Members of the Indian Youth Congress staged a protest on Saturday outside the BJP’s ‘Vasant Smruti’ office in Dadar area of Central Mumbai, condemning a recent threat issued against senior party leader Rahul Gandhi, reported the PTI. Protesters shouted slogans and showered flower petals during the demonstration, saying they wanted to send a message that there is no place for hatred or violence in Maharashtra’s politics. According to the PTI, Mumbai Youth Congress president Zeenat Shabreen said that ideological differences are natural in a democracy, but threats of violence are a serious attack on democratic values. She demanded immediate registration of a case and strict action against those responsible for the threat. The protest followed a video circulated by a man claiming to be a spokesperson of the Karni Sena, in which he allegedly threatened to shoot Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and 25 other Members of Parliament over remarks made about Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, as per the PTI. The man was later detained by police in Kota, Rajasthan. Protesters detained Despite heavy barricading outside the BJP office, protesters reached the site but were later detained by the police and taken to Bhoiwada police station, as per the PTI. Zeenat Shabreen alleged that while BJP workers are allowed to protest freely, Congress workers face police action even before their demonstrations begin, the news agency reported. जब मुंबई में IYC कार्यकर्ता BJP मुख्यालय पहुँचे,देश भर में भाजपाई पत्थर बरसाते रहे…लेकिन युवा कांग्रेस कार्यकर्ता हाथों में फूल लेकर पहुँचे। pic.twitter.com/Azay3WJAD9 — Indian Youth Congress (@IYC) February 21, 2026 Political tensions continue The incident has added to ongoing political tensions between the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Maharashtra. Both parties have accused each other of double standards, as debates over free speech, protest rights and political conduct continue. Read more: BJP stages black-flag protest as Rahul Gandhi arrives in Mumbai Rahul Gandhi reaches Mumbai Meanwhile, amid the BJP protests, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi on Saturday reached Mumbai with state Congress leader welcoming him at the airport. "He is not afraid of the political threats," Maharashtra Congress chief Harshvardhan Sapkal said as he welcomed the party leader. Rahul Gandhi received a grand welcome from party leaders and workers at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. He arrived in Mumbai on Saturday while travelling to Bhiwandi in connection with a court matter. A large number of Congress leaders and supporters gathered at the airport to greet him. Sapkal says Rahul Gandhi is fearless Speaking to the media, Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee President Harshvardhan Sapkal said that Rahul Gandhi is not afraid of threats from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Sapkal stated that Rahul Gandhi has been working fearlessly in the national interest and is committed to protecting democracy and the Constitution. He said that despite personal risks, Rahul Gandhi travelled thousands of kilometres from Kanyakumari to Kashmir and from Manipur to Mumbai, spreading the message of unity through the ‘Bharat Jodo’ and ‘Daro Mat’ campaigns.
21 February,2026 10:31 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMumbai Police achieved a 99 per cent success rate in tracing missing children in the city last year, officials said on Saturday, reported the PTI. Out of 2,182 cases of missing minors registered in 2025, the police successfully solved 2,165 cases and reunited the children with their families. So far in 2026, seven cases involving missing children aged up to five years have been reported. Police confirmed that all seven children have been traced safely. In total, 178 minors have been reported missing in Mumbai this year. Of these, 161 children — nearly 90 per cent — have already been located, according to the PTI. At present, 17 minors remain untraced. These include eight boys and nine girls, all in the 16-18 age group. Police have deployed three to four dedicated teams across different parts of the city to locate the remaining teenagers and reunite them with their families as soon as possible, the news agency reported. Structured approach to investigations According to the PTI, to improve efficiency, Mumbai Police have divided missing minor cases into five age categories - 0-5 years, 5-10 years, 10-14 years, 14-16 years, and 16-18 years. Officials said that in 2025, around 55 per cent of the missing minors were boys, while the remaining cases involved girls. In one instance, a child who repeatedly ran away from home was traced and brought back three to four times. Each time, police followed due procedure and ensured the child’s safe return. Police dismiss rumours Earlier this month, Mumbai Police clarified that certain social media accounts were misrepresenting data and spreading rumours about missing and kidnapped children in the city, the news agency reported. Officials urged the public not to believe unverified claims and assured that every reported case is treated seriously and investigated promptly. In a social media post on its official X handle, Mumbai Police wrote, "Certain social media handles are misrepresenting data and indulging in rumour-mongering regarding cases of missing and kidnapped children. We categorically deny these claims. Action, including the registration of FIRs against those deliberately spreading false information and creating public panic, is under process." (with PTI Inputs)
