A political storm erupted in Maharashtra on Monday after Legislative Council Deputy Chairperson Neelam Gorhe directed the state government to suspend Satara Superintendent of Police Tushar Doshi over alleged manhandling and chaos during the Zilla Parishad president election last week, reported news agency PTI. Directive issued over alleged police misconduct Gorhe issued the direction during a special sitting of the Legislative Council, stating that strict action was necessary against officials involved in the incident, reported PTI. “I am directing the government to suspend the Satara SP and others who manhandled voters and ministers,” she said, expressing concern over the handling of the situation, reported PTI. Ministers allege manhandling during polls The issue was raised in the House by Shiv Sena member Hemant Patil, who alleged that senior leaders, including state minister Shamburaj Desai, NCP leader Makarand Patil and MLC Shashikant Shinde, were manhandled by police personnel during the election process, reported PTI. Both Desai and Makarand Patil demanded immediate suspension of the SP, accusing the local police of acting unfairly during the high-stakes contest. Controversial Zilla Parishad election outcome The controversy stems from the election held on Friday for the post of Zilla Parishad president in Satara, where BJP’s Priya Shinde emerged victorious. The result surprised many as the Shiv Sena-NCP combine was believed to have the numerical advantage, but the BJP managed to secure the post by a narrow margin. Demand for inquiry into incident Gorhe also pointed out that the government should have initiated an inquiry into the incident earlier, noting that no such action had been taken so far, reported PTI. Her remarks underscored concerns about administrative accountability and the need for transparency in the conduct of local body elections. Heated exchanges in House The issue triggered sharp exchanges between members of the ruling alliance, including the BJP, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction, and the NCP faction led by Sunetra Pawar, reported PTI. The ruckus highlighted internal tensions within the Mahayuti alliance, which currently governs Maharashtra. Political implications The episode has intensified political friction in the state, with opposition leaders raising questions about law enforcement neutrality and the fairness of the electoral process. (With inputs from PTI)
23 March,2026 01:20 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra has increased the supply of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) to restaurants and other commercial establishments by 20 per cent, offering much-needed relief to the hospitality sector grappling with fuel shortages, reported news agency PTI. State Food and Civil Supplies Minister Chhagan Bhujbal announced that the revised supply will come into effect from March 23 and continue until further notice. Relief for struggling hospitality sector With the latest increase, total PNG supply to the commercial sector will now reach 50 per cent. Restaurants, eateries and food businesses across Maharashtra had been severely impacted due to disruptions in cooking gas supply following geopolitical tensions in West Asia. Several establishments were either forced to scale down operations or temporarily shut due to fuel shortages. Gradual increase in supply Officials said the state had initially increased PNG allocation to 20 per cent after the crisis began, followed by a 10 per cent hike, reported PTI. The latest 20 per cent boost is aimed at stabilising operations in the food and hospitality sector, which had been seeking urgent government intervention. Impact of global conflict The ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran has disrupted global energy supply chains, particularly affecting shipments through the Strait of Hormuz — a critical route for oil and gas imports. This has led to shortages of commercial cooking gas in India, directly affecting businesses dependent on LPG and PNG. Industry concerns addressed Hotel and restaurant associations had raised concerns over the possibility of a complete halt in commercial gas supply, warning that it could lead to widespread closures, reported PTI. They had urged the government to ensure at least partial supply rather than a total suspension. Alternative fuels not viable Minister Bhujbal acknowledged that switching to alternatives like kerosene would require major infrastructure changes and could pose safety and operational challenges for businesses, reported PTI. Government balancing supply priorities The move comes as part of broader efforts to balance domestic and commercial energy needs while ensuring essential services continue to function smoothly. The increase in PNG supply is expected to ease pressure on eateries and help restore normalcy in the sector in the coming weeks. (With inputs from PTI)
23 March,2026 12:50 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Shiv Sena (UBT) on Monday launched a sharp attack on the growing influence of self-styled godmen in Maharashtra, saying the trend is eroding the state’s progressive legacy, in a strongly worded editorial published in its mouthpiece Saamana, reported news agency IANS. Editorial targets ‘godman culture’ in politics Referring to the controversy surrounding self-proclaimed astrologer Ashok Kharat, the party said the episode has exposed how political leaders and officials are increasingly turning to superstition for power and influence. The editorial claimed that Maharashtra’s political landscape is shifting away from rational and progressive values towards what it described as a “culture of superstition,” reported IANS. Allegations against political figures The article alleged that several prominent political figures, including senior ministers and officials, had visited Kharat’s ashram seeking guidance. It further claimed that some leaders participated in occult practices aimed at gaining political advantage, raising concerns over the