Central Railway on Thursday said that it will run special suburban trains for Maharashtra Assembly election 2024 for the voters convenience. In an official statement, it said that in view of the Maharashtra Assembly polls, the Central Railway will run special suburban trains on November 19-20, (Tuesday-Wednesday night) and November 20-21, (Wednesday-Thursday night) to facilitate the movement of election personnel and the public. It said that the trains will operate on the Main Line (CSMT-Kalyan) and Harbour Line (CSMT-Panvel), with specific departure and arrival times as listed below. Schedule for Special Suburban Trains: 1. Tuesday-Wednesday Night (November 19-20, 2024) Main Line (Down):CSMT – Kalyan Special: Departs CSMT at 03:00 hrs, arrives Kalyan at 04:30 hrs. Main Line (UP):Kalyan – CSMT Special: Departs Kalyan at 03:00 hrs, arrives CSMT at 04:30 hrs. Harbour Line (Down):CSMT- Panvel Special: Departs CSMT at 03:00 hrs, arrives Panvel at 04:20 hrs. Harbour Line (Up):Panel – CSMT Special 2: Departs Panvel at 03:00 hrs, arrives CSMT at 04:20 hrs. 2. Wednesday-Thursday Night (November 20-21, 2024) Main Line (Down):CSMT – Kalyan Special: Departs CSMT at 01:10 hrs, arrives Kalyan at 02:40 hrs.CSMT – Kalyan Special: Departs CSMT at 02:30 hrs, arrives Kalyan at 04:00 hrs. Main Line (Up):Kalyan – CSMT Special: Departs Kalyan at 01:00 hrs, arrives CSMT at 02:30 hrs.Kalyan – CSMT Special: Departs Kalyan at 02:00 hrs, arrives CSMT at 03:30 hrs. Harbour Line (Down):CSMT- Panvel Special: Departs CSMT at 01:40 hrs, arrives Panvel at 03:00 hrs.CSMT- Panvel Special: Departs CSMT at 02:50 hrs, arrives Panvel at 04:10 hrs. Harbour Line (Up):CSMT- Panvel Special: Departs Panvel at 01:00 hrs, arrives CSMT at 02:20 hrs.CSMT- Panvel Special: Departs Panvel at 02:30 hrs, arrives CSMT at 03:50 hrs. "All special trains will halt at all stations between CSMT-Kalyan and CSMT-Panvel, as per the schedules listed above. These special services are expected to enhance connectivity and ensure the smooth transit of election participants. Passengers are encouraged to take advantage of these additional services for their travel needs on these nights," the Central Railway said.
14 November,2024 10:56 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarPrime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday taunted Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray for 'handing over the remote control' of the party to the Congress, reported the PTI. "Mumbai is a city of self-respect, but a party in Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) has handed over its 'remote control' to those who insulted Balasaheb Thackeray," PM Modi said, addressing his last public rally for the November 20 Maharashtra assembly election 2024. "That is why I challenged them to get the Congress to praise Balasaheb Thackeray. Till date these people have not been able to get the Congress and the ¿Prince¿ of Congress to praise Balasaheb," PM Modi said, as per the PTI. PM Modi said the Congress is desperate for power, adding the grand old party is like a fish out of water. The Prime Minister said that terror attacks kept happening across the country during the Congress regime. "Everywhere people were scared of unclaimed objects. But now all this has stopped," he said, according to the PTI. "Terror masters now know that if they do anything against India, PM Modi won't spare them," he said. Prime Minister Modi accused the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi of questioning India's achievements. "The Maha Vikas Aghadi leaders raise questions on every achievement of India. These are the people who did not give the status of an elite language to Marathi language for decades. But when we gave this respect to Marathi language, they got angry. Therefore, you have to be very careful about the politics of Maha Aghadi leaders and their intentions," PM Modi said. He further said that in politics, it is understandable to attack each other. But when it comes to the country's achievement, it is the duty of every political party to put the country above its own party. This is the mantra of BJP and Mahagathbandhan, this is our policy, this is our attitude and tendency as well. Attacking the Congress, PM said, "Congress desperate for power; like fish out of water." The PM addressed public rallies at various places in the state. During the Panvel rally, PM Modi launched a scathing attack against the Congress, claiming that the party has always worked on the agenda of keeping the poor, poor. (with PTI inputs)
