The Western Railway has suspended a train ticket examiner (TTE) for allegedly making a passenger write an apology after the latter asked him to speak in Marathi, an official said on Tuesday, reported the PTI. The action came after a photograph of the apology letter surfaced on social media, and passengers staged a protest, he said. Talking to PTI, Vineet Abhishek, chief public relations officer of Western Railway, said an inquiry is ordered into the incident that took place at Nalasopara station on November 3, and TTE Rakesh Mourya has been suspended. "All passengers, regardless of their religion, language, or region, are equal to us. Providing excellent service to them is our goal. The matter will be investigated thoroughly, and necessary action will be taken," he said, as per the PTI. According to the news agency, around 70 to 80 passengers staged a protest at Nalasopara station in Maharashtra after the purported apology letter surfaced on social media on Monday, officials said. The officials said that the TTE asked the passenger, Amit Patil, and his wife to furnish their local train tickets. The couple asked him to speak to them in Marathi as they did not understand Hindi, and an argument ensued. The TTE took the couple to the office of the Railway Protection Force, where Patil claimed that the official had threatened them and made him write an apology, they said. The Western Railway, in its statement, affirmed its commitment to respecting all languages and passengers. "Western Railway respects all languages spoken across the country and values the diversity of our passengers, standing firm on unity in diversity," it stated, as per the PTI. Meanwhile, in an another statement the Western Railway on Tuesday said that it managed a passenger rush of around 3.10 lakh during the Diwali and Chhath festival at Bandra Terminus in suburban Mumbai. In an official statement, the Western Railway said that it was successful in managing the surge of passenger traffic during the Diwali and Chhath festival rush at Bandra Terminus, which spanned from October 24 to November 4, 2024. The statement further said that this year, the Western Railway undertook a series of strategic measures to accommodate an overwhelming influx of travelers, ensuring a safe and comfortable journey for an estimated 3.10 lakh passengers. In response to the heightened demand, Western Railway operated a total of 249 trains from Bandra Terminus during the festive rush. This included 30 holiday special trains specifically designed to cater to the festival rush, along with 27 reserved passenger trains and three fully unreserved trains that provided essential service to general class travelers. To further ease passenger experiences at Bandra Terminus, the Western Railway implemented a variety of facilities and services. (with PTI inputs)
05 November,2024 06:09 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMumbai Police on Tuesday issued traffic restrictions in Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) ahead of Maha Vikas Aghadi's (MVA) poll campaign launch rally on Wednesday. The Mumbai Traffic Police, in a notification, on Tuesday said that on November 6, Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) has announced to do public meeting at MMRDA Grounds in BKC, Bandra (E). In order to attend the public meeting, large number of MVA party workers and leaders are likely to visit from various parts of Maharashtra. Top leaders are likely to attend the Maha Vikas Aghadi rally ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly election 2024, the party leaders had earlier said. It said that as huge crowed is expected to gather at MMRDA Ground affecting vehicular traffic, measures need to streamline traffic and safety of VIP's. It is necessary to close the adjoining roads of venue and traffic on the said roads need to be diverted by issuing notification on temporary basis. The traffic notification was issued by Samadhan Pawar, DCP (H.Q. & Central), Traffic, Mumbai. It said, in order to prevent danger, obstructions and inconvenience to the public, the traffic notification was being issued and following roads shall be closed for vehicular traffic on 06/11/2024 between 15.00 hrs. to 23.00 hrs. on temporary basis and as per requirement- Road Closed: Vehicular traffic coming from Western Express Highway, Dharavi, Worli-Sea Link proceeding towards Kurla shall be restricted to go through Bharat Nagar Junction