A woman deputy engineer working at MHADA fell victim to cyber fraud and lost Rs 3 lakh as part of “fake investigation”. According to police sources, the victim, a resident of Sion, received a call while at work on Friday (November 8). The fraudsters initially posed as representatives from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). The caller informed the woman, 41, that a new SIM card had been issued using her Aadhaar details, which are allegedly being used to send obscene messages nationwide. Threatening to block her number, the fraudsters claimed a cybercrime investigation had been launched based on several complaints and then transferred the call to an alleged cybercrime officer. The supposed cyber officer, identifying himself with a Maharashtra Cyber Police batch number (MCB: 32569), then contacted the victim on WhatsApp video call, making a digital arrest. He instructed her not to move or answer any other calls during the investigation. The supposed officer then asserted that they had been working on a Rs 300 crore money laundering case involving a woman named Pooja Mhatre. He told the victim that her bank account was linked to transactions worth Rs 26.28 lakh that occurred years ago. The fraudster then sent her a suspicious link—https://mumbalpolicegovin.ougd.top/app/—and instructed her to enter details under “MSVA 0710.” Upon entering information, the woman was shocked to see her name and photo listed among the accused persons, alongside images and details of others. Claiming that she would be arrested unless she fully cooperated, the fraudsters then demanded her bank account details and instructed her to transfer funds to an “RBI-linked account”, promising she would get her money back within a week post-verification. Under pressure and fearing arrest, the victim transferred Rs 3 lakh through various transactions to the UPI number. Realising that she had been duped, the woman approached the Kherwadi police station and filed a complaint. “We have registered a case under sections 308, 319(2), 336(3), 340(2), 3(5), and sections 66(C) and 66(D) of the IT Act against unknown persons. Further investigation is underway,” said a police officer. The officer further urged the public to remain vigilant against cyber fraud and alleged ‘digital arrests’. “Do not engage with such calls, as the police do not conduct investigations through video calls,” the officer said, adding that one must report suspicious calls immediately by calling cyber helpline number 1930.
13 November,2024 07:21 AM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanThe Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), part of the incumbent Mahayuti alliance, has a new narrative just days before Maharashtra goes to the polls on November 20. It’s called ‘vote jihad’, and the mainstreaming began with the release of a report last week at a Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) seminar titled ‘Illegal Immigrants to Mumbai: Analysing Socio-economic and Political Consequences’. City BJP leader Kirit Somaiya spotlighted the report at a November 9 press conference saying it is a larger ‘vote jihad’ conspiracy to garner minority votes. The next day, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis echoed the ‘vote jihad’ in an election rally at Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar (formerly Aurangabad). Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis. Pics/Shadab Khan “Vote jihad should be countered with a vote dharma yuddh,” he said at the rally. Fadnavis alleged that the Maha Vikas Aghadi or MVA (Congress, Shiv Sena Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray, NCP Sharadchandra Pawar) have exploited minority votes to win past elections. “We were not awake then,” he said. “We are awake now.” In a reference to Aurangabad’s name change (the city was named after erstwhile Mughal ruler Aurangzeb), he added, “No one will dare to change the name back.” This sudden shift in rhetoric redirected the Mahayuti’s campaign focus from ‘Ladki Bahin’ (Dear Sister) and other welfare schemes to a Hindutva-centred appeal. Consequently, the political landscape in Maharashtra has intensified this week, inviting opposition counterpoints saying BJP’s poll plank is divisive and contrary to electoral codes. On Monday, for instance, AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi said, “When they don’t get votes, they resort to jihad.” Fadnavis on his part doubled down, countering, “They are descendants of Razakars who tortured the people of Marathwada, looted their land, and destroyed hundreds of families.” Union Home Minister Amit Shah added to the BJP’s poll position this week by saying his party will bring an anti-conversion law into effect if voted into power. Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his election rallies in Maharashtra coined “Ek Hain to Safe Hain” (We are safe if we are one), a slogan he is expected to repeat in his Mumbai rally on Thursday. To be sure, ‘vote jihad’ is not a new slogan. It had previously featured in an October rally by Fadnavis where he attributed BJP’s underperformance in certain Lok Sabha constituencies to this alleged phenomenon. Speaking in Kolhapur last month, he stated, “In 14 out of 48 Lok Sabha constituencies in Maharashtra, ‘vote jihad’ was a factor. Hindutva thought needs to awaken if anti-Hindu leaders are being elected to top positions.” Shiv Sena UBT leader Aaditya Thackeray. PIC/KIRTI SURVE PARADE Later, on November 5, TISS hosted a national seminar at its Deonar campus to discuss the above-mentioned report’s findings, bringing together academics, policymakers, government officials, and experts from across India. According to the institute, the seminar facilitated in-depth discussions on socio-economic issues, healthcare, and the political impact of illegal immigration in Mumbai. Professor Shantishree Dhulipudi Pandit, vice-chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, was the chief guest and keynote speaker, while Sukh Ram Meena, former director general in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, was the guest of honour. Professor Shankar Das, pro vice-chancellor of TISS and principal investigator of the study, along with assistant professor Souvik Mondal, the co-principal Investigator, presented the report. Das highlighted a significant gap in understanding the real-time impact of illegal immigration on Mumbai’s socio-economic and urban landscape. He stressed the need for comprehensive policy responses that address these complexities while ensuring stability and security. “Mumbai’s population and resource challenges are only part of the story,” he said. “We need a deeper understanding of how illegal immigration affects employment, access to services, and the socio-political environment.” Mondal provided insights into the research methodology, emphasising the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to tackle issues like cultural displacement, rising crime, housing shortages, healthcare strain, and risks of “radicalisation.” Speaking with mid-day, Prof Mondal said the six-month study involved a sample size of 3,000 individuals, with findings based on both primary and secondary data. “This study is rooted in extensive literature review and a systematic approach to understand the gaps in existing research,” he said. BJP leaders, including Fadnavis and Somaiya, have since been using the report as validation of their allegations of ‘vote jihad’. Former BJP MP Kirit Somaiya. PICS/SAYYED SAMEER ABEDI Shiv Sena UBT leader and Worli candidate Aaditya Thackeray responded critically, questioning the Union government’s role in border security and the infusion of illegal immigrants into the country. “The Home Minister must answer how illegal immigrants manage to enter the country and travel to Mumbai from Bangladesh,” he said in an interview to PTI, and also challenged the timing of the report. Mondal told mid-day that the pathways of immigration from Bangladesh and Myanmar through eastern states to Mumbai can be perplexing since “Mumbai has no direct border with any neighbouring country, yet immigrants keep arriving here.” He said most survey respondents shared that their first residences in India were in states such as West Bengal, Assam, Jharkhand, and Bihar, before migrating to Mumbai. When asked about the report’s political reception, Mondal said, “This report serves an academic purpose. The larger goal is to encourage informed dialogue and shape policies that foster socio-economic harmony.” An NCP leader from the Ajit Pawar faction (part of the Mahayuti alliance) told mid-day, “We don’t endorse the ‘Vote Jihad’ and ‘Batenge to Katenge’ narrative. Many of our candidates are Muslims, and such rhetoric will only create a divide among Maharashtrian Muslims and spread unwarranted tension.” Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on the other hand, joined the nationwide BJP mainstreaming of the party’s latest rhetoric. In a rally in Achalpur in Maharashtra on Tuesday, he said, “Maharashtra could become a base for love jihad and land jihad. The state should not become a laboratory for such practices.” He said the MVA fostered division and “created an environment that could threaten the safety and security of the state’s citizens.” Speaking with mid-day, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sushma Andhare said, “What’s happening in Maharashtra’s political scene is BJP’s same old divisive politics, combined with Devendra Fadnavis’s extreme negativity. They seem to be getting feedback that their hollow welfare schemes and political sops like Ladki Bahin have failed to impress the people of Maharashtra. It was evident to me in every part of the state I visited and every person I met. In my opinion, they’ve realised they are losing in many seats, which is why they’ve started pushing this ‘vote jihad’ and ‘batenge-katenge’ narrative.” Congress leader Sachin Sawant remarked, “This is typical of BJP leaders during election season. When all else fails and they’re facing the prospect of a miserable loss, they resort to narratives like ‘Vote-Jihad,’ ‘Ek hai toh safe hai,’ and ‘Katenge to Batenge.’ This is just another attempt to polarise votes.” BJP’s Somaiya said the TISS report “clearly states that Hindu population in Mumbai will decrease by 54% by 2051, while the number of Bangladeshis and Rohingyas is increasing.” He added, quoting the report, “The Hindu population in Mumbai was 88% in 1961, which declined to 66% in 2011. At the same time, the Muslim population saw an increase from 8% in 1961 to 21% in 2011. Today, at places like Govandi, Mankhurd, Mumbra, Mumbadevi, Naya Nagar, Bhiwandi, etc, there is a huge population of Bangladeshi migrants and Rohingya Muslims. Hence, (Congress leader) Rahul Gandhi wants Vote Jihad, while Yogi says Batenge to Katenge and and Modi ji says Ek hain toh safe hain.” A Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) leader told mid-day, “We are focusing on promoting our work and public welfare schemes, as we have a solid report card to present. The issues of ‘vote-jihad’ or ‘batenge katenge’ are being raised by the BJP, and we have chosen to stay away from them for now. This is not our issue.” State BJP chief spokesperson Keshav Upadhye told mid-day, “It’s not us, but the Congress and MVA alliance who resort to vote polarisation and divisive politics. We’re simply following the slogan Modiji has given us, ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.’ As for ‘Vote Jihad,’ we’re merely pointing to what we witnessed as recently as the 2024 Lok Sabha election. In Malegaon, we saw a clear case of one-sided voting. The BJP was ahead by 1.90 lakh votes in Dhule, but in the Malegaon assembly segment, there were 1.94 lakh votes that shifted the result. We lost by just 4,000 votes. This ‘Vote Jihad’ was the reason for our defeat there, not because we weren’t united. The Opposition claims we’re trying to polarise votes on religious grounds, but in reality, it’s the MVA who resort to such tactics.” What is the TISS report about? A newly released report from the TISS Mumbai highlights the profound impact of illegal immigration on Mumbai’s socio-economic landscape. The report, titled Illegal Immigrants to Mumbai: Analysing Socio-economic and Political Consequences, talks about the “challenges posed by the growing population of Bangladeshi and Rohingya immigrants in the city.” Researchers warn of potential consequences for infrastructure, public services, and local employment, and suggest stricter immigration controls to manage the strain on the city’s resources.
13 November,2024 07:09 AM IST | Mumbai | Dipti SinghBombay High Court on Tuesday voiced strong dissatisfaction over the handling of illegal hawkers in Mumbai. Citing mid-day’s report, ‘This Borivli hawker market has killed several BEST services’, the court addressed a suo motu PIL on the issue. An advocate representing the bar council presented the report in court, prompting the judges to discuss the gravity of the situation. Several licenced hawkers and hawker unions have intervened in the PIL, raising concerns about their rights being infringed. An advocate for a group of licenced hawkers stated, “Whenever the court passes an order, the civic body sweeps away all hawkers, licenced or not.” In response, the division bench of Justice A S Gadkari and Justice Kamal Khata clarified, “We are not concerned with licenced hawkers—they have the legal right to vend goods. Our focus is on illegal hawkers. How is it determined whether a hawker is licenced?” The advocates representing various hawker groups explained that there are three types of hawkers: those with vending certificates (licenced), those without certificates (illegal), and a third category of hawkers who are recognised in surveys but have not been issued certificates. The third group, they said, is most affected and often has to prove their recognised status predating the Street Vending Act (SVA). After hearing these arguments, the bench directed all parties to compile a list of licenced hawkers to form an interim Town Vending Committee (TVC), which will conduct a new survey and later hold elections to constitute the TVC. The previous TVC election results were not released due to a Supreme Court stay following multiple petitions alleging incomplete voter lists. While presenting the mid-day report, the bar council advocate argued, “This report shows the impact of hawkers blocking roads. This location, Borivli West, is listed as one of the locations that are constantly monitored by the BMC, yet hawkers occupy the entire road.” The BMC counsel explained the civic body’s challenges, noting, “We continuously remove hawkers, but the police need to ensure they don’t return.” Citing a prior court order, the BMC’s counsel pointed out that the police are responsible for preventing evicted hawkers from coming back. In response, the state representative said, “One of our main concerns is the formation of the TVC to regulate illegal hawking. We provide police protection whenever requested by the BMC, with vans and officers stationed to prevent hawkers from returning.” Commenting on an earlier pilot project, a senior counsel for the state noted, “As far as I am aware, there are no hawkers between CST and the high court.” Justice Khata expressed frustration, saying, “It’s not enough to say that police are protecting BMC officers. Beat marshals must be present to prevent hawkers from returning once removed. If BMC is doing its job, there is clearly an issue on your end.” He continued, “When officers arrive, they should ask for licences. If none are shown, action must be taken, and BMC should remove the goods. Despite claims that beat marshals and vans are stationed, hawkers still return after BMC takes action.” Criticising the state further, he added, “You are permitting hawkers yet failing to control the situation. Earlier, we instructed the use of reserved police forces to avoid manpower issues. Hawkers are overwhelming the city; no street, shop, or shopping area is hawker-free.” The bar council’s senior counsel pointed out that the Municipal Act and Police Act authorise police and BMC to remove hawkers. He criticised the BMC’s inspection reports, saying, “These aren’t even licences but inspection reports. Every licence shown in the report has expired.” Justice Khata remarked, “Unfortunately, judges also travel. We see the situation firsthand. You claim measures are in place, yet hawkers return and operate in the presence of state-assigned beat marshals and police vans.” The bench concluded by observing, “The Street Vendors Act has come into effect but has not been effectively implemented.” Netizens react Netizens on X expressed dissatisfaction with authorities, reacting to the mid-day report Malhar @ BackchodGPT, “I have never dared to enter this lane in my car during the day. It’s only drivable late at night.” Fashionista @IndianDamsel, “All parties are to blame—sellers, buyers & authorities. Pre-election cleanup happens, but it’ll worsen post Nov 24! Strict, permanent action needed!” Nilesh Saiya @nksaiya, “We pay BMC property tax, income tax, GST, entertainment tax, and all other taxes for this?” Many other users pointed out similar issues across Mumbai and the MMR region, expressing frustration with the situation.
13 November,2024 06:54 AM IST | Mumbai | Prasun ChoudhariDo 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 13. Aries March 21 – April 20Work according to priority as multi-tasking creates more delays and confusion. A friend from whom you had created a distance- calls.Cosmic tip: Be aware of feelings and what intuition says or warns you about. Taurus April 21 – May 20Study investment opportunities before investing money. Being roped in to conduct a seminar is a big compliment. Cosmic tip: Don’t get involved in time consuming arguments which don’t go anywhere or solve anything. GeminiMay 21 – June 21An initial meeting with a potential client goes surprisingly well. Singles enter the marriage dasha. Work on improving communication in personal and professional life.Cosmic tip: Update methods of working that bring positive results. Cancer June 22 – July 23Paying attention to equation with colleagues, especially those you don’t like is a lesson in psychology and how the mind works. Cosmic tip: Keep in mind that less is more where words are concerned. Leo July 24 - Aug 23Life is good, though in many ways this is a day of endings and new beginnings which you remember all your life.Cosmic tip: Drive carefully. Reach the station/ airport in time if travelling. Virgo Aug 24 – Sept 23Handling restrictive circumstances carefully, not over stepping boundaries helps have some control over a situation. Regularly eat home cooked food.Cosmic tip: Make sure reactions aren’t contrary to the kind of personality you have. Libra Sept 24 – Oct 22Consciously try to break away from negative family patterns to live in an aura of peace and serenity. Take care of health.Cosmic tip: Make a relationship decision after considering all angles and long-term outcomes. Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 22Making an effort to re-connect with your partner can revive fires of love and desire once more. Health is good.Cosmic tip: Use precious time in more meaningful ways. Don’t dwell on unimportant issues. Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 22Dedication and hard work show results with a raise in salary or promotion. Problems can be impetus for change and growth.Cosmic tip: Be practical and efficient when dealing with an uncommon problem at work. Capricorn Dec 23 – Jan 20Wanting to be in control at all times could work against you as vibes are of someone stubborn and set in views. Cosmic tip: Flow gracefully in this different kind of a karmic cycle. Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19A change of approach towards colleagues leads to a more harmonious work environment. Do get enough sleep.Cosmic tip: Don’t give in to popular opinion. Stay with what is ethically right according to you. Pisces Feb 20 – March 20It’s not a good idea to get into a relationship when already committed to someone. Don’t complicate life any more. Be aware.Cosmic tip: Don’t be so diplomatic that it works to your disadvantage.
