Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray will begin his campaign trail for the Maharashtra Assembly election 2024 on November 5 from Konkan and Vidarbha, reported the PTI. The Shiv Sena (UBT), during its campaign, is likely to focus on constituencies of MLAs who were part of the 2022 rebellion led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. According to the PTI, Uddhav Thackeray will address a rally in Ratnagiri on November 5, a seat represented by state industries minister Uday Samant. He will also canvas votes for party MLA Rajan Salvi who is contesting from neighbouring Rajapur constituency. On November 6, Uddhav Thackeray will campaign in Bhiwandi Rural constituency, which is represented by Shantaram More, one of the 40 MLAs who rebelled against him. Bhiwandi Rural is part of Thane district in Maharashtra and it is the home turf of CM Eknath Shinde. On the same day, Uddhav Thackeray will take part in the Maha Vikas Aghadi's rally at Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC( in Mumbai, which will be attended by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar, as per the PTI. On November 7, he will campaign in Daryapur from where Abhijit Adsul, son of CM Shinde-led Shiv Sena leader Anand Adsul, is contesting, the news agency reported. On the same day, the Shiv Sena (UBT) chief will campaign for Sunil Kharate, the party's candidate from Badnera. Badnera is the constituency of MLA Ravi Rana, a BJP ally, who was jailed for threatening to recite Hanuman Chalisa outside Matoshri, the private residence of the Thackerays, when Thackeray was the chief minister. On November 8, Thackeray will campaign in Buldhana and Mehkar in Vidarbha, represented by Sanjay Gaikwad and Sanjay Raymulkar, respectively. The two were part of the Shinde-led rebellion against Thackeray in 2022. In Partur in Parbhani district, Thackeray will campaign for party candidate Asaram Borade, who is pitted against BJP's sitting MLA Babanrao Lonikar. The Shiv Sena split in June 2022 after Shinde led a rebellion and brought down the Maha Vikas Aghadi government led by Uddhav Thackeray. The ECI later gave the party name and 'bow and arrow' symbol to the faction led by Shinde. Thackeray's outfit is now called Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray). Maharashtra Assembly polls will be held on November 20, while the results will be announced three days later on November 23. (with PTI inputs)
02 November,2024 08:04 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentFormer MP and independent candidate from Borivali, Gopal Shetty on Saturday met BJP leaders and has said that 'he will never leave the party'. Gopal Shetty rebelled against his party and announced that he would contest as an independent candidate for the Borivali seat in north Mumbai in the Maharashtra Assembly election 2024, following BJP's denial of a ticket to him. The BJP has announced Sanjay Upadhyay as its candidate from Borivali. "I will never leave BJP. Gopalji Shetty has given this testimony after meeting Devendraji Fadnavis and Shivprakashji that he will not do anything that will harm the party," BJP National General Secretary Vinod Tawde said on X. मी भाजपा कधीच सोडणार नाही. पक्षाचे नुकसान होईल असे काही करणार नाही, अशी ग्वाही गोपालजी शेट्टी यांनी देवेंद्रजी फडणवीस आणि शिवप्रकाशजी यांच्या भेटीनंतर दिली आहे.@Dev_Fadnavis @shivprakashbjp@iGopalShetty @ShelarAshish pic.twitter.com/8EwQZVM5od — Vinod Tawde (@TawdeVinod) November 2, 2024 Earlier, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis said that the rebels are also their people and exuded confidence that the party will be successful in making everyone understand. "They (rebels) are also our own people, it is our duty to make them understand, sometimes there is a lot of anger but they have formed their mindset in the larger interest of the party, I am confident that we will be successful in making everyone understand," Devendra Fadnavis said, according to the ANI. Meanwhile, both the ruling Mahayuti alliance and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) -- comprising the Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), and Congress -- have intensified their preparations for the upcoming elections to 288 Assembly seats in the State. The BJP is part of the ruling Mahayuti alliance alongside the Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) and Ajit Pawar-led NCP. In the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly election 2024, the Baramati constituency in Maharashtra will again witness a family battle as NCP leader Ajit Pawar will face his nephew Yugendra Pawar. He is the son of Ajit Pawar's younger brother Shrinivas Pawar. Earlier, Baramati witnessed a high-profile battle in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, when Sunetra Pawar contested against Supriya Sule. The latter won the contest by 1.5 lakh votes. Maharashtra polls will be held in a single phase on November 20 with counting of votes held on November 23. (with ANI inputs)
