News for 'BJP Maharashtra'

Maha BJP chief's remark backfires, Cong sweeps Latur civic polls

Maha BJP chief's remark backfires, Cong sweeps Latur civic polls

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

The Congress won elections to the Latur Municipal Corporation (LMC) in central Maharashtra on Friday, bagging a clear majority with 43 seats in the 70-member body, leaving the Bharatiya Janata Party a distant second with 22 seats.

Kunal Kamra defends satire, cites Bal Thackeray in privilege case

Kunal Kamra defends satire, cites Bal Thackeray in privilege case

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra, facing a breach of privilege notice for satirising Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, defends his actions by referencing Bal Thackeray's history of political cartoons and arguing for the protection of free speech and satire.

Maha civic polls: When Shiv Sena trumped BJP by just one seat

Maha civic polls: When Shiv Sena trumped BJP by just one seat

Rediff.com17 Jan 2026

The Shiv Sena secured a narrow victory over its ally BJP in the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) elections. With no party securing a clear majority, negotiations and strategic discussions are expected.

Eknath Khadse Faces Fraud Allegations Over Land Deal

Eknath Khadse Faces Fraud Allegations Over Land Deal

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

Nationalist Congress Party (SP) MLC Eknath Khadse and his daughter have been booked for allegedly cheating an elderly woman by assuring a sugar factory on her land and taking its possession with the help of forged papers in Maharashtra's Jalgaon district.

Eknath Khadse, Daughter Face Fraud Charges Over Land Grab

Eknath Khadse, Daughter Face Fraud Charges Over Land Grab

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

Nationalist Congress Party (SP) MLC Eknath Khadse and his daughter have been booked for allegedly cheating an elderly woman out of her land in Maharashtra's Jalgaon district.

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.

BJP has turned Shinde's Shiv Sena into doormat: Uddhav

BJP has turned Shinde's Shiv Sena into doormat: Uddhav

Rediff.com8 Jan 2026

Uddhav Thackeray asserts that his alliance with MNS chief Raj Thackeray is permanent, dismissing speculation about their unity ahead of civic elections.

BJP-Sena capture BMC, break Thackeray hold after 25 yrs

BJP-Sena capture BMC, break Thackeray hold after 25 yrs

Rediff.com17 Jan 2026

The BJP and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena alliance secured a majority in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, winning 118 out of 227 seats and ending the Thackeray family's long-standing control.

'Kasab Drank Urine, Didn't Eat Biryani'

'Kasab Drank Urine, Didn't Eat Biryani'

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

'The jail staff told me Kasab was served only jail food and not biryani.' 'They told me that Kasab was beaten regularly after court proceedings.' 'And they filled Kasab's bottle with urine so that whenever he felt thirsty he used to drink urine.'

Outrage as Labourer Arrested in Thane Rape Case; Political Parties Demand Worker Verification

Outrage as Labourer Arrested in Thane Rape Case; Political Parties Demand Worker Verification

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

A labourer has been arrested in Thane for allegedly raping a seven-year-old girl at a construction site, sparking outrage and demands for stricter verification of migrant workers.

Fragmented opposition hands BJP its first shot at BMC

Fragmented opposition hands BJP its first shot at BMC

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

Multi-cornered contests, deep divisions within the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi, reflected in the Congress and Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray fighting separately and lack of a robust plan among its rivals helped the Bharatiya Janata Party in Mumbai polls as it looks poised to rule India's richest civic body for the first time.

Saffron tsunami in Maha: BJP wins 1,425 seats in 29 corporations

Saffron tsunami in Maha: BJP wins 1,425 seats in 29 corporations

Rediff.com17 Jan 2026

According to the final tally, the BJP won 1,425 out of a total 2,869 seats, Shiv Sena 399, Congress 324, NCP 167, Shiv Sena-UBT 155, NCP-SP 36, MNS 13, BSP 6, parties registered with the SEC 129, unrecognised parties 196, and 19 independents.

After failed alliance move,12 Maha Cong councillors join BJP

After failed alliance move,12 Maha Cong councillors join BJP

Rediff.com8 Jan 2026

Twelve newly-elected councillors in the Ambernath Municipal Council, suspended by the Congress for joining a post-poll front led by the BJP, have formally joined the saffron party. The Congress criticized the BJP, highlighting the hypocrisy of welcoming defectors despite the Chief Minister's disapproval of the alliance.

Sharad Pawar, Athawale among 26 elected unopposed to RS

Sharad Pawar, Athawale among 26 elected unopposed to RS

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

The Rajya Sabha elections saw several candidates elected unopposed, including Sharad Pawar and Ramdas Athawale, while Bihar, Odisha, and Haryana prepare for contested elections.

