In its crackdown against criminals ahead of the Assembly election, the Mumbai police have externed over 1,000 alleged criminals facing serious charges from the city limits to ensure peaceful voting. According to the data from the Mumbai police, till Monday, as many as 1,057 such alleged criminals were externed under Sections 55, 56, and 57 of the Maharashtra Police Act. This year, 105 alleged criminals were externed under Section 55 of the Maharashtra Police Act; 673 under Section 56, which pertains to the criminals with multiple cases; and 279 under Section 57, which pertains to the criminals who had been convicted and released after serving sentence. The police said these ‘tadipar’ (externed) criminals would have to stay out of the city limits, including from the Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and Thane areas, for an year or two before the prohibition is lifted. Anyone caught will be booked and arrested again under Section 142 of the Mumbai Police Act. “It is a proactive measure to prevent disturbances during the elections, we have taken stringent action against hardcore criminals. Over 1,000 professional criminals, who were identified as potential threats to peace during the electoral process, have been tadipar from the city this year,” said an officer, requesting anonymity. 03No. of MPA sections dealing with externment
19 November,2024 08:37 AM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanDos and Don’ts for voters No mobile phones: Mobile phones are strictly prohibited within polling stations. Report malpractices: Use the cVIGIL app to lodge complaints about code violations. Check VVPAT slips: Verify your vote on the VVPAT slip after pressing the button on the EVM. Locate your polling station: Visit [https://electoralsearch.eci.gov.in/pollingstation](https://electoralsearch.eci.gov.in/pollingstation), enter your EPIC number and Captcha, and click “Search.” Search your voter details: Use the Voter Helpline App under “Find your name in electoral roll” to locate polling station details. Avoid the heat: To beat high afternoon temperatures, vote in the morning. Stay prepared: Carry caps and goggles; water bottles are available at polling stations. No photography/videography: Capturing images or videos inside polling centres is strictly prohibited. Comfortable waiting: Waiting areas with fans are arranged, and voters will be given tokens. Priority voting: Senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and pregnant women will receive priority. Home voting being carried out in the Mahim constituency on November 11. Pic/Ashish Raje Key statistics for 2024 Elections Total voters 1,02,29,706 Male 54,67,361Female 47,61,263Third gender 1,082Disabled voters 23,927Voters above 85 years 1,46,851 Service voters: 1,475Overseas voters 2,288 Polling centres 2,085 (76 critical; 38 managed by women, 8 by disabled staff) 12 accepted identity proofs for voting 1. Voter ID card 2. Passport 3. Driving licence 4. Service ID card (government/public sector) 5. Passbook with photograph (bank/post office) 6. PAN card 7. NPR smart card 8. MGNREGA ID card 9. Labour health insurance smart card 10. Pension document 11. Disability ID card 12. Aadhaar card Candidates 420 6,272Home voting (above 85 years) Partywise vote share across the state BJP1,41,99,375 Shiv Sena90,49,789 NCP 92, 16,919 Congress87,52,199 Minimum assured facilities at booths l Drinking water, toilets, waiting areas, seating arrangements. l Ramps, wheelchairs, and volunteers for disabled voters. l Shelters, fans, medical kits, and proper lighting. l Free transportation for persons with disabilities l 70 vehicles in Mumbai City District (671 locations). l 927 vehicles in Mumbai Suburban District (613 locations). A man posing for a picture after voting during the LS poll. File pic Prohibited Items & Actions at Polling Stations Mobile phones or similar devices within 100 metres of polling stations.Weapons as per Section 13(4) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Seized during election period Cash: Rs 45.6 cr.Liquor: 42,185 litres (R1.23cr.)Drugs: 224.43 kg (R48.96cr.) Precious metals: Rs 245.64cr.Freebies: Rs 5.82 cr. Ensure your voice is heard—vote responsibly!