02 November,2024 05:06 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday dismissed NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar's allegations that police vehicles are being used to provide financial assistance to candidates of the ruling parties ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly election 2024, reported the PTI. Devendra Fadnavis is in Pune district of Maharashtra to meet key party workers ahead of the Maharashtra polls scheduled to be held on November 20. Earlier in the day, Sharad Pawar claimed that police vehicles are being used to provide financial assistance to the candidates of the ruling parties in Maharashtra ahead of the assembly polls, as per the PTI. Addressing reporters in Baramati, Sharad Pawar said that he wanted to speak more on the issue publicly but is refraining from doing so as this would hurt the officials who have shared the information with him. Talking to reporters in Pune, Devendra Fadnavis said that the NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar is hallucinating because such things happened when the opposition parties were in power, according to the PTI. Fadnavis expressed confidence that NCP rebels in the Daund and Purandar seats will withdraw their candidature. He further said that he has urged senior leader Gopal Shetty, who was denied a ticket from the Borivali seat in Mumbai, to think about the party. Earlier this week, Gopal Shetty, a two-time Mumbai North Lok Sabha MP, said he would file his nomination papers from Borivali as his name did not figure in the fourth list of candidates announced by the BJP. Gopal Shetty met Devendra Fadnavis after the party did not give him the party ticket from the Borivali seat in north Mumbai. Talking about the meeting, the deputy chief minister said, "He is our senior leader, and I have urged him to think about the party. He has abided by party discipline. I am sure he will do the same now. His anger is understandable." Gopal Shetty, who won the Mumbai North Lok Sabha seat by margins of more than four lakh in 2014 and 2019, was denied a ticket in the 2024 general elections. Senior BJP leader and Union Minister Piyush Goyal won the seat. The BJP named Sanjay Upadhyay as its candidate from Borivali. Shetty has filed his nomination papers as an Independent for Maharashtra Assembly election 2024. (with PTI inputs)
02 November,2024 04:48 PM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondentIn a remarkable display of quick response, the Indian Navy successfully evacuated a critically ill Indian seafarer from a merchant vessel off the western seaboard, an official statement said. The operation, which involved the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC), Mumbai, and the Indian Coast Guard, was executed under challenging conditions and highlights the effectiveness of India's maritime emergency response capabilities. A rescue operation began when the MRCC received an urgent alert regarding a 52-year-old Indian seafarer aboard MV Babylon, who had suffered a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) the previous night, resulting in left-sided hemiplegia. "In the wee hours on 02 Nov, information was received from the Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre (MRCC), Mumbai and Indian Coast Guard of a critically ill CVA/ Stroke patient requiring Medical Evacuation (Medevac) from MV Babylon on the high seas on Western seaboard," said the official statement. Recognsing the severity of the situation, immediate action was initiated to facilitate a medical evacuation, the statement said. An Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) from INS Shikra was rapidly configured for Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) operations, equipped with a Medical Officer and Medical Attendant. Despite poor visibility conditions, the helicopter successfully located the merchant vessel using Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) technology, it said. The Advanced Light Helicopter safely landed on the deck of MV Babylon, allowing for a prompt and efficient transfer of the patient. "Throughout the flight back to Mumbai, the patient’s vital signs were continuously monitored by the medical team, ensuring the highest standard of care during transit," the statement said. "An Indian Navy’s ALH helicopter was configured to Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) role and launched from INS Shikra with a Medical Officer and Medical Attendant onboard. Notwithstanding prevailing poor visibility, the aircraft identified the Merchant Vessel using EO/IR at extended range and landed onboard for a successful Medevac. The patient’s vitals were monitored continuously during return transit on the ALH," the statement said. The seafarer was shifted to INS Shikra and upon arrival at INS Shikra, the seafarer was swiftly transferred to Kokilaben Hospital in Andheri west area of suburban Mumbai for further medical treatment.
