News for 'Marathi Maharashtra'

Dhamaal Trailer Launch Is Fun, 4 Times Over!

Dhamaal Trailer Launch Is Fun, 4 Times Over!

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

The Dhamaal 4 trailer was unveiled at a carnival-themed launch event at the Imagicaa Theme Park, near Mumbai, bringing together Ajay Devgn, Arshad Warsi, Jaaved Jaaferi and Ravi Kishan.

Dawood Ibrahim's Aide Salim Dola Arrives In Mumbai

Dawood Ibrahim's Aide Salim Dola Arrives In Mumbai

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

Notorious drug trafficker Mohammad Salim Dola, a close aide of fugitive gangster Dawood Ibrahim, was brought to Mumbai from Delhi by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) on Wednesday evening.

IAS lobby doesn't want to learn Marathi: Raj Thackeray on Hindi mandate

IAS lobby doesn't want to learn Marathi: Raj Thackeray on Hindi mandate

Rediff.com18 Jun 2025

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray on Wednesday asked what was the need to "impose" Hindi on students and appealed to schools in Maharashtra to foil the government's "hidden agenda to deliberately create a language divide".

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.

High drama at 'Marathi asmita' march near Mumbai; Sena minister heckled

High drama at 'Marathi asmita' march near Mumbai; Sena minister heckled

Rediff.com8 Jul 2025

Police detained MNS leader Avinash Jadhav ahead of a rally planned in Thane to counter a protest staged by traders against the slapping of a food stall owner for not speaking in Marathi.

Give Marathi names to penguin chicks born at Mumbai zoo: BJP

Give Marathi names to penguin chicks born at Mumbai zoo: BJP

Rediff.com3 Jun 2025

'When Penguins were brought from abroad to the Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Botanical Udyan and Zoo (commonly known as Rani Baug), we accepted that their names would be in English. However, chicks born here, on the soil of Maharashtra, should be given Marathi names'

Raj Thackeray calls off agitation to enforce Marathi

Raj Thackeray calls off agitation to enforce Marathi

Rediff.com5 Apr 2025

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray has asked his party workers to temporarily halt the agitation demanding the use of Marathi language in banks and other establishments. Thackeray said the agitation has been successful in raising awareness about the issue and that the government should now implement the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) norms on the use of local languages. He warned that the MNS will take action if the government fails to ensure the law is followed.

Raja Shivaji Teaser: Riteish Deshmukh's Ambitious Bet Falls Short

Raja Shivaji Teaser: Riteish Deshmukh's Ambitious Bet Falls Short

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Riteish Deshmukh brings earnestness to the role, but the gravitas of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj calls for a towering presence, resonant voice and sharp, piercing gaze, which are somewhat missing in Raja Shivaji, notes Mayur Sanap.

3 US nationals get 'Leave India' notice for 'propagating religion'

3 US nationals get 'Leave India' notice for 'propagating religion'

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

Police in Pune have issued 'Leave India' notices to three American nationals for allegedly engaging in religious propagation activities and violating tourist visa norms.

Cockroach Janta Party goes viral, founder's parents anxious

Cockroach Janta Party goes viral, founder's parents anxious

Rediff.com22 May 2026

The viral rise of the Cockroach Janta Party reflects growing frustration among Indian youth over unemployment, politics, and economic challenges, sparking nationwide debate online.

Fadnavis On Asha Bhosle: 'Her Voice Was The Soul Of Music'

Fadnavis On Asha Bhosle: 'Her Voice Was The Soul Of Music'

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed deep sorrow over the demise of Asha Bhosle, honouring her as an unparalleled versatile artist whose passing marks a significant loss for Indian and global music.

Modi working to protect India's prestige on global stage: Sharad Pawar

Modi working to protect India's prestige on global stage: Sharad Pawar

Rediff.com20 May 2026

NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar has acknowledged that despite political differences with Narendra Modi, the prime minister is working to uphold India's prestige internationally. Pawar emphasised the importance of collective effort for national interest and cited examples of past leaders who prioritised the country's reputation.

'Was aware, but...': Tatkare's big remark on NCP merger

'Was aware, but...': Tatkare's big remark on NCP merger

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Maharashtra NCP president Sunil Tatkare has acknowledged awareness of merger talks between his party and the Sharad Pawar-led NCP-SP, while reaffirming the party's commitment to the BJP-led NDA alliance.

All MPSC exams to be held in Marathi: Fadnavis

All MPSC exams to be held in Marathi: Fadnavis

Rediff.com13 Mar 2025

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced that all competitive examinations conducted through the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) will be held in Marathi. The decision was made following a query raised by Shiv Sena (UBT) legislator Milind Narvekar, who pointed out that some examinations related to agriculture and engineering disciplines were conducted only in English. The chief minister stated that efforts are underway to make Marathi textbooks available for technical subjects and that the new education policy allows for engineering courses to be conducted in Marathi. This decision is expected to benefit Marathi-speaking students aspiring to take the MPSC exams.

Battle is not over yet...: Thackerays after BMC rout

Battle is not over yet...: Thackerays after BMC rout

Rediff.com17 Jan 2026

The BJP has expanded its footprint in Maharashtra following strong performance in assembly elections, while other parties are seeing their political bases shrink, according to a party official. The assessment is based on the BJP's performance in civic polls across 29 municipal corporations.

How India Brought Back Dawood Aide Salim Dola

How India Brought Back Dawood Aide Salim Dola

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has successfully secured the return of Mohammad Salim Dola, a known international drug trafficker and associate of Dawood Ibrahim, from Turkiye.

If language pride is a 'disease'...: Raj Thackeray slams RSS chief

If language pride is a 'disease'...: Raj Thackeray slams RSS chief

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

In a post on X, Thackeray also claimed that those who attended Bhagwat's programme in Mumbai on February 7-8 to mark the RSS centenary did not come out of love for him but due to the fear of Narendra Modi's government.

Politicians Under Fire Over Alleged Links to Accused Godman

Politicians Under Fire Over Alleged Links to Accused Godman

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

Activist Anjali Damania alleges phone calls between Maharashtra politicians and a rape-accused godman, sparking controversy and raising questions about their connections.

Not love for Marathi, but power play: BJP slams Uddhav-Raj rally

Not love for Marathi, but power play: BJP slams Uddhav-Raj rally

Rediff.com5 Jul 2025

BJP leaders in Maharashtra criticized Uddhav and Raj Thackeray's joint rally in Mumbai, calling it a desperate attempt to revive their political fortunes ahead of civic polls. They accused the Thackerays of using the Marathi language issue as a guise to regain power and criticized their past actions.

'Vote Jehad', 'Muslim League', What Next?

'Vote Jehad', 'Muslim League', What Next?

Rediff.com18 May 2026

The only thing that might make the BJP stop trying to isolate Muslims completely will be if substantial numbers of the community vote for the party that flaunts its animosity towards it, notes Jyoti Punwani.

MNS protests insult to Marathis over non-veg food in Mumbai society

MNS protests insult to Marathis over non-veg food in Mumbai society

Rediff.com17 Apr 2025

Workers of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) confronted residents of a housing society in suburban Ghatkopar over allegations that Gujarati residents insulted Marathi-speaking families for eating non-vegetarian food. The incident, captured on video and widely shared on social media, sparked intervention from police and condemnation from a state minister. The MNS leader in the video accused the Gujarati residents of calling the Marathi-speaking families "dirty" for their food choices, a claim denied by a resident of the building. The incident highlights simmering tensions between language communities in Mumbai, particularly in the lead-up to civic elections.

Drug Trafficker Dola's Chemist Links Under Investigation

Drug Trafficker Dola's Chemist Links Under Investigation

Rediff.com3 May 2026

Investigators are probing the network of Mohammad Salim Dola, an alleged international drug trafficker, and have uncovered links with chemists and pharma dealers who allegedly aided his illicit trans-national racket.

MNS workers slap mall staffer for refusing to speak Marathi

MNS workers slap mall staffer for refusing to speak Marathi

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

In a video which has gone viral on social media, the store employee is heard telling a customer, "I will not speak in Marathi, I will speak only in Hindi. Do what you want to do."

RSS leader says no need to learn Marathi in Mumbai, sparks row

RSS leader says no need to learn Marathi in Mumbai, sparks row

Rediff.com6 Mar 2025

Fadnavis on Thursday asserted that Marathi is the language of Mumbai and Maharashtra and anyone who lives here should learn and speak it, after a Shiv Sena-UBT MLA pointed to comments of a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh leader.

Fadnavis steps in to douse fire, says Marathi language of Mumbai, Maha

Fadnavis steps in to douse fire, says Marathi language of Mumbai, Maha

Rediff.com6 Mar 2025

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday asserted that Marathi is the language of Mumbai and Maharashtra and anyone who lives here should learn and speak it. Fadnavis was speaking in the state assembly after Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Bhaskar Jadhav said the government should clarify its stand on senior Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi's comments that a person coming to Mumbai may not necessarily learn Marathi.

Telco staffer's refusal to speak in Marathi sparks row; BJP seeks action

Telco staffer's refusal to speak in Marathi sparks row; BJP seeks action

Rediff.com12 Mar 2025

BJP MLC Chitra Wagh has called for promoting the use of the Marathi language in Maharashtra after a video of an Airtel employee refusing to speak Marathi with a customer went viral. Wagh, who heads the women's wing of the Maharashtra BJP, said that anyone residing in Maharashtra should know Marathi or be willing to learn it. She demanded action against the employee and called for all Airtel employees to be proficient in Marathi.

'Devendra Fadnavis Is King of Kings'

'Devendra Fadnavis Is King of Kings'

Rediff.com19 Jan 2026

'If the BJP had contested all 227 seats, I believe they would have managed to secure a majority on their own.'

Notorious Drug Trafficker Dola Faces Transit Remand To Mumbai

Notorious Drug Trafficker Dola Faces Transit Remand To Mumbai

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

A Delhi court has granted the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) a two-day transit remand to transport drug trafficker Mohammad Salim Dola to Mumbai. Dola was apprehended in Turkiye under 'Operation Global-Hunt' and is wanted in connection with multiple narcotics trafficking cases.

How India Brought Back Notorious Drug Trafficker From Turkiye

How India Brought Back Notorious Drug Trafficker From Turkiye

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

The Narcotics Control Bureau secured the return of drug trafficker Mohammad Salim Dola from Turkiye, announced Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

MNS Beats Up Shopkeeper For 'Disrespecting' Marathi

MNS Beats Up Shopkeeper For 'Disrespecting' Marathi

Rediff.com4 Dec 2024

On the video posted on X MNS members can be seen slapping the shopkeeper, warning him to not disrespect Marathi.

After 20 yrs, Uddhav, Raj to reunite over Marathi push

After 20 yrs, Uddhav, Raj to reunite over Marathi push

Rediff.com5 Jul 2025

Uddhav and Raj Thackeray, estranged cousins and leaders of Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS respectively, will share a public stage after two decades to celebrate the Maharashtra government's decision to roll back the three-language policy in primary schools.

BMC polls: Fadnavis plays old clips, says Raj, Uddhav fighting for survival

BMC polls: Fadnavis plays old clips, says Raj, Uddhav fighting for survival

Rediff.com13 Jan 2026

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis criticized Uddhav and Raj Thackeray, stating the Mumbai civic body election is a fight for their political survival. He also defended development projects and economic growth under the current government.

'Uddhav Has Emerged As Mumbai's Tiger'

'Uddhav Has Emerged As Mumbai's Tiger'

Rediff.com21 Jan 2026

'Marathi-speaking people of Mumbai have now emerged as a consolidated vote bank standing firmly behind the Thackerays.'

Hindi made 3rd language in Maharashtra, students can opt out

Hindi made 3rd language in Maharashtra, students can opt out

Rediff.com18 Jun 2025

An amended government order issued on Tuesday said Hindi will "generally" be the third language, instead of being mandatory, but gave an option to opt out if 20 students per grade in a school express the desire to study any Indian language other than Hindi.

'Keeping Modi-Shah Away From Mumbai Was Deliberate'

'Keeping Modi-Shah Away From Mumbai Was Deliberate'

Rediff.com19 Jan 2026

'It would have polarised the Marathi-non Marathi divide further. 'Fadnavis had a very clear strategy: Let all Marathi people campaign for us (the BJP), and whatever results we get will be delivered by Marathi people only.'

Karnataka minister backs conductor thrashed for not speaking Marathi

Karnataka minister backs conductor thrashed for not speaking Marathi

Rediff.com24 Feb 2025

Karnataka Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy has expressed his support for a bus conductor, Mahadevappa Hukkeri, who was allegedly assaulted in Belagavi for not speaking Marathi. The incident has reignited the decades-old border dispute between Maharashtra and Karnataka. Five people have been arrested in connection with the assault, but the Minister has called for the arrest of others involved. The attack has also led to allegations of a false POCSO case being registered against the conductor.

Asha Bhosle Passes Away At 92

Asha Bhosle Passes Away At 92

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

Asha Bhosle, the iconic Indian playback singer known for her unparalleled versatility and a career spanning over eight decades, has passed away at the age of 92 due to multi-organ failure.

As if it was Russia-Ukraine alliance: Fadnavis' dig at Thackerays

As if it was Russia-Ukraine alliance: Fadnavis' dig at Thackerays

Rediff.com24 Dec 2025

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis dismisses the alliance between Uddhav and Raj Thackeray's parties as a move for political survival, asserting it won't significantly impact Mumbai's political landscape. BJP leader Ashish Shelar questions the motives behind the reunion, highlighting past criticisms and the Thackerays' changing stances.

Won't allow Hindi imposition in Maharashtra: Uddhav

Won't allow Hindi imposition in Maharashtra: Uddhav

Rediff.com19 Apr 2025

Shiv Sena-UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray has vowed to oppose the Maharashtra government's decision to make Hindi a mandatory third language for students of Classes 1 to 5, stating that his party will not allow it. Thackeray, addressing an event of the Bharatiya Kamgar Sena, the workers' wing of the Shiv Sena (UBT), said his party has no aversion to the Hindi language but questioned the need to force it upon students. He also criticized the ruling BJP's approach, alleging their aim is to keep people under pressure and prevent unity. He accused the current government of working against the interests of Marathi and Maharashtra, and slammed Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde for his alleged subservience to those he believes are harming the state's interests. Thackeray further criticized the Waqf Amendment Act 2025, arguing against the appointment of non-Muslims on the Waqf Board and questioning the government's intentions in appointing non-Hindus to Hindu religious organizations. He also claimed that his government was overthrown because he had stalled the implementation of labor codes in the state. Thackeray concluded his speech by urging party members to prioritize the hiring of Bharatiya Kamgar Sena union members in workplaces where the union has a presence.

Courts And The Hate Speech Dilemma

Courts And The Hate Speech Dilemma

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Courts cannot be the only hope for those fighting hate speech. Countering its effects on the ground takes more effort. With our political parties unwilling to put in that amount of effort, it's left to citizens to do so, points out Jyoti Punwani.