13 November,2024 02:02 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirley BoseWhile the BMC has floated a tender to auction BEST Substation plot at Malabar Hill to generate revenue, activists objected to the plan claiming the plot is part of a recreation garden and any structure other than substation cannot be built on it. The BMC was estimated to get around Rs. 545 crore from the deal. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has been facing financial difficulties for some time, with its fixed deposits falling from R92,000 crore to R82,000 crore in just two years. To generate revenue, the BMC decided to auction off some of its properties including the BEST Substation land. This plan was included in the current budget, and the tender was released recently. As per the tender notice, the BMC proposed auction of Municipal property bearing C.S. No. 439 (pt.) of Malabar Hill Division in 'D' ward having BEST Receiving Station on lease basis for a period of 60 years through private participation and developing the said plot under relevant Regulations of DCPR-2034. Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) intends to dispose the land bearing C.S. no. 439 (pt) Malbar Hill Division on lease as per policy of BMC for its commercial exploitation and bid offers invited by offering maximum Market Price. The BMC mentioned that as per sanctioned DP 2034 of 'D' Ward, the land is situated in Residential (R) Zone. The existing amenities affecting the subject plot are - EOS2.6 (Recreation Ground) (Part of larger existing amenities) (256.20 sq.m.), EPU2.5 (Electricity Transmission & Distribution Facilities) (2432.42 sq.m.) and EOS2.7 (Green Belt) (Part of larger existing amenities) (5623.63 sq.m.). The notice mentioned that the development of the plot is therefore to be done on a portion of the plot affected by the existing amenity of EPU2.5 (Electricity Transmission & Distribution Facilities) on the area of 2432.42 sq.m. the BMC claims that as per PR card the ownership of the land vests with BMC. The total project cost is considered with maximum potential of plot and the base value of the plot is Rs. 545 crores. Zoru Bathena with other activists filed objections to the tender on Tuesday. Zoru said, It is true that a BEST Receiving Station stands on part of this plot. But this is only because Electric Receiving Stations are a permissible activity on Green Garden plots. If BMC no longer requires an electric sub-station on the said plot, they are statutorily required to restore the Public Garden. But, they cannot auction away our public garden plots for commercial gain. Another activist claimed that the plot forms part of the Green Hill Slope of Malabar Hill, and the larger plot forms a part of the Green Heritage Precinct of Hanging Garden. The said plot falls under CRZ NDZ. And it also falls within the Funnel of Vision of Hanging Garden (Phirozshah Mehta Garden) where there is a restriction on development even under the DCPR (Development Control Rules). In fact, this plot is part of the existing Shantivan Garden on CS 439. Activists sent their objections to the commissioner of the BMC on Tuesday and received a response that their objections were forwarded to concerned additional commissioner and the general manager of the BEST. What happened till date… One of the sites up for auction is the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Mandai, located in the 'A' ward. Initially, the plan was to relocate local fisherfolk to this market after its reconstruction. However, a BMC official stated that once this land is leased, the current reservation for the market and municipal offices will be removed. The company or contractor acquiring the land will be permitted to develop it for residential or commercial purposes.Additionally a part of the asphalt plant in Worli will also be leased. Since these three locations are currently unused, the BMC is aiming to generate revenue from leasing them. Aaditya Thackeray, Shiv Sena leader held a press conference last month and alleged that the corporation has now decided to auction three of its iconic plots to raise funds and make up for the loot of the Eknath Shinde regime.He further alleged that the Eknath Shinde regime had started the sale of Mumbai to his favourite builders and contractors. It’s also possible that eventually Eknath Shinde and BJP will also auction the Hutatma Smarak, and earn ‘khokes’ (money) out of that too!
12 November,2024 11:14 PM IST | Mumbai | Prajakta KasaleThe Air India Group has successfully completed the operational integration and legal merger of Air India and Vistara, creating a major full-service carrier and a significant milestone in the airline’s post-privatisation transformation. This merger follows the earlier consolidation of the Group's low-cost carriers, Air India Express and AIX Connect (formerly Air Asia India), which took place on October 1. The merger is a key component of the Air India Group’s ongoing transformation programme, 'Vihaan.AI', aimed at establishing the airline as a world-class global aviation player with a distinctly Indian identity. The Group now operates a unified network with over 8,300 weekly flights across 312 routes, connecting more than 100 domestic and international destinations. The merged fleet includes 300 aircraft. As