Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday lashed out at the Maharashtra government, questioning why stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra was summoned for allegedly mocking Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, while actor Rahul Solapurkar faced no action for his controversial remarks about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

Kamra was recently issued two summons by the Mumbai Police after a parody song in his show, perceived as a dig at Shinde, sparked outrage. The comedian’s parody video led to Shinde supporters storming the recording studio. Calling it a selective action, Thackeray said “He didn’t even name Shinde, yet Kamra is being targeted,” said Thackeray. He also accused the Maharashtra government for shielding Eknath Shinde while ignoring more serious issues.

Kamra vs Solapurkar: Thackeray questions double standards

Thackeray contrasted the swift action against Kamra with the lack of any summons for Rahul Solapurkar, who claimed in a podcast that Shivaji Maharaj escaped from Agra Fort by bribing Mughal officials—an assertion that triggered backlash from some right-wing groups. “Has even one summons been sent to Solapurkar?” Thackeray asked, calling out what he sees as biased governance.

He further questioned Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’s support for Shinde, stating, “The CM is protecting the man Kamra didn’t even name. What right do you have to take action against him?”

BJP’s ‘Saugat-e-Modi’ campaign branded as political gimmick

Thackeray also took aim at the BJP’s Eid outreach campaign, calling the ‘Saugat-e-Modi’ kits distributed to Muslim households nothing more than a ploy for votes. “This is not a gift from Modi but a gift of power—‘Saugat-e-Satta’,” he said. Thackeray also accused the BJP of long using anti-Muslim sentiment and now reversing course for electoral gains. “They should clarify whether they want to feed Muslims or poison them,” he said.

Sharp criticism of handling of past incidents

Speaking at press conference, Thackeray also questioned the state government’s inaction in several incidents like Pune Porsche crash case, saying sarcastically, “He’ll probably be asked to write a 300-word essay.” He also raised questions about the unresolved case of a student’s death in a police encounter in Badlapur and criticised the lack of progress on the Shivaji Maharaj memorial project in the Arabian Sea.

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has initiated a comprehensive drive to improve cleanliness and streamline record management across its offices. Under the leadership of Municipal Commissioner Dr. Kailas Shinde, the initiative is being closely monitored to ensure timely and effective implementation across departments.

Focus on record sorting and systematic disposal

According to an NMMC official, the departments have been directed to complete office cleanliness and document management tasks by the end of March. Following the directions, various teams have been started reviewing the documents to discard unnecessary files and preserve essential ones as per regulatory guidelines.

Each department is classifying documents into four categories—A, B, C, and D—for systematic archiving and easier retrieval. So far, a total of 1,50,471 files have been successfully sorted under this classification system. However, the multiple inspection committees have been formed to oversee the implementation of the 100-day office cleanliness plan. These committees will regular audits the pending files to track progress and ensure adherence to protocols.

Training and systems to boost efficiency

In a bid to standardize the documentation process, the administration recently held a training session led by record management expert Satyajit Bade. His guidance is helping departments follow uniform practices for better document handling.

Additionally, the six-bundle filing system has been introduced to ensure orderly documentation. Departments are also eliminating outdated and unused items to declutter office spaces and create a more organized working environment.

Upgrades in office infrastructure

The NMMC is not only focusing on cleanliness but also upgrading office infrastructure to improve public service. Waiting areas are being revamped, drinking water facilities are being ensured, and restrooms are being maintained with better hygiene standards. Directional signboards are being installed, and efforts are underway to make offices visually appealing and more welcoming for citizens.

The municipal body aims to transform its offices into efficient, clean, and citizen-friendly environments, setting a benchmark for good governance and administrative modernization.

On Thursday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov revealed that arrangements are being made for President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India. Lavrov stated, as per the reports, that “President Vladimir Putin has accepted an invitation to visit from the Indian Prime Minister,” affirming that preparations for this significant visit are currently underway.

During the announcement, Lavrov highlighted the diplomatic ties between the two nations, noting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had made his first foreign trip to Russia after his re-election last year. “Now it’s our turn,” Lavrov remarked, underscoring the reciprocal nature of the visits between the leaders of both countries.

These comments were made during a video address at a conference hosted by the Russian International Affairs Council (RIAC), which focused on the theme “Russia and India: Toward a New Bilateral Agenda.” Although the specific dates for President Putin’s visit have not yet been disclosed, the discussions signal a continued commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.

Earlier in February, there were indications from Tass that Prime Minister Modi might visit Moscow to attend the annual military parade at Red Square, commemorating the victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. However, sources familiar with the situation, speaking on the condition of anonymity, informed the Hindustan Times that while an invitation had been extended to Modi, an official visit was not being planned at that time.

In July 2024, Modi made a significant trip to Russia, marking his first visit in almost five years, during which he invited President Putin to India. This forthcoming visit will be particularly noteworthy as it will be Putin’s first trip to India since December 2021, when he participated in an annual summit.

It will also be his first official visit since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine in 2022. The evolving diplomatic landscape between Russia and India continues to attract attention as both nations seek to enhance their strategic partnership.