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Maharashtra Bus Tragedy: 8 Killed, 30 Injured as Shivshahi Bus Overturns in Gondia

November 29, 2024, 3:52 pm

At least eight people lost their lives and around 30 others were injured when a Maharashtra State Transport bus overturned near Bindravana Tola village on the Gondia-Arjuni road in Gondia district on Friday afternoon. The bus was traveling from Nagpur to Gondia when the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle, causing it to overturn on the side of the road.

According to police reports, the bus, which was en route from the Bhandara depot to Gondia, met with the tragic accident around midday. The injured passengers have been transported to Gondia District Hospital for treatment, and authorities have indicated that the death toll may rise as more information becomes available.

CM has directed to provide immediate assistance of Rs 10 lakh to the victims’ families

In response to the incident, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has directed the Transport Administration to provide immediate assistance of Rs 10 lakh to the victims’ families. The Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) confirmed the recovery of eight bodies from the accident site and emphasized the importance of ensuring proper medical care for the injured.

Fadnavis expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased

Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased. Posting on X, Fadnavis stated, “It is very unfortunate that a Shivshahi bus met with an unfortunate accident near Sadak Arjun in Gondia district in which some passengers died. I pay my heartfelt respects to the deceased. We share the grief of their families.”

Fadnavis also urged that injured passengers receive immediate medical attention, stating that they may be transferred to a private hospital if necessary. He instructed the Collector of Gondia to arrange for any required transfers to hospitals in Nagpur. Senior administration officials have arrived at the scene to coordinate relief efforts.

Further updates regarding the incident are awaited.

Maharashtra’s ‘Ladki Behen’ Scheme: Facing Opposition Yet Still Winning Women’s Trust

October 25, 2024, 10:00 am

The “Ladki Behen” scheme, introduced by Maharashtra’s Finance Minister Ajit Pawar in the recent state budget, has garnered significant attention, particularly among women. Launched in August 2024, the initiative provides a monthly payment of ₹1,500 to eligible women and has attracted over 15 million registrations. However, the scheme has faced opposition-led smear campaigns aimed at undermining its credibility ahead of the upcoming elections.

Scheme Details and Initial Reception

Initially touted as a substantial welfare program for women, the “Ladki Behen” scheme was met with skepticism from critics, who dismissed it as a gimmick. Nevertheless, many women across Maharashtra registered, showcasing their confidence in the program. As registrations surged, opponents shifted their focus to questioning the scheme’s financial sustainability, alleging that the state was borrowing excessively each week to support it, which raised concerns about Maharashtra’s financial health.

Ajit Pawar responded to these claims, stating that the state budget had allocated ₹46,000 crore for the scheme. Despite this assurance, opposition parties continued to spread rumors, alleging non-payment to contractors and negative impacts on state development. Nonetheless, the scheme maintained its popularity among women.

Opposition’s Strategy to Discredit the Initiative

After failing to discredit the scheme through financial arguments, critics resorted to moral accusations, suggesting that the government was “buying” votes with monthly payments. Social media saw a flurry of videos featuring women asking for cheaper LPG cylinders instead of cash. Yet, the timely deposit of funds into beneficiaries’ accounts reinforced their support for the initiative.

In a more direct attack, opposition members attempted to sabotage the registration process. Some set up unauthorized camps with misleading information, while others filled out forms incorrectly to create confusion. BJP MLA Ram Kadam highlighted these issues in the state assembly, accusing opponents of submitting false data to disrupt the scheme. Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis confirmed that technological interference was being used against the initiative, prompting the state government to accept offline applications to ensure beneficiaries received their funds.

Misinformation Campaigns and Government Reassurances

Despite the challenges, over 15 million women successfully registered, and the first two installments were distributed. However, opponents began spreading false warnings, advising beneficiaries to withdraw their money immediately, claiming the government would reclaim it. Senior leaders from the Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition propagated these fears.

To combat this narrative, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar publicly reassured women that the funds were a “gift” and would not be taken back. They reiterated the government’s commitment to the scheme, emphasizing its significance for women’s welfare.

As elections approach, opposition efforts to undermine the program have intensified. Misinformation has spread online, falsely claiming a ₹5,500 bonus for registered women, despite no official announcement. The opposition also claimed that the scheme was suspended due to the Election Commission’s code of conduct. However, Eknath Shinde clarified that the scheme was only temporarily paused and would resume post-elections, with ongoing deposits into beneficiaries’ accounts.

