News for '-chhatrapati'

Sena MLA booked for slapping canteen worker, threatens MIM leader

Sena MLA booked for slapping canteen worker, threatens MIM leader

Rediff.com12 Jul 2025

A non-cognisable offence is being filed against Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad in connection with the assault of a canteen worker at the MLA hostel. The incident sparked outrage after a video surfaced showing Gaikwad assaulting the worker over allegedly stale food.

Remove protected monument status of Aurangzeb's tomb: Shiv Sena to Centre

Remove protected monument status of Aurangzeb's tomb: Shiv Sena to Centre

Rediff.com27 Mar 2025

The Shiv Sena, a ruling party in Maharashtra, has demanded the removal of the protected monument status from Aurangzeb's tomb in Khultabad. This demand comes after protests and calls for the tomb's demolition from organizations like the Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) protects the tomb as a monument of national importance. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has stated that the state government will protect the tomb but will not allow the glorification of Aurangzeb.

Security tightened at Aurangzeb's grave amid calls for its removal

Security tightened at Aurangzeb's grave amid calls for its removal

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

Following calls for the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's grave, authorities in Maharashtra, India, have increased security at the site. Visitors are now required to show identification before entering. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has staged protests and submitted memorandums demanding the grave's removal, citing Aurangzeb's history of conflict with the Marathas and his persecution of other religious groups. The caretaker of the grave has maintained that the situation is peaceful and that visitor numbers have declined since the controversy arose.

Calling a 'gaddar' a 'gaddar': Uddhav on Kunal Kamra row

Calling a 'gaddar' a 'gaddar': Uddhav on Kunal Kamra row

Rediff.com24 Mar 2025

"Kamra merely expressed his views. He stated the facts and voiced the public opinion," Thackeray told reporters at Vidhan Bhavan in south Mumbai.

Maha leaders rebuke BJP MP Dubey's 'patak patak ke...' dare

Maha leaders rebuke BJP MP Dubey's 'patak patak ke...' dare

Rediff.com8 Jul 2025

"I feel no one can reject the contribution of Maharashtra and Marathi people in the history and present of the country. If someone is rejecting it, then I feel it is wrong," Fadnavis said.

No govt money for upkeep of Aurangzeb's tomb, says MNS

No govt money for upkeep of Aurangzeb's tomb, says MNS

Rediff.com1 Apr 2025

The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has demanded the removal of decorations and installation of CCTV surveillance at the tomb of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, Maharashtra. The party also wants a board to be installed at the site stating that Aurangzeb was buried there after trying to "finish" the Marathas. The demands come amid a push by right-wing outfits to remove the tomb. The MNS's memorandum comes amid demand by right-wing outfits to remove Aurangazeb's tomb. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said whether people like the Mughal emperor or not, his tomb is a protected monument, but his glorification will not be allowed.

6 Historicals To Look Forward To

6 Historicals To Look Forward To

Rediff.com25 Feb 2025

The blazing success of Vicky Kaushal's Chhaava has laid out a path for more eventful year at the movies, as an exciting line-up of historical biopics queue up for the big screen.

Removal of Aurangzeb's grave won't serve any purpose: Athawale

Removal of Aurangzeb's grave won't serve any purpose: Athawale

Rediff.com16 Mar 2025

Union Minister Ramdas Athawale has voiced his opposition to the demand for demolition of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's grave in Maharashtra's Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, saying its removal will not serve any purpose. Athawale said that since Aurangzeb was buried there, his tomb should remain undisturbed. The Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar administration has barred Hindutva leader Milind Ekbote from entering the district from March 16 to April 5 amid calls from some outfits to remove Aurangzeb's grave. Security has been heightened around the site and visitors are being checked thoroughly.

Aurangzeb's tomb should be removed, but...: Fadnavis

Aurangzeb's tomb should be removed, but...: Fadnavis

Rediff.com10 Mar 2025

BJP's Satara MP Udayanraje Bhosale, a descendant of Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, had sought the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb located in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district.

