A gas cylinder explosion caused by a suspected leakage was reported in a chawl near Malvani Gate No. 8 in Malad (West) on Monday morning, leaving six people injured. According to preliminary information, the incident was reported at around 9.25 am on January 27 to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB). The blast occurred near A.C. Masjid, adjacent to Bharat Mata School, in the Malvani area. Officials said the explosion was so powerful that the first-floor slab collapsed, causing occupants to fall into the ground-floor house below. Emergency response teams, including personnel from the Mumbai Fire Brigade, local police, officials of the concerned electricity distribution company, a 108 ambulance service, and BMC ward staff, were immediately rushed to the spot. The six injured persons were taken to Care Hospital by local residents. Further details about their condition are awaited. 5 injured as balloon gas cylinder explodes in Maharashtra's Malegaon town In another incident, five people, including three women, were injured after a helium gas cylinder used for filling balloons exploded in Malegaon town of Maharashtra's Nashik district on Monday morning, police said. Four of the injured were in a critical condition, they said. The explosion took place near College Stop in the Malegaon Camp area at 10.10 am when a vendor was filling gas in balloons. Five people, including three women, received injuries in the cylinder blast, according to police. The injured were taken to a private hospital in Malegaon initially and later shifted to Nashik for advanced treatment, they stated. The balloon seller, Mohammed Sadiq Makbool Ahmed (33), a local resident, was taken into custody, a police official informed. A case was registered against him under the relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including 125 (act endangering human life or personal safety of others), 287 (negligent conduct with respect to fire or combustible matter), 288 (negligent conduct with respect to explosive substances), and the Explosives Act at the Malegaon Camp police station, he added. Ethanol-carrying tanker overturns and catches fire; no casualty Meanwhile, a tanker transporting ethanol from Solapur in Maharashtra to neighbouring Gujarat caught fire after it overturned in Georai tehsil of Beed district in the wee hours of Saturday, police said. The incident occurred on the Dhule-Solapur highway around 2 am, they said. "The tanker going to Gujarat veered off the road and hit the divider as its driver lost control over it. It overturned and immediately caught fire," a police official said. After being alerted, a fire brigade team of the Georai Municipal Council rushed to the spot. Firefighters battled the blaze for several hours and brought it under control around 6 am, he said. The tanker driver and his assistant escaped unhurt as they jumped out in time, but the vehicle was completely gutted in the fire, he added. The incident led to a traffic jam on the highway, but the route was soon cleared by the police.
27 January,2026 10:56 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSeveral tribals from areas falling within the Sanjay Gandhi National Park staged a protest outside the residence of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in Thane city against the demolition of their hamlets, reported news agency PTI. The protesters claimed they had been living in the area for generations and criticised the administration for demolishing their dwellings on Monday. The agitation was held outside Shinde’s residence late at night, reported PTI. Vivek Pandit, chairperson of the state tribal development committee, told reporters that no demolition should be carried out until the 2018 rehabilitation plan is implemented and the affected families are properly resettled, reported PTI. The protest was later called off after authorities assured the tribals of a discussion on the rehabilitation plan, an office-bearer of the social organisation that led the agitation said. Farmers launch foot march from Nashik to Mumbai to press for their demands Meanwhile, thousands of farmers and labourers launched a foot march to Mumbai from Nashik on Sunday to press for their various demands, including land rights, irrigation facilities and uninterrupted power supply, reported PTI. Led by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and Akhil Bharatiya Kisan Sabha, the protesters, carrying red flags, accused the