News for '-varsha-gaikwad'

Assault on PM: 'Lies, Rubbish, Preposterous'

Assault on PM: 'Lies, Rubbish, Preposterous'

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

'The prime minister didn't come to Parliament.' 'But the BJP MP is charging that you wanted to assault the prime minister.' 'Only a person who has the intellect and ideology of the BJP can come up with such bizarre charges.'

Maha scraps 5% Muslim quota in jobs, education; Oppn slams move

Maha scraps 5% Muslim quota in jobs, education; Oppn slams move

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

The previous Congress-NCP government had issued an ordinance to grant a 16 per cent quota to Marathas and five per cent to Muslims.

Mumbai: Parapet segment of Metro bridge crashes; 1 dead, 3 injured

Mumbai: Parapet segment of Metro bridge crashes; 1 dead, 3 injured

Rediff.com15 Feb 2026

The incident took place around 12:20pm on the arterial LBS Road in front of Johnson and Johnson factory in Mulund area.

PM's absence was act of fear: Cong women MPs write to Birla

PM's absence was act of fear: Cong women MPs write to Birla

Rediff.com9 Feb 2026

Congress women MPs in the Lok Sabha have accused Speaker Om Birla of bias, alleging he made false allegations against them under pressure from the ruling party to defend Prime Minister Narendra Modi's absence from the House.

BMC results: Congress reduced to marginal force

BMC results: Congress reduced to marginal force

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

The Congress party experienced a significant decline in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, winning a mere 15 seats out of 227. Analysts attribute the poor performance to strategic missteps, infighting, and a failure to connect with voters amidst linguistic and religious polarization.

Four killed, 9 hurt as BEST bus hits pedestrians in Mumbai

Four killed, 9 hurt as BEST bus hits pedestrians in Mumbai

Rediff.com30 Dec 2025

A reversing BEST bus in Mumbai struck pedestrians, resulting in four deaths and nine injuries. The incident occurred in Bhandup (West) and is under investigation.

Rahul accuses EC of 'gaslighting citizens'; BJP responds

Rahul accuses EC of 'gaslighting citizens'; BJP responds

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleges 'vote chori' amid controversy over the quality of indelible ink used in Maharashtra civic polls. The Election Commission has launched a probe into the matter.

NCP-SP reaches out to Uddhav Sena for Mumbai civic poll tie-up

NCP-SP reaches out to Uddhav Sena for Mumbai civic poll tie-up

Rediff.com26 Dec 2025

Senior NCP (SP) leader Jayant Patil met with Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray to discuss a potential alliance for the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. The meeting follows an alliance between Uddhav Thackeray and MNS chief Raj Thackeray. Discussions are ongoing, with the NCP (SP) advocating for a united Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) approach.

Cong divided over tie-up with MNS for Mumbai civic polls

Cong divided over tie-up with MNS for Mumbai civic polls

Rediff.com22 Nov 2025

State Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal has reiterated that the party would never join hands with "those who indulge in violence".

Oppn flags wipe-off ink in Maha civic polls; SEC orders probe

Oppn flags wipe-off ink in Maha civic polls; SEC orders probe

Rediff.com15 Jan 2026

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has refuted reports that indelible ink marks on voters' fingers were being wiped off during the ongoing civic polls. The BMC clarified that the Municipal Commissioner had not made any such statement.

Day after Bihar drubbing, Cong signals to fight BMC poll solo

Day after Bihar drubbing, Cong signals to fight BMC poll solo

Rediff.com15 Nov 2025

Congress leader Varsha Gaikwad announced the party's intention to contest the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections independently, signaling a potential strain within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance.

About 50% turnout in Maha civic polls; 41% polling in BMC

About 50% turnout in Maha civic polls; 41% polling in BMC

Rediff.com15 Jan 2026

A BMC spokesperson said the average voter turnout stood at 29.96 per cent till 1.30 pm in the metropolis, which has more than 1 crore eligible electors.

Convicted Maha minister Kokate moves HC as arrest warrant looms

Convicted Maha minister Kokate moves HC as arrest warrant looms

Rediff.com17 Dec 2025

Maharashtra Sports Minister Manikrao Kokate challenges his conviction in a 1995 cheating and forgery case, facing potential loss of his cabinet post and assembly seat.

