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I.N.D.I.A. Bloc Against Itself, TMC MP Challenges Congress To Prove How EVMs Can Be ‘Hacked’

December 16, 2024, 4:29 pm

Trinamool Congress and the Indian National Congress both part of Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (I.N.D.I.A) bloc coalition differ on Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) tampering debate which has been now and again a contentious point of discussion on doubts about how the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been managing to win, and or rigging the elections.

With the Opposition raising questions on the reliability of the EVMs, TMC MP and party National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Monday differed with the Congress on the issue.

He termed the allegations as “just random statements” and demanded that people making such allegations should demonstrate how the EVMs can be “hacked”.

“The people who raise questions on EVM, if they have anything then they should go and show a demo to the Election Commission. If work is done properly at the time of EVM randomisation and the people who work on the booth check during mock polls and counting, then I don’t think there is any substance in this allegation,” he said.

“If still someone feels that EVMs can be hacked, then they should meet the Election Commission and show how EVMs can be hacked…Nothing can be done by just making random statements…,” the TMC MP added.

Earlier the Congress had raised doubts on the EVMs after the party lost the Haryana and Maharashtra Assembly elections. The party even met the Election commission raising doubts on the electoral process in Maharashtra
“EVM is a part of the election process. There are issues in the entire election machinery in the Maharashtra assembly elections and targeted manipulation has taken place…The results of the Maharashtra assembly elections are impossible. No one can understand them…We have raised questions on the entire election machinery which is very dangerous for democracy,” Jairam Ramesh had told ANI on December 1.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis on Monday took a jibe at the Congress alleging that the party only found faults with EVMs when they lost elections.

“Whenever the Congress party loses elections, instead of introspecting, they blame someone else. Unless they introspect, they will not win elections…When they (Congress) form governments in Karnataka, Jharkhand, there is no problem with EVMs, but when they lose Maharashtra, they blame EVMs,” Fadnavis said.

Also read: Ursid Meteor Shower 2024: Date, Time, And Where To See The Final Meteor Display

The BJP has also raised questions on the credibility of the leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi told reporters, “Congress should try to realise it at least when people of I.N.D.I. Alliance say this. They don’t understand it when we say this but now even their allies are saying this…At least now they should understand, they should realise that they won’t be able to go ahead with a leader like Rahul Gandhi. (West Bengal Chief Minister) Mamata Banerjee is also saying this, as NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar and (Samajwadi party chief) Akhilesh Yadav as well…,” Joshi told reporters.
The Union Minister also underlined the importance of a strong opposition in a democracy.

“What I feel personally is, that the Congress party should realise themselves, they should understand what is their mistake, and they should introspect what is their problem. We also want constructive opposition. We do not want Congress or the Opposition completely weak. That is not what we want. Opposition is as important as ruling (government at the centre) in democracy…,” he added.

Shraddha Kapoor Mobbed by Fans for Selfies at Polling Booth During Maharashtra Elections

November 20, 2024, 5:46 pm

As Maharashtra Assembly elections took place on Wednesday, Bollywood actress Shraddha Kapoor stepped out with her family to cast her vote. However, what was meant to be a simple visit to the polling booth turned into an impromptu fan interaction when polling booth workers eagerly approached her for selfies.

Siddhanth Kapoor was seen being mobbed by excited fans

In a video that surfaced on social media, Shraddha, accompanied by her aunt Padmini Kolhapure and brother Siddhanth Kapoor, was seen being mobbed by excited fans. Dressed in a white printed suit for the outing, Shraddha gracefully posed for selfies with her fans, even showing off her inked finger as a symbol of voting.

At one point, the actor was briefly stopped from leaving the booth as some fans continued to interact with her. Despite the attention, Shraddha handled the situation with ease, continuing to smile and engage with those eager to capture a moment with the Stree 2 actor.

Maharashtra Poll Funding: Key Leaders Named in Cash-for-Votes Controversy

November 20, 2024, 3:51 pm

The “Bitcoin cash-for-votes” controversy in Maharashtra’s 2024 Assembly elections involves allegations of misappropriating bitcoins from a 2018 cryptocurrency fraud to fund election campaigns. Key figures implicated include Supriya Sule of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Maharashtra Congress President Nana Patole.

2018 Cryptocurrency Fraud Case: A significant cryptocurrency scam was uncovered, leading to the arrest of individuals, including Amit Bharadwaj. During the investigation, a cryptocurrency hardware wallet was seized.

Allegations by Ravindranath Patil: On November 19, 2024, former IPS officer Ravindranath Patil alleged that the seized cryptocurrency wallet was replaced under the supervision of then Pune Police Commissioner Amitabh Gupta and Deputy Commissioner Bhagyashri Nautake. Patil claimed that bitcoins from this wallet were misappropriated and used by Supriya Sule and Nana Patole to fund their election campaigns. He also mentioned possessing voice notes from Gaurav Mehta, an employee of Sarathi Associates, implicating Sule in directing the encashment of bitcoins for election purposes.

Denials and Legal Actions: Both Supriya Sule and Nana Patole denied the allegations. Sule filed defamation and criminal cases, stating, “All the allegations are completely false. All lies.” Patole also dismissed the claims, asserting, “I am a farming man; I don’t even understand Bitcoin.” He announced plans to file defamation suits against those making the allegations.

Enforcement Directorate (ED) Involvement: On November 20, 2024, the ED conducted raids at the premises of Gaurav Mehta in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, in connection with the alleged bitcoin scam. These actions were part of a broader investigation into the misuse of cryptocurrencies for electoral funding.

Election Commission’s Role: The Election Commission of India received a cybercrime complaint from Supriya Sule regarding the allegations. The Commission is expected to monitor the situation closely, given the potential implications for electoral integrity.

Implications:

Electoral Integrity: If proven, the misuse of illicit funds for election campaigns undermines democratic processes and raises concerns about the fairness of the electoral system.

Political Repercussions: The allegations have intensified political tensions in Maharashtra, with parties accusing each other of corruption and unethical practices.

Regulatory Scrutiny: The case highlights the challenges regulators face in monitoring and controlling the use of cryptocurrencies, especially concerning illicit activities.

Also read: Chhattisgarh ED Raids Link Bitcoin Scam to Maharashtra Polls

As investigations continue, the full extent of the alleged scam and its impact on the Maharashtra Assembly elections remain to be seen.

Chhattisgarh ED Raids Link Bitcoin Scam to Maharashtra Polls

November 20, 2024, 3:34 pm

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids on Wednesday at the premises of Gaurav Mehta, an employee of audit firm Sarathi Associates, in connection with an alleged bitcoin scam. The searches were carried out in Raipur, Chhattisgarh.

The raids follow a cybercrime complaint filed by Supriya Sule, a Member of Parliament from the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction), with the Election Commission of India. The complaint alleged the use of bitcoin to fund the ongoing Maharashtra Assembly elections and targeted Gaurav Mehta and former Indian Police Service officer Ravindranath Patil from Pune.