Government’s Proactive Measures

To mitigate any impact from election-related delays, the Maha Yuti government issued advance payments to ensure continued benefits for women during the election period. This was viewed as a commitment to uphold promises made to women voters. Meanwhile, the opposition has threatened to terminate the scheme if they gain power. Former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray stated that if his party wins, they will halt the program and pursue legal action against the current leadership.

As the election date nears, the “Ladki Behen” scheme remains a crucial issue in Maharashtra’s political landscape. Despite ongoing opposition attacks, the program continues to resonate with women, who view it as an essential support system.

MVA Slams Shinde Govt With Scathing White Paper Before Maharashtra Polls

October 13, 2024, 10:27 pm

Ahead of the upcoming Maharashtra elections, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance released a scathing white paper titled “Gaddarancha Panchnama” accusing Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s Mahayuti coalition of betraying the state’s values and people. The document, presented by NCP (SCP) leader Sharad Pawar, Congress chief Nana Patole, and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray, highlights several alleged government failures, including corruption, women’s safety, and job creation.

Corruption Allegations Against the Mahayuti Govt

The white paper accused the Shinde-led government of indulging in corruption even while building the iconic statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. MVA leaders claimed that the Mahayuti government has dishonored Maharashtra’s legacy, particularly the teachings of Phule, Shahu, and Ambedkar. “Let us banish these traitors,” the booklet urged the public, referring to the government as the “Khoke Sarkar” and listing multiple alleged scams.

Concerns Over Women’s Safety and Mismanaged Schemes

The MVA booklet emphasized the rising crimes against women, stating that under Devendra Fadnavis’s leadership, Maharashtra saw 129 daily crimes against women. Sharad Pawar also criticized the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin income support scheme, accusing the government of failing to provide clear budgeting and financial provisions for the initiative. “If they provide financial clarity, we won’t oppose it,” said Pawar.

Failed Job Creation Promises

The white paper also pointed out the government’s failure to meet its job creation promises. According to MVA, the NDA government has broken its pledge of creating 5 crore new jobs and failed to fill over 2 lakh vacant government positions.

Uddhav Thackeray’s Challenge on CM Face

Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray challenged the ruling Mahayuti to declare their Chief Ministerial candidate. He asserted that MVA would announce its CM face once the Mahayuti declares theirs.

Who is Sanjay Shinde? Officer Involved in Badlapur Rape Accused Shooting

September 24, 2024, 12:05 pm

According to the police, the 23-year-old guy who was suspected of raping two nursery school children in Badlapur, Maharashtra, snatched a constable’s revolver and opened fire on a police officer. In the firing, Nilesh More, an assistant police inspector, was injured. Senior inspector Sanjay Shinde fired the final shot that took down Akshay. He died at the hospital. Constable Nilesh More, who also suffered injuries, is undergoing treatment. The Maharashtra government has formed a Special Investigation Team to probe the matter.

Who is Sanjay Shinde?

Sanjay Shinde is a police officer known for his involvement in high-profile cases in Maharashtra. He was part of a team led by Pradeep Sharma, a well-known ‘encounter specialist’ who has gained fame through the Netflix docuseries Mumbai Mafia: Police vs The Underworld. Shinde served as the chief of the anti-extortion cell in the Thane Crime Branch, working under Sharma’s leadership.

Key Achievements

This team was instrumental in arresting Iqbal Kaskar, the brother of notorious underworld figure Dawood Ibrahim, in 2017 for an extortion case. Pradeep Sharma’s work has also been dramatized in the Marathi crime thriller Rege, where veteran actor Mahesh Manjrekar portrayed him. Additionally, author and journalist S. Hussain Zaidi’s book The Class of 83 explores the encounters conducted by Sharma and his team, providing insight into their operations.

Legal Issues

Earlier this year, Sharma was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment by the Bombay High Court for the fake encounter of Ramnarayan Gupta, a suspected associate of gangster Chhota Rajan, which occurred in 2006.

Current Role

Currently, Sanjay Shinde is a member of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed by the Maharashtra government to investigate the recent Badlapur rape case. He has faced scrutiny in the past, notably for an incident in 2012 when Vijay Palande, a suspect in two murder cases, escaped from police custody; his uniform was discovered in the vehicle used for the escape.

