All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) leader Waris Pathan on Friday criticised the Maharashtra government for cancelling an earlier Government Resolution (GR) granting 5 per cent reservation to the Muslim community, alleging that the BJP-led dispensation was "anti-Muslim" and "anti-minority." According to ANI, reacting to the move on Thursday, Pathan said, "This shows that the BJP government is anti-Muslim, anti-minority... Before 2014, when the Congress was in power, it issued an ordinance for a 5 per cent reservation. It was also their fault that the law was not finalised. The matter went to the High Court. The High Court said that Muslims should be given a 5 per cent reservation in education. When I was an MLA, I raised this issue in every session... but the government did not give it. The BJP government rejected this reservation ordinance. I strongly condemn this... This shows the government's thinking that it is an anti-Muslim government..." Fresh GR nullifies earlier decision on Muslim quota in education and employment Meanwhile, the Maharashtra government's social justice department on Tuesday issued a Government Resolution (GR) cancelling its earlier decision to grant 5 per cent reservation to the Muslim community for educational institutions and government and semi-government jobs, a provision that had been legally invalidated over a decade ago. The reservation, introduced in July 2014 through an ordinance, classified Muslims under the Special Backwards Class-A (SBC-A) category and applied to government jobs and educational institutions. However, the ordinance was challenged in the Mumbai High Court, which stayed it on 14 November 2014. Since the ordinance was not enacted into law by the Maharashtra legislature by the 23 December 2014 deadline, it lapsed automatically. The Supreme Court later cancelled the reservation while deciding a Special Leave Petition (SLP) against the Bombay High Court order, effectively invalidating the provision. Despite the lapse of the ordinance and the Supreme Court's order, the Maharashtra government had not formally cancelled the original GR through any official order until now. AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi says, ‘Govt attempting to snatch citizenship through SIR’ Earlier on Monday, AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi alleged that the BJP-led Central government was attempting to “snatch citizenship rights” through the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The Hyderabad MP claimed that after Bihar, the SIR would be undertaken in Telangana and Maharashtra. “I appeal to the people to ensure that when the SIR is conducted, all genuine names are included. The BJP wants to snatch citizenship through the SIR. It is attempting to do so by conducting the revision through the Election Commission of India (ECI),” he alleged. (With ANI inputs)
20 February,2026 04:06 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMarking the occasion of Shiv Jayanti, Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Friday launched the ‘Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Maharajswa Abhiyan’, a statewide drive aimed at ensuring speedy and transparent delivery of key revenue services. The campaign seeks to resolve long-pending revenue matters through dedicated ‘Samadhan Shibir’ camps to be held across every revenue circle, including areas under municipal councils and nagar panchayats. More than 15 major services will be delivered on the spot during the camps, which will be conducted over six days in March, April and May. Speaking after the issuance of the Government Resolution, Bawankule said the initiative was launched following discussions with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. “Following detailed discussions with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, we have decided to dedicate this Shiv Jayanti to the welfare of common citizens, farmers, agricultural labourers, students and women. Through the ‘Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Maharajswa Samadhan Shibir Abhiyan (Phase-1)’, the administration will resolve long-pending revenue matters in a time-bound manner,” the minister said. Key services to be provided at camp Among the key services to be provided are clearance of pending mutation entries, correction of errors in 7/12 extracts, issuance of digitally signed 7/12 and 8-A extracts, income, domicile and caste certificates, non-creamy layer certificates, farm access road sanctions, house-site allotments, and registration under Agristack and PM-KISAN. Other key services that will be offered during the camp are: Resolution of cases related to violation of fragmentation law Administrative sanction for farm access roads (Panand rasta) Issuance of house-site (patte watap) Processing of e-measurement applications Registration/updation under Agristack and PM-KISAN Furthermore, Maharashtra Minister Bawankule also added that the core philosophy of the drive is that the administration must reach the people to deliver services, reducing time, travel and expenses for citizens. The preparatory phase will be held from February 18 to March 5. Camps are scheduled on March 7 and 14, April 10 and 17, and May 8 and 15, with implementation to be monitored daily at the state level. District Collectors will head district committees, while a state monitoring committee under the chairmanship of the Revenue Minister will oversee progress and accountability.
