MNS chief Raj Thackeray on Friday said that "despite being with" NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar all these years, Maharashtra deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar never indulged in caste politics, as reported by news agency PTI. Though Thackeray and his party is not contesting the Lok Sabha elections, he is supporting the ruling coalition of the BJP, Ajit Pawar-led NCP and Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena, While speaking at a campaign rally at Pune, the MNS chief said, "I may have had many differences with Ajit Pawar, but I can say one thing: he never indulged in caste politics." At the same time taking a jibe at Pawar senior, he said, "Despite being with Sharad Pawar, I have not seen him indulging in caste politics ever." The "venom" of caste politics started spreading in Maharashtra since 1999, the MNS chief further added, in apparent reference to Sharad Pawar forming the Nationalist Congress Party in that year after leaving Congress. Raj had accused the senior Pawar of playing the caste card and dividing society in the past too. The MNS chief highlighted the issues faced by the cities in terms of basic amenities, and said if there was no proper management, they would collapse, reported ANI. "In order to divert attention from these issues, some leaders are involving you in caste (politics). I had on numerous occasions urged you to free yourself of caste politics. Think about yourself and your life," he said to while addressing the gathering. He also claimed that 'fatwas' were being issued from mosques to vote for Congress. "Today, I issue a 'fatwa' to vote for the candidates of BJP, Ajit Pawar-led NCP and Shiv Sena," he said. BJP has fielded Murlidhar Kisan Mohol as its candidate who will who will be representing the BJP's alliance with Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). Meanwhile, Ravindra Dhangekar was given a Congress ticket. Congress has entered in a seat-sharing agreement with Uddhav Thackrey’s Shiv Sena and Sharad Pawar-led NCP. Pune is set to go to polls in the fifth and upcoming phase of the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 on 13th of May.
11 May,2024 10:03 PM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondentCongress leader Vijay Wadettiwar said that only what has been written in the party's manifesto will be implemented. The statement comes a day after the Lok Sabha candidate from Ratlam in Madhya Pradesh stirred controversy by saying that those with two wives will get Rs 2 lakh if his party comes to power. "Our party manifesto is in public and only what is written in it will get implemented. It doesn't matter what I or someone else says, " Vijay Wadettiwar, who is the also leader of the opposition in the Maharashtra legislative assembly, referring to Bhuria's controversial comment, reported news agency ANI. Former Union Minister and the Congress Lok Sabha candidate from Ratlam in Madhya Pradesh Kantilal Bhuria on Thursday stirred controversy. Incorrectly describing the provisions of the 'Mahalaxmi Scheme', the Ratlam candidate said that those with two wives will get Rs 2 lakh if his party comes to power. "If Congress comes to power, as our manifesto states, every woman will get Rs 1 lakh in her bank account. Women from each household will receive Rs 1-1 lakh. Those who have two wives will get Rs 2 lakh," Bhuria said this while addressing a poll rally in Ratlam. The Congress party on April 5 released the manifesto 'Nyay patra' for the Lok Sabha elections 2024. The Congress has promised to introduce the 'Mahalaxmi Scheme' in the poll manifesto, which will provide Rs 1 lakh annually to the poor to alleviate poverty. As per the report, Madhya Pradesh BJP spokesperson Narendra Saluja shared the clip of Bhuria's statement on X and tagged the Election Commission seeking action. Kantilal Bhuria is contesting on a Congress ticket against BJP's Anita Chauhan, the wife of MP forest minister Nagar Singh Chauhan. The Ratlam constituency will go to polls in the fourth phase of Lok Sabha elections on May 13. Lok Sabha polls in Madhya Pradesh are underway in four phases. The first phase of voting ended on April 19, followed by the second phase on April 26 and the third phase on May 7. The final phase for the state is scheduled for May 13, which includes eight constituencies: Dhar, Dewas, Ujjain, Mandsaur, Ratlam, Indore, Khargone, and Khandwa.The counting of votes will be held on June 4.
