A special court on Friday acquitted former Maharashtra minister Omprakash alias Bachchu Kadu in a 2011 case of slapping a clerk at the Mantralaya, the state secretariat in south Mumbai, reported the PTI. Special court judge A U Kadam, hearing cases related to MPs and MLAs, acquitted Kadu, an independent legislator from Achalpur in Amravati district of Maharashtra. Details of the order are not available yet, as per the PTI. Bachchu Kadu heads the Prahar Janshakti Party (PJP) and supports the Mahayuti government in the state. As per the complaint, Bachchu Kadu had assaulted a clerk working with the Public Health Department at the Mantralaya in January 2011, for allegedly demanding money from a person who had been shortlisted to be appointed as a medical officer. The MLA slapped the employee and dragged him by holding his hand to the cabin of the personal assistant of the then health minister Suresh Shetty, the complainant said, adding that he did not have anything to do with the appointment of a doctor. Based on the complaint filed by the victim, a case was registered against Bachchu Kadu at the Marine Drive police station under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections 332 (preventing a public servant from discharging duty) and 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharging duty). In an another incident in July this year, some supporters of independent MLA Bachchu Kadu were reportedly detained after they protested near Mantralaya in south Mumbai against online gaming and gambling, an official had said, reported the PTI. Bachchu Kadu and his supporters reportedly assembled near the Mahatma Gandhi statue at the state secretariat building on July 10. They had brought placards and banners demanding a ban on online gaming and gambling through mobile apps. As the MLA started his agitation, police rushed to the spot and urged them to protest at Azad Maidan near Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT). The MLA then went to Vidhan Bhavan as the monsoon session was underway, the official had earlier said. However, his supporters kept protesting, following which they were detained and taken to the Marine Drive police station, he had said. (with PTI inputs)
22 November,2024 05:37 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentBharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) National Secretary Vinod Tawde has demanded an apology from Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, for making "false and baseless" allegations against him in the cash-for-votes incident in Maharashtra and warned that if the two leaders failed to do so, he would sue them for defamation. A day before the Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024 on Tuesday, Bahujan Vikas Aghadi (BVA), a regional party, accused Tawde of distributing Rs 5 crore to woo voters in a hotel in Virar, near Mumbai. The former Maharashtra Minister claiming innocence, said that the alleged amount was not recovered in the probe by the Election Commission and the police. "The Congress only believes in spreading lies, and this incident is a proof of the party's low level politics to dent me and my party's image," Tawde said. Along with Kharge and Gandhi, Tawde has also accused party spokesperson Supriya Shrinate after she seized on the row to accuse BJP of using money power to influence the Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024, which concluded on Wednesday. According to news agency PTI, the legal notice sent to the three Congress leaders on the grounds that they were aware that they were pushing a "totally false story fabricated" by them. "You all have deliberately, mischievously with the sole intention of damaging the reputation of our client intentionally fabricated the story distribution of money. You all have published false, baseless allegations against our client on various media for tarnishing his image in the eyes of right thinking people in the society," the notice read. The Congress leaders were in a "great hurry" to damage Tawde's reputation, they did not bother to check the fact despite knowing the entire fact they made the false, baseless allegations, PTI stated quoting the notice. "The entire imputation made by you all are totally false, baseless, malicious and mala fide and as our client is in no way involved in any such illegal activity and as a responsible office bearer of the national political party he is aware of his duties," it added. Tawde has demanded an "unconditional apology" within 24 hours from the time the receipt of the notice, which was sent on Thursday, and published in newspapers and X. If they do not offer apology, then Tawde will initiate criminal proceedings under Section 356, which covers defamation of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and also civil proceedings for the damages of Rs 100 crore against the three Congress leaders, the notice said. (With PTI inputs)
22 November,2024 05:33 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Thane Police in Maharashtra on Friday issued traffic diversions and restrictions ahead of Maharashtra Assembly election 2024 results. The traffic arrangements were made for the vote counting day on Saturday, November 23, the officials said. In a traffic notification, the police said that in connection with the Maharashtra Assembly elections 2024, special traffic restrictions have been issued for the counting of votes. The vote counting will take place at various locations in the Ulhasnagar, Dombivli, Ambernath, Kalyan, and Wagle traffic sub-divisions, leading to changes in traffic flow to ensure smooth operations and avoid congestion. The Thane police also shared key traffic updates: Ambernath Sub-Division: Forest Naka: All heavy vehicles traveling from Badlapur towards Ambernath, Ulhasnagar, and Kalyan will be diverted. They will need to take an alternate route via Nevali Naka and other directions. DMC Chowk: Motorcycles and rickshaws going to Ambernath Railway Station will be stopped at DMC Chowk and diverted through other roads. Sai Baba Temple: Heavy vehicles from Ulhasnagar heading to Ambernath will be diverted at this point. They will take the Shri Ram Chowk route instead. Matka Chowk: Vehicles like motorcycles, rickshaws, and small vehicles from Ulhasnagar towards Ambernath will be restricted here. They will be diverted via Hutatma Chowk and other local routes. Suhrut Hospital: Vehicles from Ambernath Railway Station West towards Mahatma Gandhi Chowk will face entry restrictions and be diverted through alternate routes. These restrictions will be in place from 6 am to 11 pm on November 23, the traffic notification said. विधानसभा सार्वत्रिक निवडणुक 2024 च्या अनुषंगाने वाहतूक विभागाकडुन दिनांक२३/११/२०२४ रोजी असणाऱ्या मतमोजणी प्रक्रीये करीता उल्हासनगर, डोंबिवली , अंबरनाथ, कल्याण, वागळे वाहतूक उपविभाग हद्दीतील वाहतूकी संदर्भात काढण्यात आलेल्या अधिसुचना pic.twitter.com/at5BoT7aVT — Thane City Police -ठाणे शहर पोलीस (@ThaneCityPolice) November 22, 2024 Kalyan Sub-Division: Maharaj Agresen Chowk: Vehicles traveling towards Vasant Valley (near Dmart) will be stopped here and diverted via alternative roads. Wellness for Ever Medical Chowk: Vehicles traveling in the opposite direction will also be diverted to ensure smooth traffic. Nikky Nagar: Vehicles will be diverted towards Moraya Hospital Chowk and other routes to avoid congestion near the counting center at the University Sub-center, Gandhar Nagar, Kalyan West. These restrictions will be effective from 5 am until the completion of the vote counting process, the traffic notification stated. Wagle Sub-Division: Dharmveer Chowk: Vehicles from Junagav and Kailasnagar heading towards IDI College will be restricted. They will be diverted through Road No. 28 via Hanuman Nagar. The traffic control measures will be implemented from 5 am until the completion of the counting process on Saturday. The traffic police has urged motorists to follow the designated routes and cooperate with the traffic police to avoid disruptions on the day of the vote counting.
22 November,2024 04:01 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA Thane court sentenced two men to seven years of rigorous imprisonment for stabbing and injuring a man over a financial dispute in 2015, reported news agency PTI. Additional sessions judge Abhay N Sirsikar sentenced Maulabaksh Mehandihasan Mansuri (57) and Rajji Ahmed Nabibaksh Mansuri (47) and imposed a fine of Rs 1,000 each. A copy of the order passed on November 14 was made available on Thursday. Additional public prosecutor Rashmi Kshirsagar informed the Thane court that the attack occurred on the night of March 26 2015, when the victim, Kamruddin, and his younger brother Sultan, confronted the accused in a public place in Thane's Rabodi locality, reported PTI. Kamruddin sought Rs 8 lakh that his father had given to Maulabaksh for an investment with a promise of monthly interest, which was never paid, she said. During the altercation, Maulabaksh allegedly pulled out a knife and assaulted the victim with the help of his brother-in-law. The victim sustained stab wounds to his stomach and chin, reported PTI. A case was reported under sections 307 (attempted murder), 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace) and 506 (2) (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code. The defence counsel urged the court to show leniency, citing that this was their first offence. However, the court deemed the gravity of their actions too severe to warrant any leniency. Thane court acquits man of daughter’s kidnap and murder In October, a sessions court in Maharashtra’s Thane district has acquitted a 34-year-old man facing charges for the kidnap and murder of his eight-year-old daughter nearly three years ago, citing lack of evidence. In his order dated October 10, a copy of which was made available on Thursday, Principal District and Sessions Judge S B Agrawal held that the prosecution had failed to back its claims against Anis Mohammad Khan Maldar. As per the prosecution, Maldar was addicted to gambling and would often have minor disagreements with his wife. When his wife was at a hospital on December 3, 2021, she received a call from her husband shortly after midnight saying he had killed their daughter Mahira. Advocate Sagar R Kolhe, who represented Maldar, successfully argued that there were inconsistencies in the prosecution’s claims. “There is no motive attributed to the accused for killing his daughter...the informant (wife) admitted that she used to have minor quarrels with the accused and that the accused loved Mahira,” observed the judge. The court also pointed to discrepancies in the accounts of the policemen who responded to the scene. “As far as kidnapping is concerned, admittedly the accused was the father of the victim, and I fail to understand how an offence of kidnapping would be made out against the accused,” the judge noted. Acquitting Maldar, the court held that the prosecution had failed to establish the charges against him beyond reasonable doubt. (With inputs from PTI)
