Old railway stations across the city will now have commercial and office space above them and on vacant land lying next to them. Nine of the 18 stations that are being upgraded on the Mumbai rail network have been shortlisted for this project. The four stations having spare space for commercial exploitation on elevated decks are Mulund, Khar Road, Bhayander and GTB Nagar. Meanwhile, Mankhurd, Bhandup, Dombivli, Kasara and Neral have vacant land around them. Of these stations, work at Khar Road on Western Railway is at an advanced stage of construction and is expected to be completed soon. The elevated deck at Khar Road station will be used for commercial purposes The station redevelopment project is being implemented by the Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation (MRVC). “Most of the stations on the Mumbai suburban section are more than 80 years old, are highly congested and commuter volumes have increased manifold since commissioning. Through the station redevelopment project, the identified suburban stations are being upgraded for increased passenger handling capacity and to enhance the overall passenger safety levels and experience at stations. This will result in decongestion of existing overcrowded stations and a reduction in the number of fatalities and injuries,” an official said. According to the official, a feasibility study was carried out by Knight Frank India Pvt Ltd, from August 2022 to October 2022, to assess the financial viability at the nine identified stations out of the 18 stations set for improvement under the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP). “Khar Road and Bhayandar of Western Railway were found feasible for retail/food and beverage outlets with a payback period of 5 and 7 years, respectively. The potential of the other Category II stations is not that lucrative and the payback period is about 17-19 years. The feasibility report by Knight Frank was shared with both, Central and Western Railway, and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) on March 24 and work began on the project,” he explained. Space at each station Stations with elevated deck Station Space availableMulund 597 sq mKhar Road 329 sq mBhayandar 1,044 sq mGTB Nagar 593 sq m Stations with vacant landMankhurd 1,315 sq mBhandup 966 sq mDombivli 1,046 sq mKasara 1,488 sq mNeral 1,503 sq m
22 November,2024 07:08 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarThe Sakinaka police have detained two suspects for allegedly conducting a recce of senior Congress leader and Chandivli constituency candidate Arif Naseem Khan. Sachin Gunjal, DCP of Zone 10, Mumbai police, confirmed that the suspects are currently being interrogated. According to sources, the two individuals visited Khan’s office and requested a meeting with him. However, their behaviour raised suspicions among the politician’s security guards, who promptly alerted the police. The suspects were detained for questioning shortly afterwards. Speaking with mid-day, Arif Naseem Khan said, “I was informed by my workers that on the day of voting, the suspects were in Hiranandani, Powai, where I had gone to visit voting booths. They were asking for my details. On Thursday afternoon, the same individual came to my office to meet me. My security guard noticed something suspicious in their body language and alerted me. I met one of the suspects in my chamber and found his behaviour rude and suspicious, so the police were informed.” DCP Gunjal confirmed, “We have detained two persons and are questioning them.” Khan further stated, “We checked the WhatsApp conversations of one suspect and found messages exchanged with someone named Lokesh. The chats were suspicious, mentioning the Delhi police and a firing incident.” The former MLA also alleged that one of the suspects came from Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, on November 15 and had been conducting a recce of his locations. “I believe the Mumbai police will uncover if there is any conspiracy. The murder of Baba Siddique was a failure of city police intelligence, as the shooters conducted a month-long recce without being detected,” Khan added.