government of not keeping its promises and threatened to gherao Mantralaya, the state secretariat, in Mumbai, if their issues are not resolved, reported PTI. CPI(M) Polit Bureau member and All India Kisan Sabha national president Ashok Dhawle, and CITU national vice president DL Karad are among those taking part in march, reported PTI. Implementation of the Forest Rights Act, land rights under PESA (Provisions of the Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act), execution of irrigation schemes, minimum support price for soybean and maize are among their issues. Earlier, a similar "long march" was undertaken in Palghar district, and it ended after the administration agreed to many of their demands, said Kisan Sabha national joint secretary Ajit Navale. "After the Thane and Palghar, we have now embarked on a long march to Mumbai (about 200 km away) from Nashik," he said, reported PTI. Navale said farmers had launched similar protests in 2015 and 2019, when Devendra Fadnavis was the chief minister, and in 2023 during the tenure of the then CM Eknath Shinde. "The government gives assurances during such agitations, but does not fulfil them," he alleged, reported PTI. Former MLA J P Gavit said the agitators are ready with ration and determined to reach Mumbai, reported PTI. "We will gherao Mantralaya and will not budge till our demands are met," he said, adding that more farmers will join them on their way. Due to the march, traffic in several parts of Nashik came to a standstill for a long time. (With inputs from PTI)
27 January,2026 09:17 AM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentThe India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday issued a yellow nowcast warning for Mumbai and Thane, forecasting light spells of rain over the next three hours. The alert, issued at 7 am IST, advises residents to take necessary precautions as intermittent rainfall may affect parts of the region during the morning hours. Mumbai recorded mild overnight temperatures today, according to the IMD. Colaba registered a minimum temperature of 22.4 degrees Celsius, while Santacruz recorded a minimum of 22.6 degrees Celsius. According to the Sameer app, the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) stands at 121, which falls in the moderate category and may cause breathing discomfort for people with lung disorders, asthma, and heart ailments. AQI across Mumbai Bandra East – 108Kurla – 114Malad West – 146Mazgaon – 147Mulund West – 77Powai – 96Bhandup West – 96Kandivali East – 116Ghatkopar – 133Deonar – 135Colaba – 121Chembur – 106Andheri East – 178Byculla – 95 Meanwhile, Thane reported an AQI of 124, and in Kalyan, the AQI is 124, categorised as moderate, while Navi Mumbai recorded a satisfactory AQI of 94, which may cause minor breathing discomfort to sensitive individuals. Yellow alert across Maharashtra The IMD has issued a yellow alert amid the winter season, indicating signs of unseasonal rainfall across several parts of Maharashtra. In Dhule, the region may experience thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, light rainfall, and gusty winds ranging between 30 and 40 kilometres per hour at isolated places, the IMD said. Apart from Dhule, Nandurbar, Jalgaon, Sambhajinagar, Jalna, and Parbhani are also under a yellow alert today. AQI in cities of Maharashtra Dhule – 108Nashik – 93Nagpur – 172Pune – 118Jalgaon – 133Parbhani – 98Akola – 87Amravati – 179Malegaon – 125Latur – 89Sangli – 65 ‘Moderate’ AQI unacceptable, says Bombay High Court Earlier, last week, the Bombay High Court expressed dissatisfaction over Mumbai’s air quality remaining in the “moderate” category, observing that such levels are not acceptable for the city. The court said it would take up the issue of air pollution in the financial capital. The observations were made during a hearing held on January 23, when the court reviewed the city’s prevailing air quality situation. The High Court had taken suo motu cognisance of Mumbai’s deteriorating air quality nearly three years ago and has since repeatedly directed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) to implement effective pollution-control measures. A bench comprising Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Suman Shyam sought an update on the current AQI levels. Senior advocate S U Kamdar, appearing for the BMC, informed the court that Mumbai’s AQI was hovering between 100 and 140, which falls in the moderate category.
