In a strategic move to prevent potential poaching ahead of government formation, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) has decided to keep all of its newly-elected Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) together in Mumbai following the results of the Maharashtra Assembly elections, as confirmed by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Friday. Speaking to reporters, Raut explained that leaders from the MVA, including himself, party colleague Anil Desai, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP-S) state president Jayant Patil, and Congress leaders Satej Patil and Balasaheb Thorat, had met on Thursday to discuss the political situation and assess the outcome of each seat. The decision was made to house all the newly-elected MLAs in Mumbai to prevent any attempts at poaching by rivals. Raut stated, "We have decided to bring all newly-elected MLAs to Mumbai. As there are no provisions for new MLAs to stay in Mumbai, we will arrange accommodations for them together." The counting of votes for the November 20 Maharashtra Assembly elections is scheduled for Saturday, and all eyes are on the outcome as both the ruling Mahayuti alliance and the MVA, the opposition bloc, vie for control of the state government. Raut expressed confidence that the MVA would secure around 160 seats in the assembly, a result he believes will allow them to form the next government. He also mentioned that some independents, who have strong chances of victory, have already expressed interest in supporting the opposition. When asked about the potential candidate for the Chief Minister's position, Raut reiterated that there was no pre-determined formula for selecting the CM and stressed that the decision would be made collectively by the MVA’s alliance partners, including Sharad Pawar from NCP (SP) and Uddhav Thackeray from Shiv Sena (UBT). He noted, "Everyone will choose the leader of the government." Raut also voiced concerns over possible interference from the BJP in the formation of the government, suggesting that the ruling party may try to obstruct the MVA’s efforts by exerting influence through the governor’s office. He warned that the opposition would take swift action to prevent any delay, as there are fears that President’s rule could be imposed in Maharashtra if a new government is not in place by November 26, when the term of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly is set to expire. As per PTI, these developments come as the MVA prepares for what it anticipates will be a successful bid for power in Maharashtra, despite a highly competitive electoral race with the ruling Mahayuti alliance. (With inputs from PTI)
22 November,2024 02:12 PM IST | MumbaiShiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi expressed strong confidence in the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) regaining power in Maharashtra after the state’s recent assembly elections, while criticising the ruling Mahayuti alliance. Speaking to ANI, Chaturvedi asserted that the people of Maharashtra were ready to “free” the Mahayuti from power for the next 25 years. She also claimed that MVA would secure the majority in the elections, adding, “The government of loot, corruption, and Adani is going to end. We will get the majority. They are booking helicopters because they know people will ask them questions, and they need to run away.” Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut echoed similar sentiments, exuding confidence that MVA would secure 160-165 seats. He also dismissed speculation about the Chief Ministerial candidate for MVA, stating that the selection would be a collective decision involving Sharad Pawar, Uddhav Thackeray, and Congress. Speaking further during a press conference at his residence, Raut launched a fresh tirade against the BJP-led Mahayuti. He claimed that in order to shield their elected MLAs from pressure, particularly from alleged "Khokha-walas", the Mahayuti had arranged a hotel for them to stay together ahead of the results. “The results will be out tomorrow, and we are confident of securing a majority. Around 160-165 of our MLAs will be elected. To protect them from the pressure of ‘Khokha-walas’, we have arranged a hotel for them,” Raut added. On the issue of the CM selection, Raut reiterated that no formula had been decided yet but assured that the MVA would come together to make a unanimous decision. “Sharad Pawar, Congress, and Uddhav Thackeray will all have a role in selecting the CM. The MVA will secure the majority and we will make a collective decision,” Raut said. While the exit polls indicate that MVA will put up a strong performance, they suggest the alliance may still fall short of the majority mark in the 288-member Assembly. According to P-MARQ exit poll projections, the Mahayuti alliance is likely to secure between 137-157 seats, while MVA is projected to win between 126-147 seats. A similar prediction from Chanakya Strategies places Mahayuti at 152-160 seats and MVA at 130-138 seats. The primary contest in Maharashtra remains between the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance and the Congress-led MVA. As per ANI reports, the final results will be announced on November 23. (With inputs from ANI)
