South Mumbai's notoriously low turnout numbers for the polls were the focus late Tuesday evening, at a meeting hosted by the Cuffe Parade Residents Association (CPRA) at the Bayview Marina Garden at Cuffe Parade. The pricey Mumbai pocket had a turnout of around 40 per cent in the 2019 Assembly elections. Overall, one saw a 61.4 per cent turnout in the state in 2019. Now, there is a concerted push to up these numbers for the November 20 Maharashtra Assembly polls. The meet saw residents, mainly from the Tony area turn up to meet Dr Kiran Kulkarni, additional chief electoral officer, Maharashtra and joint secretary. The meet had a tagline: an exclusive meeting to learn more about your rights, new voter-friendly measures and the importance of voting. Dr Laura D’Souza president, CPRA, says there is a general disenchantment among residents Interact now Dr Kulkarni said in a crisp introduction, “I am a writer, researcher and government officer. This blend certainly adds a new dimension to my work. I have done at least 100 such programmes all over Maharashtra through eight months. Yet having a programme here is special because Colaba has held a special place in the state's history, culture and economy. The voting figures for this constituency are very low. I would like to know the reason for this,” he said. Saying he was keen on interaction as that would give him an idea about what people are thinking, discerning why voting numbers remain low despite so many awareness campaigns, the officer added, "I have seen high voter turnouts in tribal areas like Gadchiroli for instance. As a researcher, I’m keen to understand why this is not so, here. I’m not here to preach.” Too far? That set off some questions and suggestions from the audience. One suggestion was that more polling booths be created. A woman admitted, “We are spoilt. There is also a feeling that whoever comes in, it is okay, we can handle the situation.” Dr Kulkarni stated, “We have created 1,185 polling booths just in high-rises and co-operative societies in the state [there are more than one lakh polling stations set up across Maharashtra]. Many of these booths are located on the ground floor for easy access. The Election Commission of India (ECI) is coming several steps ahead to meet you, I suggest you all take some steps ahead too. Let us have a grand programme this time, where Colaba jumps ahead in voting statistics.” Dr Kulkarni also said that there are special arrangements for those over 85 years old or with disabilities where officers come to their homes for their vote. “Yet,” he added, “There was a time window for that as people had to fill forms apprising the commission within five days of nomination. That window has now closed.” The top official recounted years earlier when he had met a “102-year-old voter, who did not avail of the vote at home facility, but wished to be brought to the booth. He had stated he wanted to experience this festival of democracy.” Applause rang out at the garden. Turn tide There were some other statements from people at the meet, giving pointers about elite electoral apathy, like ruing lack of parking places for cars near polling booths, many voters did not want to walk even the short distance to the booth, the heat, and a general sentiment of why vote? Some suggestions from the group were that residents could carpool, and another gent volunteered to sponsor an electric buggy that would take voters to the polling station. Answering questions about why voters cannot carry mobile phones inside the booth, and technicalities like names not being on lists, Dr Kulkarni said, “Voter lists can be checked online. We do not allow voters to carry mobile phones inside booths as these can be misused by miscreants. Today phones are so hi-tech and pictures can be taken, videos/films made which can be then edited and made viral to create false impressions and stir trouble,” he said. He defended the Electronic Voting Machine's (EVM) integrity and stated strongly, “The EVM is an invention of Indian scientists and I am so proud of that.” As dusk fell, Dr Kulkarni's message was clear, “Arrangements are in place, we have polling booth officers for help, we have more than 1 lakh polling stations for 9.70 crore voters in Maharashtra, we have done all we can to make the journey to the booth easier.” Dr Laura D'Souza, CPRA president, on why voters are not turning up at the stations, said, “We want educated candidates who live here and those who have proved themselves in their earlier tenure. Today, people are saying as they witness the slow deterioration of the area: you say we must vote, but who do we vote for? We have intra-Cuffe Parade problems like horrendous traffic, encroached pavements, and a hawker menace. There is a feeling of helplessness and what we want most of all is hope.”