Punjab Government Offers Cash Rewards for Information on Wanted Gangsters

Punjab Government Offers Cash Rewards for Information on Wanted Gangsters

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

The Punjab government has announced cash rewards for information leading to the arrest of 28 proclaimed offenders, including foreign-based gangsters, prompting criticism from the BJP regarding the state's law and order situation.

Andhare Urges Fadnavis to Prioritise Kharat Case Investigation Over Political Manoeuvring

Andhare Urges Fadnavis to Prioritise Kharat Case Investigation Over Political Manoeuvring

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sushma Andhare has called for a thorough investigation into the Ashok Kharat case, urging Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to prioritise the investigation over political manoeuvring. Andhare also demanded that the SIT probe former minister Deepak Kesarkar and former state women's commission chairperson Rupali Chakankar.

Activist Anjali Damania Justifies AI Use in Godman Case Amidst Controversy

Activist Anjali Damania Justifies AI Use in Godman Case Amidst Controversy

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

Activist Anjali Damania defends her use of AI to analyse call data records of arrested godman Ashok Kharat, amidst opposition scrutiny and allegations of illegal activity.

BJP vs Thackeray cousins: All eyes on BMC showdown

BJP vs Thackeray cousins: All eyes on BMC showdown

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

Maharashtra heads to the polls for 29 municipal corporations, with Mumbai's BMC election taking center stage as the BJP-led Mahayuti faces off against the Thackeray front. Key issues include promises for women, pollution control, and the city's financial health.

Temple linked to godman Kharat got Rs 1 cr from Maha govt

Temple linked to godman Kharat got Rs 1 cr from Maha govt

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

The Maharashtra government sanctioned over Rs 1 crore for development works at a temple linked to Ashok Kharat, a self-styled godman accused of rape, in 2018. The funds were approved under the regional tourism development scheme. Kharat was arrested on March 18 after being accused of repeated rape.

Legislature vs Executive: Fadnavis rejects call to suspend Satara SP

Legislature vs Executive: Fadnavis rejects call to suspend Satara SP

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis clarifies the separation of powers between the legislature and executive branches following a directive to suspend a Satara Superintendent of Police. He emphasised that while the executive is accountable to the legislature, the legislature cannot assume the executive's role.

Maoist debate sparks fierce NDA-UPA war of words in Lok Sabha

Maoist debate sparks fierce NDA-UPA war of words in Lok Sabha

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

The Lok Sabha witnessed a heated debate between BJP and Congress members regarding the handling of Naxalism, with the BJP accusing the previous UPA government of failing to contain left-wing extremism and the Congress defending its efforts to curb the threat.

New twist in Ambernath: Now, Sena-NCP unite to keep BJP out

New twist in Ambernath: Now, Sena-NCP unite to keep BJP out

Rediff.com9 Jan 2026

Shiv Sena and NCP form an alliance with an independent member to stake claim to rule the Ambernath Municipal Council, keeping the BJP away from power.

BJP threatens Ajit Pawar with 'pages from the past'

BJP threatens Ajit Pawar with 'pages from the past'

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

Maharashtra minister and Bharatiya Janata Party leader Chandrashekhar Bawankule has said that Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar should refrain from criticising the saffron outfit and not force it to open 'pages from the past'.

Malegaon 2006 Blasts Case: HC Discharges Accused, Slams NIA Probe

Malegaon 2006 Blasts Case: HC Discharges Accused, Slams NIA Probe

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

The Bombay High Court has discharged four accused in the 2006 Malegaon blasts case, criticising the NIA for ignoring evidence collected by the previous investigating agency. The court's decision leaves the question of responsibility for the blasts, which killed 31 people, unanswered.

Maha BJP MLA claims viral clip on poll money doctored

Maha BJP MLA claims viral clip on poll money doctored

Rediff.com22 Jan 2026

An unverified audio clip where Bharatiya Janata Party MLA Narayan Kuche is purportedly heard discussing over phone distribution of money during the civic elections went viral on Thursday, with the legislator claiming it was a doctored recording.

Maha Cong suffers jolt as MLC Pradnya Satav joins BJP

Maha Cong suffers jolt as MLC Pradnya Satav joins BJP

Rediff.com18 Dec 2025

Congress MLC Pradnya Satav joined the BJP in Maharashtra, prompting accusations of undemocratic practices and political maneuvering ahead of local elections.

BJP set to end Thackeray era as Ritu Tawde to become Mumbai mayor

BJP set to end Thackeray era as Ritu Tawde to become Mumbai mayor

Rediff.com7 Feb 2026

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has nominated corporator Ritu Tawade for the Mumbai mayor election, while its ally Shiv Sena declared Sanjay Ghadi as its candidate for the deputy mayor's post.