part of the merger, Air India, the newly unified full-service carrier, will operate more than 5,600 weekly flights across 90 destinations with a fleet of 208 aircraft. The airline expects to carry more than 1.2 lakh passengers every day and offers extended global connectivity through codeshare and interline agreements with more than 75 partners, covering over 800 destinations worldwide. The integration process began more than two years ago and has involved the induction of more than 6,000 former Vistara staff into the new organisation structure. The process also included harmonising operational procedures across all four airlines in the Group, aligning more than 140 IT systems, and consolidating vendor contracts. Additionally, more than 2.7 lakh customer bookings were migrated, and 45 lakh frequent flyer accounts from Vistara's Club Vistara were transferred to Air India’s revamped loyalty programme, 'Maharaja Club'. Given the complexity of the dual mergers and the Group’s expansive transformation, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has been closely involved in the process, along with the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), and various international regulators. Apart from the airline merger, the Vihaan.AI programme has led to several other major developments, including the procurement of more than 500 new aircraft, with deliveries already underway. Air India has also launched a USD 400 million interior retrofit programme for its legacy aircraft, and a new 6 lakh square foot training facility, capable of training 2,000 employees every day, has been opened. Ground has also been broken for a 12-bay maintenance base, set to begin operations in early 2026. More than 9,000 new employees have joined the company. Campbell Wilson, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Air India, said, "The merger of Air India and Vistara completes the consolidation and restructuring phase of the Air India Group’s post-privatisation transformation journey, marking a significant milestone. I would like to thank our staff, stakeholders, and regulatory bodies for their support throughout this process. This merger is not just about combining assets; it is about laying the foundation for a world-class global airline with an Indian heart.” Following the merger, Vistara aircraft will now operate under the Air India brand, with Vistara’s crew and service offering continuing. Vistara’s flight numbers, which previously began with 'UK', will now begin with the Air India code 'AI': for instance, UK 955 will become AI 2955. Additionally, members of Vistara’s frequent flyer programme, Club Vistara, will have their accounts transferred to Air India’s 'Flying Returns' programme, which has been rebranded as 'Maharaja Club'. Also, following the merger agreement, Singapore Airlines, which previously held a 49% stake in Vistara, has now become a 25.1% shareholder in the newly consolidated Air India Group.
12 November,2024 09:37 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTen assembly constituencies in Mumbai City district will go to polls on November 20 from 7 am to 6 pm. Accordingly, the Mumbai City District Election Authority has made special arrangements for the convenience of people with disabilities (PwD) and the elderly (85 years and above) to go to the polling station. Mumbai City Collector and Additional District Election Officer Sanjay Yadav has appealed to the voters in these two categories to register their demands on the 'Saksham App' to avail the facilities for voting. The Office of the Mumbai City Collector and Additional District Election Officer will provide arrangements such as wheelchair, wheelchair van, Divyang Sulabh Bus, eco van, taxi, and stair climbing wheelchair, vehicles and other facilities at the polling stations through assistants and Divyang Mitras. As some PwD and elderly voters could not register on the Saksham App, the election officials are visiting their homes and registering their demand for the facility, said Yadav. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region comprises the districts of Dharavi, Sion-Koliwada, Wadala, Mahim, Worli, Sewri, Byculla, Malabar Hill, Mumbadevi and Colaba. The Election Commission of India (ECI) will provide Braille-marked Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) to the persons with visual impairment to enable them to exercise their franchise. A Braille ballot/voter slip has been distributed in Braille script and a Braille dummy/dummy ballot facility will be provided at every polling station on the day of voting. A Divyang Mitra has also been appointed as co-ordinator to assist the PwDs. A total of 671 volunteers of the National Service Scheme have been appointed in various colleges of the district to facilitate the PwDs voters of Mumbai City district to vote easily. The bus service for PwDs will will have special accessibility, and operate on a designated route, especially for assembly constituencies. The voters will be able to travel free of cost on 243 routes on 10 ring routes throughout the day on November 20. An assistant has also been provided to the disabled voters. In case PwD or the elderly voters have any queries, they can contact on 95941.44999. On requesting the necessary vehicle facility, the authorities will make arrangements.
