Maharashtra: Sanjay Raut Invites Shinde Faction Leaders to Return to Shiv Sena (UBT) if They Regret Their Split Sanjay Raut, a leader of Shiv Sena (UBT), has extended an invitation to members of the Shinde faction to rejoin the party if they realize their decision to leave in 2022 was a mistake. However, Raut clarified that not all leaders will be allowed to return. The statement comes amid ongoing tensions between the two factions of the Shiv Sena, which split in 2022 when a group led by Eknath Shinde broke away to form the Shiv Sena (UBT). Raut, who is a member of the Shiv Sena (UBT) and a member of parliament, stated during a press interaction in Mumbai that if any leader feels they made an error in leaving the party or were misled, they should return to the UBT faction led by Uddhav Thackeray. He accused the BJP of disrespecting its allies, suggesting that the party’s actions have contributed to the factional divide. This remark follows a statement by Abdul Sattar, a senior leader of the Shinde faction and former minister, who claimed that the BJP had weakened the Shiv Sena (UBT) and further damaged the Shinde faction’s influence in the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district. Sattar argued that if allies begin to weaken the party, the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance loses its legitimacy. He also hinted at the possibility of reuniting the two Shiv Sena factions. Raut countered by asserting that the original Shiv Sena, not the BJP, was the dominant political force in Maharashtra. He criticized the BJP for failing to accept this reality and blamed the party for causing the split. Raut also raised questions about the Election Commission’s role in matters related to the party’s name and symbols, expressing confidence that the Supreme Court would rule in favor of Uddhav Thackeray’s faction.#maharashtra #uddhav_thackeray #shiv_sena_ubit #eknath_shinde #shinde_faction
Maharashtra Govt Committed to Addressing Maratha Quota Demands While Protecting OBC Interests: Fadnavis Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reiterated the government’s dedication to resolving the Maratha reservation issue while safeguarding the interests of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) amid ongoing protests and legal challenges. Speaking in Nagpur, Fadnavis emphasized that any decisions on reservation policies must adhere to constitutional and judicial guidelines, highlighting the legal complexities surrounding the matter. He stated that the Mahayuti government, led by him and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, has already taken “unprecedented steps” to address Maratha concerns without compromising OBC benefits. The government’s stance comes as Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange continues his indefinite hunger strike from Antarwadi Sarati village in Jalna, demanding Kunbi caste certificates for eligible Marathas to access OBC reservation benefits. Jarange also called for the implementation of records from the Hyderabad and Satara Gazette and the withdrawal of legal cases against protesters during previous agitations. Fadnavis assured the Maratha community that the government would not “pit one community against another,” reaffirming its commitment to equitable distribution of reservation benefits. Fadnavis stressed that the government would follow the Constitution of India and directives from the Bombay High Court and Supreme Court, warning that decisions made outside these frameworks might gain public attention but would fail legal scrutiny. He acknowledged the long-standing apprehensions of OBC organizations, which fear that extending reservation benefits to Marathas could dilute opportunities for backward communities.#devendra_fadnavis #bombay_high_court #maharashtra_govt #eknath_shinde #manoj_jarange
BJP Cadre Pushes Aggressive Electoral Strategy in Vidarbha Ahead of Council Elections As the political landscape in Maharashtra continues to shift, BJP functionaries in Vidarbha have intensified efforts to secure a strong electoral position ahead of the Maharashtra Legislative Council elections. The region, known for its significant BJP presence, is now at the center of strategic planning as the party seeks to counter potential challenges from alliance partners within the Mahayuti coalition. District-level BJP leaders have conveyed a clear directive to the party’s central leadership in Nagpur, emphasizing the need to contest the polls with confidence rather than being caught off guard by last-minute seat-sharing demands from allies. The focus of this strategy is rooted in the party’s existing dominance in local governance structures. Senior BJP functionaries highlighted that the party’s stronghold in municipal corporations, zilla parishads, and other local bodies provides a distinct advantage in most Vidarbha constituencies. This organizational strength is seen as a critical asset in the upcoming elections, which are expected to serve as a barometer of the party’s grassroots influence. However, concerns remain about the potential for internal competition within the ruling alliance, particularly with Shiv Sena, led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, attempting to expand its footprint in the region. Party insiders have expressed worries that Shiv Sena may seek to negotiate for seats in the council polls, especially in constituencies where the BJP has historically held sway. This perceived threat has prompted BJP leaders to stress the importance of maintaining a proactive approach. A local BJP functionary noted that the organization’s strength in Vidarbha should not be undermined by defensive tactics.#bjp #shiv_sena #eknath_shinde #mahayuti #nagpur_local_authorities
