The Sharad Pawar faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) moved the Supreme Court, seeking direction that the faction headed by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar apply for a new symbol for contesting the upcoming Maharashtra polls. Meanwhile, ahead of the Maharashtra polls, Sharad Pawar's party has launched a campaign to address what it describes as the failures of the current Mahayuti government. On Wednesday, October 2, party leaders presented a "charge sheet" outlining the concerns related to the state's economic decline, the plight of industries, and the breakdown of law and order, news agency PTI reported. The campaign, titled 'Hakk Magtoy Maharashtra (State is demanding its rights)', was spearheaded by Lok Sabha member and Sharad Pawar's daughter Supriya Sule and Maharashtra unit chief Jayant Patil. The leaders marched from the Mahatma Gandhi statue near Mantralaya to the statue of former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, before proceeding to Hutatma Chowk in south Mumbai. "We are united in creating a charge sheet against the Maharashtra government," Patil stated. The party's campaign will feature an audio-visual outreach, including advertisements and a new song, with the first advertisement highlighting issues such as rising unemployment and the shifting of key projects to Gujarat. Patil alleged that over the past 10 years, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies, including Ajit Pawar's NCP and the Shiv Sena, have undermined the ideals of notable figures such as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Dr BR Ambedkar. He pointed to agricultural distress, and claimed that farmers are suffering owing to inadequate prices for soybeans, onions, and oranges, and are facing delays in drought relief and crop insurance. The NCP (SP) leader criticised the government for the rising cost of living, referring to the hike in petrol, diesel, liquified petroleum gas (LPG), and electricity prices. How much money has BJP received from beef exporters, questions NCP (SP) state chief Patil emphasised that despite Maharashtra being a top contributor to the goods and services tax (GST) pool, it has not received equitable treatment in the Union Budget compared to its neighbouring states. Patil also expressed concerns on BJP's reliance on Union Home Minister Amit Shah, suggesting that it reflects a crisis within the Maharashtra government. "Shah's presence in Mumbai during the elections in Haryana and Jammu-Kashmir indicates the seriousness of the situation. The MVA (Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi) will come to power after winning the elections," he declared. Highlighting issues such as corruption and the deteriorating law and order in the state, Patil spoke about the "exodus" of industries from Maharashtra. "Factors such as corruption and unfriendly business policies have led to this shift. The industrial legacy from the days of Yashwantrao Chavan is being erased," he said, while criticising the government for its handling of safety measures related to the flagship 'Ladki Bahin' cash transfer scheme for women. Patil claimed that the scheme has failed to ensure the protection of women and raised concerns about gangs operating with impunity and the rise of drug rackets in the state. "The government has not hesitated to indulge in corruption, as seen in the construction of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's statue in Malvan," he alleged, referring to the outrage over the statue's collapse at a coastal fort inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last year. As part of the 'Hakk Magtoy' campaign for the Maharashtra polls, NCP (SP) has also launched a missed call initiative and a website to encourage public participation. When questioned about the government's decision to declare indigenous cows as Rajyamata-Gomata, Patil accused BJP of having financial ties to beef exporters through electoral bonds. "How much money has BJP received from beef exporters? It will reveal their true priorities," he stated. Further, Patil supported Union Minister Nitin Gadkari's recent remarks regarding the state’s finances, suggesting that they reflect the truth of the situation. Gadkari had cautioned that the Maharashtra government's 'Ladki Bahin Yojana', aimed at providing financial assistance to underprivileged women, could jeopardise timely subsidy payments in other sectors. (With PTI inputs)
02 October,2024 11:33 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has sent its 'Go Team' to analyse the evidence collected by Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in the preliminary investigation into the Pune helicopter crash incident which took place on Wednesday, October 2. "AAIB has launched our 'Go Team' to collect material evidences... will publish preliminary report as soon as possible," a statement from the bureau read. "After an aviation accident, the local people, authorities and agencies are always the first ones to respond. For example, after the crash which took place this morning, the local police and fire department, along with the nearby residents were the first ones to respond, as rescue operations are always the first priority," a source from AAIB disclosed. The source added, "Once such an accident takes place, the nearest DGCA office is informed about it by the local authorities. A team from DGCA officials is then dispatched to recover the evidence required for the investigation. These pieces of evidence usually consist of the 'black box' from the accident site along with other pieces of evidence and statements of survivors, if any." While explaining the 'Go Team', the source said, "This evidence is primary analysed by experts at DGCA and is later handed over to AAIB for further analysis. Once AAIB takes possession of the evidence, a team of technical experts study the data and analyse it in order to find the cause of the crash. They release a preliminary report about the crash and do a detailed analysis of the site of the incident and other evidences." Three individuals, including the pilot, first officer and an engineer on board were killed in the Pune helicopter crash. The helicopter took off from Oxford golf club helipad and was en route to Juhu in Mumbai.
02 October,2024 09:54 PM IST | Mumbai | Prasun ChoudhariA fire broke out at a factory in Thane district of Maharashtra, the civic officials said on Wednesday. The blaze was reported at Venkataramana Food Specialities Limited in Hanuman Nagar area of Wagle Estate in Thane, the Regional Disaster Management Cell (RDMC) of the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) said. The incident was reported at around 3:59 pm, it said, adding that following the information the officials rushed to the spot and the civic officials including the Deputy Commissioner of Thane Municipal Corporation, the Chief Fire Officer, and Disaster Management personnel were present to manage the situation. "The fire department deployed seven high-rise fire vehicles, two jumbo water tankers, one water tanker, and one rescue vehicle to combat the blaze as part of a fire-fighting operation," the RDMC said. Apart from these two fire engines of Mira Bhayander Fire Brigade were on spot and around 20 water tankers were being used to control blaze, an official said. Fire officials stated that the blaze at the factory was largely controlled from all sides; however, firefighting efforts were ongoing since the presence of compostable materials, including desi ghee, cooking cylinders, plastic, and paper boxes stored within the factory has complicated the situation, causing delays in fully extinguishing the fire. They said that around 60 firefighters and officials are actively engaged in controlling the flames. "This is a brigade call," a fire official stated, emphasizing the scale of the operation. No injuries have been reported in the incident so far, it said.
02 October,2024 09:42 PM IST | Mumbai | Sameer SurveLeaders of the Opposition Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) met in Mumbai on Wednesday, October 2, to continue their seat-sharing talks for the assembly elections, news agency PTI reported. State Congress chief Nana Patole and Congress leader Balasaheb Thorat, state Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) chief Jayant Patil, and Shiv Sena's (UBT)Anil Desai and Sanjay Raut were present at the meeting at 'Shivalaya', the office of the Uddhav Thackeray-led party. The talks are expected to conclude before Dussehra, sources said. Congress wants a larger share of seats in Vidarbha and Marathwada and is ready to cede more seats to the Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) in Mumbai and Konkan, the sources added. The Sena (UBT), however, also wants more seats in eastern Maharashtra's Vidarbha region, they added. The allies have reached consensus on "90 percent of seats" in Mumbai, while six seats were under discussion, a Congress leader said. 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.
02 October,2024 07:30 PM IST | Mumbai | PTIThe Congress on Wednesday slammed the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation's decision to introduce air hostess-like attendants on electric "Shivneri" luxury buses between Mumbai and Pune, accusing the state government of neglecting the basic infrastructure for passengers, reported the PTI. The MSRTC, under its new chairman Bharat Gogawale, on Tuesday announced the introduction of "Sundaris" on air-conditioned buses plying between the two key cities under the brand name "Shivneri". The MSRTC has announced that the state-run electric luxury buses between Mumbai and Pune will have "Shivneri Sundari," women attendants, whose job will be akin to an air hostess. The MSRTC stated that air hostess-like attendants will be introduced on e-Shivneri buses. The change aims to improve service quality and enhance the travel experience for MSRTC bus passengers who travel between Mumbai and Pune. The decision was taken at the state-owned transport corporation's 304th board meeting chaired by Gogawale in Mumbai to provide air travel-like hospitality to commuters travelling on the 200-km-long busy route, the MSRTC said. The attendants, called "Shivneri Sundari," will welcome and assist passengers during their journey, which takes about four hours. pic.twitter.com/RPVjBi4ZY2 — Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (@msrtcofficial) October 1, 2024 Leader of the opposition in the Maharashtra assembly, Vijay Wadettiwar, criticised the government over the MSRTC move, drawing attention to the poor condition of state-run buses as well as the rickety infrastructure at bus stations, according to the PTI. "This is a directionless government. The first decision of Bharat Gogawale who couldn't become a minister, as MSRTC chief is to appoint Shivneri Sundaris, as pe the PTI. "The condition of MSRTC buses and the bus stations across the state is pathetic. There are no clean washrooms for women at bus stations. But instead of resolving these issues, the government is appointing Shivneri Sundaris. This is a directionless government headed by directionless leaders," Wadettiwar alleged. Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena spokesperson Krishna Hegde hit back at Congress alleging that MSRTC workers were ill-treated when the MVA government was in power. "They (the opposition) made MSRTC workers jobless, stopped their salaries and bonuses, and lathi-charged them. When we are creating more jobs and modernising MSRTC, they are opposing us and the 'Shivneri Sundari' concept," Krishna Hegde said, the news agency reported on Wednesday. (with PTI inputs)
02 October,2024 05:48 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentCentral Railway will implement the revised Main line suburban time table from Saturday, October 5. According to Central Railway, the timings of the suburban services have been changed in accordance with revised timings of mail/express trains. Some of the features of the new time table include: Extension of 24 Dadar originating/terminating trains up to Parel Extension of six Thane originating/terminating trains up to Kalyan New Platform no 11 of Dadar will be utilised to decongest Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) by shifting 11 pairs of fast services originating from/ terminating at CSMT to Dadar. Nine services to be run with revised timings and train numbers. Ten services to be run with revised originating/terminating stations. Last service for Karjat (S 1) to depart from CSMT at 12.12 am. Last service for Kasara (N 1) to depart from CSMT at 12:08 am. Additional halt provided at Kalwa and Mumbra to fast local during peak hours. Morning peak: Kalwa (Train no A 20 at 08.56 am), Mumbra (Train no AN 8-time 09.23 am) Evening peak: Kalwa (Train no BL 41-time 7.29 pm); Mumbra (Train no TL 47-time 7.47 pm) The details of extension of services, changes in originating/terminating stations, revision of train timings and train numbers are attached given below: The entire schedule can be found on http://www.cr.indianrailways.gov.in/ from Friday, October 4.
02 October,2024 05:47 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentBharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Shaina NC has expressed confidence that the Mahayuti alliance will win the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections, citing the significant public work carried out by the state government, reported news agency ANI. "The Bharatiya Janata Party's performance in the 2019 Maharashtra assembly elections was impressive, with 17 seats contested in Mumbai, of which we won 16. This time, we are certain the Mahayuti will win, as much public work has been accomplished," Shaina told ANI. Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday held a detailed discussion with party leaders and workers in Dadar, Mumbai. Shaina noted that Shah had inspired grassroots workers during the meeting. "Amit Shah has provided inspiration and energy to every worker. He emphasised the importance of working at the grassroots level and mobilising voters," she said, reported ANI. Shah also expressed certainty that a 'Mahayuti' government in Maharashtra would be formed. "While the MVA alliance in Maharashtra is breaking records of appeasement, the NDA government in the state, under Modi ji's leadership, is setting new benchmarks for the welfare of all sections. Today, during the meeting in Dadar, Mumbai, party workers pledged to form the NDA government," Shah posted on X. Addressing the party workers, Shah remarked that the BJP does not seek power for the sake of ruling but to advance its ideology. "The formation of a Mahayuti government in Maharashtra is inevitable. No one can stop Mahayuti from winning the elections in Maharashtra," he added. He further stated that due to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, the respect and pride of Indians have grown globally. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule, Mumbai BJP chief Ashish Shelar, and other leaders were present at the event. Earlier, on September 25, Amit Shah held a detailed discussion with party leaders and workers in Nashik, stating that only the NDA government, under Prime Minister Modi's leadership, could accelerate Maharashtra's development, reported ANI. "The anti-Dalit, anti-farmer, and anti-women MVA alliance cannot bring any positive change for Maharashtra. Only the NDA government, guided by Modi ji, can accelerate development by considering every section of the state. After interacting with officials and senior workers from the North Maharashtra division in Nashik today, I feel energised. Maharashtra BJP workers will go door-to-door to ensure the formation of the NDA government in the state once again," Shah posted on X. Maharashtra Assembly elections will be held in 288 constituencies. The Election Commission of India has yet to announce the election dates. The upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections will see a contest between the Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition, comprising the UBT Shiv Sena, NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), and Congress, and the Maha Yuti Alliance, which includes the BJP, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction), and NCP (Ajit Pawar faction). (With inputs from ANI)
02 October,2024 03:03 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Congress and NCP (SP) leaders paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi on his 155th birth anniversary on Wednesday. All India Congress Committee in-charge of Maharashtra Ramesh Chennithala said those who indulge in the politics of religion should read Gandhiji's thoughts on the need for social harmony and brotherhood. People from all walks of life paid homage to the Father of the Nation by visiting Mani Bhavan, which was Mahatma Gandhi's Mumbai headquarters for about 17 years from 1917 to 1934. Chennithala, accompanied by Mumbai Congress president Varsha Gaikwad, state party chief Nana Patole and other leaders, also visited Mani Bhavan. Chennithala told reporters that his party takes inspirations from Mahatma Gandhi's ideals. "Those who indulge in the politics of religion should read Gandhiji's thoughts on the need for social harmony and brotherhood," he said. The Congress leader said everyone respects Gandhiji. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi should think whether Gandhiji's ideals are being followed during his tenure," he said. NCP (SP) leaders, led by Lok Sabha member Supriya Sule and Maharashtra party chief Jayant Patil, took out a march from the Gandhi statue near Mantralaya to the statue of former prime minister Lal Bahadur Shastri and later walked till the Hutatma Chowk in south Mumbai. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and former party chief Rahul Gandhi paid rich tributes to Mahatma Gandhi on his birth anniversary. While Rahul Gandhi said the Mahatma was not just an individual but a way of living and thinking, Kharge said they are following his ideas as they are being challenged today. "Bapu has taught me that if we want to live, we should live without fear - we should walk on the path of truth, love, compassion and harmony while uniting everyone," Rahul Gandhi said. "Gandhi ji was not just an individual, he was a way of living and thinking," the former Congress president said in a post in Hindi on X while paying salutations to the Father of the Nation on his birth anniversary. He also paid floral tributes at Mahatma Gandhi's memorial at Rajghat in the morning. Kharge said the thoughts and ideals of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation, who showed the path of peace to the entire world with the highest values of truth, non-violence and satyagraha, the architect of the Indian freedom struggle, are always inspiring for us. "Today, we are facing the challenge to his ideas by following the principles of Bapu. Best wishes to all the countrymen on Gandhi Jayanti," Kharge said on X.
02 October,2024 02:13 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA helicopter from a Delhi-based private aviation firm took off from the Oxford Golf Course helipad in Pune and was en route to Juhu in Mumbai Preliminary information indicated that the deceased included two pilots and an engineer. A total of three individuals were killed in the helicopter crash. After the crash, the chopper caught fire. Pune police have confirmed the death of three individuals in the matter as well. The incident took place at 6.45 am near hilly terrain in the Bavdhan area, which is close to the Oxford Golf Course. “Three persons have died in the helicopter crash. Our teams along with fire department vehicles are on the spot,” Pimpri Chinchwad Commissioner of Police Vinay Kumar Choubey said in a media statement. "The helicopter was en route to Vijayawada with a halt at Begumpet airport. Due to rains and weather conditions at Juhu, the morning departure was delayed," a senior DGCA official disclosed. AAIB director GVG Yugandhar, in conversation with Mid-Day, said, "At this stage, we are not in a position to give any statement on the matter as the preliminary investigation is still ongoing. We will only be able to provide any information once we are sure what exactly caused the crash and all aspects are properly investigated. At this moment, it is very premature to comment on anything."
02 October,2024 01:44 PM IST | Mumbai | Prasun ChoudhariThe Maharashtra government has formed a Commission of Inquiry for a probe into the killing of Badlapur school sexual assault case Akshay Shinde in an alleged shoot-out by police, reported news agency PTI. A home department gazette published on Tuesday said the single-member Commission of Inquiry will be headed by the Chief Justice (retired), Allahabad High Court, Dilip Bhosale, reported PTI. The panel will submit its report in three months on the Badlapur encounter, as per the gazette. Two girls, aged four and five years, were allegedly sexually abused by a male attendant inside the toilet of a school at Badlapur in Thane district in August. Akshay Shinde, the accused, was subsequently arrested, but was shot dead by police in an alleged shoot-out on September 23. The terms of reference for the Commission of Inquiry will be the sequence of events which happened at the Mumbra bypass in Thane on September 23, regarding the exchange of fire between Akshay Shinde and the police escort party which resulted in his death, and the causes and consequences thereof, as per the gazette, reported PTI. The probe will also focus on whether any individual or group of individuals or organisation was seen directly or indirectly responsible for the incident, it said, reported PTI. It will also ascertain whether steps taken by the police in handling the situation were appropriate. The panel will conduct a detailed examination of all related aspects and events of the incident. The commission will suggest short-term and long-term measures to be taken by police to avoid recurrence of such an incident, the gazette said, reported PTI. The Bombay High Court last week expressed concerns regarding the police shooting of Akshay Shinde, stating the incident could have been avoided and emphasised the necessity for a fair and impartial probe. The HC also raised pertinent questions over the manner in which the Badlapur encounter was executed. The court said while it was not impugning the police's integrity, it insisted on the importance of clarity in the investigation, reported PTI. It also stressed the necessity for a fair and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the Badlapur encounter. (With inputs from PTI)
02 October,2024 01:01 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAfter an intense monsoon season, Mumbai finds itself grappling with an unexpected heat wave that has left residents reeling. According to latest Mumbai weather update, the city's skyline was enveloped in a thick mist, signaling a notable shift in its weather, and Mumbai's air quality was classified as 'good' on Wednesday. Sources at IMD confirmed to mid-day.com, that it’s not fog because visibility is more than 1 km. "When the weather is cloudy and the wind speed has significantly calmed (to the point where even tree branches remain still), suspended very small water particles, become stagnant and do not move. This causes low visibility. The haze that forms under these conditions is called mist. At least for now, this phenomenon is unrelated to pollution," said IMD Mumbai head Sunil Kamble. 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'. According to the Central Pollution Control Board's SAMEER app in its latest Mumbai weather update, the city's air quality continued to be 'good' with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 93 at 9.43 am. The SAMEER App dashboard on Wednesday showed BKC's AQI as 102 and Borivali's AQI as 84. Chembur's AQI was in the 'good' category at 88. While Deonar's AQI and Mulund's AQI were in the 'moderate' category at 103 and 196, respectively. Meanwhile, Colaba's AQI was in the 'good' category at 89. The main causes of air pollution in Mumbai are waste burning, industrial activity, construction dust, and vehicle emissions. These sources emit fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) into the atmosphere, which can enter the lungs deeply and result in heart problems, respiratory disorders, and other health issues. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) in their daily forecast for the city and surrounding areas, said that there will be generally cloudy sky with light rain or drizzle. The maximum temperature is likely to be around 32 degrees Celsius. While the minimum temperature is likely to be around 25 degrees Celsius. The relative humidity is 80 per cent and the wind speed is 80 km/h. The sun rose at 06:29 AM and will set at 06:26 PM. There are numerous programmes in place to better Mumbai's air quality. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has imposed regulations on vehicle emissions, controlled dust areas at construction sites, and the encouragement of electric vehicles, among other things. The Maharashtra government has also introduced the "Clean Air Action Plan," which aims to cut emissions from different sources. Navi Mumbai, according to data collated by the SAMEER app, recorded 'moderate' air quality with AQI at 113. Nerul, located in Navi Mumbai, recorded a moderate AQI of 122.
02 October,2024 12:05 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