22 November,2024 06:59 AM IST | Mumbai | Faizan KhanThe opposite alliances have seen a sign of victory for them in the state’s record polling in Wednesday’s Assembly elections. The BJP said the pro-incumbency rise had benefited it and its allies in the past, too. Most exit polls have given the BJP-Mahayuti a clear advantage. However, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) refused to buy the predictions and stressed that the incremental voting was for the Opposition’s victory. Maharashtra recorded an average 65.11 per cent turnout, thanks to 10 out of 36 districts where over 75 per cent of voters cast exercised their franchise. Of the remaining districts, Mumbai City, Mumbai Suburban and Thane were below 57 per cent, while the rest were above 60 per cent. Kolhapur district bettered its Lok Sabha figures with 76.25 per cent. Kolhapur's Karvir Assembly segment (84.79 per cent) was the highest in the state. Students of Gurukul Art Classes paint political party leaders’ portraits at Lalbaug, on Thursday. Pic/Anurag Ahire DyCM Fadnavis said whenever the turnout was higher, the BJP and its allies benefited from it. “So, this time too, we expect the same, and we will make our government,” he said, adding that the cash transfer scheme for women “Ladki Bahin' which was one of the main agendas, could also be one of the reasons for the turnout rise. State Congress President Nana Patole said that the voters' enthusiasm (the rise in turnout) meant a victory for MVA and his party which will be the single largest party in the state. Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson, Sanjay Raut predicted 160-165 seats for MVA. He said exit polls that declared the BJP a winner were fraud. “Don't believe exit polls. You saw what happened in the Lok Sabha and Haryana state polls. We will be getting a majority and claiming the right to make a government on November 23. We will also tell you who will be the next CM,” he added. Meantime, grapevine said that the parties had started preparing for the post-result machinations. The prospective winners from among the rebels, independents and small parties have been kept in touch to seek their support. In addition, the parties are learnt to have booked rooms in five-star hotels to accommodate their MLAs in one place. The chartered planes and helicopters that were pressed into service for the campaign have been kept on standby. Since the current Assembly's term ends on November 26, only three days after the results, the new House must come into existence before the deadline. As mid-day had reported after the poll schedule was announced on October 15, the tight schedule will not impact political activity. State legislator’s former principal secretary Anant Kalse had told mid-day, “The House must be constituted before its term ends. It won't affect if no party or alliance (in the case of a hung House) is able to form a government in the time available between the results and the House expiry date. The parties may take more time to decide their next course of action (as they did in 2019).” In 2019, a stalemate followed after the winning combination of BJP and Shiv Sena (undivided) broke up over Uddhav Thackeray's demand for the CM's post. In the interim, the President's Rule was imposed and later lifted when BJP's Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar of then undivided NCP took oath as the CM and DyCM on November 23, but both quit within three days before the floor test happened. On November 28, the newly formed Maha Vikas Aghadi installed Thackeray as its CM. This government too fell in 2022 in the wake of a rebellion in the Sena. The formation changed into a three-party collaboration when the Ajit Pawar-led NCP splinter joined Sena's Eknath Shinde faction and the BJP.
22 November,2024 06:45 AM IST | Mumbai | Dharmendra JoreKeep calm and paw-se A pup soaks in the buzz during its commute with its parent on a Kasara-bound train Aditi’s adventures in Nigeria Lola Shoneyin (right) and Nnedi Okorafora at the fest. Pic courtesy/Instagram Stand-up comedian Aditi Mittal is going places, and the newest stamp that was added to her passport, is Nigeria. Mittal is in the African nation to attend the Ake Literary and Music Festival. “I did a short film last year called Democracy, and Lola Shoneyin was a part of that project along with Margaret Atwood, Dame Mary Beard and Elif Shafak. Lola invited me to Nigeria to join this panel talk on democracy. I am also doing a show at the Ake Arts and Book festival afterwards. This is my first time in Nigeria. I am fully vibing,” Mittal told this diarist, amidst laughs. While she is on the trip, Mittal is focused on exploring the culinary delights of the nation. “I cannot stop eating!” she exclaimed, over the call. Skate in the city Valjalo Brandon performs an ollie during an event in Freiburg in Germany South African skateboarder Valjalo Brandon, who recently hit the streets of Paris for the 2024 Summer Olympics, has kick-flipped and landed right in the heart of Mumbai. The athlete visited Bandra’s Carter Road Skate park yesterday as part of the Under My Wings programme. “During my time at the park, the skateboarding community welcomed me with open arms. If we nurture these young talents, India and Mumbai can have a thriving skateboarding scene soon,” shared Brandon, who also plans to visit skate parks in Thane and Colaba soon. Ask him what’s fuelling this Herculean, or should we say protein task, and he cites a familiar name — “I love a good chicken tikka masala. It’s a favourite back home as well. I can’t wait to try it here!” Picture perfect (From left) Mehak Shaikh and Priya Jha in a moment from the shoot A new wave of cinematic talent is slowly emerging and the newest entrants on the scene are Nazariya youth kalakaars, Priya Jha and Mehak Shaikh. Chitthi, a film written and directed by the duo has been nominated for People’s Choice Award at ConnectHER Film Festival. “It was a rollercoaster of emotions for me but with teamwork, we could do it,” Shaikh revealed. When this diarist broached the topic of their film, which deals with girl-child education, Jha said, “A big part of the inspiration came from our mothers, who have faced so many challenges in life. We wanted to honour their struggles.” Wild in Andheri Mizuna leaf wild prawns and Indian sea bass from the menu This weekend, an F&B experience will give the term ‘wild’ a gastronomic twist. Moxy Mumbai Andheri West is hosting a pop-up called Cooking Wild where chefs Michael Swamy (inset) and Rahul Karve will prepare fare from locally sourced ingredients, inspired by the duo’s foraging trails in South American and Indian forests. “We combine ingredients, such as South Indian wild coconut and South American water chestnut, to create dishes like ceviche,” Karve revealed, while Swamy added, “We’ll use local ingredients like mango wood to smoke food and craft cocktails with infusions.” Peru meets India The menu will feature Peruvian white brandy, Pisco along with other dishes A Peruvian culinary adventure will touch down in Mumbai this weekend. Poco Loco Tapas and Bar’s Khar and South Mumbai outlets will host the two-evening dining sojourn where chef Julio Castillo (below) will give patrons a taste of Peruvian fusion-cuisine. “The planned menu reflects the essence of Nikkei cuisine, blending the best of Peru and Japan with a special touch to connect with Indian culture. From pani puri quinoa with wakame gum and to mushroom gyozas in passion fruit reduction, there’s so much to savour. I’ve had the honour of participating in previous events, where I discovered that Indian diners deeply appreciate complex and well-balanced flavours, which perfectly aligns with Nikkei cuisine,” Castillo told this diarist.
22 November,2024 06:39 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-dayDo you know what the stars hold for you in terms of love life, career, business and personal wellness today? Well, read on to know your astrological predictions as per your zodiac sign for November 22. Aries March 21 – April 20New and positive energy makes its way to you, helping out in career and drawing in increased income. Cosmic tip: Welcome change, letting go of what’s not needed or not important in life. Taurus April 21 – May 20The mind wings its way to the past, making you realize how much better off you are today. Cosmic tip: Try to change older generation’s manner of conducting business, if involved in the family business. GeminiMay 21 – June 21Waiting till more information is available helps chart out a plan of action. Regularly get rid of clutter.Cosmic tip: Take better care of health with a nutritious diet and a light exercise routine. Cancer June 22 – July 23It’s a great feeling when a friend makes time to meet after ages. Cosmic tip: Think about issues resolved in the past. How did you deal with them? What did you learn from them? Leo July 24 - Aug 23Don’t react to what you know is incorrect about you. Collect all details before beginning the project.Cosmic tip: Be more receptive and open to compromises that only help create a better daily life. Virgo Aug 24 – Sept 23The worst is finally over, so you can relax. Keep some facts to yourself, not sharing them with anyone. Health is good.Cosmic tip: Continue on this spiritual path of just saying what’s enough. Libra Sept 24 – Oct 22Think carefully first; is it advisable to drastically change your career/ business? A friend from overseas calls.Cosmic tip: Greet each day with a smile as life settles down to a routine once again. Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 22Taking time off to ruminate about the past makes you realize several truths. Be prepared for a glorious change.Cosmic tip: Trust intuition, waiting for the right moment to bring up a topic again. Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 22Being at odds with two friends is so unnecessary. Each one has a different perspective and no common meeting ground. Do get enough sleep.Cosmic tip: Be aware of a karmic and spiritual change. Capricorn Dec 23 – Jan 20Though business is doing well, but it isn’t advisable to make the trip overseas for now. Free yourself of the past: it’s over.Cosmic tip: Be positive even if slightly taken aback at a development. Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19A legal case is in your favour. Several problems are bridged (this is karma stepping into help).Cosmic tip: Expect good news coming your way as this karmic cycle morphs into a more positive one. Pisces Feb 20 – March 20A meeting ends favourably. Someone you thought was going to be too stern and unfair gives a pleasant surprise. Being extra possessive only reveals deep insecurity.Cosmic tip: Maintain wisdom of unshakeable faith.