11 May,2024 09:28 PM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondentUnseasonal rains brought much-needed respite from the scorching heat to Pune city and the surrounding areas on Friday afternoon, reported news agency PTI. Lohegaon area in the city recorded the highest rainfall of 58 mm while Wadgaonsherri and Shivajinagar recorded 37.5 mm and 28 mm of rain, respectively, till 5.30 pm, the IMD said. At least 29 incidents of tree fall due to the strong winds were recorded between 3.30 pm and 7 pm, the fire brigade said. A tree caught fire after a lightning strike in Hadapsar area. As per the IMD release, showers were also likely on Saturday. Heatwave paralyses Mumbai-Pune expressway The intense heat sweeping across the state isn't just inconveniencing commuters on their way to work, but it's also disrupting the plans of families and friends heading for vacations to various destinations across Pune, Sangli, Satara, and the Konkan region. According to reports from the highway police, breakdowns of both cars and heavy vehicles due to the heat are causing traffic jams on the Mumbai Pune Express Highway. The Maharashtra State Highway Police claim that in April alone, approximately 211 vehicles, predominantly cars during the day and heavy vehicles at night, experienced breakdowns on the ghat section. The data from the highway police stated that, on weekdays, there are typically 35,000 to 40,000 cars and heavy vehicles moving along the highway. However, during weekends, this number spikes to 50,000 to 60,000 vehicles on both the ghat and express highway. This route isn't just used by vehicles heading towards Pune, Satara, Sangli, and Kolhapur. A significant portion of travellers bound for Konkan, including Ratnagiri and other regions, opt for this road. Being a state highway, it also serves as a route for vehicles heading towards Karnataka and other southern areas, contributing to the increased traffic flow.
11 May,2024 07:12 PM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondentDuring a rally in Nandurbar, Maharashtra, Congress politician Priyanka Gandhi Vadra criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's election rhetoric, calling him to emulate previous Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's fortitude and commitment. Vadra accused Prime Minister Modi of giving hollow remarks and failing to address tribal problems, reported PTI. According to the news agency, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, referring to PM Modi's recent visit to Nandurbar, questioned his genuineness towards the people's issues. She emphasised the gap between PM Modi's promises and deeds, highlighting instances in which he was mute on crucial matters affecting the indigenous population. "All that Modiji speaks is 'khokhli baatein' (hollow talk) that does not carry any weight. Yesterday, he said he respects Shabri. So why was he silent when several Shabris suffered atrocities in Unnao an Hathras? Why didn't he raise a finger when women wrestlers were on the streets protesting against the harassment, but the BJP gives ticket to the son of the accused person," she said per the PTI report. She asked, "What kind of leader do you want? The one who walks for 4,000 km and comes to you to understand your problems or a leader on whose kurta you will not find marks of dust and is scared to come near you. Do you want a leader who wipes your tears or the one who sheds crocodile tears on stage? Do you want a leader who is fearless and speaks the truth irrespective of the pressure or the one who lies throughout?" Vadra recalled her family's ties to Nandurbar, highlighting Indira Gandhi's dedication to the welfare of the people. She contrasted Indira Gandhi's humility and dedication with PM Modi's perceived aloofness and political motives. Priyanka added, "She would preserve whatever you gave to her out of love. My mother learnt how to respect you from Indira Gandhi. Sonia Gandhi worked to safeguard your rights over water and forests." "But show me one photograph of Modi ji visiting the houses of tribals and poor people to understand their problems. He comes to you only to achieve his political motives. If the PM said Rs 15 lakh will be deposited in your bank accounts and two crore people will get employment, it should have been done in 10 years," she said. Vadra criticised PM Modi's leadership style, emphasising the significance of bold leaders who truly serve the people. She attacked PM Modi for failing to keep promises made during his reign and accused the BJP of disrespecting tribal culture and traditions, the report added. According to the report, Vadra advised PM Modi to emulate Indira Gandhi's bravery and commitment, underlining the value of genuine leadership in public life. She