Maharashtra
Shinde-Fadnavis combine loses no time to dismantle MVA legacy

Barely hours after they were sworn-in on June 30 evening, the new Chief Minister Eknath S. Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis indicated that they meant business.
One of the first major decisions was to strike down the erstwhile Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) proposal to construct the Mumbai Metro 3 car-shed in Kanjurmarg, instead of the lush green Aarey Colony — where it was originally planned by Fadnavis during his tenure as the CM (2014-2019).
The Shinde-Fadnavis’ move, though anticipated, attracted howls of protest from greens, activists and even former CM Uddhav Thackeray — who was like a �godfather’ to Aarey Colony — and his son ex-Minister Aditya Thackeray.
A sad Thackeray publicly appealed, with �folded hands’ to Shinde-Fadnavis, not to bring back the Metro car-shed to Aarey Colony forests in the interests of Mumbai and the city’s environment, while Aditya urged the new regime not to vent their angst against the Thackerays on Mumbaikars.
Fadnavis responded with the right noises that he would �respect’ Thackeray’s sentiments before taking any final decision and days later, uprooted the Additional Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide to reinstate her as the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (MMRCL) Managing Director.
In October 2019, as the then MMRCL MD, Bhide — often regarded as the �mother-in-law’ of Mother Nature, had shocked the nation when Aarey Colony overnight got a massive haircut — 2,141 trees were chopped off in barely 40 hours, or @1 tree/minute�!
Thackeray Jr., Congress workers, green groups and activists have been fuming and protesting at the new regime’s latest reversal, but Bhide is entrusted with the task of pushing through the contentious proposal.
After the MVA allies, Shiv Sena-Nationalist Congress Party, had scuttled the Centre’s plans to construct the terminus for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project in the Bandra Kurla Complex, the Shinde-Fadnavis ministry took a relook at the much delayed mega-project.
They have resolved to build the Bullet Train terminus at the original intended BKC site and ordered the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to shut down and pack up its 2-year-old Covid Jumbo Field Hospital there within 2 months, by September.
In another jolt, the government has scrapped over 4,000 big and small water conservation projects in the state worth more than Rs 5,000 crore, designed to make the state �drought-free’ by 2025.
However, in contrast, the government has decided to �revive’ the “Jalyukt Shivar Project”, the pet scheme of Fadnavis when he was the CM, but which was struck down by the MVA.
The Thackeray regime had based its decision on an open enquiry into the project after the CAG expressed doubts about the JST’s effectiveness, and later a probe panel had submitted a report highlighting various irregularities in that scheme.
The government has also opted to bring back the Emergency Pension Scheme, introduced by Fadnavis in 2018, rewarding those who had undergone jail terms during the Emergency (1975-1977), considered a dark chapter in Indian history.
The MVA government had yanked off the EPS — Fadnavis suspects it was done under pressure from the Congress — which entitled a pension of between Rs 5000-Rs 10,000 depending on the period of imprisonment the beneficiary had undergone.
Shinde also struck down the decision cancelling direct election of village Sarpanches and Municipal Council Presidents – introduced in 2017 by Fadnavis, and which was removed by the Thackeray government in 2020.
These reversals or cancellations have taken place despite an assurance by the Shinde-Fadnavis government that they would refrain from dumping any policies, projects or schemes of the MVA, unless they are found to be absolutely inessential.
However, giving a minor concession, the three-week old government assured that it would �review’ the MVA’s proposal to rename Aurangabad as �Sambhajinagar’ and Osmanabad as �Dharashiv’. The AIMIM has cried foul and the Nationalist Congress Party had dissociated itself from the original move.
Now, the Sena-NCP-Congress combine is worried that the axe could fall on several other mega projects it had launched during the 31-month-long MVA rule.
Of particular concern are the Rs 1,600-crore water desalination plant to make Mumbai self-sufficient in drinking water, and the ongoing Mumbai Coastal Road Project — both intended to be �show-pieces’ of the Shiv Sena ahead of the BMC elections.
Maharashtra
Police are busy removing loudspeakers from mosques under pressure from Kirit Somaiya, a case will be registered against Kirit Somaiya for spreading religious hatred: Abu Asim Azmi

