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Maharashtra Polls: 58.22% Voter Turnout, Gadchiroli district at 69.63%

November 20, 2024, 8:48 pm

Polling for the 288-seat Maharashtra assembly elections concluded on Wednesday, with an approximate voter turnout of 58.22 per cent recorded till 5.00 pm.

According to the Election Commission of India (ECI), the highest turnout was seen in Gadchiroli district at 69.63 per cent, while Mumbai city recorded the lowest at 49.07 per cent. Thane recorded 49.76 per cent.

As per the data of the ECI, Mumbai Suburban recorded a voter turnout of 51.76 per cent, Nagpur 56.06 per cent, Aurangabad 60.83 per cent, Pune 54.09 per cent, Nashik 59.85 per cent, Satara 64.16 per cent, Dhule 59.75 per cent, Palghar 59.31 per cent, Ratnagiri 60.35 per cent, Nanded 55.88 per cent, and Latur 61.43 per cent.

The voter turnout for the Nanded Parliamentary constituency in Maharashtra was recorded at 53.78 per cent till 5 pm.

As by-polls are also underway on several seats, Kedarnath in Uttarakhand recorded a turnout of 56.78 per cent, while Palakkad in Kerala recorded a 62.25 per cent turnout till 5 pm.

As of 5 pm, in Uttar Pradesh by-polls, Meerapur recorded a voter turnout of 57.02 per cent, Majhwan 50.41 per cent, Khair 46.35 per cent, Phulpur 43.43 per cent, Kundarki 57.32 per cent, Karhal 53.92 per cent, Katehari 56.69 per cent, Ghaziabad 33.30 per cent, and Sishmau 40.29 per cent.

The ruling BJP-led Mahayuti alliance comprises BJP, Shiv Sena, and the Nationalist Congress Party, while the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) includes Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and the NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar).

Voting began at 7 am on Wednesday for the single phase of 288 seats of the Maharashtra assembly elections and the second phase of the Jharkhand Assembly elections, covering the remaining 38 seats.

Also read: Uttar Pradesh Bypolls: Akhilesh Yadav Alleges Police Intimidating Voters With Revolver

The results for all the seats in Maharashtra and Jharkhand and by-poll seats will be announced on November 23.

‘Batenge toh Katenge’ is not for Maharashtra. I endorse ‘Ek hain toh safe hain,’ says Ajit Pawar

November 15, 2024, 3:41 pm

As the “Batenge toh Katenge” slogan takes center stage in the Maharashtra assembly polls, Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar has distanced himself from it, instead endorsing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Ek hai toh Safe hai” slogan. The controversial slogan has drawn widespread criticism from opposition leaders, who allege it carries communal undertones.

“I have expressed my disagreement on this (‘Batenge toh Katenge’) in public rallies and media interviews. Some BJP leaders have also expressed the same. ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ means together with all, development for all… Now, ‘Ek hain toh safe hain’… I see it from this angle,” Ajit Pawar said in an interview.

Expressing his displeasure, Pawar remarked, “We immediately said that this is not Uttar Pradesh. It must be going on in the North, not in our Maharashtra.”

However, BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis, who is allied with Ajit Pawar’s NCP under the Mahayuti banner, defended the slogan in a separate interview with ANI.

“I don’t see anything wrong in Yogi Ji’s slogans. Look at the history of this country. Jab jab bate hain, tab gulam bane hain. Whenever this country was divided into castes, states, or communities, we became slaves. The country was also divided, and so were the people. That’s why if we divide, we will be cut. This is the history of this country,” Fadnavis stated.

“And I don’t understand that if someone says ‘don’t divide,’ then what is the point of objecting to this?” he added.

The campaigning has intensified for the 288 assembly seats in Maharashtra, with both the ruling Mahayuti and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) making concerted efforts to win over voters. The Maharashtra assembly elections are slated for November 20, with counting scheduled for November 23.

Ajit Pawar, speaking about the election campaign, emphasized his party’s focus on securing maximum votes for the Mahayuti alliance.

“I am a member of the alliance, and we are involved in it. Our intention is to win as many votes as possible for Mahayuti, and we are going according to that,” Pawar said.

He further highlighted the efforts of his party, mentioning the work undertaken and the plans introduced in recent months. “The work we have done, the plans we have brought… You must have seen that in about 2-3 months, I am going through Maharashtra via Janh Samman Yatra. We have only one goal—the Mahayuti government should come back,” Pawar stated.

