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BJP Triumphs In Maharashtra: Why the UK Is Watching The Election Results Closely!

November 23, 2024, 12:08 pm

The results of the Maharashtra Assembly elections began trending in the United Kingdom on the morning of Saturday, November 23. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Mahayuti alliance has crossed the halfway mark in the state’s 288-seat assembly, according to the latest trends. Search activity related to the election was predominantly from England, with Scotland also showing significant interest. Maharashtra, India’s financial capital and the country’s wealthiest state by GDP per capita, has a large expatriate community in the UK, making these results particularly significant for both local and international observers.

Mahayuti Alliance Set to Retain Power

The Mahayuti coalition, which includes the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), the BJP, and smaller allies, has secured 209 seats in the state legislature, comfortably surpassing the majority mark of 145 seats. Eknath Shinde, the current chief minister, is projected to continue leading the government, consolidating the position of the ruling alliance in Maharashtra. Despite projections of anti-incumbency sentiments, the Mahayuti has emerged victorious, demonstrating its continued support among voters.

MVA Struggles to Make a Mark

On the other hand, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), an opposition coalition of Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) led by Sharad Pawar, had positioned itself as a unified front against the ruling Mahayuti. However, the alliance’s campaign appears to have failed to capture the electorate’s imagination, as reflected in the current trends. The MVA, despite efforts to present a strong alternative, struggled to make a significant impact.

High Voter Turnout Reflects Engagement with the Election

Maharashtra saw a notable increase in voter turnout during this year’s election. According to data from the Election Commission of India (ECI), the state recorded a 66.05% voter turnout in this single-phase election, marking a rise from 61.1% in the previous 2019 assembly elections. The surge in voter participation highlights the public’s active engagement in the democratic process, despite concerns over anti-incumbency factors.

Implications for Maharashtra’s Future

As Maharashtra continues to be a key economic engine for India, the election results are expected to have a significant impact not only on the state’s political landscape but also on its economic trajectory. With the ruling Mahayuti alliance poised to continue its governance, the direction of economic policies, particularly in sectors like finance, infrastructure, and agriculture, will be closely watched. Additionally, the results will have ripple effects within Maharashtra’s diaspora communities in the UK, many of whom have a vested interest in the state’s growth and political stability.

The final results will shape the future of Maharashtra as both a political and economic powerhouse within India and abroad.

Salman Khan Casts His Vote Amid Death Threats, Stops for Photos With Fans Outside Polling Booth

November 20, 2024, 5:25 pm

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan fulfilled his civic duty by casting his vote in the Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024. The actor was seen arriving at his designated polling booth in Mumbai under heightened security measures due to ongoing threats.

Videos circulating on social media captured Salman stepping out of his car, dressed in a grey t-shirt, jeans, and a black cap, as he made his way to the polling station. Despite the heavy security, the actor paused to pose for photographs with fans outside the booth.

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Salman Under Radar

Salman Khan has been under constant security due to threats linked to the 1998 blackbuck poaching case. Recently, an alleged member of Lawrence Bishnoi’s gang issued a threat against him while claiming responsibility for politician Baba Siddique’s death. The Mumbai Police responded by increasing Salman’s security, ensuring his safety during public appearances.

Salman wasn’t the only star exercising his democratic rights. Several Bollywood celebrities, including Kareena Kapoor Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, Akshay Kumar, Kartik Aaryan, and Kiara Advani, were spotted at polling stations throughout the day.

Salman’s Upcoming Film: Sikandar

On the work front, Salman Khan is gearing up for his next film, Sikandar, alongside Rashmika Mandanna. Directed by A.R. Murugadoss and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, the film is slated for release on Eid 2025. The combination of Murugadoss’s distinctive directorial style and Nadiadwala’s production expertise has already created substantial buzz around the project.

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 Polls: Bahujan Vikas Aghadi Alleges BJP Leader Involved in Cash Distribution to Sway Voters

November 19, 2024, 3:09 pm

Just hours before Maharashtra heads to polls, the Bahujan Vikas Aghadi (BVA) has accused BJP leaders, including general secretary and former minister Vinod Tawde, of distributing cash to influence voters. The allegations center around a hotel in Virar, Palghar district, where BJP candidate from Nalasopara, Rajan Naik, was reportedly seen distributing cash in Tawde’s presence.

Kshitij Thakur, sitting MLA from BVA, arrived at the hotel with his supporters, leading to chaotic scenes. Videos circulating online show BVA supporters waving currency notes in front of Tawde and claiming to have found envelopes containing cash and diaries at the venue.

Congress Amplifies Allegations with Viral Video

The Congress has also weighed in, sharing videos purportedly from the hotel and accusing the BJP of using “money power” to influence the elections. In a post on X, the Congress stated, “Even top leaders are involved. The Election Commission should take note and strict action.”

The BJP has strongly refuted the claims, describing them as a “political stunt” by the BVA on the eve of elections. The party stated that Tawde was at the hotel for a routine meeting with party workers to discuss poll preparations.

Calling for an investigation, BJP leaders urged the Election Commission to review CCTV footage of the incident. “This is nothing but a gimmick,” a senior BJP leader remarked.

High-Stakes Maharashtra Assembly Polls

Maharashtra votes on Wednesday in what promises to be a closely fought election. In the 2019 Assembly polls, the NDA alliance of BJP and undivided Shiv Sena secured a landslide victory, winning 161 of the 288 seats. However, the alliance fell apart over disagreements on rotational chief ministership, leading to political realignments.

After parting ways, Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray joined forces with Congress and Sharad Pawar’s NCP to form the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government. This coalition collapsed in 2022 after a mutiny led by Eknath Shinde, which split the Shiv Sena. Shinde later aligned with the BJP, forming the current ruling coalition.

Further divisions emerged within the NCP when Ajit Pawar broke away and joined the BJP-Shinde coalition, creating two rival factions of both Shiv Sena and NCP ahead of these elections.

In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections earlier this year, the Opposition alliance of Congress, Sena (UBT), and NCP (Sharad Pawar) performed well, winning 30 of Maharashtra’s 48 seats. The Mahayuti alliance, comprising BJP, Shinde’s Sena, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction, managed 17 seats.

This Assembly election is being seen as a prestige battle, with the MVA looking to build on its Lok Sabha success, while Mahayuti aims to reclaim dominance. With both alliances pulling out all the stops, the election is set to be a significant indicator of Maharashtra’s political future.

Maharashtra Polls Will Determine Whether State Follows Legacy of Shivaji Maharaj or Path of Aurangzeb: Amit Shah

November 15, 2024, 9:36 pm

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday launched a scathing attack on Congress leader and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, challenging him to praise Veer Savarkar and Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray.

“Aghadi is an army of liars. Rahul Baba, please praise your friend Uddhav Thackeray‘s father, the great Balasaheb Thackeray, for two minutes. Uddhav ji, if you have the courage, get Rahul Baba to speak two good words about Veer Savarkar and Balasaheb,” Shah said while addressing a rally in Hingoli.

The Union Home Minister said the assembly polls in Maharashtra would determine whether the state follows the legacy of Shivaji Maharaj or the path of Aurangzeb for the next five years.

“The upcoming election will decide whether Maharashtra follows the path of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Veer Savarkar or the path of Aurangzeb. Our Mahayuti alliance has chosen the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Veer Savarkar without any hesitation, while the Aghadi alliance seems to be an Aurangzeb fan club. Modi ji built the Ram temple and also reconstructed the Kashi Vishwanath corridor, which had been demolished by Aurangzeb,” Shah said.

Amit Shah also mocked Rahul Gandhi, likening him to a plane that has repeatedly crashed.

“Sonia ji has tried to land the plane named Rahul Baba 20 times, and 20 times it has crashed. Now, another attempt is being made to land it for the 21st time in Maharashtra. Sonia ji, please note that your Rahul aircraft will crash once again in the Maharashtra assembly elections,” he quipped.

Referring to the recently concluded Haryana elections, where the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured a third consecutive term, Shah criticised the Congress for its overconfidence in winning Maharashtra.

“In the Haryana elections, Rahul Gandhi claimed victory prematurely. Such arrogance, especially in a democracy, is unacceptable. Ultimately, Congress was wiped out, and the BJP formed the government. In Maharashtra too, the Mahayuti will form the government,” Shah asserted.

Touching upon the Ram temple issue and the Waqf Board controversy, Shah said, “For 70 years, Congress obstructed the construction of the Ram temple at Ayodhya, but Modi ji made it a reality. In Karnataka, the Waqf Board declared villages, temples, farmers’ lands, and people’s houses as Waqf properties. We have introduced a bill to amend the Waqf Act, but Sharad Pawar and his allies are opposing it.”

“You can oppose it as much as you want, but the Modi government will amend the Waqf Act with full force,” he added.

Shah also dismissed Congress’s resolution to reinstate Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, asserting it would never happen.

“Rahul Baba’s Congress party has passed a resolution in Kashmir to bring back Article 370. Rahul Baba, listen carefully–neither you nor your fourth generation will be able to bring back Article 370,” Shah said.

Exuding confidence in the NDA’s prospects, Shah said the people of Maharashtra support the alliance.

“I have come to tell the people of Maharashtra that the entire country stands with Modiji. Every sister in Maharashtra is with Eknath Shinde and Devendra Fadnavis, and every underprivileged citizen supports the NDA. In the coming days, a Mahayuti government will be formed in Maharashtra. This government, led by Eknath Shinde and Devendra Fadnavis, is dedicated to serving the poor,” Shah said.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday targeted MVA partners at an election rally here and said Congress and the undivided NCP led by Sharad Pawar had “diverted and kept hanging” the issue of construction of grand Ram Temple at Ayodhya.

He also targeted Shiv Sena (UBT) led by Uddhav Thackeray, claiming that the party led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is “the real Shiv Sena.”
“On one side, Uddhavji says that – my Shiv Sena (Shiv Sena – UBT) is the real Shiv Sena. I want to ask him, can the real Shiv Sena ever oppose renaming Aurangabad as Shambhaji Nagar?… Uddhav Babu, your Sena is just Uddhav Sena, and the real Shiv Sena is with the BJP,” Shah said.

Shiv Sena saw a split in 2022 with Eknath Shinde leading a group of leaders and MLAs in revolt against Uddhav Thackeray, which also led to the toppling of Maha Vikas Aghadi government.

Shah said the pran prathishta of the Ram Temple was done during the tenure of Modi government.

“Congress and Sharad Pawar’s party kept the issue of Ram Temple in Ayodhya stalled, hanging and diverted for 70 years. In 5 years, Modi Ji not only won the case but performed the Bhoomi Pujan, constructed the temple and also did the Pran Pratishtha,” he added.

The Ram Lalla idol was unveiled at the Pran Pratishtha ceremony after the hour-long rituals in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who led the ceremony on January 22 in Uttar Pradesh’s Ayodhya.

Shah also referred to the resolution passed by Jammu and Kashmir assembly for restoration of special status.
“Rahul Baba’s Congress party has passed a resolution in Kashmir to bring back Article 370. Rahul Baba, listen carefully, not only you but even your fourth generation cannot bring back Article 370. Kashmir is an integral part of India, no power in the world can separate Kashmir from India. This is the resolve of BJP and Modi ji,” Shah said.

He sought votes for the BJP candidate.

“You have to push the button of Lotus for Kishan Maruti Wankhede on November 20… but why you have to vote for Lotus? Because there are two camps like Mahabharata – Pandavs and Kauravs. One stands with truth and the other with falsehood,” Shah said.

Shah claimed that Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge had cautioned Congress chief ministers against making untenable promises.
“Rahul Baba used to say that his government would credit money in the accounts of the people instantly. You were unable to fulfil your promises in Himachal, Karnataka, and Telangana, and hence, Kharge Ji had to caution Congress against making untenable promises. However, Modi ji’s promises are sacrosanct. We have promised that sisters will get Rs 2100 under the Ladki Bahin Yojana. They will get two gas cylinders free of cost,” he said.

Shah also took a dig at Rahul Gandhi.

“Soniaji tried to land the plane named Rahul Baba 20 times, and now she is trying for the 21st time, but this time too, it will crash at the Nagpur airport. Your one vote will strengthen the future of India, prosper the farmers, and give my sisters their rights and respect,” he said.

He also took a swipe at former Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde’s purported remarks about the situation in Kashmir during his tenure.

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“When Sushil Shinde was the (Union) Home Minister, he was afraid of going to Lal Chowk (Jammu and Kashmir). Shinde sahab, you were afraid at that time, but now I say that you should take your family to Kashmir and roam around in a Shikara, there is no reason to worry now.”

The Home Minister said Modi government has worked to make the country safe and prosperous.
Maharashtra will go to the polls on November 20 and votes will be counted on November 23.

MVA Fights Adani’s Dharavi Redevelopment

November 15, 2024, 4:52 pm

With the Maharashtra election campaign reaching its peak, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) has turned the fight for Dharavi into a prestige battle, rallying all its forces to secure a win for Congress candidate Jyoti Gaikwad. Dharavi has become central to MVA’s political narrative against the ruling Mahayuti government, with top alliance leaders spotlighting the contentious Dharavi redevelopment project to attack the BJP-led coalition.

From the start of the campaign, Dharavi has been at the forefront of the MVA’s strategy, with leaders like Rahul Gandhi, Aaditya Thackeray, and Uddhav Thackeray repeatedly accusing the government of favoring its “crony capitalist friends” through the redevelopment project.

Taking a jab at the Mahayuti government, Maharashtra Congress in-charge Ramesh Chenithalla told the ITV network, “The Mahayuti government is the most corrupt government and it will be seen nowhere after polls.”

He also accused the Mahayuti government of handing over Dharavi’s lands to businessman Gautam Adani. “Gautam Adani wanted Dharavi. And today he is the most powerful person in Maharashtra,” Chenithalla said, referencing NCP AP chief Ajit Pawar’s remarks that Adani was present at a meeting at Sharad Pawar’s residence in Delhi in 2019, where top BJP leaders were also present.

High Stakes for Congress Candidate Jyoti Gaikwad

Jyoti Gaikwad, sister of Mumbai Congress President Varsha Gaikwad, has garnered significant backing from MVA’s top leaders, elevating Dharavi into a high-stakes contest for the alliance.

Prominent leaders, including Aaditya Thackeray from Shiv Sena (UBT), Jitendra Awhad from NCP, Varsha Gaikwad, and Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, have been actively campaigning in the constituency. Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi, a key Muslim face of the party, also campaigned in the area, which has a sizeable minority voter base. Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot held rallies in Dharavi to bolster support.

These collective efforts aim to connect with Dharavi’s diverse demographic groups, including migrant communities, small traders, and the working class, highlighting MVA’s commitment to inclusivity, according to party insiders.

Adani Dharavi Redevelopment Project Under Fire

At the heart of the election lies the controversial Adani Dharavi Redevelopment Project. The plan to modernize one of Asia’s largest slums has drawn sharp criticism from residents and local leaders, who fear displacement and loss of livelihoods.

The Gaikwad family, deeply rooted in the constituency, has taken a firm stance against the project. Speaking at rallies, Jyoti Gaikwad stated, “Dharavi’s redevelopment must prioritize the rights and welfare of its residents. No project should move forward at the expense of their homes, livelihoods, or community fabric.”

Her opposition has resonated with voters, many of whom view her as a champion of their interests. Her campaign emphasizes a redevelopment plan that is transparent, inclusive, and beneficial for Dharavi’s residents.

Meanwhile, the Mahayuti candidate, seen as a supporter of the Adani project, faces the challenge of addressing voters’ growing concerns.

Dharavi: A Symbol of Mumbai’s Spirit

With its rich cultural diversity and dense population, Dharavi is not just a constituency but a symbol of Mumbai’s resilience and vibrancy.

The MVA’s united front and the Gaikwad family’s grassroots approach have made this election a litmus test for the alliance’s ability to counter BJP’s narrative in Maharashtra.

Maharashtra will go to the polls on November 20, with vote counting scheduled for November 23.

LOCAL ISSUES RATHER THAN NATIONAL DIATRIBE IN MAHARASHTRA POLLS

November 13, 2024, 4:40 am

Elections for the state of Maharashtra and Jharkhand are underway along with a crucial set of bypolls in Uttar Pradesh and of course the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat. What is interesting is the poll rhetoric this time around is more centered on local rather than national issues. In Maharashtra specially it is welfare schemes and infrastructure projects that dominate the discourse with the occasional appeals to caste and communal vote banks. One reason for this could be that the electioneering is largely left to the regional parties and is not a straight Congress vs BJP fight. In fact, apart from writing a course correcting newspaper editorial, Rahul Gandhi is not the face of the Congress party’s Maharashtra campaign. The campaign is divided between Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul and also Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. One reason could be that the Maha Vikar Aghadi allies don’t want the campaign to derail from local issues to a Rahul Vs Modi fight. It’s a good strategy as post Haryana there is a fear that this battle usually ends up in Modi’s favour.
As far as the BJP is concerned the Prime Minister has entered the poll arena in the last week and is tipped to address 9 rallies. He tried to address the caste divide with his ek hain toh safe hain slogan, which has both a casteist and a communal overtone. The MVA is batting for caste census and maratha reservations. Activist Manoj Jarange is campaigning in favour of the MVA on this plank. But having learnt from Haryana the dangers of making the campaign one community centric the Congress is letting the NCP (Sharad Pawar) take the lead on this issue
The bypolls in Uttar Pradesh are being contested largely between the state BJP government led by Yogi Adityanath and the Samajwadi Party. The COngress is not contesting a single seat. Again here as well local issues dominate though Yogi has raised some hackles with his batenge toh katenge slogan.
The silver lining here is that the campaign is being fought on local issues which is as it should be. For instance in Mumbai it is the Dharavi Slum redevelopment, the coastal road, the bullet train and the metro, FDI and the loss of big ticket projects such as the Vedanta Foxconn project or the GIFT city to Gujarat that are the talking points. The sitting Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s track record is being compared to that of Uddhav Thackeray’s. It is governance that is on the table rather than divisive rhetoric of hindutva and hate. That by itself is a win for the people of Maharashtra.

Maharashtra Polls: PM Modi Slams Congress, Accuses It of Divisive Politics

November 12, 2024, 7:18 pm

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on the Congress party during a rally in Chimur, Maharashtra, claiming that the party’s ‘shahi parivar’ (royal family) believes it was “born to rule India.” Modi, currently campaigning in poll-bound Maharashtra and Jharkhand, accused the Congress of perpetuating caste and class-based politics since India’s independence, which he argued has hindered the progress of Dalits, backward classes, and Adivasis.

Allegations on Congress’ Stance on Reservations

In his remarks, Modi criticized Congress for its historic opposition to reservations for marginalized communities. He referred to a controversial advertisement from the 1980s, released under the leadership of then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, which questioned the special rights afforded to Dalits, backward classes, and Adivasis. Modi said this advertisement had resurfaced on social media, demonstrating Congress’s long-standing discomfort with reservations.

Modi warned that Congress’s tactics aimed to divide tribal communities and undermine their identity and unity. He urged voters not to fall for these divisive strategies, asserting, “Unity is our strength, and if unity falters, Congress will undermine your reservation rights.”

Criticism of Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) Alliance

The Prime Minister also took aim at the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance, calling it the “biggest player of corruption” in Maharashtra. Modi claimed that the MVA was obstructing the state’s progress and hindering its rapid development. “The Aghadi has practically earned a PhD in obstructing development,” he said, adding that Congress holds a “double PhD” in this regard. He described the MVA as the foremost players in corruption and a significant barrier to Maharashtra’s advancement.

On the issue of Kashmir, Modi reiterated his government’s stance on the abrogation of Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. He emphasized that it took seven decades to unify India under a single Constitution, and he challenged Congress and its allies, asking, “Will you allow Congress and its allies to restore Article 370 in Kashmir?” He stressed that the removal of Article 370 had ended separatism and terrorism in the region and fully integrated Kashmir into India’s constitutional framework.

Cash Worth ₹2.5 Crore Seized In Navi Mumbai Ahead Of Maharashtra Polls

November 12, 2024, 6:22 am

Thane Police seized approximately Rs 2.5 crore in cash from a row-house in Sector 16 of Nerul, Navi Mumbai, in an operation conducted under the model code of conduct for the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections scheduled for November 20, officials reported on Monday.

The cash was confiscated in a joint operation between the Election Commission and Thane Police. “We have seized the cash from a row-house. We are investigating whose money it is and where it came from. The seizure was made jointly by the Election Commission and the police,” Senior Inspector Bramhanand Naikwadi told ANI.

Further details regarding the investigation are awaited. The Maharashtra Assembly elections are set for November 20, with vote counting to take place on November 23.

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Maharashtra Polls: MVA Releases Manifesto, Promises Caste Census and Monthly Aid for Women

November 10, 2024, 2:09 pm

The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition—comprising Congress, Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), and Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (SCP)—unveiled its manifesto for the Maharashtra Assembly elections on Sunday, with Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge leading the launch event in Mumbai. The manifesto outlines ‘five guarantees’ aimed at social and economic welfare, including a commitment to conducting a caste-based census in Maharashtra and removing the 50% cap on reservations.

Key Promises: Mahalaxmi Scheme and Farm Support

The MVA has pledged financial support under the ‘Mahalaxmi Scheme,’ promising a monthly Rs 3000 aid for women and free bus rides for women across the state. Additionally, the opposition alliance vowed to provide a Rs 25 lakh health cover to farmers and waive off farm loans. As an incentive for timely loan repayment, farmers would receive Rs 50,000.

Kharge highlighted these guarantees as measures for comprehensive welfare, stating, “Our five guarantees will benefit all in Maharashtra, including Rs 3000 per month for women and free bus services.” The MVA estimates that each family would receive an annual aid of about Rs 3 lakh under their schemes.

Intensifying Electoral Battle

With Maharashtra’s 288-seat Assembly polls scheduled for November 20 and counting on November 23, the political contest between the MVA and the ruling Mahayuti alliance—consisting of BJP, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar-led NCP—heats up. The BJP also released its manifesto earlier in the day, presenting 25 commitments for Maharashtra if re-elected.

NCP Shakeup: Umesh Patil Resigns Ahead Of Maharashtra Polls—What’s Next?

October 23, 2024, 3:56 am

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], October 23: In a major setback for the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), chief spokesperson Umesh Patil has tendered his resignation ahead of the crucial Maharashtra polls.

Meeting with Sharad Pawar

The unexpected development occurred on Tuesday during Patil’s meeting with NCP-SCP Chief Sharad Pawar at the YB Chavan Centre in Mumbai. Following this meeting, Patil formally submitted his resignation to NCP President Sunil Tatkare.

Ongoing Negotiations Among Alliances

As the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) partners engage in negotiations to resolve seat-sharing disputes, Maharashtra Congress President Nana Patole expressed optimism. “We are hopeful that this will be the final meeting for seat-sharing,” Patole stated, referring to his discussions with Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray.

Upcoming Polls and Candidate Lists

Balasaheb Thorat, another party leader, assured that the candidate list for the assembly polls would be released soon. “We have a time limit, and the list will be finalized shortly,” Thorat added.

BJP Strengthens Position

In a related political shift, former Maharashtra minister and BJP leader Rajkumar Badole joined the Ajit Pawar-led NCP on October 22, a move that may influence the electoral landscape.

Polling Dates

Maharashtra assembly elections are set for November 20, with results for all 288 constituencies to be counted on November 23. In the 2019 elections, the BJP secured 105 seats, the Shiv Sena won 56, and the Congress obtained 44.