22 November,2024 01:56 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirley BoseThe final turnout in the Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024 was 66.05 per cent as per electronic voting machines (EVM) votes, up from 61.1 per cent in 2019, Election Commission (EC) officials said on Thursday. The polling percentage for the Nanded Lok Sabha bypoll was 67.81 per cent, news agency PTI reported quoting EC. Polls to the 288-member state assembly were held on Wednesday, while votes will be counted on Saturday. "The official figures for each assembly constituency will depend on the count of postal ballots reported. The 66 per cent turnout figure refers specifically to the votes cast on electronic voting machines," the chief electoral officer said in a statement. The surge, excluding postal ballots, highlighted the EC's efforts to engage a broader electorate, the statement added. Kolhapur led with 76.63 per cent, followed by 75.26 per cent in Gadchiroli, which has some Left-Wing Extremism-affected pockets, while the lowest was in Mumbai Island City at 52.07 per cent and 55.95 per cent in the metropolis' suburban district. More than 68,000 citizens aged above 85 and 12,000 individuals with disabilities cast their votes through home voting. "Additionally, 36,000 voters from essential services used postal voting. A total of 4,66,823 postal ballots were issued to voters on election duty, and around 16,000 Electronically Transmittable Postal Ballots (ETPB) were accepted for service voters," it said. EC's second 'special summary survey revision' conducted in August and September added nearly 4 million new voters, with more than half of these registrations coming from the 18-19 age group, PTI reported quoting the poll body statement. Special attention was given to enrolling electors from the third gender, Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). "To improve the voting experience, efforts were made to rationalise polling stations and reduce voter congestion. This de-clustering initiative affected over 5,800 locations, establishing over 1,100 polling stations in high-rise buildings and housing societies, as well as an additional 200 in slum areas across the state," the EC said. A total of 288 counting centres have been set up, including one for the Nanded Lok Sabha bypoll that was also held on Wednesday. "A total of 288 counting observers will oversee each assembly constituency, with two observers assigned to monitor counting in Nanded [bypoll]," the statement read. The high volume of postal ballots has led to the establishment of 1,732 tables for counting and 592 tables for ETPBMS scanning to ensure a process across all assembly constituencies, EC said. (With PTI inputs)
21 November,2024 10:53 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAfter the assembly results, the leaders of Mahayuti will sit together and decide who will be the Chief Minister (CM) of Maharashtra, Shiv Sena Member of Parliament (MP) Shrikant Shinde said on Thursday. Speaking to ANI, the Kalyan MP further said that there is "no competition" among leaders in the alliance to become the CM. "All leaders [of Mahayuti] will sit together and decide. There was never a competition among leaders here to be the CM. We want to form the government to do more development work in the next five years. In the past two-and-a-half years, Maha Vikas Aghadi only discussed who will be the CM. They only discussed this each day. Their message did not even reach the public," Shinde told ANI. Reacting to Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray's 'note jihad' dig at Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Shinde said that this is the opposition's attempt to set a "false narrative." "The way they [Opposition] spread fake narrative in Lok Sabha elections... This was an attempt to set a false narrative before the public during [Maharashtra] elections," he added. On Tuesday, Thackeray took a scathing jibe at BJP over the cash-for-votes allegation against the party's general secretary, Vinod Tawde. In Maharashtra, the ruling Mahayuti is poised to retain power in Maharashtra with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) having an edge to form the government in Jharkhand, too, exit polls predicted on Wednesday as polling concluded in the two states. Most exit polls predicted that while that Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) would put up a strong show in the polls, it is unlikely to cross the majority mark in the 288-member Maharashtra Assembly. According to the P-MARQ exit poll, the Mahayuti alliance would win 137-157 seats while MVA would get 126-147 seats and others two to eight seats. Chanakya Strategies projected that Mahayuti will win 152-150 seats, MVA 130-138 seats, and others six to eight seats. In Maharashtra, the primary contest is between the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance and the Congress-led MVA. The ruling BJP-led Mahayuti alliance includes the BJP, Shiv Sena, and the Nationalist Congress Party, while the opposition MVA comprises the Congress, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), and the NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar). This election is significant as it is the first assembly poll in the state following the splits in Shiv Sena and NCP. (With ANI inputs)