27 January,2026 08:59 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentNewly elected Shiv Sena (UBT) corporator Milind Vaidya and his associates have been booked for allegedly organising an unauthorised victory procession in the Mahim area of central Mumbai, a police official said on Monday, reported news agency PTI. Vaidya was elected from ward number 182 in the January 15 elections to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. The official said prohibitory orders were in force in the area till midnight of January 26, due to which Mahim police had denied permission for Vaidya’s victory rally scheduled on January 18. His associates subsequently reapplied for permission on January 22 and January 24, but both requests were turned down, he said, reported PTI. Despite the denial, Vaidya and his supporters allegedly took out a victory procession in the Mahim area between 5.30 pm and 8 pm on January 24. During the rally, firecrackers were burst and loudspeakers were used, the official added, reported PTI. Taking cognisance of the unauthorised procession, Mahim police registered a case against Vaidya, Vinay Akre, Avirat Shinde, Santosh Surve, Deepak Sawant and more than 40 others on charges of unlawful assembly and violation of the police commissioner’s prohibitory orders, the official said. Shiv Sena (UBT) office-bearer, named in police case over posters on 'missing' Kalyan corporator, has died: Party Meanwhile, a Shiv Sena (UBT) office-bearer, who had put up posters seeking information about a "missing" party corporator in the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) in Thane district, died on Monday, local leaders of the outfit claimed, reported PTI. Ramesh Tike, a Shiv Sena (UBT) sub-division head, died allegedly of a heart attack, Shiv Sena (UBT) district chief Sharad Patil said, reported PTI. When contacted, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Kalyan Ghette said police have not received any information regarding Tike's death. However, he said, police have initiated an inquiry following an application submitted by the Shiv Sena (UBT) seeking registration of a murder case. The controversy centres around newly-elected KDMC corporator Madhur Matre, who hogged the limelight after posters appeared in Kalyan (East)'s Kolsewadi area stating that he could not be traced and urging citizens to contact the local Shiv Sena (UBT) branch if he was seen, reported PTI. Tike was among those involved in putting up the posters about Madhur Matre, reported PTI. Following the display of the posters, Madhur Matre's father, Umesh Baliram Matre, lodged a complaint at the Kolshewadi police station, alleging defamation and claiming his son was not missing, but had gone on a pilgrimage and was in touch with family members, reported PTI. Acting on the complaint, police registered a case against Shiv Sena (UBT) office-bearer Neeraj Dubey and two others, including Tike, and began an investigation, reported PTI. The party has claimed Tike was under severe mental stress due to repeated police summons issued to him following the complaint. Shiv Sena (UBT) district chief Patil, local youth wing president Neeraj Dubey, and other leaders have demanded that a murder case be registered against Umesh Matre and the police administration, and warned of an agitation over the issue, reported PTI. ACP Ghette clarified that the defamation case based on Umesh Matre's complaint was under investigation. (With inputs from PTI)
27 January,2026 08:16 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentShiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray on Monday said the World Economic Forum at Davos brings together public leaders, investors and ideators, and asserted that the forum is not meant for engaging with builders and contractors from back home who are seeking permissions from local self-governments. In a post on LinkedIn, Thackeray urged chief ministers attending the World Economic Forum in Davos not to get drawn into what he termed a “silly circus” of merely meeting people who are already on their speed dial, but instead to engage meaningfully with the world. Says WEF not a platform for photo-ops or headline MoUs The WEF in Davos is not a rat race for photographs and investment announcements, but is about substantive engagement, the former Maharashtra minister claimed. “At such a forum, we cannot be occupied with engaging with builders and contractors from back home who are seeking permissions from our local self-governments. Instead, their presence should be leveraged to further the state’s agenda globally,” he said, in a veiled dig at Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who was attending the WEF. Calls for moving beyond MoUs and investment figures Thackeray said it was necessary to move beyond the outdated idea of memorandums of understanding (MoUs) and headline-grabbing investment figures, adding that such an approach was fashionable in India a decade ago. “An annual meeting that brings together public leaders, investors, ideators and scientists is a space where geopolitics converges with themes such as artificial intelligence and much more. At such a forum, we cannot be busy engaging with builders and contractors from back home who are seeking permissions from our local self-governments,” Thackeray said. Fadnavis highlights MoUs worth Rs 30 lakh crore at Davos Maharashtra has signed MoUs worth Rs 30 lakh crore at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, which could generate up to 40 lakh jobs across sectors including industry, services, agriculture and technology, Fadnavis had said from Davos last week. Thackeray said the forum should be utilised to connect with the world and advance the state’s broader agenda. Sanjay