News for 'Maha'

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.

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.

Pan-India kidney racket unearthed after Maha farmer's complaint

Pan-India kidney racket unearthed after Maha farmer's complaint

Rediff.com31 Dec 2025

An investigation into an illegal kidney racket, triggered by a farmer's complaint, has revealed a pan-India kidney transplant network involving agents, donors, doctors, and hospitals.

Court Clears Ajit Pawar in Maharashtra Cooperative Bank Scam Case

Court Clears Ajit Pawar in Maharashtra Cooperative Bank Scam Case

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

A local court in Mumbai has accepted the police's closure report in the alleged Rs 25,000 crore scam at the Maharashtra State Cooperative Bank (MSCB), giving a clean chit to the late deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar and other accused.

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.

It's Maha Shivratri

It's Maha Shivratri

Rediff.com25 Feb 2025

154 Hindu pilgrims from India have traveled to Pakistan's Katas Raj Mahadev Temple to celebrate Maha Shivratri.

Maha set for first phase of local polls on Tuesday amid nomination issues

Maha set for first phase of local polls on Tuesday amid nomination issues

Rediff.com1 Dec 2025

Maharashtra is set to hold local body elections for municipal councils and nagar panchayats, marking the first phase of a Supreme Court-mandated process. The elections are seen as a key indicator of political sentiment following the BJP-led Mahayuti's victory in the assembly elections.

Ladki Bahin dole amid civic polls sparks row in Maha; Oppn protests

Ladki Bahin dole amid civic polls sparks row in Maha; Oppn protests

Rediff.com12 Jan 2026

Maharashtra minister's announcement regarding the disbursement of financial aid under the Ladki Bahin Yojana before Makar Sankranti has triggered a controversy, with the Opposition alleging a violation of the Model Code of Conduct ahead of municipal elections. The State Election Commission has sought a report on the matter.

NDA sweeps RS polls as Nitish, Nitin enter Upper House

NDA sweeps RS polls as Nitish, Nitin enter Upper House

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

The ruling NDA alliance has secured a majority in the Rajya Sabha elections, winning key seats in Bihar, Odisha, and Haryana, while other candidates were elected unopposed across multiple states. The elections were marked by cross-voting allegations and political maneuvering.

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.

Pune serial blasts case accused shot dead in Maha town

Pune serial blasts case accused shot dead in Maha town

Rediff.com31 Dec 2025

Bunty Jahagirdar, an accused in the 2012 Pune serial blasts case, was allegedly shot dead by unidentified assailants in Shrirampur town in Ahilyanagar district on Wednesday, police said.

Kerala couple among 7 held in Maha over forced conversion

Kerala couple among 7 held in Maha over forced conversion

Rediff.com31 Dec 2025

Police in Maharashtra's Amravati district arrested a pastor from Kerala and seven others on charges of hurting religious sentiments after allegations of offering money for conversion to Christianity. Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan criticized the arrests.

How India Celebrates Mahashivratri

How India Celebrates Mahashivratri

Rediff.com15 Feb 2026

Maha Shivratri, one of India's most revered Hindu festivals, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and celebrated with deep devotion across the country.

Convicted Maha minister Manikrao Kokate resigns from Cabinet

Convicted Maha minister Manikrao Kokate resigns from Cabinet

Rediff.com18 Dec 2025

Nationalist Congress Party minister Manikrao Kokate has resigned from the Maharashtra Cabinet after a court upheld his conviction and two-year jail term in a 1995 cheating and forgery case. This marks the second NCP minister to resign this year.

'Gol topis didn't vote for us': Maha minister sparks row

'Gol topis didn't vote for us': Maha minister sparks row

Rediff.com25 Sep 2025

Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane has sparked controversy by claiming that Muslims did not vote for the BJP-led government and warning against disrespecting Hindu deities. His remarks follow tensions over alleged desecration of a Durga idol and previous controversial statements about Muslim voters.

ATS Conducts Mock Drill At Magh Mela

ATS Conducts Mock Drill At Magh Mela

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

The annual Magh Kumbh Mela 2026 is underway at Prayagraj from January 3 to February 15.

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.

From Pench to Nashik: A vulture's 750 km Maha journey

From Pench to Nashik: A vulture's 750 km Maha journey

Rediff.com28 Dec 2025

A long-billed vulture, J132, released in Maharashtra's Pench Tiger Reserve, has travelled nearly 750 km in 17 days, reaching close to Anjaneri hills near Trimbakeshwar in Nashik district. The vulture's journey is part of a conservation program by the state forest department and the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS).

Boys never...: Swami Avimukteshwaranand on POCSO charges

Boys never...: Swami Avimukteshwaranand on POCSO charges

Rediff.com24 Feb 2026

Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati addresses sexual abuse allegations, asserting his innocence and claiming the charges are fabricated. An FIR was lodged against him and his disciple following a court order.

Maha minister Kokate stripped of portfolios after fraud conviction

Maha minister Kokate stripped of portfolios after fraud conviction

Rediff.com18 Dec 2025

Maharashtra minister Manikrao Kokate was stripped of his portfolios after being convicted in a 1995 cheating and forgery case. His ministries have been reassigned to Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Kokate has been admitted to Lilavati Hospital after complaining of chest pain.

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.