On the eve of the Maharashtra Assembly elections, Ravindranath Patil alleged that Supriya Sule and Maharashtra Congress President Nana Patole had misappropriated bitcoins from a 2018 cryptocurrency fraud case and used them to fund the elections. Speaking to ANI, Patil accused Amitabh Gupta, the then Commissioner of Police, Pune, and Bhagyashri Nautake, the then Deputy Commissioner of Police handling cybercrime investigations, of being involved in the misappropriation.

“My company called me as a cryptocurrency expert to investigate a case in 2018. I was arrested in that case in 2022 under allegations of fraud. I spent 14 months in jail after a trial. During that time, I was wondering what had happened, what the case was, and why I was trapped. There were other colleagues also with me. We were working on finding out the truth. A witness against us, Gaurav Mehta, who is an employee of an audit firm named Sarathi Associates,” Patil stated.

“A day before yesterday, he called me multiple times for 4-5 hours, but I did not respond. Finally, when I responded, he told me that in 2018, when Amit Bharadwaj was arrested, he had a cryptocurrency hardware wallet. That wallet was replaced by the then Commissioner Amitabh Gupta, and another wallet was kept. We were arrested, but the real perpetrators were Amitabh Gupta and his team. He (Gaurav Mehta) took the names of two IPS officers, Amitabh Gupta and Bhagyashri Nautake. He took two people’s names, one is Supriya Sule and the other is Nana Patole. He then told me that in this assembly election, bitcoins are being used,” Patil alleged further.

Patil also claimed to have voice notes allegedly sent by Gaurav Mehta. “Supriya Sule has sent three voice note messages in which she is heard asking Gaurav to encash bitcoins as the funds are needed for the elections. She is also heard assuring him not to worry about the inquiries and once they come to power, they will handle them,” Patil added.

However, Supriya Sule refuted all allegations, calling them completely false. Sule said, “I have filed a defamation case and a criminal case. I am ready to answer his (Sudhanshu Trivedi’s) five questions wherever he wants—time of his choice, place of his choice, and platform of his choice. I am ready to answer him because all the allegations are completely false. All lies.”

Maharashtra Congress President Nana Patole also denied the allegations and claimed that the voice in the purported audio clips mentioned by Ravindra Patil was not his. “The IPS officer brought by BJP, Ravindra Patil, is not even an IPS officer. BJP has become a party of lies. On the eve of elections, they are doing all this. My voice is not there in the audio. I am a farming man; I don’t even understand Bitcoin,” Patole stated.

“We have given a legal notice and filed an FIR. We will also file a defamation case against them. Be it Sudhanshu Trivedi or Ravindra Patil. Everything will be clear soon. BJP is only lying. We will fight them legally. I have nothing to do with this. We will file defamation. Our government is going to be formed in Maharashtra, and we will conduct a proper inquiry into this,” he added.

Also read: “Signifies Unity…”: Nitin Gadkari Explains ‘Batenge To Katenge’ Amid Polls

Meanwhile, both the BJP and NCP have demanded a thorough investigation into the allegations made by Ravindra Patil.

Maharashtra Polls: Akshay Praises Booth Setup, Farhan Urges Voter Participation

November 20, 2024, 12:40 pm

As Maharashtra Assembly elections commenced on Wednesday, several celebrities were spotted at polling stations casting their votes. Videos and pictures of Akshay Kumar, Farhan Akhtar, Zoya Akhtar, Rajkummar Rao, and Kabir Khan surfaced on social media, showing them arriving early to vote.

Akshay Kumar’s Visit

Akshay Kumar was seen interacting with the media outside the polling booth. When asked to show his inked finger, he praised the arrangements, saying, “The best thing is the arrangements are really good. I saw that planning was done well for senior citizens. It’s clean too. Yahi hai ki sab log aaye, vote kare (Everyone should come and vote). That is the most important thing.” He joked with a reporter about arriving early, mentioning that even the reporter had come before him. Akshay was dressed in a black shirt and grey pants.

Farhan Akhtar on Voting’s Importance

Farhan Akhtar took to social media to urge citizens to vote, emphasizing, “I urge all people to come out and vote. It’s very important. It is our responsibility as a citizen of this city, state, and country to be involved in its narrative…I hear that people complain about Mumbai and how it should be but when asked if they voted, they will say, ‘No, I didn’t.’ Then don’t complain. This is the one chance that you have to contribute as a citizen. So it is your responsibility.” He also discussed the need for more cinema screens, urging the government and the industry to collaborate on expanding screen availability.

Rajkummar Rao and Gautami Kapoor Encourage Voting

Rajkummar Rao cast his vote early and reminded everyone of its importance: “It is very important (to vote). Everyone, please step out and vote. This is the voting day, it is very important.” He wore a beige T-shirt and black pants.
Similarly, actress Gautami Kapoor expressed her satisfaction after voting, saying, “I feel great. I think casting a vote is amazing. You feel liberated and I think it is very important for every citizen to vote because every vote makes a huge difference. So, please vote…It’s very important, we can change the country.”

Maharashtra Elections Overview

The voting for the Maharashtra Assembly elections began at 7 a.m. and will conclude at 6 p.m. Polling is taking place across all 288 assembly constituencies. With heightened security in Mumbai, over 4,000 candidates, including 2,086 independents, are contesting the elections. Among the major parties, BJP is contesting 149 seats, Shiv Sena 81, NCP 59, Congress 101, and smaller parties like BSP are also in the fray. The state has approximately 9.7 crore registered voters.

Maharashtra Elections: Here’s How to Download Your Voter Slip in 7 Easy Steps

November 20, 2024, 12:33 pm

Polling began on Wednesday morning for the Maharashtra assembly elections, where the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance aims to retain power, while the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) strives for a comeback. Voting for all 288 assembly seats commenced at 7 AM and will continue until 6 PM, with results to be declared on November 23.

If you’re heading to vote, here’s everything you need to know about voter slips, how to download them, and the required documents.

What is a Voter Slip?

A voter information slip (VIS) is a document issued by the Election Commission before an election. It contains important details about the voter, including:

Name, age, and gender
Assembly constituency
Polling station details (location, room number, date, and time)
QR code for quick verification

While helpful in identifying voters in the electoral roll, the voter slip alone does not serve as proof of identity.

Steps to Download Your Voter Slip Online

To download your voter slip online, follow these seven simple steps:

Step 1: Visit the Election Commission of India’s website: https://voters.eci.gov.in/

Step 2: Go to the “E-EPIC Download” section on the homepage.

Step 3: Register by filling in the required details.

Step 4: Log in using your credentials.

Step 5: Enter your EPIC number (Voter ID card number) and click “Search.”

Step 6: Verify your identity with the OTP sent to your registered mobile number.

Step 7: Download your voter slip.

How to Use the Voter Slip

At the polling station, present your voter slip to the First Polling Officer to locate your name in the electoral roll. However, voters must carry a valid photo ID for identity verification, as the voter slip alone does not confirm identity.

Valid Documents for Voting

Voters must carry one of the following 13 government-approved photo ID documents along with their voter slip to cast their vote:

Voter ID card (with photo)
Aadhaar card
PAN card
Passport
Driving license
MNREGA job card
Pension document (with photo)
Service ID (issued by the government or public sector)
Passbook (with photo, issued by banks or post offices)
Divyang Unique ID card
Health Insurance Smart Card (issued under Ministry of Labour schemes)
MP/MLA official ID card
Smart Card (issued under NPR by RGI)

Can You Vote Without a Voter Slip?

Yes, you can still cast your vote even if you don’t have a voter slip. As long as your name is listed in the electoral roll, you can vote by presenting any of the 13 valid photo ID documents mentioned above.

Make sure to check the required details and carry the appropriate documents before heading to the polling booth!

Maharashtra Elections: BJP’s Vinod Tawde Booked After Cash Found in Hotel Room

November 20, 2024, 10:27 am

As Maharashtra holds its elections today, BJP national general secretary Vinod Tawde has been booked following the discovery of cash at a prominent hotel in Virar, near Mumbai. This comes after allegations from Bahujan Vikas Aaghadi (BVA) president Hitendra Thakur, who is seeking re-election from the Vasai-Virar seat, that Tawde was caught red-handed distributing money to voters. Tawde has denied these claims, calling for a fair inquiry by the Election Commission.

Tawde, who is named in three FIRs, rejected the charges and demanded a thorough investigation. Opposition parties, including the BVA, have strongly criticized the BJP.

On Tuesday, Tawde was booked after election officials and police seized nearly Rs 10 lakh in cash from hotel rooms, along with campaign materials and bottles of liquor. The cash was allegedly meant for voter bribery, a violation of the model code of conduct.

BVA workers, who had accused the BJP of distributing cash, filmed the alleged incident, leading to widespread circulation of the video. Police, acting on the complaint, conducted a search at the Vivanta Hotel in Virar, where they found the money and other items. The BJP’s candidate from Nalasopara, Rajan Naik, was also named in the FIR.

Palghar District Collector Govind Bodke confirmed that cash worth Rs 9.93 lakh, along with liquor and other campaign materials, was recovered after a search based on BVA workers’ complaint. Three FIRs were filed: one for distributing money and liquor, another for violating election rules during the 48-hour silence period before voting, and a third for conducting a press conference that breached election laws.

The BVA has accused Tawde and other BJP members of planning to distribute the cash in Nalasopara, where BVA’s Kshitij Thakur is contesting. Police are examining hotel CCTV footage to corroborate the allegations.

Tawde, for his part, insists he was at the hotel to meet with BJP workers to discuss polling-day logistics. He stated that he was unaware of any wrongdoing and urged the Election Commission to conduct a fair investigation. Despite his defense, the BJP faces mounting pressure from the opposition, who accuse it of attempting to shift attention from what they view as impending defeat in the polls.

BJP leaders, including Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and state president Chandrashekhar Bawankule, have defended Tawde, calling the allegations unfounded and part of an opposition conspiracy. Fadnavis dismissed the claims as a distraction, while Bawankule dismissed them as baseless.

BVA’s Thakur, however, called for immediate action from the Election Commission, claiming he had been informed that Tawde intended to distribute up to Rs 5 crore. The opposition also criticized the hotel for allegedly turning off its CCTV cameras, with some leaders demanding action against both the BJP and the hotel.

Opposition leaders, including Shiv Sena’s Uddhav Thackeray and Congress’s Ramesh Chennithala, have condemned the incident, calling for an arrest and immediate investigation into the cash distribution. Thackeray even referred to the incident as “note jihad,” further fueling the political debate.

Maharashtra Elections: Polling Parties, EVMs Deployed Statewide For Tomorrow’s Voting

November 19, 2024, 10:52 pm

Polling teams departed for their designated booths across Maharashtra on Tuesday as the state gears up for the 2024 Assembly elections to elect a new government. The election marks a high-stakes battle between two major alliances: the ruling Mahayuti, comprising the BJP, the Ajit Pawar-led NCP, and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), which includes Congress, the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SCP), and the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT).

In Nagpur, Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) for the North Nagpur Assembly constituency were stored at Saint Ursula School and dispatched to polling booths earlier today. Returning Officer Swati Desai explained the systematic dispatch process.

“They (polling parties) have been given training twice. This is the third training as well as their dispatch. We have set up a total of 40 tables here. 10-12 polling booths come under each table. We have kept machines as per that on all tables, and according to that we have gotten the machines, kept the material on the table and according to the number of the booth we are giving the material. All polling parties checked their material. If everything is good, we will dispatch them in buses,” Desai said during the EVM checks.

Must Read: Maharashtra Polls: Cash Seized, 3 FIRs Filed in Nalasopara Raid

In the Baramati Assembly constituency, preparations were also in full swing. Baramati Sub Divisional Officer and Returning Officer Vaibhav Navadkar highlighted the measures undertaken for smooth polling. Deputy Chief Minister and NCP leader Ajit Pawar, the sitting MLA from Baramati, faces a tough contest against NCP (SP)’s Yungendra Pawar in the constituency, which has over 386 polling booths.

“In Baramati Assembly Constituency, there are 386 polling booths. The polling parties have been dispatched to their respective polling booths. We have deployed sector officers in 39 sectors…A constable has been assigned to each polling party. The mock poll will start tomorrow at 5:30 in the morning and polling will start at 7 in the morning. All the requisite facilities have been assured at every polling booth. We have established a pink booth also,” said Navadkar.

Must Read: BJP Flags Waved At Priyanka Gandhi During Roadshow In Nagpur,Here’s How She Reacted

Maharashtra heads to the polls tomorrow in an intense electoral battle with significant implications for political players across its 288 Assembly seats. Leaders from both the Mahayuti and MVA alliances conducted extensive campaigns, offering major pre-poll promises. Observers suggest that local factors will play a crucial role in shaping the results.

This is the first Assembly election following the splits in the Shiv Sena and the NCP, making it pivotal for various stakeholders. Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, who lost his Chief Ministerial position after his party split in 2022, aims to make a strong comeback. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, bolstered by welfare measures introduced by the Mahayuti government, seeks to cement his position as the rightful heir to Balasaheb Thackeray’s legacy.

The NCP, which saw a division with Ajit Pawar joining the ruling alliance as Deputy Chief Minister last year, is also in the spotlight. Sharad Pawar, now heading the NCP (SP), has maintained a focused campaign to uphold his enduring political legacy amidst these changes.

Also Read: Anil Deshmukh Injured As Stones Pelted At His Car In Maharashtra

Maharashtra Polls: Cash Seized, 3 FIRs Filed in Nalasopara Raid

November 19, 2024, 9:47 pm

In the wake of a “cash for votes” controversy ahead of the assembly elections in Maharashtra’s Palghar district, police raided a hotel in the Nalasopara assembly constituency on Tuesday. During the operation, cash and diaries were seized, and multiple FIRs were registered.

