Maharashtra
Nawab Malik Returns To Maha Assembly With Ajit Pawar’s NCP Faction After 18-Month Jail Term; Sits On Treasury Benches
NCP leader and former Minister Nawab Malik, who spent 18 months in jail over an alleged money-laundering case, is reported to have aligned himself with the splinter group of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) led by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.
At the age of 64, Malik was incarcerated from February 2022 to August 2023 and is presently released on medical bail.
Ajit Pawar had earlier invited Malik to Nagpur for winter session
Previously, Ajit Pawar conveyed to the media that he had reached out to Malik, expressing a warm invitation, stating, “You are most welcome in Nagpur.” He further emphasised that Malik, being a senior leader, is fully capable of making independent decisions on such issues.
This morning, Malik traveled to Nagpur for the Winter Session of the Maharashtra Legislature and surprised many by visiting the office of a leader affiliated with the Ajit Pawar faction within the Vidhan Bhavan complex.
Nawab Malik sits on treasury benches
Despite a somewhat embarrassed yet smiling demeanor, he engaged with numerous legislators and officials, exchanging pleasantries, shaking hands, and acknowledging others with waves. This marked his first appearance in a legislative session in nearly two years.
As the legislative session commenced, Malik took a seat at the back of the treasury benches in the Assembly, providing confirmation of his support for Ajit Pawar.
Both NCP factions were trying to woo Malik
Nevertheless, high-ranking leaders of the NCP, including those associated with Sharad Pawar, in Mumbai and Nagpur refrained from providing comments on the unfolding events. Instead, they mentioned that “he (Malik) is a senior leader and must have made his decision after careful consideration of all aspects.”
Since his release on bail in mid-August, Malik had been courted by both the factions led by Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar. However, he had maintained a level of secrecy about his intentions, fueling speculation that has now been put to rest.
The Ajit Pawar faction, in October this year, had submitted a list of 42 MLAs to the Election Commission claiming their support. Nawab Malik was one among them.
From bashing BJP to becoming ally, Malik comes full circle
Malik had hit headlines when he took on NCB officer Sameer Wankhede over his raid and arrest of Aryan Khan in Coredlia cruise drugs case. Malik led the attack against the BJP while he was a minister in the MVA government, claiming that the saffron party was behind Wankhede’s act of extortion against superstar Shah Rukh Khan.
His crusade, however, was cut short as he was sent to jail over alleged transactions with the sister of fugitive Don Dawood Ibrahim. He was in jail while the party split. It was DCM Ajit Pawar who tried for his release and hence, it was speculated that he would side with the Ajit Pawar faction. As it became clear on Thursday that he has joined the Ajit Pawar faction, it would be interesting to see how he manages to maintain relationships with his former rival BJP, which has now become an ally of the faction he’s part of. Maharashtra politics, meanwhile, continues to throw surprises every now and then, making it clear that ideology and and long-standing views do not necessarily deter leaders from switching sides and positions.
Maharashtra
Mumbai Advocate Challenges Proposed Ban On Bakri Eid Qurbani In Housing Societies, Warns Of High Court Move

Mumbai, May 26: A legal representation has been filed before the Mayor of Mumbai, objecting to a proposed blanket ban on Bakri Eid Qurbani within housing societies, chawls and residential complexes across the city.
The legal notice, issued by advocate Faiyaz Alam Shaikh, challenges a civic communication dated 24 May 2026, arguing that a sweeping, indiscriminate prohibition on a recognised religious practice stands as arbitrary, disproportionate and legally vulnerable under Articles 14, 21 and 25 of the Constitution of India, which guarantee equality, the right to life and freedom of religion.
According to the notice, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) already possesses a robust, regulated framework for managing Bakri Eid permissions. This existing structure operates via designated locations, ward-level supervision and online permission channels, including the MyBMC portal.
Historically, regulated Qurbani arrangements have been permitted within approved premises and specific common areas of housing societies, provided they comply with sanitation norms, municipal licensing and No Objection Certificates (NOCs).
Shaikh contended that replacing an established, structured permission mechanism with a total ban—without any proportionality analysis or public consultation—violates basic constitutional tenets of fairness and non-discrimination.
The notice highlights that the Bombay High Court has consistently favoured strict regulation, hygiene and supervision over outright, indiscriminate bans.
Furthermore, the legal notice draws attention to the “Mumbai Qurbani Permission White Paper” submitted by Adv. Shaikh on 21 May 2026. The paper outlines comprehensive policy proposals, including uniform year-round regulatory guidelines, single-window permissions, strict veterinary and sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and a transparent grievance redressal mechanism.
The representation has urged the civic administration to reconsider the restriction and instead engage in consultation regarding the White Paper. Served as a preventive legal objection, the notice said that if no corrective action is taken, appropriate legal proceedings will be initiated before the Bombay High Court to quash the proposed ban.
Maharashtra
‘Bakre Ka Jawab Suvar Se Dena Hoga’: BJP MLA Sanjay Upadhyay Sparks Political Row Amid Mira Road Tension Ahead Of Bakra Eid