14 November,2024 10:51 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentWestern Railway on Thursday, while sharing Mumbai local train updates, said that it will operate a 12-hour mega block between Jogeshwari-Goregaon section on November 16-17. In an official statement, the Western Railway said that in order to carry out the work of re-girdering of Bridge No. 46 between Jogeshwari and Goregaon, a 12 hour block will be undertaken on both up and down slow lines as well as up and down Harbour lines. It said that all mail and express trains using the route will be delayed by 10 to 20 minutes due to the block. It said that the block will be taken from 23:30 hrs to 11:30 hrs on the intervening night of 16th/17th November, 2024. Due to the block, few suburban train services plying over Western Railway and some Mail / Express trains will be affected, the Western Railway said. It said that all up and down slow line trains will be run on the fast lines between Andheri and Goregaon/Borivali stations, bypassing Ram Mandir station due to platform unavailability during the block period. According to a press release issued by Vineet Abhishek – Chief Public Relations Officer of Western Railway, during the block the trains will be worked as under: - All up and down Slow lines will be worked on up and down Fast lines between Andheri and Goregaon/Borivali and will not halt at Ram Mandir for want of platform. - All the Harbour line services departing from Central Railway will only run up to Andheri and reversed during the block period. - Some Churchgate – Goregaon/Borivali Slow services will be short terminated and reversed from Andheri. - During the block, up and down Mail/Express trains will be delayed by 10 - 20 minutes. - The list of cancellation of suburban trains and details of short termination will be available at all suburban stations. - During the block, no trains will be available at Ram Mandir in up and down directions. "Detailed information to the effect is available with concerned station masters and the passengers are requested to kindly take note of the same," the western Railway said in its statement.
14 November,2024 09:50 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAhead of the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly election 2024, PM Modi on Thursday addressed a public rally at Shivaji Park in Mumbai and said that the blessings of the entire Maharashtra are with Mahayuti. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, and top BJP leaders from the state were seen attending the rally as crowds gathered at the Shivaji Park ground in Dadar. PM Modi said, "This is my last public meeting in Maharashtra for this election and during my visit to the state, I have visited entire Maharashtra. The blessings of the entire Maharashtra are with Mahayuti." He said that Mumbai is a city of dreams, and Mahayuti is an alliance that fulfils those dreams. Today every Mumbaikar can see on what a large scale we are carrying forward the development work. Our government wants to free Mumbai from every problem of connectivity. Watch Video below PM Modi said, "This is my last public meeting in Maharashtra for this election and during my visit to the state, I have visited entire Maharashtra. The blessings of the entire Maharashtra are with Mahayuti." "The Maha Vikas Aghadi leaders raise questions on every achievement of India. These are the people who did not give the status of an elite language to Marathi language for decades. But when we gave this respect to Marathi language, they got angry. Therefore, you have to be very careful about the politics of Maha Aghadi leaders and their intentions," PM Modi said. He further said that in politics, it is understandable to attack each other. But when it comes to the country's achievement, it is the duty of every political party to put the country above its own party. This is the mantra of BJP and Mahagathbandhan, this is our policy, this is our attitude and tendency as well. Attacking the Congress, PM said, "Congress desperate for power; like fish out of water." Without naming the party, PM Modi said, "A party in Maha Vikas Aghadi has handed over its 'remote control' to those who insulted Balasaheb Thackeray." The PM addressed public rallies at various places in the state. During the Panvel rally, PM Modi launched a scathing attack against the Congress, claiming that the party has always worked on the agenda of keeping the poor, poor. He also said that the Congress has looted the poor in the name of poverty elimination.