influence of such beliefs in governance, reported IANS. Criticism over Women’s Commission controversy The editorial also criticised the former chairperson of the State Women’s Commission, stating that her resignation does not address the deeper systemic issues highlighted by the controversy, reported IANS. It alleged that stronger action could have prevented harm to victims linked to the case. Call for accountability beyond individuals The Shiv Sena (UBT) argued that responsibility should not be limited to Kharat alone, but should extend to those who supported or associated with him, reported IANS. The editorial said such associations reflect a broader problem within the political system. Reference to reformist legacy Drawing a contrast with Maharashtra’s social reformers, the party cited figures such as Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, Dr B.R. Ambedkar and poet Bahinabai Choudhari, who promoted rational thinking and social reform, reported IANS. It said the current trend of reliance on superstition undermines these ideals. Concerns over governance and values The editorial suggested that the growing dependence on rituals and occult practices reflects a lack of confidence among leaders and a shift away from merit-based governance, reported IANS. It also questioned whether such practices align with the state’s long-standing identity as a hub of progressive thought. Political fallout continues The controversy surrounding Kharat, who has been arrested on serious allegations, continues to have political repercussions, with opposition parties demanding wider accountability. The Shiv Sena (UBT) said the issue has caused significant damage to Maharashtra’s progressive image and called for a return to rational and constitutional values. (With inputs from IANS)
23 March,2026 12:35 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe special sitting of the Maharashtra Legislative Council was adjourned till 12 noon after Mahayuti ministers accused the Satara police of manhandling them and demanded action against erring officials. Cracks surfaced within the ruling Mahayuti alliance over the Satara Zilla Parishad elections, with two key allies levelling serious allegations against the administration. Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena minister Shambhuraj Desai and Ajit Pawar-led NCP minister Makarand Patil accused the Satara police of manhandling ZP members and preventing them from casting their votes. Allegations raised in Council The controversy is significant as both factions are part of the BJP-led government under Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also holds the Home portfolio, bringing the police under his direct purview. The issue escalated in the Council, where both Desai and Patil raised the matter strongly. Deputy Chairperson Neelam Gorhe took cognisance of the issue and directed the CEO and District Collector to preserve CCTV footage related to the incident. BJP minister counters claims However, BJP minister Jaykumar Gore countered the allegations, stating that the version presented in the House was not accurate. Meanwhile, minister Uday Samant and Desai clarified that they had not named any party or the BJP. “We are with the BJP as an ally. Our objection is not with our ally, but with the police department and officials,” Desai said, urging Council Chairman Ram Shinde for justice. In his response, Ram Shinde said the debate could continue indefinitely and adjourned the proceedings of the Council till 12 noon.
23 March,2026 11:19 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarMumbai on Monday was likely to experience clear skies and heatwave condition was very likely to prevail in the suburbs, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) stated while issuing a yellow alert for the city. The weather department predicted that the temperatures were likely to touch 38 degrees Celsius on March 23. Such conditions are typical during this time of the year when humidity remains moderate and skies stay largely cloud-free. According to a weather bulletin, the maximum temperature in Mumbai was expected to be reach 38 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature may settle at approximately 22 degrees Celsius on Monday. The weather is likely to remain warm during the afternoon hours, it said. Yellow alert for Mumbai, Thane and Palghar The IMD has predicted hot and humid weather conditions for Mumbai and its adjoining areas on Monday, March 23 and issued a yellow alert for the city, Thane and Palghar areas. A weather bulletin stated that hot and humid conditions were very likely at isolated pockets in Mumbai, Thane and Palghar. A similar alert has also been issued for parts of Maharashtra including Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg. Thunderstorm, rain in parts of Maharashtra Meanwhile, according to the IMD, some parts of Maharashtra were very likely to witness rains and thunderstorm on March 23. Districts including Ahilyanagar, Pune, Satara, Sangli, Solapur, Latur and Dharashiv were likely to witness thunderstorm accompanied with lightning, light to moderate rainfall and gusty winds (30-40 kmph) at isolated place. A yellow alert has been issued for these districts for Monday, March 23. AQI in Mumbai Despite the rising heat, Mumbai’s air quality has improved over the past 24 hours. According to the Central Pollution Control Board's (CPCB) Sameer app, Mumbai’s Air Quality Index (AQI) was on Monday recorded 'Satisfactory' at 10:05 pm and stood at 89. A health impact message stated, "Minor breathing discomfort to sensitive people." AQI recorded in parts of the city Bandra Kurla Complex: 112 (Moderate) Borivali East: 80 (Satisfactory) Byculla: 101 (Moderate) Malad West: 98 (Satisfactory) Shivaji Nagar: 106 (Moderate) Colaba: 96 (Satisfactory) Meanwhile, the air quality was recorded as 'Satisfactory' in Thane which reported an AQI at 92 on Monday morning. In Kalyan AQI was recorded at 98 (Satisfactory), and in Navi Mumbai at 114 was in 'Moderate' category.