Additionally, Shinde has been involved in other controversies, including a 2012 incident where he was investigated for exchanging gunfire with another officer while under the influence of alcohol at a bar. In 2000, he was also scrutinized in a kidnapping case, which was resolved after a senior official interrogated him.

Overall, Sanjay Shinde’s career has been marked by both significant achievements in law enforcement and notable controversies.

Badlapur Sexual Abuse: CM Orders Strict Action as Protests Disrupt Local Trains

August 20, 2024, 3:43 pm

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday directed the police to charge the accused in the Badlapur sexual abuse case with attempt to rape, along with other sections under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Shinde also ordered the appointment of a special public prosecutor and instructed that the case be fast-tracked to ensure justice.

The incident involves the alleged sexual abuse of two kindergarten students, aged three and four, at a school in Badlapur, Thane district, by a male attendant. The accused, identified as 23-year-old Akshay Shinde, was arrested last week. He was employed on a contractual basis at the school since August 1, 2024.

What Happened in Badlapur?

The issue came to light after one of the victims complained of pain in her private parts and revealed to her parents that the attendant had touched her inappropriately while she was using the toilet. When the parents of the second girl were informed, they also noticed that their daughter had become fearful of attending school. Both girls were examined by a local doctor, who confirmed that they had been sexually assaulted.

Angered by the incident, parents and local citizens stormed the school on Tuesday, vandalizing the premises. Protesters also blocked trains at Badlapur railway station from 8:30 am, disrupting local services. Some agitators hurled stones during the demonstration, but the police soon brought the situation under control.

All about the case

The accused is a 23-year-old male cleaning staff member, employed on a contractual basis starting August 1.
The assaults took place when the girls went to use the toilet. The school had not appointed any female staff for the girls’ toilets, leaving them vulnerable.
The school management suspended the principal, a class teacher, and a female attendant following the incident.

Government Response and Proposed Measures

The Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) stated that Shinde has warned of legal action against the school management if found negligent or complicit. He has instructed the Thane Police Commissioner to handle the case with urgency. Additionally, Shinde ordered a review to ensure that Sakhi Savitri committees—designed to support and protect students—are active in schools.

Among the proposed safety measures, Shinde suggested installing complaint boxes in every school and increasing scrutiny of staff who regularly interact with students.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has also been formed to probe the case thoroughly.

Protests at Badlapur railway station have caused significant disruptions, and the authorities continue efforts to bring the situation under control while addressing the demands for justice.

Schoolgirls Sexually Abused, Parents Protest at Badlapur Railway Station; Locals Halted

August 20, 2024, 3:03 pm

Hundreds of enraged parents and locals staged a protest at Badlapur railway station on Tuesday morning, blocking train services following the alleged sexual assault of two young girls at a school in Maharashtra’s Thane district. The agitation, which began around 8:00 am, disrupted the movement of local trains on both the Up and Down routes.

The protest was triggered by the arrest of a school attendant accused of sexually abusing two girls, aged three and four, who were in kindergarten. The incident reportedly took place on August 17, after which the Thane Police apprehended the accused. According to the parents’ complaint, the attendant had allegedly abused the girls in the school’s toilet. A case was registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

In response to public outrage, the school management suspended the principal, a class teacher, and a female attendant, holding them accountable for the incident. The school also apologized and blacklisted the firm responsible for housekeeping. Increased vigilance measures have been promised on the school premises.

Here are the key points on the Badlapur protest:

The protest began at Badlapur railway station around 8:00 am, with parents and locals blocking train tracks to demand strict action against the accused.
The incident involved the alleged sexual abuse of two girls aged three and four by a school attendant in Thane district.
The police arrested the accused under the POCSO Act after the parents lodged a complaint based on their children’s statements.
The school management has suspended the principal, a teacher, and a female attendant, while also apologizing for the incident.
The school announced it has blacklisted the firm responsible for housekeeping and plans to enhance security on the premises.
The protest disrupted the movement of local trains on both Up and Down routes, causing significant delays.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde stated that he has taken serious note of the incident. He announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and promised swift action against those found guilty.
The Badlapur police station in-charge has been transferred for allegedly failing to act promptly when the parents initially approached the police.
A large group of protesters, including many women, carried banners and placards while blocking the tracks and shouting slogans demanding justice.
Efforts by the police and railway officials to control the situation are ongoing, with the Central Railway’s public relations officer confirming the protest is related to the incident at the school.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi expressed outrage over the incident, stating that the entire state is demanding justice. She reiterated her call for the Maharashtra Shakti Criminal Law to be approved by the President to better safeguard children and women in the state.