02 November,2024 04:15 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTwo people were injured after a fire broke out on the second floor of a 31-storey residential building in Mumbai's Goregaon West area on Friday, according to Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The blaze erupted at around 12.49 pm and was confined to a flat on the second floor of the Kalptaru Residency building, located at Siddarth Nagar near Prabodhan Garden in Goregaon West area, the civic body said. The fire was classified as a Level-LI blaze and the flames were largely confined to electric wiring, installations, and household articles on the second floor of the 31-story residential structure, which includes two basements and three podiums, the civic body said. It said that the Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB) promptly responded to the emergency upon receiving the information regarding the fire and it was successful in extinguishing the blaze by 2:18 pm. "Firefighters worked diligently to prevent the flames from spreading to other floors, successfully containing the situation," said an official. The officials said that two individuals were reported to have suffered from smoke inhalation and are currently in critical condition. The victims were identified as Manoj Chauhan and 50-year-old Shahabuddin. Both were shifted to the trauma care hospital for treatment. The residents of the building were evacuated safely, and no further injuries have been reported. The cause of the fire is still under investigation and civic authorities are assessing the extent of the damage caused due to the blaze, the officials said on Saturday. Fire breaks out in Andheri slum A fire broke out in a slum area in suburban Andheri on Friday evening, a civic official said. Fire brigade vehicles rushed to the Bhangarwadi area in Andheri East after being alerted around 8 pm, said the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation official. The fire likely started in a godown located in the slum, he said, adding that dousing operations were underway. No casualties have been reported, the official said. Fire breaks out in 30th-floor flat in Goregoan, doused; no one hurt A fire broke out in a flat on the 30th floor of a building in Mumbai's Goregaon East area on Friday, though no one was hurt in the incident, an official said. The blaze broke out at 7:30 pm in a high-rise near Hub Mall, he added. "The fire was confined to the 30th-floor flat. It was doused by fire brigade personnel at 9 pm," the official informed.
02 November,2024 03:36 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA group of people assaulted a businessman after he attempted to run over four men with his SUV in an incident of road rage in Navi Mumbai, police said on Saturday, reported news agency PTI. The police have registered two cases in connection with the Navi Mumbai road rage incident that occurred in the Sanpada area on Thursday night, an official said, reported PTI. A group of around 20 people dragged businessman Digvijay Shelke (28) out of his SUV and assaulted him after the latter allegedly attempted to run over four men following an argument, the official said while sharing an update on the Navi Mumbai road rage, reported PTI. The official said a quarrel broke out after a man rammed his scooter into a parked car belonging to one Ayush Patil, who was talking to his friends outside a hotel, reported PTI. Patil and his friends later demanded that the man pay for the damage he did to the car. The man then called up his brother, Bhim Tamrakar, a security guard, and an argument ensued, he said, reported PTI. Tamrakar called up Shelke, who arrived at the scene and confronted Patil and his friends and allegedly attempted to run them over in a fit of rage, the official said. A group of 20 people soon gathered outside the hotel and thrashed Shelke, he said. The official said a case of attempt to murder has been registered against Shelke, and based on his complaint, 23 people have been booked for rioting, assault, and wrongful confinement under the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS). Three of family killed, 1 injured after fire erupts due to gas cylinder blast in Ulwe Three members of the family, including a woman and two children, were killed while one was injured after a massive fire broke out at a general store and a residence following an explosion in three gas cylinders in Ulwe, Navi Mumbai on Wednesday evening, reported ANI. The shopkeeper, identified as Ramesh, suffered injuries and is currently receiving treatment at a hospital while his wife and two children died in an incident. Additional Commissioner of Police (ACP) Navi Mumbai shared details about the incident and said, "We received information on October 30, around 8 that a fire broke out at a residence and Kirana store of an individual," reported ANI. Police reached the spot of the fire incident after the information and took stock of the situation. "Prima facie it was found that three gas cylinders had exploded in the Kirana store and caused fire in the shop and the residence. Two small 5 kg and a 12 kg cylinder had blasted. The wife of the injured (Manju) and two children died in the incident. Ramesh was injured in the case," said the ACP, reported ANI. The official further said that Ramesh hailed from Rajasthan and had been living in Mumbai with his family. He said the injured was being treated at the Apollo Hospital, reported ANI. Chief Fire Officer Vijay Rane also spoke about the incident and said, "We reached the spot and doused the fire. The injured has been admitted to a hospital by locals. We doused the fire with the help of 2 fire tenders. Prima facie fire broke out due to explosion in gas cylinders but it is yet to be ascertained." (With inputs from PTI and ANI)