Pak-linked hackers launched 1.5m cyber attacks on India

Pak-linked hackers launched 1.5m cyber attacks on India

Rediff.com13 May 2025

Of these only 150 attacks were successful, officials said on Monday.

History books say Akbar married Jodha, but...: Rajasthan guv

History books say Akbar married Jodha, but...: Rajasthan guv

Rediff.com30 May 2025

The governor's comments rekindle the debate over the historical account of the marriage between Amer ruler Bharmal's daughter and Akbar in 1569.

Aurangzeb's tomb declared a 'no drone zone' amid violence

Aurangzeb's tomb declared a 'no drone zone' amid violence

Rediff.com19 Mar 2025

Amidst growing calls for the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb at Khultabad in Maharashtra's Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, the administration has declared the area a 'no drone zone' and deployed additional security forces. The move comes after demonstrations and online posts demanding the tomb's removal, with some of these posts leading to violence in Nagpur. Authorities are actively monitoring and removing provocative content from social media platforms.

What Politicians Said In Lead-Up To Nagpur Riots

What Politicians Said In Lead-Up To Nagpur Riots

Rediff.com19 Mar 2025

Before the violence and rioting that erupted in Nagpur on Monday, March 17, over Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's tomb came provocative statements from various political leaders.

Can RSS Put Aurangzeb's Ghost To Rest in Maharashtra?

Can RSS Put Aurangzeb's Ghost To Rest in Maharashtra?

Rediff.com1 Apr 2025

Senior RSS leader Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi's call to drop the Aurangzeb tomb controversy challenges decades of communal rhetoric in Maharashtra, igniting hopes for unity and a balanced historical narrative.

'We are no saints': Ajit Pawar dismisses reunion buzz

'We are no saints': Ajit Pawar dismisses reunion buzz

Rediff.com10 Jun 2025

Celebrating the 26th foundation day of the party, the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party on Tuesday said there was no proposal of reunion with the rival faction, while Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar MP Supriya Sule too avoided making any statement despite the recent buzz over the issue.

Amid row over Aurangzeb's tomb, Shah says...

Amid row over Aurangzeb's tomb, Shah says...

Rediff.com12 Apr 2025

Shah said Shivaji Maharaj defeated "Mughal shahi" (rule of Mughals).

Fadnavis vows to put Azmi in jail as Akhilesh backs his MLA

Fadnavis vows to put Azmi in jail as Akhilesh backs his MLA

Rediff.com5 Mar 2025

Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Asim Azmi, suspended from the Maharashtra assembly over his remarks praising Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, will be '100 per cent' put in jail, Chief Minister Minister Devendra Fadnavis said in the legislative council.

Vicky's Salute To Shivaji

Vicky's Salute To Shivaji

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

After bringing Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj's life on screen with Chhaava, Vicky Kaushal paid tribute to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on his 395th birth anniversary.

SP's Abu Azmi retracts Aurangzeb remark after massive uproar

SP's Abu Azmi retracts Aurangzeb remark after massive uproar

Rediff.com4 Mar 2025

Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Asim Azmi's remarks praising Mughal emperor Aurangzeb sparked outrage in the Maharashtra legislature, leading to calls for his suspension and accusations of treason. The issue, which was politicized by both the ruling coalition and opposition parties, led to the adjournment of both Houses of the state legislature. Azmi later retracted his statements, saying they were twisted and that he had not made any derogatory remarks against Shivaji Maharaj or Sambhaji Maharaj. The BJP, however, seized the opportunity to slam the Congress and other opposition parties, accusing them of trying to "eradicate" Sanatan Dharma. The Mumbai police have initiated a probe into the matter, registering a case against Azmi for his remarks.

11 Cool Things To Do At Mumbai Airport

11 Cool Things To Do At Mumbai Airport

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

Mumbai's gleaming glass and chrome Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Airport has plenty to keep you entertained before your flight.