Balasaheb wanted Raj to stay, says Maharashtra CM Shinde

August 18, 2024, 7:26 pm

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde claimed on Sunday that Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray sidelined Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray, despite Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray’s wish for Raj to stay in the party. CM Shinde praised Raj Thackeray, noting his willingness to strengthen Shiv Sena even after being removed.
Shinde recounted a time when Uddhav Thackeray, instead of giving Raj responsibilities, chose to remove him. He stated, “Raj Thackeray used to work closely with Balasaheb and attend all meetings. But when it was time to give him responsibility, Uddhav ji’s intentions became clear.”
Shinde emphasized that Raj Thackeray was always willing to take on responsibilities within Shiv Sena, but was sidelined by Uddhav. “Even after being removed, Raj Thackeray offered to take charge of a weakened Shiv Sena, but was not allowed to,” he said, adding that Balasaheb Thackeray never wanted Raj to leave.
When asked why Raj Thackeray is not part of the current coalition, CM Shinde said, “He is with us. He appeared on our stage in the previous Lok Sabha elections. Though we are not fighting together, he is not against us either. There is still time, and Raj Thackeray deserved recognition for his work back then.”
Regarding the upcoming Maharashtra Chief Minister position, Shinde stated that the focus is on forming the Mahayuti government. “Our team is working on it. Deciding the Chief Minister is not our current focus,” he said.
Raj Thackeray has announced ‘unconditional’ support for the Bharatiya Janata Party- Shiv Sena-Nationalist Congress Party alliance in the Lok Sabha elections. The 288-member Maharashtra Legislative Assembly elections are scheduled for later this year, with the term ending in November.
The Mahavikas Aghadi, comprising Shiv Sena, NCP, and Congress, collapsed after Eknath Shinde’s revolt and subsequent alliance with the BJP, forming the Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction)-BJP government. Ajit Pawar’s revolt within the NCP further strengthened the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance in the state.

Rain Causes Landslides and Flooding In 4 States

July 26, 2024, 5:08 pm

Heavy rains prompted landslides and flash floods in four states on Thursday, disrupting daily life and prompting officials to send in the army and disaster response forces to rescue hundreds of stranded people as the number of rain-related events rose.

The incessant rainfall also had an impact on infrastructure in Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, and Uttarakhand, inundating houses, blocking key highways, damaging structures, and causing waterlogging on arterial roads, with the weather department warning of more rain, according to people familiar with the situation.

The Pune district, which had 109mm of rainfall in 24 hours compared to the average of 10.4mm for this period, reported at least four deaths as storms overwhelmed low-lying residential complexes and prompted landslides in the Western Ghats.

“As of now, four deaths have been reported, of which three were due to electrocution and one due to a landslide. In addition, three people are reported to be trapped in Lavasa city after a mudslide. Our teams are deployed there, and rescue operations are going on,’’ said District Collector Suhas Diwse.

Residents in the district said that civic apathy exacerbated the problem and resulted in flood of their areas. “A bridge is being built in the area, and debris is left unattended.” As a result, water altered its flow and reached our neighborhood,” claimed Amit Deshmukh, a resident.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar assessed the rescue activities in Pune and promised residents that the government will provide aid.

“Keeping a tab on the heavy rainfall situation in and around Pune… Also instructed the officials to provide all assistance to the citizens. We are monitoring the entire situation and I would like to assure everyone that the state govt is working around the clock to provide help in all aspects,” Ajit Pawar said wrote on X. He further stated that army troops, in addition to National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) personnel, had been sent to assist with the rescue efforts.

“Additional Army columns have also been kept on standby, prepared to be deployed at short notice as the situation develops. Southern Command of the Indian Army is closely monitoring the situation in close coordination with the civil administration and other government agencies,” stated the army in a statement.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a’red alert’—the most severe—for the next 24 hours, resulting in the closure of schools and institutions in Pune on Friday.

Heavy rainfall also caused major waterlogging in Mumbai and disrupted aviation operations, causing numerous flights to be cancelled and diverted.

Raigad and Palghar districts in Maharashtra were also on high alert as many rivers, including Kundalika, rose over the danger line, interrupting communication networks, authorities said, adding that one person died in Alibag city.