Congress Finalises Maharashtra Candidates Amid MVA Seat Talks

October 21, 2024, 11:03 pm

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday chaired the Central Election Committee (CEC) to finalise the candidates for Maharashtra, in which 63 seats were discussed and next meeting to take place on October 25 in the national capital.

The Congress will also hold a meeting with the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) partners in Mumbai on Tuesday to finaluse the seat sharing formula as several seats still remains to be finalised for the crucial Maharashtra assembly polls.

The CEC meeting for Maharashtra at the party headquarters was chaired by Kharge and also attended by CPP chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, party General Secretary organisation KC Venugopal, Madhusudan Mistry, Ambika Soni, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, Maharashtra incharge Ramesh Chenithala, state unit chief Nana Patole, Balasaheb Thorat and others.

According to party sources, during the meeting out of 96 seats screened, 63 seats were discussed. The source said that there was a consensus on at least 51 seats during the meeting.

The source said that the party will release the first list of candidates for Maharashtra on October 23.

Speaking to the media after the meeting, Thorat said, “Out of 96 seats screened, 63 seats were discussed during the CEC.”

He said that the MVA meeting scheduled in Mumbai on Tuesday is a “crucial meeting” as it will help in finalizing most of the issues in the state for the seat sharing formula.

Even Chenithala said that 63 seats were discussed today in the CEC today and next CWC to discuss the rest of candidates will take place on October 25.

He also said that MVA meeting will take place on Tuesday at 3 p.m. to finalise the seat sharing deal.

The Congress is likely to field 110 candidates in Maharashtra, while the rest of the swats it will give to Shiv Sena (UBT), Sharad Pawar led NCP and other parties.

Earlier, ahead of the CEC meeting, Kharge and Rahul Gandhi separately held a detailed discussion for over 20 minutes, sources said.

In Maharashtra, the Congress is facing a hard bargaining from the Shiv Sena (UBT) on several seats in Mumbai as well as in Vidarbha region.

The source said that out of 36 Mumbai seats, Congress wants to contest on 18 whereas the Shiv Sena is keen on giving 13 seats. The seats of Ghatkopar, Varsova, Byculla and Dharavi are said to be bone of contention in Mumbai between the two parties.

Similarly, in nine seats of Vidarbha, whixh is considered a strong Congress bastion, Shiv Sena wants to contest on six seats. Whereas the Congress wants rhe Shiv Sena to focus on its strong belt of Marathwada, Konkan and other regions.

The Maharashtra will go to polls on November 20 in single phase whereas counting of votes will takemplace on November 23.

The MVA is eyeing to make a comeback in the state. The MVA did fairly well in the recently concluded Lok Sabha polls. The Congress had won 13 seats while the Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP-SP had won 9 seats each out of the 48 seats in the state.

EC Slams Sanjay Raut’s Baseless President’s Rule Claim

October 21, 2024, 10:18 pm

Allegations made by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut regarding the potential imposition of President’s Rule in Maharashtra after the upcoming assembly polls are unfounded and reflect a misunderstanding of constitutional provisions, sources from the Maharashtra Chief Electoral Office said on Monday.

The sources informed that the role of the Election Commission is to conduct the elections and submit the list of newly elected MLAs to the Governor within six months of the completion of the Assembly’s term, in accordance with Section 15 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and Article 172(1) of the Constitution.

The Commission will complete this process before November 26, 2024, with the counting of votes set to conclude on November 23. Once the list of newly-elected MLAs is submitted, the Governor can invite the formation of the government, as per his constitutional mandate outlined in Article 164. This process is not restricted by the Assembly’s term expiration on November 26, which is relevant only for the completion of the election process, according to the sources.

On Sunday, Raut had alleged that the BJP fears defeat in the Maharashtra assembly elections, as the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance is confident of forming the next government. “This is why the Election Commission has allowed only a few days for the government formation after the poll results,” he claimed.

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Maharashtra is scheduled to vote on November 20, with the results set to be declared on November 23.

Baba Siddique’s Murder: Sanjay Singh Slams Shinde, Links Bishnoi to Security Lapse

October 13, 2024, 6:06 pm

The assassination of Baba Siddique, a leader from the NCP’s Ajit Pawar faction, has sent shockwaves through Maharashtra, prompting sharp criticism from political figures, including Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Sanjay Singh. Siddique was shot near Nirmal Nagar in Mumbai on October 12, 2024, and despite emergency care at Lilavati Hospital, he succumbed to his injuries. The incident has not only raised questions about the state’s security measures but also intensified political tensions ahead of the assembly elections.

Singh blamed the Shinde-led Maharashtra government for security lapses, noting that Siddique had been under Y-category security. “Whenever there is BJP in power, there are crimes, loot, murder, and dacoity,” Singh remarked. Drawing a grim comparison, he added, “Gang wars happen every day in Delhi, the national capital… The same situation is now spreading to Mumbai.” Singh further emphasized that the people of Maharashtra would hold the government accountable for such lapses and alluded to the possible involvement of criminal elements, including names like Bishnoi, in the assassination.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Minister Chhagan Bhujbal expressed frustration with the handling of Siddique’s security, revealing that the police were aware of the threats he faced. “The duty of the police is not limited to merely giving security but to investigating where the threats are coming from,” Bhujbal stated. He urged the authorities to act swiftly, though he dismissed any political angle to the killing, suggesting the possibility of personal motives instead.

The Mumbai Crime Branch has registered the case under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Arms Act, and Maharashtra Police Act, with a focus on tracking down the third suspect involved in the murder. According to initial reports, two suspects—hailing from Uttar Pradesh and Haryana—have already been apprehended, with police actively searching for the third.

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde responded by ordering stringent action against the culprits, assuring the public that justice would be served. With law and order becoming a focal point in the political discourse, the murder of Siddique, who recently aligned with Ajit Pawar’s faction, has put the government under intense scrutiny. The incident has become a flashpoint, with opposition figures questioning the administration’s ability to maintain security, especially when high-profile leaders are not safe.

Also read: Opposition Demands Fadnavis Quit Over Baba Siddique’s Killing

As investigations continue, the murder has highlighted not only the resurgence of political violence but also the pressing need for accountability. With elections approaching, the incident adds fuel to the ongoing debate over governance and public safety in Maharashtra, forcing the ruling coalition to confront uncomfortable questions about its effectiveness.

Opposition Demands Fadnavis Quit Over Baba Siddique’s Killing

October 13, 2024, 5:53 pm

The political scene in Maharashtra erupted after the assassination of NCP leader Baba Siddique in Mumbai, with opposition leaders launching sharp attacks on the government. Siddique was shot dead on October 12, 2024, outside his son Zeeshan Siddique’s office during Dussehra celebrations. He sustained two bullet wounds to the chest and, despite emergency treatment at Lilavati Hospital, was declared dead late Saturday night.

Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Vijay Wadettiwar was scathing in his remarks: “If a ruling party’s leader can be shot dead, then the safety of common people has become a big question in Mumbai… Is Mumbai again becoming a crime hub? Is Maharashtra going in the direction of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar?” Wadettiwar did not hold back, demanding Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis take responsibility for the incident and resign: “The way crime rates have increased in Maharashtra, he should take responsibility”.

The Maharashtra government has come under intense scrutiny, with criticism extending beyond the Congress. NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar described the murder as a “shameful” reflection of the state’s law and order. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anand Dubey joined the call for accountability, stating: “If Devendra Fadnavis doesn’t resign, the governor must seek his resignation. If their own leaders aren’t safe, how will they protect the public?”.

In response, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde assured the public that the police were acting swiftly. “Two suspects involved in the killing have been arrested, and a third is on the run. Strict action will be taken, and nobody will be spared,” Shinde announced. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar also expressed his condolences: “We lost a good colleague and friend. This case will be thoroughly investigated, and the mastermind behind the attack will be caught”.

Dr. Jalil Parkar from Lilavati Hospital recounted the efforts to save Siddique: “He was brought to the emergency room around 9:30 PM. His pulse and blood pressure were unrecordable, and the ECG showed a flat line. We shifted him to the ICU, but he was declared dead at 11:27 PM”. Cardiologist Dr. Nitin Gokhale confirmed that Siddique had sustained two gunshot wounds to the chest, adding that further details would emerge after the postmortem examination.

The murder has sent shockwaves through Maharashtra’s political landscape, raising questions about the state’s deteriorating law and order just weeks before the assembly elections. With political violence seemingly on the rise, the incident has put the government under pressure to restore public confidence.

Also read: Uddhav Challenges Mahayuti To Reveal CM Candidate First

As the investigation unfolds, the police are exploring multiple angles, including business rivalry and contract killing. The opposition’s call for accountability—particularly targeting Chief Minister Shinde and Home Minister Fadnavis—signals heightened political tension in the lead-up to the elections, with law and order now a critical campaign issue.