14 November,2024 08:17 AM IST | Mumbai | Hemal AsharOnly mobile phones will be allowed to be carried to the Kharghar venue, a directive from Navi Mumbai police states, appealing to people, who intend to visit the Prime Minister Narendra Modi pre-election public gathering today. Contractual workers hired by the local administration were seen hurriedly trimming the trees, fixing the roads and street lights, and even washing the road dividers, before the PM’s visit. Some schools in the vicinity have already informed parents about an early dispersal of students due to anticipated traffic congestion. The rally is expected to start at 3 pm. Visitors to be screened Prashant Mohite, DCP Zone II, Panvel, said, “We will be screening all the visitors attending the event thoroughly, and those found carrying any sort of handbags including ladies’ purses, party banners, and water bottles, will be barred from entering the venue. Only mobile phones will be allowed at the venue.” Workers setting up the shed for the rally “The local party organisers have ensured that there are adequate drinking water facilities, medical teams and even mobile toilets have been provided at the venue. The venue is covered with German hangar shed, for better ventilation and to prevent any extreme heat-like situation. Even during the afternoon time, the venue is comparatively comfortable to sit in,” said DCP Mohite. Traffic arrangements Chairs arranged at the venue where PM Narendra Modi will address the gathering today “We have notified certain roads, as designated parking for VVIPs closer to the venue, followed by no parking and road diversion in some arterial roads connecting the venue from Kharghar and Taloja. Also, traffic arrangements around the ‘helipad’ Owe Cricket ground to the venue in sector 29, both sides of the road are made without parking,” said Tirupati Kakade, DCP (Traffic). Vijay Rane, Fire Chief said, “We have deployed six fire tenders and twenty additional manpower at the venue other than the staff on each fire tenders.” BJP candidate speaks Prashant Thakur, the BJP candidate from Panvel Assembly Constituency said, “This election, our party is banging on the extensive work done by us and considerable growth seen in the constituency between 2019-2024—be it the international airport which would develop large scale employment opportunities and growth. Work on the tunnel connecting Kharghar to Turbhe has started. Metro line connectivity between CBD Belapur to Pendhar, 25 health care centres in the constituency, and development of parks, gardens, etc.” Trimming of plants on the road dividers by contractual staff Candidate’s kin speaks “My wife Leena, has walked the talk, by being with the people of her constituency. Those in power seldom did anything in the larger interest of the common man and they are making tall claims, today. We are confident that the 70 per cent cosmopolitan crowd in our constituency, knows the reality and they will surely cast their votes to their leader, who leads their issues from the front,” said Arun Garad, husband of Leena Garad, Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate. Resident group speaks “We don't find any contestants giving us our basic requirements like water, roads, footpaths, maintained gardens, etc. Instead, we see contestants busy with their own securities and assurances. I am aware that some societies in Taloja have also put up banners of no water no votes. The Prime Minister's visit is just an eyewash,” said Mangal Kamble, founder and president of Swachh Kharghar Foundation. Directives for Mumbai Rally “We are anticipating a crowd of almost 1.20 lakh to attend the gathering at Shivaji Park. Public attending the venue, have been directed not to carry any bags, food, or water bottles. We have arranged for disposable paper glasses and will be providing water inside the venue. The crowd is expected to take their seats between 4-4.30 pm and the prime minister would address the gathering around 5.45 pm onwards (time may change a bit, as per schedule),” said Manoj Kotak, BJP leader and former Member of Parliament. Mumbai Traffic Police have issued a notification stating that certain roads will be designated as no-parking zones and will have traffic diversions. This measure is due to the expected increase in vehicles from the Western and Eastern Express Highways heading toward Shivaji Park, carrying a large number of attendees.
14 November,2024 08:13 AM IST | Mumbai | Vinod Kumar MenonJustice K U Chandiwal (retired), who probed the corruption charges against Anil Deshmukh, has said that he had not given ‘clean chit’ to the then-home minister in his inquiry report and that Deshmukh and police officer Sachin Waze had tried to implicate then-Opposition leader, Devendra Fadnavis. Chandiwal made some stunning revelations in an interview given to ABP Majha, creating ripples in political circles amid the state Assembly polls campaign. Recently, Deshmukh published his biographical account that dealt with the case and the days he spent in prison. The MVA government had appointed retired high court Justice Chandiwal to probe the graft allegations the city’s former police chief Param Bir Singh had levelled against Deshmukh. The Chandiwal Commission report was submitted to then-Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. Neither the MVA nor the Mahayuti government made it public. Singh had written an eight-page letter to the CM and governor, accusing Deshmukh of several malpractices. He claimed Deshmukh made a plan to extract R100 crore from the city’s hotels, bars and restaurants by pressing police officer Sachin Waze into service. Before resigning, Deshmukh had requested then CM Uddhav Thackeray to initiate an inquiry against him. The retired justice said that he had refused to record the names of Sharad Pawar (then chief of undivided NCP) and Ajit Pawar (then DyCM) that were mentioned in Waze’s affidavit with the purpose of implicating them. Chandiwal further told the interviewer that Waze and Deshmukh had also tried to frame Fadnavis. “I told Waze that I would not take it on record as evidence. Taking big names was an attempt to seek publicity. I didn’t want that to happen. It was not in the scope of my inquiry,” he added. Waze retracted the affidavits later, said Chandiwal. “I had clearly told Waze that I would not summon political people named in his affidavits and take anything on record.” When asked about retractions, Chandiwal said one Thane DCP, who regularly attended hearings, would intervene. He also said that he was told that the people [Waze, Deshmukh, Parambir Singh] who were being probed and summoned by him, had met. ‘Evidence not submitted’ He said he had not used the words ‘clean chit’ for Deshmukh, who claimed to have been exonerated by the commission. “I have not given Deshmukh a clean chit. I said that the evidence was not submitted despite being available,” he stated further, adding that the situation would have been different if the evidence had been submitted. “Singh later said in an affidavit that whatever he had alleged against Deshmukh was hearsay.” According to him, his report had strictures and recommendations that could not be ‘digested’ by any government. No evidence: Deshmukh Deshmukh said though Chandiwal had said there was no mention of ‘clean chit’, he had amply made clear that there was no evidence against him [Deshmukh]. He wondered how he could meet Waze or any other person when he was in jail. He said he had no idea about the DCP Chandiwal talked about. Fresh CBI probe needed: Fadnavis DyCM Fadnavis said the revelations were explosive, and the commission said that it had not given any clean chit to Deshmukh. He further said that Waze had written a letter that he was under pressure and that had been vindicated now. “I think that the CBI should conduct a fresh inquiry into this,” Fadnavis said.
14 November,2024 08:09 AM IST | Mumbai | Dharmendra JoreAt a public rally at Worli’s Jambori Maidan, MNS Chief Raj Thackeray criticised Shiv Sena (UBT) Chief Uddhav Thackeray for forming a government with Congress after contesting the elections in alliance with the BJP. He urged Worli voters to ‘take revenge’ for the betrayal of their votes. During Wednesday’s rally, Raj Thackeray notably refrained from speaking against the Mahayuti coalition. He clarified his support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2024, saying, “I backed Modi this time for his vision. In 2019, I opposed him because he mirrored Congress’s approach. But after Modi abolished Article 370 and built the Ram Mandir, I supported him again, not for personal gain or any post.” He emphasised that this was not ‘role reversal,’ adding, “However, forming a government with Congress after contesting with the BJP is an insult to the voters who voted against Congress.” Raj also criticised NCP leader Sharad Pawar for his shifting political stances, and he accused Uddhav Thackeray of opposing key projects for personal interests. “Uddhav Thackeray opposed the Konkan refinery project to protect the business of his industrialist friend, who also owns a refinery. Similarly, his opposition to the Dharavi Redevelopment project has financial motives,” Raj alleged. He added, “Uddhav also opposed the proposed nuclear plant in Konkan, yet Mumbai hosts the Bhabha Atomic Research Center without issue.” Referring to Balasaheb Thackeray’s legacy, Raj said, “Balasaheb always opposed Congress, and Shiv Sena received votes against Congress in 2019. Yet, Uddhav formed a government with Congress for the chief minister’s post. He never disclosed the ‘two and a half year’ power-sharing agreement with the BJP before the elections, even though BJP leaders stated that Devendra Fadnavis would be chief minister. Why didn’t Uddhav clarify this?” Raj Thackeray emphasised that Uddhav had insulted Worli voters, who had voted against Congress. “If you don’t take revenge for this insult, this kind of politics will continue,” he warned. Raj also mentioned Aaditya Thackeray, Uddhav’s son, who is contesting in Worli as a UBT candidate. Aaditya Thackeray, the sitting MLA of Worli, is contesting as a UBT candidate. MP Milind Deora is contesting as the Shiv Sena candidate, while former corporator Sandeep Deshpande is MNS candidate.
14 November,2024 08:05 AM IST | Mumbai | Sameer SurveMurji Patel, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde) How do you plan to address the issues citizens face in your constituency?In the past 10 years, no work has been done for the people. The biggest issue in this constituency is traffic congestion There is no government hospital in this constituency. Those staying in slums face water shortages When I get elected, my focus will be to bring a government hospital which will help the common man. I will also work with the departments concerned to address the issue of traffic jams. How do you plan to address the issue of women’s safety?We will ensure that more CCTV cameras are installed across the constituency. Illuminating dark spots and footpaths will also be on my priority list. We will also demand more CCTV cameras in schools and classrooms for the safety of children. What steps will you take to address water scarcity?In Andheri East, I have personally worked to solve the issue of water scarcity. The Subhash Nagar slum has around 16,000 to 17,000 residents and we have solved their water issues. Similarly, we will work to solve such issues in other areas. Climate change and air pollution are major concerns…I will take steps to ensure that the open spaces in my area are maintained properly and initiatives like plantation are implemented to increase the green cover. Redevelopment of slums is a major issue. How do you plan to address it?The government should take the work of slum redevelopment into its own hands and agencies like MHADA, CIDCO and MMRDA should play an important role in the implementation of the slum redevelopment schemes without involving private builders.
14 November,2024 08:01 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavIn Malad West, a stronghold of the Congress party for over two decades, a fierce electoral contest is brewing. Sitting Congress MLA and former state minister Aslam Shaikh is set to defend his seat against BJP’s Vinod Shelar, the brother of Ashish Shelar, who currently heads the party’s Mumbai unit. Shaikh has defended his tenure by pointing to recent infrastructure projects aimed at relieving traffic congestion and expanding the constituency’s infrastructure. What specific issues do you see as priorities?This will be my sixth term as an elected representative—two terms as a BMC corporator and now three as an MLA. My vision is to make Malad a standout area within Mumbai, a place that’s not only functional but unique in its character and offerings. With nearly 1 lakh new voters in your constituency, how do you anticipate this impacting the outcome?I’m confident that my strong connection, accessibility, and rapport with the people will work in my favour. The increase in voters is indeed an opportunity, and I believe it will translate into more votes. What is your stance on current redevelopment projects, particularly SRA schemes?The concept of making Mumbai slum-free was originally introduced by the Congress under the then-chief minister Vilasrao Deshmukh. While significant progress has been achieved, I believe we’ve only realised about 30-40 per cent of the vision that was originally outlined. Despite ongoing redevelopment efforts, new slums continue to emerge. We need to put a stop to the unchecked spread of slums. What are your plans to improve roads, pedestrian footpaths, and encroachment?Creating well-maintained footpaths, open spaces, and water management systems must be prioritised. Additionally, parts of the city’s pipeline infrastructure still date back to the British era, and these need urgent replacement. A more coordinated approach to infrastructure work is also needed; for instance, when roads are laid, all agencies involved in utilities, like pipelines and cables, should collaborate to avoid the constant re-digging that leads to poor road conditions. How will you tackle last-mile connectivity challenges? The Metro system has been initiated, but it needs to become fully operational to benefit everyone. Additionally, large-scale projects like the sea link expansion should connect cities and key areas more effectively, such as linking Mumbai with Mira Road and Thane. Moreover, we should explore water taxis to make better use of our waterways, providing an alternative route for people to travel efficiently. Is water contamination and supply an issue in your constituency? Wherever there are slums, water contamination tends to occur, whether in Malad or any part of the city. This is often due to illegal connections, and because of complex legal issues, it is challenging to address without proper documentation and evidence. The government must either take concrete steps to prevent the creation of illegal structures or improve infrastructure for those that already exist. How to propose to address the high pollution levels here?The surge in construction is one of the major contributors to pollution, and it’s crucial to balance development with environmental preservation to ensure a healthier, cleaner environment for our citizens. The controversy surrounding the Project Affected People of Dharavi redevelopment has reached your constituency, and you have chosen to intervene. What solutions do you propose?This is, quite frankly, one of the biggest scams of our time. Displacing thousands of people and relocating them without fully assessing the consequences is unacceptable. This isn’t about genuinely improving Mumbai; it appears to be more about generating profits for a few corrupt politicians.
