Shashi Tharoor, a senior Congress leader, made a courtesy visit to Matoshree, the residence of Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray in Mumbai's Bandra area. Tharoor was accompanied by Aaditya Thackeray, former Maharashtra minister and Uddhav Thackeray's son, during the visit. Aaditya Thackeray shared a photo of himself with Tharoor on his social media profile. He captioned it, "Senior Congress leader, sitting MP from Thiruvananthapuram and Lok Sabha candidate Shashi Tharoor Ji held a goodwill meeting at Matoshree today." काँग्रेसचे ज्येष्ठ नेते, तिरुवअनंपुरमचे विद्यमान खासदार व लोकसभा उमेदवार @ShashiTharoor जी ह्यांनी आज मातोश्री येथे सदिच्छा भेट घेतली. pic.twitter.com/IncJqIzHvz — Aaditya Thackeray (@AUThackeray) May 11, 2024 Earlier, Tharoor and Aaditya Thackeray campaigned in Bandra for Varsha Gaikwad, the Congress candidate for Mumbai North Central constituency. Gaikwad is contesting against BJP's Ujjwal Nikam. "Joined Aaditya Thackeray and our Mumbai North-Central candidate Varsha Gaikwad in a very crowded roadshow in her constituency. As the humongous turnout confirmed: She is a winner," wrote Shashi Tharoor in his social media post. Joined @AUThackeray and our Mumbai North-Central candidate @VarshaEGaikwad in a very crowded roadshow in her constituency. As the humongous turnout confirmed: She’s a winner! pic.twitter.com/NBAAdiVgTH — Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) May 11, 2024 While Tharoor and Aaditya were in Bandra, Uddhav Thackeray was campaigning outside Mumbai. The Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) are allies in the INDI alliance and Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition. Mumbai Police issues guidelines for voting day Voting for the Lok Sabha elections 2024 in Maharashtra for 48 constituencies is being conducted in five phases, with Mumbai scheduled to vote in the fifth and final phase on May 20. On the same day, 13 constituencies including Mumbai North, Mumbai North West, Mumbai North East, Mumbai North Central, Mumbai South Central, Mumbai South, Washim, Dindori, Nashik, Palghar, Bhiwandi, and Thane will vote. Mumbai Police have issued guidelines for the elections in the city on May 20. They have imposed restrictions for the voting day at polling booths in six constituencies in Mumbai. According to the guidelines, individuals who are not candidates, accredited agents, or officials involved in the election process, including public servants on duty at or near polling stations, are prohibited from loitering or assembling within a 100-meter radius of any polling station in constituencies including South Mumbai, South Central Mumbai, North Central Mumbai, North East Mumbai, North West Mumbai, and North Mumbai between 6:00 am and 12 midnight on May 20, 2024.
11 May,2024 09:22 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentCaste issues significantly impact voting decisions in Maharashtra's Beed Lok Sabha constituency as locals prepare for the May 13 election. With 41 candidates running, including BJP's Pankaja Munde and NCP (SP) candidate Bajrang Sonawane, caste affiliations play an important part in determining voter preferences. Neknoor village people freely admit the influence of caste on political choices. Maratha and Muslim communities have aligned their votes behind their respective candidates, while non-Marathas support the BJP. This pattern reflects the profound caste differences that exist in the region. "All Maratha votes here have consolidated in favour of Bajrang Sonawane as have the Muslim votes. Due to this, the non-Marathas will vote for the BJP," claimed Bhima Ganji, per the PTI report. According to the report, Manoj Jarange, a Maratha quota activist, organised an agitation last year that aggravated caste divisions in Beed. Incidents such as the police baton charge on demonstrators and riots have heightened communal tensions, particularly in areas like Antarwali Sarati and Beed. Beed, a district in Marathwada, faces economic hardships, severe droughts, and high farmer suicide rates. The constituency has six assembly segments, including several Mayauti MLAs from the NCP and BJP. Pankaja's father, the late Gopinath Munde, and her sister Pritam have represented the Beed Lok Sabha constituency since 2009. However, Pankaja is now the BJP's candidate, hoping to carry on the family's political tradition. Despite the Mundes' long-standing dominance, frustration with established parties, particularly the ruling BJP, is obvious. Agricultural suffering, exacerbated by crop failures and poor prices, adds to voters' concerns. Farmers such as Kiran Dhoble, who have experienced losses due to crop failures and growing indebtedness, emphasise the critical need for government action in addressing agricultural issues and creating job possibilities. Political analysts predict a hotly contested