19 November,2024 08:33 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-dayLaunching a strong defence of BJP’s ‘ek hai toh safe hai’ poll pitch, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Monday said nowhere has the party asked Hindus to unite against Muslims. In an interview to PTI, Shinde expressed confidence that the Mahayuti would win the November 20 Assembly elections convincingly, allowing it to continue with its agenda of development with renewed vigour. Poll results will be announced on November 23. Accusing the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) of practising the divide-and-rule policy of the British, Shinde said, “What has Prime Minister Narendra Modi said? Be united and be safe. Come together and vote to take Maharashtra on the path of development and progress. What is wrong with this?” “Where have we asked Hindus to unite and fight against the Muslims? They (Opposition) say it openly,” the chief minister said. He said various schemes of the government do not discriminate on religious lines and ensure that the benefits reach every community. “It is the Congress that is practising the policy of divide-and-rule followed by the British,” Shinde said accusing the Opposition of spreading fear among Muslims, Christians and Adivasis. “They have raised the bogey of Constitution being in danger and reservations being discontinued. They are doing this for political benefits,” the chief minister said.On the issue of the Maratha reservation, Shinde said, “The policy of the Mahayuti government is very clear. The Maratha community should get justice, but in doing so, injustice should not be meted out to the OBCs and other communities.” The CM said the Opposition had deprived the Maratha community of benefits under various government initiatives. “The Maratha community will think in a calm manner on who is giving them benefits and who is using them for political benefits,” Shinde said. He pointed out that his government had called a special session of the Assembly to grant 10 per cent reservation to the Maratha community. Shinde defended his rebellion against Uddhav Thackeray and alleged the then Shiv Sena leadership had an anti-development stance and had departed from its Hindutva principles. Shinde claimed there was an attempt to “sell the Shiv Sena to Congress” when the party was part of the MVA and called it a betrayal of people’s trust. “I left them (MVA and Uddhav Thackeray) because they were anti-development, and the then Shiv Sena leadership was drifting away from Hindutva,” Shinde said. “I pushed for an alliance with the BJP again, but he (Thackeray) did not listen to us,” Shinde said. He claimed the Mahayuti government had restored the people’s mandate. He further alleged that “the MVA was full of speed breakers, put stops on all projects”, specifically mentioning stalled initiatives in irrigation and the Nagpur-Mumbai Samruddhi Expressway. The Shiv Sena broke its alliance with the BJP after the 2019 Assembly polls claiming the latter had reneged on a promise to share the chief ministerial tenure. Thackeray then allied with the Congress and Sharad Pawar-led undivided NCP to form the Maha Vikas Aghadi government. The Shiv Sena split in June 2022 after Shinde rebelled, bringing down the MVA government. He became CM with the BJP’s support. In July last year, Ajit Pawar split the NCP and joined the Mahayuti. Shinde denied promoting casteism and said the MVA spread a fake narrative during the Lok Sabha polls about the end of reservation benefits. However, state elections are contested on local issues, he asserted. “Rahul Gandhi does not understand that during state elections, the focus is on practical issues, not matters of the Constitution,” he said. Shinde questioned former chief minister Uddhav Thackeray’s leadership, accusing him of only banning things instead of working for people. He dismissed Thackeray’s recent allegation that the Central government wanted to separate Mumbai from Maharashtra, terming it “rhetoric”. “They have nothing else to say. They did not repair potholes on roads. We have worked for the betterment of Mumbai. We solved the issues they never did,” he said.Shinde further said the Ladki Bahin scheme, providing a R1,500 monthly allowance, has given support and freedom to women. On the MVA’s assurance of Rs 3,000 per month to women, the chief minister said, “The MVA first tarnished our image and went to court. My sisters know that they will not implement it.” 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
19 November,2024 08:24 AM IST | Mumbai | AgenciesCongress president Mallikarjun Kharge, who is in Maharashtra to rally for Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) candidates, urged the voters to defeat those who he alleged had accepted substantial bribes to change allegiance, referring to them as “50 khoke”. The Congress chief was speaking at a rally in Vasai on Monday. The term “50 khoke” (cash boxes) was used after CM Eknath Shinde defected from the undivided Shiv Sena to form a government with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2022. Kharge, without taking names of MLAs who supported Shinde, claimed each person was offered '50 crore to switch allegiance and urged voters to send a clear message in the upcoming election. He criticised the BJP-led Mahayuti for indulging in divisive politics through its slogans “batenge toh katenge” (divided, we shall perish) and “ek hain toh safe hai” (we are safe if we are one). The Congress chief said that some factions are attempting to fragment society along caste and religious lines. “The Congress and MVA stand for unity and the principles of Dr Ambedkar’s Constitution, while the BJP seeks to create divisions,” he asserted. Denouncing the state’s economic policies, Kharge claimed that the BJP-led coalition has severely impacted lives of farmers, workers, women, and youth. “Under this government, inflation and unemployment are at an all-time high, and farmers are struggling to get fair prices for their produce,” he said. He further accused the BJP of corruption, alleging Maharashtra faced significant financial wrongdoing in the last two-and-a-half years. Asking people to vote for the MVA, the Congress leader said the MVA would deliver on its promises through its “5 Guarantees” and “Maharashtra Nama” initiatives. 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
