Maharashtra BJP President Ravindra Chavan on Friday firmly rejected allegations that the party was coercing leaders from alliance partners or the Opposition to switch sides, asserting that the BJP has always adhered to "coalition dharma" within the ruling Mahayuti, reported news agency IANS. He stressed the accommodative nature of the alliance under Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and confirmed that the three constituents -- BJP, Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar's NCP -- will contest the local body elections together as the MahaYuti alliance, reported IANS. The polls, including the high-stakes Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) election, must be completed by January 31, 2026, as mandated by the Supreme Court. Chavan’s remark comes amid high-level political activity over the civic polls and days after BJP and Shiv Sena leaders sparred publicly during elections to 264 local bodies, where the ruling partners had fielded candidates against each other in several areas. Maharashtra BJP chief denies using pressure tactics Chavan unequivocally denied using pressure tactics, stating, "BJP has never coerced anybody from the ruling parties or the Opposition to join us." He countered that it was Shiv Sena that first poached BJP leaders in the Ambernath area, initiating the cycle of inductions, reported IANS. The Maharashtra BJP President emphasised the party's commitment to grass-roots politics, noting that the top leadership views local body polls as equally significant as Assembly and Lok Sabha elections, reported IANS. Chavan stated that the BJP's "strength and success lie in the development agenda and strong leadership of Modi-Fadnavis," reported IANS. Chavan's statement comes two days after he met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on Wednesday to brief him on the political developments in the state and organisational strategy for the civic elections. Further, Chavan, on Thursday night, met with Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to finalise the strategy and seat-sharing arrangements for the municipal corporation elections in key areas such as Mumbai and Thane. For the BJP and the Shinde-led Shiv Sena, winning the BMC is critical to counter Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray, who are expected to contest together on a strong Marathi Manoos plank. Both the BJP and the Shiv Sena have repeatedly announced to hoist the saffron flag atop BMC and secure the mayoral post. Further, the BJP and Shiv Sena in particular have indicated that they will expose Uddhav Thackeray’s fake Hindutva, especially after he decides to join hands with Congress to form the government after the assembly elections held in 2019. The series of meetings and the public statement confirm the ruling alliance's unified approach to the crucial local body polls, despite underlying tensions over internal political poaching in some areas like Kalyan-Dombivli. (With inputs from IANS)
12 December,2025 03:36 PM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondentA male adult leopard intermittently sighted within the Pune Airport premises since April 2025 was successfully darted and captured on 11 December, following a meticulously coordinated operation led by the Pune Forest Department, with support from RESQ Charitable Trust, the Indian Air Force, and Pune Airport Authorities. The leopard was first confirmed on 28 April 2025. Over the following months, officials tracked the animal navigating a complex maze of underground service tunnels, dense vegetation, and low-footfall zones inside the airport premises—making capture efforts exceptionally challenging. The Forest Department deployed camera traps, live surveillance systems, and trap cages, but the big cat repeatedly avoided entering the cages and continued to move across restricted areas. Pic/Forest Department On 4 December, monitoring teams verified that the leopard had moved into the underground tunnel system. Authorities immediately sealed tunnel exits, reinforced barriers, and repositioned cameras to closely track the animal’s movement inside the confined passages. Using these real-time inputs, a strategic capture plan was executed on 11 December by a 30-member joint team from the Forest Department, RESQ Charitable Trust, and the Indian Air Force. The team carefully guided the leopard into an approximately 80-foot tunnel, where a safe chemical immobilisation could be attempted. Despite the cramped, low-visibility environment underground, wildlife veterinarian Dr. Gourav Mangla successfully tranquilised the animal. “The operation demanded precision, patience, and constant reassessment,” Dr. Mangla said. “The leopard had damaged both live cameras, and I had to take a clean shot from a very difficult angle in a confined tunnel. The operation succeeded only because every team member remained calm and executed the plan exactly as designed.” The leopard was safely retrieved and transported to the Transit Treatment Centre in Bavdhan, where it has recovered well and remains under veterinary observation. Officials Speak Shri Mahadev Mohite, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Pune Division, praised the collective effort: “This operation reflects strong inter-agency coordination and preparedness. For months, the Forest Department, RESQ, the Indian Air Force, and airport authorities worked seamlessly. Pune has shown it is equipped to handle complex wildlife situations in highly sensitive urban settings.” Neha Panchamiya, Founder and President of RESQ Charitable Trust, underscored the value of strategy-led action. “Every wildlife capture is unique. Responses must be guided by strategy, timing, and context—not urgency. This operation demonstrates that data, technology, and teamwork can secure outcomes that protect both human safety and wildlife welfare.” Officials confirmed that no injuries occurred and that airport operations continued without disruption throughout the process. The Forest Department will determine the leopard’s long-term management as per protocol. The successful capture concludes a prolonged, technically demanding effort and underscores the importance of planned, evidence-based wildlife management in complex urban landscapes.
12 December,2025 02:25 PM IST | Pune | Archana DahiwalMaharashtra’s Public Health Minister, while speaking at the winter assembly session, cited government records, saying that seven districts of Maharashtra recorded 14,526 child deaths over the past three years. Shiv Sena leader Abitkar further shared the data in a written reply to a question raised by BJP legislator Sneha Dubey. According to Minister Prakashrao Abitkar, between 2022-23 and 2024-25, Pune, Mumbai, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Nagpur, Amravati, Akola and Yavatmal districts collectively reported 14,526 child deaths, reported PTI. The figure includes infants and children under five admitted to government facilities, as well as cases of severe malnutrition. The Public Health Minister also said that 138 infant deaths have been recorded in the tribal-dominated Palghar district. While citing the state health department's data as of November 2025, Prakashrao Abitkar also highlighted that 203 children were identified as suffering from Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) and 2,666 from Moderate Acute Malnutrition. He also emphasised that the proportion of underweight children was recorded at 0.23 per cent, while 1.48 per cent fell in the moderately underweight category. While referring to the Sample Registration System 2022, released by the Registrar General of India, he highlighted that Maharashtra's estimated neonatal mortality rate stands at 11 per 1,000 live births, which is lower than the national average of 23. Shiv Sena leader Abitkar further said that the state government has adopted multiple measures under the Integrated Child Development Services programme to reduce malnutrition. MLA from Kolhapur, while highlighting the child deaths in the last few years, asserted, “These include regular health examinations, the Dr A P J Abdul Kalam Amrut Aahar Yojana for pregnant women, targeted interventions for SAM children, the Nutrition Campaign, the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana and the ‘Suposhit Maharashtra’ initiative,” as cited by news agency PTI. Mumbai sees 82 missing children cases in 36 days In a span of 36 days, from November 1 to December 6, the Mumbai Police recorded 82 cases of missing children and young adults, of which 60 were female, pointing to a sharp gender disparity. While cases of missing children are not new to the city, the numbers underline the continued need for vigilance, public awareness, and stronger child protection mechanisms. Furthermore, the analysis of the data shows that older adolescents were the most affected, with 18-year-olds accounting for more than half of all cases, 41 girls and 13 boys. The date also indicated that girls as young as five years and boys aged 11 years were among those reported missing during the period. Area-wise, police stations in Kurar Village, Vakola, Powai, Malwani, and Sakinaka reported multiple cases, indicating recurring hotspots across the city. (With inputs from PTI)
12 December,2025 02:11 PM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra has not received central funds for the 'Jal Jeevan Mission' scheme since October 2024 and is using state funds to complete the ongoing projects, the government said on Friday, reported news agency PTI. In a written reply to a question during the ongoing Maharashtra winter session of the state legislature, the government also said that the lack of funds has hampered the pace of existing projects. The Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) aims to provide functional tap water connections to every rural household in India, ensuring safe and adequate drinking water to citizens. In the reply submitted to the legislative assembly, Water Supply and Sanitation Department Minister Gulabrao Patil said that 51,560 schemes have been sanctioned under the water programme, of which 25429 are still ongoing, reported PTI. Patil informed the Lower House of the state legislature that the state government has given Rs 2,483.58 crore in 2024-25 and Rs 2,103.25 crore in the current fiscal year to complete the ongoing works., reported PTI. The state government said that the pace of the works under the Jal Jeevan Mission has been impacted due to the unavailability of land, opposition by local residents, the need for permissions from different departments, and delays by contractors. It said 67 contractors have been blacklisted and fined Rs 12.8 crore in schemes undertaken by different Zilla Parishads. In addition, the works of 188 contractors have been cancelled, reported PTI. Show-cause notices have been served to 76 project management consultants and 17 third-party inspection authorities. Similar notices have been served to 70 junior engineers, 149 deputy engineers and 12 executive engineers, while seven engineers have been suspended, it said, reported PTI. In case of schemes undertaken through Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran, 233 contractors have been fined Rs 55.84 crore, the reply said. Seven districts in Maharashtra saw 14,526 deaths in three years: Govt Meanwhile, seven districts of Maharashtra recorded 14,526 child deaths over the past three years, Public Health Minister Prakash Abitkar told the legislative assembly on Friday, citing government records, reported PTI. Abitkar shared the data in a written reply to a question raised by BJP legislator Sneha Dubey. According to the minister, between 2022-23 and 2024-25, Pune, Mumbai, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Nagpur, Amravati, Akola and Yavatmal districts collectively reported 14,526 child deaths, reported PTI. The figure includes infants and children under five admitted to government facilities, as well as cases of severe malnutrition. The minister also said that 138 infant deaths have been recorded in the tribal-dominated Palghar district. (With inputs from PTI)
12 December,2025 01:42 PM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondentIn view of speeding up cybercrime investigations, Maharashtra has become the first Indian state to equip its police force with an artificial intelligence-powered platform. The AI-driven system, called MahaCrimeOS AI, was unveiled at the Microsoft AI Tour in Mumbai, marking a major step in India's digital policing efforts, reported ANI. Developed by CyberEye in partnership with the Maharashtra Government's Special Purpose Vehicle MARVEL and Microsoft India Development Center (IDC), MahaCrimeOS AI uses Microsoft Azure and OpenAI technologies to help officers track and solve cybercrimes faster. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, while highlighting the technology on Friday, said that “The AI platform, which focuses on neutralising cybercrime activities, is already live in 23 police stations across Nagpur and is planned to expand to all 1,100 police stations in the state,” as reported by news agency ANI. The Maharashtra Chief Minister further said, "Ethical and responsible AI for public good is our core motto. AI has the power to transform by improving efficiency, enhancing quality of life, and delivering true ease of living for every citizen.” He also added, “Our collaboration with Microsoft began with solving complex cybercrime challenges, but its potential is far greater. We intend to harness this power responsibly to create a more effective, citizen-centric state," as per ANI. Built on Microsoft's Azure OpenAI Service and Microsoft Foundry, MahaCrimeOS AI integrates digital tools, including AI assistants, automated workflows, and secure cloud infrastructure. The state-of-the-art AI-powered technology will allow police officers to create digital case files instantly, extract data in multiple languages, and get contextual legal support through an AI-assisted knowledge base. Furthermore, the system also links related cases and helps investigators analyse digital evidence more efficiently. While announcing the launch, Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella met with Chief Minister Fadnavis to discuss how artificial intelligence can enhance governance, security, and efficiency. While speaking about Microsoft’s collaboration with the state police, CEO Satya Nadella said that this collaboration will reflect a growing focus on responsible innovation in public systems. Puneet Chandok, President of Microsoft India & South Asia, also emphasised, "AI is redefining the future of public safety, and with MahaCrimeOS AI, we're turning that vision into reality. By combining the scale of Microsoft Azure with cutting-edge AI capabilities, we're empowering every officer in Maharashtra to investigate faster, smarter, and more securely," reported ANI. Talking on behalf of the state police, Harssh Poddar, Superintendent of Police, Nagpur Rural, and CEO of MARVEL, emphasised, "MahaCrimeOS AI is redefining how we fight cybercrime – turning complexity into clarity and speed. This platform is not just about faster investigations; it's about building trust, setting new standards for governance, and creating a model that can scale across India." CyberEye founder and CEO Ram Ganesh said the collaboration helps even remote police stations handle complex cyber investigations with ease, using AI to reduce workloads and strengthen citizen protection. (With inputs from ANI)
12 December,2025 01:39 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday said Maharashtra is on the brink of becoming “Naxalism-free,” crediting the state’s progress to sustained police action and development-focused policies. Speaking at a review meeting of the state-level committee formed under the National Plan and Action Framework, Fadnavis noted that the Central government has set a nationwide target to eliminate Naxalism by 2026, and Maharashtra is “a step ahead” in meeting that goal. Chairing the meeting at Vidhan Bhavan’s Council Hall, the Chief Minister emphasised the need to establish police outposts in the most remote, formerly Naxal-dominated areas and to ensure they are staffed adequately and equipped with essential facilities. Once an area is secured, he said, the government must follow up with welfare initiatives to integrate residents into the mainstream. Fadnavis directed officials to organise programmes around newly established outposts to expand the reach of government schemes, create employment opportunities for local youth, support cultural activities, and boost the sale of local products by developing market access. He added that the increase in the surrender of wanted Naxalites in recent years reflects the success of persistent police outreach. The Chief Minister instructed officials to expedite the pending Rs 1-crore reward for the Gadchiroli police, who played a key role in facilitating the surrender of several hardcore Naxalites. He also called for timely promotions for officers who have contributed significantly to dismantling Naxal networks. Fadnavis further announced that construction of a new Superintendent of Police office building in Gadchiroli would begin soon, with funds to be made available immediately. Processes for procuring 33 new police vehicles should also be completed at the earliest, he said. The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Rajesh Agarwal; Additional Chief Secretaries O.P. Gupta (Finance), Manisha Mhaiskar (Public Works) and Milind Mhaiskar (Forest); Director General of Police Rashmi Shukla; Principal Secretary (Home) Anup Kumar Singh; Additional DGP (Special) Shiring Dorje; CRPF Additional DG Ajay Sharma; and other senior officers. DIG Ankit Goyal delivered a detailed presentation. Symbolic pushback against naxalism Officials highlighted a powerful symbol of the state’s gains against Naxal influence: a police outpost has now been established at Laheri in Bhamragad taluka — the same site where Naxalites had celebrated after killing 17 police personnel during a 2009 attack. The new outpost, they said, has strengthened local confidence in law enforcement and stands as evidence of the weakening Naxal presence. Development as a counter-insurgency tool The state is also ramping up infrastructure development in Gadchiroli district as part of its long-term anti-Naxal strategy. A 17.3-km road connecting Dhodraj, Nilgunda and Kavande is set to be constructed, along with bridges over the Korma stream and at Bedre, extending connectivity up to Bijapur. Another 750-metre bridge over the Indravati River on the Damaracha–Sandra route is also planned. Telecom connectivity — long identified as crucial for security operations and economic integration — has seen a major boost in the district. While Gadchiroli had 271 mobile towers in 2022, an additional 521 towers have been installed between 2023 and 2025, officials said.
12 December,2025 01:22 PM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Friday said that the Mahayuti alliance will contest the upcoming elections together at both local and state levels, highlighting that the government's development work over the past three-and-a-half years will be the foundation of their campaign, reported news agency ANI. "We will contest as Mahayuti at both the local and senior levels. In the past three and a half years, we've carried out several development projects and presented them before the people. We will fight this election on the strength of development and our agenda of progress. The public is wise," Shinde told the media. On seat-sharing concerns within the alliance, Shinde admitted that there are always many aspirants. "When there's an alliance, there are always many aspirants, but we'll accommodate them at other suitable places," he said, reported ANI. Closed-door meeting Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Monday held a 90-minute closed-door meeting where the ruling Mahayuti decided to contest the upcoming municipal elections, including in Mumbai and Thane, together, an official release said. State BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule and senior Shiv Sena leader Ravindra Chavan were also present. According to the Shiv Sena's release, both parties discussed fighting the civic polls unitedly as Mahayuti. Both sides have also agreed that BJP and Shiv Sena workers will not be allowed to switch sides. The civic polls are expected to see a direct contest between the ruling Mahayuti, comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), and NCP (Ajit Pawar faction), and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi, which includes the Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT) (Uddhav Thackeray faction), and NCP (Sharad Pawar faction or NCP-SP), and other contesting parties. Responding to Aaditya Thackeray's criticism of the government's decision on the pagdi system, Shinde said, "Those living under the pagdi system are common people, not builders. Those who always speak the builder's language, what can I say to them? I'll only say this - this is a historic decision. We have resolved long-pending issues of Mumbaikars," reported ANI. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Thursday announced that a separate regulatory framework will be created to free Mumbai from the pagdi system in the Legislative Assembly and to ensure fair and proper redevelopment of pagdi buildings, a press release from the CM's Secretariat said. Deputy CM Shinde also stated that the rights of both tenants and landlords will be protected. Shinde extends birthday greetings to Sharad Pawar Meanwhile, the Deputy Chief Minister extended birthday greetings to the Nationalist Congress Party (SP) chief, Sharad Pawar. "I extend my birthday wishes to Sharad Pawar," Shinde said. (With inputs from ANI)
12 December,2025 12:58 PM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondentResidents across Thane will face a 50 per cent water cut for the next four days after a major malfunction was reported in a key water pipeline that supplies the city. The 1000 mm diameter pipeline, which carries water from the Pise Dam to the Temghar Water Treatment Plant, developed a fresh fault near Kalyan Phata on Thursday (December 11) during ongoing work by Mahanagar Gas, officials said. According to the Thane Municipal Corporation's Water Supply Department, repair work has been initiated on priority. However, due to the pipeline’s age and its prestressed concrete construction, the process is expected to take at least four days to complete. The disruption has led to a significant reduction in water supply, prompting the Thane Municipal Corporation to impose a 50 per cent cut across all zones. To ensure equitable distribution, the civic body will implement a zonal supply system under which each zone will receive water for only 12 hours a day until December 15. Officials warned that residents should expect reduced pressure and irregular supply during this period. The civic body has urged citizens to use water judiciously and extend cooperation to the municipal administration as repair efforts continue. BMC announces 24-hour water cut in parts of Mumbai on December 12 and 13 Meanwhile, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Tuesday announced a 24-hour water cut in parts of Mumbai on December 12 and 13. An official statement said that the Mumbai civic body officials will carry out major water pipeline connection work in the K/East, H/East and G/North wards from 9 am on Friday, December 12, 2025, to 9 am on Saturday, December 13, 2025. Due to this work, the water supply will be completely shut in several areas, while some parts of the K/East ward will receive a low-pressure supply. The work involves connecting large pipelines, including the 1800 mm Tansa West water main, the 1200 mm water main, the 2400 mm Vaitarna water main, and a 1500 mm water main in the G/North ward. The BMC has said the shutdown is necessary to ensure smooth future supply, the statement said.
12 December,2025 12:50 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Thursday said that the state government will introduce a separate set of rules to redevelop Mumbai’s old ‘pagdi’ (rent-controlled) buildings. The move aims to ensure fair and proper redevelopment while protecting the rights of both tenants and building owners. In an official statement, issued by his office, Shinde said that around 19,000 buildings in Mumbai, mostly constructed before 1960, are identified as pagdi buildings. Some have already been redeveloped, some have collapsed, and nearly 13,000 buildings are awaiting redevelopment. Tenants in these buildings are protected under the Maharashtra Rent Control Act, and many legal disputes between landlords and tenants remain pending in courts. “The current legal and financial issues prevent building owners from receiving fair compensation, and redevelopment is slow. A proper and just redevelopment system is needed while keeping the rights of tenants and owners intact,” Shinde said. He added that for economically weaker sections and very low-income groups, redevelopment should not rely only on Floor Space Index (FSI) incentives; the cost of reconstruction should also be provided free of charge. Key provisions of new rules - Tenants will be given FSI equivalent to the area they currently occupy. - Owners will receive FSI for the land they own. - Economically weaker and very low-income tenants will receive additional FSI incentives for free reconstruction. - If FSI cannot be fully utilised due to height restrictions or other limitations, the remaining FSI will be provided in the form of Transferable Development Rights (TDR). Shinde stated that these rules will unlock redevelopment of old pagdi buildings, prevent further structural collapses, and avoid financial and human losses. Existing redevelopment schemes under sections 33(7) and 33(9) will continue, and this will provide a new option for buildings that have not benefited from earlier schemes. Fast-Track courts to resolve pending cases To speed up redevelopment, the government will also set up fast-track courts to resolve around 28,000 pending legal cases between tenants and building owners, many of which have been unresolved for decades. The aim is to resolve these disputes within three years, ensuring that thousands of Mumbai residents living under the pagdi system receive homes with full ownership rights. Shinde stated that no injustice will be done to tenants or owners, and the government is committed to resolving any challenges that arise during the process.
12 December,2025 11:07 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMumbai is expected to experience mainly clear skies across the city and suburbs on Friday. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the maximum temperature is likely to hover around 33 degrees Celsius, while the minimum may drop to 15 degrees Celsius. In Colaba, the minimum temperature was recorded at 20.6 degrees Celsius, with relative humidity at 74 per cent. Santacruz reported a minimum of 14.9 degrees Celsius, relative humidity of 75 per cent. Air quality in Mumbai remains moderate, with the city registering an air quality index (AQI) of 115, according to the SAMEER App. Experts caution that such levels may cause breathing discomfort for individuals with lung disorders, asthma, or heart conditions. AQI readings across various city areas are as follows: Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) – 115, Borivali – 79, Byculla – 96, Chakala (Andheri East) – 93, Chembur – 124, Colaba – 101, Deonar – 126, and Kandivali West – 53. Maharashtra sees cool mornings; Ahilyanagar records lowest temperature of 7.3 degrees Celsius Maharashtra witnessed cool mornings across most regions on Friday, with minimum temperatures ranging from 7.3 degrees Celsius to 16.1 degrees Celsius. Seasonal rainfall and relative humidity varied across the state, while most districts reported clear skies with little to no rainfall in the last 24 hours. In the northern and western parts of the state, Nashik recorded a minimum of 7.8 degrees Celsius with 64 per cent relative humidity and no rainfall over the past 24 hours. Pune experienced a low of 8.3 degrees Celsius with 77 per cent humidity, while Satara recorded a minimum of 9.4 degrees Celsius under clear sky and haze conditions. Kolhapur reported a minimum temperature of 13.5 degrees Celsius and 55 per cent relative humidity, and Sangli saw 11.3 degrees Celsius with 68 per cent humidity, accompanied by haze. In the coastal belt, Dahanu recorded a minimum of 15.1 degrees Celsius with 72 per cent humidity, while Ratnagiri experienced a comparatively warmer low of 16.1 degrees Celsius with 43 per cent humidity. Other notable readings included Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar at 10.6 degrees Celsius with 47 per cent humidity, Ahilyanagar at 7.3 degrees Celsius with 90 per cent humidity, and Udgir at 11.0 degrees Celsius with 51 per cent humidity. Malegaon recorded a minimum of 8.4 degrees Celsius with 95 per cent relative humidity. Nanded reported a low of 9.1 degrees Celsius and a high of 28.9 degrees Celsius with 63 per cent humidity. Seasonal rainfall (SRF) continues to accumulate in several districts, including Ratnagiri with 405.7 millimetres, Dahanu with 184.6 millimetres, Sangli with 112.5 millimetres, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar 108.6 millimetres, and Kolhapur 96.3 millimetres. Most other regions reported negligible rainfall in the last 24 hours.
12 December,2025 11:05 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentShiv Sena leader Shaina NC on Thursday defended the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list, asserting that it is a "regular, constitutionally-approved process" conducted periodically by the Election Commission across the country and accusing the Opposition of "creating needless fear for political mileage," reported news agency ANI. "The Special Intensive Revision of the voter list is a regular, constitutionally-approved process that is conducted by the EC time to time across India. There is no novelty here. It is meant to ensure transparent, updated, accurate electoral rolls. Opposition seems to be rattled because a clean voter list means the end of bogus voting, means the end of any duplicates, means the end of fake voters, means the end of their legacy, the SP. So, linking SIR with NRC is not just a cheap attempt to play with the people's emotions, but you are playing to create communal polarisation," Shaina NC said, reported ANI. She further criticised the Opposition for not raising objections with the Election Commission despite having the opportunity to do so. Calling the objections raised by Opposition parties "useless excuses," she alleged that their reactions showed they were "scared of accountability." "When the EC has said clearly that if there are questions, issues of credibility, bring it up - there you have chosen to keep quiet. The truth is simple, the Opposition parties are scared of accountability, and by bringing forth these kinds of useless excuses, it is amply clear that whether it is Akhilesh Yadav or the Congress, they are very redundant in the public space because they are not for development or transparent practices of stability. They are only there for drama and scaring people," Shaina NC added, reported ANI. Lok Sabha debate On Wednesday, tensions in the Lok Sabha escalated when Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi engaged in a heated exchange over allegations of "vote chori". Gandhi repeatedly challenged Shah to debate on issues raised in the press conference, including claims of irregularities in the electoral rolls. Shah responded firmly, saying "Parliament won't function as per his wish," and insisted he would address all questions in his own sequence. Shah also defended the special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists, calling it a necessary process to "sanitise" electoral rolls. Accusing the Opposition of double standards, he said they praised the Election Commission when they won and attacked it when they lost. The confrontation culminated in Opposition MPs walking out during Shah's reply, prompting the Lok Sabha to adjourn. (With inputs from ANI)
12 December,2025 10:52 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