20 February,2026 03:36 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTwo days after meeting Deputy Chief Minister (CM) Eknath Shinde at his official residence Nandanvan in Thane, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Friday said he would be meeting CM Devendra Fadnavis, stressing the need for dialogue between political parties in the larger interest of the state. आपल्याकडे आता पूर्वीसारखं राजकारण राहिलेलं नाही. आम्हाला जर काही सांगायचं असेल काही चांगल्या गोष्टी करून घ्यायच्या असतील, तर भेट घ्यायला नको का ? उद्या मी मुख्यमंत्र्यांनाही भेटेन. - मा. राजसाहेब ठाकरे pic.twitter.com/r7vYISGbFn — MNS Adhikrut - मनसे अधिकृत (@mnsadhikrut) February 20, 2026 Amid political speculation over his recent meeting with Shinde and his proposed meeting with the CM, Thackeray said politics in Maharashtra has changed and that constructive engagement should not be viewed negatively. “You no longer have the kind of politics you used to. If we have something to say, if there are some good things that need to be done, shouldn’t we meet?” he said, adding that he would meet the CM on Saturday. Raising concerns over urban planning and migration, Thackeray questioned the unchecked growth of cities and the strain on infrastructure. “There is a city. How many people can live in that city? Are we going to give it any shape or form? Anyone can go anywhere and start living in any city. This is not possible,” he said. The MNS chief said such issues should be discussed jointly by the state and Central governments, warning that cities could face serious consequences if growth remains unregulated. Referring to the political climate in Maharashtra, Thackeray said there was earlier a culture of engagement after elections, but that practice has faded. He urged both the ruling party and the opposition to adopt a balanced approach. “The government should correct itself where it is wrong. Tomorrow we may be in the government; we should do the same,” he said, adding that governance should ultimately benefit the people of the state. On Wednesday, Thackeray had paid a courtesy visit to Shinde at the latter’s Nandanvan residence in Thane. According to Shinde’s office, the two leaders discussed various issues in what was their first meeting after the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections.
20 February,2026 03:29 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAfter residents of Charkop Sector 8 in Kandivali West complained of building vibrations during soil investigation for the Coastal Road interconnector, BJP MLA Sanjay Upadhyay met Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, following which the BMC decided to appoint experts from VJTI to conduct a technical inspection of the area. Officials said the review will assess structural safety, address citizens’ concerns and recommend safeguards before work proceeds further. What triggered concern Residents reported strong vibrations during pile testing linked to the Charkop interconnector. The issue was raised with local MLA Sanjay Upadhyay, who met Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani along with civic representatives on February 18. Ongoing Coastal Road-related construction work in Kandivli, which residents say has caused vibrations in nearby areas. Pic/Nimesh Dave Following the meeting, the BMC agreed to appoint a VJTI expert to inspect the site and reassure residents. A local communication group will also be formed to share updates and address complaints in real time. What happens next The VJTI inspection is expected to evaluate vibration levels, assess structural safety and recommend safeguards before further work proceeds.Officials say the review aims to balance infrastructure development with residents’ safety concerns. Measures BMC has promised Pollution control15-ft tin barriers to reduce dust and noise Additional dust suppression measures Parking reliefFacility for about 700 vehicles Community-rate parking instead of commercial charges Phases >> Versova to Dahisar (first stretch)>> Dahisar to Bhayandar (final stretch)>> The corridor will extend Mumbai’s Coastal Road network, linking with major routes such as the Nariman Point Coastal Road and the Bandra-Worli Sea Link. Why the Coastal Road project matters Project: Versova-Bhayandar Coastal RoadPurpose: Improve connectivity and reduce congestion in the western suburbsLength: 26.3 km