towards Kurla. Alternate Route: Vehicular traffic from Bharat Nagar Junction will take right turn for SEBI Junction - right turn from One BKC Junction- Left turn from Canara Bank Junction towards MCA Club - American Consulate Junction- Left turn at Tata Communication- proceed from MTNL junction towards Kurla. Road Closed: Vehicular traffic coming from Sant Dnyneshwar Nagar proceeding towards Kurla shall be restricted to go through Bharat Nagar Junction towards Kurla. Alternate Route: Vehicular traffic from Bharat Nagar Junction - take right turn for SEBI Junction -take right turn from One BKC Junction - take Left turn fromAmerican Consulate- Canara Bank Junction towards MCA Club Junction- Tata Communication left turn from MTNL junction - Razzak Junction - Mumbai Universtiy - Hans Bhugra Junction left turn - proceed through Western Express Highway - Kherwadi Govt. Colony - proceed to Kherwadi Bandra east Mumbai. Road Closed: Vehicular traffic coming from Kherwadi Govt. Colony, Kanakiya Palace, UTI Tower towards BKC, Chunabhatti and Kurla shall be restricted. Alternate Route: Left turn from Gurunanak Hospital- Mumbai Bank- Income Tax Junction- NSE Junction - right turn at Bharat Nagar Junction - SEBI Junction- ONE BKC- proceed from connector junction to Kurla and Chunabhatti.Road Closed: Vehicular traffic proceeding from Kurla and Razzak Junction towards Western Express Highway, Dharavi and Worli Sea Link shall be restricted to proceed from Platina Junction to Bharat Nagar Junction. Alternate Route: U-turn at Platina Junction- MTNL Junction- right turn at Tata Communication- MCA Club - Canara Bank Junction- NSE Junction - American Consulate Junction towards Western Express Highway through Family Court Junction and proceed to Dharavi and Bandra-Worli Sea Link. Road Closed: CST road shall be closed for vehicular traffic. Alternate Route: CST Road - MTNL Junction right turn at Tata Communication- American Consulate Junction - MCA Club Canara Bank Junction- left turn at NSC Junction Western Express Highway - Kalanagar Junction- Bhaskar Court Junction and proceed through Kherwadi Junction.
05 November,2024 05:07 PM IST | Mumbai | Asif RizviThe Western Railway on Tuesday said that it managed a passenger rush of around 3.10 lakh during the Diwali and Chhath festival at Bandra Terminus in suburban Mumbai. In an official statement, the Western Railway said that it was successful in managing the surge of passenger traffic during the Diwali and Chhath festival rush at Bandra Terminus, which spanned from October 24 to November 4, 2024. The statement further said that this year, the Western Railway undertook a series of strategic measures to accommodate an overwhelming influx of travelers, ensuring a safe and comfortable journey for an estimated 3.10 lakh passengers. In response to the heightened demand, Western Railway operated a total of 249 trains from Bandra Terminus during the festive rush. This included 30 holiday special trains specifically designed to cater to the festival rush, along with 27 reserved passenger trains and three fully unreserved trains that provided essential service to general class travelers. To further ease passenger experiences at Bandra Terminus, the Western Railway implemented a variety of facilities and services. A total of 70 License Sahayak staff were deployed in two shifts daily to assist passengers, the statement said. Around 32 ticket checking personnel ensured security at entry and exit points around the clock. One extra ticket counter was opened, and two additional night shifts were introduced to further streamline ticketing operations. Prominent information banners and standees displaying details of special trains were strategically placed throughout the station to keep travelers informed. Understanding the potential for overcrowding, Western Railway imposed temporary restrictions on the sale of platform tickets until November 8, 2024. This measure was aimed at controlling crowd sizes on the platforms and to facilitate smoother passenger movements within the station. Passengers were reminded of their free allowance for luggage, which varies by ticket class. This allowance is designed to prevent excess baggage from causing additional congestion and delays. However, it is crucial to note that specific items, such as scooters and bicycles, are excluded from this allowance or with consignments which have maximum dimensions of 100 cm x 100 cm x 70 cm, as per the Western