19 November,2024 08:13 AM IST | Mumbai | AgenciesWith a width of 23 metres, Mira Road station on Western Railway (WR) is set to get one of the city's widest foot overbridges and an elevated deck connecting east and west. With a passenger footfall of 1,31,764 per day, the station has one of the highest-growing passenger traffic. The Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation (MRVC) is working on the project. “Most of the stations on the Mumbai suburban section are more than 80 years old, are highly congested and commuter’s volume has increased manifold since commissioning. Through this project, selected suburban stations will be upgraded to increase passenger handling capacity and enhance overall safety and experience. These upgrades will help decongest overcrowded stations and reduce the number of fatalities and injuries,” an official said. “The foot overbridge cum elevated deck at Mira Road connects east to west and hence is wider than traditional foot overbridges at all other stations,” he added.The official said that the station improvement plan focuses on upgrading 17 stations in Mumbai, with 10 on the Central Railway (CR) and 7 on the WR. The revamp includes wider foot overbridges, additional escalators, lifts, and broader platforms. “The amenities at these stations will also be enhanced to include facilities for persons with disabilities (PwD), such as escalators, elevators, tactile tiles, and Braille for the visually impaired. Ramps will be provided at entry and exit points for wheelchair access. Other improvements include foot overbridges, elevated decks, interconnections between decks and foot overbridges, skywalks, and the relocation of service buildings, stalls, and kiosks,” he said. “The plan also aims to improve entry and exit points, circulating areas, and create green spaces. General lighting will be upgraded with energy-efficient lights, and indicators and signage will be enhanced at various stations on both Central and Western Railway,” he said. “Yes. Mira Road Station is being upgraded and the following plans are in place so far. There is a proposed replacement of the existing elevated booking office and other railway offices on a 23.7-m-wide foot overbridge connecting with the elevated booking office at the north end. This will be an elevated east-west deck with a booking office and other such amenities, along with a 9-11m wide deck space connecting to all foot overbridges at the west side. There is also a proposed 10-m-wide bridge connecting to the skywalk and deck space with triple discharge,” a railway official said. The work is currently in full swing and is expected to be completed by December 2025. Of the existing wide foot overbridges on both, CR and WR, the widest are of 12 m. Stations with these wide bridges include Dadar, Ghatkopar, Thane, Prabhadevi, Dadar, Kandivli and Borivli. 12mWidth of the existing widest foot overbridges
19 November,2024 08:02 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarThe forest department has established a committee to determine the cause of jackal deaths in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). The committee has also been told to administer anti-rabies vaccines to all its members and staff. Several golden jackals in the MMR were found dead in the past few months, with the major cause of deaths being rabies infection. In a recent incident which took place last week, a golden jackal was rescued from the Chembur area. However, it was declared dead within two days of its rescue with signs of being infected with rabies. Officials said that the teams will monitor whether the rabies transmission was spread from dogs or from other jackals. Samples have been sent to the ICMR-National Institute of Virology for analysis, and the reporters are awaited, they said. “We have formed monitoring groups that include field staff, with the priority being the administration of anti-rabies vaccines to the group members. The team has been briefed on the dos and don’ts, as well as the protocols for monitoring jackals in the identified hotspots,” said Deputy Conservator of Forest (DCF) Akshay Gajbhiye, who is also heading the committee. The forest department said that it would also be doing habitat mapping of the areas where the number of golden jackals is high. In order to monitor the movement of the golden jackal, a camera trapping study will be undertaken. The six-member committee, which also includes field staff, is composed of a wildlife veterinarian, senior forest department officials, and a representative from a wildlife conservation NGO. On October 28, mid-day did a story—‘Forest dept to investigate the rise in jackal deaths in Chembur’—which highlighted how, in a concerning series of events, five jackals had died in the Trombay-Chembur belt over the past month, prompting investigations by the forest department. While the reason behind their deaths is unknown, sources from the forest department told mid-day that the sick jackals that were rescued showed behaviours indicative of a potential rabies infection. On October 30, mid-day carried another story—’Rabies may be cause of jackal deaths’—in which it was stated that the jackal that died recently in Mumbai tested positive for rabies infection, making this incident probably the first case of a rabies-infected death of wildlife in Mumbai.