Chief minister Eknath Shinde stated “I also spoke with Army and Navy officials, and they have kept their units ready for any situation. We have prepared to airlift the people during the rescue operations. I have ordered the district administration in flood-affected areas to use funds from district planning and development funds,” he said.

Maharashtra LoP Criticizes CM’s Cash Reward For Team India

July 6, 2024, 3:02 pm

Maharashtra Assembly’s Leader of Opposition Vijay Wadettiwar voiced concerns on Saturday regarding Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s announcement of a significant cash reward for the Indian cricket team. Wadettiwar suggested that the prize money could have been more appropriately directed towards assisting distressed farmers.

“In the last four months, 1,068 farmers have committed suicide. It would have been good had they given money to the distressed farmers. They gave such a huge sum to the Indian Cricket Team, what was the need?. Team India played for the country and not themselves, this is why the streets were flooded to welcome them,” ANI quoted Wadettiwar.

Wadettiwar additionally remarked that Maharashtra, currently burdened with a debt of Rs 7.92 lakh crore, faces uncertain prospects for its youth, and he expressed concerns over the deteriorating law and order situation in the state.

“The future of youth is in danger, the farmers are in distress, and they are giving away huge sums of money. Maharashtra is already under a debt of Rs 7.92 lakh crore, and they are going to spend another Rs 1 lakh crore for the Ladli Bahan Yojana. The law and order of the state have gone out of control. The youth have been put at risk because of drugs. They are busy bringing in money and forming governments,” added Wadettiwar.

CM Shinde announced a significant cash reward of Rs 11 crore for the triumphant Indian cricket team following their T20 World Cup victory. The announcement took place during a ceremony at the central hall of the Vidhan Bhavan, where four Mumbai players from the team were also recognized. India ended a 13-year drought in ICC World Cup trophies by defeating South Africa in the final, securing victory by seven runs. Virat Kohli’s 76 runs contributed to India’s total of 176/7, while Hardik Pandya (3/20) and Jasprit Bumrah (2/18) played crucial roles in limiting South Africa to 169/8, despite Heinrich Klaasen’s quickfire 52 off 27 balls. Bumrah, with 15 wickets and an impressive economy rate of 4.17 throughout the tournament, received the ‘Player of the Tournament’ award.

Controversy Unfolds: EVM Unlocking’ Debate in Mumbai North West

June 18, 2024, 2:14 pm

During the final rounds of counting, the contest between Waikar and Kirtikar was extremely tight. Initially, Kirtikar was declared the winner by 2,200 votes, leading Waikar to request a recount. After recounting, Kirtikar was ahead by one vote, but this included only the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) rounds. The postal ballots were then counted, with 111 votes declared invalid. Ultimately, the returning officer, Vandana Suryavanshi, announced that Waikar received 4,52,644 votes, while Kirtikar received 4,52,596 votes, marking a narrow margin of 48 votes. Shiv Sena (UBT) has since questioned the counting process’s validity and intends to challenge the result in court.

Shiv Sena (UBT) suspects manipulation and illegality in the counting process. Kirtikar has expressed concerns about possible EVM tampering and has demanded CCTV footage from the counting center to substantiate their claims, drawing parallels to the Chandigarh mayor elections in February, where ballot paper tampering was caught on camera.

The controversy escalated last week with allegations that Waikar’s relative, Mangesh Pandilkar, used a mobile phone at the counting center in NESCO, Goregaon East, to access an EVM, which is illegal. Independent candidates Bharat Shah and Surinder Mohan Arora alerted the election commission after noticing Pandilkar using the phone. The police have registered an FIR against both Gurav and Pandilkar. Reports suggest Pandilkar used the mobile to generate an OTP to unlock the EVM.

At a press conference on Sunday, Suryavanshi dismissed claims of EVM hacking, clarifying that Gurav’s phone could only access the election commission’s ENCORE application, used for digitizing votes and data tabulation. She emphasized that EVMs cannot be unlocked using an OTP.

Vote counting involves several steps: postal ballots are counted first, followed by EVM rounds. The EVM’s control unit displays the total votes polled and the results for each candidate. This process can be repeated if requested by any counting agent. Rejected postal ballots are re-verified if the victory margin is less than the number of rejected ballots before the final result declaration.

