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Maharashtra

NCP fields ex-BJP leader Eknath Khadse for MLC polls in Maharashtra

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The ruling ally Nationalist Congress Party has rehabilitated a former senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader, Eknath Khadse and nominated him for the upcoming MLC biennial polls, here on Thursday.

NCP State President and Minister Jayant Patil also announced the second candidate, present Chairman of Legislative Council Ramraje Naik-Nimbalkar as the party’s second candidate for the June 20 elections.

Patil expressed hope that both candidates will win the polls and work to serve the people of the state.

Incidentally, the name of Khadse – who joined NCP in October 2020 – also reportedly figures in the list of 12 nominees pending with Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari since the past over 18 months.

On Wednesday (yesterday), Shiv Sena, Congress and Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party also announced their candidates for the biennial elections to 10 seats in the Maharashtra Legislative Council.

The Sena has fielded former minister Sachin Ahir and Amasha Padvi, and contrary to expectations, it has dropped two senior leaders – Industry Minister Subhash Desai and former minister Diwakar Raote – for the MLCs polls.

The Congress named ex-minister Chandrakant Handore and Mumbai party President Bhai Jagtap for the MLC elections.

BJP’s Leader of Opposition (Council) Pravin Y. Darekar, ex-minister Prof Ram S. Shinde, state organisation leader Shrikant Bhartiya, women’s wing leader Uma G. Khapre and a sitting member Prasad M. Lad.

Belying speculation, the party did not nominate BJP national secretary and ex-minister Pankaja Munde, the daughter of former union minister the late Gopinath Munde.

However, an ally Sadabhau Khot is likely to file his nominations and contest as the sixth candidate supported by BJP.

The polls for the 10 MLC seats shall be held on June 20, 10 days after the much keenly contested Rajya Sabha elections for 6 seats, due on Friday.

The biennial polls shall be held to fill up the vacancies of retiring members including Naik-Nimbalkar, Ravindra Phatak, Sanjay Daund, Surjitsinh Thakur, Vinayak Mete, Darekar, Desai, Raote, Lad and Khot.

The polls for the 10 upper house seats shall be held exactly 10 days after the much keenly contested Rajya Sabha elections for six seats, scheduled for a photo-finish on Friday, June 10.

All the 287 Members – one Shiv Sena MLA Ramesh Latke recently passed away reducing the total strength of 288 – of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly constitute the electoral college for both these indirect polls.

Maharashtra

Crackdown on illegal street vendors in Andheri, Mumbai Municipal Corporation’s ‘K-Waste’ department takes action, citizens are relieved

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Mumbai: Around 200 unauthorised hawkers and additional structures on footpaths in Ram Ganesh Gadkari Marg (Arla Marg) area of ​​Andheri (West) in Mumbai were evicted by the Mumbai Municipal Corporation’s ‘K-West’ department yesterday (January 29, 2026). The operation, as per the instructions of Municipal Corporation Commissioner and Administrator Bhushan Gagrani, was conducted under the guidance of Deputy Commissioner (Zone-4) Bhagya Shri Kapse, and Assistant Commissioner (K-West Division) Chakrapani Ale. Unauthorised additional structures were found on footpaths connecting Swami Vivekananda Marg and Gulmohar Marg in Andheri (West) and on Ram Ganesh Gadkari Marg (Arla Marg) adjacent to the entrance of Dr. No. Cooper Hospital. It was also observed that unauthorised hawkers have set up shops in this area. It was creating obstacles for ambulances bringing patients to Cooper Hospital in case of emergency and for pedestrians to walk on the footpaths.

In this context, an eviction drive was launched by the ‘K-West’ administrative department of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation. Under this, around 200 unauthorized hawkers and unauthorized additional structures established on the footpaths in this area were evicted.

The eviction was carried out with the help of 04 encroachment removal vehicles, 03 JCBs and other equipment. During this operation, an adequate police force including 100 officers and employees of the Municipal Corporation were deployed. Local representatives and citizens are expressing satisfaction over this action. The Municipal Corporation administration has made it clear that regular evictions against unauthorized structures will continue in the future.

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Crime

Mumbai Crime: One Critical Among 5 Injured After Violent Group Clash Breaks Out In Nagpada, 13 Detained

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Mumbai: A violent confrontation between two groups erupted in South Mumbai’s Nagpada area late Thursday night, leaving several people injured and sparking a massive police response. Authorities have confirmed that one individual remains in critical condition following the brawl, which has once again put the spotlight on the volatile security situation in the densely populated area.

According to the Mumbai Police, the altercation broke out between two local groups over a financial dispute that escalated rapidly. What reportedly began as a verbal spat soon turned into a physical battle.

A video of the clash has surfaced on the internet shows the exact moments of the violent situation. Two men can be seen lying on the road, probably unconsious after participating in the brawl. Five to six other men can be seen weilding rods and sticks engaged in a fight, in full public view.

The violence resulted in five to six individuals sustaining serious injuries. They were rushed to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment. Medical officials confirmed this morning that while most are stable, one victim is currently in critical condition and is battling for life in the intensive care unit.

The Nagpada Police arrived at the scene shortly after the violence peaked to disperse the crowd and restore order. Heavy police deployment remained in the area throughout the night to prevent any retaliatory attacks or further communal or localised tension.

In a swift crackdown following the incident, the Mumbai Police have detained 13 individuals suspected of involvement in the clash. The police have officially registered a case against the accused parties under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including Section 109 and Section 191.

As of Friday morning, the situation in Nagpada is reported to be under control, though an uneasy calm prevails. Security has been beefed up at key intersections, and patrolling has been intensified.

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Maharashtra

Mumbai: Ajit Pawar’s plane crash investigation handed over to central agency, inquiry started after state government’s recommendation, agency in possession of black box

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Mumbai: The investigation into the plane crash of the state’s Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar (Ajit Pawar Baramati plane crash) will now be conducted by a central agency. The Air Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has started an investigation into the accident and after receiving its report, it will be sent to the state government. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had written a letter to Union Aviation Minister Kanjrapu Ram Mohan Naidu requesting an investigation into the accident. After this, the Union Minister gave this information in a letter written to the Chief Minister.

The Air Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has started an investigation. The black box of the aircraft has been seized. An investigation has been started as per the Aircraft Accident and Incident Rules. This will be done in a transparent and time-bound manner.

All the technical records, operational details, facts available at the accident site are being investigated. The Ministry has taken note of our request to control such incidents in future and steps will be taken in this regard as soon as the investigation report comes. The cooperation of the Maharashtra government in this investigation will also be valuable for us. The local administration will help in this. We will also give this complete investigation report to the state government.

A very senior leader like Ajit Pawar died in a plane crash. Along with him, 4 others have also lost their lives in it. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had demanded that the exact reasons for this accident should be investigated. He also demanded in the letter that immediate steps be taken to ensure that such accidents do not happen in the future.

Ajit Pawar’s last rites
The last rites of the state’s Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar were performed in a mournful atmosphere in Baramati. Ajit Pawar died in a plane crash in Baramati yesterday. After which the entire state is in mourning. Ajit Pawar’s last rites were performed at the Vidya Pratishthan Ground in Baramati in the presence of lakhs of fans, supporters and leaders of all parties.

The untimely death of Ajit Pawar has shocked the entire state. Senior leaders of all parties including senior leader Sharad Pawar, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, MNS President Raj Thackeray and others were present at the Vidya Pratishthan. Amidst the slogans of Ajit Dada Amar Rahe, Partha Pawar and Jay Pawar performed the last rites of Dada with tearful eyes. It seems that Dada’s departure has created a big void in the politics of the state.

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