In his first election rally in Maharashtra, PM Narendra Modi launched a scathing attack on the Congress, calling the arch rival an anti-national force that conspired to divide the society. He gave a slogan 'ek hai to safe hai' (united we are safe) to stand guard against the Congress's alleged plot. Modi kicked off the campaign in Dhule, tribal dominated Lok Sabha segment where the BJP had lost by a slender margin. In his introductory remarks, DY CM Devendra Fadnavis blamed the Dhule defeat on 'vote jihad' in the Muslim-dominated Malegaon Assembly constituency. Modi came down heavily on the Congress' first family of Gandhi. He said, starting from Jawaharlal Nehru to Rahul Gandhi, the family was against the development of scheduled castes, scheduled tribes and other backward classes. He accused the Congress of protecting terrorism, separatists and Pakistani agenda by passing a resolution in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly that Article 370 be reinstated. "They don't want Babasaheb Ambedkar's Constitution in Jammu and Kashmir," he said, calling out the Congress for spreading a fake narrative about SCs and STs in Maharashtra that their quota would go. Modi said it was BJP under Atal Bihari Vajpayee that created a separate ministry and departments for STs. "After Nehru came Indira. They didn't want representation for the SCs and STs. Rajiv Gandhi opposed the OBC quota. They knew that their political shop will close down if SC, ST and OBC are strengthened. Yuvraj (Rahul Gandhi) is also doing the same. The Congress is instigating communities to fight against each other," added Modi. The PM said there could be no bigger conspiracy against India than the divisive politics of Congress. "Ek hai to safe hai," he said, asking the people to be united to stop Congress. "Mahatma Gandhi wanted to dissolve the Congress because he knew what would ail the party. The Congress has been part of divisive conspiracies. It cut Kashmir off the mainstream. The Constitution did not apply in Jammu and Kashmir for 75 years. What was the reason that Babasaheb Ambedkar's Constitution was not implemented there? But when Modi came, he ended everything," said the PM, adding that the Congress's plans would not succeed as long as he had people's blessings. Modi said the MVA vehicle has no wheels and the combine fought for the driver's seat. He assured that the pace of development the state had seen in the last two years would continue. "The development in Maharashtra will reach a new high in the next five years," he said. "We have also seen MVA's government. They first looted the government and then looted the people. They opposed projects like metro, Vadhvan port, Samruddhi marg. They stalled every project. Remember where there is BJP-Mahayuti there is momentum (of development)" he said. He said 'his friend' Devendra Fadnavis and CM Eknath Shinde along with Ajit Pawar had compiled a 10 point vachan-nama (guarantees) promised the development of all sectors and individuals across the state. "In fact, it is a road map of future development. This will be a foundation for Maharashtra and India's growth," he said while praising the state leaders, especially Fadnavis, the party's face in Maharashtra. Modi stressed upon the welfare of women, blaming the Congress for delaying the emergency of women power in India. "The Congress laughed when we started schemes for women welfare," he said, recalling how the Congress leaders had approached the courts to stall the Ladki Bahin Yojana that has been appreciated across the country. "They have decided to stop the Ladki Bahin if they come to power," Modi told the audience asking them whether they wanted the scheme scrapped. He also mentioned an incident in which a MVA leader has been accused of using a foul language against Mahayuti's female candidate in Mumbai. Double engine sarkar has worked wonders in Maharashtra, he said, adding that the state was number one in FDI and overall investments. He touched upon every possible vote based, including farmers and unemployed youth. He promised Fadnavis that the Centre would construct a greenfield airport near upcoming Vadhvan Port, the biggest in the country. "Maharashtra has given me wholeheartedly whatever I demanded. I came here in 2014 Assembly elections and asked you for a BJP government. You have us unprecedented victory. I'm here again. I'm beginning the campaign from here. Please bless all candidates of BJP-Mahayuti," he appealed to the rally that would also influence the neighbouring ST-dominated Nandurbar district.
