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Maharashtra

‘We don’t laugh at the same joke again and again’: Fadnavis takes dig at Rahul Gandhi

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Nagpur, Feb 7: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday hit back at Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, after he raised concerns over the rise in voter numbers during the Maharashtra Assembly elections.

Taking a swipe at Gandhi, Fadnavis said, “Rahul Gandhi is firing cannonballs in anticipation of his party’s defeat in the Delhi elections. After the Delhi results, Congress will be wiped out. He is simply practicing how to spin a new narrative. But we don’t laugh at the same joke over and over again.”

Dismissing Gandhi’s concerns over voter numbers, Fadnavis added, “The Election Commission has already provided all answers regarding voter lists — where names were added, where they were deleted — so there’s no need for further clarification. Rahul Gandhi knows the Delhi results will be a disaster for Congress, so he’s preparing his script in advance.”

He further criticised the Congress leader, saying, “As long as Rahul Gandhi keeps avoiding real introspection and instead focuses on misleading statements, there is no possibility of a Congress revival.”

Fadnavis’ remarks came after Rahul Gandhi, joined by Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut and NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule, at a press conference in Delhi on Friday questioned the Election Commission of India (ECI) on how 9.7 crore votes were cast when Maharashtra’s adult population stands at 9.4 crore. Gandhi clarified that the opposition was not making accusations but was merely demanding transparency in the voters’ list.

However, his comments drew sharp criticism from the ruling BJP and its allies.

Shiv Sena Parliamentary Party chief Shrikant Shinde demanded a public apology from Rahul Gandhi, stating, “He must apologize not just to Maharashtra but to the entire nation for his reckless remarks. He should accept the will of the voters with humility instead of habitually trying to discredit India’s electoral integrity for short-term political gains.”

Shinde further asserted, “Maharashtra witnessed its highest voter turnout in 30 years, a testament to the strength of our democracy. Full credit goes to the Election Commission and Maharashtra’s Chief Electoral Officer for ensuring a free and fair election.”

Mumbai BJP chief and state IT Minister Ashish Shelar accused Rahul Gandhi of indulging in “public melodrama” instead of reflecting on Congress’ defeat. “Rahul Gandhi and the Congress are still reeling from Maharashtra’s rejection,” he said.

Maharashtra BJP president and state Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule expressed similar sentiments, stating, “The Congress and its allies have not recovered from the shock of their crushing defeat. Instead of accepting the people’s verdict, they are casting doubt on voter turnout. The Election Commission has repeatedly clarified the increase in voters, yet they continue to make misleading allegations, undermining democracy.”

Bawankule also linked Gandhi’s remarks to the upcoming Delhi Assembly election results, saying, “As the inevitable defeat looms, he is trying to shift focus to Maharashtra’s election process. This is nothing but desperation.”

Taking a further jab, he remarked, “Supriya Sule, who sat next to him at the press conference, had previously said, ‘I won on this EVM.’ But Rahul Gandhi, who thrives on political stunts, refuses to acknowledge the truth. Rahulji, believe in democracy — stop defaming it with baseless allegations. The people have already seen through your lies.”

NCP chief spokesperson Anand Paranjape also dismissed Gandhi’s claims, attributing them to Congress’ fear of an impending defeat in Delhi.

“Since the Census has not been conducted yet, some discrepancies between the population and voter lists are expected. Moreover, the increase in voter numbers between Lok Sabha and Assembly elections is natural, as all parties push for new voter registrations. The Election Commission has also increased the number of polling stations, which further explains the rise in voter turnout,” he explained.

Maharashtra

Now Pay Parking Fees Via FASTag in Mumbai As BMC Cracks Down On Fake Parking Attendants

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Mumbai: In a major relief for Mumbaikars, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced that all on-street parking payments in the city will soon be made through FASTag, eliminating the menace of fake parking attendants and manual cash transactions.

Under the new system, vehicle owners parking at designated BMC lots will have to scan a QR code linked to their vehicle’s FASTag account, through which the parking fee will be automatically deducted. The initiative aims to curb rampant overcharging, bribery and unauthorised parking agents who often fleece citizens under the guise of official parking staff.