The Election Commission‘s flying squad participated in the raid, which was initiated following complaints that BJP leaders were allegedly distributing money at a hotel in Virar to influence voters. Workers from both the BJP and the Bahujan Vikas Aghadi (BVA) were found at the hotel during the raid.

“On the upper floors, BJP members were present, while BVA workers were present on lower floors. Some amount of money and a few diaries have been recovered,” said Vasai Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone II) Pournima Chougule.

Following complaints by BVA workers, who accused BJP leaders of distributing cash in violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), the police filed two FIRs. A third FIR was registered for holding a press conference during the silent period, which also contravenes the MCC.

“Three FIRs have been filed under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, and also under the Representation of the People Act, 1951. The situation is under control,” DCP Chougule told ANI.

Maharashtra’s Additional Chief Election Officer Kiran Kulkarni affirmed that “everything is under control” and promised strict action against anyone found violating the MCC.

“The flying squad reviewed the premises and made some seizures. The process of registering an FIR is ongoing. Anyone violating the MCC will face legal action,” Kulkarni said.

Election Commission official Shekhar Ghadge confirmed that a political party meeting was in progress at the hotel.

“We received a complaint regarding a meeting of a political party. When our team arrived, it saw that a meeting was going on. Some cash has been seized. Police have registered two cases. This will not have any impact on the election,” Ghadge said.

However, BJP National General Secretary Vinod Tawde dismissed the allegations made by BVA leaders, asserting that the meeting was solely to discuss election protocols and complaint procedures.

He expressed confidence that the investigation would vindicate him, citing his long-standing association with the BJP.

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“I have been in the party for 40 years. Appa Thakur and Kshitij know me, and the entire party knows me. Still, I believe that the Election Commission should conduct an impartial investigation,” he added.

Maharashtra Elections: BJPs Vinod Tawde Dismisses Cash Distribution Claims

November 19, 2024, 4:35 pm

Bharatiya Janata Party National General Secretary Vinod Tawde on Tuesday said that he dismissed the charge leveled by Bahujan Vikas Aghadi (BVA) that the BJP was “distributing money” ahead of the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections.

“A meeting of MLAs of Nalasopara was underway. I went there to tell them about the Model Code of Conduct for the day of voting, how will voting machines be sealed and how to go about if an objection has to be made. The workers of the party (Bahujan Vikas Aghadi), Appa Thakur and Kshitij thought that we were distributing money. Let the Election Commission and Police inquire, let them get CCTV footage. I have been in the party for 40 years. Appa Thakur and Kshitij know me, and the entire party knows me. Still, I believe that the Election Commission should conduct an impartial investigation,” Tawde said.

This comes after the workers of Bahujan Vikas Aghadi (BVA) on Tuesday created a ruckus outside a hotel located at Nalasopara assembly constituency in Palghar district alleging the BJP of “distributing money.”

The BVA workers created a ruckus outside the Vivanta Hotel in Virar where BJP leader Vinod Tawde was holding a meeting with the party workers. Meanwhile, BVA’s Thakur created a ruckus outside the hotel along with his workers and accused the BJP of distributing money.

Meanwhile, BJP leader Chitra Wagh on Tuesday lashed out at the Congress after the attack on Archana Rothe, who is the sister of BJP MLA Pratap Adsad, hinting at Congress candidate Virendra Jagtap of being complicit. Adsad is contesting the upcoming assembly elections in Maharashtra from Dhamangaon Railway in Amravati.

Wagh, Maharashtra BJP Mahila Morcha President, informed that Archana Rothe was attacked by unknown miscreants who intended to kill her. She said that such incidents would not be tolerated and a “befitting” reply to such people.

“There has been a very deadly attack on Archana Rothe, sister of our candidate and MLA Pratap Adsad. Some unknown miscreants attacked her, wanted to kill her… We will never tolerate such incidents. We will give a befitting reply to such people,” Wagh said.

Also read: Delhi CM Atishi Inspects New Driverless Metro Coaches, Raises Alarm on Severe Air Pollution

Campaigning also concluded for by-elections to 15 assembly constituencies in four states along with Maharashtra’s Nanded Parliamentary Constituency. The polls are scheduled for November 20, with counting set for November 23.

BJP’s ‘Ek Rahenge Toh Safe Rahenge’ Slogan Gains Traction Ahead of Maharashtra Elections

November 12, 2024, 3:45 pm

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla has shared a picture with spiritual leaders, highlighting the party’s latest campaign slogan, “Ek Rahenge Toh Safe Rahenge.” The viral image features Poonawalla wearing a T-shirt with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s photo and the slogan, alongside prominent figures like Baba Ramdev and Bageshwar Baba.

In Divine Company…
With a message that’s imprinted not just on my T Shirt but also my heart..

Ek Rahenge Toh Safe Rahenge.. pic.twitter.com/nk7utiYtL7

— Shehzad Jai Hind (Modi Ka Parivar) (@Shehzad_Ind) November 12, 2024

BJP’s Campaign Gains Momentum

The slogan “Ek Rahenge Toh Safe Rahenge” aligns with the BJP’s ongoing campaign pitch, which includes the slogan “Baatein Toh Kaatein,” aimed at stressing the importance of unity. This messaging has become central to the BJP’s strategy in the lead-up to the Maharashtra Assembly elections scheduled for November 20, with results expected on November 23. The slogan has been adopted by key BJP leaders, including PM Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, during their rallies in Maharashtra and Jharkhand.

At a recent rally in Jharkhand, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took aim at the Congress and its leadership, accusing them of trying to disrupt unity among Scheduled Tribes (ST), Scheduled Castes (SC), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs). Modi alleged that the Congress intended to “seize reservations through malicious intent,” urging voters to stay united. He emphasized, “Ek rahenge toh safe rahenge,” reinforcing the party’s campaign narrative of unity as a safeguard against division.

The BJP’s aggressive messaging with slogans like “Baatein Toh Kaatein” has reportedly caused discomfort among some of its Mahayuti allies, who advocate for a united Maharashtra rather than a divisive rhetoric. This internal tension has led to the emergence of the counter-slogan, “Ek Hai Toh Safe Hai,” within the coalition, emphasizing the importance of solidarity ahead of the crucial assembly polls.

Yogi Adityanath Targets Opposition in Jharkhand

During an election rally in Garhwa’s Bhawnathpur, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath echoed the slogan “Ek Rahenge Toh Safe Rahenge,” warning voters about the dangers of division. He accused the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)-led coalition government of transforming Jharkhand into a “dharmashala” (shelter) for illegal Rohingya and Bangladeshi immigrants. Adityanath criticized the ruling government for fostering corruption, lawlessness, and exploitation of natural resources, reinforcing the BJP’s narrative of unity against external threats.

The Maharashtra Assembly elections, seen as a critical contest, are set to take place on November 20 across all 288 constituencies. With campaigning intensifying, the BJP is doubling down on its unity-focused slogans as part of its strategy to appeal to voters across caste and community lines. Counting of votes is scheduled for November 23, with the results likely to have significant implications for the state’s political landscape.

As the campaign rhetoric heats up, the BJP’s message of “Ek Rahenge Toh Safe Rahenge” seeks to resonate with voters concerned about division and instability, positioning unity as the cornerstone of its electoral pitch.

Ahead of Maharashtra Elections, Raj Thackeray Brings Loudspeaker Debate Back To Fore

November 9, 2024, 11:33 pm

Ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly elections, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray renewed his call for the removal of loudspeakers from mosques across Maharashtra, pledging that, if elected, he would ensure no mosque in the state is equipped with them.

“Loudspeakers that create trouble for people will not be allowed. If they are at a temple and are playing for 365 days, then remove them too. But loudspeakers are not played in temples all the time. People just go to a temple, touch the feet of God and come back within a minute,” Thackeray stated.

He recalled his previous protests against loudspeakers, noting, “I protested against loudspeakers when Balasaheb Thackeray’s son was the Chief Minister. Cases were filed against 17,000 of my workers. I had simply said that if the loudspeakers are not removed, we will recite Hanuman Chalisa in front of mosques.”

Must Read: Eknath Shinde Criticizes MVA Government, Promises Progress

While campaigning for the assembly polls, Thackeray highlighted that he had raised this issue last year, cautioning that his party would recite Hanuman Chalisa across Maharashtra if loudspeakers were not removed. “Give me power, and I will ensure there’s not a single loudspeaker on any mosque in Maharashtra,” he asserted, further alleging that some Muslim leaders were using mosques to issue fatwas calling for votes in favor of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA).

BJP supports loudspeaker demand of Raj Thackeray

On Thursday, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate from the Kankavli assembly constituency, Nitesh Rane, expressed support for MNS chief Raj Thackeray’s stance on removing loudspeakers from mosques, calling them illegal and in violation of a High Court order.

“Look, the loudspeakers that are installed on mosques are all illegal; they violate the High Court’s order. What Raj Thackeray ji is saying, and what every Hindu activist says, is that if there is to be religious harmony in Maharashtra, and if one law is to apply to all religions, then the laws that apply to Hindus must also apply to others,” Rane stated. He emphasized that laws applicable to Hindus should similarly apply to the Muslim community.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Congress chief and party candidate from Sakoli, Nana Patole, criticized Thackeray’s statement, stressing that the Constitution grants individuals the right to practice their religion.

Also Read: Jharkhand Assembly Elections: Rahul Targets Billionaire Bias; Shah Slams Congress ‘Appeasement’

Maharashtra Elections: PM Modi To Address Public Meetings In Dhule, Nashik Today

November 8, 2024, 12:05 am

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to address public meetings in Dhule and Nashik on Friday ahead of the Maharashtra assembly elections. The elections are scheduled for November 20, with vote counting across all 288 constituencies on November 23.

Modi announced his visit on X, stating, “My family members in Maharashtra have resolved to ensure an unprecedented victory for the NDA candidates in the assembly elections. In this atmosphere of enthusiasm, I will seek the blessings of the people by attending public meetings in Dhule at around 12 noon tomorrow and then in Nashik at 2 pm.”

महाराष्ट्र के मेरे परिवारजनों ने विधानसभा चुनाव में एनडीए प्रत्याशियों को अभूतपूर्व जीत दिलाने का दृढ़निश्चय कर लिया है। जोश से भरे इसी माहौल के बीच कल दोपहर करीब 12 बजे धुले में और उसके बाद 2 बजे नासिक में जनसभा का हिस्सा बनकर जनता-जनार्दन का आशीर्वाद प्राप्त करूंगा।

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 7, 2024

Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders gathered in New Delhi to discuss campaign strategies for the upcoming Maharashtra and Jharkhand assembly elections, along with by-polls in various states. This meeting, held on Tuesday, took place in two sessions. Sources report that the first session, led by Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP President JP Nadda, focused on discussing election strategies with allied party ministers for both assembly and by-poll elections. The second phase centered on internal party elections.

Must read: Jharkhand Assembly Elections: BJP Pledges To Refund Sahara Investors

One of the primary goals of this meeting, ahead of the winter session of Parliament, was to enhance coordination within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). A similar gathering had previously been held at BJP President JP Nadda’s residence, where discussions addressed campaign planning, refining party messaging, and fostering stronger alliances with NDA partners.

The opposition Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition, which includes Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and the Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), aims to reclaim control of Maharashtra from the Mahayuti alliance, composed of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, the BJP, and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP faction.

In the 2019 Maharashtra assembly elections, the BJP secured 105 seats, Shiv Sena won 56, and Congress took 44. In the 2014 elections, the BJP held 122 seats, Shiv Sena won 63, and Congress gained 42 seats.

Also Read: Jharkhand Elections: Hemant Soren Government Faces Backlash Over Exam Paper Leaks, JSSC Irregularities

Red Copy Of Constitution Sparks Political Row Between BJP And Congress In Maharashtra

November 7, 2024, 12:22 am

Maharashtra’s political landscape heated up on Wednesday when Congress MP Rahul Gandhi displayed a red-colored copy of the Indian Constitution at a rally in Sangli, prompting a sharp exchange between the BJP and Congress. The red hue, commonly associated with communism, became the focal point of criticism from BJP leaders.

Deputy Chief Minister and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis questioned Gandhi’s intentions, accusing him of attempting to build a coalition of “anarchists.” “What message did Rahul Gandhi want to send by showing a red copy of the Constitution?” Fadnavis asked during the rally.

In response, the Congress dismissed the BJP’s claims, with Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole defending Gandhi’s choice. Patole emphasized that red is also significant in Hinduism, where it is considered auspicious. He accused Fadnavis of making “false allegations” out of nervousness, as Gandhi campaigned in Maharashtra’s Sangli, near BJP strongholds. “Do those who oppose the Constitution have the right to judge whether its copy should be red, yellow, or black?” he added.

Gandhi, who was campaigning for the Congress-NCP(SP)-Shiv Sena (UBT) alliance ahead of the state elections, also addressed the BJP’s stance on nationalism, particularly concerning Left-leaning ideologies. He pointed out that Kerala has a Left-leaning government, and West Bengal has been ruled by the Left for years. “Does that make those who support them anti-national?” Gandhi asked.

The BJP’s accusations were further challenged by Patole, who questioned the party’s authority to issue certificates of patriotism, considering they hold power at the Centre. The row comes ahead of the Maharashtra state elections, with voting scheduled for November 20 and results to be announced on November 23.

Maharashtra: Shiv Sena (UBT)’s Arvind Sawant Booked For Calling Shaina NC ‘Imported Maal’

November 1, 2024, 6:06 pm

Shiv Sena (UBT) Member of Parliament Arvind Sawant has been booked by the Mumbai Police for his controversial remarks against Shaina NC, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena candidate for the Mumbadevi constituency. Shaina NC, formerly a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson, recently joined the Shinde faction after being fielded in the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant has been booked under Sections 354 and 509 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for his derogatory remarks against Shaina NC. Section 354 pertains to assault or criminal force to a woman with intent to outrage her modesty, while Section 509 deals with words, gestures, or acts intended to insult the modesty of a woman.

During a media interaction, Sawant referred to Shaina NC as “imported maal,” a term considered derogatory. He stated, “Look at her condition. She was in the BJP all her life and now has gone to another party. ‘Imported maal’ does not work here; only ‘original maal’ works here.”

The remark sparked widespread criticism. Shaina NC responded, calling Sawant’s statement a reflection of his mentality and asserting that the people would teach him and his party a lesson. She questioned, “Does he think every woman of Mumbadevi is a ‘maal’? You don’t respect a woman. You use such words for a capable woman who is in politics. Now you will be ‘behaal’ (defeated).”

In response to the backlash, Sawant accused Shaina NC and leaders of the ruling Mahayuti coalition of twisting his words to set a fake narrative against him. He clarified, “What I said was Amin Patel is a local and she is an outsider, so this ‘imported maal’ will not be accepted in the Mumbadevi constituency.”

The Mumbadevi constituency, part of the Mumbai South Lok Sabha seat, has been represented by Congress MLA Amin Patel since 2009. Patel is the candidate of the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance, comprising the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress, and NCP (Sharad Pawar faction).

Shaina NC, known as the ‘Queen of Drapes’ for her ability to drape a saree in fifty-four different ways, holds a Guinness World Record for the fastest saree drape. She holds a degree in political science from St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai, and a diploma in fashion design from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York.

Also read: WATCH| ‘Imported Maal’ Remark Sparks Maharashtra Election Fire: Shaina NC Hits Back at Sawant

The Maharashtra assembly elections are scheduled for November 20, with counting on November 23. The contest in Mumbadevi is expected to be closely watched, given the high-profile candidates and recent controversies.

This Year Family Dynasties Dominate Maharashtra, Jharkhand Elections

October 28, 2024, 6:27 pm

The upcoming assembly elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand reveal a notable trend: political families dominate the list of candidates. “This isn’t new,” political commentator Amitabh Tewari observes, adding, “Politics has become corporatized, with a few families wielding control. They understand the system and have substantial financial resources. Why involve outsiders if it doesn’t benefit them?” he asks.

In Jharkhand, the BJP, despite its frequent criticism of political dynasties, has granted tickets to relatives of prominent leaders, including three former chief ministers. Among the candidates are Meera Munda, wife of former BJP chief minister Arjun Munda; Babulal Soren, son of ex-CM Champai Soren; and Purnima Das, daughter-in-law of former BJP CM Raghubar Das. Additionally, Shatrughan Mahto, brother of BJP MP Dullu Mahto, and Ragini Singh, wife of former MLA Sanjeev Singh, are also running.

Further expanding on this trend, the BJP has welcomed several politicians who switched parties or previously lost in the Lok Sabha elections. Notably, Sita Soren, daughter-in-law of Shibhu Soren, has been nominated to contest from Jamtara, known as the “fishing capital of the country.” In another instance, Geeta Koda, wife of ex-CM Madhu Koda, has received the BJP ticket for Jagannathpur.

This level of nepotism has stirred some dissatisfaction within party ranks. Sandeep Verma, a member of the BJP’s state working committee, voiced his discontent, questioning, “Why should Champai Soren and his son both receive BJP tickets?” His concerns led Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, serving as the party’s observer, to address the issue. “There are no splits within the party,” Sarma asserted, adding, “some resentment is natural.”

The Congress and JMM (Jharkhand Mukti Morcha) are also involved in similar practices. Leading this trend in the JMM is Chief Minister Hemant Soren, who is contesting from Barhait while his wife, Kalpana Soren, runs from Gandey, and his brother Basant from Dumka. The party has fielded other family members as well, including Baby Devi, wife of ex-minister Jagannath Mahto, in Dumri, and Hafizul Hasan, son of late minister Haji Hussan Ansari, in Madhupur. Congress MLA Deepika Pandey Singh is recontesting from Mahagama, a seat once held by her father-in-law, former Bihar minister Awadh Bihari Singh. Similarly, Amba Prasad, daughter of former Congress MLA Yogendra Sahu, is running in Barkagaon.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra exemplifies this trend on an even larger scale. As the initial candidate lists for its 288-seat assembly reveal, the elections resemble a family affair. The BJP, for instance, has fielded Sreejaya Chavan, daughter of former Congress CM Ashok Chavan, from Bhokar in Nanded district. Vinod Shelar, brother of Mumbai BJP chief Ashish Shelar, is contesting from Malad West, while Ashish himself is re-running from Bandra West.

The Maharashtra assembly candidate list reflects the influence of roughly 100 political families. The BJP has nominated Sulabha Gaikwad, wife of jailed MLA Ganpat Gaikwad, from Kalyan East. The party also replaced Ashwini Jagtap with her brother-in-law Shankar Jagtap in Pune’s Chinchwad constituency. The Shinde-led Sena nominated Kiran Samant, brother of state minister Uday Samant, for Rajapur, and family members of Shiv Sena MPs Sandipan Bhumare and Ravindra Waikar are also in the running. Aaditya Thackeray, son of Uddhav Thackeray, seeks re-election in Worli, while his cousin Varun Sardesai runs in Bandra East.

The Shiv Sena (UBT) has nominated Sunil Raut, brother of Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut, in Vikhroli. Additionally, the NCP (SP) has announced that Rohit Patil, son of former home minister R R Patil, will contest from Tasgaon-Kavathe Mahankal in Sangli, and Rohit Pawar, grandnephew of Sharad Pawar, will likely seek re-election in Ahilyanagari. In a surprising move, Raj Thackeray, MNS chief, has entered his son Amit for the Mahim seat.

Also read: ‘It Took Generations To Build Unity in Our Family, It Only Takes a Moment to Shatter It’: Ajit Slams Sharad Pawar

Commenting on the trend, Tewari notes, “Switching parties has become normalized because it suits everyone. If one family member loses, another can win from a different party. Changing sides is practically accepted now.”

Maharashtra Congress Pledges ‘Ladki Bahin’ Scheme Boost

October 28, 2024, 5:00 pm

Maharashtra’s senior Congress OBC leader and Leader of Opposition Vijay Wadettiwar announced on Monday that his party would increase the ‘Ladki Bahin’ scheme benefit from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,500 if Congress gains power. “If voted into power, we will increase the amount for the ‘Ladki Bahin’ scheme from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,500,” he promised after filing his nomination from the Bramhapuri Assembly seat.

During his nomination rally, Wadettiwar criticised the government on issues like corruption and inflation. He also addressed the OBC community‘s concerns, vowing to “stand by and protect the interests of the community.”

In his speech, former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister and AICC Vidarbha observer Bhupesh Baghel congratulated Wadettiwar, stating, “The people of Maharashtra have defended the Constitution from BJP’s assault,” and referred to the current political environment as a “trailer before the film” on November 20.

Wadettiwar, a two-term MLA from Bramhapuri since 2014 and former three-term Chimur representative, is set to play a critical role in the Congress campaign across Maharashtra, particularly in Vidarbha.

Also read: Priyanka Gandhi on Wayanad Campaign Rally Recalls Mother Teresa’s Visit

Polling for the 288-member Maharashtra Assembly is scheduled for November 20, with vote counting to take place on November 23.

Factors that will swing Maharashtra elections

October 28, 2024, 12:54 am

Maharashtra currently has a Mahayuti government led by Eknath Shinde. The ruling Mahayuti includes Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena, Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). There are a total of 9 crore 63 lakh voters in Maharashtra. All 288 seats in The state will go to polls in a single phase for all 288 assembly seats. Voting will take place in November 20 and counting will be done on November 23.

Muslim

12 per cent of the population in Maharashtra is Muslim. The number of Muslim voters in 38 seats here is around 20 percent. Muslims are considered influential in 45 seats of North Konkan, Marathwada, Mumbai Thane belt and Western Vidarbha. Mood of Muslim voters will be in favour of Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi win.

Madhav

The BJP-led Mahayuti has its traditional Mali-Dhangar-Vanjari (Madhav) while the biggest electoral weapon of the Congress and its allies is Dalit, Dhangar Maratha-Muslim and Kunbi (DMK).

Vidarbha Perception

It’s also well established fact that the party that the Vidarbha region supports in the assembly elections comes closer to power. Vidarbha region has 10 Lok Sabha and 62 assembly seats. In vidharbha region fight is between the two national parties Congress and BJP.

Maratha

The Maratha community which accounts for about 30% of Maharashtra’s population has been playing a major role in the state’s politics. Maratha leaders of both alliances will face off in Marathwada. Eknath Shinde will face a challenge from Sharad Pawar. Maratha voters are going to be very crucial factor in the upcoming election of Maharashtra.

Caste combination

The Maratha community has a population of 30 percent, Dalits are 12 percent and Muslims are around 13 percent. The OBC population is between 38 and 40 per cent and is divided into different castes. The Brahmin community in Maharashtra has a population of 6 to 8 per cent.

Mali

The Mali community, which is involved in agriculture and horticulture, is around 7-8% of the state’s population. It is particularly dominant in Western Maharashtra and Marathwada. The Dhangar community – which has a background in animal husbandry – is also significant in the state.

Vanjari

Their population of Vanjari community is around 9-12%. They are demanding ST status. The Vanjari community is involved in trade and agriculture. This community is spread across different parts of the state and is politically conscious.

Anti-incumbency vs Pro-incumbency

Mahayuti is claiming that there is Pro-incumbency in Maharashtra. At the same time, the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) claims that there is an atmosphere against the government.

Laadli Behna and Cash

Laadli behna scheme is going to have impact on crores of women voters on Maharashtra. Financial assistance is given to eligible women under this scheme. More than 2.4 crore eligible women have received five months’ installment recently. Financial condition of Maharashtra is not sound. The state’s debt is around Rs 7.8 lakh crore while fiscal deficit is projected to be Rs 2 lakh crore.
Magic figure of 145 is needed to form the government. There are important factors in Maharashtra which are going to be very crucial for all political parties.

Prof. Dr. Vivek Singh, is an eminent political analyst, economist and columnist.

Maharashtra Elections: Congress Reveals Third List Of 16 Candidates

October 27, 2024, 1:04 am

The Congress party on Saturday released its third list of 16 candidates for the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections scheduled for November 20, bringing the total number of candidates announced to 87.

Among those fielded are Rana Dalipkumar Sanada for the Khamgaon seat, Hemant Nanda Chimote for Melghat, Manohar Tulshiram Poreti for Gadchiroli, Manikrao Thakare for Digras, Mohanrao Marotrao Ambade for Nanded South, Nivruttirao Kondiba Kamble for Deglur, Hanmantrao Venjkatrao Patil Betmogarekar for Mukhed, Ejaj Beg Ajij Beg for Malegaon Central, and Shirishkumar Vasantrao Kotwal for Chandvad. The list also includes Lakibhau Bhika Jadhav for Iqatupri, Dayanand Motiram Choraghe for Bhiwandi West, Sachin Sawant for Andheri West, Asif Zakaria for Vandre West, Kuldepp Dhiraj Appasaheb Kdam Patil for Tuljapur, Rajesh Bharat Latkar for Kolhapur North, and Prithviraj Gulabrao Patil for Sangli.

Previously, Congress released its second list of 23 candidates on October 26 and the first list of 48 candidates on October 24.

Must Read: Kejriwal Attacked During Delhi Padyatra, AAP Blames BJP

Earlier this week, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance announced its seat-sharing arrangement for 255 constituencies, allotting 85 seats each to Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) led by Sharad Pawar. The remaining 23 seats will be distributed based on each party’s candidate list.

Maharashtra Congress President Nana Patole confirmed that each alliance partner would contest 85 seats. Meanwhile, both the ruling Mahayuti alliance, comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction), and the NCP led by Ajit Pawar, and the opposition MVA alliance have intensified preparations as the polling date nears.

Nominations for the 288 Assembly seats have opened, with voting on November 20 and results expected on November 23. In the 2019 Maharashtra elections, the BJP won 105 seats, the Shiv Sena secured 56, and Congress claimed 44 seats. In 2014, the BJP took 122 seats, the Shiv Sena won 63, and Congress gained 42.

Also Read: Kejriwal Sparks Power Cut Fears if BJP Wins Delhi Assembly Elections

Maharashtra Elections: NCP Releases Initial Candidate List, Ajit Pawar to Contest from Baramati

October 23, 2024, 1:20 pm

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has announced its first list of candidates for the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections, with party chief Ajit Pawar set to contest from the family’s stronghold, Baramati. The NCP is participating in the elections as part of an alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Shiv Sena.

Voting for the 288 assembly seats will take place in a single phase on November 20, with results expected to be announced on November 23.

On Tuesday, the Shiv Sena also revealed its first list, featuring 45 candidates for the elections. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde will contest from the Kopri-Pachpakhadi Assembly constituency. Other candidates include Manisha Ravindra Waykar for Jogeshwari (East), Suhas Dwarkanath Kande from Nandgao, Pradip Shivnarayan Jaiswal from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Middle), and Balaji Devidasrao Kalyankar from Nanded North. Sada Sarvankar has been nominated to contest from Mahim against Amit Thackeray, son of Raj Thackeray.

During a recent meeting on October 18, the Shiv Sena advocated for CM Shinde to be positioned as the chief ministerial candidate.