12 November,2024 08:56 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentPrime Minister Narendra Modi has eliminated terrorism and Naxalism from the country, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said while addressing a rally in Mumbai on Tuesday. Amit Shah said that Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, will never be reinstated. Addressing a rally in Mumbai's Ghatkopar area in Mumbai ahead of the November 20 Maharashtra Assembly election 2024, Amit Shah emphasised that for his party, the issue of Kashmir is closer to its hearts than political power, according to the PTI. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi has ended terrorism and Naxalism from the country," he told the gathering while campaigning for the ruling coalition Mahayuti, of which the BJP is a key member. Referring to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, whose party is an ally of the National Conference, which heads the government in Jammu and Kashmir, he said Article 370, nullified by the BJP-led Centre in August 2019, will never be restored. गृह मंत्री श्री @AmitShah महाराष्ट्र के घाटकोपर पूर्व विधानसभा क्षेत्र में जनसभा को संबोधित करते हुए। https://t.co/GrdjOxFOGC — BJP (@BJP4India) November 12, 2024 "I want to tell Rahul Gandhi that even if his fourth generation comes, Article 370 will not be restored in Jammu and Kashmir," Amit Shah insisted, as per the PTI. After the abrogation of Article 370, no one in the Union Territory has dared to throw a stone at the government, he said. Last week, the newly-elected Jammu and Kashmir Assembly passed a resolution seeking restoration of the erstwhile state's special status. Amit Shah criticised leaders of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) for opposing significant decisions such as the construction of a grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya, removal of Article 370 from J&K and major infrastructure initiatives. He contended that their support appears limited to coming out with financial aid proposals such as a monthly payment of Rs 15,000 to maulavis (Islamic religious clerics), while they often oppose development projects. According to a planned schedule, Amit Shah first visited Ghatkopar’s Pant Nagar area to address a rally at the General Arun Kumar Vaidya ground. After that, he is visited Kandivali’s Mahavir Nagar. Meanwhile, On Monday, the Mumbai Traffic Police said that Due to a planned movement at JVLR & SCLR on November 12 in the evening, vehicular movement is expected to be slow. Citizens are advised to plan their commute accordingly. (with PTI inputs)
12 November,2024 08:34 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentCommuters on the Western Railway faced significant disruptions during rush hour on Tuesday evening after a point failure occurred between Andheri and Kandivali stations. The point failure was reported at around 6:25 pm, an official said. The technical issue caused delays and forced the diversion of several suburban trains operating on the busy route. The point failure, which is related to the track switching system, caused a halt in train services, disrupting the smooth flow of trains during peak evening hours. Western Railway officials immediately took action to reroute trains via 5-6 alternate lines in the affected section, with Mumbai local trains running on diverted paths between Andheri and Kandivali stations. The officials resolved the issue, and by 7:30 pm, the point failure was rectified, allowing trains to resume their regular routes, said an official.
12 November,2024 08:12 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarDuring the ongoing Model Code of Conduct (MCC) for Maharashtra Assembly election 2024, over 6,000 teams on ground has so far seized Rs 500 crore worth of cash, liquor and other items, the Election Commission (EC) said on Tuesday. It said that strict measures have been put in place to prevent political parties or candidates from bribing voters as part of it the teams on ground has been conducting checks in state. According to the Model Code of Conduct, no political party or candidate is allowed to offer any kind of inducement to voters. To ensure this, both central and state government agencies have set up special teams for enforcement, including Static Surveillance Teams (SST) and Flying Squads (FST), at every Assembly constituency. "In Maharashtra, a total of 6,000 such teams have been deployed to monitor the situation, along with 19 enforcement agencies. These teams are responsible for checking every vehicle passing through their designated areas. If they find anything suspicious, they are instructed to take further action," the EC said in a statement. प्रसिद्धीपत्रकविधानसभा सार्वत्रिक निवडणूक - २०२४वाहनांच्या तपासणी बाबतमुंबई, दि. १२ नोव्हेंबर २०२४ pic.twitter.com/0aJrPCVKNU — ChiefElectoralOffice (@CEO_Maharashtra) November 12, 2024 Political party leaders and star campaigners of various parties often travel by air during election time. Even their helicopters and airplanes are thoroughly inspected. The same rules apply to all vehicles, without any exceptions for political parties or other groups. The Static Surveillance Teams are assigned to inspect every vehicle passing through their designated routes. Each team includes a police constable, as well as revenue and other department officials, it said. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) on Tuesday alleged that the poll authorities frisked the bags of party chief Uddhav Thackeray for the second consecutive day. Aaditya retweeted a video in which poll officials are frisking the bags inside his chopper at Latur. In his post, Aaditya has called the Election Commission (EC) the 'Entirely Compromised Commission' and claimed that the poll authorities are trying to delay his father from reaching his public meetings. He also questioned why the Prime Minister or other ministers are not frisked in Maharashtra. The Election Commission, in its statement further said that while conducting these checks, the teams make sure that citizens are not inconvenienced, and if any suspicious items such as money, alcohol, precious metals, or other valuables are found, they are seized. Appropriate legal action is then taken. It said that the primary goal is to ensure that the elections are conducted fairly, without any kind of voter bribery. So far, during this election period, more than Rs 500 crore worth of goods have been seized by the teams and surveillance units in Maharashtra. The EC said that it has significantly reduced the chances of voters being influenced through bribes.
12 November,2024 06:51 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAhead of PM Modi's rally at Shivaji Park, the Mumbai Police on Tuesday issued traffic restrictions and diversion around Dadar area in city. In a traffic notification, the police said, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is organising a public meeting on Thursday, November 14 at Shivaji Park in Dadar and for the rally, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde and deputy CM of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis along with many supporters and followers from all over Maharashtra are likely to participate. A large number of vehicles are also expected on Western and Eastern Express Highway. The police said that traffic congestion is likely especially on the road leading to the venue. It is necessary to make an order for traffic management and in order to prevent danger, obstruction and inconvenience to the public traffic restrictions were being issued which will remain in force on 14/11/2024 between 10.00 hrs. to 24.00 hrs. No Parking 1. S.V.S.Road: From Baba Saheb Worlikar Chowk (Century Junction) to Hari Om Junction. 2. Entire Keluskar Road South and Keluskar Road North, Shivaji Park, Dadar. 3. Entire M. B. Raut Marg, Shivaji Park Dadar. 4. Pandurang Naik Marg (Road no 5) Shivaji Park, Dadar. 5. Dadasaheb Rege Marg, Shivaji Park, Dadar. 6. Lt. Dilip Gupte Marg: From Shivaji Park Gate No. 4 to Shitaladevi road, Shivaji Prak, Dadar. 7. L. J. Road: From Gadkari Junction, Dadar to Shobha Hotel, Mahim. 8. N. C. Kelkar Road: From Hanuman Temple Junction to Gadkari Junction, Shivaji Park, Dadar. 9. T. H. Kataria Road: From Ganga Vihar Juntion to Asawari Junction, Mahim. 10. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Road: From Maheshwari Circle to Kohinoor Junction, Dadar (East) 11. Tilak Road: From Kotwal Garden Circle, Dadar (West) to R.A. Kidwai road, Matunga (East) 12. Khan Abdul Gafarkhan Road: From Sea Link road to J. K. Kapur Chowk upto Bindu Madhav Thackeray Chowk. 13. Thadani Road: From Poddar Hospital Junction to Bindu Madhav Thackeray Chowk. 14. Dr. Annie besant Road: From Poddar Hospital Junction to Dr. Narayan Hardikar Junction. Vehicular traffic will be regulated on below mentioned roads and if needed it will be diverted for which alternate routes are following. - S.V.S. Road North Bound :- From Siddhivinayak Junction to Yes Bank Junction. Alternate Route: From Siddhivinayak Junction to S. K. Bole Road-Agar Bazar-Portuguese Church-Left turn-Gokhale or S. K. Bole. Road. - S.V.S. Road South Bound Alternate Route: Dandekar Chowk left turn to Pandurang Naik Marg, Raja Badhe Chowk-right turn-L. J. Road to Gokhale raod or N C Kelkar Road. Instructions for attendees- The vehicles coming from various areas shall drop the participants at the drop point and proceed for parking at designated places as follows. 1. Western and Northern Suburbs: Vehicles coming from Western and Northern suburbs through Western Express Highway shall drop the participants on Senapati Bapat road between Mahim Railway station to Ruparel collage areaand proceed for parking at Mahim Reti Bander, Kohinoor PPL Parking, India Bulls Finance center PPL parking, Kamagar Stadium and on Senapati Bapat Road. Light Motor Vehicles can be park at India Bulls One center PPL parking. 2. Eastern Suburbs: Vehicles coming from Thane and Navi Mumbai using Eastern Express Highway shall alight participants near Dadar T. T. Circle and proceed for parking towards Five Gardens, Matunga and R.A.K. 4 Roads. 3. City and South Mumbai: Vehicles coming from South Mumbai using Veer Savarkar Road shall alight participants at Ravindranath Natya Mandir and proceed for parking at India Bulls Finance center PPL parking, Raheja PPL Parking, Sudam Kalu Ahire road, Worli, Padurang Budhkar Marg Galxo Junction upto Kurne Chowk, Sudam Kalu Ahire road, Worli, Narayan Hardikar Marg, Sacred Heart High School upto J K Kapur Chowk, similarly, Vehicles using B. A. Road shall drop the participants at Dadar T. T. Circle and proceed for parking at designated parking place at Five Garden or R.A.K. Road. PM Modi will address rallies on November 14 at three places in the state - Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Raigad and Mumbai.
12 November,2024 06:16 PM IST | Mumbai | Asif RizviADVERTISEMENT
