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Maharashtra

Yuvraj Chhatrapati Sambhajiraje scion withdraws from Rajya Sabha race

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Citing ‘self-respect’ and to prevent ‘horse-trading’, Yuvraj Chhatrapati Sambhajiraje, the scion of the Kolhapur throne, opted out of the Rajya Sabha race here on Friday.

Sambhajiraje – who was hoping to contest as an independent with the support of the extra votes of various parties and independents – said his decision arose out of ‘self-respect’, to prevent ‘horse-trading’ and concern for the masses who are his real strength.

The 13th direct descendent of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj also attacked Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, accusing him of “not honouring” his word to support his solo candidature and insisting that he (Sambhajiraje) should first join Shiv Sena before getting a ticket.

“For me the RS seat is not the concern… The welfare of the masses is more important for me… I will go on a statewide tour to strengthen the idea of ‘Swarajya’ now and see my strength,” said Sambhajiraje with a tinge of disappointment in his voice.

He said that two Sena MPs had met him in a five-star hotel recently to discuss the issue and conveyed the CM’s desire that Sambhajiraje should become a Shiv Sena member and the party would immediately nominate him for RS.

“I made it clear that I wish to contest as an independent and will not join any party for the RS ticket… Now, I shall have nothing to do with the RS elections,” Sambhajiraje declared.

He made it clear that he had no ‘angst or ill-will’ against any party as they all had their respective agendas to pursue and he respected their stand.

Sena MP Arvind Sawant denied Sambhajiraje’s allegations against the CM and blamed him for not accepting the Sena’s offer and missing a ‘great opportunity’.

“He was earlier an NCP member then what prevented him from joining Sena… You stick to your views, we stand by our opinions” said Sawant.

BJP Leader of Opposition (Council) Pravin Darekar slammed the Sena for ‘insulting and humiliating’ Sambhajiraje and said the people of the state will not forgive them.

Congress President Nana Patole said it desired Sambhajiraje to enter the Rajya Sabha and whether he is an MP or not, the Congress will always stand with him.

A few days ago, the Chhatrapati had announced his plans to contest the RS polls solo with the backing of all other parties like the ruling Shiv Sena-Nationalist Congress Party-Congress, the Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party, smaller parties and independents.

Though most parties kept silent, the Shiv Sena was prepared to offer him a ticket with a pre-condition that he should join the party as it wanted to increase its tally in the Upper House of Parliament.

Last week, the Sena invited him to CM’s residence to tie the ‘Shiv Bandhan’ and join the party, but Sambhajiraje spurned the offer.

A day later, Thackeray finalised the name of Shiv Sena Kolhapur District President Sanjay Pawar, who – along with Chief Spokesperson Sanjay Raut – filled their RS nomination papers on Thursday.

Maharashtra

Mumbai Police Arrests Man Who Abandoned Cancer-Stricken Grandmother In Aarey Colony Garbage Heap

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Mumbai: Mumbai Police on Thursday arrested 33-year-old Sagar Shevale for allegedly abandoning his grandmother, who is battling skin cancer, at a garbage dumping site in Aarey Colony on June 22. The shocking act of neglect has sparked widespread outrage and also led to the intervention by the Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission.

The accused, an office boy from Hanuman Nagar in Kandivali, reportedly confessed to police that he abandoned his grandmother, Yashoda Gaikwad, out of frustration. According to media reports which quoted his statement, he had spent a lot of money on his daughter’s treatment and was frustrated by repeated refusals by hospitals to admit her due to her deteriorating condition. Along with Shevale, police also arrested a relative and the driver of the autorickshaw used to transport Yashoda to the dumping site.

On June 22, around 8 am, police received an alert about an elderly woman lying in a garbage heap near Unit 32 in Aarey Colony, Goregaon. The woman was found in a severely injured and distressed state, with visible symptoms of a serious skin condition. She identified herself as Yashoda Gaikwad and informed authorities that her grandson had abandoned her earlier that morning.

Following this, the Aarey Police registered an FIR against Sagar Shevale under Section 24 of the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act and Section 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Shevale initially denied the allegations, claiming that Yashoda had left home while the family was out and he had no knowledge of her whereabouts. However, police dismissed this version, citing the implausibility of a seriously ill woman walking all the way from Kandivali to Aarey.

CCTV Footage Shows Shevale Accompanying Grandmother

To ascertain the facts, police reviewed CCTV footage from the area, which reportedly showed Shevale accompanying his grandmother toward the location where she was later found. Based on the evidence, authorities moved to arrest him, along with others involved in the act.

Yashoda Gaikwad was rushed to Cooper Hospital, where she is currently receiving treatment and remains under medical supervision. The Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission has demanded a comprehensive report from both police and civic authorities. Meanwhile, several NGOs have come forward, offering assistance and care for the elderly woman during her recovery.

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Maharashtra

Anti-drug awareness campaign in Mumbai: College and school students participated in anti-drug rallies and took pledge to stay away from drugs

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Mumbai: Mumbai Anti Narcotics Cell and Mumbai Police have jointly launched anti-drug awareness campaign and today on the occasion of Anti-Drug Day various programs were organized in which awareness against drug abuse and banner display against drugs and skits and dramas were also presented. Rallies were taken out against drug abuse in Kandivali, Borivali, Kasturba Marg, Samtanagar Dandoshi of Mumbai. On this occasion, NSS students of Shailendra College participated in the anti-drug campaign. Along with this, a rally was taken out by putting banners and posters on vehicles. 150 to 200 students participated in it. Anti-drug awareness campaign in Mumbai was organized at 7 places in Mumbai in which 4500 students participated and 40 schools and colleges also participated. This campaign was led by Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti and Joint Commissioner of Police Crime Laxmi Gautam DCPANC. Along with these rallies, students and participants involved in the rallies took a pledge to stay away from drugs and make the society free from it.

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Maharashtra

Maharashtra Legislature Monsoon Session Scheduled in Mumbai from June 30 to July 18

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Mumbai, June 26, 2025 — The Maharashtra Legislative Assembly and Council will hold their Monsoon session from June 30 to July 18, as announced at the meeting of the Legislative Work Advisory Committee. The session is set to take place at the Vidhana Bhavan in Mumbai.

The upcoming session is expected to see important discussions on various state issues, legislative amendments, and government policies. Leaders and members of the legislative assembly expressed their readiness to engage in deliberations aimed at addressing the concerns of citizens and advancing development initiatives.

The announcement has been welcomed by political parties across the spectrum, with expectations of productive debates and decision-making during this period. The committee emphasized the importance of the session in facilitating smooth governance and providing a platform for legislative deliberations.

Details regarding the agenda and schedule of the sessions will be shared soon, with the authorities urging all members to adhere to the protocols and ensure a collaborative environment throughout the period.

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