Uddhav Challenges Mahayuti To Reveal CM Candidate First

October 13, 2024, 5:34 pm

The political temperature in Maharashtra is rising ahead of the assembly elections later this year, with the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition taking aim at the ruling Mahayuti alliance. In a press conference held today, Uddhav Thackeray, leader of the Shiv Sena (UBT), slammed the BJP-led government, accusing it of operating under “thieves and traitors” and deflecting from critical governance issues. Thackeray challenged the Mahayuti to reveal their Chief Ministerial candidate first, stating that the MVA will announce theirs only after Mahayuti’s decision is publicized.

A major part of Thackeray‘s critique revolved around recent law and order incidents, such as the murder of NCP leader Baba Siddiqui. He questioned the state government’s actions, raising suspicions over the arrests made in Siddiqui’s case and a police encounter involving a rape accused. Thackeray remarked, “They are keeping tabs on opposition leaders but seem oblivious to actual criminals”—a direct jab at the government for alleged misuse of resources for political vendettas.

Sharad Pawar, the leader of the NCP, backed Thackeray’s statement and targeted the government’s financial mismanagement, particularly in relation to the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin scheme. Pawar criticized the scheme as lacking transparency in its budgeting and financial provisions, warning that without clear funding, the initiative could become another unfulfilled promise from the government.

Adding to the growing political tension, Congress leader Nana Patole expressed fears about public safety under the current government. He referenced Baba Siddiqui’s assassination as evidence that neither political leaders nor ordinary citizens are secure. Patole also criticized Rashmi Shukla’s controversial position as Maharashtra’s police chief, describing her appointment as unconstitutional and confirming that the MVA has filed a complaint with the Election Commission regarding the issue.

The MVA leadership also released a booklet titled Gaddarancha Panchnama (“The Betrayal Report”), accusing the Mahayuti alliance of abandoning Maharashtra’s core values and governance principles. Through this publication, they aim to rally public sentiment against the ruling coalition as election campaigns ramp up.

With elections around the corner, the rhetoric from both sides is intensifying. Thackeray’s remarks reflect not only political rivalry but also the MVA’s strategy to focus on governance failures, corruption, and public safety issues. In response, the Mahayuti alliance, led by Eknath Shinde and the BJP, will likely counter these attacks by emphasizing their achievements over the last two years.

Also read: Sharad Pawar Pushes Bold 75% Reservation Demand For Marathas And More

The unfolding political drama marks a decisive moment for Maharashtra, as voters will soon have to choose between these two coalitions—each presenting a starkly different narrative about the state’s future. Stay tuned for further developments as election campaigns gain momentum in the coming weeks.

Congress Starts ‘Laapataa Ladies’ Campaign Ahead Of Maharashtra Election

October 1, 2024, 10:56 am

Ahead of the upcoming Maharashtra elections, the Congress has launched the ‘Laapataa Ladies’ campaign, inspired by the Kiran Rao-directed film, to criticize the Eknath Shinde government for its handling of women’s safety.

Posters Highlight Missing Women

Posters across Maharashtra bear the title “Laapataa Ladies” along with the alarming statement, “64,000 women missing in a year,” written in Marathi. The silhouettes of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis, and Ajit Pawar are also featured in the posters.

The campaign name draws from the movie Laapataa Ladies, which garnered praise for addressing patriarchy through its comedic narrative and was selected as India’s official Oscar entry.

Criticism Following Recent Incidents

The Congress campaign comes on the heels of a tragic case in Badlapur, where two schoolgirls were sexually abused. The campaign specifically targets Devendra Fadnavis, who is in charge of the Home Ministry in the state, emphasizing the government’s failure to ensure women’s safety.

Fadnavis’ Previous Statement on Missing Women

In a 2022 Assembly address, Fadnavis stated that 64,000 women and girls go missing in Maharashtra annually. Of these cases, 87% of the missing individuals returned in 2021, with 86% returning in 2022. He noted that efforts are being made to reduce these numbers, but concerns remain.

Government’s Response with New Scheme

To counter the criticism and reach out to female voters, the state government introduced the ‘Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana,’ which provides ₹1,500 per month to eligible women aged 21-65 with family incomes below ₹2.5 lakh.

Tough Electoral Battle Ahead

The upcoming election presents a challenging contest between the ruling coalition—comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar-led NCP—and the opposition alliance of Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and Sharad Pawar’s NCP faction. In the recent Lok Sabha elections, the opposition had a strong showing, winning 30 of Maharashtra’s 48 seats, setting the stage for an intense political battle in the state.

