Maharashtra Chief Minister (CM) Eknath Shinde on Monday accused Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi of spreading false information regarding the Dharavi redevelopment plan, asserting that around two lakh people would receive homes in the area. "Rahul Gandhi brought a very big tijori to Mumbai. We thought he had brought it to give something to Maharashtra... But he has come to loot the tijori of Maharashtra. He has given wrong information regarding Dharavi. Two lakh people will be getting homes in Dharavi," Shinde said while addressing a press conference in Mumbai, reported news agency ANI. He added, "Everyone should prioritise Dharavi. The Dharavi redevelopment plan is the biggest project in Asia, and I will appeal to the residents to put politics aside and focus on what is beneficial for you." According to ANI, earlier in the day, the Congress leader took one final jab at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its Mahayuti alliance ahead of the close of campaigning for the Maharashtra elections. He mocked Prime Minister Narendra Modi's slogan "Ek hain to safe hain." Framing the election as a battle between the common people's aspirations and the influence of a few wealthy individuals, Gandhi said, "The Maharashtra election is an election of ideologies. It is a contest between one-two billionaires and the poor. The billionaires want the land of Mumbai to be handed over to them. The estimate is that Rs 1 lakh crore will go to one billionaire. Our thinking is that Maharashtra, its farmers, the poor, the unemployed, and the youth need support." According to ANI, Gandhi further criticised the focus given to business interests, and stated, "On one side, (industrialist Gautam) Adani ji is eyeing Dharavi and Maharashtra’s money. His goal is to change the nature of Mumbai. On the other side, we have farmers and youth who are dreaming, but the Maharashtra government is breaking those dreams." Gandhi also mocked PM Modi's "Ek hain to safe hain" remark by presenting two posters — one showing Modi with Adani with the slogan "ek hain to safe hain" and the other depicting a map of Dharavi with the words "Dharavi ka bhavisha safe nahi." The Maharashtra Assembly elections will take place on November 20, with votes to be counted on November 23. In the 2019 Maharashtra Assembly elections, the BJP secured 105 seats, Shiv Sena 56, and Congress 44. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the MVA delivered a strong performance, winning 30 of the 48 seats, while the Mahayuti managed 17. (With ANI inputs)
18 November,2024 10:39 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Central Railway on Monday in an official statement announced a remarkable decline in incidents of deaths and injuries on its tracks in Mumbai. The Central Railway has attributed the decline in the deaths to the ongoing effective safety initiatives. From January to October, the number of fatalities owing to accidents on the railway tracks in Mumbai decreased by 14 per cent, dropping from 2,755 cases in the same period in 2023 to 2,388 cases till the first 10 months. This is a decline by 367 deaths, the statement read. Additionally, injuries have also seen a notable reduction of 10 per cent, falling from 1,352 cases to 1,211 cases in the same period. In total, the incidents of death and injury combined have decreased by 508 cases, representing a 13 per cent reduction from 4,107 cases in 2023 to 3,599 cases during January to October 2024, said Central Railway. A thorough analysis of these incidents has revealed that trespassing remains a primary contributor accounting for nearly 40 per cent of all cases with 1,429 incidents of death and injury were related to this issue. Of the 2,388 deaths recorded on the tracks, 1,210 were attributed to trespassing, which constitutes more than 50 per cent of the fatalities. Alarmingly, incidents of trespassing not only lead to loss of life but also result in serious injuries, with approximately 18 per cent of cases involving limb loss. While trespassing is a significant concern, other causes of deaths and injuries include 653 cases due to falling from moving trains and 91 cases due to falling into the gap between the platform and train. 1,423 cases due to various other causes, including suicides, electric shocks, and natural causes like heart attacks, illness, etc. In response to these troubling statistics, Central Railway has implemented a series of short-term and long-term safety measures aimed at curbing incidents on its network. Short Term Plan1. Deployment of Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel at critical black spots/ sections to control trespassing.2. Construction of boundary walls in areas prone to trespassing, particularly in suburban regions of Mumbai.3. Removal of encroachments along railway boundaries.4. Awareness programs by RPF with other departments in high-risk areas.5. Enforcement of punitive actions under Section 147 of the Railway Act.6. Installation of fencing at platform ends.7. Removal of ramps at platform ends to avoid trespassing.8. Placement of whistle boards near black spots to alert oncoming trains. Long Term Plan1. Widening of platforms.2. Construction of New platforms 3. Construction of foot over bridges and subways 4. Plans to upgrade non-AC suburban trains to AC local services in Mumbai.5. Escalators and Lifts to avoid trespassing from one platform to another platform. 6. Influencing Passenger’s way of thinking through media campaign.7. Scattered office working hours to reduce peak time rush in Mumbai division. In addition to infrastructural improvements, Central Railway is actively engaging with the community through various awareness campaigns. Initiatives include distribution of pamphlets, educational banners, and Nukkad Natak (street plays) themed around safety messages, such as "Yamraj & Chitragupta," to highlight the dangers of trespassing.