Raut questions Davos trips and expenses “I can promise that as a leader of the Opposition party, I will not criticise the chief minister for not making any local or Indian MoU announcements from Davos, as long as it is evident that the visit is genuinely meaningful in terms of advancing our national and state interests through dialogue at a global level,” the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader said. The WEF is a platform to engage, learn, speak, interact, understand, assess and read between the lines when the world’s most powerful, influential and perhaps most out-of-the-box people and ideas come together, he said. “What makes this junket of our chief ministers unbearable is seeing senior leaders meeting other senior leaders from neighbouring states, airport welcome photographs that no other global leaders indulge in (without even offering much to the diaspora), attempts to craft a pan-India image for a national leadership campaign, and then announcements related to permissions for builders and institutions — which is the basic administrative responsibility of any government — instead of chief ministers speaking to the world in a more engaging manner,” Thackeray said, in an apparent jibe at Fadnavis. The Maharashtra chief minister was welcomed by the Brihan Maharashtra Mandal in Zurich upon his arrival in Switzerland. He also met Union ministers at the WEF. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut had demanded that the travel expenses of leaders attending Davos be disclosed to the public, reported PTI. “Chief ministers from various states in India are having a picnic in Davos,” Raut had said, reported PTI. The Davos conference is ridiculous from an Indian perspective, Raut had said last week. “If you want a break, take a holiday. If you want to meet local investors and sign MoUs, do it at home. If you want to meet party colleagues, reserve it for party conventions,” he said, reported PTI. “For Davos, use every resource, every contact and every person from back home present there to advance our national interest, ideate, and bring back just one thing — what is next, and how India and our respective states fit into that picture,” Raut said, reported PTI. (With inputs from PTI)
27 January,2026 07:57 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentDays after mid-day reported about Western Railway opening access from the 12-metre-wide Churchgate-end foot overbridge (FOB), the newly built Bandra East skywalk was on Monday opened for the public. The newly built skywalk will ease pedestrian movement, officials said. Mid-day had last week reported about the newly built Bandra East skywalk being planned to be opened for the public. Read more here According to an official statement, a new skywalk at Bandra (East) was inaugurated on January 26, 2026 by Maharashtra’s Information Technology and Cultural Affairs Minister and Guardian Minister of Mumbai Suburban District, Ashish Shelar. During the inauguration Bandra East MLA and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Varun Sardesai was also present. The skywalk has been opened to improve safety and convenience for pedestrians travelling in one of Mumbai’s busiest areas, officials said. Built for citizens’ convenience The skywalk has been constructed to help people commuting between Bandra Court, Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), MHADA office and the District Collector’s office, officials said. It has been developed by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The structure is modern, durable and built with high-quality materials, they said, Key Dignitaries Present The inauguration ceremony was also attended Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects) Abhijit Bangar, Deputy Commissioner (Infrastructure) Girish Nikam, and Assistant Commissioner of H-East Ward, among others. Engineers felicitated for record-time work completion Senior officials honoured the engineering team for completing the project in record time. Those felicitated included Executive Engineer Namdev Ravkale, Assistant Engineer Prashant Jawale, and Junior Engineer Amit Dasurkar. Improved Safety and Reduced Congestion Speaking at the event, Ashish Shelar said the government is committed to strengthening infrastructure in Mumbai suburbs with a focus on citizen safety and convenience. He stated that the skywalk connects Bandra East railway station directly to the pedestrian bridge and the Western Express Highway, allowing pedestrians to cross safely without interacting with heavy traffic. The project is expected to reduce travel time, improve pedestrian safety, and ease congestion on Anant Kanekar Road. Benefits for daily commuters Additional Municipal Commissioner Abhijit Bangar said the skywalk would be especially useful for pedestrians travelling between the railway station, BKC offices, Bandra Court, MHADA office and nearby commercial areas. He confirmed that the skywalk has received structural stability, safety certificates, and no-objection clearance from the Railway authorities, and has been opened to the public from Republic Day 2026. Details of the new skywalk - Total length: 680 metres - Average width: 5.40 metres - Access points: 4 staircases - Escalators: 2 automatic escalators - Security: 14 CCTV cameras installed - Challenging Construction Conditions "The skywalk was constructed under challenging conditions due to heavy traffic on the Western Express Highway, midnight-only construction windows, and continuous pedestrian movement on Anant Kanekar Road below," the officials said, adding that despite utility shifting and safety challenges, the project was completed within the planned timeline, showcasing strong engineering skill and coordination.
26 January,2026 11:34 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAs part of the Republic Day 2026, Acharya Devvrat, Governor of Maharashtra and Goa, on Monday hosted a reception at Lok Bhavan in Mumbai and Bombay High Court Chief Justice S. Chandrashekhar and CM Fadnavis attended the event. An official statement said that Acharya Devvrat, also hosted tea party for the invited guests on the occasion of the 77th Republic Day at Lok Bhavan. The event brought together senior leaders, officials and distinguished personalities from across the state and the country. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court, Justice S. Chandrashekhar, were present at the reception along with several other prominent dignitaries, the statement said. Addressing the gathering, Governor Acharya Devvrat extended his Republic Day greetings to all those present and conveyed his best wishes to the people of India. Prominent leaders and officials were present The reception was also attended by the Governor’s wife, Darshana Devi, and CM Fadnavis' wife Amruta Fadnavis, the statement said. Also present were Chairman of the Legislative Council Prof Ram Shinde, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Rahul Narwekar, and Deputy Chairperson of the Legislative Council Dr Neelam Gorhe, it said. Among the ministers in attendance were Mangal Prabhat Lodha and Ashish Shelar. Senior administration and security officials attended the event According to the official statement, senior officials including Chief Secretary Rajesh Agrawal, Director General of Police Sadanand Date, and Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti attended the event. Vice-Chancellors from agricultural and non-agricultural universities, along with senior officers from the Indian Armed Forces, Civil Services, and Police Services, were also present, it said. Consuls, Industrialists and Artists also attended Consuls of various countries posted in Mumbai, leading industrialists Ashok Hinduja and Prakash Hinduja, and several eminent personalities from different fields attended the reception, the statement further said. Artists from the Indian film industry added to the diversity of the gathering. Patriotic Music Performance The programme concluded with a patriotic song performance by playback singer Jagat Varma, which added a cultural and celebratory touch to the Republic Day event. India on Monday celebrated 77th Republic Day with celebratory events across the country.
26 January,2026 11:23 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis on Monday, while unveiling the restored ‘Turn Table Ladder’ vehicle of the Mumbai Fire Brigade, emphasised the importance of preserving the city’s historical firefighting equipment. He added that such heritage assets reflect the legacy of public service and sacrifice in Mumbai. Speaking at the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) headquarters on the occasion of Republic Day 2026, Fadnavis unveiled the historic firefighting vehicle, which was manufactured in 1937. Restored by the Mumbai Fire Brigade, the ‘Turn Table Ladder’ has been formally reintroduced as a heritage exhibit. History of Mumbai Fire Brigade's ‘Turntable Ladder’ According to BMC, the ‘Turn Table Ladder’ played a key role in emergency operations during the devastating fire on the cargo ship SS Fort Stikine at Mumbai Port in April 1944. The fire on the cargo ship is still one of the most significant disasters in the city’s maritime history. The iconic vehicle was used by fire brigade personnel in rescue operations that helped save several lives. While addressing the gathering at the BMC headquarters, CM Fadnavis said the Mumbai Fire Brigade has consistently served the city with dedication and courage, with its personnel often risking their lives to protect citizens. Fadnavis further noted that preserving the Mumbai Fire Brigade’s historical equipment is essential to safeguarding its institutional memory and legacy. He also suggested that a museum could be created to conserve and showcase such heritage tools and vehicles. Restoration of heritage firefighting vehicle The restoration of the ‘Turn Table Ladder’ was undertaken following a proposal by BMC Commissioner and Administrator Bhushan Gagrani, with support from industrialist Gautam Singhania. Along with the chief minister, several senior officials and dignitaries were also present at the ceremony, including Additional Municipal Commissioner (Eastern Suburbs) Dr Avinash Dhakane, Chief Fire Officer Ravindra Ambulgekar, Padma Shri awardee Armida Fernandez, and other senior BMC and Mumbai Fire Brigade officials. The BMC in an official statement said that the restored vehicle will now be preserved as part of Mumbai Fire Brigade’s historical legacy, highlighting the evolution of firefighting services in the city and their role in major rescue operations over the decades. CM Fadnavis felicitated Armida Fernandez On the occasion, Fernandez, who was recently conferred the Padma Shri for her contribution to the healthcare sector, was also felicitated by Fadnavis.
