While low prices of onions and the ban on their export are said to have hit the Mahayuti in North Maharashtra in the Lok Sabha elections, the high cost of onions has added to the ruling alliance’s worries ahead of the Assembly polls. Sensing trouble, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde ordered action against the hoarders under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, and Prevention of Black Marketing and Maintenance of Supplies of Essential Commodities Act, 1980. A release from the CM’s team said that since the common people were being hit by rising onion prices, Shinde had taken serious note of hoarding. “The Food and Civil Supplies Department has been asked to take action against traders who are hoarding onions beyond the permissible limit,” it added. According to the information available, onion retailers can stock only up to two tonnes, whereas wholesale traders are allowed to keep up to 25 tonnes. “However, the government has noticed that some traders have been hoarding onions beyond the permissible limit, resulting in the price hike,” said the CMO, appealing to people to inform their district collector’s office about the illegal hoarding of onions. It said the state government had been giving the onion farmers a grant of R350 per quintal, and so far, Rs 851 crore was disbursed. At present, the onions are being sold at Rs 80 to Rs 00 per kg in the retail market. The hike is blamed on the demand-supply mismatch because the new stock has not hit the market. Interestingly, Maharashtra is the largest producer of onions in the country. The state’s northern region has a kind of monopoly in production and trading. Insiders said that the October rains had impacted the kharif crop. The prices will stabilise in a couple of weeks with harvesting and normal supplies. However, by the time prices stabilise, the November 20 polling would be over. In the Lok Sabha elections, it was traders and farmers who protested and made the government lift the export ban. This time, it is the consumers who are being given relief ahead of the Assembly polls.
16 November,2024 08:54 AM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentMaharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) President Raj Thackeray has come out with an ‘action plan’ that focuses on various issues, sectors and Marathi Asmita (pride). He said fulfilment of his manifesto will be a precondition for those who would want him to support their government. Thackeray released the manifesto five days ahead of the Assembly elections polling on Friday. He also released a document that has listed his party’s achievements since it was founded in 2006. “Many have released their respective manifestos saying they will do this and that, but we have told the people what we will do and how we will fulfil our promises. MNS is now 19 years old. We have also informed the people about what we have done and how we have done it,” said Thackeray, adding that he had come out with a blueprint of Maharashtra’s development in 2014. “I was ridiculed when I presented the blueprint. The BJP-Sena alliance broke the day I presented it. So, it was not given much attention [by the media] then. Nobody even bothered to ask me what was there in the blueprint in the past 10 years. I have included many things from the blueprint in the 2024 manifesto,” said Thackeray whose party is contesting over 130 Assembly seats independent of any alliance. He said the issues are the same and problems haven’t changed in the past 10 years. “We are still debating the same issues,” he stated further. The manifesto The first part of MNS’s manifesto deals with basic needs like food, drinking water, law and order, women’s safety, public health, primary education, child care/development and employment among others. The second part includes transport, electricity, communication, growing urbanisation, solid waste/sewerage/stormwater management, water management, open spaces, the environment, biodiversity, and the internet. The third part focuses on industry/commerce policy, good governance, agriculture, tourism and vocational education. The fourth part is about the Marathi pride, the use of the Marathi language in daily life/transactions, digital form and global platforms, and the conservation of historic forts and traditional sports. Each issue has been given a solution. For example, Thackeray said all of Mumbai’s dumping grounds should be closed, and the sites far from the city without human habitation should be identified. The garbage should be carried by railway wagons to these dumping yards instead of the present system of truck transport, he said, adding that, for this a dedicated railway corridor will have to be built. When asked, he said that if anyone wanted his support post-election, fulfilling the MNS manifesto would be a precondition. He said the current elections were unprecedented in the state’s political history. He said the people should keep in mind defections and unholy alliances made by the people they had voted for in the last elections. He said his manifesto didn’t have welfare schemes like ‘Ladki Bahin Yajana’ and ‘Mahalakshmi Yojana’, because he first thought of the overall financial strength of the state government before making any such promises. “Such promises are meaningless. It is a gift if they continue without burdening the state economy. And if they continue (without giving a thought to the growing financial burden), I will say it is a ‘bribe’. I’m happy that women get some money from the government,” he said, asking to assess the possibility of creating bigger problems through distribution of money. Thackeray informed that his rally proposed to be held at Shivaji Park on November 17 has been cancelled, because the government hadn’t yet given permission for it. The Uddhav Thackeray faction of Shiv Sena has also applied for permission to hold a rally at Shivaji Park on November 17, which is the late Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray’s death anniversary. 2006Year MNS was founded
16 November,2024 08:53 AM IST | Mumbai | Dharmendra JoreSuchita S Wairkar and Suman U Baindukar, both aged 88, cast their votes at home on Thursday, from the Mahim Assembly constituency. The Election Commission, had this year, for the first time, provided the facility of home voting for the elderly and Persons with Disabilities (PwD), in the Lok Sabha elections. Voters above 85 years of age and PwDs with 40 per cent benchmark disability can avail the facility.