Exit polls predict BJP-Shiv Sena victory in Mumbai civic polls

Exit polls predict BJP-Shiv Sena victory in Mumbai civic polls

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

Exit polls predict a clear victory for the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, while forecasting a defeat for the Shiv Sena (UBT)-Maharashtra Navnirman Sena alliance. Polls also predict results for Pune and Thane.

Maha civic polls: Mahayuti wins 68 seats unopposed, BJP leads with 44

Maha civic polls: Mahayuti wins 68 seats unopposed, BJP leads with 44

Rediff.com3 Jan 2026

The BJP and its Mahayuti allies have won 68 seats unopposed in the Maharashtra civic polls scheduled for January 15, even as the Opposition parties alleged the ruling combine used threats and money to force candidates to withdraw from the fray.

Raj Thackeray's corporators support Sena-BJP in KDMC

Raj Thackeray's corporators support Sena-BJP in KDMC

Rediff.com21 Jan 2026

Amid the race for mayoral posts across civic bodies in Maharashtra, a new political equation emerged in the Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation on Wednesday with five corporators of Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena offering support to Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena, which is in alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party.

BMC polls: BJP-Shinde Sena seal deal on 207 of 227 seats; BJP to contest 128

BMC polls: BJP-Shinde Sena seal deal on 207 of 227 seats; BJP to contest 128

Rediff.com28 Dec 2025

The ruling Mahayuti coalition in Mumbai has reached a consensus on seat distribution for the upcoming civic polls, with the BJP contesting 128 seats and the Shinde-led Shiv Sena 79.

Consensus eludes Thackerays, Sena-BJP over seat sharing

Consensus eludes Thackerays, Sena-BJP over seat sharing

Rediff.com28 Dec 2025

Parties in Maharashtra are engaged in intense negotiations to finalize seat sharing arrangements for the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections scheduled for January 15.

Sharad Pawar and grandnephew Parth in Rajya Sabha race

Sharad Pawar and grandnephew Parth in Rajya Sabha race

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

Two members of the Pawar family, Sharad Pawar and his grandnephew Parth, are contesting Rajya Sabha seats from Maharashtra, marking a potential first where both serve simultaneously in Parliament.

BJP drops candidate after video shows her criticising Fadnavis

BJP drops candidate after video shows her criticising Fadnavis

Rediff.com2 Jan 2026

The BJP withdrew Pooja More-Jadhav's candidature in the Pune civic polls after old videos surfaced showing her making remarks against Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and his wife.

'You Can't Run Parliament With 800 MPs'

'You Can't Run Parliament With 800 MPs'

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

'You cannot run Parliament with 800 MPs as nobody will get time (to speak in Parliament). And Parliament sits for barely 60 days in a year.' 'Look at the House of Commons of the United Kingdom. They have 650 MPs and they sit for 150 days on an average in a year.'

EC may roll out SIR in 22 states, UTs after 5-state assembly polls

EC may roll out SIR in 22 states, UTs after 5-state assembly polls

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

The Election Commission of India is considering launching the final phase of its special intensive revision of voters' lists in the remaining states and Union territories after the assembly elections conclude.

Maha BJP chief apologises for remarks after Riteish Deshmukh speaks out

Maha BJP chief apologises for remarks after Riteish Deshmukh speaks out

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

Maharashtra BJP president Ravindra Chavan apologized for his remarks about 'erasing' memories of former CM Vilasrao Deshmukh after facing criticism from the Congress party and Deshmukh's family.

Thackerays or BJP+Sena? Counting begins for Maha civic polls

Thackerays or BJP+Sena? Counting begins for Maha civic polls

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

Counting of votes has begun in the Maharashtra municipal corporation elections, with a focus on the Mumbai battle between the BJP-led alliance and the Thackeray factions.

Rupali Chakankar Quits as Women's Commission Chief After 'Godman' Links Surface

Rupali Chakankar Quits as Women's Commission Chief After 'Godman' Links Surface

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Rupali Chakankar, chairperson of the Maharashtra State Commission for Women, has resigned following criticism over her association with rape-accused 'godman' Ashok Kharat. The resignation comes after opposition parties highlighted Chakankar's links with Kharat, who is accused of sexual assault and fraud.

Fadnavis fumes as local BJP units tie up with Congress, AIMIM

Fadnavis fumes as local BJP units tie up with Congress, AIMIM

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

The Bharatiya Janata Party has entered into post-poll alliances with rivals Congress and All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen in some municipal councils in Maharashtra, even as Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday rejected the tie-ups and warned of action against party leaders involved.