02 November,2024 03:03 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentShiv Sena leader Shaina NC on Saturday strongly condemned Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Arvind Sawant's "imported maal" remark, stating that objectification of women, and outraging the modesty of women is not a small problem, reported news agency ANI. Speaking to ANI, Shiv Sena leader Shaina said, "FIR has been registered in Nagpada police station under Sections 79 and 356(2) outraging the modesty of women. The Election Commission and Women Commission have also taken cognizance. This is a fight for the respect of women... Objectification of women, and outraging the Modesty of women is not a small problem. The truth will be in front of everyone in the video but this mindset and perverted mentality is visible." The controversy began when Arvind Sawant, an MP of the Shiv Sena faction led by Uddhav Thackeray, allegedly referred to Shaina as "imported maal," saying, "Look at her condition. She was in the BJP all her life and now she went to another party. Imported 'maal' doesn't work here; only original 'maal' does," reported ANI. In response, Shaina NC filed a complaint against him at the Nagpada Police Station over his comment. Notably, police have registered an FIR under Sections 79 and 356(2) for outraging the modesty of women, and the Election Commission and Women Commission have taken cognizance against Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Arvind Sawant. Earlier, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde condemned Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Arvind Sawant's "imported maal" remark against Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC and said that if Balasaheb Thackeray were alive, he would have broken his mouth. Shinde termed Sawant's remarks as "unfortunate" and said that no amount of criticism is enough for him. Speaking to ANI, CM Shinde said, "It's very unfortunate. Speaking ill of a woman is highly condemnable, and no amount of criticism is enough. Claiming to follow Balasaheb Thackeray's ideology, their actions reveal their true nature. If Balasaheb were alive, he would have been strongly condemned and would have broken his mouth. Their character is exposed by their actions, MVA earlier defamed our women, and sisters in Guwahati. In the upcoming elections, women will surely teach a lesson to those who disrespect them." However, after facing backlash for his "imported maal" remark, Arvind Sawant on Friday claimed that he did not mention Shaina's name. "I never mentioned her name. I only said that someone who is an outsider will not be able to work here. It's their habit to create uproar," he said while speaking to ANI. Sawant further said he has always respected women and accused his opponents of trying to tarnish his reputation. "They file defamation cases, yet it is they who are defaming me. I condemn their intent. I have been in politics for 55 years, and have always respected women. Those who are supporting her - ask them to answer whatever questions I have asked... Shaina NC is my friend, she has worked for me, and I respect her... They are 'satta jihadi' people, as our leader Uddhav Thackeray says," Sawant added. The Maharashtra Assembly elections 2024 are set to take place on November 20, with vote counting for all 288 constituencies scheduled for November 23. (With inputs from ANI)
02 November,2024 02:53 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Static Surveillance Team (SST) of the Election Commission has seized diamonds, gold and silver jewellery costing around Rs 24 crore near a toll booth in Ahilyanagar district of poll-bound Maharashtra, an official said on Saturday, reported news agency PTI. The seizure was made on Thursday morning near the Supa toll plaza, he said. SSTs have been deployed across Maharashtra in view of the Maharashtra assembly elections 2024. "The consignment of diamonds, gold and silver jewellery was recovered from a vehicle in which three persons were travelling. The trio had begun their journey from Zaveri Bazar in south Mumbai," Supa police station's inspector Arun Avhad said, reported PTI. The SST team asked them to show the receipt. They did show some receipts, but the amounts mentioned on them did not tally, he said. After this, the SST seized the jewellery and reported the matter to the Income Tax Department, the official said. The three persons told the investigators that the jewellery was meant to be delivered in different parts of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Ahilyanagar and Jalgaon districts, he said, reported PTI. On Thursday, an SST team and police personnel seized foreign currency notes worth Rs 10.8 crore from a car at Marine Drive in south Mumbai. Foreign currency worth Rs 10.8 crore seized from car in Mumbai A Static Surveillance Team (SST) of the Election Commission and police have seized foreign currency notes worth Rs 10.8 crore from a car, an official said on Thursday, reported PTI. The car was intercepted on suspicion at Marine Drive in South Mumbai in the early hours of Thursday, a police official said. Currency notes of various countries including US dollars and Singapore dollars were found inside, he said. The person who was carrying the cash in the car produced documents in the name of the Bombay Mercantile Co-Operative Bank and claimed that the currency was being carried from the airport to the bank's office, the official said, reported PTI. As the amount was huge, the currency notes were handed over to the Customs for further action, he added. (With inputs from PTI)
02 November,2024 02:44 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentBharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Kirit Somaiya on Saturday condemned the Shiv Sena (UBT) for the remarks made by its leader, Arvind Sawant, who referred to Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC as "imported maal." Somaiya said that the party should feel ashamed and called on Thackeray to apologize to the nation, reported news agency ANI. Speaking to ANI, BJP leader Kirit Somaiya said, "Uddhav Thackeray Sena uses a word like 'maal' for a woman candidate, Shaina NC. They should feel ashamed. Uddhav Thackeray should apologise to the nation," reported ANI. Condemning Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Arvind Sawant for his "imported maal" remark against Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said that if Balasaheb Thackeray were alive, he would have broken his mouth. He termed his remarks as "unfortunate" and said that no amount of criticism is enough for him, reported ANI. Speaking to ANI, CM Shinde said, "It's very unfortunate. Speaking ill of a woman is highly condemnable, and no amount of criticism is enough. Claiming to follow Balasaheb Thackeray's ideology, their actions reveal their true nature. If Balasaheb were alive, he would have strongly condemned and would have broken his mouth. Their character is exposed by their actions, MVA earlier defamed our women, and sisters in Guwahati. In the upcoming elections, women will surely teach a lesson to those who disrespect them." The controversy began when Arvind Sawant, an MP of the Shiv Sena faction led by Uddhav Thackeray, allegedly referred to Shaina as "imported maal," saying, "Look at her condition. She was in the BJP all her life and now she went to another party. Imported 'maal' doesn't work here; only original 'maal' does." In response, Shaina NC filed a complaint against him at the Nagpada Police Station over his comment. After filing a complaint against Sawant over his "imported maal" remark, Shaina NC said that the law would take its course. "FIR has been registered - regarding outraging the modesty of woman and defamation as he has used derogatory remark. We are here to work actively. If he had to discuss, he should have discussed over work. The law will take its course, I have done what a self-respecting woman should do," the Shiv Sena leader told ANI. Earlier on Friday, CM Shinde had slammed Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Arvind Sawant, saying that the "sisters of Maharashtra will show him his place and send him back home." Shinde said, "If we look at it honestly, it is unfortunate. Whoever has said this, all the sisters of Maharashtra will show him his place and send him back home. If Balasaheb was here and a Shiv Sainik had done this, he would have smashed his face. I will just say that all these sisters will take revenge on those who insulted another sister of theirs and send them back home in the elections." However, after facing backlash for his "imported maal" remark, Arvind Sawant on Friday claimed that he did not mention Shaina's name. "I never mentioned her name. I only said that someone who is an outsider will not be able to work here. It's their habit to create uproar," he said while speaking to ANI. Sawant further said he has always respected women and accused his opponents of trying to tarnish his reputation. "They file defamation cases, yet it is they who are defaming me. I condemn their intent. I have been in politics for 55 years, and have always respected women. Those who are supporting her - ask them to answer whatever questions I have asked... Shaina NC is my friend, she has worked for me, and I respect her... They are 'satta jihadi' people, as our leader Uddhav Thackeray says," Sawant added, reported ANI. The Maharashtra assembly elections 2024 are set to take place on November 20, with vote counting for all 288 constituencies scheduled for November 23. (With inputs from ANI)
02 November,2024 02:00 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIn Mumbai’s 36 Assembly constituencies, 33 per cent of key candidates from major political parties are over 60, while 40 per cent are over 50. Varun Sardesai (Shiv Sena-UBT), Zeeshan Siddique (NCP), and MNS candidate Amit Thackeray are the youngest at 32, while BJP’s Kalidas Kolambkar, an 8-time MLA, is the oldest at 72. Mahim’s Sada Sarvankar is also among the seniors at 70. Bandra East hosts the city’s youngest contest, with sitting MLA Zeeshan Siddique, 32, running against Shiv Sena (UBT)’s Varun Sardesai, also 32. Candidate affidavits reveal tight races in Mumbai constituencies where many candidates are over 60. In Bhandup West, sitting Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Ramesh Korgaonkar, 64, faces Shiv Sena’s Ashok Patil, 65. In Chembur, UBT’s Prakash Phaterpekar, 65, goes up against Shiv Sena’s Tukaram Kate, 66. In Chandivli, Shiv Sena’s Dilip Lande, 63, is challenging Congress’s Naseem Khan, 61. Sewri sees a contest between sitting Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Ajay Choudhari, 71, and MNS’s Bala Nandgaonkar, 67. In Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar, three candidates over 60 are competing: Samajwadi Party’s Abu Azmi, 69, Suresh Patil from Shinde's Shiv Sena, 64, and NCP’s Nawab Malik, 65. BJP’s Kalidas Kolambkar, an 8-time MLA, is the oldest candidate in the city at 72, contesting from Wadala. In Mahim, sitting MLA Sada Sarvankar faces one of the youngest candidates, Amit Thackeray. Across 36 constituencies, 75 candidates are vying for seats (excluding independents and considering strong candidates). Among them, 25 are over 60, including three over 70, while 30 are over 50. The Shinde-led Shiv Sena has the most candidates over 60, with seven. The BJP and UBT each have six. The MNS, Samajwadi Party, and NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) have one each, while Congress has three. 36No. of Assembly seats in Mumbai