21 November,2024 09:07 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA fire broke out a building at Mumbai's Grant Road on Thursday afternoon, the civic officials said. According to the officials, the blaze was reported at the Siddheshwar Joity building. The fire was reported to the civic body at around 3:55 pm following which the Mumbai Fire Brigade officials rushed to the spot and launched a fire-fighting operation. The officials said that the fire was confined to a flat on the 36th floor of the high-rise building, triggered a response from the Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB). According to officials, the fire caused significant smoke logging on the 36th floor of the building, which has a total of 40 floors above the ground level. The building is a prominent structure, with multiple residential flats on various levels, they said. The Mumbai Fire Brigade has declared the blaze as a a Level 1 (L-1) fire, indicating that the situation was under control but still requiring intervention. So far there were no reports of injuries in the incident. Palghar: Fire breaks out at carpet warehouse; no casualty Meanwhile, in an another incident in Palghar district in Maharashtra, a fire official said that a massive fire broke out on Thursday morning in a warehouse where carpets were kept in Maharashtra's Palghar district, reported news agency PTI. No person was reported to be injured in the incident, the official said, adding that goods stored in the godown were destroyed in the fire. The blaze erupted at around 7 am in the warehouse of a company making PVC carpets at Boisar in Mahagaon area, Boisar MIDC fire station officer Vaibhav Tandel told the PTI while sharing at update on the Palghar fire. Following an alert, four fire brigade engines from Boisar and nearby places were rushed to the spot. The blaze was brought under control at around 9.30 am, the civic official said, adding cooling operations were currently underway, reported PTI. A probe was on to ascertain the cause of the fire, he said while sharing at update on the Palghar fire, the news agency reported on Thursday. (with PTI inputs)
21 November,2024 08:12 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentBhandup West registered the highest voter turnout in Mumbai at 62.88 per cent of registered voters showing up at the polling booth to vote for the Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024 on Wednesday. Meanwhile, with just 44.4 per cent, Colaba recorded the lowest turnout in Mumbai. The lowest voter turnout in the suburbs was recorded at the Bandra West Assembly Constituency (51.36) while the highest in the Island City was registered in Mahim — 59.01. Overall, Mumbai recorded a voting percentage of 54.52 per cent for the Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024, higher from the 52.79 per cent registered five years ago. Here is the full data of Mumbai's voter turnout in the Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024: Here’s the final voter turnout for the Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024 in Mumbai and the suburbs.Via: @PrajaktaKasale#MaharashtraAssemblyElections2024 #MaharashtraAssemblyElections #MaharashtraElections2024 #voting #mumbai #mumbaisuburbs pic.twitter.com/qYoqTRKF1n — Mid Day (@mid_day) November 21, 2024 The voting percentage in the Island City was 52.65 per cent, up from 48.4 per cent in 2019, while it was 56.39 per cent in the suburban district, which is a dip from 57.19 per cent in 2019, reported news agency PTI quoting the figures released by the Election Commission of India. The country's financial capital has 36 assembly constituencies, of which 10 are in the Island City while the remaining are in the suburban district. The ECI data highlighted that in the 2019 assembly elections, six of the 10 constituencies in the Island City had recorded less than 50 per cent voter turnout, with Colaba again at the bottom with 40.13 per cent. Similarly, eight of the 26 constituencies in Mumbai's suburbs had recorded less than 50 per cent turnout. As per EC data, Bhandup West was followed by Borivali (62.32 per cent) and Mulund (61.42 per cent). Bandra West was the lowest in the suburban district with polling percentage of 51.36 per cent, followed by Versova at 51.44 per cent. Apart from Colaba, Mumbadevi also failed to breach the 50 per cent-mark and recorded only 48.76 voter turnout for the Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024, reported PTI. Mahim recorded the highest turnout at 59.01 per cent, followed by Wadala at 57.67 per cent, EC data showed. Interestingly, the voter apathy in Colaba in the past polls was highlighted by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar during a press conference in New Delhi on October 15 when the poll schedule for Maharashtra and Jharkhand were announced. "If areas in Jammu and Kashmir like Doda, Reasi, Poonch and Rajouri can witness more than 70 per cent polling, Colaba can also do better," Kumar had said then. Poll officials in Mumbai had said they had taken several steps to increase voter turnout. These included facilities such as drinking water, clean toilets, waiting rooms, wheelchairs for disabled voters, volunteers for disabled voters, fans, dustbins, medical kits, and signboards at more than 10,000 polling stations, the officials said. (With PTI inputs)
21 November,2024 07:57 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentWestern Railway on Thursday, while sharing Mumbai local train updates, said that it will operate a night block Vasai Road Yard on the intervening night of November 22-23. According to an official statement, the Western Railway said that to carry out maintenance work of tracks, signaling and overhead equipment, a jumbo block of three hours will be taken from 00:15 hrs to 03:15 hrs at Vasai Road Yard including all Goods line during the intervening night of Friday and Saturday, i.e. on 22nd /23rd November, 2024. "There will be no block in day over Western Railway suburban section on Sunday, 24th November, 2024," the Western Railway said. Central Railway and Western Railway get new Mumbai local trains after four years Meanwhile, after a long wait of about four years, both Central Railway (CR) and Western Railway (WR) are receiving new local trains, the officials said on Tuesday. While WR is getting an AC local train with the hope of increasing services, CR is receiving a non-AC regular local train, which will mostly be used to replace older trains on the Harbour Line. "We have received a non-AC local train, which will mostly be used to replace the older train in use on the Harbour Line. There will be no new services, but it will be used as a replacement," a CR official said. "For WR, an AC suburban rake has been dispatched from the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, but we have yet to finalise any details about service upgrades for the AC rakes. Our team is working on it," a WR official said. Following demands from commuters, Western Railway had sought more AC local trains from the Railway Board. After this, it was decided to allot eight new underslung AC rakes in the financial years 2023-2024 and 2024-2025. Of the eight 12-car AC locals, four have been allotted to WR as the first priority, and one each to Eastern Railway, headquartered in Kolkata, and Southern Railway, headquartered in Chennai, as second and third priorities, respectively. WR currently operates 96 AC services with seven AC trains. There is no immediate update about any new AC services or trains allotted to Central Railway, as there has been opposition from commuters. AC trains on CR have become a political issue since August 2022, with NCP president Sharad Pawar calling for their complete withdrawal from the city and the restoration of regular services for working-class commuters.
21 November,2024 05:24 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentBJP candidate Ram Kadam on Thursday expressed strong confidence that the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance will secure a clear majority in the Maharashtra Assembly elections without any close competition, reported the ANI. Kadam, who is contesting from the Ghatkopar West Assembly seat, asserted that there was no significant competition in the polls. Kadam criticised the opposition Maha Vikash Aghadi (MVA), alleging that they misled the electorate to garner votes, referring to them as the "Maha Vasooli Aghadi." He emphasised that the Mahayuti alliance is unified and has a clear candidate for the Chief Minister position. "There is no close competition. Mahayuti will form the government with a clear majority...Maha Vikas Aghadi, actually 'Maha Vasooli Aghadi' tried to misguide people and get their votes. Even the people were angry that MVA considered them foolish...Mahayuti is clear with their CM face. It will form the government," Kadam said. Earlier on Thursday, Medha Kulkarni, National Vice President of the BJP Mahila Morcha, remarked on the encouraging exit poll projections, indicating that the Mahayuti alliance is poised to return to power. She said that beneficiaries of the Ladki Bahin Yojana, were likely to have voted in favour of the ruling party. "The exit poll is encouraging...Beneficiaries of Ladki Bahin Yojana have voted for the government...Mahayuti will form the government in the state again and I congratulate for that in advance," Kulkarni said. The Maharashtra Assembly elections, which were held on Wednesday across 288 assembly seats, have seen exit polls suggesting that BJP-led Mahayuti will be forming government in Maharashtra. According to the reports, the Republic TV-PMARQ exit poll, the Mahayuti alliance could win 137-157 seats. In contrast, the MVA is projected to secure between 126 to 147 seats and others 2-8 seats. The Mahayuti coalition includes the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP, while the opposition MVA comprises Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP (SP). Deputy CM Devenra Fadnavis confident of BJP'S win in the state, watch video: According to the reports, Matrize exit poll projected 150-170 seats for the Mahayuti alliance and 110-130 seats for Maha Vikas Aghadi. It said others could get 8-10 seats, stated ANI. Chanakya Strategies projected that Mahayuti will win 152-150 seats, MVA 130-138 seats and others 6-8 seats. 'Peoples Pulse' projected Mahayuti scoring a decisive victory by getting 175-195 seats. It said Maha Vikas Aghadi is poised to get 85-112 seats and 'others' winning 7-12 seats, stated ANI The exit polls reflect a competitive landscape, with the majority mark set at 145 seats. Notably, the voter turnout was recorded at 58.22 per cent by 5 pm on election day. This election is particularly significant as it’s the first assembly poll in the state after splits in Shiv Sena and NCP. In the previous 2019 Maharashtra assembly elections, the BJP secured 105 seats, the Shiv Sena claimed 56, and the Congress won 44. In 2014, the BJP had a stronger performance with 122 seats. (With inputs from ANI)
21 November,2024 05:14 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
