Latest news with #MaharashtraDharma
Hindustan Times
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Who scripted the reunion of Thackeray brothers?
As the Thackeray cousins reunited after two decades on Saturday, the question on everyone's mind was: Who mediated between them? And, was the script of the reunion written by someone? Who scripted the reunion of Thackeray brothers? A popular conspiracy theory was that chief minister Devendra Fadnavis had something to do with the reunion. Reason: It would cut deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde to size. Several leaders from the ruling Mahayuti as well as the opposition Congress-NCP(SP) have been pointing out that the whole thing started after Fadnavis had a closed-door meeting with Raj Thackeray on June 12. Five days later, the government issued a revised GR on Hindi as third language that restarted the agitation against the decision. Thereafter, the Thackeray cousins planned separate rallies. Then Raj called up Sanjay Raut for a joint rally and what happened after that is public knowledge. The reunion will mean a division of traditional Shiv Sena votes in the local body polls and could be a setback to the Shinde-led Sena. The move could also split the MVA as Congress does not want an alliance with Raj. In a triangular contest in local body polls in the state, BJP will be the winner, they say. Another theory is that NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar advised the brothers to bury the hatchet pointing out that their outfits would become non-entities if Mahayuti wins big in the polls. However, a couple of top leaders from Shiv Sena (UBT) camp as well as close aides of Raj Thackeray say the cousins communicated among themselves with the changes in circumstances and also due to pressure from their party cadre. The actual process started after Raj's podcast in April in which he spoke about burying the hatchet with Uddhav. While there are speculations on whether Raj really wants the alliance since he remained silent on the same, his aides say he would not have agreed to the reunion had he not been in favour of the alliance. 'His credibility is in question, he is seen as someone who can only split votes but can't win. He wants to put an end to this. And what better platform than a fight for Marathi?' they said. *CM's podcast A day after the Thackeray cousins' reunion in the name of Marathi asmita or Marathi identity, CM Fadnavis launched his podcast series, that too titled, 'Maharashtra Dharma'. In the 25-minute podcast, Fadnavis talks about Maharashtra's spiritual history and tradition of social reformers in conversation with Prof Sadanand More who comes from the family of Sant Tukaram. The timing of the podcast launch begs the question: was it meant to be released after the Thackeray brothers' show? CMO officials say the podcast was in the works and was meant to be released on the occasion of Ashadhi Ekadashi, when thousands of devotees reach Pandharpur's temple of Lord Vitthal. In his first term, Fadnavis had a televised programme, 'Mi Mukhyamantri Boltoy' to connect with the people. In this term, he has opted for the flourishing podcast medium. *Mungantiwar, the most vocal MLA In the ongoing session of the state legislature, the legislator who is posing uncomfortable questions to the ruling parties is not someone from the opposition but one of their own. Senior BJP MLA Sudhir Mungantiwar has been grilling ministers by raising issues that could be embarrassing for the government. From the missing ministers in the house to the dismal performance of the government over solar pump connections, Mungantiwar has been asking the tough questions. While his colleagues from the treasury benches are claiming that the senior legislator is bitter for not being inducted as a minister, Opposition legislators have been understandably encouraging him. Mungantiwar was a minister in the previous BJP-Sena government but did not find a ministerial berth in Fadnavis 2.0 government. *Renaming plans dropped The ruling BJP decided to quietly put to rest a demand made by its Rajya Sabha MP Medha Kulkarni to rename Pune railway station after Peshwa Bajirao. Last month, Kulkarni publicly demanded the renaming which led to several other sections putting forth other names--from social reformist Mahatma Jotiba Phule to Rajmata Jijabai, mother of Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Maratha outfits like Sambhaji Brigade strongly objected to Bajirao's name. In an atmosphere where historical personalities are being divided on the basis of their castes, state BJP leaders were not keen on any new controversy over the renaming. Kulkarni was asked to keep quiet on the issue. As a statue of Peshwa Bajirao was unveiled by union home minister Amit Shah on Friday in Pune, there was no further noise over the renaming.
Hindustan Times
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
‘Maharashtra Dharma is a code of ethics': CM in new podcast
Mumbai: The first episode of 'Maharashtra Dharma', a new podcast series featuring chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, was released on Sunday. Titled 'Maharashtra Dharma: Foundation and Formation', the episode was focussed on Maharashtra's spiritual journey across centuries, from its mention in the mythological epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata, to the influence of Lord Buddha, and the rise of the Maratha empire and the freedom movement. CM Devendra Fadnavis (Hindustan Times) The podcast comes amid a raging row in Maharashtra over the government's now-retracted attempt to introduce Hindi as a compulsory third language in schools and efforts by the opposition to portray the ruling Mahayuti alliance as anti-Maharashtra and anti-Marathi manoos. The coming together of estranged cousins Uddhav and Raj Thackeray – the duo addressed a joint rally on July 5 to celebrate the scrapping of government resolutions to introduce Hindi in schools – has further cornered the BJP. Fadnavis' podcast, which will feature him being interviewed by renowned persons from various fields, is an attempt to counter the negative image of the ruling alliance and its lead constituent, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), insiders in the saffron party told Hindustan Times. 'Prior to the (assembly) election, Fadnavis was repeatedly attacked for not sanctioning Maratha reservation while the BJP was painted as an anti-Maharashtra party as several industrial projects shifted out of the state,' said a BJP leader. After the election, the Mahayuti government has been cornered by the opposition over alleged favours doled out to the Adani group and efforts to introduce Hindi in primary schools, the leader said, adding, 'The podcast is a timely intervention.' Sources close to Fadnavis said the chief minister will choose the topics for each podcast episode and one-two episodes will be released every month. 'It will be different from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's podcast, Mann Ki Baat, as Fadnavis will be interviewed by experts from various fields,' said a source. In the first episode, the chief minister was interviewed by Sadanand More, a descendant of the seventeenth century Warkari saint-poet, Tukaram. Maharashtra was mentioned in the Ramanyana as Lord Rama had visited the forests in Vidarbha while he was in exile while his wife Sita was abducted from Panchvati near Nashik, the chief minister said. 'There was mention of Maharashtra in the Mahabharata too, as Arjuna sat for meditation in the Konkan and the Pandavas stayed at Chikhaldara near Amravati,' he said. Fadnavis said the sculptures and paintings in the Ajanta caves were proof that though the Buddha never visited Maharashtra, his message had reached interior areas of the region. 'The mahanubhav sect established by saint Chakradhar in the thirteenth century did not believe in the caste system. Neither did the Warkaris,' he said. The chief minister spoke about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's quest for his ideals, country, God and duty, as opposed to lusting for power. He mentioned a raft of iconic figures from across the political spectrum – from Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar and Mahatma Jyotiba Phule to Lokmanya Tilak and Tukdoji Maharaj, saying they were part of Maharashtra's spiritual and intellectual legacy. 'Maharashtra Dharma is not a religion, but a code of ethics which asks us to think wisely, work with dedication, and stand with courage,' he said. Likening Maharashtra Dharma to a moral compass, he said, 'From the verses of Saint Dnyaneshwar to the sword of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the lofty vision of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, Maharashtra Dharma has always moved ahead and we need to nurture, preserve and take that legacy ahead.'
NDTV
06-07-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
Devendra Fadnavis Launches Podcast, Urges People To Preserve Legacy Of State Icons
Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday appealed to citizens to preserve and nurture the knowledge shared by the state's saints and icons, calling it a responsibility. Maharashtra produced not just warriors, but protectors of dharma, visionaries of the nation, and architects of modern India, he said. "Though we may not be the direct descendants of Dnyaneshwar, Shivaji Maharaj, Savitribai Phule and Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, we are the carriers of their intellectual legacy. With their knowledge, sacrifice, and courage, they shaped this state," he said. He was speaking during the first episode of his podcast 'Maharashtra Dharma', launched on 'Ashadhi Ekadashi'. The podcast was conducted by scholar Dr Sadanand More. "Preserving, nurturing, and advancing the intellectual legacy of Maharashtra's saints and icons is our duty," said Fadnavis. Maharashtra Dharma is not mere nostalgia, it is people's moral compass, he said. "Maharashtra Dharma is understanding who we are and determining what we want to become," the CM said. During his first tenure as the chief minister between 2014 and 2019, Fadnavis had hosted a television show named 'Mi Mukhyamantri Boltoy'. The first episode, titled 'Maharashtra Dharma: Foundation and Formation' covered topics ranging from the Ramayana and Mahabharata to the teachings of Gautam Buddha and the evolution of Maharashtra's spiritual journey. Thanking the listeners for joining the first episode, he said that the podcast would continue to explore the rich history, culture, and literature of Maharashtra, which he called a land of saints, spirituality, and valour. The programme aims to explore why Maharashtra is what it is, he said. Fadnavis explained how the foundation and formation of Maharashtra are deeply rooted in values. "Maharashtra Dharma is not a religion, it is a living code of ethics. It urges us to think wisely, act with service, and stand with courage. From Dnyaneshwar's verses to Shivaji Maharaj's sword, from Phule's bravery to Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar's vision, this chain has never broken. It has always moved forward," he said. The story of Maharashtra begins with divine footsteps, he said, adding that the land finds mention in Ramayana and Mahabharata, with several places across the state linked to events from the epics. He also talked about the 'wari' tradition of devotees walking all the way to Pandharpur to seek Lord Vitthal's blessings. "Rarely does such a pilgrimage exist globally, one that symbolises social equality," he said. Paying rich tribute to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, he said the legendary king fought not for power, but for dharma, country, and culture. "His battles were not for conquest but to protect values. His idea of 'swarajya' was shaped in tales told by his mother, Rajmata Jijabai. His governance was rooted in ethics, respect for all religions, and protection of women, far ahead of his time," the CM said. He said Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, a poet, warrior, and scholar, followed with valour and sacrifice. Fadnavis also recalled the contributions of Ahilyabai Holkar, Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, Savitribai Phule, Lokmanya Tilak, Dr Ambedkar, Sant Gadge Baba and Tukdoji Maharaj.
New Indian Express
06-07-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
CM Fadnavis launches podcast 'Maharashtra Dharma', urges people to preserve legacy of state's icons
MUMBAI: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday appealed to citizens to preserve and nurture the knowledge shared by the state's saints and icons, calling it a responsibility. Maharashtra produced not just warriors, but protectors of dharma, visionaries of the nation, and architects of modern India, he said. "Though we may not be the direct descendants of Dnyaneshwar, Shivaji Maharaj, Savitribai Phule and Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, we are the carriers of their intellectual legacy. With their knowledge, sacrifice, and courage, they shaped this state," he said. He was speaking during the first episode of his podcast 'Maharashtra Dharma', launched on 'Ashadhi Ekadashi'. The podcast was conducted by scholar Dr Sadanand More. "Preserving, nurturing, and advancing the intellectual legacy of Maharashtra's saints and icons is our duty," said Fadnavis. 'Maharashtra Dharma' is not mere nostalgia, it is people's moral compass, he said. "'Maharashtra Dharma' is understanding who we are and determining what we want to become," the CM said. During his first tenure as the chief minister between 2014 and 2019, Fadnavis had hosted a television show named Mi Mukhyamantri Boltoy'. The first episode, titled 'Maharashtra Dharma: Foundation and Formation', covered topics ranging from the Ramayana and Mahabharata to the teachings of Gautam Buddha and the evolution of Maharashtra's spiritual journey.
Time of India
06-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Fadnavis launches podcast 'Maharashtra Dharma', urges people to preserve legacy of state's icon
MUMBAI: Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday appealed to citizens to preserve and nurture the knowledge shared by the state's saints and icons, calling it a responsibility. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Maharashtra produced not just warriors, but protectors of dharma, visionaries of the nation, and architects of modern India, he said. "Though we may not be the direct descendants of Dnyaneshwar, Shivaji Maharaj, Savitribai Phule and Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, we are the carriers of their intellectual legacy. With their knowledge, sacrifice, and courage, they shaped this state," he said. He was speaking during the first episode of his podcast 'Maharashtra Dharma', launched on 'Ashadhi Ekadashi'. The podcast was conducted by scholar Dr Sadanand More. "Preserving, nurturing, and advancing the intellectual legacy of Maharashtra's saints and icons is our duty," said Fadnavis. Maharashtra Dharma is not mere nostalgia, it is people's moral compass, he said. "Maharashtra Dharma is understanding who we are and determining what we want to become," the CM said. During his first tenure as the chief minister between 2014 and 2019, Fadnavis had hosted a television show named 'Mi Mukhyamantri Boltoy'. The first episode, titled 'Maharashtra Dharma: Foundation and Formation' covered topics ranging from the Ramayana and Mahabharata to the teachings of Gautam Buddha and the evolution of Maharashtra's spiritual journey. Thanking the listeners for joining the first episode, he said that the podcast would continue to explore the rich history, culture, and literature of Maharashtra, which he called a land of saints, spirituality, and valour. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The programme aims to explore why Maharashtra is what it is, he said. Fadnavis explained how the foundation and formation of Maharashtra are deeply rooted in values. "Maharashtra Dharma is not a religion, it is a living code of ethics. It urges us to think wisely, act with service, and stand with courage. From Dnyaneshwar's verses to Shivaji Maharaj's sword, from Phule's bravery to Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar's vision, this chain has never broken. It has always moved forward," he said. The story of Maharashtra begins with divine footsteps, he said, adding that the land finds mention in Ramayana and Mahabharata, with several places across the state linked to events from the epics. He also talked about the 'wari' tradition of devotees walking all the way to Pandharpur to seek Lord Vitthal's blessings. "Rarely does such a pilgrimage exist globally, one that symbolises social equality," he said. Paying rich tribute to , he said the legendary king fought not for power, but for dharma, country, and culture. "His battles were not for conquest but to protect values. His idea of 'swarajya' was shaped in tales told by his mother, Rajmata Jijabai. His governance was rooted in ethics, respect for all religions, and protection of women, far ahead of his time," the CM said. He said Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, a poet, warrior, and scholar, followed with valour and sacrifice. Fadnavis also recalled the contributions of Ahilyabai Holkar, Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, Savitribai Phule, Lokmanya Tilak, Dr Ambedkar, Sant Gadge Baba and Tukdoji Maharaj.