14 November,2024 07:57 AM IST | Mumbai | Dipti SinghIn Malad West, a stronghold of the Congress party for over two decades, a fierce electoral contest is brewing. Sitting Congress MLA and former state minister Aslam Shaikh is set to defend his seat against BJP’s Vinod Shelar, the brother of Ashish Shelar, who currently heads the party’s Mumbai unit. Spanning 16 kilometres from Malad Railway Station to Madh Village, Malad West holds the distinction of being Mumbai’s longest Assembly constituency. It is also among the most densely populated areas in the city, encompassing Malvani, one of Mumbai’s largest slum clusters after Dharavi. Malad West’s cultural makeup includes the indigenous Koli community, East Indian Gaothans, and other established communities. The 2019 parliamentary elections recorded 2,85,827 registered voters and a turnout of 56.88 per cent, while the Assembly elections saw a turnout of 54.7 per cent, reflecting strong civic engagement. Vinod Shelar, BJPmid-day attempted an interview with BJP candidate Vinod Shelar for five days straight but he was unresponsive. Vinod Shelar, BJP’s current general secretary for Mumbai, is sparing no effort in challenging the incumbent. Vinod Shelar’s campaign has sharply criticised Shaikh, alleging a lack of visible development and rampant issues with drug peddling and illegal encroachments. He has openly challenged Shaikh to present his “report card” to voters, questioning the Congress’s decades-long hold on the area without substantial change. Shaikh has defended his tenure by pointing to recent infrastructure projects aimed at relieving traffic congestion and expanding the constituency’s infrastructure. What specific issues do you see as priorities?This will be my sixth term as an elected representative—two terms as a BMC corporator and now three as an MLA. My vision is to make Malad a standout area within Mumbai, a place that’s not only functional but unique in its character and offerings. With nearly 1 lakh new voters in your constituency, how do you anticipate this impacting the outcome?I’m confident that my strong connection, accessibility, and rapport with the people will work in my favour. The increase in voters is indeed an opportunity, and I believe it will translate into more votes. What is your stance on current redevelopment projects, particularly SRA schemes?The concept of making Mumbai slum-free was originally introduced by the Congress under the then-chief minister Vilasrao Deshmukh. While significant progress has been achieved, I believe we’ve only realised about 30-40 per cent of the vision that was originally outlined. Despite ongoing redevelopment efforts, new slums continue to emerge. We need to put a stop to the unchecked spread of slums. What are your plans to improve roads, pedestrian footpaths, and encroachment?Creating well-maintained footpaths, open spaces, and water management systems must be prioritised. Additionally, parts of the city’s pipeline infrastructure still date back to the British era, and these need urgent replacement. A more coordinated approach to infrastructure work is also needed; for instance, when roads are laid, all agencies involved in utilities, like pipelines and cables, should collaborate to avoid the constant re-digging that leads to poor road conditions. How will you tackle last-mile connectivity challenges? The Metro system has been initiated, but it needs to become fully operational to benefit everyone. Additionally, large-scale projects like the sea link expansion should connect cities and key areas more effectively, such as linking Mumbai with Mira Road and Thane. Moreover, we should explore water taxis to make better use of our waterways, providing an alternative route for people to travel efficiently. Is water contamination and supply an issue in your constituency? Wherever there are slums, water contamination tends to occur, whether in Malad or any part of the city. This is often due to illegal connections, and because of complex legal issues, it is challenging to address without proper documentation and evidence. The government must either take concrete steps to prevent the creation of illegal structures or improve infrastructure for those that already exist. How to propose to address the high pollution levels here?The surge in construction is one of the major contributors to pollution, and it’s crucial to balance development with environmental preservation to ensure a healthier, cleaner environment for our citizens. The controversy surrounding the Project Affected People of Dharavi redevelopment has reached your constituency, and you have chosen to intervene. What solutions do you propose?This is, quite frankly, one of the biggest scams of our time. Displacing thousands of people and relocating them without fully assessing the consequences is unacceptable. This isn’t about genuinely improving Mumbai; it appears to be more about generating profits for a few corrupt politicians.
14 November,2024 07:50 AM IST | Mumbai | Dipti SinghThe Andheri East Assembly constituency is expected to see a close contest between Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate and sitting MLA Rutuja Latke against Murji Patel, who is being fielded by the Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde). The former came to represent the Assembly seat after emerging victorious in a 2022 byelection following the passing of her husband, two-time MLA Ramesh Latke. Home to a largely middle-class population, the constituency has upscale buildings and slum pockets as well as corporate offices. According to citizens, traffic management, encroached footpaths, water scarcity, poor roads and slum redevelopment are major issues. Kunal Chaudhari, an Andheri East resident, said, “Traffic jams are a huge problem and we hope the MLA we elect can solve it. This constituency has many residential areas and offices, so we expect the public transportation situation to be improved. Also, roads here should be made pothole-free.” Rutuja Latke, Shiv Sena (UBT) How do you plan to address issues citizens face in your constituency if re-elected?Traffic is one of the important issues. In some places, we have been able to solve this but there are places where people are still being inconvenienced. Solving the traffic issue by involving government agencies will be a priority. I intend to provide free high-quality education to students of BMC schools in Andheri and to modernise these facilities. What steps would you take to improve women’s safety?Ensuring the safety of women and children is one of my top priorities. I will work to improve the lighting in public areas that are currently dark and unsafe, ensuring streets are well-lit for everyone. Additionally, I will advocate for establishing dedicated women’s police chowkies in key locations across Andheri East to enhance security. I will introduce self-employment schemes and set up self-defence training centres to empower women, providing resources and skills to help women feel safer and more independent. What are your plans to address water scarcity?Several areas in my constituency are facing water issues. Providing adequate water to people in slum pockets and other spots is something that I will try to solve on priority as water is one of the most important needs. The water supply issue in Subhash Nagar will be taken up when I get elected. What measures will you implement to tackle pollution?Yes, these challenges are serious and as an MLA, I will make sure that the open spaces including the RG [recreation ground] plots and playgrounds of the BMC remain as they are. Efforts will also be taken to increase the green cover of my constituency by taking suggestions from experts. Efforts will be taken to make sure that the open spaces remain unencroached. How do you plan to approach the redevelopment of slums?Many SRA projects are stuck in my constituency and once elected, I will personally look into the issue and resolve them so that slum dwellers get their houses on time.
14 November,2024 07:45 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavThe Andheri East Assembly constituency is expected to see a close contest between Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate and sitting MLA Rutuja Latke against Murji Patel, who is being fielded by the Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde). The former came to represent the Assembly seat after emerging victorious in a 2022 byelection following the passing of her husband, two-time MLA Ramesh Latke. Home to a largely middle-class population, the constituency has upscale buildings and slum pockets as well as corporate offices. According to citizens, traffic management, encroached footpaths, water scarcity, poor roads and slum redevelopment are major issues. Kunal Chaudhari, an Andheri East resident, said, “Traffic jams are a huge problem and we hope the MLA we elect can solve it. This constituency has many residential areas and offices, so we expect the public transportation situation to be improved. Also, roads here should be made pothole-free.” Rutuja Latke, Shiv Sena (UBT) How do you plan to address issues citizens face in your constituency if re-elected?Traffic is one of the important issues. In some places, we have been able to solve this but there are places where people are still being inconvenienced. Solving the traffic issue by involving government agencies will be a priority. I intend to provide free high-quality education to students of BMC schools in Andheri and to modernise these facilities. What steps would you take to improve women’s safety?Ensuring the safety of women and children is one of my top priorities. I will work to improve the lighting in public areas that are currently dark and unsafe, ensuring streets are well-lit for everyone. Additionally, I will advocate for establishing dedicated women’s police chowkies in key locations across Andheri East to enhance security. I will introduce self-employment schemes and set up self-defence training centres to empower women, providing resources and skills to help women feel safer and more independent. What are your plans to address water scarcity?Several areas in my constituency are facing water issues. Providing adequate water to people in slum pockets and