Will Mumbai get its own Statue of Unity?

Rajya Sabha MP Ujjwal Nikam is set to star in a Bollywood biopic that will focus on his involvement in the 26/11 trial of terrorist Ajmal Kasab. However, his current workload as a special public prosecutor has led to jokes about some cases potentially making it into the film, with Nikam reportedly saying, "Maybe in part two."

Nashik, a city in Maharashtra, is grappling with severe potholes and traffic issues, particularly in anticipation of the 2027 Kumbh Mela. The newly appointed guardian minister, Girish Mahajan, faces backlash over the road crisis, including criticism from Cabinet minister Chhagan Bhujbal. Despite the frustrations, Mahajan assures residents that the immediate disruptions will eventually lead to improved infrastructure that will support the city for decades.

In a separate development, a senior BJP leader is advocating for the creation of a Statue of Vivekananda on Mumbai's seafront, inspired by the 597-foot Statue of Unity in Gujarat. The monument would be strategically placed on the northern Coastal Road to attract tourists and revitalize the abandoned land. However, the project has not yet received official approval, with concerns over potential conflicts with airport regulations due to its proximity to the airport.

The BJP leader hopes to present this initiative to party leaders in Delhi as a way to attract more tourists to Mumbai.