Mumbai, July 9: Nationalist Congress Party (SP) chief Sharad Pawar’s decision to hold a party meeting in Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s chamber at the Vidhan Bhavan has triggered fresh friction within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), with Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut accusing senior leaders of conferring legitimacy on “traitors”.

Raut also slammed Pawar for meeting Deputy CM Shinde.

Af a press conference, Raut further asserted that senior leaders should refrain from giving political legitimacy and dignity to “traitors.”

Acknowledging Pawar’s political stature, Raut stated, “Sharad Pawar is undoubtedly a towering leader and a highly respected figure. However, holding a party meeting under the roof of a traitor who brought down our government erodes and dilutes the credibility of such a stature. Eknath Shinde has plagued Maharashtra with treachery and corruption. Why did Pawar Saheb choose his chamber for a meeting? Was the entire Vidhan Bhavan deserted? They have the YB Chavan Pratisthan. This is the firm opinion of our loyal grassroots workers.”

Taking a swipe at the accommodating nature of the NCP SP chief, Raut added, “We will never step into a traitor’s office to hold our party meetings. We are not that tolerant, nor do we possess such a large heart. Let those who are big-hearted do as they please, but this is unacceptable to us. Such compromises are precisely why the NCP(SP) loses its credibility among the public.”

Expanding on the emotional fallout within the opposition alliance, Raut claimed that the entire coalition was upset. “Had we been in his position, we would have never held a meeting in Ajit Pawar’s chamber either. We would have remembered his betrayal toward Sharad Pawar and maintained political decorum. All constituents of the Maha Vikas Aghadi must uphold these basic principles,” he urged.

Referring to Wednesday’s high-level meet at the Vidhan Bhavan, ostensibly called to discuss the Maharashtra-Karnataka border dispute, Raut questioned its outcome.

“What actually transpired in that meeting remains unknown. How many top leaders of the state did the Chief Minister invite? Shiv Sena UBT is a major political party and a key component of the border-dispute agitation. This case has been pending for decades. What is the solution? What was discussed, and what is the date for the next meeting? These questions remain unanswered. Sharad Pawar going into Eknath Shinde’s office and conducting his own party’s meeting there is something that has genuinely hurt Shiv Sena UBT,” he noted.

Accusing Sharad Pawar of legitimising the ruling dispensation, Raut threw a political gauntlet, “Sharad Pawar is giving dignity to traitors, and Shiv Sena is highly restless because of it. If you continue to bestow prestige upon traitors, you lose the moral right to speak out against the defection that took place within your own party.”

Questioning the double standards, Raut asked, “Ajit Pawar also committed treachery. Why then did you approach the courts and take a stand against him? We are relentlessly fighting against Eknath Shinde — why are you giving him legitimacy? This has struck a painful chord with us.”

Raut clarified that his outburst was purely political and not personal. “My relationship with Sharad Pawar is rooted in deep affection and warmth, but I stand firm when it comes to my party’s stance. If veteran leaders continue to dignify traitors, the state’s image will inevitably suffer. I can speak to Sharad Pawar at any time, but as a political party, this matter is deeply serious for us. We will never sit under the roof of those who betrayed you.”

Mumbai, July 9: Around 3,000 LPG cylinders were swept away by floodwaters after a protective wall at the HPCL Patalganga LPG Bottling Plant in Maharashtra’s Raigad district collapsed following heavy rainfall.

Videos circulating on social media showed hundreds of gas cylinders floating in the swollen Patalganga River, drawing large crowds of onlookers who recorded the unusual sight from a nearby bridge.

According to officials, relentless rainfall caused the plant’s protective boundary wall to give way, allowing floodwaters to enter the facility. The powerful current carried away thousands of LPG cylinders, which were washed into the Patalganga River and Kharpada Creek.

The district administration said some of the cylinders may still contain LPG, prompting authorities to issue a public safety advisory. Amazed citizens were seen recording visuals of the floating cylinders from a bridge.

Raigad Collector Kishan Javle urged residents not to touch, collect, or attempt to use any cylinders found floating in the river or washed ashore. He appealed to citizens to immediately inform the authorities or hand over the cylinders to designated collection points.

Residents can deposit the recovered cylinders directly at the HPCL plant, any nearby HPCL dealer, the Tehsildar Office in Khalapur, the Tehsildar Office in the concerned area, or the office of the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO).

The administration has advised people against storing the cylinders in their homes or handling them without proper safety measures.

“There is no guarantee whether the cylinders washed into the river contain gas or whether they are in a safe condition. Picking them up, opening them, or taking them home out of curiosity or for use could be extremely dangerous,” the collector said.

Heavy rainfall has continued to batter several parts of Maharashtra over the past week, triggering floods, waterlogging, and overflowing rivers. Raigad remains among the worst-hit districts, with widespread flooding affecting normal life and prompting authorities to remain on high alert.

Mumbai: The Maharashtra Legislative Assembly has passed an amendment aimed at strengthening the legal framework governing dance bars across the state. The move seeks to address regulatory gaps that authorities believe have been used by some establishments to operate under different categories of entertainment licences instead of obtaining licences specifically meant for dance bars.

According to the government, the amendment is intended to ensure that all establishments offering dance performances or similar entertainment activities are regulated under a single legal framework. The revised provisions are expected to enhance transparency in the licensing process and improve enforcement by the concerned authorities.

The government stated that the amendment is designed to prevent misuse of orchestra or live performance permissions for activities that fall within the scope of the dance bar law. Officials said the changes will help create uniform standards for licensing, monitoring and compliance across hotels, restaurants and bar rooms where such performances are conducted.

During the Assembly proceedings, the government maintained that the legislation aims to uphold the law while safeguarding public order and ensuring that entertainment venues function within the prescribed legal framework. It also emphasized that the amendment seeks to protect the dignity and rights of women working in the sector while discouraging illegal practices.

The amended legislation will come into effect after completing the required legislative and legal formalities. The state government is expected to issue detailed implementation guidelines for licensing authorities and enforcement agencies in the coming weeks.