Mumbai/Thane, Sep 1: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday hailed India as it registered a real GDP growth rate of 7.8 per cent in the first quarter of the 2026–27 financial year (Q1 FY27, April–June 2026) under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi reflecting the country’s progress.

Chief Minister Fadnavis in his post on social media platform X said, “Yehi hai right choice, Bharat! Let’s keep going the same way, same direction. 7.8 per cent growth in such times prove our potential and possibilities as a Nation with PM @narendramodi’s leadership! Congratulations Bharat!”

On the other hand, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said that India’s economy continues to demonstrate strong growth with a 7.8 per cent GDP expansion at a time when several nations globally are grappling with conflict and economic fallout.

“This reflects economic progress and stability, this marks another key step toward achieving the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’,” The Deputy Chief Minister added.

Speaking to reporters on the country’s economic outlook, Deputy CM Shinde expressed confidence that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is moving steadily toward becoming an economic superpower and achieving its target of a $5 trillion economy.

He assured that the Maharashtra government will contribute significantly to this journey.

Highlighting the adverse global backdrop, the Deputy Chief Minister noted that ongoing wars and geopolitical conflicts have impacted multiple world economies.

“In contrast, India’s 7.8 per cent growth rate presents a highly promising picture and signals the nation’s rising economic strength.”

Deputy CM Shinde emphasised that every citizen should take pride in the nation’s strengthening economy.

However, he criticised the opposition parties for taking a negative stance on national progress due to political bias against PM Modi.

He remarked that appeals made by the Prime Minister are always aimed at national interest, upliftment, and growth, but are often viewed through a narrow political lens by his critics.

“Instead of questioning progress, everyone should contribute toward accelerating development,” Deputy Chief Minister Shinde added.

Reaffirming the state’s commitment, the Deputy CM said that Maharashtra will fully cooperate with the Central government to reach the $5 trillion target and realise the ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ roadmap.

He asserted that India’s economic strides are a matter of pride for all 140 crore citizens, adding that the public will appropriately respond to those opposing the country’s growth.

Mumbai: A cleanliness drive was launched in the presence of Maharashtra Legislative Council Deputy Chairman Sachin Ahir at Worli Koliwada in Mumbai. The main objective of the drive is “Clean Worli, Beautiful Worli”. The drive started from the Worli seafront. During the event, Sachin Ahir told reporters that the local residents have expressed their concerns to MP Dr. Shrikant Shinde. He explained that they are facing various problems due to the dirt in the area. Dirt also poses a risk of health problems. Taking the concerns of the local residents seriously, Dr. Shrikant Shinde decided to start a cleanliness drive in the entire area. The drive started from the Worli seafront. Soon the entire area will be cleaned. Sachin Ahir said that the local people had appealed to Shrikant Shinde to solve their problems. He said that Worli is an important part of Maharashtra. Whether the local MLAs discharge their duties properly or not, it is the responsibility of the government to address the concerns and problems of the residents. Under this commitment, the entire area will soon be cleaned. Sachin Ahir further explained that a comprehensive mechanism is being created to resolve all the problems of Worli, even to resolve small issues and provide basic amenities. This campaign will not be limited to just one day but will continue throughout the year.

Sachin Ahir’s response to the opposition on SIR

Regarding the opposition’s allegation that more than 2 crore names were removed from the voter list during the SIR process, Sachin Bhau Ahir said that it is a political allegation. He questioned what the opposition BLOs were doing while the SIR process was going on. He told the opposition that there is still time. Instead of making allegations, they should work on re-registering the names of those in whose name the opposition is doing politics. He said that the process is still ongoing and efforts should be made to register all eligible individuals.

Mumbai, Sep 1: The Railway Protection Force (RPF) intensified its crackdown on activities compromising the safety and convenience of railway passengers in the Mumbai Central Division in August, taking action in 2,581 cases involving unauthorised entry, illegal vending, trespassing into women’s and PwD coaches, transportation of alcohol and other passenger safety violations.

During the month-long campaign, the RPF collected approximately Rs 32.26 lakh in fines under various provisions of the amended Railway Act. The action sent a clear message that there would be no leniency towards those violating rules on railway premises.

Under the guidance of Senior Divisional Security Commissioner, Mumbai Central, Santosh Kumar Singh Rathore, teams formed by ASC Surat, ASC Virar and ASC Mumbai Central, led by SIPF In-charge Santosh Soni, along with other staff, conducted a comprehensive enforcement campaign throughout August.

The primary objective of the campaign was to ensure a safe environment for railway passengers and curb activities that compromise security and passenger amenities on railway premises.

The RPF took major action against unauthorised entry onto railway tracks. As many as 985 individuals were apprehended under Section 147, and a fine of Rs 4,92,500 was collected from them. The action was aimed at reducing the risk of accidents and preventing people from entering restricted railway areas.

To ensure the safety of women passengers, the RPF also took action against men and outsiders entering ladies’ coaches without authorisation. A total of 83 individuals were apprehended under Section 162, and fines amounting to Rs 2,07,500 were collected. The enforcement drive was aimed at ensuring a safe and comfortable travel environment for women.

The RPF also took action against people travelling in coaches reserved for Persons with Disabilities (PwD). A total of 474 individuals were apprehended under Section 155 for unauthorised travel, and approximately Rs 9.48 lakh in fines was collected. The action was intended to protect facilities specifically reserved for passengers with disabilities.

The force also acted on complaints involving extortion, misbehaviour and nuisance caused to passengers on trains and railway stations. As many as 211 transgender persons were apprehended under Section 145-B. The action was aimed at providing relief to passengers from activities such as alleged extortion and harassment.

A separate campaign was launched against the illegal transportation of alcohol on railway premises, during which 32 individuals were caught. The RPF said the action was aimed at curbing such activities and strengthening passenger safety.

The RPF also launched a major crackdown on unauthorised hawkers selling goods at railway stations and on trains. As many as 774 unauthorised vendors were apprehended under Section 144, and fines totalling Rs 15,48,000 were collected. The action was aimed at controlling unauthorised commercial activities and improving security on railway premises.

Action was also taken against people parking vehicles in no-parking zones on station premises. Six individuals were fined a total of Rs 3,000 under Section 159. Three individuals were fined Rs 6,000 each under Section 167 for smoking.

The RPF also took action against people pasting posters and stickers on local trains and railway coaches. Ten individuals were apprehended under Section 166 and fined Rs 20,000. The action was aimed at preventing the defacement of railway property.

In another incident, a man was caught dangerously travelling on the footboard of a moving train and was fined Rs 1,000. Such enforcement is intended to prevent accidents and injuries caused by passengers travelling in an unsafe manner.

The RPF also took action against a man for unnecessary alarm chain pulling, which resulted in the train being stopped without a valid reason. In another case, a suspected habitual criminal was caught allegedly stealing a passenger’s luggage, highlighting the force’s continued vigilance regarding the safety of passengers and their belongings.