election, with the Maratha reservation issue and Muslim community votes playing critical roles. However, the compassion factor that previously aided the Mundes appears to have weakened. "The Maratha reservation will play a crucial role in the constituency and the contest is expected to be a tight one. The Muslim community votes will play a major role this time and whoever emerges victorious will win by a thin margin," he said. "When two communities (Muslim and Maratha) are not voting for you, it will certainly not be an easy contest," said an NCP worker. Vishwanath Dongre, a Shiv Sena worker from Beed taluka, told PTI, "Jarange is god for the Marathas here. No Maratha in villages is willing to vote for Tai (Pankaja). Despite our cajoling, they are not willing to come to attend her meeting." As campaigning heated up, Jarange's influence among the Maratha population remained strong, posing a challenge to Pankaja Munde's political hopes. Despite efforts to garner support, her candidature faces opposition from disillusioned voters, particularly those in the Maratha demographic. With PTI inputs
11 May,2024 08:18 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Mumbai Airport Customs Department has seized 11.62 kg of gold and iPhones valued at Rs 7.44 crore and Rs 12 lakh in cash in separate cases at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport or CSMIA, an official said on Friday, reported news agency PTI. The action was taken in 18 cases of contraband seizure between Tuesday and Thursday. The official also informed PTI that seven people were arrested and taken into police custody. Further investigation was underway, the official added. Brazilian national held at Mumbai airport for smuggling cocaine Officers from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMI) intercepted a Brazilian national on May 8, 2024, based on specific intelligence regarding drug smuggling. The suspect aroused suspicion and upon questioning, confessed to ingesting capsules containing drugs, intending to smuggle them into India. "On questioning the passenger admitted to having ingested capsules containing drugs and carrying the same in his body for smuggling into India. The passenger was produced before the Magistrate and as per the court order, he was admitted to Sir JJ Hospital, Mumbai," an official said. After being taken into custody, the person was brought before a magistrate, who granted them admission to Mumbai's Sir JJ Hospital. The Brazilian national purged 110 capsules totalling 975 grams of cocaine during their hospital stay; these capsules are estimated to be worth Rs. 9.75 crores on the black market. On May 10, 2024, the seized material—which turned out to be cocaine—was taken away in compliance with the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act of 1985. The arrested individual is currently in custody, and further investigations are underway to find and apprehend more members of this worldwide drug smuggling syndicate. This is the DRI's second such action in a week.
11 May,2024 07:46 PM IST | Mumbai | PTI | mid-day online correspondentThe Lok Sabha Elections 2024 campaign for 11 seats in Maharashtra ended on Saturday at 6 pm, ahead of the May 13 polling date. The election struggle will determine the destiny of 298 contestants, including Union Minister Raosaheb Danve of the BJP, former state minister Pankaja Munde, actor Amol Kolhe of the NCP (SP), and BJP candidate Sujay Vikhe Patil. Over 2.28 crore electors are eligible to vote in central Marathwada, as well as Northern and Western Maharashtra for Lok Sabha Elections 2024, reported PTI. According to the report, voting for the 11 seats in the fourth phase of Lok Sabha Elections 2024 will take place from 7 am to 6 pm at 23,284 polling locations around the state. In Nandurbar, Northern Maharashtra, the BJP and Congress are competing directly, while in Jalgaon and Raver, the BJP is up against the NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar)-led coalition. In Nandurbar, the sitting MP Heena Gavit will be contesting directly with the Congress. In Marathwada, the BJP competes with the Congress in Jalna, while the Shiv Sena (UBT) will be locking horns with the Shiv Sena led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in Aurangabad, the report added. BJP has filed Pankaja Munde for Lok Sabha Elections 2024 who will face NCP (SP) candidate Bajrang Sonawane in Beed. In Maval, two Shiv Sena groups, led by Uddhav Thackeray and Eknath Shinde, are fighting bitterly. According to the PTI report, in Pune, the BJP and Congress are the primary competitors, while in Shirur, actor Kolhe will fight Shivajirao Adhalrao Patil of the NCP. In Ahmednagar, Sujay Vikhe Patil of the BJP faces Nilesh Lanke of the NCP (SP). The Shiv Sena, led by Shinde, competes with the Shiv Sena (UBT) in Shirdi. There are 2,28,01,151 registered voters across these 11 constituencies. Maharashtra has 48 Lok Sabha seats, 24 of which have already been completed in the first three phases. The fifth and final phase, which includes 13 seats, will take place on May 20. Of the 2,28,01,151 persons, 1,18,59,645 are men, 1,09,40,234 are women and 1,272 are from the trans community officially classified as the third gender, the report added. With PTI inputs