22 November,2024 03:05 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentSameer Wankhede, former zonal director of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), has urged the Bombay High Court to transfer the probe into an atrocities case against NCP leader Nawab Malik to an independent agency like the CBI, reported PTI. Wankhede, an additional commissioner in the Directorate General of Taxpayer Services and a member of the Mahar Scheduled Caste, alleged in his plea that police inaction in the matter has caused him and his family significant mental distress and humiliation, reported PTI. The Indian Revenue Services (IRS) officer had in August 2022 lodged a complaint with the suburban Goregaon police against Malik under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, reported PTI. The complaint alleged that Malik had during interviews and on social media made defamatory remarks against Wankhede and his family members based on his caste. Malik has neither been arrested in the atrocities case nor has the chargesheet been filed till date. In his petition filed on November 20 in HC, Wankhede claimed that the police have not probed the matter yet. He has sought the atrocities case to be transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), reported PTI. The IRS officer also sought for the probe to be monitored by the court. The petition is likely to be taken up for hearing on November 28, reported PTI. "The lackadaisical approach of the police machinery has caused grave injustice to the pain and mental distress suffered by the petitioner (Wankhede) and his family members on being humiliated and defamed on the basis of their caste and race," the plea said, reported PTI. It added that in 2021, Wankhede's father had filed a defamation suit in HC against Malik and the court had then directed the leader from the NCP, headed by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, to desist from making any further remarks. Despite the restraining order, Malik continued to make slanderous and defamatory comments against Wankhede and his family members, the petition claimed. "The respondent no. 2 (Malik) wields political power and has hence influenced the police machinery and thereby tampering with the probe in the case," it added, reported PTI. Wankhede claimed that Malik made the remarks after he arrested his son-in-law Sameer Khan in a drug case in 2021. The IRS officer alleged that after Sameer Khan's arrest, Malik launched a sustained campaign to defame and humiliate him and his family on social media and television, targeting their caste and questioning the authenticity of Wankhede's caste certificate, reported PTI. Earlier, the officer had also filed a complaint with the Scheduled Caste Commission in October 2021, seeking action against Malik. Wankhede had come under the spotlight after his then NCB team arrested actor Shah Rukh Khan's son Aryan Khan following an alleged drug seizure on board the Cordelia cruise ship in Mumbai in October 2021. Aryan was granted bail by the high court after three weeks. (With inputs from PTI)
22 November,2024 02:55 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTwo boys drowned while their friend is missing after they entered a lake in Maharashtra's Thane district, an official said on Friday, reported news agency PTI. The teenagers, in the age group of 13-15, went to the water body in Bhiwandi in the Thane district on Thursday evening for a bath. However, they started sinking, the official said, reported PTI. After being alerted by the locals, firemen rushed to the spot and fished out the bodies of 13-year-olds Gulab Ansari and Sahil Sheikh, reported PTI. A search is underway to trace the third teen, said an official from the Bhiwandi Town police station. Newborn girl's body found in Thane district; two women detained Police have detained two women after the body of a newborn girl was found in a duct of a building in Maharashtra's Thane district, an official said on Friday, reported PTI. Police suspect the baby died after she was dumped in the building duct in the Ambernath area on the intervening night of Wednesday-Thursday, reported PTI. Two women have been detained and a probe is underway to ascertain if the newborn's mother is involved in the crime, the official added. Man held for killing 3-year-old niece in Thane district A 38-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly killing his sister's 3-year-old daughter and trying to burn the body in Maharashtra's Thane district, an official said on Friday, reported PTI. The child from the Ulhasnagar area went missing on November 18 and her partially burnt body was recovered from the bushes near a police station Thursday, reported PTI. Acting on technical inputs and human intelligence, police took the child's uncle into custody. An official said the girl fell and died after the accused slapped her over something, reported PTI. The accused then set the body on fire to destroy it, said senior inspector Anil Jagtap of the Hill Line police station, adding that a probe is underway. (With inputs from PTI)
22 November,2024 02:40 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentIn a dramatic incident early Friday morning, a speeding BMW rammed into the boundary wall of Sarita Apartments at Bandstand, Bandra West, causing significant damage but fortunately resulting in no injuries. The crash, which occurred around 4:30 a.m., involved driver Sachin Poojari, who was at the wheel of his friend Fedriqc Femanto’s car. According to the Bandra police, Poojari lost control of the vehicle and mistakenly stepped on the accelerator instead of the brake, leading to the collision. The impact caused the society’s wall to collapse, but no residents or passersby were harmed. “The driver was immediately taken for a medical examination to determine if alcohol was a factor. The results confirmed he was not under the influence,” said a police official. The Bandra police are currently in the process of registering an FIR in the matter and will further investigate the circumstances leading to the accident. Residents of Sarita Apartments expressed relief that the crash occurred during the early hours when the area was relatively deserted, avoiding potential casualties. Meanwhile, efforts are underway to assess the damage to the property.
22 November,2024 02:36 PM IST | Mumbai | Shirish NadkarniIn 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 | MumbaiADVERTISEMENT