16 November,2024 08:43 AM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentFollowing a series on BKC and its failing infrastructure, Bhaumik Gowande, Urban Transport Planner at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs, recommended a long-term solution that involves segregating vehicles traversing to BKC from those passing through elsewhere. “A long-term solution requires a dedicated, access-controlled street system to ensure that vehicles traversing the city do not interfere with those travelling to BKC. Such an intervention could restore order to the chaotic traffic patterns that currently define the area,” Gowande told mid-day. “One of the most glaring issues is the car-centric design. Unlike traditional grid-based planning seen in cities like Chandigarh or Gandhinagar, BKC’s roads are not laid out in an efficient grid pattern. Instead, the layout is structured around individual plots, forcing cars to navigate circuitous routes to reach their destinations. For a city that prides itself on its public transport network, this reliance on automobiles is a major oversight, contributing to congestion and inefficiencies,” Gowande added. “The zoning and land-use decisions that shaped BKC heavily prioritised large-scale commercial development, neglecting smaller, mixed-use spaces. This imbalance has led to a lack of residential options within the area, pushing workers to commute from other parts of the city. Like many global downtown districts, BKC is eerily quiet after hours—a sign of limited residential integration. The stark separation of commercial and residential zones has intensified daily traffic as people are forced to drive in and out of the district, rather than living and working in close proximity,” he said. MMRDA acts as a special planning authority for the BKC area. File pic/Ashish Raje Gowande also highlighted another major planning misstep: the failure to integrate BKC into Mumbai’s larger rapid transit network. “Given the city’s transit-dependent nature, one would have expected BKC to serve as a central hub in Mumbai’s transport plans. Ideally, BKC should have a single station for high-speed rail and all Metro lines, akin to Grand Central in New York City or Berlin Hauptbahnhof in Germany. Currently, the high-speed railway site and the BKC Aqua Line station are more than 1 km apart, while the potential IL&FS station is also not within walking distance of the HSR station. Historically, BKC was largely left out of initial transit connections. Public transport users are forced to rely on auto-rickshaws and taxis to reach the area, as bus services remain insufficient and poorly optimised. This further clogs BKC’s streets, exacerbating congestion,” he explained. “The notorious ‘rickshaw menace’ and perpetually delayed bus services are symptomatic of broader infrastructure shortcomings. Around half a million people travel to BKC daily, yet no comprehensive transit solution has been developed. As Mumbai continues to evolve, so must its urban centres. For BKC to truly fulfil its promise as a leading business district, it must address past mistakes and adopt a more holistic, transit-oriented future,” Gowande concluded. What MMRDA has done so far The MMRDA acts as a special planning authority for the BKC area. Key infrastructure projects led by MMRDA in BKC include constructing internal roads, underground utility ducts, footpaths, and parking areas. BKC connector flyover To enhance connectivity and ease traffic flow, MMRDA constructed the BKC connector flyover, linking the Eastern Express Highway to BKC. This 1.6-km-long, 2+2 lane flyover was completed and opened to traffic in 2019. Kalanagar flyover construction To address increasing congestion at Kalanagar junction, which sees traffic from the Bandra-Worli Sea Link, Western Expressway, Dharavi, and BKC, MMRDA proposed the Kalanagar flyover project. This flyover connects BKC with the Bandra-Worli Sea Link and has three arms (B, C, and D). Arms B and C opened in 2021, with Arm D now completed. Pedestrian-friendly upgrades in BKC MMRDA’s engineering division is refurbishing footpaths along BKC’s internal roads to improve pedestrian mobility. Metro Line 2B connectivity Metro Line 2B, running from DN Nagar to Mandale, is a 23.6-km elevated corridor with 19 stations. It provides interconnectivity with major transport routes, including the Western Express Highway, Eastern Express Highway, railways, and other Metro lines, enhancing access to BKC’s commercial and government bodies. Automated Rapid Transit System (ARTS) for BKC The Automated Rapid Transit System (ARTS) aims to provide seamless connectivity from Kurla and Bandra suburban stations to BKC. This 8.9-km network with 38 stations, implemented on a PPP basis, was approved by MMRDA’s 282nd Executive Committee. Sai Green Mobility Private Limited, in partnership with Ultra PRT, has been appointed as the contractor. The project is expected to improve last-mile connectivity for 4 to 6 lakh daily BKC commuters. BKC Art Plaza: A cultural hub MMRDA has developed the BKC Art Plaza on vacant land south of Nandadeep Garden near the Mithi River. Covering 10,545.32 sq mt, the site includes a hardscape area of 7,547.26 sq mt and a softscape area of 2,553.6 sq mt Located 850 m from Bandra station and 1 km from Metro Line 2B’s E-Block station, the Art Plaza is envisioned as a vibrant community space for meetings, recreation, exhibitions, and seasonal stalls. 2019Year BKC connector was opened
16 November,2024 08:35 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. Aklekar | Ranjeet Jadhav‘Vote Morning Mumbai’—the slogan given by election general observer Narendra Singh Bali during a press conference on Friday held by the Collector and District Magistrate Rajendra Kshirsagar suggests that Mumbai is ready to vote on November 20 for the upcoming state elections. Bali has been appointed as the election general observer for various constituencies of Mumbai suburban districts. Kshirsagar, while addressing media from his office, said, “Mumbai suburban district has a total of 315 candidates contesting elections from 26 Assembly constituencies. The district has a total of 7,579 polling stations, of which 6,277 are now in a permanent building and the rest are temporary polling stations.” He informed that the commissioning work of the EVMs has been completed, and this time, 100 per cent of the polling stations will be streamed online, unlike the Lok Sabha elections, when only 50 per cent of the polling stations were online. Kshirsagar further said that out of 4,349 valid applications for home voting, 3,533 voters have already cast their votes through postal ballots, and the remaining voters will also cast their votes soon. Apart from home voters, election duty officials have also cast their votes via postal ballot. As of Friday, 26,213 votes were cast through postal ballots, and the process will continue till November 19. “We have taken help from BEST to run buses on various routes to make sure that it becomes easy for voters to reach their polling station. Apart from this, we have asked the booth-level officers to give priority treatment to elderly voters, divyang voters, and pregnant women at any polling station,” said the district collector.Speaking about the facilities, he said chairs for voters waiting in line and dedicated waiting areas with token systems have been commissioned. The voting will commence at 7 am and end at 6 pm on November 20. “63 polling stations in the district have been identified as critical, and mobile phones will also not be allowed inside. We aim to overtake the polling percentage of the Jammu & Kashmir Assembly by at least 1 per cent. The J&K assembly recorded 70 per cent voting,” Kshirsagar said. He said they had received a total of 540 complaints regarding the violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), of which all were resolved within the directed timeframe by the election commission. Speaking to the media, Bali said, “We are confident that Maharashtra will break voting percentage records, with Mumbai spearheading the numbers at the top. I urge the people to text ‘Vote Morning Mumbai’ to their friends and relatives instead of texting ‘Good Morning’ messages for the next few days till voting commences.” Big haul Cash and other items worth Rs 150.9224 crore and 37,011.14 litres of liquor was seized by police and excise officials in the suburbs since the MCC came into force. Narcotic substances worth Rs 44.79 crore were seized by state police, NCB, and Customs. Precious metals worth R88.93 crore were seized by police and Directorate of Revenue Intelligence and Customs. Freebies and other items worth Rs 5.83 crore and Rs 151 crore in cash was also seized.
16 November,2024 08:30 AM IST | Mumbai | Prasun ChoudhariThe refusal of authorities to allow bicycles on Mumbai Metro Aqua Line 3 while having no problem with them on other lines has revived a debate regarding accessibility to Mumbai’s growing Metro rail network. A citizen’s social media post on full-size bicycles being banned on the newly opened Metro 3 last week has triggered the debate. “They did not allow me to bring my cycle inside the Bandra Colony Metro station. What shall I do now? Cycles aren’t mentioned on the list of don’ts at the station. I don't understand the issue here. How are they promoting convenience for Mumbaikars? They are not even ready to show the rule or regulation prohibiting cycles from the Metro,” said Mayank Gaggar. Firoza Dadan, Mumbai’s first bicycle mayor; Cycling enthusiast and Bhuleshwar resident Ravi Agarwal; Mayank Gaggar and his cycle at Bandra Colony Metro station Stating that bicycles being permitted on the Metro 2A but prohibited on Line 3 seemed contradictory, Firoza Dadan of Smart Commute Foundation, Mumbai’s first bicycle mayor, called this inconsistency a clear case of discrimination. “When the prime minister inaugurated the Metro lines at Andheri, bicycle stands inside their trains was showcased. However, bicycles are now disallowed in the new Metro lines. A clear policy is essential for addressing first and last-mile connectivity in a congested city like Mumbai,” she emphasised. Cyclists confused Vijay Malhotra, a YouTuber and cycling blogger, who posts on Pedal and Tring Tring, said, “At the moment, cycles are allowed on Metro Lines 7 and 2A, which is confusing. It is very disappointing that bicycles are not permitted on the Aqua Line. In Europe, especially the Netherlands, trains and bicycles make a successful combination, giving freedom of last-mile connectivity and promoting active mobility. If Indian cities like Mumbai have to deliver on climate