Railway. To enhance passenger safety, Western Railway issued directives to minimize the stacking of parcel consignments on platforms, ensuring that these items do not obstruct passenger flow. This initiative will remain in place until November 8, 2024. To manage the influx of travelers efficiently, additional personnel from the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP) were deployed to facilitate orderly queue formations, thereby preventing any mishaps or dangerous situations. Additional 15 Ticket Checking Staff, 32 RPF staff, 13 GRP staff are deployed at the station. Recognising the need for adequate waiting space, Bandra Terminus established a spacious holding area measuring 4,200 square feet near the main station building. The area is equipped with necessary amenities, including adequate lighting and fans to ensure a comfortable waiting environment, drinking water and toilet facilities. Public announcement system to keep passengers updated on train movements. The holding area is designed to alleviate congestion on the platforms and ensure a smooth entry process for passengers boarding their trains. Additional RPF and GRP personnel, along with scout and guide teams, were appointed to monitor trains heading to northern states of India, particularly in general and sleeper coaches. These teams worked diligently to manage crowds and assist passengers throughout their journeys. In addition, the Crime Prevention and Detection Squad (CPDS) teams from RPF and GRP conducted patrols in plain clothes to deter suspicious activities and prevent theft. Round-the-clock CCTV surveillance was implemented across the station, ensuring that any increase in crowd density was promptly addressed. To ensure that passengers were well-informed about the additional train services, the Western Railway launched an extensive publicity campaign. Regular tweets, social media updates, newspaper advertisements, and press releases were disseminated to keep the public updated on the special trains and facilities available for the festival season. "The joy of getting a window seat for a passenger travelling from Mumbai to Gorakhpur by WR's special train is different," wrote Western Railway on X in Hindi. WR की स्पेशल ट्रेन से मुंबई से गोरखपुर जा रहे एक यात्री की विंडो सीट मिलने की खुशी अलग ही है। उनके अनुसार त्योहार पर भीड़ को देखते हुए लग नहीं रहा था, पर Q(क्यू) मैनेजमेंट रेलवे द्वारा की गई एक अच्छी व्यवस्था है। pic.twitter.com/04iVzBtHic — Western Railway (@WesternRly) October 30, 2024 "Passengers travelling to their homes in Uttar Pradesh by special train on the festival expressed happiness and said that they got the tickets quickly and the railway staff made them sit comfortably, now the journey will be comfortable," said Western Railway in a post on X. त्योहार पर स्पेशल ट्रेन से उत्तर प्रदेश अपने घर जाने वाले यात्रियों ने खुशी जाहिर करते हुए बताया कि टिकट भी जल्दी मिल गया और रेलवे स्टाफ ने अच्छे से बैठा दिया, अब सफ़र आराम से होगा।#FestivalSpecialTrains2024 #FestivalOfLights #FestivalSpecialArrangements pic.twitter.com/RjW7cSz0jV — Western Railway (@WesternRly) October 30, 2024 Notable tweets from Western Railway included updates on train schedules and services, which helped keep the traveling public informed and prepared for their journeys. 🚨 Attention Passengers:Train No. 05054 (Bandra Terminus - Gorakhpur) has been rescheduled.🕘 Original Departure: 21:15 hrs (26/10/2024)🕓 Which was Rescheduled at 16:00 hrs (27/10/2024)🕕 Now, Further Rescheduled to depart from Bandra Terminus at 18:20 hrs (27/10/2024)… — DRM - Mumbai Central, WR (@drmbct) October 27, 2024 "This special service aims to ensure a comfortable and convenient journey for all!" wrote Divisional Railway Manager- Mumbai Division of Western Railway on X. 🚉 Special Festival Train Alert! 🚉Running of following Special trains to clear extra rush of passengers traffic of Winter, Diwali & Chhath Festival 2024.To accommodate extra passengers during the festive season, Train No. 04810 Bandra Terminus - Jodhpur Special is scheduled… — DRM - Mumbai Central, WR (@drmbct) November 4, 2024 Various non-governmental organizations (NGOs) provided essential relief services such as drinking water, biscuits, refreshments, etc. These NGOs were also helpful in crowd management along with the additional deployment of RPF and GRP personnel. Two NGOs, Suhana Safar & Vasundhara Foundation distributed 500 Water Bottles & 200 Biscuits among the waiting passengers.
05 November,2024 05:00 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Central Railway (CR) has announced the resumption of the popular Neral-Matheran narrow gauge train services from Wednesday, November 6. The restored services include both the Neral-Matheran mini train and the Matheran-Aman Lodge shuttle, aiming to ease travel for tourists and locals to the scenic hill station of Matheran. The Neral-Matheran mini train will run twice daily in both directions. Down trains from Neral to Matheran will depart at 8.50 am and 10.25 am, reaching Matheran by 11.30 am and 1.05 pm, respectively. The Up trains from Matheran to Neral are scheduled at 2.45 pm and 4 pm, arriving in Neral by 5.30 pm and 6.40 pm. Each train will consist of six coaches, including three second-class, one first-class coach, and two second-class-cum-luggage vans. Additionally, the Matheran-Aman Lodge shuttle service will operate multiple times daily, with extra services on Saturdays and Sundays. All shuttle services will have similar coach arrangements to the main Neral-Matheran line. CR's Public Relations Department shared this update, noting that the resumption aims to support tourist activities and the local economy in the Matheran region. TIcket information Passengers can book their tickets from ticket ocunters at Neral and Aman Lodge (for the shuttle service). The counter at Neral opens 45 minutes before departure. Online tickets can be booked on the Indian Railways website. The ticket costs Rs 300 for first class and Rs 75 for second class. The cost of a children’s ticket is Rs 180 for first class and Rs 45 for second class. CR enters 74th year of its formation CR, the successor to the Great Indian Peninsula (GIP) Railway, celebrated 73 years of its formation and begins its 74th year on Tuesday. The first train in Asia, which ran between Mumbai and Thane on April 16, 1853, marked the beginning of railway history in India. Over the years, the GIP Railway expanded significantly, merging with the Indian Midland Railway Company in 1900, extending its reach from Delhi in the north to Kanpur and Allahabad in central India, Nagpur in the east, and Raichur in the southeast, connecting Bombay to nearly all parts of India. At its peak, the GIP Railway covered a route mileage of 1,600 miles (2,575 km).
05 November,2024 04:47 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIPS Sanjay Verma has been appointed as the new Maharashtra Director General of Police by the Election Commission of India. The poll body has directed the state government that they have to comply with their order by 5 pm today (November 5). A fortnight before the Maharashtra Elections 2024, the ECI, ordered the previous DGP Rashmi Shukla's transfer after receiving a complaint from state Congress chief Nana Patole. Following her removal, ECI had sought from the state government names of three senior-most IPS of Maharashtra cadre of which Verma was one. The other two senior officers were Sanjeev Kumar Singhal and his batchmate Ritesh Kumar. IPS Sanjay Verma will be former DGP Rashmi Shukla's successor #News #IPS #IPSSanjayVerma #IndiaNews https://t.co/QcvoBibyor pic.twitter.com/om06Ld4ObV — Mid Day (@mid_day) November 5, 2024 IPS Sanjay Verma is a 1990-batch officer and is currently serving as DG of law and Technical. He is set to retire in April 2028 and was topping the list of consideration for the Maharashtra DGP post. This is breaking news, further details awaited
05 November,2024 02:19 PM IST | Mumbai | Faizan KhanA 45-year-old garbage collector identified as Raju was allegedly beaten to death by an elderly man in Vasai on Friday (November 1), who later died of a heart attack two days after the incident on Sunday. The accused, identified as Prakash Merwa, 75, also a garbage collector, attempted to dispose of the evidence by setting the victim’s body on fire near a foot overbridge and fled the scene. The police said that they received a call about the fire, and only after reaching the spot, they discovered the body of the victim. The discovery of the partly burned body initially led the Vasai Government Railway Police (GRP) to register an Accidental Death Report (ADR). Upon examining the scene and noticing suspicious blood clots, an autopsy was conducted, which revealed head injury as the cause of death, following which a case was registered and a thorough investigation was launched. The police said that they examined CCTV footage and spoke to residents where the alleged incident took place. Assistant Commissioner of Police Kishore Shinde (GRP) said that further probe into the matter revealed that Raju, at the time of the incident, was accompanied by other scrap collectors identified as Ankit Teniram, 25, and Babban Channa Roy, 35. The police said that the duo were detained for investigation and revealed Merwa and Raju had a scuffle, and Raju, who was in an inebriated condition, picked up a bamboo stick to struck Merwa, but the latter snatched the stick and beat Raju to death with it before fleeing the scene. After the police began searching for the accused following the confession from the duo, it was discovered that he had died due to a cardiac arrest on Friday under the jurisdiction of Waliv Police Station, said senior inspector Angha Satavse from Vasai government railway police (GRP). Nov 1Day of the incident
05 November,2024 12:58 PM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanThe new alignment of the Bellasis Bridge at Mumbai Central has drawn the ire of the local fishing community. The widened bridge will encroach on a 50-year-old fish market where 36 fisherwomen earn their livelihood, putting their income at risk. The fisherwomen feel that their concerns are being ignored and say they are being treated as “step sisters” (savatra bahins) instead of “sisters” (ladki bahins) by the government. They have warned that they may boycott the upcoming elections in protest. “Where will we go? This has been our only source of income. We are illiterate and do not understand the processes much. If our market is gone, we will all lose our livelihood. We are very angry and will boycott the upcoming election process if we are not rehabilitated,” fisherwoman Ranjana Worlikar said. Many of these fish sellers stand to lose their livelihood Another fisherwoman Kirti Babul said it was not just a question of their livelihood, but their life. “How will we live? We will suddenly have no source of income. Our children are yet to grow and the government is making us jobless by doing this. We are not against the reconstruction of the bridge, but the way we are being treated. We have been there for a lifetime and suddenly one day they come and tell us we are not eligible,” she said. “Out of a total of 36 Koli women fish sellers who have been in the business for five decades, only five women have had their licences renewed while the remaining 31 have been left with an uncertain future. The authorities have neglected these fisherfolk for the planned construction of the century-old Bellais Bridge while other shopkeepers adjacent to the bridge will be rehabilitated,” Devendra Tandel, president of Akhil Maharashtra Machhimar Kruti Samiti, said. “All shopkeepers working near Bellasis Bridge have the right to earn their livelihood under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. The negligence by officials against the Koli women is a violation of the constitution,” he added. As mentioned in Clause 7.9 of Development Control and Promotion Regulation (DPCR-2034), the shopkeepers and tenants who are operating on land required by railway or government are expected to be rehabilitated suitably before making way for public and semi-public projects. “All other shopkeepers nearby have been issued notices by the BMC. But since the BMC has not issued notices or given anything in writing to the Koli fish-selling women, the future of the Koli women is in darkness,” said Mumbai city president of the fishermen committee, Prafulla Bhoir. While Western Railway officials said the process and authority of rehabilitation of project-affected people is with the BMC, Assistant Municipal Commissioner Shard Ughade, the official did not respond to the calls and messages despite repeated attempts till the time of going to the press. 05No. of fisherwomen that have been granted a licence
05 November,2024 12:53 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarThe clowns are in town and mid-day’s Kirti Surve Parade papped them at The International Clown Festival. With the range of talent— juggling, acrobatics, unicycling, comedy, music and dance—on display at the event, Parade captured scenes of the artistes in action, the backstage bustle as well as the spellbound audience. The artistes have travelled from as far as Italy, Spain, France and Portugal for the festival that will be held on November 8 and 9 at the St Andrew’s Auditorium in Bandra and on November 10 at the CIDCO Auditorium in Navi Mumbai
05 November,2024 12:27 PM IST | Mumbai | A Correspondent
Shinde Sena candidate Sada Sarvankar stayed in the fight against MNS chief Raj Thackeray’s son Amit for the Mahim Assembly constituency, but not before drama unfolded in Dadar on Monday afternoon as the deadline for nomination withdrawal came to a close. Raj refused to meet Sarvankar, asking him to “do what he wanted”, because the veteran had given enough hints that he was determined to make it a three-way contest with Sena (UBT) nominee Mahesh Sawant also in the fray. Earlier in the day, Sarvankar said he had no specific instructions from his party boss, CM Eknath Shinde, to withdraw. He had also put a condition that, if he were to withdraw, then the MNS could also pull out its candidates against Mahayuti from other constituencies in Mumbai. Amit Thackeray plays football with youngsters at Prabhdevi beach while on his campaign trail on Monday. Pic/Ashish Raje ‘Why only me?’ “Shinde asked me to discuss with my local supporters before taking any decision and also asked me to meet Raj Thackeray. I was ready to take Raj Thackeray’s orders. But he refused to meet me,” said Sarvankar, after his son and associates returned from Raj’s Shivaji Park residence with a message that he didn’t want to discuss elections with him and that he may contest or withdraw. Sarvankar said he had no option left but to fight as the Mahayuti candidate. “Some BJP leaders may have extended their support to Raj Thackeray’s son because of their friendship, but I’m sure the Mahayuti workers will campaign for me and win the elections.” Sada Sarvankar All-Marathi again Sarvankar has won Mahim since 2014. He beat MNS heavyweight candidates, including a sitting MLA, twice, after he was beaten in 2009 by MNS. It was the undivided Shiv Sena that powered him between 2014 and 2019. Now, the Sena is split. MNS is already there nurturing the constituency. Raj fielded his son expecting cooperation from his friends in Shinde Sena and BJP. He also expected a return favour from his estranged cousin whose son Aaditya was given a pass by MNS in Worli in 2019. But as it turned out, not only Shinde Sena but also Uddhav Sena gave their official candidates in Mahim, making it a contest between three Marathi candidates having their affiliation with undivided Sena’s offsprings. This year, MNS has put a candidate Sandeep Deshpande in Worli against Aaditya, making it tougher for the ex-minister, whose other opponent is Milind Deora (Shinde Sena). BJP a deciding factor In Mahim, MNS has maintained a share of 40-42,000 votes in the last two elections. Sarvankar, as a Congress candidate, had polled less than his 2014 and 2019 share in 2009 but finished a second runner-up ahead of Shiv Sena’s Aadesh Bandekar. That was a triangular fight between three Marathi candidates. However, Sarvankar increased his share in 2014 and took it up further in 2019, bagging almost 50 per cent votes, thanks to the BJP’s contribution. BJP had polled over 33,000 votes here in 2014 when it had fought independent of undivided Sena. Observers said Sarvankar’s fate will depend largely on the BJP, whose senior BJP leaders Devendra Fadnavis, Chandrashekhar Bawankule and Ashish Shelar have openly supported Raj Thackeray’s son. 36No. of Assembly seats in Mumbai
05 November,2024 12:04 PM IST | Mumbai | Dharmendra JoreThe air quality of Mumbai and its surrounding areas, following Diwali celebrations, remained in the 'moderate' category as haze continued to obscure the city's skyline on November 5. Meanwhile, the latest Mumbai weather updates from the India Meteorological Department indicated a temperature rise. According to the Mumbai weather updates of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the Santacruz observatory recorded a maximum temperature of 35.5 degrees Celcius which was nearly a degree above normal temperature. Colaba observatory, the Met department data showed, recorded a temperature of 34.6 degrees. According to the latest Mumbai weather updates by the IMD, the maximum temperature will likely be around 36 degrees Celsius, and the minimum temperature will likely be around 23 degrees Celsius. The relative humidity is 38 per cent. The sun rose at 06:41 AM and will set at 06:03 PM. The IMD’s latest Mumbai weather updates have forecasted a "mainly clear sky" for the city and its suburbs over the next 24 hours. Mumbai weather updates: City's AQI in 'moderate' category On November 4, the Central Pollution Control Board’s SAMEER app reported in its latest Mumbai weather updates that the city’s air quality remained in the 'moderate' category, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 135 at 9:05 AM. Many areas across Mumbai—per the SAMEER app dashboard—showed 'moderate' AQI. However, Bandra Kurla Complex and Sewri's AQI slipped further into the 'poor' category, at 208 and 216. Kandivali, Meanwhile, Borivali and Bhandup recorded 'good' air quality, with an AQI of 83 and 91 respectively. According to data from the SAMEER app, Navi Mumbai recorded air quality in the 'moderate' category with an AQI of 150, while Thane registered a 'moderate' AQI of 148. The air quality index from 0 to 100 is considered 'good', 100 to 200 'moderate', 200 to 300 'poor', 300 to 400 'very poor' and from 400 to 500 or above 'severe'. Meanwhile, as air pollution levels continue to rise in Mumbai, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has revised guidelines issued last year for construction sites. The civic body will also form squads at the ward level to visit construction sites and act if guidelines are flouted. Sensor-based air pollution monitoring systems will be installed at all construction project work sites and immediate action to be taken if pollution levels are detected above the limit.