08 November,2024 02:56 PM IST | Mumbai | Dharmendra JoreUnion Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) will be wiped out in Maharashtra in the Maharashtra assembly elections 2024 the same way the Congress faced a defeat in Haryana, reported news agency PTI. He also said that while Uddhav Thackeray wants his son (Aaditya Thackeray) to become the chief minister of Maharashtra and Sharad Pawar wishes the same for his daughter (Supriya Sule), there are a number of leaders in the Congress who are vying for the post. Shah was addressing an election rally at Shirala in Sangli district to garner support for BJP candidates from Shirala and Islampur constituencies ahead of the Maharashtra assembly elections 2024. "If MVA comes to power in Maharashtra by mistake, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray wants to make his son the chief minister, (Sharad) Pawar saheb wants the post for his daughter and there are a dozen leaders in the Congress who have already stitched clothes to become the CM," Shah said, reported PTI. The former BJP president said those who wish to make their sons the chief minister should work for the welfare of people of Shirala. "The development of this region can only happen by Devendra Fadnavis, Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar's Mahayuti under the leadership of Modiji. We want to tell you that whatever promises Modi ji makes, they are fulfilled," he said, reported PTI. But whatever promises that are made by Congress leaders, are never fulfilled, he alleged. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge himself says that whatever promises his party makes are imaginary, Shah claimed, reported PTI. Expressing confidence that Mahayuti will win the state elections, Shah said, "These MVA people had purchased crackers worth crores of rupees thinking that they will win Haryana, but in most of the places, they gave their crackers to the BJP workers. In Haryana, the Congress was wiped out. Similarly, the Aghadi will be wiped out in Maharashtra as BJP will form a government," he said, reported PTI. Maha Vikas Aghadi a vehicle sans wheels and brakes: PM Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi in Maharashtra is a vehicle that has neither wheels nor brakes, and there is a fight there to sit on the driver's seat. Addressing his first rally in the state for the November 20 assembly elections, PM Modi said only the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance will ensure speedy development of Maharashtra. "You all know my affinity with Maharashtra," PM Modi said. "We consider people as another form of god, but some people are in politics to loot people," PM Modi said, addressing the rally in north Maharashtra's Dhule district. (With inputs from PTI)
08 November,2024 02:53 PM IST | Sangli | mid-day online correspondentAs Maharashtra assembly elections 2024 draw near, one of the most high-profile battles is unfolding in the Worli assembly constituency, as the seat is going to witness a contest between two factions of one of the major regional parties, Shiv Sena and Shiv Sena (UBT). Shiv Sena has announced Milind Deora as the Mahayuti candidate from Worli, whereas, Shiv Sena (UBT) has fielded Aaditya Thackeray as the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) candidate from the seat. In an interview with ANI, Mahayuti's candidate Milind Deora shared his vision for the development of Mumbai and the state of Maharashtra. He also took a dig at the opposition, especially Aaditya Thackeray, saying that they are creating hurdles in the path of every development project. Attacking him further, Deora said he focused on "negative politics." "The Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has a vision to rapidly progress Mumbai and Maharashtra, but unfortunately, the opposition, especially MLA Aditya Thackeray, is creating obstacles. He brought speed breakers to every development project. They've slowed down Mumbai's metro, India's largest port, and even the Ladki Bahen scheme for women's empowerment. Our goal is to remove these obstacles and move forward swiftly, as Maharashtra contributes significantly to India's economy, nearly 20 per cent. Mumbai's metropolitan region is crucial for Maharashtra's progress," he told ANI. As both Milind Deora and Aaditya Thackeray belonged to the same party at one time, the Shiv Sena leader also opened up about his relationship with Thackeray and said that both share a good bond, however, Deora tries to keep the elections political and not personal. "Aditya and I have a good bond, but I never make elections personal it's a political battle. My main goal is to ensure justice for Mumbai and Maharashtra's citizens. We'll remove any obstacles (speed breakers) to achieve this. Unfortunately, Aditya Thackeray has focused on negative politics for the past 5 years, wasting the opportunity to do constructive work," Milind Deora told ANI. Praising CM Eknath Shinde, Deora exuded confidence that the people will cast