Mumbai: Mumbai Maharashtra Samajwadi Party leader Abu Asim Azmi, while addressing a press conference of the Federation of Mosques at the Marathi Patrikar Singh in Mumbai, said that the country will run on the Constitution and the Bombay High Court’s decision against all religious places and the principles of noise pollution, but under the guise of this, BJP leader Kirit Somaiya is targeting only Muslims and claiming to remove loudspeakers from mosques. He is constantly putting pressure on the police, therefore, a case has been demanded to be registered against him on charges of creating hatred between two communities, spoiling the environment and spreading religious hatred. Otherwise, the court will also be approached to register a case so that a case can be registered against him as soon as possible. Abu Asim Azmi said that the local Hindus have no objection to the call to prayer and the loudspeakers of mosques, but action is being taken on the complaint of some mischievous elements.
The environment is being spoiled only for the sake of vote bank. Removing the loudspeakers of mosques poses a threat to law and order. Therefore, the police should also pay attention to this because in Mumbai too, a conspiracy is being hatched to create division between Hindus and Muslims and spread religious hatred. He said that an example of how religious hatred is being spread in Maharashtra and communalism is on the rise is that a student in Kokan did not raise the slogan of Pakistan Zindabad but his house was razed to the ground. If someone insults Chhatrapati Maharaj, then RR Patil had talked about bringing James Lennon from America. He said that removing loudspeakers from mosques is illegal, a nation is being targeted. Bhajan singing continues throughout the night in UP. Why is no action taken against it? Under pressure from BJP leader Kirit Somaiya, the police is forced to remove the loudspeakers of the mosque. A case should be registered against Kirit Somaiya because he is trying to spoil the atmosphere by promoting communalism. It is demanded from the Police Commissioner that he should not allow the removal of the loudspeakers of the mosques because they use loudspeakers within the legal framework.
Advocate Khalid said that the action is underway on the loudspeakers of mosques. The Bombay High Court had given a decision in which guidelines were issued. A new petition was filed in the High Court in which the Jago Nehru Nagar petition was filed. In this, the court has referred to the decision issued in 2016, in which guidelines were set. It has identified all the things. Whatever decision has been issued regarding noise pollution, the High Court has said in its order that all noise pollution has been banned in religious ceremonies. This decision has not been implemented for any single religion. In this decision, the court reviewed the interim order. The court has observed that permission is required before using loudspeakers. Decibels have also been fixed. When the mosque sought permission for loudspeakers, they were given permission. In both the decisions, the structure of the loudspeakers has not been fixed. Box type is being allowed, which is not included in the High Court decision. If the speakers installed in the mosque protest against noise pollution, then action will be taken against them.
A warning should be given on the first complaint, a notice for the second time, and a fine and action is available for the third time. It is also necessary to run an awareness campaign regarding noise pollution. No single religion has been targeted, it is applicable to all religions. Advocate Yousuf Abrahani said that due to the provocation of Kirit Somaiya, a conspiracy has started to spoil the atmosphere. The police are now going to every mosque and harassing the preachers, imams and trustees of the mosques. The law is the same and equal for all religions, but why is the law being used only on Muslims? This matter will soon be referred to the court. The beer bar’s license is until 12 o’clock, but the bar remains open all night. The police do not take action on this, but they get a salary from here, so the police are silent and take action only on mosques.
Maharashtra
Police on High Alert for Bakra Eid: Action Against Communal Elements, Says Police Commissioner Ashutosh Dumbre

Mumbai: As Bakra Eid approaches, the Thane police have heightened vigilance against communal elements and initiated actions to curb any attempts to disturb peace. In a press briefing, Police Commissioner Ashutosh Dumbre emphasized the importance of maintaining law and order during this festive period. He stated that strict enforcement of the prohibition on cow slaughter in Maharashtra is mandatory, and violators will face severe consequences.
To ensure a peaceful environment, the police have increased patrolling in sensitive areas, including Kalyan, Ulhasnagar, Rabodi, Bhiwandi, and Mumbra, which have significant Muslim populations. Dumbre mentioned that additional deployment of forces will be in place during Bakra Eid and other festivities in the region.
The police commissioner emphasized that adherence to the guidelines set forth by the Municipal Corporation during the festival is essential. In collaboration with community leaders and scholars, the police have held meetings to ensure communal harmony. The Qureshi community reassured the police that they will refrain from sacrificing prohibited animals, underscoring a commitment to following the law.
To facilitate the arrival and purchase of goats before Eid, the police have stepped up patrols to prevent any potential difficulties. Precautionary measures have also been established to safeguard livestock traders from harassment. It is mandatory for goats and sacrificial animals to be air-tagged, which will only occur after a veterinary examination.
Commissioner Dumbre reiterated that Islam is a religion of peace and that fostering communal harmony is crucial during this time. In light of the upcoming festivities, the police have issued an alert within the police commissionerate. Special arrangements will be made at Eidgahs and mosques during Bakra Eid. He urged Muslims to conduct their rituals with dignity by avoiding the display of bloodied clothing and weapons and to transport meat discreetly in sealed bags or containers.
The police’s proactive stance aims to ensure that Bakra Eid is celebrated peacefully while upholding the laws of the state. Community cooperation and adherence to regulations will be key in making this festive season a harmonious occasion in Mumbai.
In Maharashtra, there is a complete ban on cow slaughter, and necessary instructions have been given to the police regarding this. Strict action will be taken against anyone who violates this ban. It was stated that cleanliness is half of faith, so during the process of sacrifice, waste and other items should be packed in bags and disposed of in bins, adhering to the guidelines and Islamic methods for sacrifice. The police commissioner advised that photos and videos of the sacrifice process should not be taken, as many people upload these images and videos on social media, which may hurt the religious sentiments of others and pose a risk of spreading religious hatred. The police commissioner urged Muslims to avoid such actions.
Maharashtra
Special Court Denies Bail To Gangster Chhota Rajan In 2005 Arms Recovery Case

Mumbai: The special court for the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), hearing the cases against incarcerated gangster Chhota Rajan, has refused to grant him bail in a 2005 case of recovery of a huge quantity of arms and ammunition. The court noted that the trial would be over in a few months, and at this juncture, his request cannot be considered.
As per the prosecution, Rajan and his close aide Bharat Nepali had imported a container consisting of 27 drums of grease from Bangkok, and one of them was found to conceal 34 revolvers, three pistols, a silencer, and 1,283 live cartridges. This came to light with the arrest of Nepali’s henchman Mukund Patel, who on May 21, 2005, was found with a revolver with two live rounds in the vicinity of Lata Bar and restaurant near Kandivali (W) railway station.
During interrogation about the source, he had revealed it was part of the consignment ordered by Rajan and Nepali. Later, Patel guided the investigating team to the Nhava Sheva Port, where the drum with the weapons was. It was revealed that the consign – ment had reached Mumbai on May 18, 2005, and the same was also cleared by Customs officers.
While seeking bail, Rajan’s lawyer contended that he had been falsely implicated and that he had already suffered incarceration of nearly 10 years after his arrest in the case in November 2015. The plea was opposed by the prosecution on the ground that there is enough evidence against Rajan. He contended that the officer who had interrogated Rajan had identified his voice in an intercepted audio recorded in September 2005.
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