other spots is something that I will try to solve on priority as water is one of the most important needs. The water supply issue in Subhash Nagar will be taken up when I get elected. What measures will you implement to tackle pollution?Yes, these challenges are serious and as an MLA, I will make sure that the open spaces including the RG [recreation ground] plots and playgrounds of the BMC remain as they are. Efforts will also be taken to increase the green cover of my constituency by taking suggestions from experts. Efforts will be taken to make sure that the open spaces remain unencroached. How do you plan to approach the redevelopment of slums?Many SRA projects are stuck in my constituency and once elected, I will personally look into the issue and resolve them so that slum dwellers get their houses on time. Murji Patel, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde) How do you plan to address the issues citizens face in your constituency?In the past 10 years, no work has been done for the people. The biggest issue in this constituency is traffic congestion There is no government hospital in this constituency. Those staying in slums face water shortages When I get elected, my focus will be to bring a government hospital which will help the common man. I will also work with the departments concerned to address the issue of traffic jams. How do you plan to address the issue of women’s safety?We will ensure that more CCTV cameras are installed across the constituency. Illuminating dark spots and footpaths will also be on my priority list. We will also demand more CCTV cameras in schools and classrooms for the safety of children. What steps will you take to address water scarcity?In Andheri East, I have personally worked to solve the issue of water scarcity. The Subhash Nagar slum has around 16,000 to 17,000 residents and we have solved their water issues. Similarly, we will work to solve such issues in other areas. Climate change and air pollution are major concerns…I will take steps to ensure that the open spaces in my area are maintained properly and initiatives like plantation are implemented to increase the green cover. Redevelopment of slums is a major issue. How do you plan to address it?The government should take the work of slum redevelopment into its own hands and agencies like MHADA, CIDCO and MMRDA should play an important role in the implementation of the slum redevelopment schemes without involving private builders.
14 November,2024 07:41 AM IST | Mumbai | Dipti SinghDo 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 14. Aries March 21 – April 20Karmic wheels spin into top gear, bringing great news. Life is overall good, with even a legality being favourable.Cosmic tip: Incur positive karma to help resolve some ongoing issues. Taurus April 21 – May 20A good business idea splits into two different ones; what do you do now? Place both on hold. Keep energy levels high with nutritious food. Cosmic tip: Depend on personal strength to deal with life. GeminiMay 21 – June 21Steps taken to reach where you are right now won’t work again. Think about something different this time. Those in a triangular relationship are distressed.Cosmic tip: Continue tapping into unshakeable faith. Cancer June 22 – July 23The boss can be very sharp, but gives praise and acknowledgment where it’s due. Cosmic tip: Maintain this enhanced spiritual level that also helps make sense of lessons learned in the past. Leo July 24 - Aug 23The thought of travelling draws in tension and anxiety. Trust intuition, waiting for the right time to broach a subject.Cosmic tip: Say a prayer asking for protection and then have faith. Virgo Aug 24 – Sept 23A legality is completed successfully. Getting rid of clutter from personal spaces should be an on-going routine.Cosmic tip: Take better care of health with a nutritious diet and a light exercise routine. Libra Sept 24 – Oct 22Work is hectic and you actually wonder how you’ll complete it all today. Keep walking on the spiritual path.Cosmic tip: Share news sparingly and only that which is germane to the issue. Singles make a new friend soon. Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 22Increased profits or cash flow makes this a karmic cycle of enhanced finances.Cosmic tip: Welcome change, letting go of what’s not important any more, graciously making way for newer energy. Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 22Experiencing a karmic and spiritual change can be alarming if not mentally ready for it. Students need to study in a focused manner.Cosmic tip: Reach for the stars in this auspicious karmic cycle. Capricorn Dec 23 – Jan 20A discussion turns into an argument over money and expenses. Talk about it civilly to find a solution. Cosmic tip: Aim at guiding life to a space where there’s an exchange of love and forgiveness. Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19Listening to advice from an older woman helps make karmic choices that bring abundant benefits not only to relationships, but life in general.Cosmic tip: Be positive even if taken aback at a development. Pisces Feb 20 – March 20Carefully go through a new project first, understanding its strengths and weaknesses.Cosmic tip: Be open to compromises to move up the spiritual and karmic path of self-awareness.