05 November,2024 11:58 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil will not field candidates from the community in the Assembly elections. Hours after selecting 25 constituencies on Sunday night, Jarange changed his decision the next morning, saying that his coalition constituents Muslims and Dalits had not given him the list of their respective candidates to be fielded in Marathwada. However, he has appealed to the community to be discreet in voting and not support any candidate openly but cause the defeat of those opposed to Maratha reservation within the OBC quota. Following Jarange’s appeal to field at least one candidate in each of the eight districts of Marathwada, many of his Maratha associates had filed the nominations. He appealed to them to withdraw their forms on Monday before 3 pm. Marathwada has 46 Assembly seats of which 25 were chosen by Jarange. Justifying the 'U' turn, Jarange said, “We discussed the matter till 3 am. We were to field Maratha, Muslim and Dalit candidates because a single community cannot win the elections.” “We are novices in politics. We’ve been there only for a year or so. The community’s pride will be at stake if our candidate gets defeated. So, we have decided not to contest the elections. We have decided to defeat the candidates [who are opposed to the Maratha quota]," he said in Antarwali Sarati village, the headquarters of the quota agitation. ‘More than meets the eye’ However, a local political observer said that Jarange’s selection of constituencies was surprising because in some places the splitting of votes would have affected the Maha Vikas Aghadi, not Mahayuti. “In some places, the candidates who are relatives of those who were defeated in the Lok Sabha would have benefitted from Jarange’s candidates. In some places, the prospects of the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) would have been hit badly. Also, segments where some non-BJP ruling party members are contesting were excluded by Jarange,” said a senior journalist from Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, adding that a large section of the Maratha community was not in favour of giving priority to politics over the quota agitation. What happened in general election In the Lok Sabha elections, the Mahayuti’s defeat in seven out of eight constituencies was attributed to the Maratha resentment among other factors. Jarange had travelled across the region, fanning anti-establishment sentiments ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. As it appeared through results, the BJP had emerged as his principal target. The Congress had won three Lok Sabha seats (Latur, Jalna and Nanded), while the Shiv Sena (UBT) also won three seats (Dharashiv, Parbhani and Hingoli). The NCP-SP led by Sharad Pawar won Beed segments, while Shinde Sena got the Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar seat. The Assembly segments Jarange had chosen to contest, but pulled out later, are part of the Lok Sabha constituencies that the Mahayuti had lost. OBC leader links it to Pawar Other Backward Class (OBC) leader Laxman Hake, who had led an agitation to counter Jarange’s protest, accused the activist of taking orders from NCP-SP chief Sharad Pawar. “Jarange acts as per Baramati’s [Pawar’s] script. He campaigned in the Lok Sabha for MVA and specific candidates because he was instructed by Baramati. Jarange backed out because the OBCs had consolidated. It is easy to gather people, but it is very difficult to contest polls for which an all-inclusive agenda is required,” Hake told a press conference. ‘It would have helped BJP’ Commenting on Jarange’s decision, Pawar told reporters that he had no connection whatsoever to the activist pulling out of the contest. “However, the BJP would have benefitted had Jarange fielded his candidates,” he said. 46No. of Assembly seats in Marathwada
05 November,2024 10:43 AM IST | Mumbai | Dharmendra JoreADVERTISEMENT
