Maharashtra
Opposition Demands Action Against Senior RSS Leader Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi For His ‘Learning Marathi Not Necessary In Mumbai’ Statement
Mumbai: Senior RSS leader Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi ignited a political controversy with his statement, “If you are residing in Mumbai, it is not necessary that you have to learn Marathi.” In a state where Marathi is regarded both as symbol of cultural and political identity, his statement raised political tempers leading to chaotic scenes in the state legislature on Thursday as the opposition parties tried to put the state government on the mat, demanding action against Joshi.
Such were the barbs by the Shiv Sena UBT, MNS, Congress and the NCP that the BJP-led Mahayuti government led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule vouched allegiance to Marathi, the state language. It also forced Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi to backtrack somewhat saying Marathi is Mumbai’s language and those coming from outside and speaking other languages should also understand it.
“Marathi is my native language and I take pride in it,” Joshi clarified, adding his remarks at the Ghatkopar event made on Wednesday which led to the controversy had been misconstrued. At an event in Ghatkopar on Wednesday, Joshi said, “Mumbai doesn’t have a single language. Each part of Mumbai has a different language. Ghatkopar area’s language is Gujarati. So if you are residing in Mumbai, it is not necessary that you have to learn Marathi.”
The Opposition pounced on the remark and raised a ruckus in both the houses of the state legislature pointing out that the state government has recently mandated the use of Marathi in various sectors and celebrated Marathi Bhasha Gaurav Din with great enthusiasm on February 27.
Responding to the demands by the Opposition leaders for clarity on the issue, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reaffirmed that Marathi is the language of Mumbai and Maharashtra. He insisted that everyone residing in the state should learn Marathi while also respecting other languages spoken by different communities. Fadnavis clarified that the government had no objection if individuals from other states conversed in their native languages but maintained that Marathi held a special status in Maharashtra.
Top leaders from the opposition parties, including Uddhav Thackeray lashed out over the statement. Shiv Sena UBT Chief Uddhav Thackeray demanded Joshi should be booked for treason. He accused the BJP following a “divide and rule” policy. He alleged that the party had previously divided people along caste lines and was now attempting to do the same through language.
Thackeray even likened Joshi to Anaji Pant, a historical figure who betrayed Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj to the Mughals. Thackeray challenged Joshi to make similar statements in states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, or West Bengal and see if he could return safely thereafter. He also demanded that Fadnavis take a firm stand against Joshi, just as he had labelled Prashant Koratkar a “chillar” (insignificant) person.
Thackeray urged the government to either take action against Joshi or admit that undermining Marathi in Mumbai was part of the BJP-RSS agenda. As protests intensified, BJP leaders attempted to control the narrative. State BJP President Chandrashekhar Bawankule clarified in the Legislative Council that the government remained committed to Marathi as the official language of Maharashtra.
In the Council, MLC Anil Parab slammed the government for not condemning Joshi’s statement. He wanted to know whether Ghatkopar, a predominantly Gujarati-speaking area, had no Marathi speaker and demanded that Joshi apologize to the Marathi-speaking population of Mumbai.
Maharashtra
Govandi is changing: Successful Talent of Govandi Festival filled with children’s artistic talents

Govandi: With the aim of changing the negative image of Govandi, notorious for drug addiction and crime, and providing a bright future for the children here, the Abu Asim Azmi Foundation, led by local MLA Abu Asim Azmi, has taken a big step. The foundation recently successfully organized the “Talent of Govandi Festival”, which was going on for the past one month.
The festival organized various competitions related to education, sports, skills and talents. Thousands of children from Govandi, Mankhurd, and Shivaji Nagar enthusiastically participated in more than 17 competitions, including singing, dancing, drawing, speech, mehndi, recitation, naat, handicrafts, rangoli, carom, boxing, cricket, volleyball, badminton, karate and poetry. The children performed brilliantly by showcasing their talents and hard work. The new and hidden talents of Govandi were introduced not only locally but also internationally. On this occasion, those IAS officers who added to the glory of Govandi were also honored. MLA Abu Asim Azmi, motivational speakers Sir Awadh Ojha and Sana Khan, and social media influencer Faizo among other dignitaries were present at the event. All of them encouraged the children and gave them prizes. The main objective of the festival was to encourage children to stay away from drugs and choose a better life and make their future bright, through which the talents of the children of Govindi were introduced to the whole world.
Maharashtra
Accused wanted in Madhya Pradesh murder arrested after 7 years from Dhoni

Mumbai: Paidhoni Police Station has traced the accused who was absconding for 7 years in a murder case in Madhya Pradesh and handed him over to the Madhya Pradesh Police. 6 November
From Katni district of Madhya Pradesh, Police Sub-Inspector Rishabh Singh Baghel, Dilip Kaul of Barhi Police Station informed Paidhoni Police that a case has been registered under sections 302, 294, 323, 324, 506, 147, 148 of the Indian Penal Code at Barhi Police Station, Katni district, Madhya Pradesh. The accused in this case is wanted for the last 7 years and is still hiding in the limits of Paidhoni Police Station in Mumbai, help has been sought from the police to trace him. This was informed to Hon. After which the higher officers were informed about this and the above wanted accused was searched and he was detained from the footpath near Balgi Hotel, P.D. Melo Road, Masjid Bunder East, Mumbai. Later he was brought to the Paidhoni Police Station and interrogated regarding the crime. Since there was evidence of his involvement in the crime, the said accused was handed over to the police team at the above police station, district. Katni and they took him to the Barhi Police Station. Where further investigation is underway. The accused has been identified as Raja Ram Ramadhar Tiwari, 35 years old. With the cooperation of the Mumbai Police, the Madhya Pradesh Police solved the case and the wanted accused has been arrested on charges of murder.
Maharashtra
Mumbai Weather Update: City Wakes Up To Clear Skies, Mild Breeze; Overall AQI Stays In Moderate Range At 78

wether
Mumbai: After weeks of unsettled weather and intermittent showers, the city finally woke up to clear skies and crisp air on Thursday, marking what appears to be the end of the monsoon season. For the past two days, no rainfall was recorded across Mumbai, signalling that the retreating monsoon clouds have made way for the onset of post-monsoon conditions.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the city is expected to experience clear skies through the day, with only a minimal chance of isolated light showers or thunderstorms in select pockets. Daytime temperatures are likely to hover around 33°C, while the minimum will settle near 23°C, conditions described as pleasant and comfortable for early November.
The recent spell of short but intense showers had not only brought temporary relief from humidity but also helped wash out accumulated pollutants, leading to an overall improvement in air quality. Prior to this, the withdrawal of monsoon winds had caused a spike in pollution levels due to stagnant air and increased vehicular emissions, resulting in a hazy skyline and reduced visibility.
Fresh data released by AQI.in on Thursday morning reflected this improvement. Mumbai’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 78, placing it in the moderate category. While the figure marks a slight dip from the good air quality recorded earlier in the week, it still represents a substantial improvement compared to the smog-filled conditions observed after monsoon withdrawal.
Residents across various parts of the city reported clearer skylines and visibly better air. Among the city’s monitoring stations, Wadala Truck Terminal recorded the highest AQI reading at 92, followed by Parel-Bhoiwada (90) and Mulund West (88). Santacruz East and Bhandup West both registered an AQI of 87, keeping them within the moderate range.
Cleaner air was observed in several western suburbs, where Kandivali East recorded an AQI of 45, falling in the good category. Malad West (59), Powai (62), Jogeshwari (65), and Borivali East (67) were all categorised as moderate, suggesting a consistent improvement across the city’s landscape.
As per AQI.in’s classification, an index between 0–50 is considered “Good,” 51–100 “Moderate,” 101–150 “Poor,” 151–200 “Unhealthy,” and anything above 200 is deemed “Severe” or “Hazardous.”
-
Crime3 years agoClass 10 student jumps to death in Jaipur
-
Maharashtra1 year agoMumbai Local Train Update: Central Railway’s New Timetable Comes Into Effect; Check Full List Of Revised Timings & Stations
-
Maharashtra1 year agoMumbai To Go Toll-Free Tonight! Maharashtra Govt Announces Complete Toll Waiver For Light Motor Vehicles At All 5 Entry Points Of City
-
Maharashtra1 year agoFalse photo of Imtiaz Jaleel’s rally, exposing the fooling conspiracy
-
National News1 year agoMinistry of Railways rolls out Special Drive 4.0 with focus on digitisation, cleanliness, inclusiveness and grievance redressal
-
Maharashtra12 months agoMaharashtra Elections 2024: Mumbai Metro & BEST Services Extended Till Midnight On Voting Day
-
National News1 year agoJ&K: 4 Jawans Killed, 28 Injured After Bus Carrying BSF Personnel For Poll Duty Falls Into Gorge In Budgam; Terrifying Visuals Surface
-
Crime1 year agoBaba Siddique Murder: Mumbai Police Unable To Get Lawrence Bishnoi Custody Due To Home Ministry Order, Says Report