21 February,2026 10:27 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Minister Dada Bhuse on Saturday withdrew a defamation case against Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut after he expressed regret in Malegaon court in Nashik district, reported the PTI. Raut and Bhuse appeared together before a court in Malegaon on Saturday, where a defamation case was filed against the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader. The case was on Saturday formally withdrawn. It related to corruption allegations published in 2023 in ‘Saamana’, the mouthpiece of Shiv Sena (UBT). The dispute arose after Raut accused Bhuse of involvement in an alleged Rs 178 crore corruption case at the Girna Co-operative Sugar Factory in Malegaon, according to the PTI. Bhuse, a leader of the ruling Shiv Sena and currently serving as School Education Minister, filed a defamation complaint following the publication. Information incorrect Speaking to reporters after the court proceedings, Sanjay Raut said he had made the allegations based on hearings before the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) and information provided by party colleague Advay Hiray at the time, as per the PTI. However, he stated that the information later proved to be incorrect. Sanjay Raut told the court that he regretted his statements and apologised to farmers and residents of Malegaon for any confusion caused. He also mentioned his ongoing health issues, explaining that he had difficulty travelling frequently to attend hearings, as per the PTI. Case withdrawn after regret Bhuse confirmed that both leaders informed the court they wished to end the dispute. He said Raut acknowledged that the allegation was false and based on information given by Hiray, who has since joined the BJP, the news agency reported. “Considering the confusion among farmers and local residents, and in their interest, the claim has been withdrawn,” Dada Bhuse said. He added that Sanjay Raut had apologised and the matter now stands closed. Emphasis on political culture Raut said that he and Bhuse share cordial relations and described the resolution as reflective of Maharashtra’s political culture. With the apology placed on record and the complaint withdrawn, the defamation dispute between the two leaders has officially come to an end. (with PTI inputs)
21 February,2026 09:31 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentNationalist Congress Party (NCP-SP) leader Rohit Pawar has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and demanded an immediate action against Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu in connection with the plane crash that resulted in Ajit Pawar's death, reported the IANS. In a letter also marked to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Rohit Pawar claimed that serious questions had arisen over the company VSR Ventures, which owned the aircraft involved in the plane crash that killed former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in Baramati on January 28, 2026. Rohit Pawar has called for an independent and competent authority to investigate the alleged links between the minister and VSR Ventures. In his letter, he requested that Rammohan Naidu step down until the inquiry is complete to ensure there is no possible influence or interference. He also raised concerns about whether the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) may have been compromised in relation to the aircraft’s operations.’ Earlier this week, Rohit Pawar addressed a press conference alleging a “nexus” between the Civil Aviation Ministry, the DGCA and VSR Ventures. He claimed the current leadership was biased and shielding the company, according to the IANS. He demanded that the crash be investigated as culpable homicide rather than treated as an accidental death. He also called for a formal FIR against the owners of VSR Ventures and the technical staff responsible for clearing the aircraft’s airworthiness. अजितदादांच्या विमान अपघातासंदर्भात अनेक गंभीर प्रश्न समोर येत असून काही प्रश्न हे थेट त्यांच्या पक्षाच्या काही केंद्रीय नेत्यांशी, राज्य पातळीवरील सत्तेतील नेत्यांशी आणि बडे उद्योगपती यांच्याशी निगडीत असून हे सर्वजण VSR कंपनीशी संबंधित आहेत. या सर्व प्रश्नांची निष्पक्षपणे उकल… pic.twitter.com/YRp16TMNqa — Rohit Pawar (@RRPSpeaks) February 21, 2026 Call for CBI probe Rohit Pawar has sought an inquiry by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), arguing that the case involves a high-profile public figure and falls within the Union-controlled aviation sector. He stated that the state CID may lack both the technical expertise and political independence to conduct a fair investigation, as per the IANS. He has also urged Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi to raise the issue in Parliament. Claims of missing data and irregularities At subsequent briefings, Rohit Pawar presented what he described as a detailed report, suggesting the possibility of a political or commercial conspiracy. He alleged that the aircraft’s transponder was switched off during the final minute of the flight, that CCTV footage from the hangar was being withheld, and that a backdated audit may have been prepared to protect the company. He also cited technical discrepancies, including the alleged use of additional fuel tanks and a last-minute change of the main pilot, the news agency reported. The aircraft involved in the crash was a Learjet 45, and the incident occurred in Baramati on January 28, 2026. Authorities were yet to respond to the latest allegations, reported the IANS. (with IANS inputs)