23 March,2026 10:58 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA fire broke out at a closed pizza shop in Mumbra area in Thane district of Maharashtra on Monday morning, officials said, adding that no injuries were reported in the incident. The incident took place around 7.13 am near a company premises opposite the local fire station. The civic officials said that that no one was injured in the incident. According to the Regional Disaster Management Cell (RDMC) of the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) the shop was shut at the time, which helped prevent any casualties. Fire brigade rushed to spot Following the information regarding the blaze, the firefighters from the Mumbra fire station rushed to the spot with one rescue vehicle and one fire engine. They managed to bring the blaze under control and fully extinguish it. Officials said the fire caused damage to equipment inside the shop, including a fryer machine and electrical wiring. The extent of the financial loss is yet to be assessed. Situation under control The fire has been completely put out and the situation is now under control, authorities said. Further details were awaited. Woman dead after fire breaks out at Goregaon East building Meanwhile, in an another incident, a 72-year-old woman died after a fire broke out in a high-rise residential building in Goregaon East on Sunday evening. According to the MFB, the blaze was reported at 7:22 pm at the Lakshya Chandi Building in Gokuldham Colony, near the district court in Goregaon. The fire was initially confined to the sixth floor of the ground-plus-24-storey building. As soon as the fire incident was reported, firefighting operations were swiftly launched, with multiple agencies, including the fire brigade, police, Adani electricity staff, 108 ambulance services, and local ward teams, mobilised to the spot. The fire was initially classified as a Level-I (minor) incident at 7:47 pm but was later escalated to Level-II at around 8:25 pm as a precautionary measure. During the rescue operation, one woman was evacuated by fire personnel and rushed to a trauma care hospital in a private vehicle, where she lost her life. The woman who has been declared dead has been identified as Indu Tarkeshawar Singh (72). Officials further said that the fire was confined to a specific portion of the building and was brought under control after sustained efforts. The exact cause of the blaze is yet to be determined, and an investigation is underway.
23 March,2026 10:24 AM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentShortly after seeking a list of unauthorised schools, parent groups have now demanded a review of institutions granted minority status. In a letter to the deputy director of education, activists questioned whether such schools are meeting norms, including whether they are admitting the mandated number of minority language students. The rule requiring at least 51 per cent members from the relevant minority community has come under scrutiny. Activists allege widespread non-compliance. “Of 1738 schools, 950 have minority status. Over the last three years, only 10-15 per cent of students from the community concerned have been studying in several such schools. This is far below the norm,” said Rohit Dandwate of the Global Teachers’ Parents’ Association. Fresh demands Parents have asked the department to investigate and respond within 15 days, adding that schools failing to meet minority norms should not be exempt from reserving 25 per cent seats under the Right to Education Act for economically weaker and disadvantaged students before the academic year 2026-27. They also sought action against directors who misled authorities to obtain concessions, enforcing 25 per cent RTE admissions in ineligible schools, and setting up a special inspection panel to verify compliance. 15No of days given to the education department to respond
23 March,2026 09:36 AM IST | Mumbai | Aditi AlurkarDuring the probe into a radio-collared leopard’s death in the Nagla block of Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), officials spotted four to five men near the carcass. The suspects fled on seeing the team, leaving behind a bag that has become a crucial lead. Key lead A distress signal from deep inside the forest — a radio-collared leopard is found lying motionless, raising concern among officials A forest department official said, “When the team of researchers and officials reached the location where the radio-collared leopard was lying, a few individuals were seen in proximity to the animal. They fled the scene on spotting the team. A bag recovered from the spot has provided crucial leads. Call detail records of four suspects have been sought, and the investigation is ongoing.” Earlier findings The moment the men spot the team approaching, they panic and run into the forest, leaving behind a bag that draws attention The male leopard, rescued from Bhayandar in December and later released into SGNP, was found dead in early February in the Yeoor forest. Initial assessments had ruled out poaching as all body parts — whiskers, nails, claws, and teeth — were intact. A post-mortem was conducted, and samples were sent for further testing. Cause of death The abandoned bag turns into a key clue, hinting that this may not be a natural death but something far more serious Preliminary post-mortem findings suggest the leopard died due to hypovolemic shock, a condition caused by severe loss of blood or body fluids. Visible injuries (gross lesions) were noted during examination, indicating physical trauma. A full investigation is launched — four suspects are identified, and officials begin tracking call records and mobile data as a possible poaching angle is examined Bhayandar leopard case timeline Dec 19, 2025 Leopard rescued from Bhayandar, kept under observation at SGNPDec 25, 2025 Radio-collared and released in the Nagla area, Yeoor forestDec 25-Jan 5 Movement tracked; animal appeared healthyFeb 3, 2026 Mortality signal received; carcass foundFeb 4, 2026 Post-mortem conducted, samples sent for analysis