19 November,2024 07:56 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavEnough is enough. Politicians and local authorities make promises, win elections, and forget us. It’s time for a rethink,” say fishermen displaced by the JNPT Phase 2 project. Frustrated after 40 years without rehabilitation or compensation, families from Sheva Koliwada have vowed to boycott the Assembly election on November 20 and escalate their protest with a “Channel Bandh” to block JNPT’s navigation channel on Constitution Day, November 26, if demands remain unmet. We gave up our ancestral land for the port in 1982, expecting jobs and alternate land as promised. Decades later, we’re still waiting,” said Parmanand Koli, secretary of the Maharashtra Small Scale Traditional Fish Workers Union. Of the 256 affected families, only 42 received jobs, and 105 were allotted land parcels, which the community rejected as inadequate. Villagers say landfilling and reclamation work is underway at JNPT. Pics/Sayyed Sameer Abedi Protest expands Hanuman Koliwada’s 1,250 eligible voters have unanimously decided to abstain. “Our village has 450 families, and we’re united in boycotting this election, just like we did in May’s Lok Sabha polls,” Koli said, warning that 15 nearby koliwadas, with over 7,000 residents, could join the boycott. Shocking revelations Fishermen also allege irregularities, including an illegal Gram Panchayat formed with vested interests. “We recently discovered our village is officially a transit camp. Even the State Election Commission says transit camps cannot host polling booths,” Koli added. The fishermen accuse authorities of years of deception. “We believed their promises, but the next generation has exposed their lies through RTI inquiries. We feel abandoned,” Koli said. With no resolution in sight, the fisherfolk demand urgent action. “We will not vote or stop protesting until we get justice,” Koli warned. The proposed land parcel assured by the district administration to be handed over to the Sheva Koliwada Channel bandh agitation Fishermen have warned authorities to finalise plots and ownership documents for 256 families near JNPT Township by November 25. “JNPT promised to hand over plots by November 15 but failed,” said Ramesh Koli, general secretary of the Maharashtra Small Scale Traditional Fish Workers Union. Koli added, “The Deputy Collector claims paperwork will be done by November 25. If not, we’ll proceed with the Channel bandh on November 26 and boycott the November 20 elections.” The protest involves fishing boats blocking ships from entering JNPA. “We did this in 2021 but called it off after false assurances. This time, we won’t back down,” said Koli. Forced evictions “At the time of the 1982-83 land acquisition, we were told the port project was for national progress and asked to cooperate,” said 62-year-old Jagdish Shevekar, a displaced villager. “Sheva Koliwada had 737 hectares, and most of us were fishermen. We were promised monetary compensation, jobs for one family member, and proper rehabilitation under the Maharashtra Resettlement Act, 1976, but those promises remain unfulfilled.” Forced into homelessness “They told us to dismantle our own homes and move to Boripakhadi, Uran, where a 17-hectare plot was to be allotted,” said 70-year-old Manohar Koli. “It was the rainy season, and with our homes demolished, 256 families lived in makeshift tents for over 18 months, losing belongings and enduring hardship.” “We even had to construct our own houses on the new plot, now called Hanuman Koliwada, using our savings,” added Paramanand, another affected villager. “The elders trusted the government’s word, but decades later, we’re still waiting for justice.” ‘We were fooled’ “Of the 17 hectares allotted, only 0.91 hectares were given for housing. Houses were crammed with no space for courtyards or back doors, and the plot distribution order came after construction,” said Paramanand, who uncovered these facts through RTI. Adding to their shock, he said, “We found out that 15 hectares of the land were handed over to the Forest Department without our knowledge. We only discovered this through RTI records.” Termite plight In 1996, termite infestations devastated creek-side houses. “Doors and roofs collapsed, and some homes were destroyed entirely,” said Manohar Koli. “While 33 houses were severely damaged, pest control failed. Families moved to rented homes temporarily, but JNPT stopped paying rent, forcing them back into termite-ridden houses.” Sangeeta Koli, 47, shared her ordeal: “We replaced wooden roofs and doors with steel at our own expense. My husband and I now live under the open sky as our damaged house is uninhabitable, while our children stay elsewhere.” Poor ventilation added