Supreme Court to Decide NCP Symbol Battle on Oct 1

September 25, 2024, 10:41 pm

The Supreme Court of India will hear the ongoing dispute between the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP)—led by Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar—on October 1, 2024. The primary issue revolves around the use of the party’s election symbol, the “clock,” which has become a contentious point as both factions prepare for the upcoming Maharashtra Vidhan Sabha elections.

The controversy began when the Election Commission of India (ECI), in February 2024, officially recognized Ajit Pawar’s faction as the legitimate NCP and granted them the “clock” symbol. This decision led Sharad Pawar’s group to challenge the ruling, arguing that the symbol’s use is sub-judice, meaning it is still under legal consideration. Despite this, Ajit Pawar’s faction has continued to use the symbol, causing tensions to escalate.

In March 2024, the Supreme Court permitted the Ajit Pawar group to use the symbol temporarily but imposed conditions, such as requiring public declarations that the symbol’s usage is subject to the outcome of the legal battle. Moreover, the court directed Ajit Pawar’s faction not to use Sharad Pawar’s name or image in any campaign material. However, the Sharad Pawar faction alleges that these conditions have not been fully adhered to and has requested fresh directions from the court to resolve the matter.

The urgency of this case is driven by the upcoming Maharashtra elections, where both factions will play critical roles. On one side is the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition, which includes the Sharad Pawar faction, Congress, and the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena. On the other is the Maha Yuti Alliance, comprising the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction, and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.

Also read: Shiv Sena MLA Offers Rs 11 Lakh Bounty for ‘Chopping Off’ Rahul Gandhi’s Tongue, Igniting Controversy

As the Election Commission has not yet announced the election dates, the October 1 hearing will be crucial in determining how the NCP factions will proceed in the elections. The decision could significantly affect the political landscape in Maharashtra, where alliances and symbols carry deep significance.

Sharad Pawar Vows to Regain Power in Maharashtra

September 1, 2024, 11:35 pm

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Sharad Pawar has pledged to work tirelessly over the next two months to reclaim power in Maharashtra ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.

Addressing the Yuva Sanvad program in Ghatkopar West, Mumbai, on Sunday, Pawar criticized both the state and central administrations. He expressed concerns about growing unrest among the populace, stating, “I assure you we will not rest until we are in power in Maharashtra within the next two months. I see unrest among people wherever I go.”

Elections for Maharashtra’s 288-member legislative assembly are expected later this year, as the current government’s term concludes in 2024. The Election Commission of India has not yet set the election dates.

Reflecting on his previous tenure as Union Minister in the Manmohan Singh-led UPA government, Pawar recalled his commitment to agriculture. “When I first assumed my role, I found the country’s food grain stock was alarmingly low. Despite initial challenges, we eventually made India a leading wheat producer,” he noted.

Pawar also criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the recent collapse of a Shivaji statue in Maharashtra. “Modi claims to have a good relationship with me and has praised his association with me. However, his involvement seems to bring issues. The recent statue collapse is a case in point,” Pawar remarked.

ALSO READ: Ajit Pawar Advocates for Caste Census to Aid Policy-Making

On August 26, a 35-foot-tall statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Rajkot Fort in Maharashtra’s Sindhudurg district collapsed. Prime Minister Modi has since apologized to the people of Maharashtra for the incident.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced that the state government is acting swiftly to reconstruct the statue and has formed two committees to investigate the collapse in the Malvan area.

Shiv Sena Shinde To Speak With Raj Thackeray, Not To Contest Independently

July 27, 2024, 2:34 am

MNS President Raj Thackeray has announced that he will contest the upcoming assembly elections independently. This announcement has generated considerable excitement within the Shiv Sena, led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Shiv Sena leader and minister Deepak Kesarkar has expressed confidence that after discussions with Raj Thackeray, he will reconsider his decision.

Raj Thackeray had unconditionally supported the ruling Grand Alliance in the Lok Sabha elections. Consequently, it was expected that he would continue to align with the Mahayuti in the upcoming assembly elections. However, he surprised the ruling party on Thursday by announcing his intention to contest the assembly elections independently, stating that the MNS would contest 225 to 250 assembly seats. Following this announcement, Shiv Sena minister Deepak Kesarkar indicated his protest.

Deepak Kesarkar remarked that there is still time before the assembly elections and that all parties have the right to contest all seats. He noted that Raj Thackeray had unconditionally supported the Mahayuti in the Lok Sabha elections and emphasized the good relationship between Raj Thackeray and Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Kesarkar believes that through discussions, Thackeray’s opinion will change.
Raj Thackeray contesting independently could divide Marathi votes, causing concern for Shivsena Shinde about Thackeray’s move.