18 November,2024 06:30 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Bombay High Court on Monday said there was no illegality in the Election Commission of India's decision prohibiting the use of mobile phones at polling booths in the upcoming state assembly elections. A division bench of Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Amit Borkar dismissed a public interest litigation filed by city-based lawyer Ujala Yadav against the ban on mobile phones at polling booths in the Maharashtra assembly elections scheduled on November 20. The PIL had urged the HC to direct the ECI and the State Election Commission to allow voters to carry phones and to show their identity proof through the DigiLocker app introduced by the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology. The bench said the ECI has powers to introduce any measures for smooth functioning of the election process. "As it is the process of holding elections is a cumbersome process. And in this you (petitioner) are saying show documents in digilocker," the court said. The bench said no right is vested in any person to only show their document for verification on their phones via digital lockers. "We do not find any illegality (in ECI's decision)," the court said dismissing the petition. The PIL had also claimed voters would be discouraged from exercising their franchise as arrangements are not made for phones to be deposited at the polling booths. 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
18 November,2024 04:32 PM IST | Mumbai | PTIOn the last day of campaigning for the Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024 on Monday, Shiv Sena (UBT) Uddhav Thackeray made an emotional pitch before voters. महाराष्ट्राचे कुटुंबप्रमुख, पक्षप्रमुख मा. श्री. उद्धवसाहेब ठाकरे ह्यांचा महाराष्ट्रातील तमाम जनतेशी संवाद. pic.twitter.com/HPMUqMU9M0 — ShivSena - शिवसेना Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (@ShivSenaUBT_) November 18, 2024 In a video on his party's handle on social media platform X, Thackeray appealed to voters to step out on Wednesday and burn the anarchy and lawlessness in the state with the power of their vote from the 'mashaal (flaming torch)', which is the party's political symbol. "Today, I have come to you to ask for justice, not just for me, but for us and for our democracy. Two-and-a-half years ago, with your blessings, my government was in power. We have all seen how our government was brought down, and another regime, against our wishes, came to power, due to which we are all suffering. It's been two-and-a-half years since I have been asking for justice from the courts. I have still not got it. Justice delayed is justice denied. Considering I did not get justice from the courts, I have come to the biggest court, which according to Lokmanya Tilak, is the court of the people," the former Chief Minister (CM) said. Thackeray accused the faction headed CM Eknath Shinde of stealing his party. "They stole our party, party name, symbol, and even Balasaheb's photo. However, they couldn't take away your love, blessings and trust for me. Because of this, I am fighting anarchy and to protect democracy. For this, I need your support as I am not fighting for myself but for the country's democracy. It's to save Maharashtra's identity," he claimed. In the three-minute video, Thackeray went on to slam the Mahayuti and said, "They are looting Maharashtra. They are making the state a ghulam (slave). How can we let that happen. Thus, everybody must step out with their family members and ensure that our candidates win by a huge margin. Our symbol is the mashaal. Remember, this is Balasaheb's mashaal. Use it to destroy anarchy with the power of your vote." A day earlier, in a rally at Mumbai's BKC Ground, Thackeray alleged that the NITI Aayog’s plan to develop the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) is a "deliberate attempt to separate Mumbai from Maharashtra" by undermining the importance of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). 'Ploy to separate Mumbai from Maharashtra' According to news agency PTI, while speaking at a rally at the BKC Ground in Mumbai a day before the campaigning for the assembly elections concluded, Thackeray pledged that if the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) came to power, it would scrap the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the World Economic Forum (WEF) and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), as the agreement aimed to "diminish" the importance of the BMC. "I wouldn’t hesitate to disband the MMRDA if it tries to encroach on the BMC’s jurisdiction," Thackeray said. He stated that the "conspiracy" to separate Mumbai from Maharashtra is a "serious and imminent threat", and not just "loose talk." "The ploy is real, but we will never allow this to happen," he added. According to PTI, Thackeray further claimed that MMRDA and WEF had signed an agreement in September to develop the metropolitan region as a global economic hub, which followed NITI Aayog’s report on development. "The NITI Aayog blueprint diminishes the importance of the Mumbai civic body, and that is a clear attempt to separate the capital from Maharashtra," he asserted. The former chief minister also vowed that the first action of an MVA government would be to cancel the policies of the (Mahayuti) government that had handed over Mumbai’s land to the Adani Group. "I am not anti-development, but I am anti-destruction," Thackeray said, distancing himself from allegations of hindering growth.
