States » West


Maha: BJP MLA Nitesh Rane launches scathing attack on Rahul Gandhi, Naseeruddin Shah

Mumbai, Oct 29 (UNI) In a fiery, multi-front political salvo, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and MLA Nitesh Rane today launched a scathing attack on senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah, while reiterating the ruling coalition’s commitment to the welfare of Maharashtra’s coastal communities.
Speaking to reporters following an outreach event for the fishing community at Mumbai’s iconic Sassoon Dock, he dismissed the opposition’s narrative on EVMs, defended the Mahayuti government’s track record, and warmly welcomed actor Sara Ali Khan’s recent temple visit.
Highlighting the Mahayuti government's initiatives, Rane announced targeted health assistance for women working in the fisheries sector.
"While peeling fish and prawns, our fisherwomen routinely suffer painful nail injuries and infections. The Fisheries Department conducted a dedicated study on this issue, and under the Chief Minister Matsya Sampada Yojana, we are distributing special health welfare kits to safeguard their wellbeing."
The minister stressed that under Devendra Fadnavis and the current administration, the government has delivered concrete results—from granting agriculture-equivalent status to the fisheries sector to delivering financial empowerment.
Turning his attention to the opposition, Rane launched a sharp critique against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
"Congress was zero, is zero, and will always remain zero—they can never become heroes," Rane declared.
"Rahul Gandhi is, in fact, our biggest 'brand ambassador'. The more theatrics he performs and the more drama he creates on the streets, the more the people of India align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Citizens trust PM Modi completely, so Rahul Gandhi should simply pack up and move to another country."
Commenting on the ongoing debate regarding Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) versus paper ballots, the BJP leader stated that the electoral outcome would remain unchanged regardless of the voting medium. "PM Modi and the NDA reside in the hearts of the people. Rather than weeping over EVMs, the opposition should focus on serving the public 24/7 like we do."
Rane also lashed out at actor Naseeruddin Shah following his recent political comments, referring to him as an "urban Naxal".
He is paid to read scripts written in Pakistan, Rane alleged. "Since he no longer gets acting roles in films, one must first verify how many hours a day he remains in a sober state before taking his statements seriously."
In contrast, when asked about actress Sara Ali Khan's recent visit to a Hindu temple, he expressed approval, contrasting Sanatan Dharma with other faiths.
"If anyone visits a Hindu temple, they should be warmly welcomed. Sanatan Hindu Dharma is vast and inclusive, offering entry and respect to everyone—a permission not easily granted in other religions."
UNI NEP SS
More News

Dhule: Three members of family killed in road accident

30 Oct 2026 | 12:10 AM

Dhule, Oct 29 (UNI) A tragic road accident claimed the lives of a young woman and her parents, leaving the village of Tisgaon Dhandane in Dhule taluka in mourning.
The deceased have been identified as Raju Mane, his wife Balabai Mane, and their daughter Bhatabai Mane.

see more..

India Gears Up to Publish 5,000 Books in 24 Hours; Likhega India Mission 2 0 Set to Begin October 31

30 Oct 2026 | 12:05 AM

Mumbai, Oct 29 ( UNI) India Authors Academy, founded by bestselling author and book coach Sweta Samota and entrepreneur Manish Samota, is set to launch Likhega India Mission 2.0 on October 31, with over 1,400 participants already registered.

see more..

NCP must review organisational strength after electoral setbacks: Saleem Sarang

29 Oct 2026 | 11:39 PM

Mumbai, Oct 29 (UNI) Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Maharashtra vice-president Saleem Sarang has called for serious introspection within the party following electoral setbacks, emphasising the need to strengthen its organisation, reconnect with grassroots workers and adhere to its ideological commitments.

see more..

Kolhapur: Gokul Dudh Sangh president's election mired in politics: Satej faction elects its own president after Mahayuti boycott

29 Oct 2026 | 11:09 PM

Kolhapur, Oct 29 (UNI) The much-awaited election process for the post of Gokul Dudh Sangh president, which was to be held today, saw high drama as the 12 directors of the Mahayuti alliance boycotted the meeting, leading to its adjournment due to lack of quorum. However, Congress leader Satej Patil’s Samvichari Aghadi
held a separate parallel meeting and claimed to have elected Shashikant Patil-Chuyekar as the president.

see more..

BJP says Congress lacks public trust regardless of ballot papers or EVMs

29 Oct 2026 | 10:29 PM

Mumbai, Oct 29 (UNI) BJP Maharashtra chief spokesperson Navnath Ban on Thursday said the Congress lacks public trust irrespective of whether elections are conducted using ballot papers or Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), citing the party's performance in the recent graduates' and teachers' constituency elections.

see more..