their vote in favour of Shinde as, according to him, he is the "most accessible Chief Minister." "I'm confident that the public will decide to vote for Shinde Sahab's leadership, as they want an accessible Chief Minister who is available and meets their needs, and I proudly say he's one of the most accessible Chief Ministers in the country. Under his leadership, people will certainly cast their votes," Deora told ANI. He also rubbished the 'traitor' remarks by Maha Vikas Aghadi and said the "biggest traitors" are those who betrayed the ideology of Balasaheb Thackeray. "My father and Balasaheb Thackeray were close friends. The biggest traitor is whoever betrays Balasaheb's ideology and stabs him in the back. The public will decide, and loyal Shiv Sainiks who follow Balasaheb's ideology will vote for the Dhanush Ban (symbol of Shiv Sena Eknath Shinde faction)," Deora said. He also criticised Raj Thackeray and said, "Some politicians lack consistency, often supporting different parties and making U-turns. We don't take them seriously and don't need to respond to them. We'll focus on showcasing our positive work to the people." Deora further slammed Maha Vikash Aghadi over their manifesto and said that they were initially criticising Ladli Behen Yojana but now they are launching a similar scheme "Mahalaxmi Yojana." "It's ironic that Congress leaders initially criticized the Ladli Bahna Yojana, vowed to scrap it if they came to power, and even went to court to stop it. Now, they're launching a similar scheme, Mahalaxmi Yojana, in their manifesto. If they genuinely wanted to introduce such a scheme, why did they oppose the Ladli Bahna scheme in court?" Deora remarked, reported ANI. The Maharashtra assembly elections 2024 are scheduled for November 20, with votes for all 288 constituencies to be counted on November 23. The opposition MVA coalition, comprising Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and the Nationalist Congress Party (SCP), seeks to reclaim power in the state, challenging the Mahayuti alliance, which includes Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Ajit Pawar-led NCP. In the 2019 Maharashtra assembly elections, the BJP won 105 seats, Shiv Sena secured 56, and Congress 44. In 2014, the BJP won 122 seats, Shiv Sena 63, and Congress 42. (With inputs from ANI)
08 November,2024 02:44 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentBetween October 15, when the model code of conduct for Maharashtra assembly elections 2024 came into force, and November 5, authorities in Thane district have seized liquor, drugs and freebies worth Rs 13.26 crore, officials have said, reported news agency PTI. A total of 209 FIRs have been registered in connection with the seizures, Thane Collector Ashok Shingare said during a review meeting with Special Observer (Expenses) B R Balakrishnan on Wednesday, according to an official statement. Shingare shared a presentation on key numbers associated with the upcoming polls in the Thane district, which has 72,29,339 voters spread across 18 assembly segments. Of them, 22,82,882 are women and 1,415 are from the third gender category. The district has 1,72,981 voters in the age group of 18-19 years, 38,149 persons with disabilities eligible to cast their ballots and 56,976 voters above the age of 85. A total of 30,868 staff will man the election process in the district, Shingare said. The Maharashtra assembly elections 2024 to the 288-member state assembly will be held on November 20 and votes will be counted on November 23. Amid model code, Mumbai police seize Rs 2.3 crore cash, detain 12 persons In the run-up to the Maharashtra assembly elections 2024, police have seized Rs 2.3 crore cash from 12 persons at Kalbadevi in south Mumbai, officials said on Friday. Acting on inputs, a team of Lokmanya Tilak Marg police station and poll officials intercepted a group of people on Thursday night. While a search led to the discovery of Rs 2.3 crore, the individuals could neither produce any documents linked to the cash nor explain why they were carrying so much money, an official said. As the model code of conduct for the state elections is in force, surveillance teams formed on the instructions of the Election Commission are checking the movement of potential inducements like cash, liquor, and other items. After paperwork and questioning, which went on till the early hours of Friday, the money was seized and the 12 persons carrying the cash were detained, he said. The cash was later handed over to the Income Tax department for further probe, the official added. (With inputs from PTI)