to the misery. “I keep lights and fans on even during the day, running up bills over R2,000, which I can’t afford,” said 70-year-old Parvathi Koli. Cramped houses left families struggling. “We can’t eat meals together or host guests. During functions, lanes are impassable,” said handicapped villager Jaganath Koli. “In Sheva Koliwada, we had spacious homes with courtyards and natural light. Here, we’re suffocating.” Garbage issues Houses in Hanuman Koliwada are built over open gutters, with residents washing utensils and clothes in the open. “Ever since we found out that the koliwada is a transit camp, the Panchayat doesn’t clear waste from our backyard anymore. The area is filthy, a mosquito breeding ground, and home to snakes due to the marshy creek,” said Parvathi Koli. Despite an assurance from JNPA on August 13 to handle civic issues, nothing has been done. “They promised to clear garbage and provide infrastructure but haven’t even removed the waste,” said Paramanand. Villagers also highlighted the dire state of public toilets near the creek, which lack electricity and septic systems, with waste flowing directly into the creek. “Many have fallen sick, and the nearest hospital is far away in Nerul or Vashi,” the villagers said. Demands for relocation Post-termite infestation, residents demanded relocation. Numerous meetings since 2021 resulted in identifying a 10.16-hectare site near JNPA Township. “The district collector agreed that JNPA must rehabilitate 256 families with proper infrastructure, but no action has been taken,” said the villagers. Concerns raised “We were never rehabilitated from Sheva Koliwada,” said Ramesh Koli. “The claim that Hanuman Koliwada is our second rehabilitation is false. Neither the 17 hectares of our original land nor the 2 acres allotted for housing was handed over. This misinformation continues to mislead the central government.” Parmanand Koli added, “A former collector tried to correct the record by preparing a factual report for the Centre, but both he and his deputy were transferred before the report could be finalised.” Villagers noted that JNPT returned acquired land to some other villages, but Sheva Koliwada remains untouched even after 40 years. “Our demand to return and rehabilitate us in our original village has been ignored. The TISS 2013 study highlighted that apart from jobs, healthcare and basic amenities for affected families were neglected,” said Parmanand. He also criticized JNPT for leasing surplus land to private companies for profit while failing to address villagers' concerns. Defence safety concerns Hanuman Koliwada is within a defence buffer zone near INS Karanja and INS Tunir, where construction is restricted. “The Bombay High Court, in 2011, flagged this as a sensitive area. The defence now labels us as encroachers, but how did the district administration allow us to settle in a prohibited zone in the first place?” questioned Parmanand. The other side The JNPA proposed a second rehabilitation for Hanuman Koliwada on 10.16 hectares near JNPA Township at an estimated cost of R41.86 crore. While R5.69 crore has been paid to the Raigad collector, R36.17 crore is pending central approval. “The cost of housing is not included in this amount,” noted an RTI-revealed letter from JNPA to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways dated April 24, 2023. Deputy collector says... Deputy Collector (Rehabilitation) Bharat Waghmare clarified, “The fisherfolk of Hanuman Koliwada have never been rehabilitated before. They continue to live in a transit camp. The proposed 10.16-hectare site near JNPA Township is marked, and a tender for an R3 crore road was prepared but delayed due to the Election Code of Conduct. We hope to secure the Centre’s approval by month-end.” Police ensure law and order Assistant Commissioner of Police (Port Division) Vishal Nehul confirmed meetings with villagers to mediate the situation. “Prohibitory orders are in place, and additional police forces have been deployed. We won’t allow channel blockades, as we’ve dealt with similar protests in 2021. However, we hope their demands will be addressed, ensuring law and order.” 1982Year land acquisition for JNPT port phase was done