14 November,2024 09:10 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMumbai Metro One has announced the extension of its operating hours for the Maharashtra Assembly election 2024, an official statement said on Thursday. It said that the extended hours will assist the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in facilitating the travel needs of election staff on the critical day of voting and beyond. The Maharashtra elections are scheduled to take place on November 20, with the vote counting set for November 23. The statement said that recognising the need for election officials to reach their respective polling stations early and stay late to secure materials and ensure the integrity of the voting process, Mumbai Metro One has decided to extend its operational hours on election day. It said that On 20th November, the first metro services from both Versova and Ghatkopar stations will start as early as 4am, allowing election officers and other personnel to reach polling stations on time. The last metro service from both terminals will run until 1am on 21st November. The extension comes in response to a request made by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, as the Mumbai Metro One corridor connects several key stations along both the Western and Central Railways, making it an essential transport link for election staff, the statement said. It further said that the extension of operational hours is part of Mumbai Metro One’s broader commitment to public service and social responsibility for upcoming polls. The Election staff typically need to reach polling stations early, often before 5am, to prepare for the day’s proceedings. After the voting ends, many officers remain at the polling booths to collect, secure, and transport election materials and machines, necessitating late-night travel options.
14 November,2024 08:11 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarPrime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi on Thursday received a special welcome from ISKCON volunteers at Panvel in Raigad district ahead of a rally for the Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024.The PM addressed public rallies at various places in the state. During the Panvel rally, PM Modi launched a scathing attack against the Congress, claiming that the party has always worked on the agenda of keeping the poor, poor. According to news agency ANI, PM Modi also said that the Congress has looted the poor in the name of poverty elimination."The Congress has always worked on the agenda of keeping the poor, poor. Generation by generation, they have given the false slogan of 'gareebi hatao'. The Congress looted the poor in the name of poverty elimination," said PM Modi, while addressing the public at Panvel."In most of the states, the Congress' existence is in danger. To protect their existence and to come to power, Congress will do anything. Their [Congress] one leader is openly declaring that they will give infiltrators, Rohingyas, and Bangladeshi gas cylinders at cheaper rates. It's an example of how they are playing with the future of your children for the sake of votes," PM Modi added.While addressing another rally in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, the PM said that the MVA (Maha Vikas Aghadi) has done nothing but increased the problems of the state, ANI reported."There has been a water crisis in Marathwada for a long time, but the Congress and the Aghadi people always remained idle. For the first time in our government, concrete efforts began to fight drought," he said.Notably, the campaigning has intensified for the 288 seats for the Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024 with both the ruling Mahayuti and the opposition MVA making efforts to woo the electorate.The Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024 are scheduled for November 20 and the counting will be held three days later.In the 2019 Maharashtra assembly polls, the BJP won 105 seats, Shiv Sena secured 56, and Congress 44. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, MVA posed a strong performance winning 30 of 48 seats, while the Mahayuti could only win 17. (With ANI inputs)