Bachchu Kadu’s Shiv Sena Entry To Power Shinde’s Vidarbha Push Nagpur: The merger of ex-MLA Bachchu Kadu’s Prahar Janshakti Party with Shiv Sena (Shinde) has been framed as a strategic political alliance that benefits both parties and aligns with deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde’s ambitions to strengthen the party’s presence in Vidarbha. Kadu, who suffered a defeat in the 2024 state elections, is now securing a seat in the Legislative Council, while Shinde gains a prominent figure with a strong grassroots following to challenge the BJP’s dominance in the region. Shiv Sena, despite having MLAs and an MP from Vidarbha, has historically operated as a secondary force to its alliance partner, the BJP. This dynamic has persisted even during the party’s earlier unified phase. Sources suggest that Shinde, feeling pressure from the BJP, is actively pursuing efforts to consolidate existing strongholds and expand into areas traditionally controlled by the BJP. The merger with Kadu’s party is seen as a key step in this strategy. Shiv Sena’s chief spokesperson, Raju Waghmare, emphasized that the party’s expansion efforts are not aimed at undermining the BJP. “Every party has the right to grow, and it is incorrect to assume we are rejecting those who approach us,” Waghmare stated. He highlighted Kadu’s prior support for Shinde during the 2022 revolt, noting that his alignment with the party has not shifted significantly. Kadu’s political reentry coincided with Sena MP Pratap Jadhav assuming the role of Vidarbha’s sampark mantri. A day before Kadu’s alliance announcement, Jadhav convened a critical meeting in Nagpur with Sena officials to discuss broader expansion plans.#vidarbha #shiv_sena #eknath_shinde #bachchu_kadu #pratap_jadhav
Bachchu Kadu’s Shift to Shinde-Sena Triggers Backlash From Farm Activists A year after leading a high-profile agitation for a farm loan waiver, Prahar Janshakti leader Bachchu Kadu has faced sharp criticism from fellow activists over his decision to join the Sena faction led by deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde. The move has unsettled many within the farmers’ movement, particularly in Vidarbha, where the loan waiver demand gained significant traction. Kadu, who had emerged as a prominent figure by organizing a three-day blockade of the Nagpur-Delhi-Hyderabad highway, had previously built an independent, secular political base, largely unaffiliated with either the ruling Mahayuti alliance or the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi. His alignment with a party in power has sparked debates about his commitment to the farmers’ cause. Activists involved in last year’s protests have stated that the movement will continue without Kadu, reiterating their demand for a complete loan waiver. They emphasized that the panel headed by chief minister’s economic adviser Praveen Pardesi, which submitted its report, will be closely monitored. “We will wait till June 30 for implementation of the committee’s recommendations. If the government fails, another agitation will be launched,” said leaders associated with the protest. However, the backlash against Kadu has intensified, with social media platforms becoming a hub for criticism. Farmer groups have questioned his political motives, with some accusing him of seeking personal gain. One activist remarked that his decision exposed “how desperate” he was for a legislative council position, while another described him as “a claimant of the chief minister’s post, now desperate for power.” Despite the criticism, some veteran voices have urged a more measured perspective.#vidarbha #eknath_shinde #bachchu_kadu #praveen_pardesi #nagpur_delhi_hyderabad_highway
Bhandara Nagar Parishad developing 9 more parks Nagpur: Bhandara Nagar Parishad is developing nine additional parks in addition to the three that already exist, according to information shared with the Legislative Council by the state government. MLC Dr Parinay Fuke raised questions about the condition of parks in Bhandara city and the maintenance of the Ravvanwadi lake area. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde confirmed that nine new open plots are being developed with features such as benches, children’s equipment, walking tracks, drinking water facilities, and seating for senior citizens. A special scheme allocated Rs 1 crore for the park development project. The three existing parks are maintained using funds from the Nagar Parishad. Three security guards have been deployed for cleanliness and crowd management at the parks. The parks department employs one garden supervisor and two gardeners on permanent service, supported by seven contractual workers for maintenance. Regarding the Ravvanwadi lake area, which is frequently associated with Bhandara’s parks, Shinde clarified that it falls under the jurisdiction of the Ravvanwadi Gram Panchayat and is managed by the Forest Department. A Rs 19.60 crore tourism development project for the area was approved by the Maharashtra Nature Tourism Development Corporation’s 22nd executive committee on February 6, 2024, and the proposal was submitted to the Forest Department for administrative approval on September 22, 2025. No timeline has been provided for the Forest Department’s clearance, the completion of the nine open plots, or the full utilization of the Rs 1 crore sanctioned amount.#eknath_shinde #dr_parinay_fuke #bhandara_nagar_parishad #ravvanwadi_gram_panchayat #maharashtra_nature_tourism_development_corporation
Marathi New Year Celebrated with Processions and Religious Gatherings Across State The first day of the traditional Marathi New Year, known as Gudi Padwa, was marked by vibrant processions and religious ceremonies in cities across Maharashtra. Residents engaged in the celebrations by displaying the Gudi, a symbolic flag, and participating in community events. The festivities included processions in Mumbai, Thane, Nagpur, and other regions, accompanied by traditional music ensembles. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis joined a procession in Nagpur, where a collective recitation of the Ramraksha Stotra took place. Addressing the gathering, Mr. Fadnavis highlighted the cultural significance of the festival and encouraged citizens to embrace positive resolutions for the new year. He emphasized the importance of collective efforts in driving national progress. In Thane, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde participated in a procession that began at the Kopineshwar Temple. The event attracted MLAs Sanjay Kelkar and Niranjan Davkhare, along with MP Naresh Maske. Citizens lined the streets to witness the procession, which featured performances by Dhol and Tasha troupes and Lezim dancers. In Dombivli, a unique procession showcased women riding motorcycles and bicycles, all dressed in traditional attire and displaying the Gudi on their vehicles. At the Tuljabhavani Temple, the Gudi was hoisted on the temple spire after the morning Aarti. A worship ceremony was conducted by the chief priests, while the Vitthal-Rukmini Temple was adorned with floral decorations. Devotees across the state visited temples, as the day is regarded as one of the three-and-a-half auspicious moments in the Hindu calendar.#devendra_fadnavis #gudi_padwa #marathi_new_year #eknath_shinde #tuljabhavani_temple