19 November,2024 07:51 AM IST | Mumbai | Vinod Kumar MenonWalk the talk A man passes by a banner in Jogeshwari East that urges Mumbaikars to exercise their right to vote tomorrow. Thane’s ode to the dabbawalla The new bus stop in Kasarvadavali. Pic Courtesy/Instagram If, like this diarist, you are chasing a bus near the Haware Citi housing society in Thane’s Kasarvadavali area, chances are that you might spot the new dabbawala-themed bus stop. The renovated stop features elements from the lives of Mumbai’s iconic delivery men. The artwork depicts two dabbawalas in their traditional outfits and the Gandhi topi, carrying a tray stacked with dabbas, while the surrounding artwork includes a dabbawala on a bicycle; Mumbai’s iconic historical landmark, the Gateway of India and the local train. The poles replicate dabbas stacked together. This is the second such artwork in the city, after the one in Dahisar. “I think the artwork appeared for the first time in the city nearly four months ago. One of our dabbawalas actually came across the bus stop en route to a delivery. He was delighted, as were we. It’s a matter of pride, and we were quite surprised at how accurately all the elements have been portrayed,” said Ulhas Muke, the president of the Mumbai Dabbawala Trust. Ulhas Muke Get inked, and then indulge Rachel Goenka The National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) has launched an initiative to encourage people to vote in the upcoming assembly elections. The special ‘democracy discount’ will offer a 20 per cent discount on the total bill to dine-in customers who will show authorities their voter ID and an inked finger as proof of their participation in the election process. “The whole idea behind the discount was for our industry to do its bit in this election,” Rachel Goenka, president of NRAI’s Mumbai Chapter shared with this diarist. The initiative has collaboration with 50 brands, and will cover 85 eateries across the city and its suburbs. “Our previous initiative during the Lok Sabha election was successful. We’re hoping for a similar response this time,” Goenka concluded. He will rock you! Sanidhya Das in performance. Pics Courtesy/Instagram Lovers of all things metal and rock were in for a headbanging surprise when 10-year-old drumming prodigy Sanidhya Das took stage at the Mahindra Independence Rock festival in SoBo last weekend. Das, who joined rockers Indus Creed (and got the crowd roaring, from what we hear) has a longstanding history with the band. “Sanidhya’s father has been sending us videos of Sanidhya drumming to our tracks from home for two years now. We have been in awe of his talent. The collaboration had been a long time coming,” revealed Zubin Balaporia of Indus Creed. Indus Creed members and Girish Pradhan (centre) with Das at the event The prodigy, whom his father calls shy and reserved offstage, shared, “I practised tirelessly before heading to Mumbai. The band’s support gave me the confidence to give it my all. I also met veterans like Girish Pradhan, Sachin Banandur, Shannon Pereira and Sidd Coutto. Some even talked about jamming together in the future, which I’m really excited about.” Playing the drums live, for a metal band at that, is no easy task, believes Balaporia. “Playing for YouTube is one thing. But acing it live is an artiste’s litmus test. When I closed my eyes midperformance, I felt like I was playing with a professional,” added Balaporia, who now looks forward to the Me Gong festival later this month in Meghalaya, where a reunion with Swedish band Europe (whom the rockers opened for at their 1988 tour in Mumbai) awaits them. In Farrukh Dhondy’s words Farrukh Dhondy For this diarist, picking the brain of author, playwright and screenwriter, Farrukh Dhondy before the start of a session at Godrej Literature Live! The Mumbai LitFest will remain etched in memory. In the green room, despite the buzz before going on-stage, and countless interruptions by volunteers and friends, the 80-year-old remained ebullient as ever, sharing snippets of quirk and candour, reminding us of his effortless storytelling, the old-fashioned way. Anecdotes rolled out: “At an edition of the Karachi Literature Festival, I was whisked away by the wonderful resident Parsi community there, post my session; they insisted I feast with them — bhonu and booze; it was a delight!” Another tidbit had us in splits. He had created names of British characters for the TV show Family Pride, heavily borrowing from Hindi expletives (which cannot be printed here). Later, on stage, he regaled all, narrating the surprised reactions of his Poona relatives when they learnt of his reporting assignment on godman Rajneesh and the (in)famous Osho Ashram. It was vintage Dhondy, tongue firmly in cheek, as the audience lapped up every word of one of their favourite bawa writers. Cosplay to win Molankar in the neoprene suit Andheri-based cosplayer Jeet Molankar has put on seven kilos since landing in Hyderabad; and it’s not the biryani that is to be blamed. At the ongoing Comic Con Hyderabad, Molankar topped the gaming category with his seven-kg-heavy recreation of protagonist Prophet from the old-school video game Crysis 2. “It’s the first time I was surrounded by more millennials than Gen Z-ers,” Molankar told us.
19 November,2024 07:42 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-dayThe Congress and the BJP presented closing arguments referencing the alleged BJP-Adani nexus on Monday when campaigning for the state Assembly election ended. The Congress said the Narendra Modi government was hand-in-glove with the Adani Group, while the BJP claimed the Congress-led UPA and its state governments were responsible for Adani’s rise. On Monday, Congress’s star campaigner and Opposition leader in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, held a press conference in Mumbai, to reiterate the charges in the Dharavi redevelopment project. He endorsed Shiv Sena (UBT) President Uddhav Thackeray’s commitment to scrap the Dharavi redevelopment project being implemented in collaboration with the Maharashtra government by a company belonging to the Adani Group. Vinod Tawde, national general secretary, BJP. Pic/X/@TawdeVinod Taking a dig at the BJP’s ‘Ek hain toh safe hain’ slogan, Gandhi displayed posters that carried Gautam Adani and PM Narendra Modi’s photo and Dharavi’s map. The posters were locked in a safe (steel locker) that was brought to the venue. “I want to make you understand BJP’s nara [slogan]. This Modi with Adani is actually ‘Ek hain toh safe hain’ [together we are safe]. All is being done for one man. I'm absolutely convinced this is a theft of land. Adani is fully supported by Modi and he gets what he wants,” he alleged, adding that the Dharavi project, and transferring land worth R1 lakh crore to Adani was an attempt to change Mumbai’s nature (character). He denied that the BJP’s slogan would change the course of action. “This is the right slogan. But we should know who is with whom and who would be affected. Whatever is happening is against the people of Dharavi and Maharashtra. This truly is an election issue,” Gandhi added, saying that his party supported Thackeray’s decision to scrap the Dharavi tenders because it wasn’t just about Dharavi but Mumbai where the development on the land being given to Adani would cause flooding and environmental losses. Rahul Gandhi addresses the media at a press conference at BKC on Monday. Pic/Shadab Khan “It is time to decide who, among one man and the people, gets the state’s riches,” he said, alleging further that eight big projects that were supposed to create five lakh jobs were taken to other states. He stated that the caste census was the central pillar of the Congress’s poll agenda because it wanted to know who should get what and how much. Tawde counters BJP’s National General Secretary Vinod Tawde countered Gandhi's allegations, saying that the Adani-Congress relationship was much older. He said it was during the UPA government and Congress-led state governments (before and after 2014) that the Adani Group was granted big projects in India and abroad. Vinod Tawde, senior BJP leader “There were eight leaders on Gandhi’s dais on Wednesday. Of them, six were from other states. Gandhi carried a safe to the press conference and took out some photos. We may also show such photos of Adani with [Robert] Vadra [Gandhi's brother-in-law] with former Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot, with [Thiruvananthapuram MP] Shashi Tharoor, with the Telangana CM, and with those who were the Haryana CM before 2014,” he added. “Adani Group expanded during the Congress regime. We have a list of Adani projects before and after 2014 in Rajasthan, Karnataka, Punjab etc. He got a project in Punjab’s Bathinda and Mundra port and SEZ. He was awarded the Dighi Port in the MVA regime. Then-Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel gave Adani a mine developer and operator’s contract. Gehlot gave him 16,000 hectares of land for a 10,000MW solar project in Rajasthan and also got him to build the Jaipur airport. He said even the West Bengal government had given Adani big projects. Tawde rephrased his party's slogan, saying, “Ek sai toh safe, Rahul Gandhi fake hain”. He asked the Congress to talk about its award of a Rs 12,400 crore agreement with Adani in Telangana, and a Rs 46,000-crore solar project in Rajasthan. Tawde alleged that Gandhi wanted the Dharavi residents to stay in slums forever, saying, “Is he upset because the shaikh [of Abu Dhabi] didn’t get the Dharavi contract? Does he want to say ‘Ek hain toh safe hain, Dharavi ke liye Shaikh hain?’” The BJP leader dismissed the land transfer allegations. “The land will stay with the government. In fact, the tender was finalised when Thackeray was the CM. The tender conditions were changed after railway land was given for the project.” Tawde said Modi’s ‘Ek hain...’ slogan was to counter the Congress’s strategy of dividing OBCs through the caste census.
19 November,2024 07:25 AM IST | Mumbai | Dharmendra JoreDifferently abled individuals are urging Mumbaikars to make it a franchise wise Wednesday and get their fingers inked, leading by example. Amarjeet Singh Chawla, 69, who is blind, is going to walk from his Kandivli West home to the polling station assisted by his sighted wife, Gurpreet Kaur Chawla. Chawla said, “The polling station personnel will hand over a sheet in Braille at the time of inking my finger, which will assist me. I will be able to discern who I am voting for through my tactile sense of the buttons and the Braille sheet helps too.” The spirited Sikh, who is a marathoner, added, “I have heard plenty of nonsensical excuses by able persons about it being too hot to vote, or queues being very long. How exactly then do they find the inclination to gadabout in the heat and brave queues for something they like to do and only have these problems during polling time? If I can, you can get your finger inked too.” No stopping travel pro Khyati Mehta, seen here in Monte Carlo; (right) Wheel and vote for Siddharth Mhatre Courage cool Where there is a wheel, there is a way for Karan Shah, 26, who will be going to the polling station near his home in Dadar West accompanied by his parents. Karan, who has Spinal Muscular Atrophy will go on his motorised wheelchair. Shah, who is a canine and feline behaviourist, and sit down comedian, said, “The problem is that some of our pavements have an incline to get on, but no decline to get off, so I may do the journey on our roads rather than the pavement.”“Bandying phrases like upping awareness about equal access does not quite cut it anymore. Our elected leaders should spend one day in a wheelchair and only then will they understand the challenges we have because of the city’s infra,” said Shah while urging Mumbaikars to go out and vote. “What’s your excuse?” asked the animal behaviourist straight up. Travel warrior Kandivli’s Kyati Mehta, 42, was born with Varus legs. She was operated on both her legs but her right leg has been amputated below the knee as her foot developed gangrene. She wears an artificial foot, “something like a Jaipur foot but this artificial limb has advanced foot alignment technology. It improves my gait. My left leg did become straight with some minor adjustments,” she explained. Mehta, who is a travel professional, added, “My hands have Bilateral Contraction Fractures which means my hands do not open fully from my elbows.” The feisty Mehta signed off by saying, “The entire country needs to be disabled-friendly, only then can we call ourselves evolved,” and added as a punchy postscript (PS), “I fondly call myself the girl with the prosthesis.” Go forth Siddharth Mhatre from Dadar East will commute to the poll venue in his electric wheelchair. The talent acquisition professional said, “I will be in my wheelchair and have somebody accompanying me on foot. At the polling station itself, accessibility will be easy as it is on the ground floor.” Mhatre has been afflicted by cerebral palsy since birth and uses a wheelchair. He added, “While our infra facilities (or lack of them) prove difficult, I am also very wary of dogs following my wheelchair, running and barking alongside as I travel. I have an immense fear of these canines. Maybe this electric wheelchair is a novelty for dogs and so they behave this way, getting even more aggressive when the wheelchair picks up speed.” The activist, who pushed for his immediate environment in Dadar Parsi Colony (DPC) to become wheelchair-friendly, added, “Being sensitised towards the needs of the differently-abled means to be responsive and bring about change to the city’s infrastructure, not only during elections but throughout. That consistency shows genuine intent and creates a more equitable city.”
19 November,2024 07:19 AM IST | Mumbai | Hemal AsharDo 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 19. Aries March 21 – April 20This karmic cycle favours brushing up on work skills. Legal papers received open up a whole new world of work to be completed systematically. Cosmic tip: Consciously maintain distance from sneakily untrustworthy people. Taurus April 21 – May 20Buying a vehicle is being considered by some. Positive karma wings its way back to you by increasing income which is above monthly earnings.Cosmic tip: Peacefully maintain a positive and forward looking attitude. GeminiMay 21 – June 21Make a decision which is easy to follow through by all concerned. A family discussion about future plans brings greater clarity and insights. Cosmic tip: Keep finances and accounts in order especially if self-employed. Cancer June 22 – July 23A slightly uncertain time at work should be taken in your stride. Believe the universe knows what’s best for you. Cosmic tip: Keep awareness sharp when out of the home to deter pick-pockets. Leo July 24 - Aug 23Incorporate this new chapter in life with happy gratefulness (exercise regularly, pursue a hobby and make new friends). Cosmic tip: Be grateful an uncomfortable situation disappears like dew on grass with the sunrise. Virgo Aug 24 – Sept 23Stay away from a moralistic attitude when discussing a turn in life. Cosmic tip: Remember life is never just black and white: it embraces a myriad shades: some which you like and others you don’t. Libra Sept 24 – Oct 22A new contract/ client is signed which is a relief since you’ve had innumerable meetings with them. Cosmic tip: Make it a point to pay back debts (if any) according to the laws of karma. Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 22A change of residence is imminent for some due to a change in job. Be peaceful.Cosmic tip: Be appreciative from the bottom of your heart when God/ the universe grants a wish (finally). Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 22Each person has their own ethics they follow which is just right for them. Don’t allow anyone to force you into changing them. Do get enough sleep.Cosmic tip: Pamper yourself without feeling guilty. Capricorn Dec 23 – Jan 20Not obsessing over the past is a good decision made; just learning from it is enough. Cosmic tip: Understand a wish isn’t denied. It’s just that the time isn’t right for it to manifest. Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19Avoid getting side-tracked into unnecessary issues. A positive karmic cycle begins for career.Cosmic tip: Be firm about a younger family member adhering to a budget decided on after discussions with each other. Pisces Feb 20 – March 20A spontaneously unwary comment deep-dives into discussing sensitive issues, which you don’t want to re-visit. Do get enough sleep.Cosmic tip: Keep home environment peaceful as even a slight rise and fall is upsetting.
19 November,2024 12:07 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirley BoseADVERTISEMENT