action goals, bicycles have a crucial role to play in minimising emissions, congestion and noise pollution. Sustainable development cannot be built around car-centric infrastructure alone; people should be given the choice to take their desired mode of transport. Vijay Malhotra, YouTuber and blogger The Aqua Line authorities have let down the already struggling cycling community, which often faces road safety concerns. In a mega city, the authorities should have a holistic approach to development. This is a classic case of the left hand not knowing what the right hand is doing; where one Metro line allows the use of bicycles while the other doesn’t.” Chirag Shah, Thane’s bicycle mayor and a member of the Wheels and Barrels Cycling Club, said last-mile connectivity is everything on the Metro. “It is very sad to learn about the Aqua Line 3 not allowing cycles. If we are talking about sustainable transportation, the MMRDA should allow bicycles for the sake of last-mile connectivity. They should also keep provisions for bicycle parking as major European cities allow bicycles in trains and on Metros. We have been pushing for Railways to allow cycles but have met with little success.” Case studies Cycle enthusiast and professional photographer Rohit Mahadev, who stays at Borivli and takes the Yellow Line Metro 2A while carrying out assignments, said he was disappointed with the Aqua Line 3 not allowing bicycles. “My work is centred around Andheri. Yellow Line 2A allows bicycles and has space for them in coaches. But when I took the new line, I was not allowed to bring my bike. This is not fair. I thought the Aqua Line would be a boon for cyclists heading to Bandra but I have to get down at Andheri and ride to Bandra now,” he said. Cycling enthusiast Ravi Agarwal, who stays at Bhuleshwar, said one of his friends had managed to take a foldable bicycle on a Metro 3 train but was told while exiting that even such cycles were not allowed. “Regulations should be standard across all Metro lines. It is important to have common rules for a public utility,” he said. Metro 3 statement Explaining why it has prohibited cycles, Mumbai Metro Aqua Line 3 said in a statement, “It will be a very heavily loaded Metro with 72,000 passengers per hour per direction, or Peak Hour Peak Direction Traffic. Once fully operational, it would be difficult to accommodate bicycles, hence they are not allowed.” Which Metro lines allow cycles While full-size bicycles are allowed on Red Line 7 and Yellow Line 2A in the afternoon, foldable bikes that can pass through scanners have been allowed on the Ghatkopar-Versova Metro Blue Line 1. Bicycles are not allowed on the Aqua Line 3 whose trains aren’t equipped to ferry the vehicles.
16 November,2024 08:15 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarIn less than three months, two tribal women from Kausawadi in Pen taluka lost their lives because they couldn’t be transported to the nearest sub-district hospital in time. The reason: the hamlet lacks motorable road connectivity. During emergencies, tribals are forced to carry patients or pregnant women in makeshift cloth cradles over a 4 to 5 km stretch to reach the nearest road. A tender worth Rs 7.60 crore for constructing tar roads in various tribal hamlets in Pen was awarded to a Vashi-based contractor, with the work order issued in January 2024. Yet, work is yet to commence. Earlier, in April 2023, Rs 60-lakh work order was issued by the Pen Division Public Works Department (PWD) for hill cutting and mud road construction to connect Kausawadi. While the Zilla Parishad claims the project was completed, residents and activists refute the claim, alleging no visible progress. They also question the lack of action under the defect liability clause, which mandates repairs in case of damage. Tribals wash radishes in a stream to make ends meet, at Kausawadi The administration has attributed the delays to monsoon rains, festivals, and the model code of conduct. Activist speaks Santosh Thakur, founder-president of Gram Samvardhan Samajik Sanstha, questioned the inaction: “The work order in January 2024 gave the contractor four to five months before the monsoon to begin work. Why wasn’t it started? Additionally, the R60-lakh mud road contract was awarded to an influential contractor, but authorities failed to hold him accountable under the defect liability clause. Every life is precious, but instead of action, we only get excuses, despite funds being sanctioned.” Navsaya (in black pants), Anita (wearing black shawl) and other relatives of Ambi Kadu, who died on November 7 Recent death Ambi Raghya Kadu, 43, a resident of Kausawadi, passed away on November 7 due to a lack of timely medical care. After her husband Raghya’s death, Ambi lived with her 18-year-old son, Navsaya, while her daughter Anita, 29, lived separately. Ambi, a daily wage labourer, had been suffering from fever and cough since early November. On November 3, Navsaya and neighbours carried her down the hill to a private doctor, who administered saline and prescribed medication. However, her condition worsened on November 6. With help from the community, Navsaya carried his mother in a cloth cradle to reach the motorable road, which took over 1.5 hours. She was admitted to a hospital in Pen and later referred to Alibaug Civil Hospital, where she died in the ICU. Tribals use unmotorable roads to travel. Pics/Sayyed Sameer Abedi Anita expressed her grief: “We lost our father years ago under similar circumstances. His body was brought back in a cradle. Both my parents are buried in the forest. Despite repeated pleas for road connectivity, nothing has been done. We lack basic facilities and job opportunities.” Doctor’s account Dr Suraj Mhatre, the casualty medical officer who treated Ambi, told mid-day, “Ambi was brought to us with a history of fever for the past three to four days. She had been treated by a private doctor earlier. Blood tests revealed thrombocytopenia (low platelet count of 48,000; the normal amount is 1.25 lakh) and typhoid. Her blood pressure on admission was critically low at 89/51 mmHg. Despite our efforts, her condition worsened.” Hari and his family have been living without electric since August 2023 Dr Mhatre added, “Our Sub-District Civil Hospital lacks an ICU. I advised the family to transfer her urgently to Alibaug Civil Hospital and arranged for the 108 ambulance service. Unfortunately, she passed away the next day while in treatment.” Earlier death In August, another resident, Bami, lost her life due to the same challenges. Bami, who suffered from psychological issues, was often carried in a cradle by her husband, Madhya Kevar, and local villagers when seeking medical care. “On August 5, Bami was found unconscious,” recalled Thakur. “It took the villagers over 1.5 hours to carry her down the hill, followed by another half-hour to reach the hospital. She was declared dead on arrival,” he added. Pregnancy-related concerns Kalpana Bhaskar Kadu, 18, is four months pregnant. Her husband, Bhaskar, 24, is worried after witnessing the recent deaths in the village. Kalpana’s gynaecologist has warned against excessive walking or climbing, as it could lead to complications. Bhaskar shared: “We walk very slowly to the maternity home for her monthly check-ups. However, for her safety, I’ve decided to use a cradle for transportation. In her seventh month, I plan to send her to her parent’s home, where there’s proper road access.” Emergency childbirth Pinki Hemant Khakar delivered her baby, Saundarya, four months ago after villagers carried her in a cradle to the maternity home late at night. A delay could have led to childbirth en route, said activist Santosh Thakur. He added that Kausawadi’s 28 families, mostly daily wage earners, face severe challenges during monsoons, including transporting farm produce without proper roads. Schemes remain on paper Kausawadi and nearby hamlets were only included under the Revenue Department in 2023, now falling under Borgaon Gram Panchayat. However, locals argue the Panchayat office is 8 km away, violating a rule that requires offices to be within 3 km. Activist Santosh Thakur calls for a separate Panchayat. Despite government schemes like Ujjwala and Swachh Bharat, many tribals remain jobless, rely on firewood, and lack proper sanitation. Also, Kauswadi does not have any Anganwadi or primary school, and children have to walk over a km to reach the nearest school, due to which many prefer to stay at home The beneficiaries A senior Zilla Parishad official pointed out some benefits under the Borgaon Gram Panchayat for tribal hamlets: Umbarmal: 22 families, 19 job cards issued, 14 shortlisted for the Gharkul scheme; hamlet has a kachcha road. Kausawadi: 29 families, 19 job cards issued, 16 shortlisted for the Gharkul scheme; hamlet has a kachcha road. Kajuchiwadi: 17 families, 12 job cards issued, 5 shortlisted for the Gharkul scheme; hamlet has a kachcha road. Kelichiwadi: 4 families, 2 job cards issued, 3 shortlisted for the Gharkul scheme; hamlet has a kachcha road. Tambdi: 69 families, 61 job cards issued, 61 shortlisted for the Gharkul scheme; this hamlet has a permanent road connection. The official declined to comment on other schemes not reaching the tribals. Inflated electricity bills The Kadu family in Kausawadi—Hari, his wife Bali, and brother Kashya—has been living without a fan or tube light for months due to an inflated electricity bill of over Rs 35,000. “Despite having only a few tube lights and a ceiling fan, our power bill is exorbitant. Out of 28 houses in Kausawadi, several received similarly high bills. We approached the local MSEDCL office, but our pleas to restore power went unanswered,” said Hari Kadu. Most tribals survive as daily wage earners, living hand-to-mouth. Some reportedly resort to power theft by tapping into electric poles passing through the hamlets. Official response Prakash Gavit, deputy engineer, Public Works Department (PWD), Pen division, claimed, “I assumed charge three months ago. From what I recall, a work order was issued in April 2023 for constructing a mud road to Kausawadi. The contractor completed the work, but heavy rains over two monsoons likely damaged the road.” Gavit added, “A new road under the Chief Minister Gram Sadak Yojana (CMGSY) has already been sanctioned, and work will start soon. The hamlets will receive tar roads under this project.” When asked about the contractor's responsibility under the defect liability clause, Gavit admitted, “I have not reviewed the terms and conditions of the work order.” Rahul Dewang, executive engineer, PWD, who issued the work order, said, “The contract included an 800-metre mud road with hill cutting and chipping. The contractor completed the work, and payment has been cleared. Heavy rains likely caused the damage. Although the defect liability clause holds the contractor responsible for maintenance for five years, the upcoming CMGSY tar road project will resolve the issue.” Dr Bharat Bastewad, CEO, Zilla Parishad, Raigad district, recently visited Kausawadi and assured the tribals their issues would be addressed. Dr Bastewad told mid-day, “Kausawadi and neighbouring hamlets are in difficult hilly terrain. Road construction tenders have been floated under the CMGSY and Maharashtra Rural Roads Development Association (MRRDA). Contractors have been shortlisted, and work orders issued. Construction will commence post-elections, with funds already sanctioned.” Claims rubbished “Work orders were issued in April 2023, but no progress occurred until the tribals marched to the Collector’s office in May 2024. If the PWD claims work is completed, why haven’t they blacklisted the contractor, who is linked to a local politician, for shoddy work? They must enforce the defect liability clause and redo the work.” Thakur has threatened to carry out further protests if the authorities fail to act. Nov 7Day Ambi Kadu died
16 November,2024 08:11 AM IST | Mumbai | Vinod Kumar MenonResidents of Kurla East are preparing to meet candidates from all political parties to present their demands, which include better roads, more gardens, and opposition to the allocation of dairy development land for the Dharavi redevelopment project. Nilesh Kamble, a resident of Nehru Nagar, said, “We, as a group, have decided to meet all major party candidates. We will ask them about their vision for our colony and share the people's demands with them.” The old Kurla Mother Dairy plot Kamble added, “Nehru Nagar is undergoing significant redevelopment, and the population is expected to grow in the future. We want to ensure our representatives are prepared for this change. Our concerns include traffic congestion and pollution.” Another resident said, “Kurla East is already facing severe pollution issues. To address this, we need to increase the green cover in the area. We will ask the candidates if they have any plans for this.” Kurla residents protesting. File pic Mangesh Kudalkar, the sitting MLA and Shiv Sena candidate from Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's faction, said, “I will meet the residents, listen to their demands, and share my plans for the area.” Meanwhile, UBT candidate Pravina Morajkar did not respond to calls till press time. The state government has proposed rehabilitating families from Dharavi who are not eligible for housing within Dharavi to a dairy plot in Kurla. However, Kurla East residents have strongly opposed this plan. Kamble, who actively participated in protests against the proposal, said, “We are not opposing the Dharavi redevelopment project. But we are against relocating Dharavi residents to Kurla. We have been demanding a garden on that plot. We will ask the candidates for their stance on this issue.” Mangesh Kudalkar has served as the MLA for the Kurla constituency for two terms, while UBT candidate Pravina Morajkar is a former corporator from Nehru Nagar. The constituency has 2.92 lakh voters, including 1.57 lakh male voters and 1.34 lakh female voters. 2.92 lakhTotal no. of voters in Kurla 1.34 lakhNo. of female voters in the constituency
16 November,2024 07:29 AM IST | Mumbai | Sameer SurveChandivli residents have come up with a 20-point manifesto and invited candidates contesting the Assembly election from their constituency to discuss their wish list in an open forum. On their list is a 90-foot road connecting Chandivli to Andheri. mid-day has been highlighting the residents’ long-standing demand that the stretch, which was planned 30 years ago, be constructed and its reportage even prompted the Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission to initiate sou motu action and pull up the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) earlier this year. The key candidates contesting the Chandivli Assembly seat are Congress ex-MLA Naseem Khan, incumbent Shinde Sena MLA Dilip Lande and MNS’s Mahendra Bhanushali. MNS candidate Mahendra Bhanushali met Chandivli Citizens Welfare Association members on Thursday Bhanushali met with residents on Thursday while Khan met them last week. Mandeep Singh Makkar, founder of the Chandivli Citizens Welfare Association (CCWA), said, “We have a 20-point citizen manifesto. These are all local issues and we invited candidates to place our points before them and share views.” A Chandivli Citizens Welfare Association meeting “Unfortunately, in Chandivli, discussions about issues and development have taken a backseat. Our demands include halting illegal furnaces and ready-mix plants and stopping the political encroachment of public spaces. The involvement of citizens in use of such spaces should be mandatory,” he added. “Other important issues include a fully functional fire station in the area. The mini fire station situated on Chandivli Farm Road in the vicinity of high-rises is ineffective. A permanent solution is needed for illegal parking, DP Road No. 9 in Powai is also shoddy,” he said. Chandivli residents sat on a hunger strike, demanding that the BMC build the 90-foot road, in August last year. File pic/Satej Shinde The citizens’ manifesto also includes the construction of a 90-foot DP Road connecting Chandivli/Andheri to the Jogeshwari–Vikhroli Link Road (JVLR). Chandivli residents have long been demanding this stretch to decongest the area, which is currently dependent on two routes—Chandivli Farm Road and DP Road No. 9, both of which are choked as traffic had increased after the corporation granted permissions to build residential and commercial towers in the area over the past decade. The 90-foot road would connect Saki Naka to the JVLR via Chandivli Farm Road. In 2021, the BMC only built one-third of the 600-metre-long road, where currently two-wheelers, trucks and garbage dumpers are parked. The land through which the rest of the road is supposed to pass belongs to two parties—a private developer and a Central government corporation—but it is being occupied by encroachers. The CCWA went on a hunger strike on August 20 after no steps were taken by the corporation in the previous six months despite assurances. Top six demands 1 MLA should respect the public mandate and not switch parties after the election.2 Stop misuse of public funds in free distributions like cookers, sarees and other freebies.3 Include the BMC within the scope of the state government’s online RTI system.4 Cap private school fees and hospital charges.5 Stop political encroachment of public spaces and amenities under the guise of public libraries, etc.6 Clamp down on air and noise pollution and make the constituency pedestrian-first. The Chandivli citizens’ manifesto l MLAs should respect the public mandate and not switch political parties after electionsl Ensure electricity is affordablel Stop the misuse of public and BMC funds, which are used for freebiesl Effectively implement the Right to Public Services Act and the Right to Information Actl Include the BMC within the scope of the state government’s online RTI systeml Put a cap on private school fees and hospital chargesl Stop political encroachment on public spaces and amenities under the guise of public libraries; public participation should be mandatory in deciding the use of public placesl Set up a sports centre with advanced amenities for Chandivli and Powail Resolve traffic congestion and widen existing roads. (Construct 90-foot road connecting Andheri/Chandivli to JVLR)l Stop air pollution from illegal bhattis (furnaces) and ready-mix cement plantsl Build fully functional fire station at Chandivli and Powail Act against illegal hoardingsl Implement pedestrian first policy. Remove encroachments. Stop usage of gas cylinders on footpathsl Stop open dumping of garbagel Abolish or correct GST levied on cooperative housing societiesl Effectively deal with non-maintenance of public gardens and encroachment of open spacesl Provide a permanent solution to the problem of illegal parking of heavy vehicles near residential areasl Effectively deal with noise pollutionl Correct shoddy road concreting workl Representatives must always be accessible to Chandivli citizens Candidatespeak Naseem Khan (Congress)“Yes. I have been interacting with and meeting residents to include all their issues for the past three months. I have taken suggestions from all citizen forums, societies and residents. The Chandivli constituency has become a hotbed of corruption and we need to save the area. We need to focus on citizen issues and several of them are pending. I have drawn up a special manifesto for Chandivli, which includes several points like streamlined conveyance process, Mithi river clean-up, construction of DP Road, basic amenities in chawls and hilly areas, traffic solutions, making Chandivli drug-free, fast-tracking MHADA redevelopment and SRA projects, among others.” Mahendra Bhanushali (MNS)“I met the residents and have noted their demands. Both the candidates have clearly not done any work in the area and my vision will be to remain focussed on citizens’ issues. Take the case of DP Road, for example. Good wide roads have been built in the areas of elected representatives, but not where required. We need to change this, and I will work for citizens.” Dilip Bhausaheb (Mama) Lande (Shinde Sena) Dilip Bhausaheb (Mama) Lande (Shinde Sena) Multiple attempts to contact the sitting MLA failed. Several mobile numbers listed in his election affidavit are of his office or his credit society, which is used for public relations. While someone named Thorat picked up one of his numbers and stated that it would be difficult to contact him since he was busy, his office said he was in the “war room” and gave a few more mobile numbers, which also went unanswered. Calls and a message sent to Lande’s son Prayag’s number went unanswered by press time. EC orders probe into video The Election Commission has ordered an inquiry into an alleged inflammatory video made by Sagar Tulaskar,Up Vibhaag Pramukh of Chandivli, and a supporter of Lande. A complaint by the chief polling agent of the MVA candidate submitted with evidence and videos had alleged an “intention of attempting to tarnish the public image of Naseem Khan” by creating enmity on religious grounds. The Election Commission has ordered to examine the evidence and initiate appropriate action if found true.
16 November,2024 07:16 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarIn a surprising political move, Akhil Chitre, a local Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader, has defected to the Shiv Sena (UBT), expressing disillusionment with MNS’s current political strategy. Chitre has pledged his support to ensure the victory of Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate Varun Sardesai in the Bandra East Assembly constituency, vowing to work against his former party’s candidate. Chitre, who spent 18 years with MNS, expressed that the ideology that once fuelled his loyalty now feels compromised. “For the last 18 years, I have been working with this political party for a cause, a vision, and an ideology that was sacrosanct to me. That ideology now seems lost,” Chitre stated. He condemned MNS's approach of fielding candidates solely to split votes and weaken other contenders rather than striving for a clear victory. “They have fielded Trupti Sawant with the sole intention of splitting votes and harming Varun Sardesai. I don’t want to be part of such gimmicks,” Chitre said, clarifying that he could no longer align himself with MNS’s tactics. Chitre and his supporters officially joined Shiv Sena (UBT) on Wednesday, with senior leaders Aaditya Thackeray, sitting MLA and Worli candidate, and Bandra East candidate Varun Sardesai welcoming them. “I believe change can come only under the leadership of Aaditya Thackeray,” Chitre stated, signalling his confidence in Sena (UBT)’s vision. Upon joining, Chitre issued a sharp critique of the Raj Thackeray-led MNS. In a message shared on social media platform X, Chitre wrote, “Finally, they succeeded in pushing me out of the party... The only regret is that the dagger was not thrust from the front, nor from behind, but from someone sitting beside me... Rajsaheb, you truly are surrounded by sycophants; be cautious.... Anyway, Jai Maharashtra!” In another post, Chitre shared a nostalgic photograph from MNS’s first office inauguration in Mumbai in 2006, where he appears alongside Raj Thackeray, reflecting on the dedication and camaraderie of his early years with the party. Chitre previously served as the general secretary of MNS’s youth wing, Maharashtra Navnirman Vidyarthi Sena (MNVS), and in 2019, contested from Bandra East, securing 10,648 votes. Trupti Sawant, then running independently, also played a role in splitting votes, a factor that contributed to Congress candidate Zeeshan Siddique’s win over Shiv Sena’s Vishwanath Mahadeshwar. Now facing criticism for his defection, some speculate that Chitre’s exit was motivated by his disappointment over being overlooked for an MNS ticket in Bandra East, where Trupti Sawant was chosen instead. MNS insiders, however, defend the decision, arguing that Sawant’s strong voter base and grassroots work made her the ideal candidate for the region. “Every party has its political strategies. Sawant has been working on the ground and was fielded in Bandra East based on her merit. If Chitre was truly loyal to MNS and Rajsaheb, he should have accepted the party’s decision,” remarked an MNS office-bearer.
16 November,2024 07:07 AM IST | Mumbai | Dipti SinghAhead of the Maharashtra assembly elections 2024, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has extended its support to the Mahayuti alliance in the Mumbadevi constituency, reported news agency ANI. On Saturday, MNS workers organised a conference at Ram Mandir Hall in Mumbai's Kumbharwada, expressing their support for Mahayuti candidate Shaina NC. Shaina NC thanked MNS officials and workers, including MNS President Raj Thackeray, for their support in the assembly constituency, reported ANI. Shaina NC, a former BJP spokesperson, joined the Shiv Sena after the Eknath Shinde-led party fielded her from Mumbadevi. She is contesting against incumbent Congress MLA Amin Patel, who has represented the Mumbadevi constituency since 2009. The Raj Thackeray-led MNS, which stayed away from the Lok Sabha elections this year, is contesting 25 of the 36 seats in Mumbai this time. During the Lok Sabha elections, MNS offered unconditional support to the Mahayuti; however, for the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections 2024, the MNS has fielded candidates in over 100 seats. Earlier on Friday, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, Shiv Sena leader and actor Govinda, and Shaina NC visited the Mumbadevi Temple, seeking blessings for victory in the upcoming polls. Kiren Rijiju expressed confidence in a Mahayuti alliance victory in the Maharashtra assembly elections 2024, reported ANI. "We have come here to take the blessings of Devi (Mumbadevi). Seeing the atmosphere here, I can say that the Mahayuti alliance will get a clear majority," Rijiju said, reported ANI. Govinda also expressed his support for Shaina NC, saying, "I pray to Mumbadevi that our candidate Shaina NC wins the election from here," reported ANI. Speaking to the media, Shaina NC emphasised her commitment to "work for the people." The Maharashtra assembly elections are scheduled for November 20, with votes for all 288 constituencies to be counted on November 23. The opposition MVA coalition, comprising Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and the Nationalist Congress Party (SCP), seeks to reclaim power in the state, challenging the Mahayuti alliance, which includes Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Ajit Pawar-led NCP. In the 2019 Maharashtra assembly elections, the BJP won 105 seats, Shiv Sena secured 56, and Congress 44. In 2014, the BJP won 122 seats, Shiv Sena 63, and Congress 42. (With inputs from ANI)
16 November,2024 07:06 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