18 November,2024 04:30 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIn Malad West, a stronghold of the Congress party for over two decades, a fierce electoral contest is brewing. Sitting Congress MLA and former state minister Aslam Shaikh is set to defend his seat against BJP’s Vinod Shelar, the brother of Ashish Shelar, who currently heads the party’s Mumbai unit. Shaikh has defended his tenure by pointing to recent infrastructure projects aimed at relieving traffic congestion and expanding the constituency’s infrastructure. What specific issues do you see as priorities?This will be my sixth term as an elected representative—two terms as a BMC corporator and now three as an MLA. My vision is to make Malad a standout area within Mumbai, a place that’s not only functional but unique in its character and offerings. With nearly 1 lakh new voters in your constituency, how do you anticipate this impacting the outcome?I’m confident that my strong connection, accessibility, and rapport with the people will work in my favour. The increase in voters is indeed an opportunity, and I believe it will translate into more votes. What is your stance on current redevelopment projects, particularly SRA schemes?The concept of making Mumbai slum-free was originally introduced by the Congress under the then-chief minister Vilasrao Deshmukh. While significant progress has been achieved, I believe we’ve only realised about 30-40 per cent of the vision that was originally outlined. Despite ongoing redevelopment efforts, new slums continue to emerge. We need to put a stop to the unchecked spread of slums. What are your plans to improve roads, pedestrian footpaths, and encroachment?Creating well-maintained footpaths, open spaces, and water management systems must be prioritised. Additionally, parts of the city’s pipeline infrastructure still date back to the British era, and these need urgent replacement. A more coordinated approach to infrastructure work is also needed; for instance, when roads are laid, all agencies involved in utilities, like pipelines and cables, should collaborate to avoid the constant re-digging that leads to poor road conditions. How will you tackle last-mile connectivity challenges? The Metro system has been initiated, but it needs to become fully operational to benefit everyone. Additionally, large-scale projects like the sea link expansion should connect cities and key areas more effectively, such as linking Mumbai with Mira Road and Thane. Moreover, we should explore water taxis to make better use of our waterways, providing an alternative route for people to travel efficiently. Is water contamination and supply an issue in your constituency? Wherever there are slums, water contamination tends to occur, whether in Malad or any part of the city. This is often due to illegal connections, and because of complex legal issues, it is challenging to address without proper documentation and evidence. The government must either take concrete steps to prevent the creation of illegal structures or improve infrastructure for those that already exist. How to propose to address the high pollution levels here?The surge in construction is one of the major contributors to pollution, and it’s crucial to balance development with environmental preservation to ensure a healthier, cleaner environment for our citizens. The controversy surrounding the Project Affected People of Dharavi redevelopment has reached your constituency, and you have chosen to intervene. What solutions do you propose?This is, quite frankly, one of the biggest scams of our time. Displacing thousands of people and relocating them without fully assessing the consequences is unacceptable. This isn’t about genuinely improving Mumbai; it appears to be more about generating profits for a few corrupt politicians.