22 November,2024 02:09 PM IST | MumbaiEven before the first votes for the Maharashtra elections 2024 are counted, fissures have emerged within the ruling Mahayuti and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) on who will head the next government with constituents in both camps laying claim over the chief minister's post, reported news agency PTI. After polling for the 288-member assembly ended on Wednesday evening, the ruling as well as opposition fronts have started claiming that mandate will be in their favour when votes are counted on November 23. Soon after polling, state Congress chief Nana Patole asserted an MVA government would be formed in Maharashtra under the leadership of his party. Voting trends suggest the Congress will get the maximum number of seats in the new assembly, he said. His remarks did not go down well with ally Shiv Sena (UBT), whose leader Sanjay Raut on Thursday insisted the chief ministerial face will be decided by all alliance partners jointly once the MVA secures majority. The Rajya Sabha MP said if the Congress high command has told Patole that he will be the CM face then the national party's president Mallikarjun Kharge, and its top leaders Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra should announce the same, reported PTI. The MVA, consisting of the Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (SP) and the Mahayuti, comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP, have expressed confidence that their respective alliance will form the next government after votes are counted on Saturday. While a majority of exit polls have predicted that Mahayuti will retain power, a few have favoured the MVA. On the Mahayuti side, Shiv Sena MLA and party spokesperson Sanjay Shirsat said the Maharashtra elections 2024 were contested with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde as the face. "Voters have shown their preference for Shinde through voting. I think it is Shinde's right (to be the next CM) and we are confident that he will be the next CM," Shirsat said, reported PTI. BJP leader Pravin Darekar batted for Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for the top post, reported PTI. "I think if anyone from the BJP is becoming the CM then it will be Devendra Fadnavis," he said, reported PTI. NCP leader Amol Mitkari pushed the name of his party chief and Deputy CM Ajit Pawar for the coveted job, reported PTI. "Whatever the results, the NCP will be the kingmaker," Mitkari said. Asked about the CM face, Fadnavis maintained all three Mahayuti parties will sit together and take a "good decision", reported PTI. Speaking to reporters separately, BJP leader Darekar claimed the Mahayuti will form the next government, dismissing the possibility of the MVA coming to power, and said the opposition bloc was plagued by "internal rifts", reported PTI. "The people of Maharashtra have given a clear mandate. The Chief Minister will be from the Mahayuti, not the MVA, and certainly not the Congress," he asserted, reported PTI. Highlighting divisions within the MVA, Darekar said, "Congress MP Praniti Shinde and her father and former CM Sushilkumar Shinde supported an independent candidate against Uddhav Thackeray's nominee in a constituency in Solapur district. These internal rifts expose a lack of unity. How can parties without internal coherence decide on a Chief Minister?," reported PTI. The BJP leader said Patole's aspirations to become chief minister were nothing but "Mungerilal ke haseen sapne" (daydreaming). On exit polls, Darekar remarked, "While no exit poll is final, most have predicted a Mahayuti win. Even independent candidates (on winning) are likely to back Mahayuti," reported PTI. Taking a swipe at Prahar Janshakti Party leader Bachchu Kadu, he said, "Kadu speaks with grand bravado, but his own seat is under threat. Let him first declare how many of his candidates are winning," reported PTI. Regarding Rahul Gandhi's statements on the Adani group, the BJP leader quipped, "Rahul Gandhi should go to the US and focus on issues abroad, where his commentary might hold weight. His remarks on the fall of the Union government are childish and baseless." On the alleged involvement of NCP (SP) Lok Sabha MP Supriya Sule and Patole in using bitcoins illegally to fund elections, Darekar said the truth will come out soon. Both Sule and Patole have denied the allegations. "The ED's investigation is uncovering links to MVA leaders. The truth will emerge soon," he asserted, reported PTI. Highlighting the increase in turnout in the November 20 assembly polls in the state, Darekar credited the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) for their grassroots campaign to encourage voting. The final turnout in Maharashtra assembly polls was 66.05 per cent, up from 61.1 per cent in 2019, according to the Election Commission. Darekar maintained the Mahayuti government's 'Ladki Bahin Yojana' has resonated with women voters. (With inputs from PTI)
22 November,2024 02:07 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA poster depicting Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Chief and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra was removed ahead of the election result counting scheduled for November 23. The poster, which was placed by NCP leader Santosh Nangare, had caused a stir, as it presented Pawar as the state's potential next CM. As Maharashtra heads into the final stage of election results, the contest remains highly competitive between two major alliances. On one side, the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance, which includes the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Shiv Sena, and the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction), is up against the Congress-led Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), which comprises Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction). With exit polls predicting a strong performance for the ruling Mahayuti alliance, it is widely anticipated that the coalition will retain power in Maharashtra. Additionally, exit polls have indicated that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is also likely to hold an advantage in Jharkhand. However, the MVA is expected to put up a tough fight, though it is not projected to secure enough seats to form a majority government in the 288-member Maharashtra Assembly. Exit polls have forecasted varying results, with the P-MARQ exit poll predicting Mahayuti to win between 137 and 157 seats, while MVA is expected to win between 126 and 147 seats, and other parties could secure between 2 and 8 seats. Meanwhile, Chanakya Strategies anticipates Mahayuti to win 152-150 seats, MVA to gain 130-138 seats, and others to win 6-8 seats. In an earlier statement, Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde noted that following the results, leaders of the Mahayuti alliance would meet to collectively decide who would take on the role of Chief Minister. Shinde further emphasised that there was no internal competition within the alliance for the top position. "All leaders will sit together and decide. The goal is not personal competition but to form a government focused on development. In contrast, the MVA spent much of the last two and a half years merely debating who would be the CM, without focusing on public issues," Shinde said to ANI. (With inputs from ANI)
22 November,2024 02:06 PM IST | MumbaiThe Central Railway announced on Friday that it will operate 10 special train trips between Mumbai and Nagpur to facilitate candidates appearing for the RRB exams. "Central Railway will operate 10 special train trips between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Mumbai, and Nagpur to assist candidates appearing for the Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) exams," the railways announced. Following are the details the details of the special train: 01103 RRB special will depart from CSMT at 15.30 hrs daily from 23.11.2024 to 27.11.2024 and arrive at Nagpur at 10.50 hrs the next day. (5 trips) 01104 RRB special will depart from Nagpur at 13.30 hrs daily from 24.11.2024 to 28.11.2024 and arrive at CSMT at 04.10 hrs the next day. (5 trips) Halts: Dadar, Thane, Kalyan, Igatpuri, Nashik Road, Manmad, Chalisgaon, Jalgaon, Bhusaval, Malkapur, Jalamb, Shegaon, Akola, Murtizapur, Badnera, Dhamangaon and Wardha Composition: Two AC-3 Tier, 8 Sleeper Class, 8 Second Class seating including 2 Brake Vans. Central Railway: Fatalities from accidents on tracks in Mumbai went down by 14 per cent The Central Railway on November 18 in an official statement announced a remarkable decline in incidents of deaths and injuries on its tracks in Mumbai. The Central Railway has attributed the decline in the deaths to the ongoing effective safety initiatives. From January to October, the number of fatalities owing to accidents on the railway tracks in Mumbai decreased by 14 per cent, dropping from 2,755 cases in the same period in 2023 to 2,388 cases till the first 10 months. This is a decline by 367 deaths, the statement read. Additionally, injuries have also seen a notable reduction of 10 per cent, falling from 1,352 cases to 1,211 cases in the same period. In total, the incidents of death and injury combined have decreased by 508 cases, representing a 13 per cent reduction from 4,107 cases in 2023 to 3,599 cases from January to October 2024, said Central Railway. A thorough analysis of these incidents has revealed that trespassing remains a primary contributor accounting for nearly 40 per cent of all cases with 1,429 incidents of death and injury related to this issue. Of the 2,388 deaths recorded on the tracks, 1,210 were attributed to trespassing, which constitutes more than 50 per cent of the fatalities. Alarmingly, incidents of trespassing not only lead to loss of life but also result in serious injuries, with approximately 18 per cent of cases involving limb loss. While trespassing is a significant concern, other causes of deaths and injuries include 653 cases due to falling from moving trains and 91 cases due to falling into the gap between the platform and the train. 1,423 cases due to various other causes, including suicides, electric shocks, and natural causes like heart attacks, illness, etc.
22 November,2024 01:56 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Sakinaka police have detained two suspects for allegedly conducting a recce of senior Congress leader and Chandivli constituency candidate Arif Naseem Khan. Sachin Gunjal, DCP of Zone 10, Mumbai police, confirmed that the suspects are currently being interrogated. According to sources, the two individuals visited Khan’s office and requested a meeting with him. However, their behaviour raised suspicions among the politician’s security guards, who promptly alerted the police. The suspects were detained for questioning shortly afterwards. Speaking with mid-day, Arif Naseem Khan said, “I was informed by my workers that on the day of voting, the suspects were in Hiranandani, Powai, where I had gone to visit voting booths. They were asking for my details. On Thursday afternoon, the same individual came to my office to meet me. My security guard noticed something suspicious in their body language and alerted me. I met one of the suspects in my chamber and found his behaviour rude and suspicious, so the police were informed.” DCP Gunjal confirmed, “We have detained two persons and are questioning them.” Khan further stated, “We checked the WhatsApp conversations of one suspect and found messages exchanged with someone named Lokesh. The chats were suspicious, mentioning the Delhi police and a firing incident.” The former MLA also alleged that one of the suspects came from Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, on November 15 and had been conducting a recce of his locations. “I believe the Mumbai police will uncover if there is any conspiracy. The murder of Baba Siddique was a failure of city police intelligence, as the shooters conducted a month-long recce without being detected,” Khan added.
22 November,2024 01:47 PM IST | Mumbai | Faizan KhanA pedestrian underpass at Kherwadi, Bandra East, along the Western Express Highway has been shut for a long time. But, if you take a peep inside, you will find a bunch of children enjoying a swim in the water that has accummulated there during the monsoon. A shopkeeper nearby said there has been no maintenance work done here ever since the subway was shut. After someone broke open the grille gate, kids from the nearby slums come every day for a swim. The shopkeeper said, when warned against going inside and playing in the filthy, garbage-filled water, the children argue back and continue to come here. When mid-day attempted to contact Additional Municipal Commissioner Abhijeet Bangar and Girish Nikam, head of the roads and bridges department, through calls and messages, neither responded. Swapnaja Kshirsagar, assistant commissioner of H East ward, too, did not respond to queries. An official with the BMC, who did not wish to be identified, said that the subway has been closed after there were complaints of severe leakage inside. It now needs major repairs before it can be reopened. The job comes under the roads and bridges department.
22 November,2024 01:40 PM IST | Mumbai | Prajakta KasaleOld railway stations across the city will now have commercial and office space above them and on vacant land lying next to them. Nine of the 18 stations that are being upgraded on the Mumbai rail network have been shortlisted for this project. The four stations having spare space for commercial exploitation on elevated decks are Mulund, Khar Road, Bhayander and GTB Nagar. Meanwhile, Mankhurd, Bhandup, Dombivli, Kasara and Neral have vacant land around them. Of these stations, work at Khar Road on Western Railway is at an advanced stage of construction and is expected to be completed soon. The elevated deck at Khar Road station will be used for commercial purposes The station redevelopment project is being implemented by the Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation (MRVC). “Most of the stations on the Mumbai suburban section are more than 80 years old, are highly congested and commuter volumes have increased manifold since commissioning. Through the station redevelopment project, the identified suburban stations are being upgraded for increased passenger handling capacity and to enhance the overall passenger safety levels and experience at stations. This will result in decongestion of existing overcrowded stations and a reduction in the number of fatalities and injuries,” an official said. According to the official, a feasibility study was carried out by Knight Frank India Pvt Ltd, from August 2022 to October 2022, to assess the financial viability at the nine identified stations out of the 18 stations set for improvement under the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP). “Khar Road and Bhayandar of Western Railway were found feasible for retail/food and beverage outlets with a payback period of 5 and 7 years, respectively. The potential of the other Category II stations is not that lucrative and the payback period is about 17-19 years. The feasibility report by Knight Frank was shared with both, Central and Western Railway, and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) on March 24 and work began on the project,” he explained. Space at each station Stations with elevated deck Station Space availableMulund 597 sq mKhar Road 329 sq mBhayandar 1,044 sq mGTB Nagar 593 sq m Stations with vacant landMankhurd 1,315 sq mBhandup 966 sq mDombivli 1,046 sq mKasara 1,488 sq mNeral 1,503 sq m
22 November,2024 01:38 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarThe Maharashtra Assembly elections 2024 promise to be a pivotal event in the state’s political history. While the big players—Shiv Sena (various factions), BJP, Congress, and factions of NCP—are expected to dominate the headlines, the role of smaller political parties will be critical in shaping the final outcome. Their influence, though not always visible in statewide tallies, can disrupt equations in key constituencies and force larger parties to address localised concerns. Regional players in the spotlight: Smaller parties like the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), Vanchit Bahujan Aaghadi (VBA), All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM), and Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana (SSS), and other local entities, have carved niches in Maharashtra’s diverse political landscape. Their focused agendas, regional appeals, and the ability to target specific communities or issues often resonate with voters disillusioned with mainstream parties. “The strength of smaller parties lies in their ability to speak directly to the aspirations of neglected groups. Whether they win or not, they shift the conversation,” said political analyst Abhay Deshpande said. What leaders say about the role of smaller parties: Maharashtra Congress Chief Spokesperson Atul Londhe stated that smaller parties are unlikely to have a significant impact on the results of the Maharashtra Assembly elections 2024. "People are aware that the BJP wins due to vote division. However, they have become more aware and are now avoiding such divisions. Voters are casting their ballots for the candidates they want to see win. Therefore, I don't believe smaller parties will have any impact on the election results," Londhe said. He expressed confidence that the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) will secure a victory in the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections. "The MVA will win the elections comfortably and form the government in the state," Londhe said. Shiv Sena spokesperson and deputy leader Sheetal Mhatre stated that smaller parties will not have a major impact on the elections. "Smaller parties might win one or three seats, but they will only be important if the tally doesn't add up. So, I don't believe these parties will have any significant impact," she said. She said that the Mahayuti will win the elections with a majority. "We have observed the rise in women’s participation in the voting process, which reflects their approval of the government’s initiatives for them. We are confident that we will win this election with a majority," Mhatre said. Vote splitting: Smaller parties often act as vote-splitters, especially in constituencies where larger parties have a narrow margin. For instance, AIMIM’s targeted appeal among Muslim voters could challenge Congress-NCP’s traditional voter base. While the VBA, under Prakash Ambedkar, has a strong Dalit and OBC support base, focusing on caste equity and economic justice. These resonate with specific demographics and could compel major parties to adjust their manifestos. "VBA contested 193 seats in this election. The major vote base of VBA is SC (especially the Mahar community across Maharashtra) along with a section of the Muslim community as well (like in Akola). The VBA could not gather much traction in the 2024 Lok Sabha election which is quite evident from the fact that its Vote share in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections dropped from 7.1 per cent to 3.6 per cent in Maharashtra. After this performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the VBA founder Prakash Ambedkar started a state-wide rally called "Aarakshan Bachao Rally" on July 25, 2024. The idea was to fight for the reservation of SC/ST and OBCs in Maharashtra and signal to Manoj Jarange Patil that OBC's share of the reservation would not be less," Political analyst Ritwik Mehta said. "The VBA is always seen as a vote cutter in Maharashtra which eventually helps the BJP in many places where SC and Muslim populations in very high. Thus, VBA contesting at SC-dominated seats comes out to be a triangular fight between the Mahayuti, MVA, and VBA. There are more than 200 ACs in Maharashtra where SC population is more than 10%, thus increasing the significance of the VBA," he added. Mehta further said that the VBA has given Mahar community candidates in Vidarbha, Mumbai, North Maharashtra, and Western Maharashtra while it has given candidates from Dhangar, Vanjari, and Mali communities in the Marathwada region. "Thus, the VBA will might help the Mahayuti in Vidharbha, Mumbai, North Maharashtra and Western Maharashtra whereas damage a section of the vote bank of Mahayuti in Marathwada as Dhangar, Vanjari and Malis vote for the Mahayuti (BJP to be specific)," he said. "Similar to the VBA as well, the AIMIM also cuts into the Muslim votes, thus diverting them towards the INC or NCP (SCP) and eventually helping the BJP (MahaYuti). In the 2024 Assembly elections, the AIMIM contested around 20 seats. The voting pattern of the Muslim community has changed in the past few years as the community has also come to know that voting for the AIMIM eventually means helping the BJP. Therefore, its relevance in Maharashtra is lesser than the independent Muslim candidates. Also, it was quite evident in the Maharashtra elections this time (both Lok Sabha and Assembly elections) that the Muslim community will vote only for MVA as was announced by various Muslim community leaders," Mehta said. He feels that independent candidates are different from the regional parties but very important at the same time. "It is a known fact that political parties either fund strong leaders to contest as independent candidates to cut into the rival's vote share Or some leaders contest independently because they don't get a ticket. Before the Assembly elections, the Mahayuti and MVA were busy engaging with their party leaders who filled up the form as an independent. There are many constituencies where MVA is going to face damage because of their independent candidates while the MahaYuti managed its independent candidates quite well," Mehta said. "Let's understand from examples: Ramtek AC where the official candidate of MVA is Vishal Barbate from SS (UBT) and Mahayuti's candidate is Ashish Jaiswal (the incumbent MLA). On this AC, the INC leader Rajendra Mulak is contesting as an independent, and surprisingly, the whole INC cadre is backing Rajendra Mulak. The fight is between Ashish Jaiswal and Rajendra Mulak and thus MVA's candidate will surely lose. But if Rajendra Mulak wins, he will then join the MVA. Even in the BJP, the daughter of Vijay Kumar Gavit, Dr Hina Gavit is contesting as an Independent from Akkalkuwa constituency," he said. He further said that apart from this, other regional parties are BSP, GGP (which is more relevant in Vidarbha only), Prahar Jan Shakti Party which is relevant more in Amravati district, RPI (A) (has more hold in Mumbai region and supports MahYuti), Samajwadi Party (more relevance in Mumbai). Negotiation power: Smaller parties often negotiate with bigger coalitions for seat-sharing arrangements, leveraging their influence in specific regions. “Their localised strength often determines the terms of the alliance,” said political analyst Abhay Deshpande. Challenges for smaller parties: While their impact is undeniable, smaller parties face significant hurdles, including limited resources and the perception of being "vote-cutters." “For these parties to sustain their relevance, they must focus on building a consistent grassroots presence beyond election cycles,” noted Abhay Deshpande. Outlook for 2024: The Maharashtra assembly elections 2024 could see smaller parties asserting themselves as kingmakers in tightly contested seats. Their ability to galvanise specific voter blocs and force larger players to address niche issues makes them indispensable to Maharashtra’s political narrative. As Maharashtra gears up for a high-stakes election, all eyes will be on how these smaller entities leverage their influence to challenge the traditional powerhouses and redefine the state’s political landscape.
22 November,2024 01:35 PM IST | Mumbai | Ronak MastakarThe transgender community has raised its voice, seeking to be included under the "Ladki Bahin Yojana," a scheme launched last year in Maharashtra by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde aimed at making women economically independent. Many transgender individuals are school or college dropouts, and due to their limited education, often end up begging. They are questioning why they have been excluded from such a beneficial scheme that could help them achieve economic independence. A 46-year-old trans leader Neeta Kene from Kinnar Asmita Foundation said “A trans leader Dr Sanvi Jethwani had met the Chief Minister Eknath Shinde requesting him to include the trans community too under the Laadki Bahin scheme. Despite receiving assurance from him, we did not get any benefit till date. Are we not the ‘Bahin’ (sister)? Why are we often neglected?” “All the government-run schemes including Laadki Bahin Yojana should be made transgender-friendly,” she said. “There is no problem in making voter ID cards, but we have to struggle a lot to make Aadhaar cards and PAN cards. And in the sheer lack of these crucial documents (Aadhaar/PAN cards), we cannot avail facilities of other schemes designed to benefit transgender. So, our transgender identity card should be made a legal document to avail all the government schemes,” she said. Meanwhile, a trans advocate Dr Pawan Yadav said, “We are thankful to the ECI for giving us the opportunity to cast our votes in the democracy, but we have been excluded in the Laadki Bahin Yojana of the state government. I would request the government to include us also in the same scheme so that we can also avail the benefit.” “We would unanimously demand from the officials concerned to reserve at least one seat in the state Assembly for our community so that the elected member can understand the problem and raise the issues in the Assembly,” Dr Yadav told mid-day. Adding further, Dr Yadav said, “In a bid to uplift the living conditions of our community, a Maharashtra Transgender Welfare Board has been constituted in the state, but it has been lying dysfunctional for months. If it is made active, at least somehow the community can reap benefits.” “We don’t easily get houses on rent and when we approach the police to complain, our complaints go unheard. So, society needs to be sensitised so that we can also live our life happily,” said Dr Yadav. Voting for better lifestyle A group of transgenders used their democratic rights in Virar on Wednesday. They said they have voted so that their lifestyle can change. They thanked the Election Commission of India for allowing the community to use their democratic rights. Talking to mid-day, 30-year-old Alia Pawar said that the life of a transgender is very tough, ‘as hardly people come to help us to uplift.’ “People talk a lot about our community but the ground reality remains unchanged. Today I am working as a computer operator at Vasai Tahsildar office but our life is full of struggle,” said Pawar. “Almost all the transgenders, who joined me today in using our democratic rights in Virar, are into the begging business. They are either school or college dropouts. We are not pro or against any government but our lifestyle must change,” Pawar said. “We struggle to share workstations at government offices, people call us to seek blessings but they do not want to share their dining table with us. This needs to change, so we have voted to bring changes in our lifestyle,” Pawar said. The transgenders also voted at Byculla and Jogeshwari.
22 November,2024 10:31 AM IST | Mumbai | Diwakar SharmaVanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) leader Prakash Ambedkar, on Friday, announced that his party would align with whichever group in the Maharashtra assembly elections holds the numbers to form the next government. Ambedkar, the grandson of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, made this statement through a post on the social media platform X, emphasising that the VBA would choose to support the side capable of forming the government. "If VBA gets the numbers tomorrow to support a party or an alliance to form the government in Maharashtra, we will choose to be with one who can form the government. We will choose power!" wrote the prominent Dalit leader in his post, signalling the party's pragmatic approach to the upcoming political manoeuvrings. The Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi has fielded 200 candidates in the 2024 Maharashtra assembly polls. In the 2019 state elections, the party had contested in 236 constituencies, but despite its efforts, it failed to secure a single seat. However, it did manage a vote share of 5.5 percent in the seats it contested, indicating some support among the electorate. The 2024 Maharashtra assembly elections concluded with voting on November 20, and the results are set to be declared on November 23. Ambedkar’s party has positioned itself as a significant player in the post-election negotiations, as the outcome will depend on the distribution of seats among the various major parties and alliances vying for power in the state. Political observers are keenly watching the VBA's next move, as Ambedkar’s statement signals the party's readiness to play a pivotal role in forming the next government in Maharashtra. The Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi’s potential influence in the power struggle could reshape the political landscape in the state, with Ambedkar highlighting the party’s aim to support the strongest and most viable government formation. As per PTI reports, the post-election developments will be crucial in determining whether VBA’s 200 candidates will be able to translate their votes into substantial power, especially in a state where alliances and numbers often play a critical role in deciding the outcome of government formation. (With inputs from PTI)
22 November,2024 10:27 AM IST | MumbaiADVERTISEMENT