Modi calls Maha Kumbh 'Maha Yagya of unity', hails UP govt

Modi calls Maha Kumbh 'Maha Yagya of unity', hails UP govt

Rediff.com27 Feb 2025

The Uttar Pradesh government has said that over 65 crore people visited the sacred site in Prayagraj since the Maha Kumbh began on January 13.

Katrina, Akshay At Maha Kumbh

Katrina, Akshay At Maha Kumbh

Rediff.com24 Feb 2025

With husband Vicky Kaushal's Chhaava doing so well at the box office, Katrina Kaif seems to be just as grateful, as she heads to the Maha Kumbh Mela with mother-in-law Veena Kaushal.

Kumbles 'Blessed' at Maha Kumbh

Kumbles 'Blessed' at Maha Kumbh

Rediff.com13 Feb 2025

Cricket legend Anil Kumble and his wife Chetana Ramathirtha visited the Maha Kumbh Mela and took a dip in the Triveni Sangam.

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.

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.

Upset with Rahul, Tharoor to skip Cong strategy meet

Upset with Rahul, Tharoor to skip Cong strategy meet

Rediff.com23 Jan 2026

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor is reportedly upset and likely to skip a strategy meeting for the upcoming Kerala polls due to perceived slights and attempts to sideline him within the party.

Kamra, Andhare to face privileges committee over Shinde remarks

Kamra, Andhare to face privileges committee over Shinde remarks

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

Maharashtra legislative council's privileges committee has summoned comedian Kunal Kamra and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sushma Andhare for a hearing over alleged insulting remarks against Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The hearing has been rescheduled to February 17 after both expressed their inability to attend the initial date.

Sharad Pawar's NCP 'in touch' with BJP in Sangli, Akola

Sharad Pawar's NCP 'in touch' with BJP in Sangli, Akola

Rediff.com24 Jan 2026

As the Bharatiya Janata Party is falling short of a majority in the municipal corporations of Sangli and Akola in Maharashtra and needs the support of other parties or elected members, the Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar has emerged as one of the decisive factors with three seats in its kitty in each civic body.

Cong, BJP both stake claim to Chandrapur mayor's post

Cong, BJP both stake claim to Chandrapur mayor's post

Rediff.com20 Jan 2026

Following a hung result in the Chandrapur Municipal Corporation elections, both the Congress and BJP are claiming they will secure the Mayor's position. Congress emerged as the single largest party, but the BJP claims to have support from Congress corporators.

Did You Visit The Maha Kumbh Mela?

Did You Visit The Maha Kumbh Mela?

Rediff.com12 Feb 2025

Share your unforgettable experience with us at getahead@rediff.co.in.

Pune civic polls: Ajit Pawar, Supriya Sule share stage

Pune civic polls: Ajit Pawar, Supriya Sule share stage

Rediff.com10 Jan 2026

The Nationalist Congress Party, led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, and the Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar, headed by his uncle Sharad Pawar, on Saturday released a joint manifesto for the upcoming elections to the Pune municipal corporation.

Maha Kumbh ended on...: Shankaracharya slams 'Sarkari Kumbh'

Maha Kumbh ended on...: Shankaracharya slams 'Sarkari Kumbh'

Rediff.com27 Feb 2025

"The Maha Kumbh had already passed on Purnima. What is currently happening is the 'Sarkari Kumbh. The real Kumbh takes place in the month of Magh. The full moon of the Magh month had passed, and all the 'Kalpavasi' who were at the Kumbh had already left after the Purnima of Magh month," Shankaracharya said.

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.

Maha BJP minister targets Shinde again, likens 2022 CM post to lottery

Maha BJP minister targets Shinde again, likens 2022 CM post to lottery

Rediff.com17 Aug 2025

Maharashtra Forest Minister Ganesh Naik stated that Eknath Shinde won a 'lottery' in reference to his appointment as chief minister in 2022. Naik's comments have sparked controversy, with Shiv Sena leaders criticizing his remarks.

7 Goddess Saraswati Temples

7 Goddess Saraswati Temples

Rediff.com22 Jan 2026

Basant Panchami is dedicated to Devi Saraswati, the goddess of learning and an auspicious occasion to visit shrines in her honour.

Maha minister's PA booked after dentist-wife dies by suicide

Maha minister's PA booked after dentist-wife dies by suicide

Rediff.com23 Nov 2025

The wife of a personal assistant to Maharashtra Minister Pankaja Munde allegedly committed suicide in Mumbai. Police have registered an abetment of suicide case against her husband and his relatives following allegations of domestic dispute and harassment.

Maha local body poll results depend on final quota verdict: SC

Maha local body poll results depend on final quota verdict: SC

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

The Supreme Court has directed the Maharashtra government and its state election commission to conduct local body elections, clarifying that the results will be subject to the court's final verdict, especially concerning the 50% quota limit. The court will hear pleas regarding OBC reservation in local bodies in January 2026.

Bangladesh cricketer's Maha Shivaratri tribute wins hearts

Bangladesh cricketer's Maha Shivaratri tribute wins hearts

Rediff.com27 Feb 2025

Cricketers from the Indian subcontinent also showcased their devotion through temple visits and rituals.

6 killed as car falls into 600-foot deep gorge in Maha's Nashik

6 killed as car falls into 600-foot deep gorge in Maha's Nashik

Rediff.com8 Dec 2025

The incident took place at 4pm and the deceased are from Pimpalgaon Baswant in Niphad taluka, the official added.