08 November,2024 02:17 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentThe Maharashtra government has decided to take action against 257 students from the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category who, while claiming reservation benefits as Hindu tribal candidates, were found to be practicing religions other than Hinduism, reported news agency ANI. An investigation carried out by a special committee of the Maharashtra government earlier found that out of 13,858 students who had registered themselves under the ST category, 257 were practising religions other than Hinduism. These students had obtained a certificate as a Hindu ST to avail of the reservation benefit before converting to some other religion. The office of the state Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha issued a statement on Thursday, which said that the matter was raised regarding students from the ST category during the 2023 Industrial Training Institutes (ITI) admission process. Those students who got converted to other religions, continue to benefit from the reservations designated for tribal communities. In light of this concern, minister Lodha had ordered a comprehensive investigation during the state legislature's 2023 winter session. "As a result of the special committee's findings, the Maharashtra Skill Development Department has decided to take action against the students involved. The committee's report has been forwarded to the state Tribal Development Department, which will be responsible for further proceedings and enforcement of necessary actions," the statement said. In addition to addressing the misuse of reservations, the committee also proposed several measures to safeguard the cultural heritage, traditions and practices of the tribal communities. These recommendations, aimed at preserving the tribal identity, have been submitted to the Tribal Development Department for consideration, it said. (With inputs from ANI)
08 November,2024 01:50 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAhead of the assembly elections in Maharashtra, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma launched an all-out attack against Congress and alleged that if there is anyone against the Constitution in this country, it is the Congress. CM Sharma said that Congress opposed Article 370 and said that people will teach them a lesson (in the Maharashtra elections). "...Congress has always opposed the removal of Article 370... Congress always supports terrorism and separatism. A few days ago, (Congress MP) Rahul Gandhi met those people who said that India would be divided. Their mindset is clearly visible. Are they working in the interest of the country or against the country? The people of the country will teach them a lesson," CM Sai told ANI. The senior BJP leader further added that Congress imposed an emergency in 1975 and allegedly toppled the elected governments during its rule. The BJP leader also hit back at Rahul Gandhi, "If there is anyone against the Constitution in this country, it is the Congress. Congress toppled elected governments. They have forgotten what happened in 1975, Emergency was imposed, and censorship was imposed on everything, including the media. What was that?..." CM Sharma also highlighted the achievements of the BJP-led Centre in the last ten years under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "...The work done in Rajasthan within 10 months under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is historic... You must have seen the changes in the country after 2014, whether it is our poor welfare schemes, our development schemes, whether it is the end of terrorism and Naxalism, or India's growing respect in the world, you must have seen all this after 2014...," CM Sharma said. CM Sharma added, "I want to tell you, this Congress and its Mahagathbandhan, this is not an alliance, this is a 'thugbandhan'..." Earlier in the day, CM Sharma during his visit to Maharashtra attended an event in Solapur. The Maharashtra Assembly elections are scheduled for November 20, with counting for all 288 constituencies on November 23. In the 2019 assembly elections, the BJP won 105 seats, Shiv Sena secured 56, and Congress took 44. In 2014, the BJP won 122 seats, Shiv Sena 63, and Congress 42. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
08 November,2024 11:46 AM IST | Mumbai | ANIAhead of the Maharashtra Assembly elections, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Kirit Somaiya has made serious allegations against the Congress, accusing the party of inciting the Muslim community in the name of religion. Somaiya likened Congress’s actions to the pre-independence Muslim League, claiming they were promoting communal division. Speaking to ANI, Somaiya stated, "Congress has become the pre-1947 Muslim League. They are inciting Muslims in the name of religion and have even promised to fulfil all their wishes." His remarks came as the BJP intensified its election campaign in the state, focusing on what it termed as the divisive tactics used by the opposition. Somaiya further emphasised the BJP’s intention to counter the Congress’s actions by engaging directly with the people of Maharashtra. "Our party workers will go door to door to make people aware of Congress’s policies. We will highlight the importance of staying united because, as we say, ‘batenge toh katenge’," he