26 January,2026 08:03 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentUnder the 'Rashtra Pratham' initiative, students from across Maharashtra took part in a massive patriotic recitation event on Republic Day 2026, setting a world record, officials said on Monday. After flag-hoisting ceremonies in government schools, more than two crore students recited patriotic songs together in a coordinated and disciplined manner. An official statement, released by the Maharashtra School Education Department, on Monday said that the event, held simultaneously in schools across all regions of the state, was officially recorded by the World Book of Records, London. The recognition establishes a new world record for the largest group recitation of patriotic songs. The programme saw participation from students in over one lakh schools across Maharashtra. Alongside the students, seven lakh teachers also took part in the event, making it one of the largest school-based patriotic activities in the country. Preparations and guidance School Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse said that preparations for the recitation had been underway for several months under his guidance. The programme was initiated based on the vision of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, the official statement said. A 14-minute instructional video was shared with schools across the state to ensure uniformity in the recitation. Students practiced regularly to deliver a disciplined and coordinated performance. Additional records by Asia and India Book of Records Pic/Special Arrangement Alongside the world record, two other record bodies also recognised the event. Asia Book of Records and India Book of Records recorded separate achievements related to the district-level activities organised in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district. Maharashtra Minister highlights aim of 'Rashtra Pratham' Expressing satisfaction with the success of the event, Minister Bhuse said, "The aim was to instil a sense of patriotism, discipline and unity among students. He added that the programme was carefully planned and executed across districts, talukas and schools." He also praised the support received from various social organisations, district administration, health, police, fire department and education stakeholders. He said the initiative not only set a world record but also planted the seeds of patriotism in the minds of future generations. Bhuse announced that the patriotic recitation programme will continue every Saturday across all schools, regardless of management or language. Officials and education dept commended School Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse and Minister of State for School Education Dr. Pankaj Bhoir congratulated all students, teachers and officials involved in the programme. The initiative was supported by senior education officials including Principal Secretary Ranjitsinh Deol, Commissioner Sachindrapratap Singh, district collectors, municipal commissioners, directors, and officers from departments such as Tribal Development, Social Justice, Backward Classes Welfare, and others, the statement said.
26 January,2026 07:28 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis, while hailing India’s development on the occasion of Republic Day 2026, said that the country is moving fast on the strength of its Constitution, news agency PTI reported. Fadnavis also added that the democratic values of the nation are on track to become the world's third-largest economy. Speaking at the main Republic Day 2026 function at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Ground in Dadar, Fadnavis said that Maharashtra signed investment agreements worth Rs 30 lakh crore at the recent World Economic Forum in Davos, which will make the state even stronger as a key driver of India's economy. "India is rapidly progressing on the strength of its Constitution and democratic values and is on course to become the world's third largest economy. The MoUs signed at the recent World Economic Forum would strengthen the state's role as the backbone of the country's economy," said Fadnavis. After unfurling the National Flag, he stated that "Maharashtra will not stop and will remain dynamic and continue to move ahead with the strength of the Constitution". Following the flag-hoisting ceremony, Fadnavis also paid tribute to Dr BR Ambedkar and thanked him and the members of the Constituent Assembly for framing the Constitution. "The values of freedom, equality and brotherhood are part of Indian culture and are clearly reflected in the Constitution," said the Maharashtra CM. Under Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi's leadership, India is now seen as an important global power and economy, made possible because of the democratic system given by the Constitution, Fadnavis stated. CM Fadnavis on job creation across Maharashtra While throwing light on the issue of employment, Fadnavis said investments and job creation are happening in all the regions, including Vidarbha, Marathwada, North Maharashtra, Western Maharashtra, Konkan, and Mumbai. He added, "The state government is fully committed to farmers and has given strong support during difficult times. River-linking projects will be carried out to make Maharashtra drought-free. Major infrastructure projects like those in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, the Samruddhi Motorway and the Shaktipeeth Motorway are helping the state's growth." Fadnavis hails ‘Ladki Bahin’ scheme The Maharashtra CM said the construction of 30 lakh houses in rural areas under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana would be a record. He also stated that Maharashtra has ranked first in solar-powered farm feeders and solar pumps, PTI reported. Welfare schemes such as the 'Ladki Bahin' scheme and free electricity for farmers aim to ensure development for all sections of society, the CM added. The Republic Day parade included contingents from the Indian Navy, Maharashtra Police, State Reserve Police Force, Mumbai Police, home guards, fire brigade, National Cadet Corps (NCC), National Service Scheme (NSS), scouts and school students. The parade was led by Navy Commander Pankaj Baghel. (With inputs from PTI)
26 January,2026 06:45 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Congress and Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP SP) leaders have criticised the decision to confer the Padma Bhushan on former state governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari, reported the PTI. The announcement sparked sharp reactions, with leaders describing the award as an insult to Maharashtra and its cultural icons. Maharashtra Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal said that Koshyari had insulted the constitutional office and hurt the sentiments of people in the state. Speaking after a Republic Day 2026 event at the Congress office, Sapkal claimed that the former governor’s actions were inappropriate and unacceptable, according to the PTI. The Congress leader also revealed that he had refused an award from a Pune-based social organisation because the ceremony was to be hosted by Koshyari. Varsha Gaikwad accuses BJP of disrespecting Maharashtra icons Mumbai Congress chief and Lok Sabha MP Varsha Gaikwad accused the BJP of having a history of insulting Maharashtra’s great leaders and constitutional icons. She alleged that Koshyari had made disrespectful remarks about revered figures such as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, and Savitribai Phule, as per the PTI. Gaikwad said honouring Koshyari with a Padma award was a “direct insult to Maharashtra”. NCP (SP) leader condemns the award Nationalist Congress Party (SP) spokesperson Clyde Crasto joined the criticism, saying Koshyari’s repeated controversial remarks had hurt Maharashtrians’ sentiments. He added that awarding him the Padma Bhushan demonstrated the BJP’s “arrogance of power” and disregard for the state’s history and cultural pride, according to the PTI. Crasto said people of Maharashtra would not forget the alleged insults to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and described the award as shameful. Controversial tenure as Maharashtra Governor Koshyari served as Maharashtra’s governor from September 2019 to February 2023. His tenure was marked by frequent clashes with the Maha Vikas Aghadi government led by Uddhav Thackeray. During this period, Thackeray criticised him for being “overactive” and noted that Koshyari did not fill 12 vacant seats in the state Legislative Council, despite recommendations from the state government. Koshyari had also faced criticism for once referring to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as “an icon of the olden times”, a remark that sparked public outrage, the news agency reported. (with PTI inputs)
26 January,2026 06:15 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