As the elections approach, both the ruling Mahayuti alliance—comprising the BJP and the Eknath Shinde faction of the Shiv Sena—and Ajit Pawar-led NCP, along with the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), which includes the Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), and Congress, are ramping up their preparations.

In the 2019 Maharashtra assembly elections, the BJP secured 105 seats, the Shiv Sena won 56, and the Congress garnered 44. In 2014, the BJP claimed 122 seats, the Shiv Sena won 63, and the Congress obtained 42 seats.

Opposition’s Seat-Sharing Dilemma

Leaders from the opposition’s Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance convened in Mumbai late Tuesday night, suggesting that discussions on the seat-sharing arrangement for the assembly elections have reached a conclusion. The MVA includes the Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress, and NCP (Sharad Pawar faction).

However, negotiations, particularly between the Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress, faced obstacles. Senior Congress leader Balasaheb Thorat met with NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) president Sharad Pawar before subsequently engaging with Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray.

The importance of Maharashtra Elections

October 23, 2024, 3:34 am

If winning Haryana was important for the BJP then Maharashtra holds the same existential significance for the INDIA bloc and particularly the Congress party. If you recall the BJP came out of the Lok Sabha polls with a significant decrease in its numbers giving hope to the Opposition that it had a chance in the next round of assembly polls. That hope came to naught when the BJP swept the assembly polls and also managed a good showing in Jammu. If anything it was the Congress that came out demoralised post haryana as it lost a state it could have so easily won. No wonder then, those who saw the Prime Minister’s victory speech at the BJP HQ on the evening of the Haryana results were heard remarking that the PM had got his mojo back. And how !
Now it is the Congress party’s turn to face the electoral test. Not unlike Haryana, Maharashtra is a state where a BJP alliance is in power. However, this is again a state where the Congress and its allies did well in the Lok Sabha and where it fancies a chance of a comeback. This again is exactly what had happened in Haryana as well where the Congress fared well in the Lok Sabha but could not translate its gains in the assembly polls. Can the Congress and its MVA alliance partners challenge the BJP’s lead Mahayuti alliance and win the state for the INDIA bloc.
For this the Congress will have to take some hard decisions. The first is to give the lead to its allies which have a CM face in the form of Uddhav Thackeray. Before the Haryana results the Congress was keen to go in without a CM face and leave the decision on the strength of the winning MLAs. But after the allies have seen the Congress performance in the last round of assembly polls, the general feeling is that the Congress still doesnt have what it takes, to stop the BJP. But the allies have a better success rate as Omar Abdullah proved in the J&K polls recently. This is clearly a calculation that Uddhav Thackeray and his team have made for they are pushing for their leader to be declared the CM candidate before the polls. Ditto for Akhilesh Yadav who went ahead and announced candidates for 6 of the 10 bypolls in Uttar Pradesh without waiting for the Congress to negotiate the seats it wanted.
This brings us back to the Congress and to Rahul Gandhi. It is not as if the Congress did not wage a good campaign in Haryana. In hindsight one can question the unipolar focus on the Jaat vote etc but it was not as if the Congress was ignoring the OBC and SC/ST vote bank. Rahul himself lead the demand for a caste census while the Congress also focused on the farmers, the soldiers and the youth. They talked about the agniveer, the farm bills and the unproductive economy, and this did hit a chord on the ground as one saw from the rallies. Again, was the Congress wrong in promoting Bhupinder Singh Hooda as its tallest leader and the most probable CM face ? He was the party’s tallest leader and a former CM. While Kumari Selja did hit a chord with the Dalits at being sidelined, Hooda’s on ground popularity should have been enough to counter this. But it did not and the BJP’s narrative of Jaats Vs the Rest won the state.
But by and large the Congress campaign covered all the crucial issues of the day, both at the state level and the national level. What it lacked however was a credible face to sell this narrative. The fault is as much Hooda’s as it is with the Central leadership and here the buck stops with Rahul Gandhi. Despite his on ground connect and increasing popularity he still hasn’t been able to convince the voter that he is the best alternative to Narendra Modi. And if the MVA alliance loses Maharashtra, then rightly or wrongly, the allies will blame the Congress. That is the immediate dilemma before Rahul Gandhi – how involved should he get in the Maharashtra campaign? What are the issues the Congress needs to raise – will attacking Adani-Ambani work in the state that houses the financial capital of the country? And should he let the allies take the lead and announce Uddhav Thackeray as the CM face?

Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot appointed as senior observers for Maharashtra elections

October 16, 2024, 3:38 am

With the announcement of by-elections in other states including Maharashtra-Jharkhand, Congress has come into election mode. Senior leader of the state and former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has been given the responsibility of Senior Observer of Konkan Division by the Congress Party. While former Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot has been given the responsibility of Senior Observer of Marathwada Division along with Uttam Kumar Reddy. Ashok Gehlot was the senior observer in the Haryana Assembly elections. While Pilot was made a star campaigner in Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir. After Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir elections, now both the leaders will also work in Maharashtra elections.
Voting will be held in Maharashtra on November 20. After the defeat in Haryana Assembly elections, Congress now does not want to leave any kind of deficiency at the ground level in Maharashtra elections. Therefore, now senior observers have been made at the division level and big leaders have been given responsibility. Usually, in assembly elections, the responsibility of senior observers is given at the state level. Giving division level responsibility to leaders like Gehlot and Pilot and making them senior observers is also being considered a part of this strategy. This is being linked to the micromanagement of Congress.
Meanwhile, with the announcement of by-elections on seven assembly seats in Rajasthan, the All India Congress Committee has given the responsibility of different assembly constituencies to the AICC secretaries in Rajasthan. State in-charge Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa has issued an order in this regard. According to this, Chiranjeevi Rao has been given the responsibility of Jhunjhunu, Ramgarh and Khinvsar. Ritwik Makwana has been given the responsibility of Salumbhar and Chaurasi seats. While Poonam Paswan has been given the responsibility of Dausa and Deoli Uniara seats.

Maharashtra to Vote in Single Phase on November 20; Jharkhand to Conduct Elections in Two Phases

October 15, 2024, 3:58 pm

The Election Commission has announced that Maharashtra will hold its Assembly elections in a single phase on November 20, 2024. Voters across the state will have the opportunity to cast their ballots, with counting set for November 23.

In contrast, Jharkhand will conduct its elections in two phases. The first phase will take place on November 13, followed by the second phase on November 20. Similar to Maharashtra, vote counting in Jharkhand will occur on November 23.

These elections are critical for both states, as they come amidst dynamic political landscapes and ongoing party campaigns. The Election Commission is committed to ensuring a smooth and fair electoral process, with arrangements being put in place for voter education and awareness initiatives.

Political parties in both states are expected to intensify their campaigns leading up to the voting dates, presenting their manifestos and engaging with constituents to secure support. The results on November 23 will be significant in determining the future governance of Maharashtra and Jharkhand.

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.