14 November,2024 07:25 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirley BoseTo Chacha Nehru, with love Children hold roses against RK Laxman’s sketch of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru at Nehru Centre to celebrate Children’s Day Sing like an East Indian Crompton Texeira (extreme left) in a moment from the music video Veteran East Indian musician Crompton Texeira’s new music video caught our attention not only for its unique name but also for how it brings together 10 East Indian songs in a beautiful symphony. “The song taraka comes from the word ‘tadka’, which means tempering. When I called for locals to join the shoot in Culvem village, I was expecting five or six people to join in but to my surprise, 12 locals showed up. I gave them no directions. My only instructions were to feel the music and sway to it,” he informed this diarist. Texeira’s tracks have blown up on the Internet in the past. “I started making songs when CDs were the norm. My rendition of Paskin recently got more than four million views. When my songs go viral now, I don’t quite understand how it works,” Texeira admitted. Sculpted Shiva shines in Mumbai The two sculptures standing six feet and two feet tall were cast in bronze at foundries in London. PICS COURTESY/BLACK CUBE; Youtube Delhi’s Black Cube gallery will present veteran artist Thota Vaikuntam’s work at Art Mumbai that begins today. “Bringing Vaikuntam’s work to Art Mumbai was a decision that stemmed from deep respect for his ability to fuse traditional elements with contemporary perspectives,” shared Sanya Malik, founder and director of the gallery. The highlight will be a solo booth featuring two bronze Shiva sculptures, standing six feet and two feet tall respectively, cast in two London foundries between 2023 and 2024 using the lost-wax process to create the highest quality bronze casting. “Bringing these works to Mumbai has been challenging but immensely rewarding. His art embodies a celebration of life, culture, and the human spirit, demanding space to breathe and unfold. This booth was our way of creating a fitting environment to immerse viewers in his vision through Dancing Shiva, allowing each piece to resonate individually and collectively evoke vibrant, layered narratives,” Malik concluded. Say ‘cheese’ in Portugal Mansi Jasani at a previous international competition Cheesemonger Mansi Jasani of Mumbai’s The Cheese Collective is all smiles as she lands in Portugal’s Viseu today. Chosen as one of the judges at the World Cheese Awards 2024 set to take place in Viseu tomorrow, Jasani will be surrounded by cheesy goodness — 4,000 variants of it — at the global awards. “Representing my country as the sole Indian judge at this stage is an honour. Judging cheeses can get challenging. From recognising the texture and appearance to the taste and consistency, it can get extremely complex,” shared Jasani, who is also working on launching an artisanal cheese society back home in India soon. Double or nothing A feline duo at the studio In an adorable turn of events, Cat Café Studio in Versova has found itself in a unique fix thanks to the feline friendships brewing in its shelters. “Cats are mistaken to be solitary animals. It is common for cats to form bonds so strong that separation might send them spiralling into depression. At the shelter, we have noticed our rescued felines forming similar bonds,” shared founder Lamya Kapadia. To that end, a special pair adoption camp this weekend will encourage people to adopt felines in pairs to ensure these friendships remain unbroken. “People must realise that raising two cats is not twice as expensive. Cats are known to share their resources,” Kapadia assured us. Hasta la Vista-ra, India! The aircraft (right) Crew members cut a cake inside I boarded one airline, and by the time we landed, I was in another,” shared city-based photographer Sarthak Chand. The photographer was among the few who boarded Vistara’s last operating flight from Delhi late on Tuesday night and landed in Mumbai in the wee hours of Wednesday. In Chand’s company were aviation enthusiasts, vloggers and families who had meticulously planned their trip to experience the moment. “It was a bittersweet moment for the cabin crew and the captain. As I waited to get a few last shots of the aircraft, the crew put together a small celebration with cookies and cakes to mark the end,” recalled Chand. With the Air India merger in effect, the airline’s signature purple will soon change shades. In the memories of those like Chand, we’re sure, it will remain just as vivid.
14 November,2024 07:22 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-dayADVERTISEMENT
