ULHASNAGAR: Amid celebrations marking the 60th foundation day of Shiv Sena and reports of a major split within Shiv Sena (UBT), leaders of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena have intensified calls for deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde to be reinstated as Maharashtra’s chief minister.Adding to the chorus, Ulhasnagar Mayor Ashwini Kamlesh Nikam on Friday said that Shiv Sainiks across Maharashtra and a large section of the general public want Shinde to once again lead the state as chief minister.In a statement issued on Friday, Nikam said Shinde had demonstrated decisive leadership and had accelerated development projects across Maharashtra during his tenure as chief minister. She claimed that party workers and citizens alike believe he should be given another opportunity to head the state government.The demand comes at a politically significant moment for the Shiv Sena. The party’s 60th foundation day celebrations were overshadowed by reports that six Lok Sabha MPs from the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) faction have either formed a separate group or are preparing to align with the Shinde-led Sena, triggering fresh turmoil within the opposition camp. Reports suggest the development could substantially strengthen Shinde’s position in Maharashtra politics and increase his faction’s strength in Parliament.Speaking at the Shiv Sena’s foundation day event in Mumbai, Shinde hinted at further political developments, remarking that the recent rebellion was “just the trailer” and that “the picture is still remaining,” a statement widely interpreted as a signal that more leaders could cross over to his camp in the coming days.The latest developments have reignited speculation within political circles over the future leadership dynamics in Maharashtra’s ruling Mahayuti alliance. While the BJP continues to lead the government under Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Shiv Sena leaders have increasingly been projecting Shinde as the face of the party’s expansion and resurgence following the 2022 split.Political observers believe the reported entry of six UBT MPs into the Shinde camp has further boosted the Deputy Chief Minister’s stature within both the alliance and the party.For now, there has been no official response from the BJP or the Mahayuti leadership on the renewed demand for Shinde’s return as chief minister.

A 26-year-old newlywed woman in Ambernath died by suicide, with her family accusing her doctor husband and in-laws of dowry harassment and physical abuse

THANE: A 26-year-old newlywed woman from Ambernath allegedly died by suicide just one-and-a-half months after her marriage, with her family accusing her doctor husband and in-laws of dowry harassment, physical abuse and constant surveillance.The deceased, Vishakha Tilkar, was found hanging at her matrimonial home on Tuesday. Based on a complaint lodged by her family, Shivajinagar police registered a case against her husband, Dr Nitin Tilkar, mother-in-law Chhaya Tilkar and brother-in-law Ninad Tilkar. The trio was arrested on Wednesday.According to the complaint, Vishakha married Dr Tilkar on April 30. Her family alleged that although the relationship was cordial before marriage, she was subjected to mental and physical harassment soon after entering her matrimonial home. The accused allegedly demanded additional gold ornaments and cash from her parents, claiming they were dissatisfied with the gifts received during the wedding.Family members further alleged that Dr Tilkar had installed CCTV cameras inside and outside the house to monitor his wife’s movements. Vishakha was allegedly questioned about her daily activities and beaten if she was seen speaking to neighbours. Two days before her death, she was allegedly assaulted by her husband for talking to a woman from the neighbourhood.According to relatives, Vishakha had informed her mother about the harassment and expressed distress over her situation. Her parents were planning to bring her back home, but before they could do so, they received news of her death on Tuesday.Ramesh Patil, senior police inspector of Shivajinagar police station, said, “Our preliminary investigation indicates that CCTV cameras had been installed in the house and the accused husband allegedly monitored his wife’s movements. Based on the complaint filed by the deceased’s family, we registered a case against the husband, mother-in-law and brother-in-law for cruelty and abetment of suicide. All three accused have been arrested.“

A heated political showdown in the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) general body meeting

THANE: A discussion on the worsening pothole situation across Kalyan-Dombivli triggered a heated political showdown in the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) general body meeting on Monday, with leaders from rival political parties trading barbs over road conditions and civic inaction ahead of the monsoon.Congress group leader Kanchan Kulkarni strongly criticized the administration for failing to repair roads and fill potholes despite the onset of the monsoon season.Raising the issue during the meeting, she questioned why pothole-filling work had not been completed and accused the civic administration of repeatedly citing issues related to asphalt contracts and road repair tenders to justify delays.“Every year, we discuss potholes, but citizens continue to suffer. People regularly approach me with complaints about damaged roads. At least four to five people lose their lives annually in pothole-related accidents. Is the administration waiting for more deaths before taking action?” Kulkarni asked.She further pointed out that the delayed arrival of the monsoon had given the civic body additional time to undertake repairs and urged officials to immediately begin road restoration work instead of engaging in endless discussions.The issue, however, soon snowballed into a political confrontation between members of Shiv Sena and Shiv Sena (UBT).During the debate, the UBT group leader Umesh Borgaonkar took a swipe at the ruling party, remarking that if officials wanted potholes in Kalyan-Dombivli to be repaired quickly, they should take Kalyan MP Shrikant Shinde on a tour of the affected roads.“If the MP is taken through these roads once, the administration will automatically ensure that the potholes are filled,” the UBT leader said, drawing loud reactions from the ruling Shiv Sena.The remark was strongly objected to by Shiv Sena corporator Mallesh Shetty and group leader Vishwanath Rane, who defended the party leadership and hit back at the opposition.The two leaders asserted that their party and leadership had the capability and commitment to address public issues, leading to a brief uproar in the House.

THANE: The Navi Mumbai incident where the invite for inauguration of a civic health related facility failed to mention the name of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde who is also the guardian minister of the district has triggered strong reactions from senior Shiv Sena leaders and close associates of Shinde on Monday.MP Naresh Mhaske and cabinet minister Pratap Sarnaik accused the local BJP of repeatedly sidelining Shinde and warned of escalating the matter before Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.Sarnaik said that while the Shiv Sena-led Thane Municipal Corporation has consistently adhered to Mahayuti alliance protocol, the situation in BJP-dominated civic bodies such as Navi Mumbai and Mira-Bhayander presents a contrasting picture.“The Navi Mumbai incident appears deliberate. I had already brought a similar matter to the notice of Chief Minister Fadnavis, who ordered an inquiry. Barely 48 hours later, another such incident has surfaced,” Sarnaik said.He added that he would raise the issue during Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting and seek action, including suspension of officials found responsible. “Senior Mahayuti leaders respect alliance dharma. It is time their juniors also follow the same protocol,” he remarked.MP Naresh Mhaske also hit out at BJP MLA Ganesh Naik, saying leaders should focus on their own work instead of attempting to diminish the contributions of others.Citing information attributed to the Navi Mumbai Municipal Commissioner, Mhaske claimed Shinde’s name was included in the original invitation issued by the administration but was allegedly removed by the Mayor’s office.“Eknath Shinde’s name is etched in the hearts of the people. Such attempts cannot dent his popularity,” Mhaske said, while alleging that both he and Belapur MLA Manda Mhatre were kept uninformed about the inauguration until the last moment despite having pursued the project since June 2025.

THANE: Residents in several parts of Thane will face a 24-hour water supply shutdown beginning Thursday afternoon after the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) announced a 20% reduction in water supply amid concerns of a potential water shortage in the coming months.The Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) said the decision follows a review meeting of the Water Resources Department, where authorities assessed the impact of climatic factors such as El Niño and the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) on water availability.According to TMC, the shutdown will affect areas under the Diva, Kalwa and parts of the Mumbra ward committees. Water supply will also remain suspended in Rupadevi Pada, Kisan Nagar No. 2 and Nehru Nagar in the Wagle Estate ward committee, along with Kolshet Lower Village under the Majiwada-Manpada ward committee.Officials said MIDC informed civic authorities about the 20% water cut as a precautionary measure to manage water resources and ensure adequate availability in the months ahead.The municipal corporation has appealed to residents in the affected areas to store sufficient water in advance and use it judiciously during the shutdown period. Civic officials also urged citizens to cooperate with the administration as it undertakes measures to address the anticipated water shortage.

Woman stabbed multiple times in neck, chilling CCTV footage surfaces

Maharashtra shocker: Woman stabbed multiple times in neck, chilling CCTV footage surfaces

Woman stabbed multiple times in neck, chilling CCTV footage surfaces

Maharashtra shocker: Woman stabbed multiple times in neck, chilling CCTV footage surfaces

Woman stabbed multiple times in neck, chilling CCTV footage surfaces

PALGHAR: A 27-year-old woman working was critically injured after she was allegedly attacked with a sharp weapon in broad daylight in Maharashtra’s Palghar district.According to multiple reports, the incident took place near the Gold Cinema area around 6.30 pm on Friday.The victim, identified as Snehal Sawant, was living in a rented accommodation near the spot.CCTV footage from the area showed the accused allegedly stabbing her more than five times.According to preliminary information, the accused allegedly attacked Sawant on her neck and waist before fleeing from the scene.Sawant sustained serious injuries and was immediately taken to hospital for treatment. According to reports, police suspect the attack may have been linked to a personal dispute.A search operation has been launched to trace the accused, who remains absconding. Further investigation is underway.