20 February,2026 12:35 PM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarTributes were paid to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj across Maharashtra on his 396th birth anniversary on Thursday, February 19, with grand civic celebrations. In Mumbai, a wreath-laying ceremony took place at the equestrian statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Shivaji Park in Dadar. Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat garlanded the Maratha warrior king’s statue and offered ‘abhishek’, paying homage on behalf of the state. The event was part of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC's) 'Shiv Jayanti Utsav'. Following the tribute, a vibrant cultural programme was held at the nearby Krida Bhavan in Dadar, organised by the Mumbai civic body’s Sangeet Kala Academy. The event featured powerful ‘powadas’ and ‘Shiv geets’ dedicated to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Governor Devvrat expressed his appreciation for the performances, applauding the artists and announcing a cash prize of Rs 51,000 as a token of encouragement. Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde, who also participated in the Dadar event, led separate tributes at two key locations. At the BMC headquarters, she garlanded the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Later, at the iconic Gateway of India, she offered floral tributes to the legendary king’s statue, symbolising the city's deep respect for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The celebrations were attended by several dignitaries, including Member of Parliament (MP) Anil Desai, legislator Sunil Shinde, Leader of Opposition in BMC Kishori Pednekar, Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, Corporator Trishna Vishwasrao, Deputy Commissioner (Zone 2) Prashant Sapkale, Deputy Commissioner (Special) Vinayak Vispute, Municipal Secretary Manjiri Deshpande, Assistant Commissioner (A Ward) Jaydeep More, and Deputy Secretary Sushil Mahajan, among others. Shiv Jayanti 2026: Thane marks celebrations with floral tributes, wreath-laying ceremonies In neighbouring Thane, the civic body marked the day with equal enthusiasm. Mayor Sharmila Pimpalolkar, Deputy Mayor Krishna Patil, and Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao garlanded the portrait of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at the late Narendra Ballal Hall in the civic premises. The leaders then proceeded to Masunda Talav, where Pimpalolkar led the wreath-laying ceremony at the full-size statue and extended Shiv Jayanti 2026 greetings to all Thanekars, urging them to imbibe the king's ideals. The deputy mayor separately honoured the full-size statue at Kalwa Naka with floral tributes. The Thane event was attended by Additional Commissioner Prashant Rode, Shiv Sena group leader Pawan Kadam, Deputy Commissioners GG Godapure, Umesh Birari, and Deepak Zinzad, Transport Manager Bhalchandra Behere, Assistant Commissioners Lalita Jadhav and Sopan Bhaik, Acting Deputy Information and Public Relations Officer Prachi Dingankar, and other municipal staff.
20 February,2026 11:50 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMumbai city and its suburbs are likely to witness mainly clear skies throughout the day. Warm conditions are expected to prevail, with the maximum temperature likely to reach around 33 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature may settle near 21 degrees Celsius. According to the latest forecast issued at 9 am, clear skies expected across city and suburbs. Mumbai's Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 113 on Friday morning, placing it in the ‘moderate’ category. On Friday, Mumbai's AQI stood on 59, which was comparatively much better with good air to breathe. According to the Centre’s SAMEER app, pollution levels varied across different parts of the city on Friday. Bandra-Kurla Complex 124, Andheri East 138, Deonar 149, Ghatkopar 129, Kandivali East 110, Bandra East 126, Kurla 145, Mulund West 117, Worli 180. Meanwhile, Colaba recorded and AQI of 68, Sion 60, Byculla 71 and Chembur 99, indicating steady air quality conditions. On other hand, Sion recorded and AQI of 60 placing it firmly in the ‘good’ category and indicating significantly cleaner air. While Mumbai experience 'poor' air quality in the last three months, the air quality has now started to improve. 'Poor' air quality may cause breathing discomfort to people with lung disorders, asthma, and heart disease. Air quality in Delhi remains 'poor' category According to PTI, Delhi's air quality settled in the 'poor' category on Friday, with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 203. According to the Central Pollution Control Board's (CPCB) Sameer app, 19 stations were in the 'poor' category. According to the CPCB classification, an AQI between 0 and 50 is considered 'good', 51 to 100 'satisfactory', 101 to 200 'moderate', 201 to 300 'poor', 301 to 400 'very poor' and 401 to 500 'severe'. Station-wise data showed that Palam saw the minimum settle at 13.4 degrees Celsius, 2.1 degrees below normal. At Lodhi Road, the minimum temperature stood at 13.2 degrees Celsius, 2.2 notches below normal. On the weather front, the minimum temperature settled at 12.8 degrees Celsius. Ridge station reported a minimum of 13.3 degrees Celsius, while Ayanagar recorded a minimum temperature of 13.6 degrees Celsius.The maximum temperature is expected to settle around 28 degrees Celsius.
20 February,2026 10:49 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentConcerned residents and environmental groups met officials from the BMC’s Gardens and Trees Department on February 18 to seek clarity on the proposed Versova exit of the Bandra-Versova Sea Link, warning that even the revised elevated road plan could damage the 25-year-old Nana-Nani Park and its tree cover. The meeting follows a redesign in August 2025 that replaced an earlier proposal to clear the park with an elevated road supported by pillars inside the green space. Trees inside Nana-Nani Park marked for cutting or transplantation. Pics/Madhulika Ram Kavattur Public response Residents claim 3200+ objections have been submitted to the BMC opposing the work. Bansari K, a resident who attended the meeting, said green spaces are already scarce. “In a city with very little tree cover per person, losing trees in a community park affects both ecology and public health,” she said. Another resident said the revised plan still prioritises traffic. “Many trees will be cut or moved, and survival of transplanted trees is uncertain,” the resident said. Ongoing work in the area near the park boundary. Pic/Nimesh Dave Trees at stake Total trees affected: 137To be felled: 89To be transplanted: 48Citizens say survival of transplanted trees remains uncertain, and the final relocation sites are yet to be confirmed. Contractor says... “Out of 137 trees, only 89 will be removed and 48 relocated. The elevated structure is being designed to allow sunlight penetration for vegetation below” a representative said.
20 February,2026 09:16 AM IST | Mumbai | Madhulika Ram KavatturAMID rising complaints about narcotics and banned tobacco sales in Mumbai’s western suburbs, BJP MLA Yogesh Sagar conducted surprise inspections in Kandivli West on Thursday, alleging the open sale of ganja, hookah material, and prohibited tobacco products. The operation, carried out with local police present, comes days after another BJP legislator from the area flagged similar enforcement lapses, highlighting growing unease within the ruling party over local policing. Wider political concern >> Last week, nearby MLA Sanjay Upadhyay cited similar complaints:>> Illegal hookah parlours>> Public drinking in open areas>> Cafes operating beyond permitted hours>> Share autos violating traffic rules>> The back-to-back complaints suggest dissatisfaction among ruling party legislators over ground-level policing. Policy vs reality CM Devendra Fadnavis had earlier warned of strict action against illegal hookah, tobacco and drug operations. However, MLAs’ interventions indicate that enforcement may not be matching policy intent on the ground. MLA’s charge Sagar alleged many illegal activities continue openly due to weak enforcement. “Many at the local level know what is happening, yet action is missing. Police are overlooking the issue. Violations are taking place without fear,” he said. He added that neighbouring shops were helping vendors hide banned material and warned they too could face legal action. Police Speaks “Between January and February, excluding today’s incident, action was taken against 99 paan stalls, 18 of which were demolished for being illegal. In today’s case too, five offences have been registered. No narcotics had previously been found at these locations and most action related to banned products such as gutkha and loose tobacco, which are prohibite,” said a police officer, anonymously. Allegations >> Sale of banned tobacco products>> Hookah-related material>> Suspected narcotic powder>> Illegal ganja distribution>> Sagar claimed prohibited items were seized during the inspections. What happened >> Location: Mahavir Nagar, Kandivali West>> Shops inspected: 3 paan outlets
20 February,2026 09:10 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarFifty-two-year-old Neelima Kastur, who runs a small home-based chapati business in South Mumbai, had a miraculous escape on Thursday afternoon after a portion of the wall in her decades-old building suddenly collapsed, narrowly missing her. The incident occurred in Shivparvati Krupa, a dilapidated pagdi building in the Girgaon area. The woman was making chapatis at home when chunks of the slab came crashing down. “I was just a few steps away. If I had been standing there, I don’t know what would have happened. It's the exact spot where I sleep every night. What if this had happened at night while I was sleeping?” she said, her voice shaking. A worker installs a support pillar inside the house Though she escaped without injuries, the room where she prepares and stores her chapatis has been badly damaged, leaving her unable to continue her business at least for a month now. This business is the only source of income, with her husband being paralysed and bedridden. With the damaged portion of the house deemed unsafe, she anticipates an income loss of at least a month. “I am thankful that I am alive, but I don’t know how we will manage now. Even one month without earnings will result in a big hole in our pocket,” she said. According to the residents, there has not been any single audit conducted ever, and neither has the building received any notices from authorities. Support pillar turns lifesaver Interestingly, another reason why Kastur was