The Uttar Pradesh State Women Commission has proposed that men should not take women's measurements and tailor their clothes, they should not cut a woman's hair or train them in the gym either -- these are some of the proposals to protect women from 'bad touch' and stymie the ill intentions of men, reported the PTI. The suggestions, which includes installing CCTVs in gyms, cloth stores and coaching centres, and having a woman for security in school buses, followed a meeting held on October 28. According to the PTI, the Uttar Pradesh State Women Commission said it has sent letters on the guidelines -- which seem to be an attempt to segregate men and women in public spaces to improve women's safety -- to all district magistrates in the state to ensure compliance on the matter. "There have been increasing complaints of 'bad touch' by male trainers in gyms and in women's boutiques where tailors who take measurements are mostly male," Babita Chauhan, chairperson of the UP women's body, told PTI. "What we are saying is that it isn't a problem if the tailor is male but only women should take measurements," Chauhan said. In a press note, the women's panel proposed that women's gyms and yoga centres should only have female trainers. The gym and the trainers should be verified, while CCTV and DVRs at the establishments should mandatorily be in working condition, it said, as per the PTI. It said boutiques should have a female tailor to take women's measurements for clothes, with a functioning CCTV at the store. Shops selling women's clothes are required to have female employees, it said. It is mandatory to have a female dance teacher at drama centres and a female security guard or teacher in school buses, the guidelines added. Babita Chauhan said, "We are aware that trained women will have to be employed at all these places and this might take some time." However, it would also help employ more women, the Uttar Pradesh women's commission chairperson added, the news agency reported on Friday. Meanwhile, Himani Agarwal, a member of the commission, said that the proposal floated by Babita Chauhan on October 28 was accepted by the panel. Explaining the rationale behind the proposal, Himani Agarwal said that the involvement of men in such professions can lead to women getting molested. "They (men) try to indulge in bad touch." "The intention of some of the men is also not good," she said, before adding, "not that all men have bad intentions", as per the PTI. Himani Agarwal added that it is just a proposal as of now and the women's commission will subsequently request the state government to make laws on it. The proposal has drawn mixed reactions, with Samajwadi Party MLA Ragini Sonkar saying it should be left to individuals to decide which store or gym they want to go to. "I don't think this is a justified decision as it should be an individual choice on whether one prefers a male or a female to attend to them. It is a matter of choice," said the MLA from Machhlishahr in Jaunpur district, the PTI reported. "We are okay with the proposal about women's presence being mandatory at shops selling women's garments and at tailoring shops. But then, ultimately, it boils down to individual choice and this can't be limited to a particular sex," Sonkar said. According to the PTI, social workers Veena Sharma and Mohsina Choudhary welcomed the proposal, saying there are many complaints of women being harassed while giving measurements at tailor shops. They said that the proposal should be law. Veena Sharma is the Muzaffarnagar district coordinator of Mission Shakti -- a government women empowerment initiative, while Choudhary was earlier a member of the Child Welfare Board in the district, the PTI reported. Head of Kiran Sewa Samaj Uthan committee Ravita Dhagne in Muzaffarnagar also agreed with them. Supriya Kohli, who runs a boutique at Lucknow's Prag Narain Road, said, "Usually there aren't any objections on the issue of who is taking measurements but we do have women to take measurements if the client demands it. There is nothing wrong with the move," the news agency reported. (with PTI inputs)
08 November,2024 06:05 PM IST | Lucknow | mid-day online correspondentThe Madras High Court (HC) on Friday dismissed a petition challenging spiritual leader Sadhguru’s Padma Vibhushan award. The court deemed the petition "frivolous" and said the petitioner had "personal agenda" instead of any "genuine public concern" for filing the case. The Additional Solicitor General, who represented the Union of India in the case, confirmed that Sadhguru’s award was conferred after due process and in recognition of his "impactful contributions" to society. On October 18, the Supreme Court (SC) had Friday dismissed the habeas corpus petition filed by a father who claimed that his two daughters were being held as captives and brainwashed in the Isha Yoga Centre, run by spiritual leader Sadhguru. The apex court bench, comprising Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, dismissed the case after hearing the statements of the two daughters, aged 39 and 42 years, who claimed that they had been living voluntarily in the ashram and are free to leave its premises according to their wish. The bench said that no further directions in the habeas corpus were needed, and the case should be closed. "As both of them are adults and the purpose of habeas corpus was fulfilled, no further directions were needed from the High Court," said SC. Earlier, the apex court had transferred the habeas corpus petition from the Madras HC to itself. The police had to restrain from taking any further actions against the Isha Yoga Centre at Tamil Nadu's Coimbatore in keeping with the directions given by the Madras High Court. The foundation had moved to the apex court challenging the order of the Madras HC which instructed the police to investigate the inside of the ashram in a habeas corpus petition. On Friday, Isha Foundation, which is run by the spiritual leader, released a statement on both the cases. The foundation said, "This ruling sends a strong message against the misuse of legal avenues by individuals who seek to discredit the Isha Foundation. Such baseless allegations only aim to undermine the work that Isha Foundation and Sadhguru have tirelessly committed to for the benefit of humanity. It is crucial to recognise these cases for what they are: attempts by those with vested interests to disrupt the Foundation’s meaningful impact." (With agency inputs)
08 November,2024 05:18 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentUnion Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday announced that India is set to grow its current USD 3.5 trillion economy to an impressive USD 35 trillion over the next 25 years, news agency PTI reported. Speaking at the Amazing Goa Global Business Summit 2024, Goyal emphasised that the 21st century is poised to be India's century, predicting that the nation will emerge as the third-largest economy in just three years. The summit, organised by the Vibrant Goa Foundation, also featured remarks from Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and former Union Minister Suresh Prabhu amongst others. Goyal quoted Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating, "21st century is India's century, the 21st century has stopped being small. What we do today is the best and the biggest." "We are working with a focused approach to make India a developed and prosperous nation by 2047 when we celebrate 100 years of Independence," he said. Goyal said India's growth story will take the economy from USD 3.5 trillion to USD 35 trillion in the next 25 years. "This 10-fold growth is due to India's strong economic fundamentals. We are the fastest-growing economy. Low inflation, strong foreign exchange reserves and a welcoming environment for the investors have brought twice the FDI to India in the last 10 years compared to the earlier decade," said the Commerce Minister. He also said that India moved from the “fragile five” economy in 2014, when the BJP-led NDA came to power at the Centre, stated PTI. Reflecting on the country's journey since 2014, Goyal remarked, "We were the 10th largest GDP in 2014, and there was very little hope, very low ambition and aspiration amongst the people of India. I am happy to share with you that under PM Modi's leadership, India has moved to the fifth largest economy in the world, from the fragile five to a powerful force. In the next three years, we will become the world's third-largest economy." Goyal further emphasised that India is now recognised as a trustworthy player in global supply chains, with a focus on improving the ease of doing business and reducing compliance burdens and decriminalisation of several laws which were not business-friendly. "India today is seen as a trusted and reliable partner in a global supply chain," he said. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant expressed Goa's commitment to contributing to PM Modi's vision. Sawant stated, "Today, we are here to unveil the new Goa, which is ready to embark on the future as a vibrant investment destination. We are moving beyond tourism to make the state a thriving hub of emerging industries that will highlight Goa on a global map." Suresh Prabhu, former Union Minister, reiterated India's growing reputation as one of the least risky countries for investment under Modi's leadership. The three-day Amazing Goa Global Business Summit 2024 will feature a variety of knowledge sessions, business-to-business meetings, and other initiatives aimed at attracting investment to Goa. (With inputs from PTI)
08 November,2024 04:53 PM IST | Panaji, Goa | mid-day online correspondentIn response to the recent tragic deaths of ten elephants in the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve (BTR), the Madhya Pradesh forest department has announced plans to employ satellite collars to monitor the movements of wild tuskers, according to PTI. This initiative is part of a broader effort by the state to safeguard its elephant population, following a series of fatalities last month. According to PTI, the Madhya Pradesh government has introduced a number of measures in light of these incidents. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav previously stated that forest department officials from Madhya Pradesh would be sent to other states with substantial elephant populations for training. This approach is intended to enhance local officials' understanding of elephant management, conservation, and rescue operations. The series of elephant deaths occurred between late October and early November. As per PTI, four wild elephants were discovered dead on October 29 in the Sankhani and Bakeli areas within the Khalil range of BTR in Umaria district. Another four deaths followed on October 30, with two more elephants found dead on October 31. Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) for Madhya Pradesh, L. Krishnamoorthy, spoke with PTI regarding the forest department's plans. "We have requested two satellite collars from Tamil Nadu, which should arrive in Madhya Pradesh this week. We will begin by placing them on two elephants in Bandhavgarh," he explained. The department aims to eventually track all 150 wild elephants across the state, according to Krishnamoorthy. Krishnamoorthy has been appointed as the head of a newly formed nine-member elephant advisory committee. This committee, established two days ago, will oversee the management of the state's elephants, particularly concerning their rescue and rehabilitation. According to PTI, the advisory committee will provide guidance on how to mitigate human-elephant conflicts, ensure the welfare of elephants, and work on conservation strategies. The investigation into the causes of the elephant deaths revealed traces of neurotoxin cyclopiazonic acid in the animals' visceras, PTI reports. However, authorities have clarified that this was not a case of deliberate poisoning. Instead, the toxicity was likely caused by the elephants' consumption of large quantities of Kodo millet plants, which are believed to have contained high levels of this particular toxin, according to the forest department's findings. Following the probe team's findings, the chief minister ordered the suspension of two senior officials from the reserve for alleged lapses in monitoring and management. These suspensions highlight the state’s commitment to holding officials accountable and ensuring better oversight of the wildlife reserve. The use of satellite collars on elephants is anticipated to provide more precise data on their movements, helping authorities to respond quickly if elephants venture into potentially dangerous areas. According to PTI, such tracking technology is hoped to enhance safety for both the elephants and local communities by facilitating more proactive management of elephant movements. The adoption of satellite tracking for elephants in Madhya Pradesh aligns with global conservation practices, where similar measures have been successfully implemented to protect and monitor endangered species in various parts of the world. This new approach reflects the state’s commitment to advancing its wildlife conservation methods, ensuring that future incidents are minimised. (With inputs from PTI)
08 November,2024 01:41 PM IST | Bhopal | mid-day online correspondentAhead of the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) in Maharashtra is a vehicle that has neither wheels nor brakes, and there is a fight there to sit on the driver's seat, reported news agency PTI. Addressing his first rally in the state for the Maharashtra assembly elections 2024, 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, reported PTI. PM Modi said that whenever he has asked for something from the people of Maharashtra, they have given him their blessings wholeheartedly. "I assure you that the pace at which Maharashtra's development has gained in the last two-and-a-half years will not be allowed to stop," PM Modi said, reported PTI. The prime minister said that only the BJP-led Mahayuti government can provide the good governance that Maharashtra needs. The Congress was in power simultaneously at the Centre and in Maharashtra but never felt the need for Marathi to be given the status of classical language, PM Modi said. "A dangerous game of pitting one caste against another is being played by the Congress as that party can never see Dalits, backward classes and tribals progressing," PM Modi said, reported PTI. PM Modi to address 9 rallies in state in a week Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address a total of nine rallies in Maharashtra in a week as part of the BJP's poll campaign for the state assembly polls, the party said. In a statement issued on Thursday, the state Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said the PM will also hold a roadshow in Pune on November 12. Modi's first rally will be held in Dhule in north Maharashtra at 12 noon on Friday. He will then address a public meeting in Nashik at 2 pm, it said. On November 9, he will campaign in Akola at 12 noon and in Nanded at 2 pm, it added. On November 12, Modi will address rallies in Chimur (Chandrapur district) and Solapur, and participate in a roadshow in Pune in the evening. Modi will then address rallies on November 14 at three places in the state - Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Raigad and Mumbai. The Maharashtra assembly elections 2024 to the 288-member state legislative assembly will be held on November 20 and the votes will be counted three days later. The BJP is contesting the elections as part of the Mahayuti alliance which also comprises Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) comprising the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP (SP) of Sharad Pawar and Congress is fighting the polls against the Mahayuti. (With inputs from PTI)
08 November,2024 01:36 PM IST | Dhule | mid-day online correspondentThe Supreme Court on Friday junked a PIL seeking a CBI probe into alleged use of animal fat in making Tirupati laddus under the previous Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy-led regime, reported news agency PTI. A bench comprising Justices B R Gavai and K V Viswanathan dismissed the plea filed by one K A Paul, a social activist and president of organisation 'Global Peace Initiative'. "Going by your prayer, we will have to create separate states for all temples, gurudwaras etc. We can't direct that a separate state be created for a particular. Dismissed," the bench said, reported PTI. In his plea, Paul had sought seeking a "comprehensive investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the allegations of corruption and mismanagement surrounding the procurement and preparation of the Laddu Prasadam", reported PTI. The top court on October 4 had set up a five-member independent SIT to probe the allegations of animal fat used in preparing Tirupati laddus to "assuage the feelings of crores of people" while making clear that the court cannot be used as a "political battleground", reported PTI. It had directed that the independent SIT will comprise two officers each from the CBI and the Andhra Pradesh Police besides a senior official of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Paul, in his PIL, said allegations in the Tirupati laddus row levelled by the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu that substandard ingredients were used in the preparation of 'Laddu Prasadam', including adulterated ghee, have raised serious concerns among devotees and tarnished the sanctity of this sacred offering, reported PTI. The petition on the Tirupati laddus row underscored the growing communal tensions and the violation of fundamental religious rights, citing Article 25 of the Constitution, which guarantees the freedom to practice and propagate religion. "The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams is one of the biggest sites for Hindus around the world. The Laddu Prasadam holds immense religious and cultural significance for all Hindus. Any compromise on its sanctity not only affects millions of devotees but also tarnishes the reputation of this institution. I have filed this petition in the interest of the devotees and to ensure that political manipulation and corruption do not undermine our sacred traditions," Paul said, reported PTI. The chief minister had claimed that animal fat was used in preparing Tirupati laddus under the Jagan Mohan Reddy-led government in the state, triggering a massive political row. The YSR Congress Party accused Naidu of indulging in "heinous allegations" for political gains and the ruling Telugu Desam Party in the state circulating a laboratory report to back its claim. (With inputs from PTI)
08 November,2024 01:24 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThe Supreme Court of India, in a 4:3 majority decision, overruled the 1967 verdict in the S Azeez Basha versus Union of India case, which had ruled that since Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) is a central university, it could not be considered a minority institution, according to ANI. The majority opinion stated that the issue of AMU's minority status should be decided by a regular three-judge bench, as per ANI. The bench noted that the key factor in determining whether an institution qualifies as a minority institution is to identify who established the institution. It further clarified that the administration of an institution by non-minority members would not strip the institution of its minority character. The verdict also affirmed that while the government has the right to regulate minority educational institutions, it must ensure that such regulation does not infringe on the institution's minority status. The Chief Justice of India (CJI) authored the majority opinion, which was supported by Justices Sanjiv Khanna, JD Pardiwala, and Manoj Misra. The dissenting opinion came from Justices Surya Kant, Dipankar Datta, and Satish Chandra Sharma, according to ANI. This decision arose from a reference to a 2006 ruling by the Allahabad High Court, which held that AMU was not a minority institution, according to ANI. In 1967, a five-judge bench had ruled in the S Azeez Basha case that AMU, being a central university, could not be considered a minority institution. However, the university regained its minority status when the Indian Parliament passed the AMU (Amendment) Act in 1981. The 1981 amendment was challenged in 2006 when the Allahabad High Court struck down the provision that accorded AMU its minority status. The Congress-led UPA government at the time appealed to the Supreme Court against the High Court's decision. In addition, AMU filed a separate petition. In 2016, the Narendra Modi-led NDA government decided to withdraw the appeal made by the UPA government, according to ANI. In February 2019, the top court referred the case to a seven-judge bench. During the hearings, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, argued that there was no concept of minority or minority rights when the AMU Act was established in 1920. The government contended that conferring minority status on an institution of national importance would exclude sections of society and hinder access to reservations for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes (SEBC), according to ANI. (With inputs from ANI)
08 November,2024 01:21 PM IST | New DelhiTensions have intensified in Jammu and Kashmir following the recent killing of two Village Defence Guards (VDGs) in Kishtwar. Residents took to the streets on Friday, demanding that the government take firm action to curb militancy in the region, according to ANI. The locals gathered to protest, chanting slogans and paying tribute to Nazir Ahmad and Kuldeep Kumar, the two VDGs who lost their lives. One of the protestors informed ANI that a "chakka jam" (road blockade) would take place in Kishtwar, adding, “There will be closures today in memory of the two martyred VDGs. We demand from the home minister that strict action is taken to eliminate militancy in the area. Security forces should be equipped with adequate weapons to handle the militants effectively.” The protesters also criticised the local administration, highlighting what they see as lapses in security measures. One protester expressed frustration, stating, “Despite having intelligence inputs for a while, no action was taken, which ultimately led to the tragic martyrdom of these VDGs. This failure lies with the administration,” according to ANI. In the wake of these incidents, Village Defence Guards in the Nowshera area of Rajouri district have been put on high alert. One of the VDG members explained their role in securing the area, telling ANI, “These weapons have been issued to us to protect our country. Whenever needed, we will respond, alongside the police and the army. The police and other security forces coordinate with us whenever necessary.” According to ANI, VDGs act as a frontline security measure against potential militant threats in the region. Operating on a 24-hour basis, these civilian-led groups work closely with the Indian Army, local police, and paramilitary forces, forming a coordinated security network that is essential for maintaining peace and stability in the region. Another VDG member emphasised the group’s morale and willingness to sacrifice, stating, “We have the determination, and we are ready to lay down our lives for the nation. However, it is unfortunate that there is unrest in various areas,” as reported by ANI. VDGs patrol the region daily in teams, monitoring for any signs of militant activity and conducting fearless patrols. They are regularly trained and guided by security agencies to ensure they can respond swiftly and efficiently to any potential threats. According to ANI, this rigorous preparation, combined with their local expertise, makes the VDGs an invaluable asset in India’s broader border security strategy. For decades, these Village Defence Guards have played a crucial role in anti-militancy operations, demonstrating remarkable resilience and dedication in protecting their communities. Their continued vigilance not only bolsters India’s security framework but also fosters a sense of peace and stability across sensitive areas such as Nowshera. Their actions are a testament to the united commitment towards national security, as per ANI. (With inputs from ANI)
08 November,2024 01:00 PM IST | Srinagar
Q: Why did you withdraw from the race after filing as an independent candidate? A: I am not only a two-time MP, a three-time corporator, and a two-time MLA but even before that, I have worked for many years for the party. Overall, my political career has been fortified, and I have been associated with people socially for about 55 years. I have been associated with people since the age of 15. The slum where I lived had no water facility, no toilet, no electricity. While struggling to get these facilities, I reached the doors of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Ram Naik was an MLA in those days. I started with a small unit and 20 people used to work for me. I was doing good work, but Ram Ji said that he didn't want to contest the election but I must contest, so I did. I won the first time, then the second and third time. In 2004, I was asked to contest by replacing the then BJP MLA. I went to that MLA and told him to take care of his ticket because it would be given to me. I will even quote the name - it was Hemendra Mehta, but that didn’t stop things. The party told me to contest, so I contested against Hemendra Bhai, a three-time MLA who revolted. I won that election in Mumbai with the highest lead of 52,000 votes. In those days, Borivli, Dahisar, and Magathane had one assembly, but in 2009, one assembly was divided into three, and I contested from Borivli. I won for the fifth time with a high margin and a lead of 39,000 votes, and I continued working. I withdrew my nomination because I did not want to hurt the party cadre or leaders. Also, this being my eighth election, it might mark the end of my career, and I didn’t want a bad patch for myself or my supporters. I just wanted to give out a message to the party that such mistakes should not happen. No one should take any such step that damages the party in any way. I am extremely grateful to the party’s top leadership for the respect they gave me. Ram Naik ji, Nitin Gadkari Ji, and Devendra Fadanavis had a huge role to play in this. Vinod Tawde ji came to me thrice. I feel I am not bigger than these people. Q: What motivated your decision to step forward as an independent candidate? A: There are a few people in the party—about 10 per cent—who engage in mischief and say to the public and workers that the party would never field outsiders without consulting Gopal Bhai. And this was a bad patch attached to my name. To prove that I was not involved in this, I had to take this step. I went to the district office and declared that I would be taking this step and informed the party, but no one stopped me or came to my house to tell me not to do it. The next morning, my supporters urged me to fill out the form and I nominated myself as an independent candidate. Q: What were your meetings like with the top leadership in the last couple of days? A: Gadkari ji called me from Delhi. My leader in Maharashtra is Devendra Fadnavis Ji. If I don’t respect his request then it would not be appropriate. After declaring my support for Piyush Goyal ji, Fadnavis Ji came to meet me at my home, which was a big deal. No leader does this frequently, but he came despite my declaration of support. Leaders like him, with good intentions and authentic leadership, aren’t found easily.Q: What led the BJP to field Piyush Goyal as their candidate for Mumbai North in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections instead of you? A: In 2024, I pitched to withdraw from the elections as I had been fighting elections for a long time. Piyush Goyal ji was brought and being alongside him, I worked towards the elections. And for the third time, we won the North Mumbai seat with the highest number of votes in Maharashtra. While on the rest of the seats we were defeated in Mumbai, but even after losing, I kept on working for the people and the party. I am connected with the party and the people. I am filled with love for the party because the party brought an ordinary person like me to such a high post, so I will always be grateful to the party. I have never been proud of the fact that I have won elections seven times and with such a big margin. I did not ask for a ticket in this assembly election either. I left the Lok Sabha Election, how does the Assembly election matter to me? Q. What, then, is the basis of the friction? A: When Vinod Tawde ji came here in November 2009, the workers and the public were unhappy that if you have such a good local candidate(Gopal Shetty), then why get someone from the outside? I pacified the people. Subsequently, he was replaced by Sunil Rane, and then again people got angry. I explained to the people and pacified them. When Piyush Goyal ji went for the Lok Sabha elections, again the same anger of the people, but that anger was not that much. Because after all, it was the Lok Sabha elections. But still, people questioned that, if you have such a good local candidate why get people from outside? Q. How did you approach the 2014 and 2019 elections? A: In 2014, when it came to contesting Lok Sabha, I told the party to field a capable person. I was already working, and I thought if a capable person could be found, two colleges, two hospitals, and such big facilities could be created for North Mumbai. But the public and workers demanded that Gopal Bhai could win by defeating Congress, so the party told me to contest, and I did. The people of Maharashtra made me win with the highest margin. When Urmila Matondkar was nominated in 2019, almost all film stars who contested from my party won because the public had a craze for them. Yet, despite all this, North Mumbai voters, especially Marathi speakers, made me win again with a lead of 75,000 votes. Q: What is your view on the current MP’s efforts in North Mumbai? A: The MP from our area is doing commendable work. People expect to meet him frequently, but it's challenging as he’s a central minister with significant responsibilities. Unlike me, who rose from the position of a corporator to an MP and built connections gradually, he has larger commitments. Therefore, smaller issues must be handled by local representatives rather than bringing every issue to the central minister. Q: What are the most pressing challenges that the upcoming MLA from Mumbai North should address? A: North Mumbai is developing rapidly, bringing prosperity but also potential risks. As property values and development surge, there’s an increased chance of attracting negative elements. The most pressing issue here will be ensuring security amidst this growth. While development continues, safeguarding the community should be the priority for our elected representatives. Q: What are your thoughts on Mahayuti's performance in the recent Lok Sabha Elections 2024? A: It was a challenging election for the Mahayuti alliance. We had a longstanding alliance with Shiv Sena for 25 years, but that partnership eventually broke. The reasons behind the split are known only to the senior leaders involved, such as Uddhav and Amit Bhai. Still, this political shift impacted our unity and election results. While the Bharatiya Janata Party held its ground percentage-wise, we faced setbacks. But I believe with the right leadership, our alliance will emerge stronger. Whatever work has been done in Mumbai in the past 2.5 years under the Mahayuti alliance, has been commendable. We’re seeing major developments, like the Mumbai Coastal Road project, which is already opening up phase by phase. When the entire metro route from Colaba to Thane is completed, it will drastically improve commuting and ease of travel. Projects like these will transform the face of Mumbai within the next five years, benefiting Maharashtra as a whole and fostering growth. Q: What qualities make leaders like Devendra Fadnavis and Narendra Modi special, in your opinion? A: Leaders like Devendra Fadnavis and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are exceptional for their authenticity, dedication, and vision. Modi ji’s government has done remarkable work over the past decade, bringing a vision that continues to inspire confidence in the public. Leaders like these are rare, and they are helping take both the party and the country forward.