When Raj And Uddhav Met Each Other

When Raj And Uddhav Met Each Other

Rediff.com5 Jul 2025

'If Uddhav bhau and Raj bhau come together, who can stop us?' Prasanna D Zore reports on the fervour and hope set off by the Thackeray cousins coming together.

Nagpur violence: Rioters will be dug out from graves, says Fadnavis

Nagpur violence: Rioters will be dug out from graves, says Fadnavis

Rediff.com19 Mar 2025

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has denied rumours that a cloth with Quranic verses was burnt during a protest in Nagpur. He attributed the subsequent violence to a planned attempt to disrupt social harmony and vowed to punish those who attacked police. Fadnavis stated that the violence was triggered by false rumours about the burning of a 'chadar' with Quranic verses during a protest demanding the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's tomb.

Chhaava Cuts Controversial Dance Scene

Chhaava Cuts Controversial Dance Scene

Rediff.com27 Jan 2025

'It was not our intention to hurt anyone's sentiments.'

4 killed after falling off overcrowded local trains in Thane

4 killed after falling off overcrowded local trains in Thane

Rediff.com9 Jun 2025

The incident occurred between Diva and Kopar railway stations when the overcrowded train was going towards Kasara, an official said.

IndiGo To Be First Off Runway from Navi Mumbai Airport

IndiGo To Be First Off Runway from Navi Mumbai Airport

Rediff.com29 May 2025

The airline plans to scale up its operations at NMIA significantly, from 36 air traffic movements (ATMs) daily on the opening day to 79 daily departures (158 ATMs), including 14 international departures by November this year.

Aurangzeb praise: Court urges Azmi to exercise restraint

Aurangzeb praise: Court urges Azmi to exercise restraint

Rediff.com13 Mar 2025

A Mumbai court has granted anticipatory bail to Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi in a case filed against him for his remarks praising Mughal ruler Aurangzeb. The court, however, cautioned Azmi to exercise restraint during interviews, warning that any irresponsible statement could spark riots. The case stems from Azmi's remarks during an interview where he praised Aurangzeb's rule and claimed that India's GDP during his reign accounted for 24 percent of the world's GDP. Azmi's lawyer argued that his client's statements were made spontaneously and without any malicious intent, while the prosecution opposed the bail plea, arguing that the remarks were made in a sensitive time following the release of a film based on the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, a revered Maratha king who was captured by Aurangzeb. The court noted that the investigation was at a preliminary stage and that the investigating officer did not have the video recording of the interview when the case was filed. The court also expressed concern over the potential for Azmi's remarks to incite violence.

If anyone dares to intimidate Muslims...: Ajit Pawar amid Aurangzeb row

If anyone dares to intimidate Muslims...: Ajit Pawar amid Aurangzeb row

Rediff.com22 Mar 2025

Ajit's remarks came at a time when Maharashtra is witnessing heated political debates over the Mahayuti government's demand to remove Mughal empire Aurangzeb's grave from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.

Stop reading history on WhatsApp: Raj Thackeray on Aurangzeb row

Stop reading history on WhatsApp: Raj Thackeray on Aurangzeb row

Rediff.com31 Mar 2025

"Religion should remain within the four walls of your home. A Hindu identifies as a Hindu only when Muslims take to the streets or during riots; otherwise, Hindus are divided by caste," he said.

How Well Do You Know The Real Chhaava?

How Well Do You Know The Real Chhaava?

Rediff.com3 Mar 2025

Think you know all about Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, who takes centrestage in the blockbuster Chhaava?

Goa Catholic priest booked over Chhatrapati Shivaji remark despite apology

Goa Catholic priest booked over Chhatrapati Shivaji remark despite apology

Rediff.com5 Aug 2023

Despite his apology, the Bajrang Dal sought his arrest, while Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said action would be taken against him as per law.

What Katrina Thought Of Vicky's Chhaava Look

What Katrina Thought Of Vicky's Chhaava Look

Rediff.com12 Feb 2025

'She was so happy that she misses Chhaava now.'

Chhaava Review: Vicky Is Terrific!

Chhaava Review: Vicky Is Terrific!

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

After a character and film like this, at least for a while, everything else Vicky Kaushal does will look bland, asserts Deepa Gahlot.

Ajit Pawar ticks off Nitesh Rane: No communal rift, please!

Ajit Pawar ticks off Nitesh Rane: No communal rift, please!

Rediff.com12 Mar 2025

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has criticized his cabinet colleague, Nitesh Rane, for making "misleading" statements about Muslims not being part of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's army. Pawar, who heads the Nationalist Congress Party, called for restraint from political leaders and stressed the importance of maintaining communal harmony in the state. He emphasized that Shivaji Maharaj never discriminated based on caste or creed and highlighted the contributions of Muslims during his reign.

Maha cyber flags online threats, acts against Wikipedia, Proton Mail

Maha cyber flags online threats, acts against Wikipedia, Proton Mail

Rediff.com12 Apr 2025

Maharashtra Cyber has issued advisories to various state government departments, including police, to take precautionary steps to avoid cyber attacks after the credentials of many of these departments were found on the darknet. The departments include the Maharashtra Public Service Commission, the Directorate General of Information and Public Relations (DGIPR), the Electricity Department, Maha DBT, among others. Maharashtra Cyber has also written to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) recommending blocking of Wikipedia and Proton Mail platforms under relevant sections of the Information Technology Act for failing to comply with specific police directives.

Why Chhaava Has Become Controversial

Why Chhaava Has Become Controversial

Rediff.com27 Jan 2025

Loud music, bombastic action scenes, over-the-top dialogues that don't have any ring of truth to it followed by scenes of blood-oozing bodies floating in a river definitely don't make for a magnum opus!' exclaims Prasanna D Zore after watching the Chhaava trailer.

Wikipedia editors booked for 'objectionable' content on Sambhaji Maharaj

Wikipedia editors booked for 'objectionable' content on Sambhaji Maharaj

Rediff.com21 Feb 2025

Maharashtra Cyber has registered a case against at least four editors of Wikipedia for not taking down 'objectionable' content on Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj from the open source encyclopedia, officials said on Friday.

Watching YOU: AI Surveillance At Railway Stations

Watching YOU: AI Surveillance At Railway Stations

Rediff.com3 Jun 2025

Railways ramps up project to instal AI-based cameras that can recognise faces.

Wikipedia told to delete 'objectionable' info on Sambhaji Maharaj

Wikipedia told to delete 'objectionable' info on Sambhaji Maharaj

Rediff.com19 Feb 2025

The Maharashtra Cyber division has issued a notice to the Wikimedia Foundation, the organization behind Wikipedia, demanding the removal of "objectionable" content related to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj from the online encyclopedia. The notice, issued under the Information Technology Act, claims the content is inaccurate and lacks proper references, potentially inciting communal hatred. The move follows recent claims by various organizations about the existence of defamatory information regarding Sambhaji Maharaj on Wikipedia, particularly in the wake of the Hindi film "Chhava", based on his life. The Maharashtra Cyber has directed the Wikimedia Foundation to remove the content promptly and prevent its re-uploading.

Chhaava: Mazza Nahin Aaya

Chhaava: Mazza Nahin Aaya

Rediff.com17 Feb 2025

Sambhaji is a lion but the movie was a damp squib, sighs Vishaka Rautela.

'Determination Not To Bend Before Aurangzeb'

'Determination Not To Bend Before Aurangzeb'

Rediff.com11 Mar 2025

'...despite all his horses, elephants, tanks and swords.' 'A determination to hold fast to Sambhaji Maharaj's father, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's thoughts, ideals, and principles.'