Raj, Uddhav, Pawar meet poll officers over voter list anomalies

Raj, Uddhav, Pawar meet poll officers over voter list anomalies

Rediff.com14 Oct 2025

A delegation of Opposition leaders in Maharashtra, including Sharad Pawar, Uddhav Thackeray, and Raj Thackeray, met with the state's chief electoral officer to raise concerns about alleged irregularities in the poll process, particularly regarding the voters' list, ahead of local body elections.

PHOTOS: Inside Mahua Moitra-Pinaki Misra wedding reception

PHOTOS: Inside Mahua Moitra-Pinaki Misra wedding reception

Rediff.com6 Aug 2025

Moitra was seen in a red saree with zari butis and traditional gold jewellery, while husband Misra was dressed in a classic white traditional dhoti and kurta with a distinct Odiya bomkai borers.

Modi spoke to me in Marathi, says Ujjwal Nikam

Modi spoke to me in Marathi, says Ujjwal Nikam

Rediff.com13 Jul 2025

Noted lawyer Ujjwal Nikam, who is among four persons nominated to Rajya Sabha by President Droupadi Murmu, on Sunday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi called him to inform and spoke in Marathi.

Amid Hindi row, Maha govt withdraws orders on three-language policy

Amid Hindi row, Maha govt withdraws orders on three-language policy

Rediff.com29 Jun 2025

Facing mounting opposition to the introduction of Hindi language in Maharashtra schools from classes 1 to 5, the state cabinet on Sunday decided to withdraw two GRs (government orders) on the implementation of the three-language policy.

Congress to ditch MVA for Maharashtra local body polls?

Congress to ditch MVA for Maharashtra local body polls?

Rediff.com6 Jul 2025

With local body elections approaching in Maharashtra, a significant portion of the Congress party is advocating for contesting independently to regain lost ground amidst the BJP's growing influence. The party is currently part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance.

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.

Underground Mumbai Metro station flooded amid heavy rain

Underground Mumbai Metro station flooded amid heavy rain

Rediff.com26 May 2025

The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) was forced to suspend the operation after flooding was reported at the underground Acharya Atre Chowk station.

BJYM workers vandalise Cong office in Mumbai over Ambedkar issue; 14 held

BJYM workers vandalise Cong office in Mumbai over Ambedkar issue; 14 held

Rediff.com20 Dec 2024

Bharatiya Janata Party Yuva Morcha (BJYM) workers vandalised a Congress office in Mumbai on Thursday, claiming the party had always insulted Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar. The protest followed Congress leaders' accusations against Union Home Minister Amit Shah for insulting Ambedkar in a Rajya Sabha speech. Several BJYM workers were detained and an FIR was filed against them.

Violence in Parbhani after Constitution replica damaged

Violence in Parbhani after Constitution replica damaged

Rediff.com12 Dec 2024

Violent protests erupted in Parbhani, Maharashtra, India, for the second day over the vandalising of a replica of the Indian Constitution. Prohibitory orders were imposed in the city, banning gatherings of five or more people in public places. A mob indulged in arson and vandalised the district collector's office. Police arrested a man in connection with the incident, but protests continued. Protesters demanded a thorough investigation and blamed the government's lax approach.

Beed boils over sarpanch murder, even allies want Munde out

Beed boils over sarpanch murder, even allies want Munde out

Rediff.com28 Dec 2024

Thousands of people gathered in Maharashtra's Beed city on Saturday to protest against the brutal murder of Massajog sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh as even MLAs from ruling parties demanded the sacking of Nationalist Congress Party minister Dhananjay Munde.

Will cancel Dharavi contract with Adani if....: Fadnavis

Will cancel Dharavi contract with Adani if....: Fadnavis

Rediff.com26 Sep 2024

Gaikwad, who was Dharavi MLA before being elected to the Lok Sabha in the 2024 general polls, also alleged the redevelopment project was real estate's biggest scam.

Maharashtra to see 'friendly fights' on 29 seats

Maharashtra to see 'friendly fights' on 29 seats

Rediff.com9 Nov 2024

Friendly fights, however, are more complicated for the MVA, especially since smaller parties who are part of the INDIA bloc are also in the mix.

Mumbai Cong unhappy over MVA seat-sharing pact

Mumbai Cong unhappy over MVA seat-sharing pact

Rediff.com11 Apr 2024

'Earlier, Congress used to contest five seats in Mumbai, leaving only Mumbai North-East to the undivided Nationalist Congress Party. So we were demanding equal seat-sharing this time'

BMC drops plan to raze illegal portion of Dharavi mosque after protest

BMC drops plan to raze illegal portion of Dharavi mosque after protest

Rediff.com21 Sep 2024

A large number of police personnel have been deployed there to prevent any untoward incident in view of the prevailing situation, he said.

These Lady MPs Will Grace 18th Lok Sabha

These Lady MPs Will Grace 18th Lok Sabha

Rediff.com26 Jun 2024

A total of 73 women got elected to the 18th Lok Sabha against 78 women MPs in the 17th Lok Sabha.

26/11 govt counsel Ujjwal Nikam BJP's pick from Mumbai North Central

26/11 govt counsel Ujjwal Nikam BJP's pick from Mumbai North Central

Rediff.com27 Apr 2024

Nikam has replaced two-time MP Poonam Mahajan, who is the daughter of the late BJP stalwart Pramod Mahajan.

Mumbai turnout falls to 52.2% from 2019 despite star power

Mumbai turnout falls to 52.2% from 2019 despite star power

Rediff.com21 May 2024

The constituency of Mumbai South, home to industrialists as well as high-ranking government officials, fared the worst with 47.7 percent voting.

Dharavi redevelopment: HC upholds award of tender to Adani Group

Dharavi redevelopment: HC upholds award of tender to Adani Group

Rediff.com20 Dec 2024

The Bombay high court on Friday upheld the tender awarded to an Adani Group firm by the Maharashtra government for the Dharavi slum redevelopment project in Mumbai, ruling there was no 'arbitrariness, unreasonableness or perversity' in the decision.

Here Comes Kejriwal Ki Guarantee!

Here Comes Kejriwal Ki Guarantee!

Rediff.com13 May 2024

Campaigning continues for the final three phases of the Lok Sabha election.

'First Congress Candidate To Get Vote From A Thackeray'

'First Congress Candidate To Get Vote From A Thackeray'

Rediff.com9 May 2024

While the responses of the candidates were predictable, depending on which side they belonged to, an interesting point slipped through when Rahul Shewale cited the Dharavi Redevelopment Project as a scheme that would add to Mumbai's importance. No big infrastructural project in Mumbai, he said, could be successful without the Centre's nod.

Defeat forces that insulted Shivaji Maharaj: MVA leaders at Mumbai rally

Defeat forces that insulted Shivaji Maharaj: MVA leaders at Mumbai rally

Rediff.com1 Sep 2024

They slammed the Union and state governments for the collapse, with Uddhav Thackeray calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi's apology as one "smacking of arrogance", while Sharad Pawar said the episode was an example of corruption.

Discontent in party over seat-sharing: Maha Cong chief

Discontent in party over seat-sharing: Maha Cong chief

Rediff.com9 Apr 2024

Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole on Tuesday said his party did not 'surrender' but took a step back in the seat-sharing negotiations with its Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance partners as the talks could not go on indefinitely.

Will attack you inside mosques, threatens BJP MLA Nitesh Rane; booked

Will attack you inside mosques, threatens BJP MLA Nitesh Rane; booked

Rediff.com2 Sep 2024

On his part, BJP Lok Sabha MP Narayan Rane, himself no stranger to controversies, got into damage control mode and sought to calm frayed nerves, saying he has chided his son over the remarks.

Will be on path of nation first: Poonam Mahajan after BJP denies ticket

Will be on path of nation first: Poonam Mahajan after BJP denies ticket

Rediff.com28 Apr 2024

In the post on X, Mahajan said, "I will be indebted to the family-like people from Mumbai North Central who treated me not just as an MP but gave me affection like a daughter."

Child rights body accuses Badlapur school of covering up sexual assault

Child rights body accuses Badlapur school of covering up sexual assault

Rediff.com21 Aug 2024

The Badlapur school, where two young girls were allegedly sexually abused, preferred to cover up the crime instead of helping their parents file a police complaint, said Susieben Shah, chairperson of Maharashtra State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, on Wednesday.

Jolt to MVA as Cong leader quits campaigning over no Muslim LS candidate

Jolt to MVA as Cong leader quits campaigning over no Muslim LS candidate

Rediff.com27 Apr 2024

In a letter to Kharge, Khan said he will not campaign for party candidates for the remaining phases of the Lok Sabha polls and is also resigning from the state Congress campaign committee.

PIX: Rajnath to Mayawati, famous faces at polling booths

PIX: Rajnath to Mayawati, famous faces at polling booths

Rediff.com20 May 2024

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati, and Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray were among the famous faces who queued up at the polling booths on Monday to caste their votes in the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections.