Former Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray and various other leaders from across political spectrum on Sunday paid homage to Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray on his 12th death anniversary. Shiv Sena (UBT) head Uddhav Thackeray and his wife Rashmi Thackeray visited his father's memorial at the Shivaji Park in Mumbai and offered floral tributes.Several members of the two rival Sena factions also visited the memorial as a mark of respect to Bal Thackeray. The Shiv Sena founder passed away on November 17, 2012 at his residence 'Matoshree' in Mumbai after prolonged illness. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, NCP (SP) head Sharad Pawar, Mumbai Congress president Varsha Gaikwad and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray on Sunday posted their tributes on X. Pawar in his post said, "Salutations to late Balasaheb Thackeray, the founder of Shiv Sena party, satirist and politician who fought against the injustice to the Marathi people." Gaikwad said Balasaheb Thackeray ruled over Marathi minds and fought for justice, rights of the Marathi people throughout his life. Senior BJP leader Fadnavis in his message said, "Humble tributes to Hinduhriday Samrat Balasaheb Thackeray on his Smruti Din." The Shiv Sena split in 2022 after Shinde led a rebellion against the party leadership, triggering the collapse of the Maha Vikas Agahadi (MVA) government under Uddhav Thackeray. Shinde subsequently joined hands with the BJP to form government. The Election Commission later recognised the Shinde-led faction as the 'real' Shiv Sena.
17 November,2024 01:01 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentOn Sunday, Mumbaikars experienced cooler weather and hazy skies. However, the latest Mumbai weather updates from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) indicated a slight drop in temperatures. According to the Mumbai weather updates of the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the Santacruz observatory recorded a maximum temperature of 35.3 degrees Celcius. The Met Department data showed that the Colaba observatory recorded a temperature of 34 degrees. According to the latest Mumbai weather updates by the IMD, the maximum temperature will likely be around 34 degrees Celsius, and the minimum temperature will likely be around 25 degrees Celsius. The relative humidity is 89 per cent. The sun rose at 06:46 AM and will set at 06:00 PM. The IMD’s latest Mumbai weather update forecasts "fog/mist in the morning and partly cloudy skies later" for the city and its suburbs over the next 24 hours. Mumbai weather updates: City's AQI in 'moderate' category On November 17, 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 179 at 9:05 AM. Many areas across Mumbai—per the SAMEER app dashboard—showed 'moderate' AQI. Borivali's and Colaba's AQI recorded 'poor' air quality with an AQI of 243 and 203, respectively. Bandra Kurla Complex, Kandivali and Mulund recorded 'moderate' air quality with an AQI of 180, 125 and 136. According to data from the SAMEER app, Navi Mumbai recorded air quality in the 'moderate' category with an AQI of 152, while Thane registered a 'moderate' AQI of 174. The air quality index from 0 to 100 is considered 'good', 100 to 200 'moderate', 200 to 300 'poor', 300 to 400 'very poor' and from 400 to 500 or above 'severe'. Meanwhile, as air pollution levels continue to rise in Mumbai, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has revised guidelines issued last year for construction sites. The civic body will also form squads at the ward level to visit construction sites and act if guidelines are flouted. Sensor-based air pollution monitoring systems will be installed at all construction project work sites and immediate action to be taken if pollution levels are detected above the limit.
17 November,2024 09:56 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA recent two-KM community walk in Bandra East served a raw wake-up call about urban walkability to Dhanraj Khair. The 22-year-old architecture student is in final year at LS Raheja College. The walk was organised by The Walking Project, a citizen advocacy group established in 2012 for safer, more enjoyable pedestrian experiences across cities. The walks give citizens firsthand exposure to the challenges in urban infrastructure, aiming to align public awareness with the Indian Roads Congress (IRC) standards, which detail ideal footpath width, railings, and other pedestrian-friendly elements. Khair was one of only seven citizens who braved the challenging route from Bandra Station’s east exit to BKC Metro Station via Kalanagar. They assessed pedestrian infrastructure, walkability, and air quality along the route. Khair describes the walk as, “overwhelming, nauseating, and chaotic. Before you even descend the staircase to exit the station, you’re swarmed by shared auto-rickshaw drivers. The roads to Bandra Court are dug up, forcing crowds onto the roads.” “By exposing participants to the reality versus what IRC guidelines recommend, we aim to drive citizen advocacy from a place of genuine awareness and personal experience,” Vedant Mhatre of The Walking Project explained. “Through 27 community walks so far, we’ve hosted over 270 citizens.” Interestingly, the Bandra East walk had lower attendance. “Some potential participants backed out citing dangerous conditions as a deterrent,” he says. To Khair, the experience underscored the urgent need for municipal action: “It’s impossible to think of walkability as a convenience when it’s a constant fight for space and safety.” Over seven years ago, Maharashtra introduced an urban transport policy aimed at developing infrastructure to support walking, cycling, and public transportation, as well as to alleviate traffic congestion. Yet, in Mumbai, walking remains a challenge. In 2022, the Mumbai Climate Action Plan (MCAP) highlighted that only 22 per cent of the city’s 2,000-km road network is pedestrian-friendly. To reduce pedestrian-vehicular conflict, MCAP has recommended city planning authorities develop a Non-Motorised Transport (NMT) policy for the city by 2035. Additionally, it has set a timeline to planning bodies to initiate pedestrianisation pilot projects in high-footfall areas by 2025. These include better signage near crossings, longer signal times for pedestrians, and more walkways in low-income areas. According to BMC’s 2016 Comprehensive Mobility Plan, 51 per cent of all trips are made on foot; and 72.5 per cent of trips to educational institutions and 60 per cent of public transport journeys beginning and ending with walking. “The footpaths along the route were in terrible condition,” reflects Khair, “there are dug-up roads and obstacles along the MHADA building compound near Kherwadi, and beyond the road opposite Matoshree. The raised borders around trees and plants on the footpaths are at least a brick high; they narrow the already limited space.” Kedar Sohoni, of Green Communities Foundation, was also part of the walk. “You have to be an acrobat to navigate the area,” he said, “There’s no smooth path, and you’re constantly on edge. I can only imagine how hard it must be for seniors or those with physical limitations.” mid-day recently concluded a three-part special series examining the traffic chaos, gridlock, and severe air pollution issues at BKC, along with a few potential solutions. AQI on Saturday, 8.30 AM - 10 AM Bandra Station (E) 105µg/m3 Kalanagar junction 93 µg/m3 BKC metro station 99 µg/m3 Gurunanak Hospital 114 µg/m3
17 November,2024 07:53 AM IST | Mumbai | Dipti SinghA case has been registered against Police Constable Ganesh Ashok Shinde for violating the confidentiality of the voting process during postal voting for the 231-Ashti Assembly Constituency at Wilson College. The Gamdevi police registered the FIR on Saturday and began investigation into the matter. According to officers from the Gamdevi Police Station, the incident occurred between 9 am on November 14 and 5 pm on November 15. Constable Shinde, who was posted at the Armed Police Headquarters in Tardeo, allegedly photographed his completed ballot paper using his mobile phone and shared it on social media platforms. This act is a violation of Section 223 of the BNS and Section 128 of the Representation of People Act, which safeguard the secrecy of the voting process. Prasanna Madhusudan Tambe, a 58-year-old citizen reported the incident. Senior Police Inspector Prashant K Kolhekar of Gamdevi police station confirmed that a FIR has been filed, and PSI Aniket Shedge is leading the investigation.
17 November,2024 07:18 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirish VaktaniaIn the past month, the highest seizure of cash, liquor, and drugs in connection with the upcoming elections came from Mumbai’s suburbs—Rs 146.61 crore. Mumbai suburbs comprise 26 Assembly constituencies. Several state and centre enforcement departments seized cash, liquor, drugs, and precious metals worth R546.84 crore from October 15 to November 15. Of this, 44 per cent (worth Rs 244.96 crore) was snared in the Mumbai metropolitan region. The seizure was part of surveillance measures during election season. These amenities—unaccounted-for cash, precious metals, and liquor—are assumed to be intended to influence voters. According to the data shared by the state Election Commission with mid-day, goods and cash worth Rs 109.47 crore were released after document verification. “We have set up check posts at various places, and also have flying squads,” a state Election Commission official said. As per EC data, contraband material amounting to Rs 244.96 crore was seized from the island city, Mumbai suburbs, Thane and Palghar, of which material worth Rs 80.28 crore was released after verification, while that worth Rs 164.68 crore remains in custody. The suburbs were the scene of the highest seizure in the state, amounting to Rs 146.61 crore, out of which Rs 86.40 crore remain in custody. Mumbai city, composed of 10 Assembly constituencies, yielded a seizure summing up to Rs 46.60 crore in cash and goods, of which that worth Rs 38.23 crore remains in custody. From Thane district, Rs 28.58 crore-worth cash and goods were confiscated, of which Rs 21.16 crore remain in custody due to the absence of verification. There are 18 Assembly constituencies in the district. From Palghar, goods and cash to the tune of Rs 21.14 crore were seized, of which those worth Rs 18.87 crore could not be accounted for and remain in EC’s custody. Palghar district is comprised of six Assembly constituencies. Rs 146.61 crWorth cash, liqour, drugs and good seized from Mumbai suburbs
17 November,2024 07:07 AM IST | Mumbai | Sameer SurveSee you on the flip side... Rohit Pande, a young choreographer practises a few moves at Versova beach Baug-o mein ballot hai The stair climbing chair (right) Voting venue within The landmark Colaba Parsi Colony called Cusrow Baug, is trying to up voting numbers through some serious franchise facilitation. The Baug wants as many persons as possible to arrive at the voting centre within the colony premises on November 20. Hoshang Jal, Jt. Hon Secretary, Cusrow Baug United Sports & Welfare League, says, “We have taken up the challenge and have some initiatives to help residents.” Some of these initiatives are automatic stair-climbing chairs, wheelchairs, car shuttles and assisting volunteer groups. Groups like Darius’ Daredevils Group of Xtremely Young Zoroastrians (XYZ) has a kids volunteer force to help residents. “Involving kids is a great way of inducting a sense of good citizenship at an early age,” says Hoshaang Gotla founder, XYZ. More power to Cusrow Baug’s walk the talk to the ballot box. Dance in the desert A performance at a past edition of the festival Mumbaikars can take a break next month and head to Rajasthan for the 10th edition of Magnetic Fields Festival being held between December 6 and 8. The festival is being held at the glorious Alsisar Mahal once again. Co-founder and music director Munbir Chawla describes the festival’s vision as one that “represents the best of modern India and talent around the world.” Munbir Chawla, co-founder and music director of Magnetic Fields “Collaborations with international partners like Resident Advisor, Boiler Room, and Goethe-Institute have long been a part of this ethos of ours, and this year’s partnerships with Refuge Worldwide and EyeMyth Festival continue this tradition,” says Chawla. “Our collaboration with institutions like Fieldlines and with EyeMyth this year help us shine a spotlight on arts and traditions that perhaps don’t get the same amount of eyeballs or are a new experience for audiences in the context of a music festival,” he adds. Balancing heritage with innovation is key. “The aim is to highlight the creativity of today while also bringing out our heritage which often gets relegated to museums, dying art forms, and dilapidated ruins,” says Chawla. However, the challenge lies in ensuring “we are doing justice to the art and artists and not being performative.” Good music trumps evil Raghu Dixit, the Indie music powerhouse known for blending folk roots with contemporary beats, has dropped his visually striking music video, Patta, the latest single from his album Shakkar. “Patta is about a human’s inward journey—confronting, taming, or making peace with inner demons,” Dixit explains. Drawing inspiration from India’s diverse festivals, where “victory of good over evil” is a recurring theme, Dixit says this multilingual experiment expanded his creative horizons and opened new markets. “For me, learning new languages and flavors as an artist is as thrilling as connecting with Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, or Hindi-speaking audiences.” Cricket like The Don would like it In the midst of the build-up to India’s forthcoming Test series in Australia and all that talk about one-upmanship, the importance of playing truly attractive cricket for the spectators and viewers is probably not stressed enough. Sir Don Bradman, the greatest batsman that set foot on earth, always called for cricket that would be entertaining to the public. Sir Don Bradman in 1974. PIC/GETTY IMAGES When Test cricket needed to be more attractive to Australian spectators before the 1960-61 series against Frank Worrell’s West Indians, Bradman, the then chairman of selectors, asked captain Richie Benaud if he could talk to the team. When Bradman addressed them, he stressed that players who played attractive cricket would be looked upon in “kindly fashion” by the selectors. The host team did well to fully understand the difference between playing positive cricket and being reckless, and produced what came to be known as the most entertaining Test series of all time which resulted in Australia winning 2-1 after the opening Test at Brisbane ended in a tie. The West Indians played attractively too and it showed that teams can be fiercely competitive without being abusive to each other. Hope we see the same from November 22. Collecting Craftsman Tales The meandering streets of Bhuleshwar have been a vibrant market for decades. As development is pushing craftsmen out, the heritage market stands to lose its identity as a hub of traditional crafts. Non-profit organisation, Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) Greater Mumbai chapter and its crafts and community division are commencing Project Heritage Bhuleshwar-Kalbadevi. INTACH will record techniques and history, says Katyayani Agarwal Speaking on what the project entails, Katyayani Agarwal, Convenor of Greater Mumbai, Chapter says, “We will be documenting the history, technique, stories of the craftsmen and where they came from, and their tools to be able to tell future generations about their crafts and the people behind them.” Bhuleshwar has housed several crafts for decades, Agarwal lists 21 to 23 crafts found in the area, including silversmiths, goldsmiths, and garland makers, block printers, and more. To achieve this, INTACH is reaching out to four colleges across Mumbai. “We are looking at young history students because we need the next generation to come and participate in this project. So, students from the University of Mumbai, and St Xaviers College will be involved in research and documentation. A few experts from Delhi are coming to Mumbai for a two-day scientific training session, for the students.“says Agarwal. INTACH hopes to be able to kick off the project entirely by December 10th and spend the next few months documenting the neighbourhood. The outcome will be a book available for anyone interested in the commerce of Mumbai. However, Agarwal says that INTACH hopes to find a sponsor to be able to publish the research as a coffee table book. “We are hopeful that people realise that these craftsmen have been in Mumbai, and it encourages some sort of a revival of the neighbourhood,” says Agarwal.
17 November,2024 06:59 AM IST | Mumbai | Team SMDDo you know what the stars hold for you in terms of love life, career, business and personal wellness? Well, read on to know your astrological predictions as per your zodiac sign. AriesMarch 21 – April 19Any challenge may need an unorthodox approach—use your wits and be discreet. Those with sensitive digestive systems need to avoid food that does not suit them.Life tip: Ask for help when you need it, and do not be afraid to admit when you do not know something. Be patient and don’t expect immediate results. TaurusApril 20 – May 20Keep communication simple and unambiguous to avoid misunderstandings. Older Taureans need to take extra care of themselves.Life tip: Be patient and make well thought out decisions instead of rushing. Use your imagination to come up with practical solutions to any challenges. GeminiMay 21 – June 20Make any commitment only once you completely understand what you are getting into. Think before you speak, and be the mature one in any disagreements. Life tip: Pull yourself out of any rut you find yourself in. Explore the options available to you, and don’t limit yourself to what you think is possible. CancerJune 21 – July 22Make sure you understand any comply with local laws if you are working on an international project. Avoid making any extreme lifestyle changes in a rush.Life tip: Accept help when you need it without feeling guilty about it. You do not have to do everything all by yourself. LeoJuly 23 – Aug 22 Take a closer look for clarity in any situation which would need a completely disciplined approach. Focus on making small, sustainable lifestyle changes.Life tip: Make time for yourself no matter how busy you are. Indulge in self care and perhaps perusing a hobby to de stress regularly. VirgoAug 23 – Sept 22Take a little extra care of yourself, and consult your doctor immediately if you feel unwell. Avoid talking about personal matters with colleagues and casual friends.Life tip: Do not settle for less than you deserve—set your standards high, and act in the manner an individual of high value would. LibraSept 23 – Oct 22Maintain a disciplined approach if you have too much to do within limited time. Double check any facts and data, and make sure you are updated with anything new in your work industry.Life tip: Sign up with any expensive gym only if you are completely committed to it. Make sure you drink enough water. ScorpioOct 23 – Nov 21A small issue can get blown out of proportion if you don’t handle it in the correct way. Make sure you drink enough water and get restful sleep.Life tip: Dream big and remain positive—see yourself succeeding even if you think you are not qualified for a particular endeavor. SagittariusNov 22 – Dec 21This is a positive time for international projects. Seniors might want to get a complete health check done.Life tip: Pay attention to your thoughts—it is important to focus on what you want, rather than what you fear. Avoid slipping into negativity. CapricornDec 22 – Jan 19Make well thought out, bold choices, and believe in yourself. Older Capricorns dealing with chronic health issue may need to dig deeper to find ways to help them deal with it.Life tip: Prioritise and do not get distracted. Delegate what you can—do not waste time on things you do not really need to. AquariusJan 20 – Feb 18Avoid socialising and networking where it does not benefit you. Taking what people say at face value might cause complications for you if you don’t figure out their agenda.Life tip: Take time out for yourself to think about what it is you truly want. Plan your next steps accordingly, and have faith in yourself. PiscesFeb 19 – March 21Make important decisions after careful thought and if you are willing to deal with the results of your choices. This is a positive time for investments and finances.Life tip: Be willing to let go of things if you want life to change. The only way to make space for something new is to let go of the old.
17 November,2024 12:09 AM IST | Mumbai | Aparna BoseUnion Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Saturday described the tenure of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government as a "black period" for Maharashtra, alleging that it was marked by widespread corruption and inefficiency. According to news agency PTI, Shekhawat, who was in Thane — the home turf of Shiv Sena leader and Chief Minister Eknath Shinde — was campaigning for the candidates of the ruling Mahayuti alliance ahead of the November 20 Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader accused the MVA government, led by Uddhav Thackeray, of stalling critical development projects, which, he claimed, left Maharashtra grappling with long-term consequences. "The way the MVA was formed by breaking and forging alliances insulted the people's mandate of 2019," Shekhawat said, referring to the collapse of the alliance between the BJP and the undivided Shiv Sena after the 2019 assembly polls. Following the split, the Shiv Sena joined forces with the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Congress to form the MVA government, but it collapsed in 2022 when Shinde rebelled and aligned with BJP. The NCP faction led by Sharad Pawar now continues to be a part of MVA. According to PTI, Shekhawat further claimed that key infrastructure projects such as the Mumbai Metro were delayed under MVA rule, and the state suffered financial mismanagement during the Covid-19 pandemic. He also pointed to the arrest of the then Home Minister as an example of the opposition bloc’s mismanagement. "Constitutional norms were defied, unemployment surged to 33 per cent in urban areas, and corruption was rampant," he alleged. The BJP leader also took aim at the Congress, accusing the party of failing to deliver on its promises in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh. He criticised Congress for its proposal to offer Rs 3,000 per month to women as part of their electoral agenda, calling it an "election gimmick." Under the state's "Ladki Bahin" programme, women currently receive Rs 1,500 per month. While campaigning for candidates of Mahayuti — BJP, Shiv Sena (led by Shinde), and NCP (led by Ajit Pawar), for the Maharashtra Assembly Elections — Shekhawat emphasised his party's achievements and claimed 27 crore people have been lifted out of poverty and India has been transformed into one of the world's most robust economies. "Maharashtra, too, has witnessed significant progress under BJP rule," he said, citing an allocation of Rs 1,000 crore to develop Thane into a smart city. According to PTI, Shekhawat also pointed to the BJP-led government's major national initiatives, such as the removal of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir and the construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, as evidence of the party’s commitment to fulfilling its promises. "We do what we say," he said. "This election is about choosing between false assurances and proven governance." Finally, he highlighted the potential for tourism and infrastructure development in Maharashtra, asserting that the BJP was committed to transforming the state into a hub of growth and prosperity. (With PTI inputs)
16 November,2024 05:02 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentThe Maharashtra Assembly elections have entered their final phase, with heightened political activity across the state. Amidst the flurry of campaigns and rallies, a notable incident involving BJP President JP Nadda unfolded during his visit to a Gurudwara in Thane on November 15. The Incident JP Nadda visited the Gurdwara Sri Dashmesh Darbar near Teen Hath Naka in Thane to pay his respects on the occasion of Guru Nanak Jayanti. His visit coincided with an ongoing congregation (Satsang) and Kirtan, a sacred musical recitation. While Nadda initially bowed his head and participated respectfully, his presence led to a felicitation ceremony, causing unintended disruptions to the service. The Gurudwara's staff and security personnel politely requested Nadda and his entourage to either sit and attend the Kirtan or leave to allow the congregation to continue undisturbed. Nadda promptly complied. #WATCH | BJP national president and union minister JP Nadda offers prayers at a Gurudwara in Maharashtra's Thane on the occasion of Guru Nanak Jayanti. pic.twitter.com/ZZwkAvWhbG — ANI (@ANI) November 15, 2024 Nadda was in Thane on Friday to campaign for Sanjay Kelkar and other candidates of the Mahayuti (grand alliance). He held meetings with party workers and addressed a special gathering. Before this, he paid a visit to the Gurudwara near Teen Hath Naka to mark Guru Nanak Jayanti. Accompanying him were MLA Sanjay Kelkar, Niranjan Davkhare, Madhavi Naik, and Sanjay Waghule. His itinerary included meetings with party workers and public gatherings aimed at boosting morale ahead of the elections. However, this incident served as a reminder of the fine line political leaders must tread when mixing religious outreach with their political agendas. Giani Lakhwinder Singh, Granthi of Gurdwara Sri Dashmesh Darbar, clarified the incident stating: “Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh. On the occasion of Guru Nanak Jayanti, just like thousands of devotees, Nadda ji had also come to the Gurudwara to bow his head with devotion. However, during the ongoing Kirtan, he had to leave for another scheduled programme. When he stood up to leave, some of his companions and media personnel stood with their backs toward the Guru Maharaj and the Kirtanists. We only requested them to respect the Kirtan. Unfortunately, the media has reported this incident inaccurately. The Gurudwara respects everyone equally, but the highest respect is always for Guru Granth Sahib, Guruvani, and Kirtan." In a statement issued by the President of the Gurudwara Committee, Gurmukh Singh Syan, the Gurudwara refuted allegations made by Congress leaders and certain media outlets claiming Nadda and BJP leaders were asked to leave due to wearing stoles with the party symbol. Syan emphasised that media personnel, not Nadda, caused the issue by recording videos with their backs to the ongoing Kirtan, which violated Gurudwara decorum. The journalists were politely requested to maintain respect for the service, but some began spreading rumours about the incident.
16 November,2024 04:59 PM IST | Mumbai | Anisha ShrivastavaWith just four days to go for the Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024, Nationalist Congress Party (SP) chief Sharad Pawar has urged voters to reject those responsible for "spoiling" the state’s political culture by undermining parties and families and sowing division within society. In a public appeal published in Marathi newspapers on Saturday, the veteran politician said "Maharashtra’s pride and glory" must be restored urgently. According to news agency PTI, Pawar raised several issues that he believes will shape the outcome of the Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024, which will be declared on November 23, when votes will be counted. These included concerns over the sustainability of welfare schemes, rising crime against women, increasing distress among farmers, and dwindling employment opportunities. The ruling Mahayuti alliance, comprising the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Shiv Sena led by Chief Minister (CM) Eknath Shinde, and NCP under Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, is in a tight contest with the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), which includes Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), Congress, and the NCP led by Sharad Pawar. Pawar accused the Mahayuti government of enabling corruption, and criticised the Shinde government’s decision to waive tolls for vehicles entering Mumbai. "The real question is about the tolls [corruption] in government offices. When will this stop? Official bungalows near the state secretariat have become hubs for corruption," he alleged, further claiming that the ruling coalition leaders were responsible for engaging in communal and caste-based politics while the state faces a deteriorating law-and-order situation, rising unemployment, and worsening farm distress owing to inadequate crop prices. “Maharashtra is a cultured, progressive, strong, and self-respecting state. It has not only shown the way to the nation but has stood by it during times of crisis. However, the current rulers have become pawns in the hands of Delhi,” Pawar remarked. According to PTI, the NCP (SP) chief also accused the Mahayuti leaders of disrespecting the state’s icons, citing the collapse of a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in August, and criticising the derogatory remarks made by an official about the marriage of social reformers Jyotiba and Savitribai Phule. “A person holding a constitutional position made derogatory comments about the married life of Savitribai and Jyotiba Phule. The corruption led to the collapse of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's statue in Sindhudurg,” Pawar said. 'People will stand with MVA in Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024' Speaking to reporters in Satara, the former CM predicted that the people of Maharashtra would bring about a change in government. "The people want change, and they will bring it. They will stand with the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA)," he asserted. According to PTI, the 83-year-old politician, renowned for his keen political instincts, noted that the atmosphere in the state reminded him of the 2019 elections, when people, though silent, reacted strongly at the ballot box. Pawar also downplayed the potential impact of the welfare schemes announced by the ruling coalition. He pointed out that after the BJP-led government’s poor performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, they had introduced cash transfer schemes to "make people happy." However, Pawar questioned their long-term sustainability, stating, “They haven’t provided clarity on how long these schemes will last. For example, the Rs 1,500 monthly aid to 2 crore women under the ‘Ladki Bahin’ scheme might make them happy, but despite this expenditure, it won’t have much impact on the Mahayuti’s electoral prospects.” Pawar highlighted a stark contradiction between the ruling government’s claims and the reality on the ground, particularly with regard to the rising crime rate. "In the last two years, 67,000 cases of violence against women were registered, and around 64,000 women and girls have gone missing in the state, including in Nagpur, which is home to the state’s Home Minister, Devendra Fadnavis,” he claimed. “The government's claims of caring for women fall flat when they fail to protect them. This contradiction will affect the electoral outcome," he added. The former Union Agriculture Minister also drew attention to the struggles of Maharashtra’s farmers, who face increasing risks to their crops. “Soybean and cotton, crucial crops in some regions, are facing major challenges. Farmers are frustrated by high input costs, which have driven some to despair and suicide,” Pawar said. Unemployment was another pressing issue, according to Pawar. “While the number of educational institutions has increased, job opportunities are dwindling. Young people are struggling to find employment, and the lack of opportunities is creating frustration. Our job is to highlight these issues, while the government misuses its power,” he concluded. (With PTI inputs)
16 November,2024 04:08 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentShiv Sena leader Neelam Gorhe has asserted that the introduction of the 'Ladli Bahin' scheme has fostered trust among women voters in the state government, and that the Mahayuti alliance is confident of securing a majority in the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024. According to news agency ANI, Gorhe highlighted the increasing awareness among women voters, particularly about the Ladli Bahin scheme. "There is significant awareness among women in Maharashtra this year. There is widespread discussion about the Ladli Bahin scheme. Women workers are being sent to every household in 40 constituencies to inform people about the achievements of the Mahayuti government. Our workers have already visited 30,000 homes. Women were eagerly waiting for these workers to come, and now they have developed trust in the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. We are confident of winning the majority," she said. Gorhe also criticised the opposition for attempting to "defame" the state government. She also spoke about the various infrastructural developments under both the state and central governments, such as the Atal Setu, the sea link, and the Marathwada water grid. "Mahayuti is working to fulfil the dreams of Balasaheb Thackeray, the founder of Shiv Sena. The Congress failed to implement the 'Ladli Bahin' scheme, but under our government, women have received their installments. Women do a lot of unpaid labour, both in the home and outside. To call this scheme a 'bribe' is entirely unjustified," she added. Till date, the Mahayuti government has transferred five installments of the Ladli Bahin scheme. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde had previously stated that the November installment was paid ahead of schedule in October to avoid any disruption owing to the Model Code of Conduct. "We did not want the money for the Ladli Bahin scheme to be delayed because of the elections. That's why we transferred the November funds in October. After the Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024 on November 20, we will transfer the December installment in November itself, as our intentions are clear," Shinde had said. The Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024 are scheduled for November 20, with the results to be announced three days later. The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition, comprising the Congress, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), and the Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), is aiming to reclaim power from the ruling Mahayuti alliance, which consists of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP. In the 2019 Maharashtra Assembly elections, the BJP won 105 seats, Shiv Sena secured 56, and Congress bagged 44. In 2014, the BJP had won 122 seats, Shiv Sena 63, and Congress 42. (With ANI inputs)
16 November,2024 03:47 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