added. Kirit Somaiya also took to Twitter, stating, "I have filed a complaint with the Election Commission against Marathi Muslim Seva Sangh and 400 such NGOs for provoking Muslims for Vote Jihad, trying to exploit religious feelings, which may result in riots." I have filled complaint with Election Commission against Provoking Religious FeelingsMarathi Muslim Seva Sangh & such 400 NGO's for Provoking Muslims for Vote JIHAD. Trying to exploit religious feelings, which may result into RiotsInvestigation of 400 NGO's, Source of Funds pic.twitter.com/lj5tfYc3aC — Kirit Somaiya (@KiritSomaiya) November 8, 2024 The controversy follows recent statements from other BJP leaders accusing the opposition of making empty promises. Earlier this week, Union Minister G Kishan Reddy criticised the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition’s election guarantees, describing them as false. He pointed out that Congress had failed to implement similar promises in other states like Telangana, Himachal Pradesh, and Karnataka after assuming power. "The guarantees put forward by the Maha Vikas Aghadi are false. Congress has been in power in three states—Telangana, Himachal Pradesh, and Karnataka—and they have not fulfilled any of their election promises in these states," Reddy stated to ANI. Meanwhile, the opposition alliance MVA, which includes Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), recently announced five major promises ahead of the Maharashtra elections. At a joint rally in Mumbai, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and other senior leaders outlined their manifesto, which includes the Mahalakshmi Yojana, a scheme aimed at benefiting women. Under the plan, Rs 3,000 will be provided every month to one woman in each family, alongside free bus travel for women. The rally saw prominent leaders such as Rahul Gandhi, Sharad Pawar, and Udhav Thackeray rallying behind the MVA’s election promises. Gandhi, who unveiled the Mahalakshmi Yojana, stressed the importance of empowering women in Maharashtra. The state’s 288 assembly constituencies will go to the polls on November 20, with the vote count scheduled for November 23. As per ANI, Somaiya’s comments are part of the ongoing political rhetoric between the BJP and Congress as both parties vie for control in the upcoming elections. The outcome of the polls will significantly influence Maharashtra’s political landscape in the coming years. (With inputs from ANI)
08 November,2024 11:38 AM IST | MumbaiAhead of the Maharashtra Assembly election beginning November 20, police officers and security personnel across Mumbai have been asked to remain present for the duty without fail. Officials aware of the matter said that anyone who remains absent from their duties for extended periods, whether due to illness or other genuine reasons, should be prepared for strict departmental action, with some potentially facing suspension. Officials said that a special police force is essential to maintain smooth operations, particularly during the city’s election period. Mumbai police stations are already operating with a reduced workforce, necessitating additional forces from outside. It has been observed that many officers and personnel remain absent for extended periods, often citing various reasons, which consistently results in shortages of staff and impacts effective arrangements. “Over 200 police personnel assigned to various police stations across Mumbai are currently on leave for various reasons, including some who have not reported for duty in over a month. We have sent notices to them to report back immediately,” said a police officer on condition of anonymity. A similar situation occurred during the Lok Sabha elections. “We are once again facing these issues during the Assembly elections,” added the officer. Joint Commissioner of Police (Admin) S Jaykumar said that the department has sent notices to police officers and personnel who have remained absent from their duties. So far, around 70 police personnel have rejoined, however, many still remain on leave. “We have sent notices to around 200 police personnel, out of which 70 have rejoined their duties recently, and we hope the remaining would rejoin soon, otherwise, they would face departmental inquiry and action,” said Joint Commissioner of Police (Admin) S Jaykumar. In the past as well, action was taken against police personnel who remained absent for a long period without valid reasons, with their salaries being stopped. However, after their cases were reviewed, the reasons for their absence—serious illness or other legitimate causes—were uncovered through a departmental inquiry, following which their salaries were subsequently restored. It has, however, been observed that despite departmental inquiries and actions, some police personnel are still not addressing the matter seriously. As a result, higher authorities have now decided to enforce stricter measures by suspending those involved, said the officer.
