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Maharashtra

Thackeray-Shinde groups’ tug-of-war for Shiv Sena Dassehra Rally at Shivaji Park

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The historic Shivaji Park ground here has become the new bone of contention between the two rival Shiv Sena factions, both clamouring to hold the annual calendar event, the Dassehra Rally.

The Shiv Sena President and ex-Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray is facing competition from the rebel faction led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and even the Raj Thacekray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena is toying with the idea of a rally at the Shivaji Park.

The annual mega-rally held on Vijaya Dashami or Dassehra Day each year is expected to be a litmus test on the Shiv Sena and the Shinde Group’s claims that it is the ‘real Shiv Sena’.

Both the factions have applied to the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for permission to hold the public rally there on October 5.

Rajya Sabha MP Anil Desai, close to Thackeray has sought permission on behalf of the Shiv Sena, while Dadar MLA Sada Sarvankar has submitted an application on behalf of the Shinde Group.

When asked about it, CM Shinde skirted a direct reply and said: “There is still time now… We are now celebrating Ganeshotsav and Anant Chaturdashi, then Navratri and Dassehra will come… How can I predict everything now? You will come to know in some more time.”

Nationalist Congress Party President Sharad Pawar said while anybody has the right to hold their rally at Shivaji Park, he urged Shinde “to avoid a confrontationist approach” with the Opposition.

Shiv Sena’s fomer mayor Kishori Pednekar slammed the turncoats, claiming they are apparently suffering from a ‘Ghajini-syndrome’ – referring to the 2008 blockbuster starring Aamir Khan in which he suffers a rare type of amnesia.

“They are trying to erase history. They have forgotten it is the Shiv Sena which started the tradition and has been holding the annual Dassehra rallies at Shivaji Park from 1966. They are attempting to fuel a law-and-order situation,” said Pednekar agitatedly.

Hoping to cash in on the sentiments, MNS Spokesperson Sandip Deshpande said on Saturday that many party activists want Raj Thackeray to address the rally this year, but said the final call would come only from the party chieftain.

NCP’s Leader of Opposition Ajit Pawar said since they (Shinde Group) have power, they will try everything to get the Shivaji Park for their rally, and it is possible both (Thackeray and Shinde) may be allotted the venue for back-to-back rallies.

Shiv Sena’s Spokesperson Dr. Manisha Kayande, senior leader Ambadas Danve and others have slammed the Shinde Group for attempting to hijack the traditions initiated by the late Balasaheb Thaceray.

Founding the Shiv Sena on June 19, 1966, Balasaheb Thackeray had held his maiden Dassehra Rally at Shivaji Park – also known as the ‘Cradle of Indian Cricket’ – and since then it became his signature event.

Since the past 55 years, it has remained an unbroken tradition – except twice, in 2006 owing to torrential rains and in 2009 as it clashed with the Assembly elections – and a ‘must attend’ for all Shiv Sainiks in the state.

After Balasaheb Thackeray passed away on November 17, 2012, he was accorded a public funeral with his last rites performed in a corner of his favourite venue with several lakhs in attendance.

In 2020, the Dassehra rally was held online and in 2021, it was at the Shanmukhananda Hall, addressed by the former chief minister Uddhav Thackeray owing to the coronavirus pandemic restrictions, but this time he has cracked the whip on the Shiv Sena to make full preparations at Shivaji Park — a stone’s throw away from Sena Bhavan, the party landmark headquarters since 1977.

Maharashtra

Dhule Alert: Crores of rupees recovered from a room in a government rest house – Case registered against three including PA of Panchayat Raj Samiti Chairman Arjun Khotkar

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Dhule, Maharashtra: The case of recovery of crores of rupees in cash from room number 102 of the government rest house in the district has created a stir in political circles. In this case, the police have registered a case against three people including Kishor Patil, personal assistant (PA) of Panchayat Raj Samiti President Arjun Khotkar.

According to sources, the police raided the government rest house located in the heart of Dhule city on the basis of secret information.

During the search, a huge amount of cash was recovered from room number 102, the estimated value of which is being told in crores. The police suspect that this amount was brought for political use or illegal transactions before the municipal elections.

On the basis of the investigation so far, the police have registered a case under the Indian Penal Code and Prevention of Corruption Act against Kishor Patil, considered close to Arjun Khotkar, and two other persons – whose identity has been kept confidential for the time being.

Giving information to the media, Dhule Superintendent of Police said, “The matter is being investigated in depth. The legal validity of the recovered amount, its source and what it was going to be used for – is being investigated. The interrogation of the accused is going on and if needed, other people will also be brought under the ambit of interrogation.” Meanwhile, this matter has created a stir in the political corridors. The opposition has lodged a strong protest calling it a case of “black money” of the ruling party. At the same time, no official response has come from Arjun Khotkar so far. Further action: At present, the police have seized the cash and the process of sending it for forensic investigation has been started. The interrogation of accused Kishore Patil and two other persons is going on. The police is also trying to find out on whose instructions and for what purpose this cash was brought to the rest house.

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Maharashtra

Major Reshuffle in Mumbai Police: Multiple DCPs Transferred

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Mumbai, May 30, 2025: In a significant administrative move, the Mumbai Police Establishment Board has ordered the transfer of several Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs), following a meeting held on April 30, 2025. The reshuffle aims to enhance operational efficiency and streamline law enforcement across the city.

Part A: Internal Transfers within Mumbai Police

  1. Krishna Kant Upadhyay, previously in charge of Headquarters-1, has been transferred to serve as DCP, Zone 3.
  2. Dattakishan Salgar, who was with the Prohibition and Narcotics Branch, will now head Zone 10.
  3. Mahesh Bhanushali Chimte, earlier in charge of Protection, has been posted to Zone 11.
  4. Narayana Dakhale, who was posted in Zone 6, will now lead the Special Crime Branch.
  5. Vijaykant Namdev Samar, transferred from Zone 7, has been appointed as Port Police DCP.
  6. Prashant Ashokdas Pardeshi, previously responsible for Mantralaya Security, has been posted to Traffic (South).
  7. Ninit Gokhale will now serve in the Special Force Unit (Anti-Naxal Operation).
  8. Vikas Kavade, from Zone 9, has been transferred to Special Branch-2.
  9. Purushottam Ramrao Kale, formerly with Crime Branch-1, is now posted to the Andheri Crime Branch.
  10. Salim Bh. Gulate, previously in Zone 10, will now serve as DCP (Crime Branch, General).

Part B: Transfers from Outside Mumbai to Mumbai

  1. Sameer Arshad Shaikh, Police Officer from Satara (transferred on 23/04/2025), has been posted as DCP, Zone 6.
  2. Rakesh Aol, Police Officer from Akola (transferred on 26/04/2025), has been posted as DCP, Zone 7.
  3. Raj Tilak Roshan, Assistant Commissioner of Police (Law & Order), Maharashtra State, Mumbai (transferred on 27/04/2025), has been posted to the Disclosure Department.

All newly appointed officers have been instructed to take charge immediately and confirm their joining with the Senior Administration Office (PS-3). This major reshuffle is expected to bring fresh leadership to crucial zones and departments within Mumbai Police and is seen as a step toward strengthening the city’s law and order mechanisms.

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Maharashtra

Mumbai Police DCP Internal Transfer Dutta Nalawde Zone 10 and Aslam Shaikh Zone 6 appointed

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Mumbai: Internal transfers have been made in Mumbai Police, under which Krishna Kant Upadhyay has been transferred to Zone 3, he was earlier in Police Headquarters 1. DCP Detection Datta Nalawade has been transferred to Zone 10 and Sachin Ganjal has been transferred to Preventive. Mahesh Chamte has been transferred from Protection to Zone 12, Zone 6 Nunath Dhule to Anti-Narcotics Cell, Zone 7 Vijay Kant Sagar to Sea Protection Port Zone, Prasant Pardesi Mantralaya to Traffic South, Nimit Goel from LA to STF EOW, Zone 3 Dattatre Kamble SB 1, Parshottam Karad Cyber ​​Crime, Aslam Sheikh has been transferred to Zone 6. Rakesh Ola has been transferred to Zone 7, Raj Tilak Roshan to Detection Crime Branch, DCPs.

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