Devendra Fadnavis
Political Credit War Erupts Over Maharashtra's Ladki Bahin Scheme Ahead of Mumbai Civic Polls
Nov 26, 2025 08:35 pm CST
As Mumbai's BMC elections approach, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde are engaged in a political credit war over the popular Ladki Bahin welfare scheme that provides Rs 1,500 monthly assistance to women from economically weaker sections. Opposition leaders claim the scheme was launched to influence voters and may be discontinued after elections despite government assurances of its continuity.
Fadnavis Schools Prashant Kishor: Why Numbers Trump Ideology in Indian Politics
Nov 24, 2025 04:14 pm CST
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis delivered a pointed political lesson following Prashant Kishor's failed Bihar election bid, emphasizing that numerical strength ultimately trumps ideological purity in politics. While Kishor's Jan Suraaj won zero seats despite contesting in 238 constituencies, Fadnavis highlighted how successful coalitions like Maharashtra's Mahayuti can govern effectively despite ideological differences through pragmatic alliance-building and common minimum programs.
Forest Department Deploys Thermal Drones After Leopard Sighting in Pune Residential Area
Nov 23, 2025 10:36 pm CST
A leopard was spotted in Pune's Aundh area near Sindh Society, prompting the Forest Department to launch an extensive search operation using thermal drones and advanced technology. Residents have been alerted to remain vigilant as authorities respond to this wildlife incursion in a region known to have approximately 1,300 leopards across Pune and Ahilyanagar districts.
Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar Clarifies Controversial "Votes for Funds" Remark Ahead of Local Elections
Nov 23, 2025 05:41 pm CST
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has clarified his controversial campaign statement linking voter support to fund allocation in Malegaon, claiming it was not intended as a threat but rather a common election promise. The NCP chief's remarks sparked criticism from opposition parties while government allies attempted to downplay the controversy ahead of the December 2 Nagar Panchayat elections.
Maharashtra Committee Indicts Three in Rs 300-Crore Land Deal Linked to Ajit Pawar's Son
Nov 19, 2025 11:46 am CST
A Joint Inspector General of Registration committee has submitted its report on a controversial Rs 300-crore land deal involving Ajit Pawar's son's firm, indicting three individuals while noting Parth Pawar's name doesn't appear in any official documents. The report recommends stricter measures to prevent fraudulent government land transactions in the future.
Maharashtra Declares Leopard Attacks a State Disaster: Fadnavis Unveils Comprehensive Management Plan
Nov 19, 2025 12:41 am CST
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed officials to classify leopard attacks as a 'state disaster' and reclassify leopards from Schedule 1 to Schedule 2 under the Wildlife Protection Act. The comprehensive plan includes immediate deployment of cages, establishing rescue centers in Pune district, implementing sterilization programs, and adjusting school hours in affected areas to ensure public safety amid increasing human-wildlife conflicts.
Maharashtra's Mahayuti Alliance Faces Internal Tensions as Sena Ministers Skip Cabinet Meeting
Nov 18, 2025 09:45 pm CST
The ruling Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra faced visible discord when several Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) ministers skipped a cabinet meeting, revealing underlying tensions despite public statements claiming unity. The conflict centered around party recruitment practices, culminating in an agreement that neither BJP nor Shiv Sena would poach each other's members going forward. This incident highlights the delicate balance within Maharashtra's governing coalition as they navigate local political rivalries while maintaining their partnership.
Sharad Pawar Claims Cash Transfers Influenced Bihar Election Results While BJP Defends Welfare Initiatives
Nov 15, 2025 07:22 pm CST
Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar alleges that BJP-led NDA's Bihar election victory was influenced by pre-election Rs 10,000 cash transfers to women voters, raising concerns about electoral integrity. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis dismisses these claims, defending government welfare schemes as legitimate policy initiatives appreciated by voters.
Supreme Court Schedules Hearing on Shiv Sena Symbol Dispute for January 21
Nov 12, 2025 10:50 pm CST
The Supreme Court has set January 21 as the date to hear petitions from the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction of Shiv Sena challenging the Election Commission's allocation of the 'bow and arrow' symbol to Eknath Shinde's faction. This long-pending dispute follows political realignment in Maharashtra, where Shinde's group secured seven Lok Sabha seats in 2024 and now serves in the state government alongside BJP and Ajit Pawar's NCP faction.
Maharashtra Land Controversy: Ajit Pawar's Son Under Fire for Dalit Land Deal and Stamp Duty Waiver
Nov 09, 2025 04:46 pm CST
A detailed examination of the controversial land deal involving Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's son Parth Pawar in Maharashtra. The article explores how Amadea Holdings LLP purchased Dalit-reserved government land in Pune at a significantly reduced price and received a stamp duty waiver, leading to political backlash, BJP investigation, and eventual cancellation of the deal. The controversy has strained the NCP-BJP alliance in Maharashtra and drawn national attention to issues of land rights and political privilege.