Shiv Sena (UBT) has raised several issues regarding the counting process. Anil Parab, a Shiv Sena (UBT) leader, has outlined seven claims, including a lack of transparency, failure to provide Form 17C to representatives, discrepancies in vote tallies, and delays in providing CCTV footage.

In response, Chief Minister Shinde has dismissed the EVM tampering allegations, accusing the Uddhav Thackeray camp of jealousy over Waikar’s victory. Shinde’s camp has demanded apologies from Aaditya Thackeray and Rahul Gandhi for spreading misinformation about the alleged EVM unlocking with an OTP and called for media organizations to retract their reports on the issue.

Shinde Criticizes Thackeray; ‘No Hierarchy in our Party,’ Maharashtra Politics Heats Up

April 8, 2024, 10:44 am

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde criticized his former party colleague Uddhav Thackeray, stating that although he occupies the state’s highest office, he still fulfills the responsibilities of a party worker because in his faction of the Shiv Sena, there is no hierarchy of boss and servant.

“I am a CM, but I work as a worker even now. There is no boss or any servant in our party. We are all working in cooperation with each other,” Shinde stated during a public meeting in Nagpur on Sunday.

Criticizing Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray for promoting dynastic politics by supporting his son Aditya Thackeray, Shinde remarked, “(In our party) the king’s son will not become the king. Only the one who works will become the king. Balasaheb Thackeray considered his colleagues as friends, but he (Uddhav) considered us as domestic servants.” Shinde further stated, “A party or the state can never be run sitting at home”.

Earlier, the Maharashtra CM criticized Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), saying that the opposition is “Teen Tigada Kaam Bigada,” and asserted that the Mahayuti alliance comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP is going to win all seats in Vidarbha.”

“Mahayuti (the BJP, Shiv Sena, NCP alliance) is getting a good response in Vidarbha. There is such an atmosphere that the Mahayuti will win all the Lok Sabha seats in Vidarbha. In two to three days, the Mahayuti will decide on the remaining seats. The Maha Vikas Aghadi is ‘Teen Tigada Kaam Bigada’. They have no agenda,” CM Shinde stated.

The Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra are scheduled to take place in five phases: April 19, April 26, May 7, May 13, and May 20. The vote counting is set for June 4. With its 48 Lok Sabha seats, the state stands as the second-largest contributor to the lower house of Parliament, following Uttar Pradesh. Maharashtra, recognized for its political diversity and substantial electoral sway, is pivotal in shaping the national political landscape.

In the 2019 elections, the BJP became the largest party with 23 seats, while the undivided Shiv Sena secured 18 seats.

First Phase Of Coastal Road To Start Soon, CM Shinde said

March 7, 2024, 2:44 pm

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced that work on the first phase would commence shortly after inspecting Mumbai’s Coastal Road on Thursday.

“The first phase of the Coastal Road will open shortly. Along the Coastal Highway, there are around 120 acres of land that have been reclaimed for constructing a garden, and from Mahalaxmi Race Course, 120 acres of land have also been taken for the garden. Mumbai Central Park around 320 acres will be constructed here…” Shinde said.

Iqbal Singh Chahal, Commissioner of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation(BMC), earlier gave some background information on the Coastal Road Project on Saturday. Chahal stated that remaining work is being hastened, ANI reported.

“Some work is still pending. I did surveillance of the entire area last night. Weight tests are going on to see what effect heavy vehicles will have on the road. All this will be completed in the next two to three days. I believe the coastal road will be inaugurated by February 28-29 or March 2-3,” Iqbal Singh Chahal said.

On February 2, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, the wealthiest civic corporation in India, unveiled its Rs 59,954.75 crore budget for 2024–25. The estimated total cost of capital expenditures is Rs 31.774.59 crore.

The estimated cost of the coastal road project is Rs. 2900.00 crore, which is divided into three parts: the Dahisar Bhayandar Link Road (Coastal Road last leg) at Rs. 220.00 crore, the Goregaon – Mulund Link Road (GMLR) at Rs. 1870.00 crore, and the Mumbai Coastal Road (North) Versova to Dahisar 6 Package at Rs. 1130.00 crore.

It is proposed to implement the Access Control Project on Western Express Highway(WEH) and Eastern Express Highway(EEH).

The construction of the Mumbai Coastal Road Versova interchange to Dahisar interchange and GMLR has been started, according to the corporation, at an estimated cost of Rs 35,955.07 crore. The six packages that comprise the projects are anticipated to be finished in approximately 48 months.