11 May,2024 07:18 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentLocals in Thane participated in the 'Run and Vote 2024' mini-marathon which was intended to raise awareness about the impending Lok Sabha Elections 2024 on May 20. The event held on Saturday was organised by the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC), Thane Collectorate, Thane District Athletic Association and Thane Citizens Foundation. The mini-marathon began at 6.30 am with the city's collector Ashok Shingare and Thane Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao leading the way. Before the start, participants, municipal officials and employees took an oath to exercise their right to vote. Additional Commissioner Sandeep Malvi, Additional Commissioner Prashant Rode, Deputy Commissioners G.G. Godepure, Tushar Pawar, Umesh Birari, Dinesh Taide, Angha Kadam, Chief Accounts Officer Dilip Suryavanshi, Meenal Palande, Assistant Commissioner Sachin Borse, Ranju Pawar, Health Officer Dr Rani Shinde, Disaster Management Officer Yasin Tadvi, Kasbar Augustine of Thane Citizens Foundation, and others were in attendance. Rajendra Patankar moderated the ceremony. Thane Collector Ashok Shingare congratulated the participants on their tremendous reaction and encouraged them to carry the message of voting awareness door to door. Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao reiterated the sentiment, urging everyone to vote and encourage others to do the same. The victors collected their prizes at a ceremony held at Kashinath Ghanekar Theatre.
11 May,2024 07:08 PM IST | Thane | Faisal TandelMumbai Police on Saturday issued guidelines for Lok Sabha elections 2024 in the city on May 20. The police have issued restrictions for the voting day at the polling booths in six constituencies in Mumbai. In a preventative order, Mumbai Police said, that polling in the parliamentary election of South Mumbai, South Central Mumbai, North Central Mumbai, North East Mumbai, North West Mumbai and North Mumbai constituencies is to take place at a number of polling stations in above constituencies on May 20 2024. It said, a large number of voters are likely to visit various polling stations to exercise their right of voting. "It necessary for the purpose of preventing obstruction, annoyance and injury or risk of obstructing, annoyance and injury to persons lawfully employed and for the purpose of preventing the disturbance of the public tranquillity," the preventive order said. The order was issued by Akbar Pathan, DCP (Operations), Mumbai Police and Executive Magistrate specially empowered under section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (Act 2 of 1974) read with sub-section (2) of section 10 of the Maharashtra Police Act,1951 (Mah. Act XXIl of 1951). It stated that no person not being a candidate in connection with the election for which polling is to take place at a polling station or the accredited agent of such a candidate or an official engaging connection with the election or any public servant engaged in duty at or in the vicinity of such polling station shall between 6.00 am and 12 midnight on the 20 May 2024, loiter or join or form any assembly or group of persons of any public through fare, highway road, street lane, bye -lane or any other public place within a distance of one hundred meters radius from any polling station in (1) 31- South Mumbai (2) 30- South Central Mumbai (3) 29- North Central Mumbai (4) 28- North East Mumbai (5) 27- North West Mumbai (6) 26- North Mumbai, constituencies. The preventive order further said that all intending voters visiting a polling station for the purpose of voting shall form queues in front of the polling station, one for males and another for females and that each intending voter shall enter the poling station serially in accordance with his her position in the queue as and when voters are admitted to the polling station in compliance with the directions of the Presiding Officer. Maharashtra has a total number of 48 constituencies in the state and the Lok Sabha elections this year are being held in five phases. Mumbai is scheduled to vote in the fifth and final phase of Lok Sabha elections 2024 in state and it will take place on May 20. On the same day 13 constituencies including Mumbai North, Mumbai North West, Mumbai North East, Mumbai North Central, Mumbai South Central, Mumbai South, Washim, Dindori, Nashik, Palghar, Bhiwandi, Washim, and Thane will vote.
11 May,2024 04:52 PM IST | Mumbai | Asif RizviWith the blatant promotion of Hindutva being on the rise for many political parties, some parties like the Shiv Sena provide their take on the ideology. Differentiating between the Hindutva of the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Shiv Sena (UBT), Maharashtra’s former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Friday claimed that their brand of Hindutva "lights the stoves" in people's homes while the BJP's Hindutva "burns their homes." Per an ANI report, Uddhav addressed a gathering in Mumbai stating, "There is a vast difference between the Hindutva of the BJP and ours. Our Hindutva lights stoves in houses, but the BJP's Hindutva burns houses," He went on to say that the Prime Minister was appealing to the Supreme Court to provide "legal equality" for all people and applying pressure to the court. He allegedly also used the Election Commission of India against Uddhav’s party. "Our bow and arrow were snatched away. You (PM Modi) took away my party, my symbol, and my men, but you still fear Uddhav Thackeray?" he said. The Shiv Sena (UBT) chief also brought up the government report claiming the Muslim population had increased in the country. "Narendra Modi has been the Prime Minister of this country for the past decade, he should clarify if this increase in the Muslim population is his achievement or failure. We are all confused if we should appreciate or criticise him for the increase in Muslim population in the country in the past 10 years," he told ANI. While letting all his frustration out, Uddhav also added how the BJP government has snatched all the powers from Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. "Kejriwal got bail, everyone knows, the Modi government snatched all the powers of Kejriwal. Modi ji's drama will go on till 4th June. After June 4, he will not be known as Prime Minister Narendra Modi but just Narendra Modi," he said. Earlier on April 29, the prime minister made a subtle jab at Sharad Pawar, the leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (SCP), claiming that Maharashtra has long suffered from a "Bhatakti Atma" that has caused political unrest in the region and rifts within his own family and party. "You say whatever comes to your mind, 'you said that why Rahul Gandhi stopped speaking against Adani and Ambani because he collected a tempo-full of money'. Modi ji, you are the Prime Minister. What were your ED, income tax department and CBI doing when tempos stashed with cash were moving? Were they busy with the traitors? If PM Modi had the input about it, the agencies should have acted on it. The PM should have acted on the black money, which he claims has gone from Ambani and Adani to Congress," Uddhav said expressing his views on the remarks of PM Modi on Rahul Gandhi’s cessation of mentioning Ambani-Adani in his speeches. Expressing his opinion on Section 370, Uddhav said it was not the BJP government who did away with it, but it had been put on hold to allow businessman Gautam Adani to buy mass land consisting of unexplored lithium and squeeze out any revenue before taking the business to Gujarat. In addition, Thackeray questioned the use of the lathi charge, accusing the police of carrying out all the abuses because of "a phone call from the top," shooting pellets and bullets at Manoj Jarange, a reservation campaigner, and the villagers. In addition, he requested the Prime Minister to cease playing politics in the name of Muslims and Hindus and to maintain his composure. "Prime Minister, the language you are using is inappropriate for the position; your nation's reputation is being damaged nationwide." Modi, please maintain composure. Apply some of Baba Ramdev's Patanjali oil to your head and perform Kapal Bharti. Get some rest. Just don't start ruining my nation right now. Giving the leadership of the nation to individuals like them is unacceptable, he declared, whenever the BJP only talks about Muslims and Hindus. Uddhav Thackeray’s visible vexation will be answered in the fourth phase of the Lok Sabha elections taking on May 13. The counting of votes will take place on June 4. (With Inputs from ANI)
11 May,2024 03:59 PM IST | Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar | mid-day online correspondentFormer Maharashtra Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan has expressed his disappointment regarding the verdict of the court in the Dr Narendra Dabholkar murder case and claimed that right-wing outfit Sanatan Sanstha was nothing but a "terrorist organisation" who has a hand in the killing of the renowned nationalist but doesn’t have clarity yet. Dr Dabholkar (67) was an anti-superstition campaigner who was shot dead on August 20, 2013, while on a morning walk on a bridge near the Omkareshwar temple in Pune. According to a PTI report, on Friday, a special court for UAPA cases in the city convicted and sentenced two men to life imprisonment and acquitted three in the case. The two assailants - Sachin Andure and Sharad Kalaskar – were sentenced to life imprisonment, but acquitted three others - ENT surgeon Dr Virendrasinh Tawde, Sanjeev Punalekar and Vikram Bhave - for want of evidence, reported PTI. "I am not happy with the judgment. What is the role of the Sanatan Sanstha and who is the mastermind of the murder has not been made clear. Similarly, (it has not been made clear) if there is a link between Dabholkar's killing and the murders of Govind Pansare and Gauri Lankesh," Chavan told PTI on Friday. According to the report, Chavan said when he was chief minister, that is between November 2010 and September 2014, the then ACS (Home) Umesh Sarangi had recommended a ban on the Sanatan Sanstha under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) based on an Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) report."There is a process for that where all states are asked about the activities of the (concerned) organisation in their respective areas. Nothing happened for two years after which Dabholkar was killed. In 2014, we sent a 1000-page dossier to the Union home ministry (recommending a ban on the outfit)," he added. "The demand for a ban on the Sanatan Sanstha is still pending with the Centre. The Sanatan Sanstha is a terrorist organisation," Chavan pointed out. Coincidentally, Sanatan Sanstha spokesperson Abhay Vartak criticised Chavan during a press conference in Pune following the court's decision in the Dabholkar case. Following the assassination of Dr Dabholkar on August 20, 2013, at 7:20 a.m., Vartak claimed that within one and a half hours, then-chief minister of Maharashtra, Prithviraj Chavan, claimed in a television interview that the homicide may have been carried out by pro-Hindutva individuals, misleading the investigation, the report added. The alarming fact is that Dabholkar's murder was followed by the murders of three other rationalists/activists in the next four years: communist leader Govind Pansare (Kolhapur, February 2015), Kannada scholar and writer M M Kalburgi (Dharwad, August 2015) and journalist Gauri Lankesh (Bengaluru, September 2017). It is due to this pattern, that the perpetrators of all four murders are somewhat connected. (With Inputs from PTI)
11 May,2024 02:37 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Mumbai South Central, a seat with substantial political clout, is the centre of attention as the political landscape prepares for the Lok Sabha elections 2024. In the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 there was a direct flight between the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena in the Mumbai South Central constituency. The Mumbai South Central seat has been a stronghold of Shiv Sena. CM Shinde-led Shiv Sena has fielded the incumbent MP Rahul Shewale who faces Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Anil Desai in the Lok Sabha elections 2024. The battle between the two senior political leaders is totally different from the last Lok Sabha elections in 2019. In the last polls, for the Mumbai North Central seat the battle was between the then undivided Shiv Sena and Congress. The seat has in the recent past witnessed a political show of strength through roadshows with alliance party supporters. Anil Desai has support of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) party leaders and the supporters comprising of the Congress, Sharad Pawar-led NCP and Shiv Sena (UBT) whereas Rahul Shewale is being backed by the ruling Mahayuti coalition that includes the BJP, Ajit Pawar-led NCP and the CM Shinde-led Shiv Sena. Rahul Shewale is eyeing a third term from the seat. Shewale of the undivided Shiv Sena had won the seat in the 2019 Lok Sabha Elections by a margin of 152,139 votes. With a vote share of 53.19 per cent, he received 424,913 votes, more than the votes cast for Congress candidate Eknath Gaikwad, who had received 272,774 votes (34.19 per cent). In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, Rahul Shewale won with 381,008 votes. Eknath Gaikwad had got 242,828 votes. The Mumbai South Central seat comprises six assembly constituencies including Anushaktinagar, Chembur, Dharavi, Sion Koliwada, Wadala and Mahim areas. Mumbai South Central, home to important areas along with a diversity of different communities in areas like Worli, Mahim, and Sewri that epitomises the city's multiculturalism. The constituency comprises high-rises that coexist with historic industries and now shut mills and contemporary businesses. The seat has its own diversity that makes it a challenging but fascinating place for political parties vying for power. Historically, the Mumbai South Central Lok Sabha constituency has long been a stronghold of the Shiv Sena. There has been a change in the constituency's political allegiance in recent years, with the other political parties gaining ground in the areas particularly in places where there is a sizable mixture of different communities. The debate between development against identity politics is one of the main elements influencing the political discourse in Mumbai South Central seat, the experts suggest. They say, that while some voters place a higher priority on the provision of jobs and infrastructure, others are drawn to political parties that support cultural and religious identities. Maharashtra has a total number of 48 constituencies in the state and the Lok Sabha elections this year in the state are being held in five phases. Mumbai is scheduled to vote in the fifth and final phase of Lok Sabha elections 2024 and it will take place on May 20. The same day 13 constituencies including Mumbai North, Mumbai North West, Mumbai North East, Mumbai North Central, Mumbai South Central, Mumbai South, Washim, Dindori, Nashik, Palghar, Bhiwandi, Washim, and Thane. The results for the polls will be declared on June 4. The forthcoming elections in Mumbai are anticipated to be fiercely contested. Moreover, the entry of different parties into the fray adds an element of unpredictability to the electoral landscape. Factors such as coalition dynamics, and voter turnout will play crucial roles in determining the outcome of the elections, the experts suggest.
11 May,2024 11:29 AM IST | Mumbai | Asif RizviA fire broke out in the wee hours of Saturday at a bungalow in Bandra suburb of Mumbai, said officials. The Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB) promptly responded to the distress call in the early hours of May 11 reporting the fire incident at Narang Bungalow, which is situated on Zig Zag Road in Pali Hill, Bandra West. The fire was classified as Fire L-1, officials said. The MFB started firefighting operations as soon as it arrived at 01:22 am, allocating resources to put out the fire. The first, second, and third floors were the main areas where the fire, which started on the bungalow's property, was contained. The total area affected by the fire was around 50 feet by 100 feet. The MFB's preliminary investigations showed that the fire mostly damaged false ceilings, AC outdoor units, hardwood furniture, household items, LPG gas cylinders and electric wiring within the bungalow's interior. Despite the severity of the situation, the firefighters acted quickly, and by 5:00 am, the flames had been put out. The incident did not result in any recorded injuries. While investigations are being conducted to identify the primary source of the ignition, authorities are still evaluating the level of damage inflicted by the fire. Minor Fires Break Out in Mumbai Hospital Recently, a minor fire broke out in a room on the sixth floor of the 11-storey Hinduja Hospital in Khar, Mumbai. The incident happened on Monday confirmed civic officials; no injuries were reported in the incident. The blaze, which started at 5:55 pm, was swiftly brought under control within 10 minutes. It was contained to wiring, electric installations, and the panel board, stated another report. Four fire engines and additional fire brigade vehicles were deployed to extinguish the fire. The fire brigade used one small hose line of three motor pumps to douse the flames after cutting off the power supply. Additionally, individuals present at the site assisted in extinguishing the blaze using a hose line of the riser system, the report added. In a separate incident in Thane district, a container cabin carrying wedding decoration materials caught fire near Chuha bridge on Diva-Mumbra road around 12:42 am. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the incident, and the fire was extinguished by 2 am. However, all materials stored in the container were destroyed. In another incident on Sunday, a fire broke out in a four-story residential structure in Thane, Maharashtra, destroying 20 electric meters. The fire, which started in one of the electric meters, quickly spread to others. Emergency responders, including firefighters, regional disaster management teams, energy supply personnel, and police, promptly arrived at the scene and successfully extinguished the fire after nearly an hour of efforts. Fortunately, no injuries were recorded as the building's residents evacuated promptly after the fire broke out around 11:15 pm.
11 May,2024 07:48 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe 64-year-old spiritual leader Swami Shantigiriji Maharaj has caused quite a stir in the Nashik Lok Sabha constituency and among politicians. Despite requests from senior BJP leaders to withdraw his nomination, Swamiji remained firm in his decision to contest the election. He aims to “purify politics” and has taken matters into his own hands after being denied a ticket despite meeting Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Now, he’s running as an independent candidate with the election symbol ‘bucket’. Swamiji's candidacy has raised concerns about its impact on the election outcome, given his past success in securing votes. With assets worth over R38 crore and a dedicated following of 1.8 lakh devotees known as Jai Babaji Pariwar in Nashik, Swami Shantigiri Maharaj’s influence extends far and wide. Despite being a spiritual leader, he’s actively engaged in politics, as seen during his recent stop at his ashram in Khopadi Budruk, where he addressed a rally organised by his supporters. mid-day caught up with Swamiji during a brief halt at his ashram in Khopadi Budruk, a village in the interiors of Sinnar where his follower-sourced rally had been on. Excerpts: What is the exact reason for contesting elections?The standard of politics today is at an all-time low, and when the political power fails, it is the religious power that needs to rise. I am a representative of that. The Parliament is like a temple of democracy, and only good people should go there. It is “like king, like people,” meaning that leaders should set an example of good qualities, follow virtue, and work for the welfare of their subjects. If the head of the house is not good enough, the family suffers. You were expecting a ticket from Mahayuti, but they ditched you at the last minute.Yes, our followers have worked for the party, and it is but natural to have expectations, but in the end, it is their choice. But so be it. We are working for the national interest and not against anyone or any party. The idea is to purify politics. Everyone has asked you to withdraw. But you have remained firm on your stand.Yes, our followers always wanted me to contest this time. It was already decided that I would go ahead and contest the elections and win whether any party gave me a ticket or not. You have been known as mauni baba, the silent ascetic. How will you handle the Parliament and the people?Let me clear the air. The oath of silence (maun) was between 1998 to 2006 for nine years as a part of a vow. Now there is no silence period. Shantigiri Maharaj also known as Mauni Baba is contesting from the Nashik Lok Sabha seat as an independent candidate. Pics/ASHISH RAJE You have declared assets worth crores of rupees, which is a bit too much for a spiritual leader or an ascetic.If you read the details carefully, the assets in question are more in landform. Followers have gifted me land and properties which we are in the process of transferring to a trust. My followers believe in me so much that they donate in my name. The process of making the trust has been on when the elections were announced. We have sincerely declared in the public domain all that we have and have not tried to hide anything. What are your ideas, and priorities for the constituency? Your agenda as an MP. I have been moving from village to village in the interiors of the Nashik constituency, speaking to people and discussed with people about their problems. There are issues of irrigation and water, education and housing which will be my priority. Practically, how will you strike a chord with the electorate?As I said, I have been interacting with hundreds of villagers. I ask them one question: do they want money or the development and growth? The answer is growth of the village. I have also struck a chord among women voters. I appealed to them and asked whether they wanted a candidate who would distribute bottles of alcohol and encourage alcoholism or one who would encourage one to leave alcohol. Women and housewives in the villages obviously opted for the latter and assured they would vote for me in large numbers. One final question. As a spiritual leader and ascetic, people deify you and touch your feet. Now in the temple of democracy, you have to touch people’s feet as you will be a public servant and a people’s representative.A very good question. The people are God’s children. Janata is our Janardhan. (People are our God) and hence I go to every village and doorstep and touch their feet. God’s message is to find God in average people and even otherwise we have been going in public with folded hands and greeting them. SWOT analysis Swami Shantigiri StrengthsHas a good network and a solid fan base of his Jai Babaji Pariwar. He got around 1.8 lakh votes in the last LS elections he contested, proving a challenge to others. WeaknessesReligious perspective of things. Will face problems while dealing with bureaucracy and working technicalities at the Parliament. OpportunitiesPolitical rivals fear him as he will eat into the saffron votes of both alliances, MVA and MahaYuti. Will prove to be crucial after results are declared. ThreatWas being followed up by top BJP leaders to withdraw the nomination, but did not withdraw. He is confident of the win but will prove to be a threat to others.
11 May,2024 07:27 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarADVERTISEMENT
