Mumbai: Former Uttar Pradesh chief minister and Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday reacted sharply to the suspension of party MLA Abu Azmi from the Maharashtra Assembly over his recent controversial remarks praising Mughal ruler Aurangzeb.

In a post on X, Akhilesh slammed the action against Abu Azmi, saying, “If the basis of suspension starts getting influenced by ideology, then what difference will remain between freedom of expression and slavery.”

Defending the SP MLA, he said, “Whether it is our MLAs or MPs, their fearless wisdom is unmatched. If some people think that by ‘suspension’ one can put a rein on the tongue of truth, then this is the childishness of their negative thinking.”

“Today’s free-thinking says, we don’t want BJP!” he added.

Akhilesh Yadav’s response came hours after Abu Azmi was suspended from the House till the end of the Session.

The suspension came a day after Abu Azmi apologized for his remarks on Tuesday, stating that his words had been misinterpreted. In a video statement, Abu Azmi clarified that he was merely citing historical accounts and had no intention of disrespecting any revered figures.

However, soon after his apology, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde stated that the SP MLA would not be forgiven and “his statement will cost him”.

Thane: People from some suburbs in Maharashtra’s Thane district have demanded MEMU local train services on Nashik-Titwala and Pune-Ambernath sections, citing the need for a better rail connectivity.

Ambernath and Titwala are towns located in Thane district.

A delegation representing the residents recently submitted a memorandum their demand to railway authorities.

Talking to reporters on Wednesday, a member of the delegation said the growing population and increasing commuter needs necessitate a direct train service in these regions.

They have supported their request with a report prepared by a railway official some years back on the technical feasibility of operating a 16-coach MEMU (Mainline Electric Multiple Unit) train on these routes.

In view of the technical and logistical concerns, the delegation member pointed out that Vande Bharat trains, which are wider than MEMU trains, operate safely in these Western Ghats section.

Mumbai: Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray on Wednesday blamed Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde for allegedly being behind several scams in the state. He also urged the Chief Minister to dismiss Shinde from his position.

Speaking to the media today during the Maharashtra Legislature’s budget session, Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray said, “Several scams have taken place through Eknath Shinde. Chief Minister should dismiss Eknath Shinde because he did MMRDA scam, BMC scam, road scam…”

About Maharashtra Budget Session

The Maharashtra Legislature’s budget session began on Monday and will conclude on March 26. The session is expected to focus on key issues, including the Maharashtra-Karnataka border dispute, investments and welfare schemes.

In his address, the Governor reaffirmed the government’s commitment to resolving the Maharashtra-Karnataka border dispute and stated that expert advocates have been appointed to represent Maharashtra in the Supreme Court.

He also emphasized the state’s focus on the welfare of Marathi-speaking people in the border areas through various educational and healthcare schemes. Highlighting Maharashtra’s position as a leading industrial state, the Governor noted that the state contributes over 14 percent of India’s total GDP and remains a top destination for foreign direct investment.

Governor Speaks On Davos MoUs

“At the World Economic Forum in Davos in January 2025, the Maharashtra government signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) worth over Rs 15.72 lakh crore with 63 national and international companies. These agreements are expected to create more than 15 lakh employment opportunities in the state,” he said.

“Our government is committed to fostering industrial growth and generating employment opportunities. To attract investment, we have planned to disburse investment promotion subsidies amounting to Rs 5,000 crores to various industries in the state. Through the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation, we will also allot approximately 3,500 acres of industrial plots to support and encourage industrialization,” the Governor added in his speech.

The State Budget for the fiscal year 2025-26 will be presented in both Houses of the legislature on March 10 by Ajit Pawar, who also holds the portfolio of Finance and Planning. During the Budget Session, the Legislative Assembly will continue working on March 8, a public holiday.