23 March,2026 09:19 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavMid-Day has introduced a new initiative: DEAR GOVERNMENT. In this your favourite newspaper will print your questions to BMC, Police and State Government every Monday, and will get answers on your behalf. Be it roads, water crime, government policy, whatever your query, write to us at mailbag@mid-day.com or tweet to us at @mid-day and we will try and get responses to your problems. Problems We need more Metro coaches! This is a persistent issue faced by daily commuters on the Ghatkopar–Versova Metro line. Despite repeated discussions and expectations around the introduction of additional coaches to ease overcrowding, there has been no visible update or progress for over a year. This corridor is one of the busiest in Mumbai, and peak-hour travel continues to be extremely congested, causing significant inconvenience to thousands of commuters every day. The lack of communication or timelines from the authorities has only added to the frustration. Chandan Sharma Potholes on speed breakers Avoiding potholes on the roads is a headache as it is, but what should vehicles do if there are potholes on the speed breakers too? Owing to potholes on the speed breaker on the road going from west to east under the railway bridge north of Dahisar Railway Station, vehicles have to try to pass from the extreme left causing traffic jams. And in Dahisar, potholes have appeared on the speed breakers at many places.Kiran P Chaudhari Noisy vendors I am a senior citizen resident of G North near the Sahkari Bhandar (Reliance Super bazar), Prabhadevi. Over the last six months food stalls have mushrooned here, becoming a nuisance. Right from morning till late night up to 11.30 pm these stalls make loud noises and also generate garbage. BMC vans do take action periodically, but within an hour, the stalls are back. Our tweets to the ward office, commissioner, and the MLAs have not elicited any response. KSN Iyer Rodent infestation I am a resident of Shiv Darshan Society in Malad West, Ahimsa Marg. I wanted to report an issue that we are collectively facing as a society — a serious rodent crisis with rats roaming in multiple flats of both A wing and B wing. This issue has originated from A wing (703). This flat has remained closed for nearly six months due to an ongoing legal dispute and a court order. During this period, there has been a terrible foul smell emanating from the flat, almost unbearable, and we suspect it might be due to decaying matter inside. This has further led to an infestation of rats which are now spreading all over the building. The society has reported the issue to L&T Finance which has sealed the flat, but we haven’t gotten any positive response. This has also been reported to the BMC, but the legal situation around the flat is proving to be a hindrance in cleaning flat B-703. Kindly help us find a solutionSushant Shetty Responses After Mumbaikars sent in their questions and woes to mid-day last Monday, some of the authorities concerned responded. We haven’t given up on the rest. We shall continue to hold authorities accountable for the state of the city. Hazardous air qualityA concerned citizen Response: An official from the Central Pollution Control Board said, “Regular monitoring of all areas takes place and any hotspots are noted by the CPCB, which influence policy measures that need to be taken to mitigate the larger problem of dust pollution. In case of a hyperlocal pollution hotspot, immediate measures can be taken by local authorities to either halt construction work or divert traffic if required until AQI in the area gets better.” Can’t breathe here Seema Bokkasam Response: Bandra, BKC, Khar Santacruz, are among pollution hotspots noted by the readings on CPCB, BMC, and IIT monitors from the area. A senior official said, “While the Bandra and Santacruz areas have a number of infrastructure projects going on at the same time at present, efforts are made by BMC to ensure strict rules are followed to curb dust pollution in the locality.” According to the BMC, not all pollution in the area can be attributed to construction. “Other factors include vehicular combustion and wind patterns, not all of which is in the purview of the civic body BMC has tied up with IIT Kanpur to install hyperlocal sensors across the city. Seventy-five such sensors will be set up in areas which have shown constantly high levels on poor air quality. Need a Metro hereCajetan Peter D’souza Response: MMRDA officials refused to comment stating that the matter requires a decision at government and cabinet level. Traffic nightmareGirish Shah Response: When contacted, joint commissioner of traffic Anil Kumbhare was unavailable for comment. However, an official from Khar police station assured that corrective measures will be taken to solve the traffic problems.