08 November,2024 11:24 AM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanThe Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has been considering handing over the management of all 13 swimming pools to private entities under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, citing financial losses in running these facilities in Mumbai. However, pool members and some insiders within the BMC argued that this move was a deliberate attempt to cover up administrative failures. mid-day investigated the matter and learnt that the gymnasiums—one each at Kandivli West and Dahisar East swimming facilities—have been lying dysfunctional since inception. Unused gym machines at the Dahisar facility “All the expensive machines at these gymnasiums are gathering dust because the head office is not at all bothered to start these gyms,” said an insider in the BMC. Kandivli “Kandivli swimming pool was inaugurated on March 1, 2022. If the officials did not want to start the gymnasium, why did they invest so much money in purchasing the machines? Today the swimming pools are running under loss and they are planning to give these facilities into the hands of private players. If it goes under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model, they will surely start the gym to make good profit,” said a civic official requesting anonymity. “Why the senior babus are not working on starting canteen facilities at swimming pools? All the swimming pools have a huge space where counters can be made to sell swimming gears, the space can be used for pay and park use, etc. But these babus are only interested in showing a deficit between the expenditure incurred and the revenue received from the members,” said the official. Another BMC insider said, “Initially, contractors were brought in to manage the swimming facilities in Mumbai, but there has been a lack of proper supervision over their operations. Furthermore, all their bills are promptly cleared by the BMC without proper verification, bypassing the necessary checks to ensure whether the payments should be approved or held for further scrutiny.” Wadala Wadala swimming pool has been lying shut since July 10 for maintenance. “The members of Wadala swimming pool were informed that the facility will be shut for 10 days for maintenance work, but it is yet to be restarted. The members have been coming almost every alternate day to ask when it will be resumed, but the authorities have no clear reply as none of them are aware of any development,” said a member of Wadala swimming pool requesting anonymity. Dadar The members at Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Olympic Swimming Pool, Dadar have been fuming over pools going under the PPP model and said that these facilities are for recreational purposes and not a profit-making business. “The membership fees will skyrocket if these pools are sent to private entities to run. How will the common man think of taking a membership?” said Jitendra Singh, an old member at Dadar facility. Meanwhile, another member Hemangini Panchal said, “The management is extremely pathetic as they have charged us for a smart card to access the swimming pool but no smart card has been given to us. Plus, despite strong resistance and uproar from members, granite tiles were fixed near the pool. These granite tiles are slippery and after accidents, they will be bound to change it to make the floor anti-skid. So, naturally, if the revenue is wasted like this, the operation cost will be higher.” When contacted, the civic coordinator at the pools in Mumbai, Sandeep Vaishampayan, said, “I am not aware if the pools are going under the PPP model.” However, the Deputy Municipal Commissioner Chanda Jadhav said, “I have recently taken over the charge of this office. My predecessor had conducted some meetings regarding pools going under the PPP model but I am yet to review the meetings.” When asked about why the gyms are not functional at Dahisar and Kandivli swimming pools, and when Wadala pool will be started, Jadhav said, “I will look into the matter and let you know.”
08 November,2024 11:23 AM IST | Mumbai | Diwakar SharmaCongestion, lack of connectivity, overcrowding, narrow roads, rising dust and pollution, incomplete infrastructure upgrades, and unfinished redevelopment projects—the Kurla Assembly constituency is a crucible of chaos, blending old and new. It is one of the six Assembly segments of the Mumbai North Central Parliamentary seat and comprises two civic wards, L and M, including areas like Kurla East and West, Chunabhatti, Tilak Nagar and parts of Chembur. The constituency has around 2,97,000 voters, with the main contest this time between two Shiv Sainiks: two-time sitting Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Mangesh Kudalkar from Shinde Sena (Shiv Sena) and former corporator Pravina Morajkar from Uddhav Sena (Shiv Sena-UBT). Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate Pravina Morajkar during her campaign; (right) Shinde Sena candidate Mangesh Kudalkar. Pics/Rajesh Gupta One of the constituency's key issues is overcrowding amid inadequate infrastructure. Multiple towers are coming up, and with a growing population, the area faces increased strain without a parallel expansion of civic amenities, leading to narrow roads, congestion, and connectivity issues. Recently, one of the pressing concerns raised by Kurla East residents has been the government’s plan to relocate Dharavi’s project-affected people to an empty plot in Kurla East, sparking local ire. Shiv Sena's Kudalkar has represented the constituency for the last two terms. Residents have also started a citizens’ movement, termed ‘Lok Chalwal,’ aiming to preserve the old Kurla government milk dairy land for a garden and recreation ground to maintain greenery and open space. mid-day first reported on the Kurla residents’ movement for green space in February 2024. The 10.4-hectare land, formerly used by the government milk dairy at Nehru Nagar Kurla, has been lying unused since the dairy shut down nearly a decade ago. Strategically located along the Santacruz-Chembur Link Road, LTT Kurla Terminus, Mumbai Metro Yellow Line 2B, and the harbour line of the suburban railway, the land was initially earmarked by MMRDA for a mixed-use development plan similar to BKC, but plans shifted to using it for Dharavi rehabilitation. “One of the main issues in areas like Chembur and Pestom Sagar is high pollution, an age-old problem that needs immediate attention. Politicians should tackle such issues proactively instead of waiting for complaints—it affects everyone,” said Rajan Shewar, a Chembur resident. In areas like Tilak Nagar and Sahakar Nagar, small buildings are transforming into high-rise towers, creating a nearly new township and straining civic amenities. “This was a large colony for a limited population. Now, the same number of buildings has turned into towers, tripling the population and visibly adding pressure,” said resident Ranjan Sudam Jadhav. Slum dwellers and those living in hillside areas like Qureshi Nagar, Kasaiwada and Alidada Estate—older slum pockets now under SRA projects—report a need for better connectivity. “Our small houses have become big towers, but there’s no connectivity here. We need autos and buses,” said Mohammad Ansari, another resident. Kurla has a growing issue of insufficient civic infrastructure and amenities. The lack of these amenities is also leading to safety issues. What do you have to say about it?Yes, Kurla is in disarray. New colonies have been built, but there are no amenities and no streetlights, leading to safety issues for women. In many places, there aren’t even proper roads. It’s a dire situation. What are the local issues you would prioritise?I was the corporator for this area and also chaired the civic health committee. Many issues have remained unresolved for years. The sitting MLA has served two terms but hasn’t fully addressed these problems. I want to bring about real change and solve people’s problems. There is increasing congestion, and many local issues need attention.Yes, many issues affecting poorer residents remain incomplete. Take Thakkar Bappa Colony, for example. It’s a colony of leather workers located near the Eastern Express Highway. If you visit, you’ll see the terrible conditions—no roads, no upgrades, no infrastructure. Many residents have contracted diseases like tuberculosis due to the poor conditions. The area has become unlivable. Recently, the chief minister claimed that R2,000 crore had been spent on this constituency. Is that a joke? Where has that money gone, given the state of the colonies here? The constituency has serious connectivity issues. What is being done to improve that?Yes, connectivity is lacking, and growth hasn’t matched the population increase. Commuters struggle daily; there’s no space, and no new roads have been built. Cars are parked haphazardly, and roads are disappearing. Visit any major cluster, and you’ll see the problem. This needs to change. Once we’re elected on November 20, Uddhav-ji and Aaditya-ji’s vision will bring significant improvements for the common man. Water shortages are affecting the constituency. As an MLA for Mumbai, what steps would you take to address this issue?The water problem is pressing. We raised it at the municipal level, but it requires a city-wide approach. Once elected, I will take up this issue and bring it to the legislature. Mangesh Kudalkar Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde) What are the local issues that you would prioritise? And what are your achievements so far?I have been living here since birth and have a special bond with the area. I’ve been addressing local issues not only in my two terms as MLA but since my youth. Key issues I’ve tackled include compensation for Swadeshi Mill workers, MHADA issues, and resolving problems on collector land in Pestom Sagar and Chembur, which remains on my priority list. Kurla has a growing issue of lacking civic infrastructure and amenities falling short. This shortage is also leading to safety issues. What do you have to say about it?I have proposed an upgrade for Kurla station to the Central government, with work expected to begin by March-April 2025. This will provide a major boost to civic amenities near the station. Several other upgrade projects are underway, each progressing at different stages. The constituency has significant connectivity issues. What is being done to alleviate that?In Kurla East, we are constructing a SATIS project, approved by the chief minister’s office, and a flyover over the Chunabhatti level crossing. A new link bridge at the connector’s landing has also been proposed to improve connectivity for Kurla. The Metro is a new project coming to Kurla. However, there seems to be a lack of stations. The gap between Kurla railway and Metro stations is large. Will the Metro be beneficial to Kurla residents?Yes, it will. I will advocate for more Metro stations in Kurla. An earlier plan included a station on SG Barve Marg, but that location is too congested and would create issues. I promise to revisit this and push for a solution. The growing constituency is facing water shortage issues. Water supply is a key issue—what actions would you take to improve the situation as an MLA for Mumbai?Water is indeed an emerging concern. I’ve been discussing this with the BMC commissioner and preparing for future water needs. A plan to replace all pipelines over 50 years old is also being developed. Pollution is another pressing issue. What are your thoughts?Yes, I am committed to developing a botanical garden in Kurla, which will create a large green space in the constituency. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, has publicly committed to this project, and I will ensure it comes to fruition. Redevelopment puts pressure on existing amenities. Are SRA schemes necessary?Yes, but too many projects start at once and are left incomplete. My priority now is to ensure that all new and redeveloped buildings in Kurla receive proper Occupation Certificates. CitizenSpeak Kiran Pailwan, resident"The plot has about 800-900 trees. Instead of building a cement forest on the site of the old Mother Dairy, our movement is working to gather the strength of public cooperation to create a beautified park for the health of Nehru Nagar residents. The aim is to make our neighbourhood greener together. Kurla East is now overcrowded, with a lack of green or open spaces. Our petition is solely to save this open, green space," said Kiran Pailwan, one of the residents spearheading the agitation. Jitendra Gupta, citizen activistOther issues plaguing the constituency in Kurla West include poor connectivity and congestion. “The older roads are insufficient. Kurla West is crowded and congested, with no space to walk. The new Metro line does not have enough stations in Kurla East, and the West has connectivity issues. There is no direct access from LBS Road to the station—one must take a detour via the LTT. It’s an example of complete lack of planning,” said citizen activist Jitendra Gupta.
08 November,2024 10:59 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarTaking note of mid-day reports about the dangers posed by unmarked speed breakers across the city, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has painted the road humps on a southbound service road near the Vanrai police station along the Western Express Highway. On Wednesday, when this reporter visited the road outside Vanrai police station, speed breakers on the service road that leads to Mahanand Dairy had been painted. Speed bumps on Western Express Highway from dairy up to the SRPF signal, too, were no longer unmarked. The unmarked speed breaker on the service road between Vanrai police station and Mahanand Dairy in Goregaon East on November 4. Pic/Satej Shinde Two-wheeler rider Aditya Shinde said, “It is great to see that the authorities have painted the service road’s speed breakers after mid-day highlighted the issue. It would also be wonderful if they installed reflectors and signboards on the stretch to make motorists and two-wheeler riders aware of the presence of speed breakers and don’t have to apply the emergency brakes.” A Goregaon resident said, “It’s good that the speed bumps have been painted but the authorities should ensure that the white markings are repainted regularly. They should also install proper signage and reflectors.” A road hump on the same stretch, which was painted in the wake of mid-day’s report. Pic/Raj Patil Responding to mid-day’s campaign against deadly speed breakers, readers pointed out locations across the city where the traffic calming devices need to be painted for better visibility. They implored the authorities to paint the speed bumps and install reflectors. The Indian Road Congress recommends speed breakers have a radius of 17 metres, a height of 10 cm and a width of 3.7 metres to maintain a vehicle speed of 25 kmph for general traffic. The P South ward officer was unavailable for comment by press time.
08 November,2024 10:54 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavADVERTISEMENT
