said he believed Balasaheb Thackeray would have blessed his decision, describing himself as a Shiv Sainik, a devotee of Lord Ram, a Sanatani and a right-winger.

He added that he could not support a political position that, in his view, treated Lord Shiva and Lord Ram as separate.