08 November,2024 12:23 PM IST | Mumbai | Katyayani KapoorTwo days after a family of five was found dead in Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi, police have intensified their search for a relative, the prime suspect in the case who has been missing since the incident, officials said on Thursday. The police are also set to question the family's tenants who were traced to Mumbai as part of their investigation into the killings that have shaken the Bhelupur area. The five bodies were cremated on Thursday after post-mortem, officials said. The incident occurred on Monday night in the Bhaidani locality. While the body of Rajendra Gupta was found around 10 kilometres from his house on Tuesday afternoon, his wife Neetu (45), sons Navnendra (25) and Subendra (15), and daughter Gaurangi (16) were found shot dead in their home. Initially, police focused on Rajendra Gupta as the main suspect, given his history in a pending murder case from 1997 and ongoing family disputes. However, shortly after the bodies of his family were discovered, Gupta was found dead in an under-construction house in the Rohaniya area. His body too bore gunshot wounds. Deputy Commissioner of Police Gaurav Banswal said, "X-rays were conducted as part of the post-mortem examinations and the cremations have now been completed." Banswal noted that initial inquiries with Rajendra's elderly mother suggested that his nephew, Vicky, is the prime suspect. "Police teams are actively tracking Vicky's location, and six teams are now engaged in the search. The motive appears to include both revenge and property disputes and we are confident of an arrest soon," he added. Vicky, who had recently returned from Bengaluru to Varanasi for Diwali, has been missing since the murders, and his phone remains switched off. Additionally, police are investigating the involvement of three young men from Bihar, who were renting rooms in Rajendra's Bhelupur home. Bhelupur Station House Officer Vijay Shukla confirmed that these tenants, aged 22-25, have been traced to Mumbai, where police have reached out to question them. According to Shukla, questioning will help clarify any role they might have played in the case. Authorities are treating this as a high-priority investigation, given the potential involvement of family dynamics, revenge, and property issues in the killings. 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 11:36 AM IST | Varanasi (UP) | PTIAhead of the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections 2024, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has said he did not request Prime Minister Narendra Modi to hold a campaign rally in his Baramati constituency because the fight there is within the family, reported news agency PTI. Pawar, the sitting MLA, is contesting against his nephew Yugendra Pawar, the candidate of the rival Nationalist Congress Party led by Sharad Pawar. The prime minister would be holding campaign rallies for the Maharashtra assembly elections 2024 starting Friday. "Contest in Baramati is within the family," Ajit Pawar told reporters on Thursday when asked why the PM would not be holding a rally in his constituency, reported PTI. The NCP led by Ajit Pawar is part of the ruling coalition along with the BJP and Shiv Sena. Asked about NCP candidates also not seeking rallies of senior BJP leaders like Amit Shah in their constituencies, Pawar said it could be because there is not much time left for campaigning, and also due to the limit on election expenses, reported PTI. Earlier in the day, when asked what would be his margin of victory in Baramati, the NCP chief said he would be able to tell that after moving around the constituency and talking to people. "But I can say with one hundred per cent certainty that it would be a good lead," he said, reported PTI. In the 2019 state elections, Ajit Pawar had won by a record 1.65 lakh votes, defeating BJP's Gopichand Kundlik Padalkar. Oppn 'bluffing' by assuring Rs 3,000 monthly aid to women: Ajit Pawar Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Thursday claimed the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) was "bluffing" by promising Rs 3,000 per month to women in the state if the opposition alliance comes to power after the Maharashtra assembly elections 2024. Talking to reporters here, NCP leader Pawar noted that when the Mahayuti government offered Rs 1,500 per month to women under its Ladki Bahin Yojana, the opposition questioned its feasibility. The MVA alliance, comprising Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress and NCP (SP) led by Sharad Pawar, on Wednesday promised Rs 3,000 per month to women in Maharashtra. Responding to the MVA's guarantee, Ajit Pawar said the opposition was resorting to "bluffing" by making such promises. He said the decision to give Rs 1,500 (per month) under the Ladki Bahin Yojana was made because it was feasible. "Today, if they claim to give Rs 3,000 per month to women, the expenditure may reach Rs 90,000 crore. They are also promising Rs 4,000 per month to unemployed youth, and if there are one lakh unemployed youth who benefit, the expenditure on that scheme will be around Rs 40,000 crore," he pointed out. "So, Rs 1.5 lakh crore will be needed for these two schemes, while the state budget is Rs 7 lakh crore. How will they manage salaries, pensions, and interest on loans?" the deputy CM said. (With inputs from PTI)
08 November,2024 11:14 AM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
