Shiv Sena MLC Bachchu Kadu on Friday hailed the passage of the Women's Empowerment Bill in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, calling it a significant step in the national interest that would strengthen the position of women across the state. Speaking to ANI, Kadu said the legislation marks an important milestone in advancing women's welfare and will work alongside existing government initiatives aimed at improving their lives.

"The Women's Empowerment Bill is in the nation's interest. It opens a new chapter for women and will bring them greater opportunities, much like welfare schemes such as Maharashtra's Ladki Bahin Yojana," he said. Maharashtra Environment Minister Pankaja Gopinath Munde also praised the Maharashtra Women Farmers Empowerment Bill, 2026, after it received unanimous approval in the Assembly. She said the legislation would provide women farmers with official recognition and make them eligible for various government benefits available to registered farmers.

Addressing reporters, Munde said Agriculture Minister Datta Bharne had introduced the Bill, which seeks to formally acknowledge women engaged in farming by issuing them farmer certificates. "This is a landmark Bill for women farmers. Once recognised as farmers, they will be able to access all welfare schemes and benefits that are currently available to farmers," Munde said.

She added that the unanimous support the Bill received in the Legislative Assembly reflected broad political consensus on empowering women in the agricultural sector. The Assembly's monsoon session witnessed heated exchanges over the death of a man who reportedly fell into an uncovered manhole in Mumbai's Sakinaka area during heavy rainfall.

BJP MLA Ameet Satam raised the matter in the House, demanding strict action against the contractors and civic officials allegedly responsible for the negligence. He urged the government to suspend those accountable and ensure a thorough investigation. Taking note of the incident, Assembly Speaker Rahul Narvekar instructed the state government to consider stronger legal action instead of limiting the response to departmental suspensions. He suggested that those found responsible should face criminal charges, including culpable homicide.

The tragedy has also intensified political criticism, with Congress MLA Nana Patole accusing the Eknath Shinde-led Mahayuti government and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) of failing to ensure public safety. Following the incident, the BMC suspended four officials, including the Assistant Commissioner of the L Ward, pending the outcome of an inquiry into the fatal accident in Andheri East.