02 November,2024 01:38 PM IST | Mumbai | Sameer SurveDays ahead of the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections 2024, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde accused Uddhav Thackeray of being the reason behind the split in Shiv Sena and said that the Mahavikas Aghadi government was against Balasaheb Thackeray's ideals while the Shiv Sena and BJP's alliance was the right way forward, reported news agency ANI. Justifying the split in the party, Shinde said that Uddhav Thackeray formed an alliance with Congress against the will of Balasaheb Thackeray just to serve his "personal interests" and hence, following the party's discipline and to bring change, he formed a coalition with the BJP, reported ANI. In an exclusive interview with ANI, speaking in the split in the party, CM Shinde said, "I was part of the Mahavikas Aghadi government, but the government that was formed, it was against Balasaheb Thackeray's ideals. Shiv Sena and BJP's alliance was the right way forward. However, Uddhav Thackeray's personal interests led to an alliance with Congress, which Balasaheb never wanted." "As Shiv Sena workers, we followed party discipline and realized the need for change. We attempted to form a Shiv Sena-BJP coalition government but we failed and unfortunately, the loss our party and workers were bearing, we decided to listen to Maharashtra's people, who wanted a Shiv Sena-BJP alliance. Our MLAs were also tired as no work was done in their respective constituencies, hence, we changed the government and formed a new government with the coalition of BJP and Shiv Sena," he added. Lauding the Mahayuti government, CM Shinde expressed pride that this government prioritised people's interests over personal gains. He said that the Mahayuti government restarted the projects that were stalled by the MVA regime. Highlighting Mahayuti's achievement, CM Shinde said that Maharashtra topped in several spheres, whether GDP, FDI, GST, or cleanliness during their regime. He added that the state attracted investments of more than Rs 5 lakh crore during their regime only, reported ANI. CM Shinde said, "I'm proud and happy that we prioritized the people's interests over personal gains. In the past two years, our government has received praise for its work.... From the very first day, we focused on farmers, workers, youth, and development projects. We restarted stalled projects like metro, bullet trains, and highways, making Maharashtra investment-friendly. Today, I proudly say we've attracted over Rs 5 lakh crore investments, with 72-80 per cent execution in the last two and half years. During the MVA regime, Maharashtra was in third spot, but when we came, Maharashtra topped in GDP, FDI, GST, and cleanliness. Our welfare schemes, like Ladli Bahna Yojana, etc provide stipends and free higher education to girls. We've achieved a lot in two years, and I'm grateful." When asked about the opposition dubbing his government a puppet of the central government, CM Shinde said that ever since the double-engine government came to power in Maharashtra, the state has received several benefits from the centre. He said that the 'hard work' of the Mahayuti government has been appreciated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, reported ANI. Shinde said, "I'm happy that our government's hard work in the past two years, is appreciated by PM Narendra Modi and Amit Shah... Modi Ji is happy with our work and whenever he comes, he gives something to the state. Our double-engine government, with the centre and state on the same page, has benefited Maharashtra... I'm committed to serving the common man, directly interacting with people, and helping those in need," reported ANI. In a veiled attack on the previous MVA regime, CM Shinde said that being a CM means serving the people and not just running the government through FaceBook Live. He emphasised that their government listens and acts and is not deaf or dumb. "Our government prioritizes farmers, providing aid and support. We've allocated Rs 15,000 crores for farmers and implemented various schemes. This is the farmers' government. I'm proud of our responsive government, listening to people's concerns. We're not deaf to their needs. The opposition's allegations are unexpected, as they underestimated our capabilities. For me, being CM means serving the people, not just sitting in an office or doing Facebook Live. We're a government that listens and acts, our government is not deaf or dumb," he said, reported ANI. The Maharashtra assembly elections 2024 is set to take place on November 20, with vote counting for all 288 constituencies scheduled for November 23. (With inputs from ANI)
02 November,2024 01:35 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