A fresh political controversy erupted in Mira Road after BJP MLA Sanjay Upadhyay made strong remarks while commenting on the ongoing dispute surrounding goats being brought into housing societies ahead of Bakra Eid.
The statement comes amid heightened communal tension in the locality, where clashes broke out earlier today over a temporary shed built for housing goats meant for Qurbani at Poonam Cluster Society.
Speaking to the media, Sanjay Upadhyay said the issue was not limited to Mira Road alone. Referring to another incident in Borivali, he claimed that a single family in Sumer Nagar society had brought six goats into the premises despite opposition from other residents.
The BJP MLA stated that the Maharashtra government has already issued clear guidelines prohibiting animal slaughter in housing societies and open public spaces. He added that all concerned departments had been informed about the rules.
Questioning those allegedly violating the guidelines, Upadhyay remarked that if goats could be brought into societies despite objections, then there should not be resistance if pigs were brought to such locations. He further said that if conflicts arise, “eet ka badla patthar se,”bakra la jawab suvar se” (brick should be answered with a stone, the goat will have to be answered with a pig).
The controversy began after municipal authorities demolished a temporary goat shed erected inside Poonam Cluster Society following complaints from Hindu residents and local organisations.
Later, tensions escalated when activists allegedly associated with Sakal Hindu Samaj and Bajrang Dal brought a pig near the Bakra Mandi protest site. Viral videos from the area showed protesters questioning why goats were being allowed into housing societies while objections were being raised against their protest.
The move led to heated arguments between members of two communities, prompting police intervention. Scuffles were reported from several spots, following which police carried out a lathi charge to disperse the crowd.
A heavy police presence remains in Mira Road as authorities continue monitoring the situation. Officials have appealed to residents to maintain peace and avoid circulating provocative messages or videos on social media.
Police are also examining footage from the incident and are expected to take action based on the findings of the investigation.
Maharashtra
Large-scale MD drugs racket busted in Agripara high-profile residence, accused investigated, alleged Bangladeshi also suspected, MD worth Rs 51 crore seized

Mumbai: The Kandivali ANC unit led by Mumbai Anti-Narcotics Cell Shashi Kant Jagdale has busted a major drug manufacturing racket. The accused were allegedly manufacturing MD drugs in a room of a high-profile residential building in Agripara. During the operation, the police seized 14 kg of MD and liquid MD worth around Rs 51 crore. The police have also recovered a pistol and 19 live cartridges from the accused. A total of three people have been arrested in this case, and further investigation is underway. One of these accused belongs to West Bengal. These accused used to make MD in Mumbai city. A pistol has also been recovered from one of the accused. Investigation is also underway to find out where he got this pistol from. Along with this, his documents are also being checked and it is also being ascertained whether this alleged Bangladeshi is not. DCP Nunath Dhole of Mumbai Anti-Narcotics Cell said that the police is investigating this matter from every angle, while the police has got a big success in which MD and liquid MD worth Rs 51 crore have been recovered. Investigation is also underway to find out how many people are involved in this network. The police is further investigating. This operation has been carried out by DCP Nunath Dhole of ANC on the instructions of Mumbai Police Commissioner Devin Bharti. The arrested accused have been identified as Muhammad Shoaib Shaukat Ali Mansoori, 31, of Yasmin Tower, Sufyan Saleem Mansoori, 28, and Reena Akhtar, daughter of Ashraf Al-Sikdar, 22.
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