Journalism of Courage
Maharashtra
Maharashtra, one of India's most economically significant and politically influential states, presents a dynamic and complex political landscape. Situated in the western part of the country, it is not only the financial hub of India, home to Mumbai, but also a state with rich cultural and historical significance. The political profile of Maharashtra is characterized by a diverse electorate, a mix of urban and rural dynamics, and the presence of both national and regional political parties.
The two dominant regional parties in Maharashtra are the Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), alongside the prominence of national parties such as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress (INC). The Shiv Sena, founded by Bal Thackeray in 1966, initially focused on the interests of the Marathi-speaking population and espoused a Marathi identity. Over the years, it has evolved to embrace broader Hindu nationalist themes, aligning closely with the BJP, especially on ideological fronts.
The NCP, a splinter group from the INC, was founded by Sharad Pawar in 1999 and has played a crucial role in the state's politics, often being a kingmaker in government formations. The INC, with its long history of leadership in the state, continues to be a significant player, although its influence has waned in recent years due to the rise of the BJP and internal party challenges.
Maharashtra's politics have been marked by coalition governments, with alliances often shifting based on political convenience rather than ideological alignment. The state has witnessed significant political turmoil and realignments, notably the formation of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government in 2019, an unexpected alliance between the Shiv Sena, NCP, and INC, showcasing the fluid nature of Maharashtra's political alliances.
The state faces numerous challenges, including urban-rural disparities, agricultural distress, and infrastructure development. Maharashtra's political parties and leaders are continually navigating these issues, striving to balance development needs with the aspirations of a diverse and demanding electorate.
The two dominant regional parties in Maharashtra are the Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), alongside the prominence of national parties such as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress (INC). The Shiv Sena, founded by Bal Thackeray in 1966, initially focused on the interests of the Marathi-speaking population and espoused a Marathi identity. Over the years, it has evolved to embrace broader Hindu nationalist themes, aligning closely with the BJP, especially on ideological fronts.
The NCP, a splinter group from the INC, was founded by Sharad Pawar in 1999 and has played a crucial role in the state's politics, often being a kingmaker in government formations. The INC, with its long history of leadership in the state, continues to be a significant player, although its influence has waned in recent years due to the rise of the BJP and internal party challenges.
Maharashtra's politics have been marked by coalition governments, with alliances often shifting based on political convenience rather than ideological alignment. The state has witnessed significant political turmoil and realignments, notably the formation of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government in 2019, an unexpected alliance between the Shiv Sena, NCP, and INC, showcasing the fluid nature of Maharashtra's political alliances.
The state faces numerous challenges, including urban-rural disparities, agricultural distress, and infrastructure development. Maharashtra's political parties and leaders are continually navigating these issues, striving to balance development needs with the aspirations of a diverse and demanding electorate.
MAHARASHTRA NEWS
Shiv Sena workers express displeasure over seats offered by BJP for Pune civic polls
December 27, 2025 8:38 am
Of the 165 seats in Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), the BJP has reportedly offered only 15 seats to Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena for election in the alliance.
‘USA’, as in ‘Umarti Sikligar Arms’: An MP village in the shadow of the gun, now aiming for change
December 27, 2025 9:31 am
Why Pune Police travelled 105 km, with body cameras sending live feed and drone support, for one of the biggest raids Umarti – and a community traditionally into metallurgy – has seen
Ahead of Maharashtra civic polls, Sanjay Raut targets CM Fadnavis over law and order, Satara drug case
December 26, 2025 3:52 pm
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut alleged the son of Minister Bharat Gogawale continues to be absconding despite serious allegations against him; and that the land linked to Satara drug case was connected to Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's family.
Ambedkar targets Cong as party stays hopeful of alliance with VBA
December 26, 2025 9:54 am
The Congress delegation had met Ambedkar two days ago to discuss a possible alliance between two parties.
One-day gig workers strike hits food delivery across Maharashtra
December 26, 2025 9:45 am
The strike, called by the Gig Workers Union and supported by several labour organisations, including the Indian Labour Federation, Ajan India Workers Union, Janpahal General Workers Union, and the Platform App-Based and Other Commerce Workers Union, was confined to Maharashtra.
Actor Govinda among 40 star campaigners of Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena in Maharashtra corporation polls
December 25, 2025 1:02 pm
The municipal corporation elections in Maharashtra will be held on January 15, with counting taking place the next day.
Mumbai to Marathi manoos: Amid reunion with Raj, why Uddhav invoked Samyukta Maharashtra
December 25, 2025 3:38 am
Stepping up their bids to woo Marathi voters ahead of BMC polls, Thackeray cousins pitch for Marathi unity and Mumbai’s legacy.
Maharashtra allows restaurants, bars to operate until 5 am on Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year’s Eve
December 24, 2025 8:42 pm
The decision follows a representation made earlier in the day by the Hotel and Restaurant Association (Western India) (HRAWI) to Maharashtra Government and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, seeking an extension on the three festive nights.
‘As if Russia and Ukraine have united’: CM Devendra Fadnavis slams reunion of Raj, Uddhav Thackeray as ‘opportunistic politics’
December 24, 2025 3:52 pm
On the Thackeray cousins’ alliance announcement, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis said they will not succeed in the BMC polls as they “neither have any ideology nor agenda”.
As Uddhav, Raj Thackeray reunite for BMC polls, why BJP may have a fight on its hands
December 24, 2025 7:03 am
Thackerays' alliance is likely to force BJP to rely more on Shinde Sena, especially in Marathi-dominated civic bodies like BMC, Thane, Kalyan-Dombivali, Nashik, Pune and Navi Mumbai
MAHARASHTRA PHOTOS
Six places you must visit in Maharashtra
November 12, 2025 2:29 pm
Planning a vacation in Maharashtra? Make sure you visit these beautiful places
Devendra Fadnavis takes oath as Maharashtra CM: From Mukesh Ambani to Salman Khan, here’s who all attended the ceremony
December 05, 2024 10:53 pm
The ceremony was held at Azad Maidan in Mumbai and marked a new chapter for the Mahayuti alliance.
On board Mumbai local trains: Lord Ganesha
September 02, 2024 2:34 pm
The Ganesh Visarjan for 2024 is scheduled for Tuesday, September 17th, before which people travel across Maharashtra to bring homes their Ganesha idols ahead of the 10-day festival.
Maharashtra SSC Results 2024: Websites to check Class MSBSHSE 10th result dates
May 26, 2024 1:29 pm
Maharashtra SSC Results 2024 Date: Once released, Maharashtra board Class 10 students can check results from the official website once declared, mahresult.nic.in.
'MLAs come, and can go anywhere': NCP chief Sharad Pawar's party meeting in pictures
July 07, 2023 7:42 am
NCP patriarch Sharad Pawar convened a working committee meeting of the party Wednesday which was attended by 16 MLAs and office-bearers of the party’s frontal cells.
From Ajit Pawar’s swearing-in, to Sharad Pawar’s show of strength: How the Maharashtra crisis unfolded in pictures
July 03, 2023 5:02 pm
On Monday, Ajit Pawar took oath as Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra. He will be sharing the post with BJP’s Devendra Fadnavis.
In Pics | After Thackeray’s warning ‘illegal’ structure demolished near Mahim coast
March 24, 2023 2:41 pm
Sena vs Sena: Uddhav, Shinde factions hold massive Dussehra rallies in Mumbai
October 06, 2022 11:40 am
On first day of Ganesh festival, over 30,000 Ganpati idols immersed in Maharashtra
September 02, 2022 12:28 pm
There are five days for immersion in the ten-day long Ganpati festival.
Maharashtra celebrates Dahi Handi with pomp and grandeur after pandemic-gap
August 20, 2022 2:41 pm
MAHARASHTRA VIDEOS
Eye for Detail 15: The importance of Kartarpur corridor, Implant Files and the Maratha reservation
June 22, 2020 6:09 pm
This week we look at the importance of the Kartarpur corridor between India and Pakistan, why you should pay attention to the revelations from Implant Files and what the Maratha reservation could lead to.
On Day 2, protesting farmers march towards Mumbai’s Azad Maidan
June 22, 2020 6:10 pm
Thousands of farmers and tribals began a march from different parts of Maharashtra to culminate at Azad Maidan and ask for some of their long-pending demands to be met.
What the thousands of farmers protesting in Maharashtra are demanding
June 22, 2020 6:10 pm
Around 30,000 farmers and tribals are marching from Thane to Azad Maidan in Mumbai, Maharashtra. Here’s a list of their long-pending demands.
VIRAL: Video of tiger chasing tourists in Maharashtra goes viral
June 22, 2020 6:11 pm
The video showing a tigress chasing a tourist vehicle in the buffer zone of Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve( TATR) in Chandrapur district set alarm bells ringing in TATR administration. The road where it happened has been closed for safari rides.
What tiger census tells us about the population in India: News in Numbers
June 22, 2020 6:11 pm
The killing of T1 or Avni, the tiger, in Maharashtra has led to much controversy. It’s worth looking at what the numbers in the tiger census tell us.
Why the Maratha agitation keeps coming back
June 22, 2020 6:20 pm
The Marathas, a third of the population of Maharashtra, began to agitate for their demands a little less than two years ago. While the current phase of renewed protests ended, the agitation is far from over.
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis says he's fine after chopper crash
June 22, 2020 7:02 pm
17 students critical after consuming mid-day meal in Palghar
February 26, 2016 9:23 am
Palghar (Maharashtra), Feb 26 (ANI): Over 100 students fell ill after consuming mid-day meal at a government-run school in Palghar district of Maharashtra. An official of the district education department Prakash Mokashi said action will be taken against the guilty. Jyoti Jadav, a student of the same school, said her stomach started aching after consuming the meal. 17 of the Kasa village primary school students are still critical.The police have sent food samples for tests to a laboratory in Mumbai.
Body of girl who died in Russia arrives in Mumbai
February 17, 2016 2:05 pm
Mumbai, Feb 17 (ANI): The body of a girl who died in a fire incident in Russia arrived in Mumbai on Wednesday. In the shocking tragedy, two medical students from Maharashtra died of suffocation after a fire broke out in their institute in Russia on Sunday morning. The deceased were identified as Karishma Bhosale (20) from Pune and Pooja Kallur (22) from Nerul. BJP leader Kirit Somaiya was seen condoling the family members of the girl.
Fire at ‘Make in India’: Fadnavis orders probe
February 15, 2016 4:26 am
Mumbai, Feb 15 (ANI): Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered a probe into a fire that engulfed the venue of a cultural event at the opening of a ‘Make in India’ week in Mumbai. The fire broke out around 8.15p.m. on the stage during a dance performance. Fanned by high winds, the fire quickly spread, licking the sides of a scaffolding rig. Thousands of spectators and dignitaries, including Fadnavis, were evacuated safely. The event was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to drum up foreign investment.
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