18 November,2024 03:04 PM IST | Mumbai | Dipti SinghWith just days to go before the Maharashtra Assembly elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has unveiled a new advertisement campaign aimed at targeting the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) and urging the public to "Say No to Congress." The campaign focuses on a series of past incidents, particularly highlighting major tragedies that occurred during the tenure of the Congress-led government in the state. These include the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, the 2003 Mumbai serial blasts, the 7/11 train bombing case, and the rising death toll in the 2010 Pune blast. The BJP also references tragedies such as the Gowari massacre and the Palghar Sadhu lynching, questioning the state's response to these incidents. Additionally, the BJP has emphasised corruption as a key issue, alleging financial mismanagement and corruption under Congress rule. One of the accusations made in the ad is the black-marketing of the anti-viral drug Remdesivir by a Congress official, which was particularly controversial during the COVID-19 pandemic. There are also references to corruption within the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The ad prominently features the phrase "Say No to Congress" alongside the logo of the MVA. The background of the ad includes images of the 2007 Mumbai terror attacks, a stark reminder of the challenges faced during the Congress-led administration. In response to the BJP's campaign, All India Congress General Secretary Randeep Surjewala held a press conference on Sunday, attacking the BJP government and calling them the "Bhagoda Jutao" (Runaway Shoe) company. He listed four key issues, which he called the "four M's": Mumbai mortgaged, Mahayuti’s guns and gundaraj (goondaism), Mahayuti’s Mehngai (inflation), and the exploitation of Maharashtra’s land by the "Khoka Group vultures." Surjewala criticised the BJP for its ties to industrialist Adani, stating that "Adani now owns Mumbai Airport and the electricity supply," and pointed to the controversy surrounding the Dharavi Development Project. He also condemned the BJP government for its handling of crime in Mumbai, citing rising crime rates in the city. According to Surjewala, Mumbai is now among India’s highest in crimes, with 14 incidents reported every day. He accused Chief Minister Eknath Shinde of shielding criminals. On the matter of inflation, Surjewala questioned the BJP’s financial decisions, particularly regarding tenders and contracts awarded by the state government under Chief Minister Shinde’s leadership over the last year. He urged voters to reflect on these pressing issues before casting their ballots in the upcoming election. As per ANI, the political temperature is rising ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly elections, with both parties ramping up their campaigns and levelling accusations against each other. (With inputs from ANI)
18 November,2024 02:20 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Bombay High Court on Monday refused an urgent hearing on a public interest litigation challenging the appointment of Rashmi Shukla as Maharashtra's Director General of Police while claiming it to be arbitrary and illegal, reported news agency PTI. The PIL, filed by city-based lawyer Pratul Bhadale, also challenged the "conditional" appointment of IPS officer Sanjay Verma as the DGP of Maharashtra till the state assembly polls, claiming it would impair his ability to function independently and effectively during the crucial election period, reported PTI. Verma took over as the DGP of Maharashtra on November 5, a day after incumbent Shukla was removed on a directive of the Election Commission of India (ECI) ahead of the November 20 state assembly polls. A state government resolution (GR) or order had said Verma will hold the top post till the elections process is over, while Shukla has been sent on compulsory leave for the same duration, reported PTI. On Monday, Bhadale's plea was mentioned before a division bench of Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Amit Borkar by the petitioner's counsel, Vineet Naik, seeking urgent hearing. The bench, however, questioned what was the petitioner's locus (legal right) on the issue. "Who is the aggrieved party? The person who is appointed as temporary should come. He has not come. What is the public cause in this? How are you (petitioner) concerned?" the court asked, reported PTI. The court said a PIL is filed for those who are disadvantaged. "Someone is appointed from the cadre, how are you (petitioner) affected," it added, reported PTI. The bench said if the petitioner wanted to challenge Shukla's appointment, then he ought to have done it in February itself. "There is no urgency. It will be auto-listed," the HC said, reported PTI. The petition questioned the "completely arbitrary and unacceptable digression" by the state government in appointing Sanjay Verma as DGP on a temporary basis. As per the plea, the ECI earlier this month directed the state chief secretary for the removal of Rashmi Shukla on immediate basis from the DGP's post. Pursuant to this, the government appointed IPS Sanjav Verma as DGP, however, with a condition that such appointment would be only till the completion of the state assembly elections. "The ECI's communication to the state clearly mandated appointment of Sanjay Verma as DGP without any condition of the appointment being ad-hoc or temporary," the petition said, reported PTI. The "conditional" appointment of Verma as DGP would impair his ability to function independently and effectively during the crucial election period, it claimed. The bench, however, said the government has complied with the ECI's direction. "Purpose is that the ECI has powers till the elections," the court said, reported PTI. The petition also raised a challenge to the appointment of Rashmi Shukla as DGP, claiming she was due to retire in June 2024 but was granted an extension of two years in February 2024. As per the plea, Shukla could not have been appointed as DGP in January this year when she had less than six months to retire. This was in contravention to judgments passed by the Supreme Court, the PIL claimed. The petition sought that the HC declare Verma's "conditional" appointment as illegal and contrary to law, and to call for all files related to his and also Shukla's appointment and the two-year extension given to her. (With input from PTI)
18 November,2024 01:36 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSeveral Coldplay fans trying to book tickets for the band’s upcoming gig in Ahmedabad on Saturday were let down yet again despite BookMyShow, the official ticketing agency, implementing an automated queue randomisation system this time to create a virtual queue for customers. Booking was opened at 12 pm and tickets were sold out in 44 minutes flat. The reporter logged into BookMyShow at 11.45 am via a phone and laptop but couldn’t score a single ticket as 4,06,945 people were ahead of her. Screenshots of the BookMyShow app during mid-day’s failed bid to book tickets for the band’s Ahmedabad gig According to BookMyShow’s app, the British brand announced the Navi Mumbai and Ahmedabad legs of its Music of the Spheres world tour in September and November respectively. While the Grammy-winning band will perform at the DY Patil Stadium on January 18 and 19 next year, the Gujarat gig is scheduled for January 25 and 26 at the Narendra Modi Stadium. In September, fans faced difficulties booking tickets for the Navi Mumbai gig, expressing their disappointment on social media platforms. Following the backlash, BookMyShow introduced automated queue randomisation for the Ahmedabad tour. When booking for the first slot (the January 25 show) was opened at noon on Saturday, this reporter saw around 5 lakh people waiting to book tickets in the virtual waiting room. When the tickets were sold out at 12.44 pm, around 4 lakh people were in the virtual waiting room, according to the app. The website faced no technical glitches. Booking started for the second slot (the January 26 show) was opened at 1 pm and this reporter was alerted that 4 lakh fans were in the virtual waiting room. When these tickets were also sold out 44 minutes later, there were around 3 lakh people waiting room ‘occupants’. In the meantime, concert tickets were available on ticket selling/re-selling platform Viagogo at six times the official price. Fan Speak A Coldplay fan, requesting anonymity, said, “I had logged into BookMyShow at 11.30 am. At 12.30, I logged into Viagogo and saw that tickets were available at exorbitant rates. Luckily, I eventually managed to book the tickets via BookMyShow.” (From left) Coldplay members Guy Berryman, Will Champion, Jonny Buckland and Chris Martin. Pic/X/@coldplay “I logged in at 11 am and was added to the waiting room an hour later. Some 50,000 people were ahead of me and I could select the tickets in four minutes. Last time, there was no virtual waiting room. On Saturday, there were no technical glitches. I am surprised to see that I got the tickets. I am overjoyed. It’s a miracle. My friend had logged in at 11.58 am and still had managed to get the tickets in the first slot,” a Coldplay fan said on condition of anonymity. Rudra Thaker said he got a ticket for the second show at 1 pm. “I logged in at 11.30 pm and there was a virtual queue. Some 4 lakh people were ahead of me. However, later, I was able to book a ticket in the second slot,” he said. Antara Bhide, who tried in vain to book tickets for the DY Patil show in September, said was disappointed that she could succeed this time. “Just like the last time, I couldn’t manage to book a ticket. However, I feel the system has improved since September. I did not try my luck on Viagogo,” she said. Kasifa Hussain, another unsuccessful fan, said she would not opt for Viagogo as it was a “black marketing app”. “I couldn’t book a ticket via BookMyShow, but I found Viagogo, where tickets were being sold at sky-high prices, to be dodgy,” she said. New system According to BookMyShow, the automated queue randomisation system was introduced this time and awareness was created about it on social media. “This system is followed worldwide. In it, users are added to a virtual queue and random people are selected to book a ticket. The user’s login time doesn’t matter; the queue system is completely random,” a BookMyShow official said. Police investigation The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Mumbai police is investigating allegations of black marketing in connection with ticket sales for the Navi Mumbai concert. Advocate Amit Vyas filed a complaint with the EOW in September, alleging that BookMyShow and the organiser Live Nation Entertainment used ticket slots to manipulate the ticketing process. Vyas also alleged that 23 individuals and entities conspired to black market the tickets. Vyas, a Coldplay fan, said that he was disappointed that BookMyShow was the official ticket booking agency and has already filed a public interest litigation in the Bombay High Court. “Tickets were available on Viagogo the last time. Based on that, I had filed a petition and it is pending in the high court,” he said. A BookMyShow source told mid-day that the company was aware that an FIR had been registered and they were cooperating with the authorities. “In addition to filing an FIR over the black marketing and scalping of tickets for recent high-demand live entertainment experiences, BookMyShow has also provided all the requisite information and details to law enforcement agencies and will continue to proactively fight against scalping and black marketing of tickets—practices that are condemned and punishable by law in India,” the source said, adding that the booking agency denied any link with Viagogo. Vyas told mid-day that he had suggested measures to curb the interference of bots in the ticket booking process.
18 November,2024 01:20 PM IST | Mumbai | Apoorva Agashe
There was no breakthrough for the Mahayuti in the Mahim constituency where the Bharatiya Janata Party wants its ally Shiv Sena to withdraw its candidate to facilitate an easy win for Amit Thackeray, the son of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena president Raj Thackeray. Sena’s sitting MLA Sada Sarvankar refused to pull out, saying he would contest the polls at any cost. On Friday, State BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule reiterated his party’s support for Amit. “It will be good if Amit Thackeray is there in the Assembly. But it is for Shiv Sena to decide because the constituency is part of their share,” he said on Friday. Fadnavis and Mumbai BJP president Ashish Shelar have publically extended BJP’s support to Amit Thackeray, suggesting that the Sena candidate be withdrawn. Insiders said the Shinde Sena has toughened its stand about not supporting MNS in Mahim after Raj Thackeray predicted that the BJP would install its Chief Minister. Raj also named Devendra Fadnavis as the next CM. In a cordial arrangement, Sena has not given a candidate against MNS’s Bala Nandgaonkar in Shivadi, and it is under pressure to withdraw from Mahim as well. Sada Sarvankar at a rally last year; (right) Amit Thackeray on his way to file his nomination. File pics/Ashish Raje Sarvankar told reporters on Friday that even DYCM and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis had said that he was a Mahayuti candidate. “MNS is not part of Mahayuti. So, who is the Mahayuti candidate? I’m. I tell very affirmatively that I’m going to contest and I will not back out,” he stated further. According to Sarvankar, he had gone to CM Shinde’s official residence Varsha, but couldn’t meet the party boss. “Shinde saheb was resting when I went there,” he said, giving rise to speculations. MNS has put 135 candidates across the state for 288-seat Assembly elections, crossing the Mahayuti and MVA candidates. It did not contest the Lok Sabha elections but supported the BJP and campaigned for it in some places. But it has kept up with the practice of contesting solo in the Assembly elections in which it is expected to divide votes. In a similar vote division in 2009, MNS had emerged as an advantage for Congress. Cutting into the undivided Sena’s votes, Raj’s party had won 13 MLAs, the performance it hasn’t matched to date.
18 November,2024 01:09 PM IST | Mumbai | Dharmendra Jore
As the state gears up for the Maharashtra assembly elections 2024, one figure has sparked widespread concern: 60 per cent of sitting MLAs have declared criminal cases against them. This statistic raises crucial questions about voters’ priorities and the ethical standards of political representatives. With public awareness on the rise, particularly in urban centres like Mumbai, it’s worth asking: will criminal records impact voter decisions? The report: The presence of criminal cases against a majority of candidates has long been part of India’s electoral reality. The Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) reports that over 60 per cent of Maharashtra’s assembly hopefuls have pending criminal cases, some involving serious charges like corruption and violent crimes. The Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly elections 2024 released a report showing that 60 per cent of current legislators are in the state. The analysis is based on the affidavits submitted by the candidates before the 2019 Assembly elections and byelections conducted thereafter. The analysis reveals that around 60 percent (164) of the MLAs in the outgoing Maharashtra Assembly have reported criminal cases against themselves, with at least 39 per cent (106) declaring serious criminal cases. The ADR analysis indicates that at least 10 MLAs have reported cases of attempted murder, while 12 MLAs have disclosed cases related to crimes against women. The ADR analysis reports that two sitting MLAs have disclosed criminal cases related to murder, 10 have reported cases involving attempted murder, and a total of 12 sitting MLAs have declared cases related to crimes against women. As far as political parties are concerned, 62 (60%) out of 103 MLAs from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have criminal cases, 25 (63%) out of 40 MLAs from Nationalist Congress Party, 22 (58%) out of 38 MLAs from Shiv Sena (Shinde), 20 (54%) out of 37 MLAs from Congress, 9 (56%) out of 16 MLAs from Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), 6 (50%) out of 12 MLAs from Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar), and 9 (75%) out of 12 Independent MLAs have declared criminal cases against themselves in their affidavits. The public’s reaction to criminal candidates While some consider this the “new normal” in politics, others feel the tide may be turning as voter awareness rises. As Sunil Dighe, a Girgaon resident, puts it, “Voters in Mumbai are getting tired of empty promises. This time, the background of candidates will be a big issue.” Milind Vanarse noted, "People are starting to recognise the power of their vote. Criminal cases against candidates are no longer dismissed as formalities—there's an increasing demand for accountability and clean politics." Sunil Dighe added, “The electorate is evolving. In places like Mumbai, there is a shift where criminal records are seen as a disqualifier rather than a minor flaw.” Will Mumbai voters prioritise integrity? Mumbai’s voters have been known to prioritise issues like infrastructure, job creation, and public safety. However, this election could be different, with more voters scrutinising candidates’ backgrounds. Priya Kamath, a college student from Andheri, voiced her frustration, saying, “It’s shocking to see candidates with serious charges being allowed to contest. We deserve leaders who don’t have these question marks over their heads.” A senior journalist stated, "Voters are increasingly wary of candidates with dubious records. They are now seeking leaders who are not only effective but also ethical, making criminal records a more crucial aspect of their decision-making process." Influence of identity politics and local issues Despite the focus on criminal backgrounds, voters often balance this information against local issues and personal loyalties. In many communities, candidates with a strong local presence or economic backing still hold significant sway, even if they face criminal allegations. Commenting on this, Manoj M, a Girgaon resident, stated, “For some voters, practical needs come first—if a candidate has a record but can bring tangible improvements, they might get the vote. It’s a paradox, but it reflects the complexities of Indian democracy.” Priya Salgaonkar, a Dadar resident, observed, “Identity politics, family loyalties, and economic incentives still play a big role. A criminal record may not always trump these deep-seated factors, especially in areas where people rely on local leaders for everyday support.” The power of social media: Social media is driving a new level of transparency in politics. Information on candidates’ backgrounds, including criminal records, circulates quickly online, creating a more informed electorate—particularly among younger voters. Rajesh Singh, a banker from Borivali, remarked, “Social media has empowered the common voter. They’re aware, they’re vocal, and they’re questioning candidates like never before. Young voters want clean candidates who are in touch with their needs, not their wallets.” Kavita Naik said, “Platforms like Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) have become spaces where young people discuss the kind of leaders they want. Criminal records have become part of the conversation, and this could make an impact at the ballot box.” Will criminal records be a deciding factor? The presence of criminal cases against such a large portion of candidates might indeed be a game-changer for Maharashtra’s elections. While the electorate’s response remains unpredictable, many believe this trend of scrutiny will only grow stronger in future elections. Political science professor who wished not to be named said, “Voters today are more informed and skeptical. They want transparency and good governance. Criminal cases are an issue now, and if parties don’t pay attention, they could face a backlash.” Businessman Anil Deshmukh shared a similar sentiment, saying, “As a taxpayer, I feel we should expect our leaders to be accountable. Ironically, so many candidates with questionable records are asking us for votes. This time, it might be different.” In the end, whether or not criminal cases influence voter decisions in Mumbai remains to be seen. However, the conversation around candidate accountability is growing louder, and this election may serve as a litmus test for the future of clean governance in India’s political landscape.
18 November,2024 01:08 PM IST | Mumbai | Ronak Mastakar
As Maharashtra heads into the most evenly poised assembly elections in recent memory, voters are grappling with an issue that has come to dominate the political landscape of the state over the past few years – politicians switching parties and alliances. Several politicians have jumped ship based on who they felt had the edge in the general and state polls in 2014 and 2019. The chaos and confusion increased after Eknath Shinde in 2022 staged a rebellion and walked away with a large number of legislators from the Shiv Sena, then headed by Uddhav Thackeray, sending shockwaves to Maharashtra. His rebellion sparked a series of defections within Shiv Sena, leading to the splitting of the party into two factions – one led by Shinde and the other by Thackeray. He took oath as the Chief Minister and formed the government along with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and also claimed the Shiv Sena’s symbol and name on the grounds that he had the maximum number of legislators with him. The Election Commission of India also decided that his faction was indeed the ‘real’ Shiv Sena. A year later, the story repeated, but this time, the party that split was the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), founded by Sharad Pawar in 1999 after he left the Congress, which was then headed by Sonia Gandhi. Pawar’s nephew Ajit, who had caused a stir in 2019 too when he briefly aligned with the BJP-led coalition, walked away with a large number of legislators and party workers. Unlike 2019, when he ended his rebellion in three days, this time, Ajit continued to fight the state polls in alliance with the BJP and Shinde-led Shiv Sena. There is a lot of criticism over these two developments in the state, which was one of the reasons why Thackeray and Pawar’s parties, Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (SP), did well in the Lok Sabha elections, held earlier this year. Now with the Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024 scheduled for November 20, this issue is likely to come to the fore. Ahead of the state polls too, several leaders have switched parties after they were denied tickets. Voters have repeatedly questioned how politicians can join parties or alliances that have diametrically opposite views to what they believed in for years. Party hopping: Impact on voter Voters are not thrilled about the frequent party-hopping witnessed in recent years. For many, it raises questions about loyalty, principles, and the integrity of politicians. "I have always voted for Shiv Sena, but seeing leaders such as Eknath Shinde and other rebels leave for personal gains makes me question their intentions," says Nilesh Patil, a 45-year-old resident of Mumbai's Ghatkopar area. "We feel betrayed when politicians switch sides. Do they care about ideology? It's all about power and position for them." Patil’s sentiments are shared by many who feel that these political manoeuvres undermine the trust of the electorate. “It’s disheartening. Shiv Sena has always been a party of the people, but now it seems like it’s just another political game," says Priya Deshmukh, a 38-year-old homemaker from Mankhurd. "Politicians don't care about us. They care only about what benefits them." However, Swapnil Tele, an IT professional from Kalyan, believes that Shinde’s faction is the real Shiv Sena. “The Shiv Sena and Congress had exactly opposite ideologies. How could Uddhav Thackeray ally with the Congress, a party that his father, the late Balasaheb Thackeray, opposed throughout his lifetime? When Shinde and the other legislators felt that the core ideologies of the party were being compromised, they went with their original ally: the BJP. We have traditionally been Shiv Sena voters and the CM has done good work. We’ll continue to back him,” said the 28-year-old. Sudha Shankar Deshpande, a 56-year-old Pune resident, said, “When you change sides so frequently, it shows you don't have a true commitment to the people or the cause you once stood for. While we despise politicians jumping ship, the fact is that there are other issues also that need to be taken into consideration before we cast our vote." Strategy or greed: Why has the state seen so many political diversions For political leaders, party-hopping is often seen as a strategic move. Some argue that shifting parties allows them to align with more powerful or dominant political forces, ensuring political survival and access to resources. It is also a reflection of the changing dynamics of Maharashtra’s political landscape. “The shifting allegiances of these leaders are often a result of the changing dynamics within the state’s political ecosystem. Leaders frequently move to parties they think will help them secure power,” says Anand Deshpande, a political analyst from Pune. Manish Ranjan, a political analyst from the national capital, says that Maharashtra’s political landscape is very different from the rest of the country and it is difficult to call the election outcome here. “Even after the BJP and Shiv Sena had allied in 2019 before the polls, Thackeray took a U-turn and demanded the chief ministership after the BJP failed to secure a majority on its own. While individual politicians leave parties for ticket or ministerial berths, alliances are also broken for the same reasons as Thackeray later became the CM with the help of the Congress and NCP. This is a very difficult election to predict. And after the predictions went wrong in the Lok Sabha and Haryana polls, no one can say with certainty on which alliance will the voter stand with. Party or ideology? Is the voter loyal? Despite the widespread dissatisfaction with party-switching, there remains a large base of voters who continue to follow their leaders. Voter loyalty, in many cases, transcends party affiliation and is tied to the personal popularity of individual politicians. “Voters in my constituency support Eknath Shinde because of his long-standing relationship with the people, especially in the Thane area. His popularity isn’t based on the party but his work on the ground,” says Santosh Patil, 63, a retired government employee. "Voters tend to follow their local leaders, not the party they belong to. This is why leaders who switch parties often manage to retain their support base." “I still support Shinde, even though he left Shiv Sena. He’s a local leader who understands our issues. The ‘Ladki Bahin Yojana’ will help him come back to power,” says 42-year-old Shreekala Prabhakar, a resident of Malad. As Maharashtra moves closer to election day, the big question remains: Will all these defections impact the electoral outcome? Ranjan adds, “Voters will consider the ‘double engine’ factor where a National Democratic Alliance government in the Centre and a Mahayuti regime in the state would be beneficial for Maharashtra’s development. Voters are smart. Most voters believe that loyalties to parties and individuals mean nothing if they do not deliver. Especially for cities such as Mumbai and Pune, infrastructure development is of prime importance. Accessibility to funds from the Centre is crucial for such projects. I also do not believe that the NDA or Mahayuti failed to put up a good performance in the Lok Sabha polls owing to diversions. They just could not manage the narrative mechanisms that the Opposition had tactfully shaped. They also lacked on-ground campaigning, whereas MVA (Maha Vikas Aghadi) workers went to several villages across the state for the campaigns. If this time the Mahayuti works on these issues, it will be too tight an election to call.”
18 November,2024 01:07 PM IST | Mumbai | Divya NairADVERTISEMENT
