News / Author / Naresh Kamath

Naresh Kamath

Naresh is a Special Correspondent with Hindustan Times, Mumbai, since 2005. He covers the real estate sector, in addition to doing political reportage.

Articles by Naresh Kamath

MNS chief Raj Thackeray reiterates call to remove mosque loudspeakers by May 3

During his speech at a rally in Aurangabad, Thackeray appealed to the police to stop mosques from broadcasting through loudspeakers.

Raj Thackeray recently adopted hardline Hindutva for political survival. (PTI)

cities

Published on May 02, 2022 12:07 AM IST

ByNaresh Kamath

Raj gets nod for Aurangabad, Uddhav to hold counter-rally at same venue

In the permission, Aurangabad police mandated that Raj Thackeray should avoid religious, casteist and regional references

It also disallowed organisers from bringing arms like swords to the rally and workers from indulging in provocative sloganeering. It warned that any violation will attract action against the organisers (HT PHOTO)

cities

Updated on Apr 30, 2022 12:15 AM IST

ByNaresh Kamath

Positive builder-politician nexus to revive realty sector, says Aaditya Thackeray

Environment minister and Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray on Thursday admitted that there was a politician-builder nexus but said it was a positive one required for the revival of the realty sector in the state

Maharashtra minister Aaditya Thackeray PTI File Photo

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Published on Apr 28, 2022 11:58 PM IST

ByNaresh Kamath, Mumbai

Police yet to give nod to MNS’ Aurangabad rally

There is no question of denying permission at all. We will hold the rally on this venue itself on May 1,” said Nandgaonkar, a close confidant of Raj Thackeray after the meeting

Local police on Tuesday imposed prohibitory orders till May 9, banning the assembly of more than five people without permission (HT PHOTO)

cities

Published on Apr 27, 2022 11:20 PM IST

ByNaresh Kamath

Ambedkarites in state feel they are leaderless today

Mumbai: As the Ambedkarites celebrated the 131st birth anniversary of Dr B R Ambedkar with much fanfare on Thursday, the community lamented the lack of leadership in Maharashtra because of which problems such as unemployment and poverty continue to remain unsolved

Thane, India - April 14, 2022: Ambedkarites pay their respects to Bharatratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar by lighting candles at his statue on the occasion of his 131st birth anniversary at Court Naka, in Thane, Mumbai, India, on Thursday, April 14, 2022. (Praful Gangurde/HT Photo) (HT PHOTO)

cities

Published on Apr 14, 2022 11:54 PM IST

ByNaresh Kamath

Can’t discriminate based on food, religion, minister assails housing societies

Housing minister Jitendra Awhad tweeted on Monday, “If the owner wants to rent his flat or sell his flat, he doesn’t need NOC from the society…this is increasing hatred.”

The Marathi Ekikaram Samiti (MES) is busy collating information through various sources on such high-handed tactics adopted by both the societies as well as builders (Anshuman Poyrekar/HT PHOTO)

cities

Published on Apr 12, 2022 07:55 PM IST

ByNaresh Kamath

Flats for legislators row: Only 35 lawmakers opted for MHADA houses in 15 years

Mumbai: In view of the state government’s decision to provide 300 low-cost apartments to legislators, it has come to light that just 35 lawmakers have taken possession of the total 358 houses reserved for them in the last 10 lottery draws held in Mumbai over the last 15 years

Of the total 17,978 houses built and put up for the allotment by MHADA from 2008, 358 were reserved for legislators as part of their 2% quota (HT PHOTO)

cities

Published on Apr 10, 2022 11:24 PM IST

ByNaresh Kamath

State govt proposal to extend term of administrators irks housing societies

The state government’s proposal to extend the term of administrators for cooperative housing societies to one year from the existing six months has stirred up controversy

An administrator is appointed by the registrar upon complaints by society members and if he finds it is a fit case to expel the managing committee. HT File Photo

cities

Published on Apr 06, 2022 08:01 PM IST

ByNaresh Kamath, Mumbai

Raj criticises cousin, asks his family to stop inferring in functioning of BMC

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray, who is desperate to survive in the political space, is trying to adopt the hardline Hindutva agenda

During his annual Gudi Padwa rally at Shivaji Park on Saturday, unsparing in his criticism of his cousin and Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray. (Pratik Chorge/HT PHOTO)

cities

Published on Apr 02, 2022 11:03 PM IST

ByNaresh Kamath

Covid-19 curbs lifted in state, govt insists on masking and social distancing

The local bodies were also asked to keep a close watch on new cases, active cases as well as occupancies in various hospitals and inform the higher authorities in case of a surge so that it can be controlled in the initial stage itself

Mumbai, India - April 01, 2022: With the State government lifting all Covid-19 restrictions, commuters seen without masks on a crowded railway bridge at Dadar staion, in Mumbai, India, on Friday, April 01, 2022. (Photo by Satish Bate/Hindustan Times) (Satish Bate/HT PHOTO)

cities

Published on Apr 01, 2022 11:47 PM IST

ByNaresh Kamath

Four app-based taxis to get aggregator licence in MMR region

The court had warned aggregators that they would be barred from offering services if they fail to abide by its orders to secure a licence for their drivers

The four companies include ANI Technologies Pvt Ltd (Ola), Uber India Systems Pvt Ltd, Meru Mobility Tech Pvt Ltd, and Mahindra Logistics Ltd . (Bloomberg)

cities

Published on Apr 01, 2022 12:28 AM IST

ByNaresh Kamath

Maharashtra to lift nearly all Covid-19 restrictions from April 1

The decision to lift the existing restrictions was taken during the meeting of the State Executive Committee.

The state has presently mandated double dose vaccination for those seeking to enter establishments, including malls and theatres, and travel by public transport. (Vijay Bate/HT PHOTO)

cities

Updated on Mar 30, 2022 01:47 AM IST

ByNaresh Kamath, Mumbai

MNS goes all out on Shiv Jayanti while Sena keeps it low-key

Shiv Jayanti celebration has always been a contentious point as the state government officially celebrates it on February 19, while political parties insist on it being celebrated as per Hindu calendar

To recover his lost support base, Raj Thackeray raised the tempo with the celebrations this year as he urged his party machinery to make it a grand affair across the state (Vijay Bate)

cities

Published on Mar 21, 2022 09:32 PM IST

BySwapnil Rawal and Naresh Kamath

Mumbai’s housing inventory to get major boost, prices may correct

Builders have paid a record premium to the tune of ₹13,543 crore for the construction of 150 million square feet area.

The premiums collected by the civic body are levied for approvals like starting, progressing and completing the project or adding an additional area in the construction activity. (Vijayanand Gupta/HT PHOTO)

cities

Published on Mar 20, 2022 07:26 PM IST

ByNaresh Kamath

‘Covid-19 surge in China not a cause for concern in Maha’

Mumbai: Maharashtra recorded 157 Covid-19 new cases on Monday

Health experts have, however, warned citizens to exercise caution. (Bachchan Kumar/ HT PHOTO)

cities

Published on Mar 14, 2022 10:11 PM IST

ByNaresh Kamath

Buoyed by Punjab victory, AAP hopes to make a mark in BMC polls

AAP leader Priti Sharma Menon, who is in charge of the BMC campaign, called the Punjab victory a signal with regards to the BMC polls

hThe party’s victory in the Punjab polls has given a boost to its activities in Maharashtra, with AAP taking out a rally covering about 18 kilometres from Chakala in the Western suburbs to Chaityabhoomi at Dadar to celebrate the Punjab win on Sunday. (Vijay Bate)

cities

Updated on Mar 13, 2022 09:04 PM IST

ByNaresh Kamath

Raj Thackeray attacks Koshiyari for remarks on Shivaji

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Wednesday came down heavily on Governor Bhagat Singh Koshiyari for his remarks on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and said he lacks knowledge of great personalities

MNS chief Raj Thackeray at party’s 16th foundation day function in Pune on Wednesday. Ravindra Joshi/HT Photo

cities

Updated on Mar 10, 2022 12:05 AM IST

ByNaresh Kamath, Mumbai

A shaky MNS braces for upcoming BMC polls

As Raj Thackeray’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) celebrates its 16th Foundation day on Wednesday, the party has become a pale shadow of its former avatar

The party ceases to find takers among voters and none of the prominent parties want to forge an alliance as Thackeray struggles to erase the tag of a spoiler (PTI)

cities

Updated on Mar 08, 2022 11:27 PM IST

ByNaresh Kamath

Maharashtra reports zero Covid-19 deaths after 700 days

After a period of 700 days, Maharashtra recorded zero Covid-19 deaths on Wednesday. Last time, the state reported zero fatalities, was on April 1, 2020

With the sharp decline in Covid-19 cases, the government on Wednesday relaxed the majority of restrictions in Mumbai and suburbs and 12 other districts in the state (Vijay Bate)

cities

Published on Mar 02, 2022 11:07 PM IST

ByNaresh Kamath

Chhatrapati Sambhajiraje begins indefinite hunger strike for Maratha quota

Sambhajiraje questioned chief minister Uddhav Thackeray’s decision to set up an independent dedicated backward class commission to study the backwardness of the Maratha community.

Sambhajiraje visited the Hutatma chowk before proceeding to Azad Maidan to being the hunger strike. (Anshuman Poyrekar/HT PHOTO)

cities

Published on Feb 26, 2022 10:54 PM IST

ByNaresh Kamath

Bhendi Bazar revamp gets nod for two major skyscrapers

Apart from the 1,393 families, 321 commercial establishments will also be accommodated in these twin towers

The project, spread over 16.5 acres, plans to rehabilitate 3,200 residents and 1,250 commercial establishments (Praful Gangurde)

cities

Published on Feb 23, 2022 06:35 PM IST

ByNaresh Kamath

Patra Chawl revamp finally takes off after 14 years

Mumbai: The controversial Patra Chawl redevelopment project spread across 47 acres of prime plot in Goregaon finally took off on Tuesday after the 14-year-long wait

Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) has been appointed as the nodal agency and they have selected Relcon Infrastructure to execute this project. (ANI)

cities

Updated on Feb 23, 2022 12:16 AM IST

ByNaresh Kamath

Despite pandemic, more houses were built in 2021

Despite the devastating second wave, builders were able to complete the construction of 70,490 houses in the MMR (Mumbai Metropolitan Region) in 2021

MMR, which covers the area of Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Thane and Raigad, is considered one of the prime and costliest real estate markets in India (HT PHOTO)

cities

Published on Feb 21, 2022 11:25 PM IST

ByNaresh Kamath

Maharashtra’s daily caseload below 3,000 over the past week

Maharashtra continued to report a decline in Covid-19 cases as it recorded 1,437 new infections on Sunday

A health worker inoculates a beneficiary with a Covid-19 vaccine jab in Thane. HT photo

cities

Published on Feb 20, 2022 11:38 PM IST

ByNaresh Kamath and Mehul Thakkar, Mumbai

Biggest financial frauds have taken place during BJP regime: Shiv Sena mouthpiece

Sena MP Sanjay Raut in his weekly column ‘Rokthok’ in the party’s mouthpiece ‘Samana’ on Sunday questioned the inaction of the central investigation agencies in this matter.

Raut called for a probe into the nexus between BJP leaders and ABG Shipyard Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) Rishi Agarwal. (Anshuman Poyrekar/HT PHOTO)

cities

Published on Feb 20, 2022 09:34 PM IST

ByNaresh Kamath

97% fully vaccinated in Mumbai, zero deaths for 2nd day

The city’s eligible population is likely to be fully vaccinated by the end of this month, according to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) officials

The Maharashtra Health Department’s weekly data showed that the average TPR in the second week of February (February 8-14) has now dropped to 3.99% from 9.30 % in the first week of February (Pratik Chorge/HT PHOTO)

cities

Published on Feb 16, 2022 11:36 PM IST

ByMehul R Thakkar and Naresh Kamath

Covid cases down by 74%, Mumbai reports zero deaths

Mumbai reported zero Covid deaths on Tuesday for the second time since the outbreak of the third wave in December last year

Since the pandemic started, Mumbai first reported zero Covid fatalities for the first time on October 17, 2021. Following this, the city reported zero deaths on seven days during December 2021 (Vijay Bate)

cities

Updated on Feb 15, 2022 10:13 PM IST

ByPratip Acharya and Naresh Kamath

Maharashtra’s active Covid-19 cases dip by 49.84% in past week

In an indication of decline of Covid-19 cases, Maharashtra’s active cases in the past one week have fallen by a significant 49

A health worker inoculates a beneficiary against Covid-19 in Sangli on Wednesday. Uday Deolekar/HT photo

cities

Published on Feb 10, 2022 12:30 AM IST

ByNaresh Kamath, Mumbai

So long, nightingale

Lata Mangeshkar, who left behind thousands of memorable songs in a singing career that spanned the arc of Indian cinema, was cremated with full state honours on Sunday evening.

Mortal remains of legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar being brought to Shivaji Park for her last rites, in Mumbai, India, on Sunday. (Photo by Bhushan Koyande/ HT Photo)

india news

Updated on Feb 07, 2022 12:15 AM IST

ByNaresh Kamath, Jyoti Shelar, Mumbai

Mumbai’s Shivaji Park preps for Lata Mangeshkar’s cremation, PM Modi to attend

State environment minister and Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray’s son Aaditya has been overseeing the preparations at Shivaji Park. His uncle and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray is reportedly coordinating with the Mangeshkar family.

Preparations underway for the state funeral of legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar at Shivaji Park in Mumbai on Sunday. (ANI PHOTO.)

cities

Updated on Feb 06, 2022 04:49 PM IST

ByNaresh Kamath and Mehul Thakkar

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Naresh Kamath

Naresh is a Special Correspondent with Hindustan Times, Mumbai, since 2005. He covers the real estate sector, in addition to doing political reportage.

During his speech at a rally in Aurangabad, Thackeray appealed to the police to stop mosques from broadcasting through loudspeakers.

In the permission, Aurangabad police mandated that Raj Thackeray should avoid religious, casteist and regional references

Environment minister and Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray on Thursday admitted that there was a politician-builder nexus but said it was a positive one required for the revival of the realty sector in the state

There is no question of denying permission at all. We will hold the rally on this venue itself on May 1,” said Nandgaonkar, a close confidant of Raj Thackeray after the meeting

Mumbai: As the Ambedkarites celebrated the 131st birth anniversary of Dr B R Ambedkar with much fanfare on Thursday, the community lamented the lack of leadership in Maharashtra because of which problems such as unemployment and poverty continue to remain unsolved

Housing minister Jitendra Awhad tweeted on Monday, “If the owner wants to rent his flat or sell his flat, he doesn’t need NOC from the society…this is increasing hatred.”

Mumbai: In view of the state government’s decision to provide 300 low-cost apartments to legislators, it has come to light that just 35 lawmakers have taken possession of the total 358 houses reserved for them in the last 10 lottery draws held in Mumbai over the last 15 years

The state government’s proposal to extend the term of administrators for cooperative housing societies to one year from the existing six months has stirred up controversy

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray, who is desperate to survive in the political space, is trying to adopt the hardline Hindutva agenda

The local bodies were also asked to keep a close watch on new cases, active cases as well as occupancies in various hospitals and inform the higher authorities in case of a surge so that it can be controlled in the initial stage itself

The court had warned aggregators that they would be barred from offering services if they fail to abide by its orders to secure a licence for their drivers

The decision to lift the existing restrictions was taken during the meeting of the State Executive Committee.

Shiv Jayanti celebration has always been a contentious point as the state government officially celebrates it on February 19, while political parties insist on it being celebrated as per Hindu calendar

Builders have paid a record premium to the tune of ₹13,543 crore for the construction of 150 million square feet area.

Mumbai: Maharashtra recorded 157 Covid-19 new cases on Monday

AAP leader Priti Sharma Menon, who is in charge of the BMC campaign, called the Punjab victory a signal with regards to the BMC polls

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Wednesday came down heavily on Governor Bhagat Singh Koshiyari for his remarks on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and said he lacks knowledge of great personalities

As Raj Thackeray’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) celebrates its 16th Foundation day on Wednesday, the party has become a pale shadow of its former avatar

After a period of 700 days, Maharashtra recorded zero Covid-19 deaths on Wednesday. Last time, the state reported zero fatalities, was on April 1, 2020

Sambhajiraje questioned chief minister Uddhav Thackeray’s decision to set up an independent dedicated backward class commission to study the backwardness of the Maratha community.

Apart from the 1,393 families, 321 commercial establishments will also be accommodated in these twin towers

Mumbai: The controversial Patra Chawl redevelopment project spread across 47 acres of prime plot in Goregaon finally took off on Tuesday after the 14-year-long wait

Despite the devastating second wave, builders were able to complete the construction of 70,490 houses in the MMR (Mumbai Metropolitan Region) in 2021

Maharashtra continued to report a decline in Covid-19 cases as it recorded 1,437 new infections on Sunday

Sena MP Sanjay Raut in his weekly column ‘Rokthok’ in the party’s mouthpiece ‘Samana’ on Sunday questioned the inaction of the central investigation agencies in this matter.

The city’s eligible population is likely to be fully vaccinated by the end of this month, according to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) officials

Mumbai reported zero Covid deaths on Tuesday for the second time since the outbreak of the third wave in December last year

In an indication of decline of Covid-19 cases, Maharashtra’s active cases in the past one week have fallen by a significant 49

Lata Mangeshkar, who left behind thousands of memorable songs in a singing career that spanned the arc of Indian cinema, was cremated with full state honours on Sunday evening.

State environment minister and Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray’s son Aaditya has been overseeing the preparations at Shivaji Park. His uncle and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray is reportedly coordinating with the Mangeshkar family.

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