urged voters to think carefully about their choices in the approaching elections, emphasising the importance of leaders who are committed to the truth and the well-being of all residents. "President Droupadi Murmu, who belongs to the adivasi community, was neither allowed to inaugurate the new Parliament building nor participate in the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. When it comes to actually giving respect, Modi ji backs out," she alleged. "He says he is fighting alone against corruption...You (PM) have all the power and official machinery at your disposal. Your party leaders say you are the biggest leader in the world enjoying support of heads of state across the globe...You cry like a child during elections saying you have been subjected to abuse.... Have guts Modiji, this is public life," she said. "Learn from Indira Gandhi...The woman, like Durga, who broke Pakistan into two. Learn from her bravery, courage and determination. But when you call her anti-national, what can you learn from her," she said. Furthermore, Vadra decried attempts to weaken the Constitution and accused Prime Minister Modi of putting the interests of the wealthy ahead of those of the poor. She urged people to make educated judgements that adhere to the principles of truth and inclusivity promoted by the Congress party. With PTI inputs
11 May,2024 07:08 PM IST | Nandurbar | mid-day online correspondentAs many as 1,820 cases of snake bites were reported from coastal Raigad district in Maharashtra from January 2023 to April this year, resulting in the death of five persons, a district health official has said. According to the district administration, the cases of snake bites spike when farmers undertake pre-monsoon work in the paddy field. "Five persons died during treatment at hospitals," the official said. Sufficient stock of anti-venom medicine is available in government hospitals, he said. 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
11 May,2024 06:50 PM IST | Alibaug | PTIShiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray on Friday slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his comments that Uddhav faction of the Shiv Sena is the "duplicate Sena" and called him the "fake son" of Bal Thackeray. Thackeray asserted Maharashtra would not tolerate such insults. "Modi used to attack then prime minister Manmohan Singh for not talking about inflation but he himself now speaks only about "gai" (cow) and not "mehangai" (price rise)," Thackeray said addressing a rally in Aurangabad. "Modi took my signature (for nominations) in 2014 and 2019 but he now calls me fake son of Balasaheb Thackeray and my party as nakli Shiv Sena. In Maharashtra we have a culture of respecting each other and the state's people will not tolerate such insults," Thackeray claimed. Raising the issue of MSP, Uddhav said, "Onion farmers in Maharashtra have faced losses of Rs 1,100 crore and now the Modi government says it will give MSP, so what was the ruling dispensation doing for the last 10 years" Addressing a rally for the Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate from Aurangabad Lok Sabha seat Chandrakant Khaire, he also said people are inconvenienced during the visits of Modi and cited the closure of roads leading out of the airport during the latter's recent poll visit to Latur. As per PTI, Thackeray said, "Why so much fear when you move with so much security? Maharashtra has bent Modi. During the poll period, all facilities should be given equally to all. If we cannot use some facility, it should not be allowed to them (ruling party leaders) as well" "Modi is the mastermind of the plot to take away Shiv Sena from me. (Chief Minister) Eknath Shinde even thanked Modi and Amit Shah for giving the Shiv Sena to him", he allege. They used Election Commission and assembly speaker Rahul Narwekar for this purpose," he alleged. Thackeray went on to claim Modi was putting pressure on the judiciary by calling his faction fake repeatedly and the Supreme Court must take note of this. The case pertaining to the split in the Shiv Sena in June 2023 is being heard by the apex court at present. Speaking about the Maratha quota agitation, Thackeray expressed support for activist Manoj Jarange, as per the PTI reported. He attacked the BJP for the police lathi charge on agitators in Jalna last year. "People have not forgotten this. But the BJP continues to mislead by saying it will provide reservations to the Maratha community. If they can take away the rights of (Delhi CM Arvind) Kejriwal, then why can't they give quotas," he said. Thackeray, who was unable to attend a rally in Jalna due to inclement weather, asked people there to ensure the defeat of sitting BJP MP and Union minister Raosaheb Danve.
11 May,2024 05:41 PM IST | Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar | mid-day online correspondentQuota campaigner Manoj Jarange, known for his attempts to secure reservation for the Maratha community in Maharashtra, has stated that the community will send a strong message to the current Mahayuti government during the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. Jarange, speaking from his hamlet in Jalna district, voiced discontent with the government's handling of the reservation issue and treatment of protestors. Jarange chastised the government for filing criminal charges against nonviolent protestors, vowing that the Maratha community would not tolerate such behaviour. He issued a warning to the state administration, stating that the community would respond at the appropriate moment, PTI reported. According to the report, Jarange emphasised the important role of the Maratha community in Maharashtra's political environment, highlighting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's extended campaigning in the state as evidence of their influence. The Maratha quota activist told PTI, "Why were cases registered against those who staged Rasta Roko (road blockade) peacefully, those who launched hunger strikes, held meetings or rallies during the quota agitation last year? This was the misuse of the home department. The community will not tolerate it. We will teach them a lesson for sure." "Because of them (state BJP leaders) Modi had a tough time. He had to hold so many rallies and stay put here. This is because the poor Marathas have come together.....This is the fear of our solidarity," he added. He recalled the Maratha quota agitation, which escalated in 2023, as well as incidents of police violence against protestors. Despite certain concessions from the government, such as the issuance of caste cards, Jarange maintained that the community's demand for OBC reservation remained unsatisfied, the PTI report added. "Even a leaf cannot move in Maharashtra (without Marathas). This is why Modi saheb has to struggle. And some BJP leaders are responsible for this. Because of them, Modi had a tough time. He has to hold so many meetings. The community, which comprises 28 per cent of the population, will take some decision at an appropriate time," he said. The PTI report stated that Jarange condemned both the incumbent Mahayuti government and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi for failing to address the community's concerns. He intimated that if their demands were not granted, the community would field candidates for all 288 assembly seats in the forthcoming state elections. "Injustice has been done to the community not only by the Mahayuti but also by the Maha Vikas Aghadi. It is a fact that there is anger. False cases have been registered (against community members), an SIT has been formed, attacks were engineered, and reservation under the OBC quota was not given," Maratha quota activist said. "If the demands are not met, the Maratha community will field candidates in all 288 assembly seats in the state elections due later this year, and they will represent all the communities," the activist told PTI. The Maratha community intends to assemble a large gathering after the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 results are released, indicating a possible resumption of the unrest. Jarange's claim for reservation under the OBC quota draws opposition from the OBC community, the report added. The ongoing five-phase polling in Maharashtra includes Jalna district, where the Maratha community's sentiments will likely influence voter turnout and political dynamics.
11 May,2024 05:18 PM IST | Jalna | mid-day online correspondentDuring a rally in Beed, NCP (SP) leader Sharad Pawar slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi, claiming that he cannot manage criticism and unfairly targets Muslims. Pawar also accused Modi of ignoring farmer welfare and women's rights. Pawar cited Modi's recent attacks on him during the election campaign, calling his remarks "baseless". He attacked Modi's leadership, claiming that his government has failed to address farmers' concerns and has ignored incidences of violence against women, reported PTI. The former Union agriculture minister, per the news agency report, said, "Modi can't tolerate criticism but he speaks anything against others. These days he is openly targeting Muslims, when as the prime minister, he should stand for citizens of all castes and creeds. The hatred for Muslims is visible." "The Modi government has done nothing for the welfare of farmers in the last ten years. His government has also turned a blind eye to atrocities against women," he added. According to the news agency, referring to Modi's advice for the NCP (SP) and Shiv Sena (UBT) to form alliances with Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde following the election results, Pawar rejected the suggestion, emphasising his commitment to parliamentary democracy. He also expressed opposition to Modi's divisive tactics. On Friday, Modi asked the NCP (SP) led by Pawar and Shiv Sena (UBT) led by Uddhav Thackeray to join hands with Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, respectively, after the results of Lok Sabha Elections 2024 are out instead of merging with 'dying' Congress. Pawar advised voters to evaluate the consequences of supporting Modi's government, emphasising the need to uphold democratic norms. He emphasised his opposition to forming agreements with parties that threaten democratic norms, the report added. "Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren were arrested and put behind bars. This (the arrests) would not have been possible without the role of the Central government and Central leadership. This shows how much faith they have in the democratic system," Sharad Pawar said. Maharashtra, which has 48 Lok Sabha seats, is voting in five stages, with the next two rounds set for May 13 and 20.
11 May,2024 05:08 PM IST | Beed | mid-day online correspondentTwo persons were killed and six people sustained grievous injuries as “Summer Rains” wreaked havoc near Peepal Kothi on the hilly areas of Uttarakhand and the Badrinath Highway. Seventeen more people were injured due to building damage and disintegrating debris. With the onset of these “Summer Rains” in many parts of India, cities and towns flood with heavy showers. Per an ANI report, Due to the closure of the flooded Badrinath-Rishikesh route near Sirobagadh, travellers heading to Kedarnath and Badrinath are being halted at Srikot-Srinagar and Kaliyasod, which has resulted in extremely chaotic situations. The Srinagar Kotwal Hoshiyar Singh Pankholi told ANI that they are taking utmost care in these dire situations to ensure the safety and security of the passengers by mitigating any problems they have or may face. However, because of the continuous debris falling in Sirobagadh, the road has not been opened yet, further adding to the fear and chaos amongst citizens of Uttarakhand. To provide some respite to the panic-stricken citizens, Uttarakhand Police took to the social media platform X and wrote, "Due to continuous rain late at night, the national highway is blocked for traffic due to debris and stones falling from the hill near Sirobgadh situated on the border of Rudraprayag and Pauri districts. Its alternative route (via Chanti Khal) is also blocked." While further details are awaited, Uttarakhand is yet to face the worst wrath of the Rain Gods. According to the India Meteorological Department forecast, thunderstorms along with heavy hailstorms predicted in Rudraprayag till Monday and rain in several parts of the State. With the situation worsening, the state is gearing up to face the storms and potential loss of power supply. The state urges all people to stay in their homes and avoid travelling or moving out in any way. This may also affect people’s employment and day jobs especially that of the primary sector since their jobs require on-ground presence. With the coming days of turmoil, the Police and the government advise people to take all necessary precautions to ensure their well-being and safety. (With Inputs from ANI)
11 May,2024 02:28 PM IST | Sirobagadh | mid-day online correspondentThe Aurangabad bench of the Bombay High Court has ordered a police probe into the alleged embezzlement of money and other valuables donated to the Tulja Bhavani temple at Tuljapur in Maharashtra's Dharashiv district between period 1991 and 2009reported by news agency PTI. A division bench of Justices Mangesh Patil and Shailesh Brahme on Thursday directed for an FIR to be registered, Further, the bench said a probe shall be conducted by the officer of the rank of Superintendent of the State Crime Investigation Department (CID). The court action came after Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, a charitable trust, filed a public interest litigation (PIL) for alleged fraud and misappropriation which took place in the management of the Tulja Bhavani Temple Trust during that period. As per the plea, at the time there were no by-laws or rules and regulations for its management. The plea sought registration of an FIR. The court took note of two inquiry reports submitted in 2009 by the police concluding that Rs 8.46 crore worth of cash, gold and other valuables were allegedly misappropriated by officials by auctioning donation boxes of the temple during the said period. The state government had opposed the plea and claimed that registration of an FIR at this stage would be futile as a long time has lapsed. The court, however, said such issues and actions cannot be "prejudged and preempted". "We cannot countenance the stand being taken by the state government prejudging the issue. If at all the crime is registered and investigated and if the investigating machinery/officer is unable to collect the material, obviously, he will not be in a position to substantiate the allegations and may not even file a chargesheet. However, the action cannot be preempted," the HC said. It added that the matter pertains to misappropriation and criminal breach of trust resorting to forgery. Hence, the criminal law must be set in motion. "There has to be a threadbare investigation into the allegations," the court said. As per the plea, since 1984 the temple trustees undertook the practice of auctioning of the temple's donation box. This practice was stopped in September 1991. However, without giving any reason, the practice of auction was restarted between 1991 and 2009. It was during this period that there was rampant embezzlement in respect of the offerings to the deity. In spite of huge offerings of gold and silver ornaments through the donation box only few were accounted for, the plea claimed. (With inputs from PTI)
11 May,2024 12:00 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged multiple instances of sexual abuse by Hassan MP Prajwal Revanna has initiated an inquiry to identify those who allegedly called a woman and “forced” her to register a “fake complaint” against the JD(S) leader, sources said on Friday. The move comes after the National Commission for Women said that one woman complainant who reached out to it claimed she was forced to register a fake complaint against the 33-year-old, who is the Lok Sabha poll candidate for Hassan and the grandson of JD(S) patriarch H D Deve Gowda. Sources said the investigating team headed by Additional Director General of Police B K Singh got to know about the woman only after NCW forwarded the complaint to SIT. Have faith in SIT, no need of CBI: CM Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday expressed confidence in the state government-constituted SIT probing the sexual harassment case against Revanna and asserted that there was no need to hand it over to CBI. 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
11 May,2024 08:26 AM IST | Bengaluru | AgenciesADVERTISEMENT