23 March,2026 09:01 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-daySafety lapses flagged by mid-day at the Borivali-Gorai jetty last week have now been addressed by the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB). With work on the jetty extension underway, locals had earlier pointed out several issues, including the absence of safety personnel for crowd control and restricted movement due to cranes and construction equipment. However, regular commuters say these concerns have now largely been resolved. Commuters speak Samuel D’Souza, commuter, said, “Over the past week, there has been a clear improvement. When I visited two-three days ago, safety in-charges were present and ensuring that trips were not overcrowded with passengers or vehicles. On Sunday morning, around 4-5 am, saw workers removing the crane.” Rossi D’Souza, a Gorai resident and member of the Gorai Gaothan Panchayat, said, “Since last Sunday, MMB authorities have made several changes. Safety in-charges are now present, the crane is being removed, and the jetty is no longer overcrowded with two-wheelers. The only thing pending is displaying contractor details, which is a procedural requirement.” He added, “The JCB could not be pulled out due to water pressure, so it had to be cut and removed.” For several days, the submerged JCB had disrupted ferry docking during high tide. As it occupied part of the parking area, ferries had to halt further ahead, forcing passengers to disembark from a height, locals said. Authority speaks Earlier, an executive engineer from the MMB told mid-day that cranes used for installing girders for the new jetty are assembled and disassembled as needed to prevent obstruction. He also said the project is progressing as per schedule. However, when mid-day contacted the MMB again for a detailed timeline, there was no response till press time.
23 March,2026 08:47 AM IST | Mumbai | Madhulika Ram KavatturIt has been a Sunday, March 22, of turmoil and tumult at Bandra Gymkhana, on St Andrews Road, Bandra (W). The current president, Dr Cheryl Misquitta, was removed from her post effective Sunday, said a communication from the Gymkhana’s Hon. Gen. Secretary Theresa Aguiar. As per a notice dated March 22, signed by Aguiar, it was informed that, ‘As per the resolution taken at the Extraordinary General Body Meeting (EGM) held on Sunday, March 22. It was hereby resolved that the President of the Bandra Gymkhana Dr Cheryl Misquitta, has been removed from the office of the Bandra Gymkhana as president with immediate effect.’ A view of the Bandra Gymkhana from the tennis courts. File pic/FB/bandragymofficial Dr Misquitta has hit back with a communication slamming the EGM as illegal. Dr Misquitta’s retort, addressed to the members of the Bandra Gymkhana and dated March 22, highlighted a few points. It said, ‘Through unverified WhatsApp forwards, it has come to my attention that a notice dated March 22 bearing what appears to be the signature of the honorable general secretary of the gymkhana stating that I have been removed from the office of the gymkhana as president with immediate effect pursuant to a resolution taken at the extraordinary general body (EGM) held earlier today. I have received no official or formal confirmation of these events, hence I am unable to confirm the same. In the background of my challenge to the maintainability and legality of the EGM, the purported resolution passed therein shall have no force or binding on a duly elected president of the gymkhana.’ Urging members of the gymkhana, located on St Andrews Road, Bandra West, to “ignore” this, Dr Misquitta asserted that she “continues to serve as the president of the gymkhana.” Aguiar said, “On March 9, the managing committee (MC) received a letter signed by about 500 members. The letter raised some serious concerns about the standards of governance on the part of the president. An EGM was therefore called by the MC as per the rules to address the concerns of the members on the morning of Sunday, March 22. In this EGM, a detailed debate was held on the issues raised, and answers were provided to the questions asked by members. Finally, members raised a vote of no confidence in the president, which was carried by a vote of 352 in favour and none against. By this resolution, members removed the president from her post.” Background >> On March 13, Theresa informed via notice that 500 members wrote to the managing committee of the gymkhana with concerns about the election process held at 2025 end.>> There was a request to the managing committee to hold an EGM to address questions and concerns. EGM called on Sunday, March 22 in response. The gymkhana Bandra Gymkhana was inaugurated on May 4, 1935. An eminent architect, EC Henriques, consulting architect to the Government of Bombay, was appointed to design the pavilion. It was the first pavilion in Bombay to feature an indoor badminton court. In testament to its quality, the original floor is still in existence years later, having been used almost every day since 1935.
23 March,2026 08:35 AM IST | Mumbai | Hemal AsharADVERTISEMENT