JP Nadda Unveils Statue Of Shivaji Maharaj In Girgaon

February 22, 2024, 2:12 pm

JP Nadda, the BJP National President, unveiled the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Girgaon, Mumbai, on Thursday.

Meanwhile, BJP national president JP Nadda attended the Ashwamedha Gayatri Mahayagya, which was hosted by the Gayatri Parivar, in Mumbai.

“…I thank the organisers for allowing me to attend this programme… We will take forward the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat’ and will contribute to fulfilling the aim of Viksit Bharat…” said BJP Chief JP Nadda.

Earlier, BJP president JP Nadda encouraged party workers to work hard in the Lok Sabha elections to help the party surpass the 370-seat mark and expressed confidence that the Modi government would return to power, scoring a hat-trick and setting a record.

Nadda spoke at the party’s National Convention in Delhi about the BJP’s commitment to building the big Ram temple in Ayodhya, stating that Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the rites at the Pran Pratishtha event on January 22 in Ayodhya.

“We all here are happy and full of enthusiasm but with this we have to stay alert and work with full force to cross 370 (seats) and more than 400 for NDA. We have to cross 370 and for that, we have to work with full strength at every booth. Workers of BJP work very hard, I have full faith in you that you will fully immerse yourself, and BJP, under the leadership of Modiji, will score a hat-trick in the third term and will move forward by breaking record,” Nadda said.

JP Nadda also met Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde at Varsha, his official residence in Mumbai. Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and BJP State President Chandrashekhar Bawankule were also there. The BJP President also met Ashok Chavan, a recently elected Rajya Sabha MP.

Maharashtra Government Approves 10% Maratha Quota In Education And Govt Jobs

February 20, 2024, 11:39 am

The Maharashtra government passed a bill in a special legislative session on Tuesday to extend reservation for Marathas beyond the 50% limit. The newly approved 10% Maratha quota bill is akin to the 2018 Socially and Educationally Backward Classes Act introduced during the tenure of then Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. This marks the state’s third attempt in a decade to legislate for the Maratha quota. The decision to hold a special session was prompted by Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil’s hunger strike in Jalna district. The extension of reservation is based on a report submitted by the Maharashtra Backward Class Commission (MBCC), chaired by retired Justice Sunil Shukre.

The state already has a 10% quota for the Economically Weaker Section (EWS), with Marathas being the primary beneficiaries, claiming 85% of this reservation. The MBCC submitted a report last Friday, addressing the social and educational backwardness of the Maratha community, following a survey of approximately 2.5 crore homes in just nine days.

The committee proposed a 10% reservation for Marathas in education and jobs, echoing a similar provision implemented by the state government in 2018. In June 2017, the then Fadnavis government established the Maharashtra State Backward Class Commission (MSBCC), led by retired Justice MG Gaikwad, to assess the social, financial, and educational status of the Maratha community. The MSBCC’s November 2018 report classified Marathas as a socially and educationally backward class (SEBC).

Notably, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde emphasized on Friday that the Maratha reservation would be granted in accordance with legal provisions, following the presentation of the report during the special assembly session convened on Tuesday.

Ram Temple consecration: Maharashtra CM Shinde thanks PM Modi

January 6, 2024, 12:35 pm

Leading up to the grand consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde attributed the realization of this dream to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing gratitude for the event scheduled on January 22.

Shinde conveyed his belief in the protective nature of Lord Ram, stating, “Lord Ram will take care of everyone. The consecration of the Ram Temple will be done on January 22, marking a historic moment for our nation.”

The Chief Minister acknowledged PM Modi’s pivotal role in transforming this dream into reality, emphasizing, “PM Modi should be thanked, who has played a pivotal role in making this dream a reality. He has fulfilled the dream of crores of Indians.”

With the temple consecration approaching, the excitement and anticipation among the people are evident. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated to participate in the consecration ceremony at the Ram Temple on January 22, a highly anticipated event that has drawn the attention of several VVIP guests from India and abroad.

Vedic rituals for the Pran-Pratishtha (consecration) ceremony of Ram Lalla (infant Lord Ram) in Ayodhya will commence on January 16, a week before the main ceremony.

Varanasi-based priest Lakshmi Kant Dixit is set to perform the central rituals of the consecration ceremony on January 22.

Ayodhya will observe the Amrit Mahotsav from January 14 to January 22, featuring a 1008 Hundi Mahayagya, where thousands of devotees will be provided meals.

In preparation for the grand consecration, numerous tent cities are being erected in Ayodhya to accommodate the expected influx of devotees. The Sri Ram Janambhoomi Trust has arranged for facilities to accommodate 10,000-15,000 people.

Supriya Sule criticises Eknath Shinde’s administration over the Nanded disaster

October 3, 2023, 12:26 pm

Supriya Sule, working president of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), criticized the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena administration for the deaths of 24 patients at the Dr. Shankarrao Chavan Medical College and Hospital in Nanded on Tuesday. She also urged the chief minister of Maharashtra to request the resignation of the minister in question. The NCP leader made a Facebook post, “The hospital ought to have an ample supply of medications. I have consistently urged for the availability of medications for both dog and snake bites. However, it is clear from the news and citizen concerns that most of the state’s public hospitals are running low on drugs, and there aren’t enough doctors to treat patients. This indicates that the government is careless about the citizens’ basic needs.

She continued, “The Chief Minister must take these situations seriously and promptly resign from the concerned ministers.
Arvind Kejriwal, the chief executive of Delhi, also used X to criticize the current Maharashtra Government for its “carelessness.”

According to Dr. Shyamrao Wakode, head of the Medical College, the deceased had a number of illnesses, such as poisoning from phosphorus and arsenic as well as snake bites. Approximately 12 children and 12 adults passed away in the previous 24 hours as a result of various illnesses (snake bites, arsenic and phosphorus poisoning, etc.). We faced several challenges as a result of worker transfers. The Haffkine Institute was where we were meant to purchase our medications, but that again never happened, according to Dr. Shyamrao Wakode.

CM Shinde to hold key meet, Here’s what you need to know

September 4, 2023, 2:36 pm

On Monday, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde will convene a meeting of the state’s Cabinet sub-committee on Maratha Reservation to discuss the community’s concerns following a police lathi-charge during quota demonstrations in the Jalna area.

Devendra Fadnavis also met with Manoj Jarange Patil, the leader of the present agitation, to discuss the Maratha community’s concerns. Earlier, Fadnavis told Patil over the phone that those responsible for the Jalna incident would be held accountable.

Meanwhile, the Maratha Kranti Morcha (MKM) is staging a day-long bandh across the state to condemn the lathi-charging of demonstrators in Jalna during their demand for Maratha quota.

“The government had called us to Mumbai for talks but we do not feel that there is any need to come to Mumbai now because a govt delegation led by Minister Girish Mahajan met us and discussed with us. Whatever we had to say, we have told them. We have made it clear to them that the government will have to announce the Maratha reservation in Maharashtra within 2 days, and will also have to implement it,” he told the reporters.

Speaking about the incident, he said, “In November 2014, when the coalition government was in power under the leadership of then CM Devendra Fadnavis, the government announced the Maratha reservation. The high court also upheld the Maratha Reservation decision taken by the government. But the supreme court took a different decision.”

Maharashtra CM Shinde meets MNS chief Raj Thackeray

July 7, 2023, 5:29 pm

Even as competing Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) groups led by Sharad Pawar and his nephew Ajit Pawar fought for power in Maharashtra, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde met Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray at his residence on Friday.

Devendra Fadnavis, the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, met Chief Minister Eknath Shinde at his official residence, Varsha, in Mumbai on Thursday. Earlier in the day, in response to recent reports of discontent among Shiv Sena MLAs over NCP leader Ajit Pawar’s decision to join the Shinde-Fadnavis government, CM Shinde stated that his government has emerged stronger, adding that he has no plans to step down, and dismissing all such reports as “rumours.”

“It is all rumours…,” CM Shinde told the media. In response to the NCP split, Shinde stated that the party should examine everything that was going on within the ranks.

“They (NCP) should introspect on what is happening in their party. They should look into their party, khud ka ghar toh toot gya hai (Their own house is broken now),” he said.

He further added “With our government now made up of three parties, the strength of our MLAs is more than 200. No leader is unhappy and all have faith in us. Our government is only getting stronger. We have the support of PM Modi and Amit Shah,” the Maharashtra CM said.

Earlier on Sunday, Ajit Pawar divided the NCP when he joined the Shiv Sena-BJP alliance in Maharashtra with 8 senior MLAs and took his fifth oath as the state’s deputy chief minister.