With Maharashtra Elections 2024 less than a month away, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Thursday claimed that all welfare schemes launched by his government will continue, considering that the opposition's intention is to withhold the welfare schemes after coming to power, ANI reported. "The opposition leaders say that if they form the government, they will stop all schemes and make enquiries into the schemes. No one can take back the welfare schemes," Shinde told ANI. Elections for the 288 assembly seats of Maharashtra will be held on November 20, while the vote counting will take place on November 23. Terming Diwali 2024 as 'special', Shinde said, "This year's Diwali is very special. The daughters, youth and farmers have got several schemes this year." "We are celebrating Diwali today. This is our festival; taking it forward is our duty. When our government came, we started the celebration of festivals again." he added, ANI cited. Eknath Shine-led Shiv Sena, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party are contesting in the upcoming Maharashtra Elections 2024 under the banner of Mahayuti alliance, hoping to return to power. They are competiting against the opposition alliance Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), consisting of Congress, Sharad Pawar-led NCP and Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena. Meanwhile, Nationalist Congress Party (SCP) chief Sharad Pawar said on Thursday emphasized that MVA alliance partners are to sit down in order to find solutions on seats where more than one nomination is being filed from MVA, ANI reported. "I don't have much detail about it because I am not part of all these talks. our other leaders are looking into it, but I know there are some 10-12 seats where two nominations are being filled from the alliance...in the next two-three days we will sit together to find the solution for it," Sharad Pawar said in response to the speculation of a friendly fight within the MVA alliance. As many as 7,995 candidates have filed 10,905 nominations with the Election Commission (EC) for the polls, a statement issued by the office of the state's Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) said on Tuesday, ANI reported.
31 October,2024 02:24 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentRavi Raja, a senior Congress leader and former Opposition Leader of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday. After being denied a Congress ticket to run in the Sion Koliwada constituency in Maharashtra Elections 2024, the five-term corporator switched parties. Raja's decision to leave the Congress is noteworthy because he has been a key player in both the party and Mumbai's civic body. His BJP induction was headed by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Mumbai BJP President Ashish Shelar, who welcomed him to the party. "I will try to fulfil all my responsibilities. One thing I would like to say is that all over Maharashtra no one thinks that MVA will come into power after these elections. I would say that Congress never utilised my knowledge or abilities but I request BJP to utilise my capabilities," Ravi Raja said after joining BJP, reported ANI. The Congress' decision not to field Raja in Sion Koliwada, his long-standing constituency, appears to have caused his exit. His decision to join the BJP could increase the party's clout in Mumbai's civic affairs, especially ahead of the Maharashtra Elections 2024. "I would firstly like to express my gratitude to all my senior leaders of the Congress Party & Hon. High Command for accepting my services for 44 years through different positions and posts. However, today on the 30th of October, 2024, I herewith submit my Resignation as a Member of the All India Congress Committee (AICC), my primary membership from the Congress Party and Member of the Political Affairs Committee, MRCC, Mumbai," Ravi Raja wrote in his resignation. Ravi Raja, a former opposition leader in the BMC, five-term corporator, and Congress leader, joined the BJP on Thursday. After being denied a poll ticket from #SionKoliwada, he quit the Congress. Deputy Chief Minister #DevendraFadnavis and city BJP president #AshishShelar… pic.twitter.com/SDN4y3DO1b — Mid Day (@mid_day) October 31, 2024 "Since 1980 as a Youth Congress Member, I have served the Party with utmost sincerity and dedication and today I am made to believe that my 44 years of service for the Congress Party is not respected and hence I take this decision of resigning from all my party posts. Requesting you to kindly accept my resignation with immediate effect," he added. Reacting to his induction into the BJP ahead of Maharashtra Elections 2024, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, "Today Congress leader Ravi Raja has joined BJP. He is one of the strongest leaders and we believe that his joining in BJP will strengthen us. In Maharashtra, there is a positive environment in favour of Mahayuti. Yesterday we had a meeting where CM Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar were present. We discussed cross-form issues. Our stand is very clear on Nawab Mallik, our president Ashish Shelar earlier cleared everything.. we are not going to give any favour to Nawab Malik." With ANI inputs
31 October,2024 01:35 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Maharashtra Emergency Medical Services (MEMS) project provides pre-hospital health services to patients through life support ambulances, which transport them to the closest hospital for further treatment. The strategy is based on the “Golden Hour Theory,” with the patient to be shifted within the first hour to the nearest hospital. Caregivers, those responsible, or the patient, if possible, can call a dedicated toll-free number 108. These services are available 24x7 through the year and offered ‘free of cost’ to the patient. Diego Prieto of ‘SSG’ (left) and Sumit Salunkhe of ‘Sumeet facilities LTD’ during a press conference. PICS/ANURAG AHIRE Sumeet SSG, a joint venture between Sumeet Group Enterprises and Spain-based SSG Matrix, announced plans to introduce an advanced ambulance fleet with specialised medical equipment for use during the critical ‘golden hour’ of emergencies. The new MEMS 108 Ambulance Project will be rolled out across the state in five phases in the coming months. The advanced ambulances will be equipped with technologies like Mobile Data Terminals (MDT), tablet PCs, RFID, GPS, caller location tracking, and CCTV. There are also first responder bikes and sea and river boat ambulances, it was announced at a press conference at a Colaba hotel late Wednesday morning. This development came amidst the backdrop of ongoing bilateral meetings between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Pedro Sanchéz Perez Castejon of Spain on his maiden visit to India. Diego Prieto, Jr vice chairman, SSG Matrix SL, said that at the core of this ambulance project is the credo—’Bring the hospital to the patient before bringing the patient to the hospital’.
31 October,2024 12:48 PM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentA 350-metre foot overbridge (FOB) could help commuters heading to Bandra Terminus bypass the menace of duplicitous auto drivers and the chaos outside Bandra station. Auto drivers charge Rs 30-40 per passenger to ferry them between the station and terminus, dropping them off at the north end (towards Khar). The distance is nearly 400 metres because an existing south entry/exit gate of Bandra Terminus, which includes a booking office and circulating area, has been sealed by Railways. The deserted skywalk that links Khar station and Bandra Terminus The only other entry/exit point at Bandra Terminus is at the extreme north end. With the only available entry/exit point being at the extreme north end, the distance seems longer between the station and the terminus. Railways has been pushing for extensive use of the entry/exit near Khar station, but there isn’t much signage indicating where commuters at the station must go to reach Bandra station. The current situation At present, linking together small FOBs, Western Railway (WR) has a 1.2-km FOB or skywalk that links the Churchgate end of Khar suburban station to the Churchgate end of Bandra Terminus. It traverses the entire length of the terminus, passing over platform 1. The eastern side of Bandra station, where commuters are fleeced by the auto mafia While the long FOB at Bandra Terminus was built earlier, the final 314-metre FOB connecting it to the Khar suburban station was commissioned by WR in 2022. Joining the dots, this has now been made into a 1.2-km FOB, allowing for a seamless walk. The lonnnnnnnnng walk!!! The 1.2km long skywalk from Khar to Bandra Terminus, running above platform one of the terminus is isolated, sealed & shut at its south-end, limiting access. The staircase, circulating area & booking office at this side are also locked with half the… https://t.co/du9F0HYQ8k pic.twitter.com/vYtUKJZk7t — Rajendra B. Aklekar (@rajtoday) October 31, 2024 The final 196-metre stretch of the FOB, which takes one to the Churchgate end of the Bandra Terminus, is in a neglected state, almost abandoned with the main station entrance, along with a booking office, locked and sealed and not in public use. Trial run The 1.2-km skywalk, which links the Churchgate ends of Khar station and Bandra Terminus. Pics/Rajendra B. Aklekar mid-day took a walk on the 1.2 km FOB from Khar station to Bandra Terminus to find that it is seamless, but deserted and isolated. It would be risky to walk on it in the night. Also, the bridge has limited entry/exit points, making it a difficult walk. It has vagrants sitting on it at certain points. The final 196-m stretch is in a bad state with broken tube lights, and locked and sealed gates at the north end. It does not even land on platform 1, but takes one to platform 3 as the main circulating area of the station at this end being locked up. What can be done Taking the same bridge ahead in the southern direction would bring this portion into good use and link it to the Bandra suburban station, ending all the connectivity issues. The bridge will have to run over the single STA (Suburban Traffic Avoidance) line parallel to the flyover and link to the existing north end (Khar end) bridge of Bandra local station. While FOBs exist at both ends, it is just a matter of connectivity between the two. Commuter bodies push for change “It is the most obvious thing and I have been highlighting with the railways for the past ten years for this and it is still not ready. It will save immense hardship that thousands have to face to travel between the two station complexes,” Rajiv Singal, member of Western Railway Mumbai’s Divisional Railway Users’ Consultative Committee said. The blocked exit at the Churchgate end of Bandra Terminus “Yes. A skywalk should be there. But Railways should also place battery-operated buggy vehicles on this bridge as the station is vast. Such vehicles can ferry senior citizens and ailing commuters who will not be able to walk such distances. Also, it becomes difficult for passengers with heavy luggage to walk long distances,” Shailesh Goyal, former member, National Railway Users Consultative Committee, said. Official Speak WR officials said they had already proposed a 340-metre-long skywalk worth R24 crore to connect Bandra Terminus which will prove as an alternative to auto rickshaw drivers outside Bandra East station and will make it convenient for passengers to reach Bandra Terminus without getting down onto the road at Bandra station. “The work of a new bridge at the north east end at Bandra station with the Bandra Terminus south end skywalk has been sanctioned and will be processed as it is presently under tender,” WR chief public relations officer Vineet Abhishek said. Why the delay? FOBs at Bandra station have been under development since the COVID-19 lockdown. In January 2020, the Churchgate-end 10-metre-wide FoB at the train station came into place. This was followed by dismantling and reconstructing of old FOBs at the station in 2021, followed by a few new bridges, including the one at Bandra LC gate end, Khar station (Churchgate end) and Bandra suburban station (Virar end). The maze of these bridges created a gap between the Bandra local and Terminus station where a proposal was first mooted in 2022, followed by a concrete plan in 2023. However, the actual implementation of the process was due to several factors and processing took time. As of 2024, the bridge now stands sanctioned on paper and has been pushed ahead for tendering. Once the tenders are finalised, work on the project shall begin, which may take a few more years.
31 October,2024 12:45 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. Aklekar
As the state gears up for the Maharashtra assembly elections 2024, one of the biggest questions hanging in the air is the future of the Shiv Sena, a party that has long been a key player in the state’s political arena. The Shiv Sena has seen significant changes since its formation in 1966, but the internal rift that surfaced in 2022 led to a historic split, reshaping the political landscape. Now, the Shiv Sena finds itself divided into two factions: the Uddhav Thackeray-led Sena (UBT) and the Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction, which broke away to form an alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). As both sides prepare for a political showdown in the assembly elections, experts and party insiders weigh in on which faction may hold the upper hand. Background: The Shiv Sena split and its aftermath The seeds of the Shiv Sena split were sown during the party’s tenure in the Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance with the Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), a partnership that left traditional Sena loyalists uneasy. Many within the party argued that the partnership diverted Shiv Sena from its foundational Hindutva ideology. In 2022, Eknath Shinde led a faction of Shiv Sena legislators to align with the BJP, taking with him a substantial share of the party’s support base. The result was a bifurcation that left the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction with a weakened political base but resilient brand loyalty. The power struggle: Who holds the real Shiv Sena mandate? Political analysts remain divided on which faction truly holds the Shiv Sena’s mandate and will emerge as the dominant force in the upcoming elections. “Historically, Shiv Sena has drawn its power from its connection to the Marathi-speaking electorate, its Hindutva roots, and the legacy of Bal Thackeray,” explains a senior political observer. “The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) is committed to preserving the family name and its heritage. While the Shinde-led Shiv Sena, backed by the BJP, has embraced a pragmatic strategy that appeals to voters. This duality may benefit both sides in different regions of Maharashtra, but whether either can independently draw the majority of Shiv Sena's support remains a matter of strategy and mobilisation.” Shinde’s alliance with the BJP has brought significant resources and political clout to his faction. Many argue that this relationship positions the Shinde-led Shiv Sena to wield greater administrative power. However, others believe Uddhav Thackeray’s faction, with its deep-seated ideological foundation, may capture the hearts of traditional Shiv Sena voters who revere Bal Thackeray’s legacy and see Uddhav as the rightful heir. Political analyst Abhay Deshpande noted that the upcoming assembly elections are expected to be a close contest between Shiv Sena and Shiv Sena (UBT). “Analysing the Lok Sabha election results, both the Shiv Sena and Shiv Sena (UBT) contested directly in 13 constituencies. Of these, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena won seven seats, while the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) captured six. This suggests that we can expect a close contest between the two factions in the upcoming Maharashtra assembly polls. The one advantage for the Shinde-led Sena is its 42 sitting MLAs, giving it a slight edge over Shiv Sena (UBT),” he said. Commenting on alliances, Deshpande noted that the contest between the Maha Vikas Aghadi and Mahayuti will be both interesting and closely fought. “The unity within the MVA appears to be tested, as reflected in the discussions related to seat-sharing. It remains to be seen if they can mount a strong challenge against Mahayuti. On the other hand, Mahayuti seems to have gained an advantage by introducing popular schemes like the Ladki Bahin Yojana. These initiatives give Mahayuti an edge over the MVA. Overall, it promises to be an interesting and closely contested fight between the two alliances,” he said. Shiv Sainiks’ perspective: Loyalty, legacy and leadership The Shiv Sainiks, the party’s grassroots workers, find themselves at a crossroads, torn between loyalty to the Thackeray family and the allure of a powerful alliance with the BJP. “Many of us have given our entire lives to the party because of Balasaheb’s vision,” shares long-time Shiv Sena (UBT) worker Suresh S. “For us, Uddhav ji represents that legacy. However, we understand the importance of stability and the benefits that come from being aligned with the BJP. But loyalty runs deep, and for some of us, leaving Uddhav ji is simply not an option.” On the other hand, supporters of the Shinde faction see the partnership with the BJP as a pathway to greater development for Maharashtra. “Eknath Shinde is a genuine leader. He made a courageous decision to protect the party’s Hindutva principles. By aligning with the BJP, he’s prioritising the people of Maharashtra,” says a Shiv Sena worker who switched to the Shinde camp. “To foster progress and stability in Maharashtra, the alliance between the Shiv Sena and BJP is a must." Shiv Sena spokesperson and Deputy Leader Sheetal Mhatre stated that her party is confident of winning the elections, asserting that the Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) has focused solely on criticism, which will ultimately lead to their defeat. “Obviously, Mahayuti will win these elections. The MVA has done nothing substantial and appears divided rather than united. Currently, the Uddhav Thackeray-led Sena (UBT) has 12 MLAs, while we have around 50. If Uddhav Thackeray couldn’t manage the MLAs he had, how will he lead his party to victory? And what did he accomplish during his two-and-a-half years in power? When Uddhav Thackeray was Chief Minister, instead of focusing on development, he halted ongoing projects. Merely criticising Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena or seeking sympathy from the public won’t earn him votes. In contrast, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has delivered solid work throughout his tenure. Under his leadership, we have launched major projects like Metro 3, Samruddhi Mahamarg, Atal Setu, the Coastal Road Project, and popular schemes like Ladki Bahin Yojana and Lek Ladki Yojana. We’ve initiated development efforts that benefit every part of society. People want to see progress, and Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has delivered just that," she said. Election 2024: Key factors A senior political observer, who wished not to be named, said, "The BJP’s backing grants Shinde access to substantial resources and a wider electoral base. For the BJP, the alliance with Shinde’s Shiv Sena is strategically crucial as it provides an anchor in Maharashtra’s Marathi-speaking voter base. However, analysts note that BJP’s influence could diminish Shinde’s sway among traditional Sena supporters, who may view it as a dilution of Shiv Sena’s original ideology." The Uddhav Thackeray faction, though smaller, could maintain a loyal voter base drawn to Bal Thackeray’s legacy. The senior journalist said, “In the heart of Mumbai and other Sena strongholds, Uddhav may still command respect. He has crafted an image as a leader with a softer, inclusive approach compared to his father. This shift might appeal to younger voters and those more progressive-minded within Sena’s traditional base.” While the Shinde faction may benefit from urban areas, where development narratives are highly valued, the Uddhav faction might resonate with rural areas, where voters tend to prioritise loyalty and traditional values over alliances. This urban-rural divide will likely influence voting patterns across Maharashtra’s constituencies. "The Maharashtra assembly elections are just around the corner, and the division has created considerable uncertainty regarding the future of the Shiv Sena. Some experts believe the Shiv Sena may never regain its former unified strength," he added. “While it is unlikely that either faction can claim the entirety of Shiv Sena’s base, each holds significant pockets of influence,” commented a Girgaon resident in Mumbai. However, others argue that regardless of the outcome, the Shiv Sena brand remains resilient. As Suresh S says, “We may be divided, but both factions are Shiv Sena at heart. No matter what happens, we are still united in our commitment to Maharashtra.” The Maharashtra assembly elections 2024 will test both Shiv Sena factions, shaping the party’s future for years to come. While the Uddhav faction carries the legacy, the Shinde faction boasts the advantage of a strong alliance with the BJP. Ultimately, it will be up to the voters to decide whether legacy or pragmatism holds the true power within the Shiv Sena. As the party steps into uncharted territory, one thing is certain: the Shiv Sena’s influence on Maharashtra’s political landscape is far from over.
31 October,2024 12:40 PM IST | Mumbai | Ronak Mastakar
Confusion reigned supreme after the closing of nominations for the Maharashtra Assembly polls to be held on November 20. Neither Mahayuti nor Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) officially declared the seat-sharing formula. Some constituencies were still unclear, and some had multiple candidates from alliance partners, indicating a possibility of friendly fights. The complete picture of 288 Assembly seats may alter on November 4, the last day for opting out. Going by Tuesday’s numbers that gave some clarity, the BJP proved to be a big brother in Mahayuti, bagging a share of 152 seats, including four for its smaller allies. The BJP also exported nearly 20 of its prospective leaders to be the allies’ official candidates. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde (centre) along with Dy CMs Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar. File Pic/PTI The Shiv Sena came second with 80 seats, and the NCP (Ajit Pawar) managed to have 52. The arithmetic didn’t end there, because in some four constituencies, the picture was not clear, and in six segments, including Dharavi and Anushakti Nagar, there were multiple Mahayuti candidates. To meet the deadline on Tuesday in three segments of Nashik district where the ally NCP had already announced its nominees, Shinde Sena sent authority forms (called AB Forms) by helicopter. Shinde Sena and NCP have crossed each other in four, and BJP has two candidates against Ajit Pawar’s party. Sanjay Raut, Shiv Sena (UBT); Ramesh Chennithala, Congress In the MVA, the Congress topped with 103 seats. Shiv Sena (UBT) had 96 so far and wanted even more before the close. NCP-SP had 87 seats. Two constituencies were still unclear and in four places, including Dharavi and Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar, the MVA partners had put their respective candidates against each other. Sena (UBT) has six official candidates against its major partners and smaller allies. Congress (4) and NCP-SP (2) also have candidates in seats being contested by their allies. No friendlies: Chennithala Regarding multiple candidates, both Congress and Sena (UBT) expressed concerns. Ramesh Chennithala, state in-charge and national general secretary, told a media conference that there would be no friendly fights. He said that the rebels have not been given the party’s authority letters, but did not clarify on the candidates, such as Manikrao Thakare and other leaders, who filed their nominations as per the official announcements from New Delhi. ‘We will resolve issue’ Shiv Sena (UBT)’s chief spokesperson Sanjay Raut said there was time to convince the candidates who had created a clash within the MVA. According to him, the Sena would have a meeting with Congress and NCP leaders to resolve the matter by November 4. Raut said the Sangli pattern (in which a Congress-supported independent had won against Sena (UBT)’s official nominee in Sangli) would not apply in these elections.
31 October,2024 11:45 AM IST | Mumbai | Dharmendra JoreKalidas Kolambkar, an eight-time Member of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly (MLA), showed confidence in the upcoming Maharashtra Elections 2024, saying that he aims to enter the Guinness Book of World Records by winning his ninth consecutive term in office since 1990, ANI reported. "I've been an MLA for eight terms and will break this trend and enter the Guinness Book Record after winning my ninth consecutive term," Kolambkar told ANI. When asked what were his expectations while contesting the election for the 9th term and after remaining undefeated in Maharashtra polls, Kolambkar said, "In politics, nothing is surprising. If you approach politics commercially, it's tough, but if you do it wholeheartedly, serving the people, they'll surely elect you again." "In my area, Wadala - Naigaon constituency history shows that once an MLA is chosen, they rarely get re-elected. But I've been MLA for nine terms, breaking this trend. This time, I will win my ninth term and enter the Guinness Book Record," said Kolambkar. BJP has fielded Kalidas Kolambkar from Mumbai's Wadala constituency. Kolambkar has continuously changed parties and constituencies, going from Shiv Sena to Congress and finally BJP, but has not lost a single election since 1990, ANI cited. Kolambkar, when ANI asked about his winning mantra claimed, "I serve the people. Many media channels asked, 'Kalidas ji, what magic have you done to win people's hearts? My answer is simple- the people love me, and I'm connected to them I always think about their well-being that's all." When ANI asked about his transition from Shiv Sena to Congress and now BJP said, "Since Balasaheb Thackeray was there, I have worked in Shiv Sena. My parents gave birth to me, but he gave birth to politics in my life and was my political guru. Narayan Rane and I worked day and night to take Shiv Sena forward. Shiv Sena was a party like gold but these people did not know how to handle the party, that was a big mistake. It is not good to say too much because that party gave birth to me and this is my principle." "In 2019, when I joined the BJP to address the needs of my constituents, the then Maharashtra Chief Minister completed important projects in my area, including the redevelopment of BDD Chawl and the police housing colony, along with mill workers' wages. These initiatives continue to benefit the people of Maharashtra today," he said. Asked about his thoughts on the Mahayuti's victory, Kolambkar told ANI, "Leaders like Devendra Fadnavis, Eknath Shinde, and Ajit Pawar work tirelessly at the grassroots level, never hesitating to take decisions. They're effective handlers of situations. Mahayuti will win the Maharashtra polls. The opposing party's job is to criticize, and if they don't talk about winning, their supporters will lose interest. It's their business to oppose and praise themselves." Kalidas Kolambkar, a veteran Indian politician from Maharashtra, proudly said that people from different religions - Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and Parsis, love him and faith in his leadership. Kolambkar's political journey began in 1985 as a corporator, Before that, he used to work as an calendar operator at Mumbai's Modi store. Recalling his past struggles, he said to ANI, "I didn't sleep for eight years, working day and night. I worked the night shift in my company and day time I worked for the society It was tough, but I persevered. My hard work paid off when I won my first MLA seat in 1990 after that I never looked back." Elections for the 288 assembly seat in Maharashtra will be held on November 20, while the counting will take place on November 23. The opposition alliance MVA, consisting of Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT) and Sharad Pawar-led NCP, aims to regain power in the state against the ruling Mahayuti alliance which includes Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Ajit Pawar-led NCP.
31 October,2024 11:35 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentWith less than 24 hours left for the public to submit feedback on the proposed Housing Policy 2024, housing activists and the state housing federation have raised concerns about the draft. They argue that it lacks a clear vision and effective, real-time solutions for key issues like affordable housing, slum rehabilitation, rental housing, and construction finance. They describe it as a pre-election strategy aimed at attracting voters rather than addressing real needs. Initially, the submission deadline was October 3, but it was extended to October 31 following requests from stakeholders and the federation. The Maharashtra Government’s Housing Department is crafting a new Housing Policy for 2024, replacing the last policy introduced in 2007. Since then, the real estate sector has seen major changes, including the Development Control and Promotion Regulations (DCPR)-2034 for Mumbai and the Unified Development Control and Promotion Regulations (UDCPR)-2020 for the state. These regulations have significantly influenced real estate across Maharashtra. To address the challenge of "Housing for All" and achieve the goal of a "Slum-Free Maharashtra," the new Housing Policy claims to focus on the Economically Weaker Section (EWS), Low Income Group (LIG), and Middle-Income Group (MIG) segments of the population. Chartered Accountant Ramesh Prabhu, also founder Chairman of Maharashtra Societies Welfare Association (MahaSEWA) said, “The proposed draft housing policy, seems to be an attempt made by the ruling state government to lure the voters ahead of the election. However, the policy drafting seems to have been done in haste, as it lacks vision and real-time solution to execute the same.” “Ideally the policy should have a futuristic vision and plans to accomplish them, by highlighting clear short- and long-term goals, but the same is missing. The draft is also silent on the intent of the state housing ministry, as to what exactly it is proposing when it mentions ‘Housing for all’, and ‘Slum-free Maharashtra’. Moreover, the policy does not have any statistical data or execution plan to walk the talk, while handling major housing issues viz – Affordable housing, slum rehabilitation, rental housing, construction finance, and so on.” Affordable housing Prabhu said, “The policy is silent on crucial points as to how the state government intends to make affordable housing a reality, especially when the market prices are skyrocketing. Moreover, the policy has not even defined what it means by ‘affordable’ and if affordability is in terms of the location of such projects, or size of the houses or the price at which these houses will be available, and to which segment of the masses (EWS or LIG, etc)” Slum rehabilitation “The policy is silent on the much-required transparency process, especially when people tend to go to courts for even the smallest of disputes, and redevelopment projects get stuck for years. Moreover, they (the housing ministry) are silent on curbing the slums, which have been gradually increasing in Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Nagpur, etc. Unless new slums are not stopped, the redevelopment of slums will never become a reality. We (MahaSEWA) had even mooted the idea to the government of the formation of cooperative housing societies of slum pockets so that new slums do not come up, but in vain,” Prabhu said. Rental housing Prabhu said, “The draft policy does not address how the government plans to implement rental housing, especially as its relevance fades. Previously, MMRDA allowed a Floor Space Index (FSI) of 4 for residential buildings: developers used an FSI of 3 for their projects and set aside an FSI of 1 for rental housing to be handed to MMRDA. The public still lacks information on the status, allocation, and recipients of these rental houses.” RERA Prabhu said, “The draft policy is completely silent on the status of the over 8,000 to 10,000 stalled projects in the state of Maharashtra and instead mentions settling 16,979 cases out of 24,789 complaints received. It is unfortunate that many flat buyers are still suffering, as no concrete decision has been taken by MahaRERA on the stalled projects and actual public money is stuck. The above issues are the mere tip of the iceberg, but overall, if you ask me, “The draft housing policy cannot be accepted in its present form, and the new government will have to take along all the stakeholders, and common public representatives to re-draft the entire housing policy, as the policy need to have both short term and long terms objectives, vision and real-time quantifiable goal plans,” said Prabhu. Expert view The State Housing Federation echoed similar concerns, Advocate Shreeprasad Parab, Expert Director, said, "We expect Maharashtra's housing laws to be uniform and simplified, with minimal state interference. Slum rehabilitation should not be political; the housing ministry must create a comprehensive policy and enforce strict measures to prevent further slum growth. The state should identify government land and allocate it to contractors registered under Section 8 of the Companies Act, focused on providing affordable housing at construction cost. Approvals for such projects should follow a single-window system, taking no more than 30 minutes. Additionally, rental housing should be mandatory in all projects, with reserved flats for specific categories and incentives offered at affordable rates."
31 October,2024 10:37 AM IST | Mumbai | Vinod Kumar MenonMalad West MLA Aslam Shaikh has been accused of providing false information in connection with his educational qualification. A rival candidate, Shanul Hassan Sayed, claimed that Shaikh’s affidavit in 2009 stated he was a Std XII pass, whereas in 2024, he claimed to be a Std VIII pass. Sayed also alleged Shaikh’s father’s name had been misspelt in the affidavits. Sayed recently filed his nomination form to contest the Assembly poll on a Rashtriya Ulama Council ticket while Shaikh, a Congress leader, has been representing Malad West in the Lower House since 2009. According to available information, Shaikh went to St Anthony’s High School and completed his education in 1986. However, the specific details concerning his education qualification are under scrutiny. According to Sayed, the affidavit submitted by Shaikh in 2009 stated that he passed the HSC exam from Sandesh Vidyalaya Junior College in March 1991. Congress MLA Aslam Shaikh, who has been representing Malad West since 2009. File Pic/Nimesh Dave (right) Shanul Hassan Sayed, Rashtriya Ulama Council candidate Sayed told mid-day, “Shaikh is giving false information about his educational qualification. In 2009, he submitted an affidavit stating that he passed HSC but later in 2014, 2019 and 2024 he stated that he is Std VIII pass from St Anthony’s High School and completed his education in 1986. I am very sure he shared false information and won elections. But, this year I will put up a fight. I had complained to the returning officer, but my complaint was rejected, as they were only considering the 2024 affidavit and nomination form. I will also file a writ petition in the high court and continue to fight until the truth comes out. There his father’s name was misspelt between 2009 and 2024. This is an election for the post of MLA and it should have been checked properly. The Election Commission should reject his nomination form.” Vikash Suryavanshi, the returning officer from Malad, said, “We are only considering the current affidavit submitted by Shaikh. This is why we rejected Sayed’s complaint. If anyone has any objection, they have to submit the counter affidavit, which we will make public, and they can also approach the court.” MLA Speak Shaikh told mid-day, “There are no education criteria for contesting elections. The affidavit I submitted recently contains true information. Outsider candidates who entered the fray this year are making allegations against me. They receiving support from the BJP. But, I’m certain they will lose the election. The results will reveal the truth.” 51,635Votes polled by Aslam Shaikh in 2009
31 October,2024 10:19 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirish VaktaniaOut of 36 Assembly constituencies, it will be a Sena Vs Sena battle in 11. Currently, the Sena UBT holds seven of these 11 constituencies, while the remaining are with Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) MLAs. While the two rival parties battle it out, the number of seats where they are contesting against the other is lower than seen in the Lok Sabha elections earlier this year, when the two Senas stood against each other in half the seats. The 11 constituencies have majorly Marathi-dominated voters and are the traditional vote bank of the undivided Sena. In the Lok Sabha election, Shiv Sena contested against the Sena UBT for three seats—Mumbai North West, South Central and South Mumbai—of the total six seats in Mumbai. The Sena UBT won two seats while Shiv Sena managed only the Mumbai North West seat with a margin of just 48 votes. Now in the Assembly elections, there are six parties in the foray. Out of 11 constituencies that will see Sena battles, four are in the western suburbs—Magathane, Dindohi, Jogeshwari East and Andheri East. The four Assembly constituencies in the Eastern suburbs are Vikhroli, Chembur, Bhandup West and Kurla. The remainder—Mahim, Worli and Byculla—are in Mumbai city. All of these areas are Marathi strongholds and there are chances that these votes will be divided. Both parties have repeated their candidates and Shiv Sena offered a ticket to Manisha Waikar, wife of Ravindra Waikar who won the Jogeshwari East seat in 2019 and is the current MP of the Mumbai North West constituency after winning by a margin of 48 votes in the Lok Sabha election.
31 October,2024 10:15 AM IST | Mumbai | Prajakta KasaleElection officials for the Mahim Assembly constituency have rejected the application of Dhanashri Sahasrabuddhe—the woman who infamously vandalised the nameplate outside DyCM Devendra Fadnavis’s office at Mantralaya in September—filed her nomination as a ‘BJP candidate’ a month later. Sahastrabuddhe submitted her nomination despite not receiving any official nomination or an A and B form from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to support her candidacy. Sahastrabuddhe was among many candidates who filed nominations from the Mahim Assembly constituency for the upcoming election. In the column requesting applicants to specify the party they represent, Sahastrabuddhe listed ‘BJP.’ However, on Wednesday, during the scrutiny of applications, her nomination was rejected by election officials. Sahastrabuddhe did not respond to calls for comment. Meanwhile, state BJP spokesperson Keshav Upadhye stated that the party has absolutely no connection with this case. Earlier this year, in September, the Mumbai police registered a case against Sahastrabuddhe for vandalising the nameplates outside Fadnavis’s office. According to a news report, the police claimed that Sahastrabuddhe, a resident of Dadar, was ‘mentally unstable.’ What is an AB form? Among the documents required when filing a nomination for elections, the A and B forms are crucial. Popularly known as the ‘AB form,’ it indicates that the candidate has been approved and endorsed by a political party to receive its official symbol and contest the election.
31 October,2024 09:51 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarADVERTISEMENT
