Maharashtra Politics

Maharashtra’s drought crisis has become a major governance challenge, with CM Devendra Fadnavis seeking central assistance and a central team assessing the situation

The meeting highlights the growing importance of coordinated Centre-State action as Maharashtra deals with drought-related pressures on agriculture, water availability and livestock. The proposed ground assessment by a Central team could help determine the scale of assistance required in affected areas. For farmers, the immediate priorities are timely relief, adequate water availability, crop planning based on local conditions and fodder support. The effectiveness of the response will depend on how quickly assessments translate into assistance on the ground.

Maharashtra is taking a fresh step towards bringing back student union elections on college and university campuses after more than three decades. The state government has formed a 12-member committee headed by former Mumbai University Vice-Chancellor Suhas Pednekar to work out a framework for peaceful, transparent and inclusive student elections while addressing concerns over political interference, money power and campus violence.

Maharashtra's decision to declare 265 talukas drought-affected has triggered questions from both ruling alliance leaders and the Opposition. While some areas represented by Mahayuti leaders have been excluded, the MVA has questioned the transparency of the assessment process.

Surendra P. Gangan is a journalist covering Maharashtra's political, civic and regional developments. His reporting has included the current water situation and drought-related developments in Marathwada.

Maharashtra's Maratha reservation issue remains a major political development after activist Manoj Jarange-Patil ended his 20-day hunger strike and gave the state government three months to consider his demands.

The Supreme Court has resumed final hearings in petitions concerning the Shiv Sena split and the disqualification of MLAs from the Eknath Shinde-led faction. The Shinde camp is defending the Election Commission’s decision recognising its organisational majority in the party dispute.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has promised a comprehensive overhaul of the Maharashtra Public Service Commission after meeting student representatives and hearing concerns about the commission's functioning. The move comes amid growing pressure over examination-related issues and demands for greater transparency.

Maharashtra is one of India's most politically influential states, where regional identity, urban development, agriculture and coalition politics play an important role. Political competition continues to shape debates over governance, economic growth and the state's future.

Maharashtra's political debate has intensified over the Maharashtra Public Service Commission exam controversy. Student concerns over alleged irregularities and demands for accountability have put pressure on the state government and the commission.

As the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) returns to the spotlight around the Jantar Mantar protests, Rahul Gandhi and other Congress leaders have taken a more visible role in the campaign against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The protest highlights the Opposition’s demands over Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls and the growing political contest over electoral transparency. Copy excerpt

Delhi witnessed heightened security and widespread preventive detentions ahead of a planned protest at Jantar Mantar against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The demonstration centres on opposition concerns over voter-list revisions, while authorities say security measures are necessary to maintain law and order.