News for 'Western Maharashtra'

Mumbai man dies after falling into open manhole; 4 officials suspended

Mumbai man dies after falling into open manhole; 4 officials suspended

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

A 55-year-old man died after falling into an open manhole in Mumbai during heavy rains, leading to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) suspending four officials and initiating a homicide case against the responsible contractor for alleged negligence.

What Made Vijaya Mehta India's Theatre Czarina

What Made Vijaya Mehta India's Theatre Czarina

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Vijaya Mehta's eyes were always twinkling, her smile was always warm, her sari usually a collector's piece. She put on no elder statesman airs. But when she was in director mode, she allowed her actors and technicians no slack. Deepa Gahlot doffs her hat to the undisputed doyenne of Marathi theatre and one of India's most influential directors and actors, who shaped the landscape of Indian experimental theatre.

GDN To Dada: 10 Coming Biopics That Have Our Attention

GDN To Dada: 10 Coming Biopics That Have Our Attention

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

From Dr A P J Abdul Kalam to Sourav Ganguly, these coming biopics are bringing some of India's most fascinating lives to the big screen.

History In Minutes: The Right To Water: Ambedkar's Mahad Satyagraha

History In Minutes: The Right To Water: Ambedkar's Mahad Satyagraha

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

Ninety-nine years ago, a young Dr B R Ambedkar embarked on a revolutionary and most overdue reformatory path -- he led hundreds of men and women to a water tank in the town of Mahad, western Maharashtra, to fulfil one of the most basic human needs: The right to drink water from the tank.

Clash Erupts During Anti-Encroachment Drive In Mumbai

Clash Erupts During Anti-Encroachment Drive In Mumbai

Rediff.com20 May 2026

A demolition drive targeting an allegedly illegal mosque in Mumbai's Bandra East area led to clashes between residents and police, resulting in injuries and detentions.

Dawoodi Bohra verdict row: HC ex-judge Patel gets security cover

Dawoodi Bohra verdict row: HC ex-judge Patel gets security cover

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Retired Judge Gautam Patel and his family, getting threatening letters over his 2024 verdict on the succession row in the Dawoodi Bohra community, have been provided police protection, the Maharashtra government on Monday told the Bombay high court.

Anti-encroachment drive in Mumbai slum turns violent, 3 cops injured

Anti-encroachment drive in Mumbai slum turns violent, 3 cops injured

Rediff.com20 May 2026

A demolition drive targeting an alleged illegal religious structure in a Mumbai slum led to clashes between residents and police, resulting in injuries and detentions.

Maharashtra to bring stricter anti-conversion law: Minister

Maharashtra to bring stricter anti-conversion law: Minister

Rediff.com15 Jul 2025

The Maharashtra government plans to introduce a stringent anti-conversion law in the winter session of the legislature, with provisions stricter than those in other states.

16 arrested after stone pelting during Bandra demolition drive

16 arrested after stone pelting during Bandra demolition drive

Rediff.com22 May 2026

Mumbai police have arrested sixteen people and are seeking over 150 more in connection with stone pelting incidents that occurred during a demolition drive near Bandra station. The demolition aimed to clear encroached land for railway infrastructure upgrades.

Bitter results for MVA in Maharashtra's sugar belt

Bitter results for MVA in Maharashtra's sugar belt

Rediff.com24 Nov 2024

The ruling Mahayuti alliance bagged 53 of the 70 assembly seats in the region.

Doubts raised as Godman Kharat's close aide dies in car crash

Doubts raised as Godman Kharat's close aide dies in car crash

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

The death of a close associate of jailed godman Ashok Kharat in a car accident has prompted suspicion from opposition leaders, who question whether the incident was orchestrated to suppress facts in the probe against Kharat.

Will two NCP factions merge after Ajit Pawar's death?

Will two NCP factions merge after Ajit Pawar's death?

Rediff.com30 Jan 2026

The talks about the reunification had already started when Ajit Pawar was alive. In fact, the two parties even contested the civic polls in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad together.

BJP defeats united NCP in Pune, Pimpri Chinchwad

BJP defeats united NCP in Pune, Pimpri Chinchwad

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Friday trounced the opposition including the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party and Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar by winning decisive mandates in Pune and neighbouring Pimpri Chinchwad in the civic polls, retaining power in both municipal corporations.

Why 767 Maharashtra Farmers Died By Suicide

Why 767 Maharashtra Farmers Died By Suicide

Rediff.com8 Jul 2025

'You've got to understand it is not easy to die by suicide.' 'People commit suicide only when they lose everything and find no other way to live.'

Severe heatwave grips India, Banda in UP scorches at 48 deg C

Severe heatwave grips India, Banda in UP scorches at 48 deg C

Rediff.com19 May 2026

Large parts of India are experiencing a severe heatwave, with temperatures soaring to dangerous levels. Authorities have issued alerts and health advisories as the heatwave intensifies across multiple states.

Heatwave sweeps North India, UP on alert; relief in J-K, Himachal

Heatwave sweeps North India, UP on alert; relief in J-K, Himachal

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

Many places across northern states including Delhi recorded above-normal temperatures crossing 40 degrees Celsius, while the India Meteorological Department warned of heatwave conditions in parts of Uttar Pradesh in the coming days. Jammu and Kashmir saw a dip in temperatures with fresh snowfall in the higher reaches and rainfall in the plains.

'2026 Could Be Warmest Year Ever Recorded'

'2026 Could Be Warmest Year Ever Recorded'

Rediff.com25 May 2026

'We should expect extreme heat, extreme rains, floods, landslides and maybe cyclones. Not just this year, in the coming year as well.'

NIA Court Rejects Varavara Rao's Plea to Move to Hyderabad

NIA Court Rejects Varavara Rao's Plea to Move to Hyderabad

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

A special NIA court in Mumbai has denied poet-activist Varavara Rao's request to permanently relocate to Hyderabad, citing a lack of authority to modify bail conditions set by the Supreme Court in the Elgar Parishad-Maoist links case.

Sharad Pawar hospitalised in Pune with chest infection; stable

Sharad Pawar hospitalised in Pune with chest infection; stable

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar was admitted to a private hospital in Pune after experiencing cough and breathing difficulties. Doctors are evaluating his condition.

What Happens To NCP After Ajit Pawar's Death?

What Happens To NCP After Ajit Pawar's Death?

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

With Ajit Pawar's passing, the 40 MLAs who remain will now have to decide whether they want to continue in Mahayuti in the company of the BJP and Shiv Sena -- or return to the Sharad Pawar fold.

Marathi movie 'Manache Shlok' screenings halted over title row

Marathi movie 'Manache Shlok' screenings halted over title row

Rediff.com12 Oct 2025

Screenings of the Marathi film 'Manache Shlok' were disrupted in Maharashtra due to objections to the title. The director, Mrunmayee Deshpande, expressed disappointment, and the film will be re-released with a new title. Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant criticized the protests.

BJP MLA's slur triggers NCP-SP protest, Pawar dials Fadnavis

BJP MLA's slur triggers NCP-SP protest, Pawar dials Fadnavis

Rediff.com19 Sep 2025

Maharashtra BJP MLA Gopichand Padalkar's alleged derogatory remarks about NCP (SP) leader Jayant Patil and his parents sparked discontent among members of the opposition party, leading to protests and Sharad Pawar expressing his disapproval to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

Why Jarange Patil Wants OBC Status For Marathas

Why Jarange Patil Wants OBC Status For Marathas

Rediff.com3 Sep 2025

'These Marathas are farmers and they only do farming. They have no other business other than farming. Now, they want reservations because farming is no longer a profitable business.'In this interview, veteran farmers' rights advocate and founding member of the Shetkari Sanghatna, Vijay Jawandhia, with Syed Firdaus Ashraf/Rediff unpacks the historical and structural roots of the agitation.

Maharashtra mosque hosts Lord Ganesha for 44 years

Maharashtra mosque hosts Lord Ganesha for 44 years

Rediff.com17 Sep 2024

Although the festival was not observed for several years afterwards, the New Ganesh Mandal was formed in 1980 and has continued this unique tradition ever since.

Kingpin in Rs 252-cr meow-meow haul nabbed after Dubai deportation

Kingpin in Rs 252-cr meow-meow haul nabbed after Dubai deportation

Rediff.com23 Oct 2025

Mumbai police have arrested Mohammed Salim Mohammed Suhail Shaikh, a key accused in a Rs 252-crore mephedrone seizure case, after his deportation from Dubai. Shaikh, known as 'Lavish,' is a member of an international drug syndicate and managed the supply and distribution chain from Dubai.

'Doctor who killed self after rape asked to change medical reports'

'Doctor who killed self after rape asked to change medical reports'

Rediff.com25 Oct 2025

Relatives of a woman doctor who committed suicide in Maharashtra are demanding capital punishment for the men she accused of rape and harassment in a note. The case involves a police officer and allegations of political pressure to alter medical reports.

15 Naxalites Surrender in Chhattisgarh, Crippling Maoist Operations

15 Naxalites Surrender in Chhattisgarh, Crippling Maoist Operations

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

Fifteen Naxalites, including a veteran ultra with a significant bounty, surrendered in Chhattisgarh, effectively dismantling the Maoist movement in the Raipur-Sambalpur region.

Southern states hold the steering wheel in India's ePV transition

Southern states hold the steering wheel in India's ePV transition

Rediff.com20 Jan 2026

India's electric passenger vehicle (ePV) market has expanded sharply over the past five years, with registrations rising from just 3,252 units in 2020 to about 170,000 in 2025. Throughout this scale-up, southern states have remained the bedrock of adoption, consistently contributing around one-third of national electric vehicle (EV) registrations - emphasising the region's role as the structural backbone of India's EV transition.

Why MVA Won 30 Seats In Maharashtra

Why MVA Won 30 Seats In Maharashtra

Rediff.com5 Jun 2024

'The people preferred Uddhav Thackeray and Sharad Pawar...'

At 150k, Mumbai logs highest property registrations in 14 yrs in 2025

At 150k, Mumbai logs highest property registrations in 14 yrs in 2025

Rediff.com1 Jan 2026

Mumbai recorded its strongest housing market performance in 14 years in 2025, with property registrations rising to 150,254, amid a sustained end-user demand and supportive supply-side ecosystem, according to Knight Frank India.

Congress left gasping as candidate pulls out in Maharashtra stronghold

Congress left gasping as candidate pulls out in Maharashtra stronghold

Rediff.com4 Nov 2024

The end of the process to withdraw nominations for Maharashtra assembly polls on Monday left the Congress in despair in Kolhapur North seat after its candidate Madhurima Raje Chhatrapati withdrew, while the Bharatiya Janata Party managed to convince Gopal Shetty to opt out from Mumbai's Borivali.

Lack Of Political Unity Is India's Greatest Challenge

Lack Of Political Unity Is India's Greatest Challenge

Rediff.com6 Feb 2026

'No, India and China were not about to go to all-out war over a few rocks of Galwan.' 'The full picture of what went on at the highest level between two heads of State will not be known for a very, very long time and rightly so,' points out Colonel Anil A Athale, former head of the history division, ministry of defence.

'Paatal Lok': Mumbai to get underground tunnels to ease traffic

'Paatal Lok': Mumbai to get underground tunnels to ease traffic

Rediff.com24 Nov 2025

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced plans for a vast underground tunnel network in Mumbai to ease traffic congestion, describing it as a 'Paatal Lok,' a parallel road system. The tunnel grid will cover the city in multiple directions, complementing existing arterial routes and Metro corridors. Several tunnel projects are under construction, including Thane-Borivali and Mulund-Goregaon, to improve east-west connectivity. An integrated Mumbai One app has been launched to enable a common ticket for various modes of transport.

'Hindutva Tsunami Has Swept Maharashtra'

'Hindutva Tsunami Has Swept Maharashtra'

Rediff.com23 Nov 2024

'More than 9.5% new voters have been added to the electoral voters' list compared to the 2024 Lok Sabha election.' 'This led to an increase in about 5% to 6% in total votes polled for this assembly election.' 'That has tilted hugely in our favour because we worked hard for registration of these voters and concentrated on bringing out these new voters out during this assembly election.'

10 women pilgrims killed, 30 hurt after bus falls into gorge in Pune

10 women pilgrims killed, 30 hurt after bus falls into gorge in Pune

Rediff.com12 Aug 2025

Ten women died and 30 others were injured after a pick-up van carrying them to a temple fell into a gorge in Pune district. The accident occurred due to the vehicle's failure to climb an incline, possibly due to overloading. PM Modi and CM Fadnavis announced compensation for the victims' families.

Modi flags off India's 1st Vande Bharat sleeper train

Modi flags off India's 1st Vande Bharat sleeper train

Rediff.com17 Jan 2026

Developed to meet the growing transportation needs of modern India, the fully AC Vande Bharat sleeper train would offer passengers an "airline-like travel experience at economical fares," a statement issued by the PMO stated.

India Set for Colder Plains, Warmer Hills

India Set for Colder Plains, Warmer Hills

Rediff.com2 Dec 2025

The winters could be cooler in the plains due to the prevailing La Nina conditions though it does not have a direct relationship and also due to influence of the polar vortex.

Dynasties, old rivalries trouble Maharashtra alliances

Dynasties, old rivalries trouble Maharashtra alliances

Rediff.com24 Mar 2024

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party-Shiv Sena-Nationalist Congress Party alliance and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi are facing multiple problems in Lok Sabha seats like Sangli, Madha and Satara in western Maharashtra due to political dynasties, old rivalries and one-upmanship, prompting a flurry of meetings before five phase polls begin in the state on April 19.

Cong sends Gehlot, Baghel to Maharashtra ahead of results

Cong sends Gehlot, Baghel to Maharashtra ahead of results

Rediff.com22 Nov 2024

A day before the assembly poll results, the Congress on Friday appointed observers for Maharashtra and Jharkhand to oversee the post-election scenarios.

Uddhav Sena-MNS manifesto promises free power, allowance for domestic helps

Uddhav Sena-MNS manifesto promises free power, allowance for domestic helps

Rediff.com4 Jan 2026

Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS release a joint manifesto for Mumbai civic polls, promising free power, allowances for domestic helps, and property tax waivers.