14 November,2024 08:11 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Bombay High Court (HC) on Thursday refused to stay the release of the movie 'Match Fixing - The Nation at Stake', based on the 2008 Malegaon blast, noting that it was a work of fiction. The movie is scheduled for release on Thursday. According to news agency PTI, a division bench of Justices BP Colabawalla and Somasekhar Sunderesan dismissed a petition filed by Lt Col Prasad Purohit, an accused in the case, seeking a stay on the film claiming that it would impact and influence the trial. Purohit's lawyer said the movie projects "saffron terror". Purohit claimed that the movie tarnished his reputation. The movie's producer told the court that it was a work of fiction based on a book already available in the market. The producer also submitted the disclaimer that would be exhibited at the beginning of the movie which states that the film is a work of fiction and bears no resemblance to any person dead or alive, reported ANI. After briefly hearing the arguments, the bench suggested certain minor changes to the disclaimer which the producer accepted. Saffron terror projected in movie, claims Malegaon blast case accused "We do not think that the apprehension of the petitioner is well founded. The movie is based on fiction and hence there can be no apprehension that the trial, which is at the stage of final arguments, would get affected," the court said, adding that the "entire apprehension of petitioner is wholly misconceived"' before dismissing the petition. The court also questioned Purohit and asked him if he thinks the judges in India get influenced by such movies. "Are you really saying that a judge of the Indian judiciary is going to watch a movie and get influenced and forget evidence? When the book is not banned why should the film be banned? So the judge won't get influenced by the book," HC said. According to ANI, Advocate Harish Pandya, appearing for Purohit, then sought the court to stay the release of the movie at least till after the Maharashtra Assembly elections, scheduled to be held on November 20. "Saffron terror is projected in the movie," claimed Pandya. The court, however, questioned what the movie had to do with the elections. Six people were killed in the Malegaon blast "No chance. We are not going to hold film producers at ransom only because of elections. What have elections got to do with this? The book is out since years," the bench said. Meanwhile, another petition, which was filed by a person named Nadim Khan, also against the movie on the grounds that it hurts the sentiments of Muslims, was withdrawn on Thursday, ANI reported. Six people were killed and more than 100 were injured in the 2008 Malegaon blast when an explosive device strapped to a motorcycle went off near a mosque in the north Maharashtra town, about 200 km from Mumbai, on September 29. Purohit, former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lawmaker Pragya Singh Thakur and five others are on trial under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and Indian Penal Code (IPC) for their alleged involvement in the 2008 Malegaon blast conspiracy. The case was initially probed by the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) before being transferred to the National Investigation Agency in 2011. (With PTI inputs)
14 November,2024 06:09 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentOriginally planned as a commercial hub, BKC is today among Mumbai’s costliest real estate spaces. In March this year, industrialist Uday Kotak expressed awe over the area, noting that office buildings in Mumbai’s BKC command higher prices than those in Manhattan. He made this statement in response to a social media user who posted that a New York commercial office building had sold at Rs 16,000 per sq foot—less than half of BKC’s going rate. One of the highest lease rentals ever paid for office space in Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC)on a short-term basis was Rs 700 per sq ft for a commercial space in June 2024. The current per sq ft rate in BKC ranges from Rs 500 to Rs 650, according to a real estate agent. One not only inhales the city’s worst air quality but also sees severe traffic congestion at Bandra Kurla Complex. File Pic/Sayyed Sameer Abedi Despite paying such high rents, working and living in BKC can be a nightmare. One not only inhales the city’s worst air quality after paying premium prices but also encounters severe traffic jams and connectivity issues due to fragmented infrastructure. Broken infrastructure remains a major problem for this high-profile district. In a three-part series, mid-day breaks down the key issues plaguing the area. Enter BKC from Bandra stn “The auto menace at the station is highly problematic. They don’t even allow commuters to get down from the foot overbridge and bully them. In Bandra West, things are a bit more organised, but it’s a different story outside the east exit,” said Akanksha Gawde, a government employee and commuter. “Why are there no buses outside Bandra station? There is space for autos and Chalo buses, but not for regular buses. Is BEST working for the benefit of the auto drivers here? The authorities must get their act together,” said Randivyesh Shukla, another commuter. Entering BKC from the Kurla side via the connector: Lionel Falcao, who visits BKC daily, said, “Commuting in BKC is a daily nightmare due to traffic gridlock and broken promises. Regular traffic