“We’ve received numerous complaints from citizens about bogus parking attendants charging arbitrary fees. By switching to FASTag-based payment, we are bringing transparency, safety, and convenience to the parking experience,” a senior BMC official told Maharashtra Times.

The new digital parking model will first be rolled out at selected BMC-managed parking lots and later expanded citywide, covering over 100 official parking zones. A dedicated app will also be launched to help Mumbaikars locate available slots, check rates and get digital receipts for all transactions.

Currently, parking violations and extortion rackets have been a persistent problem across Mumbai, particularly in high-traffic areas like Dadar, Andheri, CST and Bandra, where illegal parking agents pose as civic staff.

Authorities believe this move will plug revenue leaks, improve compliance and reduce traffic congestion caused by haphazard parking practices.

With this shift, Mumbaikars can expect a more secure, cashless and scam-free parking experience powered by technology and accountability.

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Maharashtra

Maha Monsoon Session: Opposition Stages ‘Lungi Protest’ Condemning ‘Chaddi Baniyan Gang’; Mock MLA Sanjay Gaikwad’s Assault On Canteen Manager

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Mumbai: Opposition leaders staged a dramatic protest on the steps of the Maharashtra Vidhan Bhavan on Wednesday, condemning the recent assault by Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad on a canteen manager. The protestors, dressed in red lungis and vests, mimicked Gaikwad’s attire in the viral video where he was seen physically attacking the manager over stale dal served at the Akashwani MLA hostel canteen.

Opposition leaders including Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC Ambadas Danve and NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) leader Jitendra Awhad, led the protest. Chanting slogans like “We Condemn the Chaddi Baniyan Gang,” the leaders called out Gaikwad’s behaviour as unbecoming of a public representative and demanded strict action.

What Is The Controversy?

The controversy erupted last Tuesday when Gaikwad allegedly assaulted the canteen manager with punches and kicks, enraged over what he claimed was stale and substandard food. Though a non-cognisable offence was registered by the Marine Drive police, neither the assaulted manager nor the catering contractor filed an official complaint.

Gaikwad later defended his actions, claiming that the poor food quality was a long-standing issue, despite multiple complaints over the years. “I’ve been eating there for 30 years, and nothing has improved,” he asserted, warning he would react the same way again if faced with similar circumstances.

Sena UBT Demanded Sanjay Gaikwad’s Suspension

The incident triggered widespread backlash after the assault video circulated on social media, drawing criticism from across party lines. In the state assembly, Shiv Sena UBT leader Anil Parab demanded Gaikwad’s immediate suspension, stating that such violence sets a dangerous precedent. “This is not just about food; it’s about accountability and public trust in elected representatives,” Parab said.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis acknowledged the gravity of the situation and said that Gaikwad’s conduct was unacceptable. “It tarnishes the image of the legislature and affects public confidence,” he said during the assembly proceedings.

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Maharashtra

Mumbai: BMC Doubles Property Tax For Shops Without Marathi Signboards, To Cancel Licences

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Mumbai: In a major enforcement move, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced that shops and establishments across the city failing to display name boards in Marathi will now face double the property tax starting May 1, 2025. Additionally, illuminated signboards not in Marathi will result in immediate licence cancellations, the civic body stated in a press release.

The crackdown comes in the wake of continued non-compliance with a rule mandating that all commercial establishments must display signboards in Marathi, using Devanagari script in bold. BMC has so far fined 343 shops a cumulative ₹32 lakh after holding hearings for violations. In 177 other cases, court proceedings led to fines totalling nearly ₹14 lakh.

Further intensifying the drive, the civic body has sent out legal notices to 3,040 establishments that are yet to update their signage.

According to Rule 35 and Section 36C of the Maharashtra Shops and Establishments Rules, 2018, and the 2022 amendment to the Act, Marathi signage is legally mandatory. The Supreme Court had given all shops a two-month deadline ending November 25, 2024, to comply.

Apart from licence suspension for illuminated non-Marathi boards, new licence renewal charges have also been revised upwards — ranging from ₹25,000 to ₹1.5 lakh per shop or establishment.

The BMC maintains that this is not only a compliance issue but a step toward preserving and promoting the Marathi language and identity in Mumbai’s commercial landscape.

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