21 February,2026 06:44 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Saturday criticised the Youth Congress protest held at Bharat Mandapam during the India AI Impact Summit in Delhi, calling it an “uncivil behaviour”. In a post on X, Shinde alleged that while India was showcasing its technological strength to the world, Youth Congress members created a disturbance that, according to him, harmed the country’s global image. Shinde described the protest as “uncivil behaviour” and said it was not an act of patriotism but an attempt to defame the nation at an international platform. He stated that the Congress and its leaders should apologise to the people of India for the incident. He further said that if the party opposed the India–United States agreement, it should have presented its objections in a democratic and ideological manner rather than disrupting a global event. Targeting Congress leadership The Deputy Chief Minister also criticised senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, alleging that Congress leaders often speak negatively about India abroad. He remarked that such actions set a poor example for party workers. Shinde added that raising slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in front of foreign guests during an international summit reflected poorly on the country. The incident has triggered a fresh political confrontation between the ruling alliance and the Congress. इंडिया एआई इम्पैक्ट समिट के माध्यम से जब दुनिया के सामने भारत का तकनीकी वैभव प्रस्तुत किया जा रहा था, उसी समय भारत मंडपम में युथ काँग्रेस की चड्डी-बनियान गैंग ने असभ्य उपद्रव मचाकर भारत की वैश्विक स्तर पर बदनामी करने का प्रयास किया। काँग्रेस की इस वृत्ति की मैं तीव्र शब्दों में… — Eknath Shinde - एकनाथ शिंदे (@mieknathshinde) February 21, 2026 BJP stages protest as Rahul Gandhi arrives in Mumbai Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, arrived in Mumbai during the early hours of Saturday. Upon his arrival, BJP workers staged a black-flag protest, calling it a response to the Youth Congress's protest at the AI Summit. Gandhi landed at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in the morning and travelled by road to Bhiwandi in neighbouring Thane district to appear before a court in the 2014 defamation case. While Rahul was on his way to Bhiwandi from Mumbai, a group of BJP supporters staged a protest at Mulund toll naka and raised slogans against him. Speaking to the media on Saturday, the protesters alleged that Rahul Gandhi consistently opposes the initiatives of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and accused him of tarnishing the country's image. Furthermore, the police had made elaborate security arrangements for Rahul Gandhi's visit to prevent any confrontation between workers of the ruling and opposition parties.
21 February,2026 06:20 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAmid the BJP protests, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi on Saturday reached Mumbai with state Congress leader welcoming him at the airport. "He is not afraid of the political threats," Maharashtra Congress chief Harshvardhan Sapkal said as he welcomed the party leader. Rahul Gandhi received a grand welcome from party leaders and workers at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. He arrived in Mumbai on Saturday while travelling to Bhiwandi in connection with a court matter. A large number of Congress leaders and supporters gathered at the airport to greet him. Sapkal says Rahul Gandhi is fearless Speaking to the media, Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee President Harshvardhan Sapkal said that Rahul Gandhi is not afraid of threats from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Sapkal stated that Rahul Gandhi has been working fearlessly in the national interest and is committed to protecting democracy and the Constitution. He said that despite personal risks, Rahul Gandhi travelled thousands of kilometres from Kanyakumari to Kashmir and from Manipur to Mumbai, spreading the message of unity through the ‘Bharat Jodo’ and ‘Daro Mat’ campaigns. Read more: BJP stages black-flag protest as Rahul Gandhi arrives in Mumbai Criticism of BJP Maharashtra Congress leader Harshvardhan Sapkal also criticised the BJP, alleging that the party uses threats and political pressure. Sapkal questioned why the BJP had not condemned remarks made by former US President Donald Trump about Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He further raised concerns over decisions related to international trade agreements and foreign policy, claiming that the BJP should respond firmly to statements that, according to him, harm India’s image globally. Sapkal added that the protests against Rahul Gandhi would only damage the BJP’s own reputation. Senior leaders welcome Rahul Gandhi in Mumbai Several senior Congress leaders were present at the Mumbai airport. Leaders including Congress Working Committee member Naseem Khan, Mumbai Congress President and MP Varsha Gaikwad, former minister and MLA Aslam Shaikh, MLA Amin Patel, MLA Jyoti Gaikwad, National Secretary Kunal Choudhary, State Vice President Rajesh Sharma, Ramchandra (Aba) Dalvi, and Mumbai Youth Congress President Zeenat Shabreen, along with many party workers.
21 February,2026 06:02 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Central Railway on Saturday said that it has added more round-the-clock emergency medical care at its stations in Mumbai and its nearby areas. An official statement said that the Central Railway has taken an important step to improve passenger safety by setting up Emergency Medical Rooms (EMRs) at several railway stations across its Mumbai Division. The initiative aims to provide immediate First Aid and emergency care to bonafide passengers and railway staff facing medical emergencies due to accidents, sudden illness, or other incidents. Emergency Medical Rooms are already functioning at Byculla railway station, Kalyan railway station and Vashi railway station. In addition, Kalva, Titwala and Karjat stations have also become operational under newly awarded contracts. Work is currently in progress at seven more stations including Lokmanya Tilak Terminus, Kurla railway station, Ghatkopar railway station, Thane railway station, Mumbra railway station, Mankhurd railway station and Chembur railway station Equipped for immediate response The EMRs are designed to provide quick and effective support during the crucial ‘golden hour’ of a medical emergency. Each facility is equipped with basic life-support equipment, oxygen supply, stretchers, essential medicines, portable laboratory services, medical store support and ambulance facilities. "Qualified doctors and trained paramedical staff are available round the clock to ensure timely assistance," officials said. Expansion plans underway Central Railway has awarded contracts for 10 additional stations, with services already operational at some locations. Looking ahead, tenders have been floated for 44 stations in the Mumbai Division. This expansion aims to significantly reduce response time during emergencies and improve survival chances in critical cases. Commitment to Passenger Safety With the establishment and expansion of Emergency Medical Rooms, Central Railway reinforces its commitment to passenger well-being. CR to operate 19-hour mega block at Thane's Kharbao on February 21-22 Central Railway’s Mumbai Division will operate a special 19-hour traffic and power block at Kharbao from 12.30 pm on Saturday, February 21, to 7.30 am on Sunday, February 22, for the commissioning of new Up and Down goods lines under the DFCCIL project. The block will impact multiple suburban and passenger services, with several MEMU trains cancelled and others regulated. Several MEMU trains cancelled Down direction: 69161 Panvel–Dahanu Road MEMU (JCO February 21) 61006 Diva–Vasai Road MEMU (JCO February 21) 61002 Dombivli Central Cabin–Boisar MEMU (JCO February 22) Up direction: 61007 Vasai Road–Diva MEMU (JCO February 21) 69166 Vasai Road–Panvel MEMU (JCO February 21) 61001 Boisar–Vasai Road MEMU (JCO February 22) 61003 Vasai Road–Diva MEMU (JCO February 22) Train regulations 69164 Dahanu Road–Panvel MEMU (JCO February 22) will be regulated for 10 minutes at Kaman Road. 22178 Secunderabad–Rajkot Express (JCO February 21) will be regulated for 1 hour and 30 minutes at Bhiwandi Road. Additionally, Mail/Express and passenger trains passing through the affected section during the block period are expected to run 25 to 30 minutes late. Railway officials said the block is essential for infrastructure upgrades and operational safety. Passengers have been requested to plan their journeys accordingly and cooperate with the railway administration during the temporary disruption.
21 February,2026 05:15 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMumbai Metro Line-2B work has further progressed after the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) successfully launched two U-girders at Halav Bridge in Kurla, an official statement said. According to the MMRDA, It was successful in completing the launching of U-girders above Halav Bridge for Mumbai Metro Line 2B at 4 am. on February 21, 2026. It marks an important step in the construction of the East-West metro corridor that will improve connectivity across the city. Mumbai Metro Line 2B will connect major residential and business areas including D.N. Nagar, BKC, Kurla, Chembur and Mandale. Once completed, the corridor is expected to benefit lakhs of daily commuters by reducing travel time and easing pressure on busy roads. The successful completion of the complex engineering task reflects steady and well-planned progress towards delivering a modern and dependable public transport system for Mumbai, it said. Engineering challenge in airport funnel zone The Halav Bridge section presented a unique technical challenge as it lies within the airport funnel zone. The vertical clearance between the Metro viaduct and the existing bridge is restricted to just 3.5 metres. Despite these constraints, the work was carried out smoothly after obtaining all required approvals from the relevant authorities. Careful planning and precision engineering ensured safe and efficient execution. Night operation to minimise disruption To reduce inconvenience to the public, the girder launching was carried out during the night in this busy traffic area. This approach helped maintain safety and minimise disruption. Light vehicles such as auto-rickshaws, taxis, tempos and ambulances continue to use Halav Bridge. Heavy vehicles have been diverted through alternative routes in a systematic manner. Progress at S. G. Barve marg station The nearby S. G. Barve Marg Metro Station has been designed as a single-level station in line with aviation height regulations. Foundation and pier work for the station has already been completed, along with viaduct sections on both sides of Halav Bridge. This reflects coordinated and timely execution of the project. Technical details of the launch The two U-girders (P610-P611 LHS), each 20 metres long, were erected using 500 MT capacity cranes under expert supervision. With this milestone achieved, the project will now move forward to track laying, installation of the overhead catenary system, and development of power supply and telecommunication infrastructure. Area improvements and inclusive development Alongside metro construction, area improvements are being planned. The proposed widening of A.H. Wadia Road, in coordination with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, aims to ease traffic flow and improve movement during Ganesh Visarjan and other peak periods. Rehabilitation of affected structures is progressing in a structured and fair manner to support inclusive development. Moving closer to a connected Mumbai The successful U-girder launch at Halav Bridge highlights strong planning, technical skill and a careful balance between engineering needs and community convenience. With each milestone, Metro Line 2B moves closer to becoming a reliable transport option that will reduce congestion, cut travel time and improve the overall quality of urban life in Mumbai.
21 February,2026 04:58 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentDays after the Mumbai Metro Line 4 pillar slab fell down on the road, killing one and injuring several others. Three people on Friday filed anticipatory bail applications in a court in connection with the collapse of a parapet segment after several people were implicated in the FIR registered by the Mumbai Police after the incident. As reported by news agency PTI, the bail applications will be heard on Saturday. Earlier a man died and three others were injured after a parapet segment of an under-construction bridge of Metro-4 collapsed in Mumbai's Mulund area on February 14 Anticipatory bail to be heard on February 21 Alpesh Patel and Ganesh Gholap – director and technical director of the contractor firm Milan Road Buildtech and project consultant T Sai Suresh Kumar moved the court with pre-arrest bail pleas. Notably, of these three, only Kumar is named as an accused in the First Information Report registered by the police against officials of Milan Road Buildtech and DB Hill LBG under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita section 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder). Police have until now arrested five employees of the two contractor firms. Victim's family receives Rs 39.50 lakh The family of Ramdhani Yadav, who was killed on Saturday in the Mulund Metro slab collapse incident, said that they have received Rs 39.5 lakh from the authorities, following which they will now take the body for the last rites. Yadav’s family had earlier said that they would not take the body for the final rites until they received compensation while also seeking compensation and government jobs for his kins. While the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) disbursed Rs 15 lakh to the victim’s family, Rs 20 lakh was given by the contractor, and an additional Rs 4.50 lakh was given for the air ambulance to lift the body to Jaunpur in Uttar Pradesh. The chief minister has also announced Rs 5 lakh in compensation. Ramdhani’s brother Ramsamuj Yadav said, “We have received compensation from MMRDA, and we took the body. We will do the final rites of my brother. Our demands are that my brother’s kin should get government jobs.” (With inputs from PTI)
21 February,2026 04:09 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) during the early hours of Friday carried out a major eviction drive in the Mahavir Nagar area of Kandivali (West). The civic authority removed 65 unauthorised constructions and hawkers to ease congestion and restore public spaces. As per the officials, the eviction drive was undertaken by the civic body’s ‘R South’ administrative division under the guidance of Deputy Commissioner (Zone 7) Sandhya Nandedkar and led by Assistant Commissioner (R South Division) Aarti Golekar. The official statement also emphasised that several unauthorised structures had come up in the locality, along with illegal hawking activities, leading to obstruction of vehicular movement and inconvenience to pedestrians. In response, a coordinated campaign was launched by various departments under the R South division. The drive resulted in the demolition of unauthorised constructions and the eviction of hawkers encroaching on public areas. Three JCB excavators used in eviction drive by BMC Furthermore, the eviction drive was conducted using three JCB excavators and seven dumpers, along with other necessary equipment. A total of 47 civic officers and employees participated in the drive, supported by adequate police personnel to maintain law and order. Civic officials further stated that the primary objective of the campaign is to ensure clean, safe and obstruction-free public spaces for residents. The Municipal Corporation administration has indicated that such enforcement drives will continue on a regular basis to curb illegal encroachments across the city. BJP's Prabhakar Shinde elected unopposed as Standing Committee chairman In a different development earlier last week, Prabhakar Shinde was on Friday elected unopposed as the chairman of the Standing Committee of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The announcement was made by Mayor Ritu Tawde, who presided over the special meeting convened to elect the head of the key statutory committee. The election follows the recently concluded BMC Elections 2026. In a special meeting held on February 16, 26 corporators were nominated to the Standing Committee. The chairperson of the Education Committee is an ex-officio member of the panel. A special session was held at 2 pm on Friday to conduct the election. As Shinde was the sole candidate to file nomination papers, he was declared elected unopposed. Additional Municipal Commissioner (City) Dr Ashwini Joshi, Municipal Secretary Manjiri Deshpande and all Standing Committee members were present during the proceedings. The Standing Committee is one of the most powerful bodies within the civic administration, responsible for key financial approvals and policy decisions.
21 February,2026 01:25 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentCongress leader and Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, arrived in Mumbai during the early hours of Saturday. As soon as the LoP landed in Mumbai, BJP workers staged a black-flag protest, calling it a response to the Youth Congress's protest at the AI Summit. Gandhi landed at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in the morning and travelled by road to Bhiwandi in neighbouring Thane district to appear before a court in the 2014 defamation case, reported PTI. While Rahul was on his way to Bhiwandi from Mumbai, a group of BJP supporters staged a protest at Mulund toll naka and raised slogans against him. Speaking to the media on Saturday, the protesters alleged that Gandhi consistently opposes the initiatives of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and accused him of tarnishing the country's image. One of the BJP supporters slamming Rahul Gandhi said, "Rahul Gandhi continuously opposes whatever the Prime Minister does. Even on issues concerning the nation. The Youth Congress workers raised slogans at the AI Summit, maligning India's image. That is why we protested against him," as cited by news agency PTI. Furthermore, the police had made elaborate security arrangements for Gandhi's visit to prevent any confrontation between workers of the ruling and opposition parties. Congress slams BJP over protest against Rahul Gandhi in Mumbai Meanwhile, Congress leader Sachin Sawant termed the BJP protest as "an attempt to divert attention from key national issues". The Congress leader further accused the ruling party of resorting to theatrics, as it had no answers for the public. He questioned the reasons behind what he termed the BJP's "surrender" before US President Donald Trump and sought clarity on matters related to financier Jeffrey Epstein, saying the party owed an explanation to the people. Sawant also alleged that the BJP had compromised the future of farmers in Maharashtra and the country by placing their interests at stake in the trade deal with the US. NCP (SP) also slams BJP The Nationalist Congress Party (SP) also hit out at the 'black flag' protest, calling it a "disrespectful" departure from democratic norms. NCP (SP) Thane city chief Manoj Pradhan said, "Rahul Gandhi holds a constitutional post as the Leader of the Opposition in the country's highest house. It is fundamentally wrong to show black flags to him in such a manner. This is not how a democracy should function." (With inputs from PTI)
21 February,2026 12:19 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