saved was the fact that the building owner’s worker had gone to her home to place support pillars. “Just when the worker installed the pillar, the wall came crumbling. Around seven years ago, a similar incident occurred in our kitchen. Back then also the builder put support pillars,” said Kastur. Voices Neelima Kastur, Survivor‘We started this business in 2016 after my husband had a paralysis attack. This is the only way to cover essentials such as medicines, our son’s education, and daily expenses’ Sangeeta Shetye, Neelima’s sister-in-law‘The room where she prepares and stores hundreds of chapatis daily has suffered significant damage, forcing us to halt operations immediately’ Rajan Naik, secretary of the building‘We had given consent for redevelopment in 2012. The redevelopment plan was approved by the BMC in 2015. However, our developer Kapil Merchant was jailed in a financial fraud case and then declared that he has no money to do any work’ Jitendra Ghadge, Activist‘It’s a disturbing fact that a building this old and in this condition is missed by the authorities. Also, the building is visibly dilapidated. How could the authorities still miss sending a notice or questioning the builder? The only result of such bureaucratic lapses is people suffering and losing lives’
20 February,2026 09:02 AM IST | Mumbai | Ritika GondhalekarA group of 102 Mumbai-based architects and urban planners have opposed the development of an underground public parking lot at the Mahalaxmi Racecourse. The project is part of the state government’s plan to create a 300-acre public park at the racecourse (existing space and 170 areas of land reclaimed from the Coastal Road project). The group, Mumbai Architects Collective, has written to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, demanding urgent intervention to prevent what they have termed “a disaster unfolding in real time”, in the form of the proposed redevelopment. Identifying themselves as “architects, urban designers, and planners who design, build, and shape this city every day”, the group stated, “We are not opposed to improving public access. We are opposed to building underground complexes beneath one of the city’s last large, natural, flood-absorbing grounds.” The group pointed out that what is being presented as a garden project is in fact a major infrastructure project with significant environmental, financial, and commercial implications. What is state govt’s plan? 1 Conversion of the racecourse into a public green open space known as ‘Mumbai’s Central Park’2 Green park at surface level with walking paths and landscaped zones 3 A sports complex underground spread across an area of 10 lakh sq ft4 A 1.2-km underground tunnel to connect the park to the Coastal Road and Metro Line 3 5 Underground parking facility Demands made by group >> No underground parking or any other public open ground>> Where parking is required, it should be beneath roads >> BMC should formally adopt the principle established at Patwardhan Park and Pushpa Narsee Park as policy>> Public open grounds shall not be converted to parking>> Full public disclosure of all proposed development rights, lease terms, FSI grants, and financial arrangements>> Funds should be directed towards the maintenance, improvement, and accessibility of the existing public garden and parks >> The racecourse and the reclaimed Coastal Road should be a publicly accessible open landscape Why it is opposing project It will lead to concreting beneath one of the city’s last large, natural, flood-absorbing grounds — in a city that is already chronically short of open space and increasingly vulnerable to flooding
20 February,2026 08:56 AM IST | Mumbai | Eeshanpriya MSThe integration of Ghatkopar railway station with the Metro Blue Line station finally started on Thursday. With the demolition of the ticket booking counter meant for railways, the Blue Line team started to dismantle structures for seamless interconnection. The work is expected to be completed soon. A massive elevated deck and a foot overbridge are coming up at the south end of the station, and the former will be integrated with the concourse of the Metro station. After nearly seven years of follow-ups by this newspaper, the wide elevated deck on the Mumbai Metro end of Ghatkopar station is taking shape. A Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation official told mid-day the deck would be ready by mid-April. Status of work Elevated deck (Platform 1 side)>> 8 out of 15 foundations have been completed.>> 4 columns and 5 girders are launched12-metre-wide south FOB>> Main foundation completed.>> Main girders over three out of three spans have been launched12-metre-wide north FOB>> Two out of four foundations completed.>> Work on the remaining two foundations is underway Why deck matters Ghatkopar station, where mega crowds from the Blue Line 1 merge and with CR suburban passengers, has for years been a case of infrastructure lagging behind. The new deck, now visibly coming up, promises to dramatically improve circulation space, pedestrian dispersal and safety at the Metro end.
20 February,2026 08:11 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarADVERTISEMENT
-1771581965049_d.png "Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule. File pic")