snarls have wreaked havoc on countless citizens’ daily travel, compounded by the disarray at vital junctions, such as the clogged BKC area, where the promise of a ‘walk to work’ concept has sadly failed to materialise. Vehicles entering and exiting via the BKC connector and the National Stock Exchange (NSE) are left dealing with constant delays and disruptions.” Despite high rents, working and living in Bandra Kurla Complex can be a nightmare. File Pic/Ashish Raje Falcao explained that heavy traffic on LBS Marg frequently causes missed appointments and late arrivals. “This issue worsens at the BKC connector and BKC One Junction, which links Plot C-80 to Plot C-79, below the BKC connector, stretching from the SEBI building to Avenue 5 (BKC connector road) and Avenue 3 (WeWork). Disrupted cab services and last-minute cancellations leave commuters scrambling for alternatives and cause additional delays. The contract bus parking on main roads worsens the situation, showing an alarming disregard for the city’s needs. The streets of Mumbai belong to its people, and it’s high time their voices are heard. Commuters deserve an effective solution to transform their daily nightmare into a smoother travel experience. The clock is ticking, and the city’s vitality hangs in the balance,” Falcao added. High-profile users complain The lack of proper connectivity, unruly autos, barricades, and ongoing digging and construction along the main road, which has left numerous streetlights non-functional, is not how the city’s costliest district should appear. Despite these issues being frequently highlighted by high-profile BKC users and even a sitting minister, no concrete solutions have been implemented. Frustrated with daily traffic hassles, members of the Bharat Diamond Bourse (BDB) wrote a detailed letter earlier this year, outlining the commuting problems faced by their staff both within BKC and to the nearest stations. These challenges have begun affecting their operations, and they emphasised that a fundamental design flaw exists. “We write to formally express the severe hardships faced by the stakeholders of ‘G’ Block, BKC in general, and of BDB in particular, due to the acute traffic congestion within BKC area. As one of the largest and most frequented commercial establishments in BKC, with an average daily footfall of approximately 80,000 and a vehicular influx of nearly 9,000, we are compelled to highlight the critical infrastructural challenges that are adversely impacting our operations,” the letter stated. “An aerial view of BDB and its immediate surroundings unequivocally reveals a fundamental design flaw in the allocation of space. The disproportionate width of the pedestrian walkway and green area, at 21 metres, in stark contrast to the mere 15-metre road designed for four lanes of traffic, is a glaring anomaly. This architectural oversight has exacerbated traffic congestion during peak hours, causing significant delays and disruptions for our stakeholders,” the letter, a copy of which is with mid-day, stated. The flaws listed 1. Spatial planning discrepancies: An aerial view of BDB and its surroundings clearly reveals significant discrepancies in the design and approval process. The disproportionate allocation of space to the garden and footpath (21 metres) compared to the road (four lanes, 15 metres) exemplifies this oversight. 2. Urgent infrastructure upgrade: We strongly advocate for a comprehensive redesign of the BKC area, with active participation from key stakeholders. This redesign should prioritise expanding road width to accommodate increased traffic volume. 3. Traffic management enhancements: We propose keeping the left lanes open at all times, removing unnecessary barricades after Metro construction, and implementing a smart traffic signalling system to dynamically adjust traffic flow based on real-time conditions. 4. Dedicated traffic division: Given the unique challenges posed by the BKC area, we urge the establishment of a dedicated traffic division under the BKC police station. BDB is prepared to extend full cooperation in this endeavour. 5. Increased traffic manpower: The Mumbai Traffic Police Department should deploy additional manpower during peak hours at key intersections. BDB is ready to provide its own security traffic wardens to assist the traffic police. However, a consistent and visible Traffic police presence is essential for better impact. 