Amidst a series of incidents involving MNS activists resorting to violence against non-Marathi speakers, party chief Raj Thackeray has declared a revival of the party's "Mi Marathi" campaign. The ruling Mahayuti and opposition MVA parties have remained cautious in their reactions, with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stating that demanding Marathi in Maharashtra is not wrong but violence will not be tolerated. While the BJP is reportedly backing the MNS for the upcoming BMC polls, former NCP minister believes it is a ploy to weaken the Shiv Sena-led alliance. The MNS, which has been struggling in the state elections, has found an opportunity to regain political relevance under Thackeray's leadership.
In a digitized effort, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis transferred a grant of ₹25 crore to 560 gaushalas across the state under the Desi Cow Conservation Scheme. This first phase of the scheme will benefit over 56,000 indigenous cows for their upkeep. Fadnavis emphasized the importance of preserving indigenous cows for rural development and praised the initiative taken by the Maharashtra Goseva Commission. With lower milk productivity, these cow shelters play a vital role in providing necessary care for non-milking and unproductive cows, making the scheme a major relief for them.
Kunal Kamra's recent stand-up special, "Naya Bharat," has caused uproar and backlash for its political satire and alleged criticism of Maharashtra deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde. The video has led to vandalism, legal action, and the closure of a popular comedy venue in Mumbai. As the controversy unfolds, take an in-depth look at Kamra's career and his bold critiques of contemporary issues and the government.
Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora has condemned comedian Kunal Kamra's recent mocking of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, stating that Kamra and others like him have been hired by the political elites to distract from crucial issues, such as the Disha Salian case. Deora also highlights the irony of Kamra's elitist language, as leaders from humble backgrounds have risen to power in India. He further questions the selective outrage of Congress and opposition leaders, citing examples of threats and violence against journalists and individuals critical of them. In response to Kamra's show, Shiv Sena workers vandalised the venue, leading to police questioning.
Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray came to the defense of comedian Kunal Kamra and his recent remarks against Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Thackeray stated that there was nothing wrong in calling someone a 'gaddar' (traitor) if it is true. Additionally, Aditya Thackeray questioned the violence at the Mumbai studio where Kamra's show was shot and called for an end to such actions. The controversy has sparked a heated debate on the issue of freedom of speech and criticism towards political leaders.
Amid the ongoing controversy surrounding comedian Kunal Kamra's remarks on Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, an old video resurfaced showing Kamra expressing support for the demolition of Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut's bungalow by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in 2020. However, with Kamra now facing backlash for his latest controversy, his previous stance is being called into question on social media, branding him a hypocrite. Netizens are pointing out that Kamra supported the BMC's decision to vandalize Ranaut's property, but is now speaking out about freedom of speech when faced with a similar situation.
Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam has accused the Thackeray-led faction of the party of aligning itself with groups that were behind the recent violence in Nagpur. He also alleged that the party was drifting toward an "anti-Hindu" stance and demanded strict action against those involved. While Nirupam pushed for immediate action, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis urged caution and stated that investigations were ongoing to establish any foreign links to the violence. The violence in Nagpur erupted on 17 March following rumors of a religious inscription being burned and left 92 people arrested so far.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has described the recent clashes in Nagpur as a planned conspiracy, with rumors playing a major role in the escalation of tensions. The violence broke out during a protest by right-wing groups demanding the removal of a grave. Fadnavis has condemned the attack on police and called for swift action against those responsible for spreading false information. The incident has reignited debates about the role of social media in inciting violence and the importance of addressing rumors in maintaining law and order.
Following a right-wing protest, rumors of Quran burning sparked violent clashes in Nagpur, injuring four people and causing widespread chaos and destruction. Politicians and leaders, including Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, have appealed for calm and denounced the false rumors. BJP MLA Pravin Datke has alleged that the violence was instigated by outsiders, and security forces have been deployed to contain the situation.
The Supreme Court has allowed the Adarsh housing society, at the center of a major scam in 2010, to withdraw around Rs one crore from its bank accounts for maintenance and litigation expenses. The CBI had frozen these accounts during their investigation, but the society argued that the funds were collected from members for legal costs. After hearing arguments from both sides, the court ruled in favor of the society and ordered the accounts to be defreezed. This decision could have an impact on the ongoing probe into the Adarsh scam, which had led to the resignation of the then chief minister of Maharashtra.