Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) leader Jitendra Awhad on Friday alleged that 201 of the 386 polling booths in Parli, the constituency of Maharashtra Minister Dhananjay Munde, were "captured" in the Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024, which took place in November. Awhad, a former state minister, was speaking at a press conference along with Rajesaheb Deshmukh, the NCP (SP) candidate who lost to Munde from Parli in Beed district, news agency PTI reported. The law-and-order situation in the central Maharashtra district is in news after the murder of sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh last month created a huge political row. After the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections, it was noticed that 122 of 386 booths in the district were very sensitive, and the Bombay High Court had directed that extra security be provided at these booths, said Awhad, adding that the district collector, superintendent of police and the Election Commission should have abided by the court order. "But nothing happened. Two-hundred-and-one booths were attacked and captured, including the 122 very sensitive ones where no security was provided," he alleged. According to Deshmukh, there were many instances in Parli during the Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024 where voters had their fingers inked without having cast a vote, PTI reported. "The voter comes to the booth, he has to show his Aadhaar card, his finger is inked, and he is asked to go, not to cast his vote. Only one person votes in the booth. CCTV cameras have no connection [to the main control room]," he alleged. The police in Beed were hand in glove with anti-social elements, Deshmukh said, claiming that a false case of assaulting a poll official was registered against his son. "There is no rule of law in Beed district," he added. This situation was prevailing ever since Munde became guardian minister of the district during the last government, he further claimed. Awhad demanded an investigation against the then collector and superintendent of police when alleged booth capturing took place, PTI reported. While Munde polled 1,94,889 votes, 75 per cent of the total, in Parli, Deshmukh stood second with 54,665 votes in the Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024. The opposition has been demanding Munde's resignation after his close aide Walmik Karad was arrested in an extortion case linked to last month's brutal murder of Massajog Sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh in Beed district. (With PTI inputs)
10 January,2025 08:39 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Friday assured the Bombay High Court that it would clear the dues to Mumbai, Pimpri Chinchwad and Navi Mumbai Police in two weeks for security cover provided during matches, reported the PTI. The cricket board said it owed Rs 1.7 crore to the Pimpri Chinchwad police, Rs 3.3 crore to the Navi Mumbai police and Rs 1.03 crore to the Mumbai Police. "BCCI undertakes to pay these amounts within a period of two weeks," it said in an affidavit submitted in reply to a petition filed by activist Anil Galgali, as per the PTI. Anil Galgali had filed a plea challenging the Maharashtra government's June 2023 decision reducing the rate fixed for police protection provided to the Indian Premier League (IPL), T20 and other cricket matches with a retrospective effect from 2011. The activist, in the petition, objected to the circular having a retrospective effect from 2011 as then the arrears pending would also be reduced. In its affidavit, the BCCI said it was committed to making all payments that it owed the authorities. "The BCCI has no intention of depriving the police of the amount owed to them and undertakes to make the payment of the disputed amount not later than 90 days of the reconciliation of the accounts with the concerned police authorities," the affidavit said, according to the PTI. The cricket body said it only incurs liability for qualifiers, eliminators and final matches of the IPL, women's premier league matches, and any other match conducted in exceptional circumstances. It further sought that the petition be dismissed, claiming that the question of how much charges should be levied for police protection for cricket matches was a policy decision. The bench posted the matter for further hearing on February 11. The state government filed its affidavit in November last year, saying the decision was taken considering the financial benefits to the state exchequer in conducting such matches in Maharashtra. It also claimed that the security fees charged in other states were lesser. As per Anil Galgali's plea, the police were yet to recover Rs 14.82 crore from the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) for the IPL matches held from 2013 to 2018 at the city's Wankhede and Brabourne stadiums, the news agency reported. According to two Government Resolutions issued in 2017 and 2018, the organisers had to pay around Rs 66 to 75 lakh per T20 and one-day match and Rs 55 lakh for a test match held at Wankhede and Brabourne. However, in June 2023, the government issued a new GR reducing the price for a T20 and one-day match to Rs 25 lakh, the plea said. The petition stated that the GR had a retrospective effect from 2011, and thus, it waived the arrears to be paid by the organisers. (with PTI inputs)
10 January,2025 07:54 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Minister Dhananjay Munde, who is under fire over the Beed Sarpanch murder, on Friday met his party colleague, senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Chhagan Bhujbal in Mumbai. In a post on X, Munde said Bhujbal held the Food and Civil Supplies portfolio, which is now with Munde, for several years, and he wanted to seek his blessings and guidance. The Opposition has been demanding Munde's resignation after his close aide Walmik Karad was arrested in an extortion case linked to the last month's brutal murder of Massajog sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh in Beed district. Bhujbal, a prominent leader of the Other Backward Classes (OBC) of NCP, led by deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, has been sulking as he found no place in the new Mahayuti government in the state following the November 20 Assembly elections. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
10 January,2025 07:52 PM IST | MumbaiCentral Railway on Friday, while sharing Mumbai local train updates, said that it will operate mega block to carry out various engineering and maintenance works on Sunday, January 12. The Central Railway also shared the details of the services those would be affected during the block period. An official statement said, the Central Railway's Mumbai Division will operate mega block on its suburban sections for carrying out various engineering and maintenance works on Sunday. Main Line Block Section: 5th & 6th lines between Vidyavihar and Thane stations from 08.00 am to 12.30 pm Diversion of UP Mail/Express trains Following UP Mail/Express trains will be diverted on UP Fast line at Thane, will be re-diverted on 6th line at Vidyavihar station and will arrive destination 10 to 15 mins late. Train no 13201 Patna-LTT ExpressTrain no 17221 Kakinada-LTT Express Diversion of DOWN Mail/Express trains Following DOWN Mail/Express trains will be diverted on DOWN fast line at Vidyavihar station, will be re-diverted at Thane on 5th line and handed over 10 to 15 mins late. - Train no 11055 LTT-Gorakhpur Express- Train no 11061 LTT-Jaynagar Pawan Express - Train no 16345 LTT-Tiruvanathapuram Netravati Express UP and DOWN TRANS HARBOUR Lines between Thane and Vashi/Nerul stations from 11.10 am to 4.10 pm Up Trans-harbour line services towards Thane departing Vashi at 10.25 am to departing Nerul at 04.09 pm and Down Trans-harbour line services towards Vashi/Nerul/Panvel departing Thane from 10.35 am to 4.07 pm will remain suspended. Central Railway to launch six-hour night block between Diva and Vasai stations The Central Railway will operate special traffic and power blocks on the Up and Down lines between Diva and Vasai Road stations for launching girders for bridges. These blocks are planned at night to minimise the inconvenience to passengers, Central Railway said in a press release. The blocks will be undertaken on the intervening nights of January 12/13, 19/20, 24/25, and February 2/3, all on Sunday/Monday night for six hours from 11.15 pm to 5.15 am. The following trains will be cancelled berween Diva and Kopar on the Up and Down lines during the block period: 1. Train No. 61004 Diva – Vasai Road2. Train No. 61005 Vasai Road – Diva 3. Train No. 61006 Diva – Vasai Road 4. Train No. 61007 Vasai Road – Diva
10 January,2025 07:42 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Mumbai Building Repair and Redevelopment Board of Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) has decided to grant conditional possession of tenement to the close heirs of eligible original tenants/residents listed in the master list lottery. This decision was announced by MHADA’s Vice-President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Sanjeev Jaiswal, during a recent meeting held at the MHADA headquarters. On December 28, 2023, the board conducted a computerised lottery for 265 eligible tenants/residents from old cess buildings listed in the master list to allocate tenements. However, after allotment letters were issued for flat possession, it was observed that many original tenants/residents had passed away. In such cases, where the original tenant/resident is survived by multiple heirs such as spouses or children or parents, obtaining a legal heirship certificate from a competent court takes around six to nine months, causing delays in the distribution of flats. During a special meeting held to address this issue, Jaiswal directed the officials concerned that in cases where the close heirs of the original tenant/resident (such as sons, daughters, parents, or spouses) are eligible, they may be granted conditional possession of the flats after obtaining a 'No Objection Certificate (NOC)' from other relatives. Furthermore, he specified that the beneficiary heirs must submit a legal heirship certificate from a competent court within six months from the date of issuance of the possession receipt. He also mandated obtaining an indemnity bond from the respective heirs/beneficiaries to ensure compliance. Jaiswal clarified that until the legal heirship certificate is submitted, the flat cannot be sold, transferred, or claimed by any third party. This decision is expected to streamline the possession process for beneficiaries and expedite the distribution procedure.
10 January,2025 06:33 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarThe Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray on Friday met the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) chief Bhushan Gagrani and discussed Mumbai Coastal Road project, water supply in city apart from other issues. Aaditya shared the details of his meeting with the Mumbai civic chief in a social media post. He wrote on X, this afternoon, we met with the Municipal Commissioner and Bhushan Gagrani ji with the following issues. 1) Water: Mumbaikars have been facing water woes- be it less pressure of water/ less supply of water or polluted water. The BMC must speak about it openly and transparently and give an answer to the people and rectify it. 2) Coastal Road- a dream project of Uddhav Thackeray, would have been completed by December 2023 had we been in government. The regime delayed it and is still not complete. We have asked for a quick opening of the remainder of the road. 3) Road Scam: for the past 2 years, the regime looted Mumbai, through various scams. The road scam was the most blatant one, that I have exposed. I repeated my demand for a free and fair inquiry on these 2 scams." This afternoon, we met with the Municipal Commissioner of @mybmc Bhushan Gagrani ji with the following issues:1) Water: Mumbaikars have been facing water woes- be it less pressure of water/ less supply of water or polluted water. The BMC must speak about it openly and… pic.twitter.com/Zwu859hsNh — Aaditya Thackeray (@AUThackeray) January 10, 2025 Shiv Sena (UBT) leader files police complaint over video 'defaming' Aaditya Thackeray Meanwhile, the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Vinayak Raut on Friday filed a police complaint after a video of a raid at a dance bar, being falsely linked to party colleague Aaditya Thackeray, surfaced, an officer said. According to the officer, the purported video was shot at a dance bar in the Andheri area of Mumbai. It shows a few women emerging from a cavity created inside the premises after police action, news agency PTI reported. However, the text superimposed on the visual claims that the place is a "cafe" owned by Thackeray, Raut said in his complaint, adding that content was intentionally created and shared on social media to defame the former Maharashtra Minister. The cyber police of the Mumbai Crime Branch has initiated an inquiry into the video and further action is being taken, the officer added. (with PTI inputs)
10 January,2025 06:07 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Bombay High Court (HC) on Friday initiated a public interest litigation (PIL) suo motu (on its own) for the conservation and preservation of wetlands in Maharashtra, news agency PTI reported. A division bench of Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Amit Borkar said it was initiating the PIL based on an order of the Supreme Court asking all HCs to initiate proceedings for protection of wetlands, also known as Ramsar Convention sites, across the country. The order was passed in December, PTI reported. The HC issued notice to the Union Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF), Maharashtra government and the state Wetlands Authority. It also appointed senior counsel Janak Dwarkadas as amicus curiae to assist the court and posted the matter for hearing on February 25, PTI reported. The Ramsar Convention sites are wetlands of international importance. India is home to 85 such sites, three of which are in Maharashtra. These are the Lonar Lake in Buldhana district, Nandur Madhameshwar in Nashik district and Thane Creek. The convention was named after Iran's Ramsar city, where the convention was signed in 1971. In December 2024, the apex court had noted in its order that, as per Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the country had 2,01,503 wetlands on 2.25 hectares before 2017. As per ISRO, the number of wetlands had increased to 2,31,195 in 2021. However, the SC observed that these figures "have to be checked on ground", adding that the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017, and the guidelines issued thereunder prescribe 'ground truthing', which is identification of wetlands through actual inspection. The apex court said this step has been "neglected by almost all the states" and the demarcation of these wetlands has not been done till now. Coldplay 2025 concert: HC dismisses PIL seeking guidelines against black marketing The Bombay High Court (HC) on Friday dismissed a plea seeking guidelines to curb black marketing and ticket scalping at major events in the backdrop of the alleged foul play in the ticket sale process for British band Coldplay's concert in Navi Mumbai this month. A division bench of Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Amit Borkar said the issues raised in the petition pertain to the legislative domain, and hence, the court cannot interfere. "This is a legislative and executive decision. The court cannot interfere. The government is at liberty to formulate legislation addressing the concerns raised in the petition," the court said. The bench also stated that in the absence of a clear statutory framework mandating the reliefs sought in the petition, it cannot direct legislation to be enacted or laws to be amended in a particular manner. "However, in the event that the competent authority (of the government) considers it necessary, they remain at liberty to take appropriate legislative or executive measures to address the concerns highlighted by the petitioner," the court said and permitted the petitioner to make a representation before the competent authority. (With PTI inputs)
10 January,2025 06:01 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentShiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, his son and Worli legislator Aaditya, inspected the ongoing work for the Balasaheb Thackeray National Memorial, which will come up at the Mumbai Mayor's official residence in Dadar. They were accompanied by former Maharashtra Minister Subhash Desai. The trio addressed a press conference after inspecting the works and said the memorial will be ready by January 2026. "The first phase of the works is over and the second will begin soon," Thackeray said, adding that the memorial is being constructed keeping in mind the heritage status of the Mayor's bungalow as well as the environmental concerns, as the structure is coming up near the Arabian Sea. Thackeray also said that the party has not left the late Sena supremo's ideology, adding, "Those who believe in Balasaheb's ideology can visit the memorial. But those who have abandoned Balasaheb's principles cannot take any credit for the memorial." In the first phase, a museum is being constructed at the old bungalow of the Mumbai Mayor by upgrading the heritage building. This memorial will be a sustainable and energy-efficient structure and will include an administration building, entrance block, a heritage enrichment and preservation centre, an interpretation centre etc. The structure will have state-of-the-art construction technology to build green compliance structure close to the sea, which respects heritage but also forges a new architecture. The maximum portion of this building is underground, and comprise a state-of-the-art museum, archive, auditorium, buffer tank, underground tank, sewage treatment plant and rain water harvesting tank etc. The second phase will include information and technology-related elements such as hardware and support services, technology, lasers how, digital mapping projection, storytelling, film, virtual reality, audiovisual elements, technical elements, etc. Sena (UBT) leader files police complaint over video 'defaming' Aaditya Thackeray Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Vinayak Raut on Friday filed a police complaint after a video of a raid at a dance bar, being falsely linked to party colleague Aaditya Thackeray, surfaced, an officer said. According to the officer, the purported video was shot at a dance bar in the Andheri area of Mumbai. It shows a few women emerging from a cavity created inside the premises after police action, news agency PTI reported. However, the text superimposed on the visual claims that the place is a "cafe" owned by Thackeray, Raut said in his complaint, adding that content was intentionally created and shared on social media to defame the former Maharashtra Minister. The cyber police of the Mumbai Crime Branch has initiated an inquiry into the video and further action is being taken, the officer added. (With PTI inputs)
10 January,2025 05:41 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Regional Meteorological Department in its Mumbai weather updates on January 10 predicted partly cloudy afternoon in city and AQI remained in moderate category in city on Friday. Mumbai and its suburbs is expected to be mild and moderate over the next 24 hours, with a combination of hazy conditions in the morning followed by a partly cloudy sky in the afternoon and evening, it said. According to the forecast, residents of the city can expect a hazy start to the day, with visibility being slightly reduced during the morning hours. However, conditions are expected to improve as the day progresses, and by the afternoon, the skies will turn partly cloudy, offering a slight relief from the haze. The maximum temperature for the day will hover around 33 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature is expected to dip to around 20 degrees Celsius. "Haze during morning hours and partly cloudy sky towards afternoon/ evening in city and suburbs. Maximum and minimum temperatures will be around 33 degrees Celsius and 20 degrees Celsius," the weather department said. Local forecast for Mumbai city and suburbs for the next 24 hours.Haze during morning hours and partly cloudy sky towards afternoon/ evening in city and suburbs.Maximum and minimum temperatures will be around 33°C and 20°C. pic.twitter.com/6Kwd0Au0hh — Regional Meteorological Center,Mumbai (@RMC_Mumbai) January 10, 2025 Mumbai on Friday woke up to a misty morning with partly cloudy skies on January 10, as predicted by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The city is experiencing a delightful winter-like atmosphere, with reduced humidity and mild temperatures offering some respite to its residents. The wind was blowing at a gentle speed of 6 km/h in the morning, and the relative humidity was recorded 45 per cent. The sun rose at 7:13 am and will set at 6:17 pm, the weather department said. Looking ahead to Saturday, January 11, temperatures are expected to range between 22 Degree Celsius and 31 Degree Celsius, with humidity likely to rise slightly to 50 per cent. Mumbai’s air quality has been recorded at an Air Quallity Index (AQI) of 123 on Friday, which falls under the “moderate” category. Meanwhile, On Thursday, January 9, the Central Pollution Control Board’s SAMEER app reported in its latest Mumbai weather updates that the city's air quality remained in the 'moderate' category, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 135.
10 January,2025 04:39 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Central Railway will operate special traffic and power blocks on the Up and Down lines between Diva and Vasai Road stations for launching girders for bridges. These blocks are planned at night to minimise the inconvenience to passengers, Central Railway said in a press release. The blocks will be undertaken on the intervening nights of January 12/13, 19/20, 24/25, and February 2/3, all on Sunday/Monday night for six hours from 11.15 pm to 5.15 am. The following trains will be cancelled berween Diva and Kopar on the Up and Down lines during the block period: 1. Train No. 61004 Diva – Vasai Road2. Train No. 61005 Vasai Road – Diva 3. Train No. 61006 Diva – Vasai Road 4. Train No. 61007 Vasai Road – Diva Meanwhile, Train No 22193 Daund-Gwalior will be regulated for two hours. Train No 11049 Ahmedabad–Kolhapur will be regulated for 15 minutes and Train No 12297 Ahmedabad–Pune will be regulated for 45 minutes on January 19 and February 2. Santacruz-Goregaon line to face 5-hour disruption on Sunday In a bid to carry out essential maintenance work, including track repairs, signalling adjustments, and overhead equipment servicing, the Western Railway has announced a five-hour Jumbo Block between Santacruz and Goregaon stations. The block will take place on Sunday from 10 am to 3 pm. According to a press release issued by Shri Vineet Abhishek, the Chief Public Relations Officer of Western Railway, the disruption will affect both the Up and Down Fast lines. During the block period, all the fast line suburban services will be diverted to the slow line between Goregaon and Borivali stations, leading to potential delays. Additionally, some suburban trains are expected to be cancelled, while a few services originating from Andheri and Borivali will be operated up to Goregaon on the Harbour Line. The maintenance work is crucial for ensuring the safety and reliability of services, and passengers are advised to plan their journeys accordingly. Western Railway has urged commuters to check with the concerned Station Masters for detailed information regarding train schedules and specific cancellations. The authorities are working to minimise inconvenience, but passengers should remain aware of the altered train schedules during the block period. This maintenance initiative is part of Western Railway’s ongoing efforts to maintain and upgrade the infrastructure, ensuring smooth and safe operations for the growing number of daily commuters in Mumbai.
10 January,2025 03:42 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIn a bid to carry out essential maintenance work, including track repairs, signalling adjustments, and overhead equipment servicing, Western Railway has announced a five-hour Jumbo Block between Santacruz and Goregaon stations. The block will take place on Sunday, 12th January 2025, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. According to a press release issued by Shri Vineet Abhishek, the Chief Public Relations Officer of Western Railway, the disruption will affect both the UP and DOWN Fast lines. During the block period, all Fast line suburban services will be diverted to the Slow line between Goregaon and Borivali stations, leading to potential delays. Additionally, some suburban trains are expected to be cancelled, while a few services originating from Andheri and Borivali will be operated up to Goregaon on the Harbour Line. The maintenance work is crucial for ensuring the safety and reliability of services, and passengers are advised to plan their journeys accordingly. Western Railway has urged commuters to check with the concerned Station Masters for detailed information regarding train schedules and specific cancellations. The authorities are working to minimise inconvenience, but passengers should remain aware of the altered train schedules during the block period. This maintenance initiative is part of Western Railway’s ongoing efforts to maintain and upgrade the infrastructure, ensuring smooth and safe operations for the growing number of daily commuters in Mumbai. Mumbai local train update: Central and Western Railway to operate mega block on Sunday, check details The Central and Western Railway, while sharing Mumbai local train updates, said a mega block will be will operated on its sections to carry out various engineering and maintenance works on Sunday, January 5. The Central Railway said that there will be a mega block on Mumbai Division on the Main Lines (UP & DOWN between Matunga and Mulund) from 11:05 am to 03:55 pm and the Harbour Lines (UP & DOWN between Panvel and Vashi) from 11:05 am to 04:05 pm. The Central Railway also shared the details of the services those would be affected during the block period. It said that the DOWN slow line services departing CSMT Mumbai from 10:14 am to 3:52 pm will be diverted on DOWN fast line between Matunga and Mulund stations halting at Sion, Kurla, Ghatkopar, Vikhroli, Bhandup and Mulund stations and further re-diverted on DOWN slow line at Mulund station and will arrive destination 15 minutes behind schedule. The Central Railway said that the UP slow line services departing Thane from 11:07 am to 3:51 pm will be diverted on UP fast line at Mulund, between Mulund and Matunga stations halting at Mulund, Bhandup, Vikhroli, Ghatkopar, Kurla and Sion and further re-diverted on UP slow line at Matunga station and will arrive destination 15 minutes behind schedule "Please check train schedules during this period and plan your travel accordingly," the Central Railway said.
10 January,2025 01:41 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