6. Public transport infrastructure: Dedicated parking facilities for private buses and auto-rickshaws are essential for public convenience. However, the current road infrastructure requires a strategic approach to prevent further congestion. Pedestrian bridges A few key pedestrian bridges linking BKC with Kurla, Sion, and Chunabhatti could transform pedestrian access and make BKC more walkable, according to a proposal from the Walking Project to the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) and the guardian minister. This is one of many suggestions collected from a survey conducted at BKC, which identified issues and recommended enhancements to improve pedestrian-friendliness in the area. “If the MMRDA were to add pedestrian bridges over the Mithi River, similar to those in Ahmedabad, the walking distance between Kurla Station and Diamond Bourse could be reduced by nearly 25 per cent, from 2.1 km to 1.6 km,” said Vedant Mhatre, programme director of the Walking Project. Two bridges in Kurla West could link the New Mill Road/SG Barve Road path, and another could connect from Belgrami Road. Adding a bridge and a few foot overbridges (FOBs) further south would make it possible for pedestrians to walk from Sion and Chunabhatti stations, reaching ONGC in just 15 minutes (1.3 km). “This would alleviate passenger load at Kurla Station and its surrounding area,” he added. “People routinely walk these distances in Fort and Churchgate every day. It’s a practical solution, yet it’s puzzling why the BKC connector was not designed with footpaths, given that it passes directly by Chunabhatti station.” Bandra skywalk The old skywalk, with one arm extending to Kalanagar and another to Bandra court via Anant Kanekar Marg (station road), was built in 2008 by the MMRDA and subsequently handed over to the BMC. With repairs estimated to cost R7 crore, the BMC opted for reconstruction. The old bridge was demolished in October 2022, but there is no sign of the new skywalk. Construction on the new skywalk began after the monsoon season. Minister’s solutions Mumbai Suburban district’s Guardian Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha wrote to the MMRDA in August 2024, requesting immediate measures to address traffic congestion at BKC. The traffic issues worsened after the Sion Road overbridge was closed. “It has been repeatedly brought to the attention of the relevant authorities that traffic congestion in BKC is increasing and has become unbearable. Due to Metro construction, road space has further decreased. While a cycle track and garden were built, we must acknowledge that the cycle track is rarely used. As the guardian minister for the suburb, I have met with all officers concerned and stakeholders over the past six months,” Lodha stated. He proposed a three-point plan involving more buses, merging cycle lanes, and removing unnecessary barricades: 1. Cycle track: The cycle track could be removed from the road, and the MMRDA could construct a separate track on an adjoining plot in BKC where cyclists could ride safely. 2. Reduced barricades: The barriers installed for Metro work should be minimised to allow more space for pedestrians and motorists. 3. Improved transportation: There are significant traffic issues and instances of overcharging by taxis and autorickshaws at Bandra Station (East) for rides to and from BKC. The MMRDA should consider implementing special bus services from Bandra Station to the BKC route.
14 November,2024 04:17 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarOn Thursday, more than 270 persons with disabilities and elderly voters in the Malabar Hill Assembly Constituency were able to cast their votes from home, according to the district information officer for Mumbai city. In line with directives from the Election Commission of India, special voting arrangements have been provided for senior citizens over the age of 85 and voters with disabilities in the Malabar Hill Assembly Constituency. The Maharashtra elections 2024 are scheduled to be held on November 20, from 7 am to 6 pm. To assist elderly and disabled voters who may have difficulty reaching polling stations, a postal voting facility has been arranged for those who submitted Form 12D. A total of 268 senior citizens and 10 disabled voters in Malabar Hill were able to cast their votes from the comfort of their homes. "Voting is essential for the progress and development of Maharashtra. The voter is sovereign, and to strengthen our democracy, everyone must exercise their sacred right to vote," these senior citizens and disabled voters expressed, encouraging others to participate in the upcoming Maharashtra elections 2024. In the Malabar Hill Assembly Constituency, 286 senior citizens over the age of 85 and 11 disabled voters submitted Form 12D, indicating their intent to vote via postal ballot. Of these, 278 voters successfully completed the process through home postal voting, according to the district information officer for Mumbai City. Across ten constituencies within the Mumbai city district, a total of 2,137 senior citizens and 219 disabled voters have qualified for the postal voting facility. The home postal voting process for these individuals will continue until November 16, 2024.
14 November,2024 02:10 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSouth Mumbai's notoriously low turnout numbers for the polls were the focus late Tuesday evening, at a meeting hosted by the Cuffe Parade Residents Association (CPRA) at the Bayview Marina Garden at Cuffe Parade. The pricey Mumbai pocket had a turnout of around 40 per cent in the 2019 Assembly elections. Overall, one saw a 61.4 per cent turnout in the state in 2019. Now, there is a concerted push to up these numbers for the November 20 Maharashtra Assembly polls. The meet saw residents, mainly from the Tony area turn up to meet Dr Kiran Kulkarni, additional chief electoral officer, Maharashtra and joint secretary. The meet had a tagline: an exclusive meeting to learn more about your rights, new voter-friendly measures and the importance of voting. Dr Laura D’Souza president, CPRA, says there is a general disenchantment among residents Interact now Dr Kulkarni said in a crisp introduction, “I am a writer, researcher and government officer. This blend certainly adds a new dimension to my work. I have done at least 100 such programmes all over Maharashtra through eight months. Yet having a programme here is special because Colaba has held a special place in the state's history, culture and economy. The voting figures for this constituency are very low. I would like to know the reason for this,” he said. Saying he was keen on interaction as that would give him an idea about what people are thinking, discerning why voting numbers remain low despite so many awareness campaigns, the officer added, "I have seen high voter turnouts in tribal areas like Gadchiroli for instance. As a researcher, I’m keen to understand why this is not so, here. I’m not here to preach.” Too far? That set off some questions and suggestions from the audience. One suggestion was that more polling booths be created. A woman admitted, “We are spoilt. There is also a feeling that whoever comes in, it is okay, we can handle the situation.” Dr Kulkarni stated, “We have created 1,185 polling booths just in high-rises and co-operative societies in the state [there are more than one lakh polling stations set up across Maharashtra]. Many of these booths are located on the ground floor for easy access. The Election Commission of India (ECI) is coming several steps ahead to meet you, I suggest you all take some steps ahead too. Let us have a grand programme this time, where Colaba jumps ahead in voting statistics.” Dr Kulkarni also said that there are special arrangements for those over 85 years old or with disabilities where officers come to their homes for their vote. “Yet,” he added, “There was a time window for that as people had to fill forms apprising the commission within five days of nomination. That window has now closed.” The top official recounted years earlier when he had met a “102-year-old voter, who did not avail of the vote at home facility, but wished to be brought to the booth. He had stated he wanted to experience this festival of democracy.” Applause rang out at the garden. Turn tide There were some other statements from people at the meet, giving pointers about elite electoral apathy, like ruing lack of parking places for cars near polling booths, many voters did not want to walk even the short distance to the booth, the heat, and a general sentiment of why vote? Some suggestions from the group were that residents could carpool, and another gent volunteered to sponsor an electric buggy that would take voters to the polling station. Answering questions about why voters cannot carry mobile phones inside the booth, and technicalities like names not being on lists, Dr Kulkarni said, “Voter lists can be checked online. We do not allow voters to carry mobile phones inside booths as these can be misused by miscreants. Today phones are so hi-tech and pictures can be taken, videos/films made which can be then edited and made viral to create false impressions and stir trouble,” he said. He defended the Electronic Voting Machine's (EVM) integrity and stated strongly, “The EVM is an invention of Indian scientists and I am so proud of that.” As dusk fell, Dr Kulkarni's message was clear, “Arrangements are in place, we have polling booth officers for help, we have more than 1 lakh polling stations for 9.70 crore voters in Maharashtra, we have done all we can to make the journey to the booth easier.” Dr Laura D'Souza, CPRA president, on why voters are not turning up at the stations, said, “We want educated candidates who live here and those who have proved themselves in their earlier tenure. Today, people are saying as they witness the slow deterioration of the area: you say we must vote, but who do we vote for? We have intra-Cuffe Parade problems like horrendous traffic, encroached pavements, and a hawker menace. There is a feeling of helplessness and what we want most of all is hope.”
14 November,2024 12:55 PM IST | Mumbai | Hemal AsharAhead of the upcoming Maharashtra elections 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Mumbai on Thursday for a public rally organised by the Mahayuti alliance at Shivaji Park in Dadar. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, and top BJP leaders from the state will address the rally. The rally is part of the ruling Mahayuti alliance's final push ahead of the Maharashtra elections 2024 on November 20. What time is PM Modi's rally in Mumbai? According to the BJP, PM Modi will likely address a public rally at Shivaji Park at around 5 pm. Besides Mumbai, PM Modi is also expected to hold meetings in Sambhajinagar and Panvel. Today's rally is the latest in the series of PM Modi's campaigns in Maharashtra, which began on November 8. The last rally was in Pune, on Tuesday, November 12, at SP College grounds. Directives for PM Modi's rally in Mumbai: “We are anticipating a crowd of almost 1.20 lakh to attend the gathering at Shivaji Park. Public attending the venue, have been directed not to carry any bags, food, or water bottles. We have arranged for disposable paper glasses and will be providing water inside the venue. The crowd is expected to take their seats between 4-4.30 pm and the prime minister would address the gathering around 5.45 pm onwards (time may change a bit, as per schedule),” said Manoj Kotak, BJP leader and former Member of Parliament. Mumbai Traffic Police have issued a notification stating that certain roads will be designated as no-parking zones and will have traffic diversions. This measure is due to the expected increase in vehicles from the Western and Eastern Express Highways heading toward Shivaji Park, carrying a large number of attendees. Mumbai Police issues traffic restrictions: The Mumbai Traffic Police has issued an advisory for the day amid tight security. Mumbai Police said in a statement on X, “Bharatiya Janata Party is going to organise a ‘Public Meeting’ on Thursday on 14h of November 2024 at Shivaji Park, Dadar (West), Mumbai. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis, many supporters and party followers from all over Maharashtra are likely to participate in the public rally, informed Mumbai Traffic Police.” In its advisory, the Mumbai Traffic Police shut off several roads and imposed parking restrictions in part of the city. The advisory will remain in place from 10am to midnight on November 14. Mumbai Police travel advisory: No parking on these roads 1. SVS Road From Baba Saheb Worlikar Chowk (Century Junction) to Hari Om junction. 2. Entire Kelakar Road South and Keluskar Road North, Shivaji Park, Dadar. 3. Entire M. B. Raut Mary, Shivaji Prak Dadar. 4. Pandurang Naik Marg (Road no 5) Shivaji Prak, Dadar. 5. Dadasahch Rege Marg, Shivaji Prik, Dadar. 6. Lt. Dilip Gupte Marg-From Shivaji Park Gate No. 4 to Shitaladevi road, Shivaji Prak, Dadar. 7. Road From Gadkari Junction, Deder to Shobha Hotel, Mahim. 8. N. C. Kelkar Road From Hanuman Temple Junction to Gadkari Junction, Shivaji Park, Dadar. 9. Kataria Road From Ganga Vihar Justion to Asawari Janction, Mahim. 10. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Road From Maheshwari Circle to Kohinoor Junction, Dadar West. 11. Tilak Road From Korwal Garden Circle, Dadar (West) to R.A. Kidwai Road, Matunga East 12. Khan Abdul Gararkhan Road: From Sealink road to J. K. Kapur Chwak upto Bindu Madhav Thackeray Chowk 13. Thadani Road: From Poddar Hospital junction to Bindu Madhav Thackeray Chowk. 14. Dr. Annie besant Road: From Poddar Hospital junction to Dr. Narayan Hardikar Junction. Further, vehicular traffic will be obstructed on S.V.S. Road North Bound, from Siddhivinayak Junction to Yes Bank Junction, and on S.V.S. Road South Bound. Traffic disturbances are expected on routes around the Airport to Dadar, as well as the Sea Link.
14 November,2024 12:39 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
