Former chief minister and BJP’s chief strategist in the recently-concluded Maharashtra assembly elections, Devendra Fadnavis’ stunning return to the political centrestage has made everyone ask the inevitable question: Will power dynamics shift in the urban local bodies, too, and will the next state government pave the way for municipal elections in the state, including in Mumbai? The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is India’s richest civic body (FY 2023-24 budget was over R52,000 crore) and was scheduled to go the polls in early 2022. Yet, for nearly three years, there have no elections for the 227 corporator seats in the BMC, leaving the city’s administration to the commissioner and his team of bureaucrats; first under Iqbal Singh Chahal, and later under Bhushan Gagrani. BJP’s stunning landslide win in the state election is likely to give a fillip to the party’s confidence of changing the equations at the local level, too, and therefore, defeating its arch-rival and former alliance partner Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray). Even before the declaration of the results on Saturday, the Mission 150 slogan that the BJP had coined for the party’s BMC campaign in 2023 resurfaced. In fact, party insiders feel 150 is too low. In a conversation with Sunday mid-day, Ravi Raja, vice president, Mumbai BJP, said on Saturday evening, “Going by the state assembly election results, the revised target for Mahayuti (BJP, Shiv Sena -Shinde, NCP - Ajit Pawar) would be 175-180 and not 150.” Raja, a former Congress leader of opposition in the BMC who recently joined the BJP, emphasised the need for civic elections to be held soon. BJP sources said that elections could be held as early as the first quarter of 2025. Raja told Sunday mid-day, “The next Mumbai mayor will be from Mahayuti. With a change in guard, Mumbaikars will see better governance and speedy implementation of the infrastructure projects.” A united Shiv Sena (which split into the Eknath Shinde and UBT factions in October 2022) had asserted its dominance in city politics and administration as early as in the 1970s under the late party founder and supremo Bal Thackeray following a fierce and long-drawn battle with left-leaning trade unions. Over the past few years, however, Shiv Sena’s hold over Mumbai has been weakening. The Sena-BJP saffron alliance ruled the corporation for over two decades since the 1990s. In 2014, this alliance broke at the city level and both parties decided to contest the 2017 elections independently. The undivided Shiv Sena won 84 of the 227 seats, while a strong BJP showing meant that it won 82 (from 51 in 2012). This is the parity that the BJP wants to demolish. The Shiv Sena managed to hold onto power in 2017 with support from independents and smaller parties. In 2025, however, the same independents and smaller parties may not be inclined to show their support, especially if the UBT faction of the Sena performs weakly. Take the assembly election results. In Mumbai, of the 21 seats contested by the UBT camp, it managed to retain only ten, compared to 14 MLAs in 2019 (of the then undivided Shiv Sena). The BJP, on the other hand, won 14 of the 18 assembly seats it contested in Mumbai, two less than 2019. The BJP, which has been using “strike rate” (number of seats won in relation to those contested) as its new performance benchmark, has pointed out that the UBT’s assembly seat strike rate in Mumbai is 47.62% compared to its 77.77%. In February 2023, in a state executive meeting in Nashik, the BJP gave its call for ‘Mission 150’ for the BMC elections. The then-incumbent BJP MLA from Kandivli Atul Bhatkhalkar had proposed the resolution which was seconded by party MLA Amit Satam. BJP’s chief spokesperson for Maharashtra Keshav Upadhye stated on Saturday that Fadnavis had played a key role in several important infrastructure projects in Mumbai, especially the Metro rail network. “Now, too, the BJP is committed to developing a bigger Metro network, and the party will continue to work towards its goal,” Upadhye told Sunday mid-day. Meanwhile, the Shiv Sena (UBT) said on Saturday that it will continue its fight against what it calls “the dictatorship” and that “we will leave no stone unturned to keep our base and bastion intact.” Shiv Sena (UBT), MP and spokesperson Sanjay Raut said defeat is not a new thing for the party rank and file. “Post formation of Shiv Sena, the party has witnessed several defeats. But it always made a comeback. Now, too, our base will see a comeback. Shiv Sainiks are known to be fighters,” Raut said. On BJP’s electoral juggernaut, he added, “One cannot expect fair elections as long as BJP leaders are in power at the Centre. As a party, we will put our shoulders to the wheel to retain the BMC.”
24 November,2024 08:38 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarWhile political parties discuss 33 per cent reservation for women, the Maharashtra Assembly continues to see low female representation, with women making up less than 8 per cent of MLAs this time. Despite major parties fielding around 50 women candidates in the recent elections, only 22 secured victories—one less than in 2019. Notably, the Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP-SP failed to elect even a single woman MLA, while the BJP has 15 women MLAs. In Mumbai, out of five women MLAs, four contested again. Vidya Thakur and Manisha Choudhari, both 63-year-old BJP veterans, scored hat tricks by winning the Goregaon and Dahisar constituencies for the third consecutive time. However, Bharti Lavekar of the BJP lost in Versova, and Shiv Sena's Yamini Jadhav was defeated by the Shiv Sena (UBT) in Byculla. Sana Malik, daughter of Nawab Malik, won her debut election, while Dr Jyoti Gaikwad, sister of MP Varsha Gaikwad, reclaimed Dharavi. Jyoti, who recently reverted to her maiden name Gaikwad from Girigosavi, continues her family's political legacy. Across the state, the trend remains similar. Out of 288 seats, only 22 (7.6 per cent) were won by women, many of whom are relatives of established politicians. Alongside Sana Malik, MP Ashok Chavan’s daughter Shreejaya Chavan won her electoral debut from Bhokar, the family’s traditional seat. Ranjanatai (Sanjana) Jadhav, wife of Harshavardhan Jadhav and daughter-in-law of BJP leader Raosaheb Danve, won from Kannad as a Shiv Sena candidate. Meanwhile, Sulbha Gaikwad, wife of jailed BJP MLA Ganpat Gaikwad, won from Kalyan East. Several prominent women candidates faced setbacks. Manisha Waikar, wife of Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Waikar, lost in Jogeshwari. Rohini Khadse, daughter of senior leader Eknath Khadse, was defeated in Muktainagar. Bhagyashree Atram of NCP-SP lost to her father and minister Dharmarao Atram in Aheri. Similarly, Asha Shinde, wife of Peasants and Workers Party MLA Shyamsundar Shinde, lost in Loha, Nanded. In Deolali (Nashik district), Shiv Sena’s Rajashri Ahirrao triumphed over Saroj Ahire of the NCP, despite both being from the same alliance. Sneha Dube Pandit pulled off a major upset in Vasai by defeating six-time MLA Hitendra Thakur. The underrepresentation of women MLAs reflects the lack of women candidates—fewer than 8 per cent of the total contestants. According to the ECI, only 363 women contested out of 4,136 candidates. Among major parties, the BJP fielded 17 women out of 147 candidates, Congress fielded 7 out of 101, Shiv Sena 7 out of 81, and Shiv Sena (UBT) 10 out of 95. The Ajit Pawar-led NCP fielded 5 women out of 59, while the NCP-SP gave tickets to 11 women out of 86.
24 November,2024 08:34 AM IST | Mumbai | Prajakta KasaleAs reactions fly in thick ‘n’ fast, allies and adversaries say their piece about the maha battle that saw a maha win for the Mahayuti. Niranjan Shetty, chief spokesperson, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Mumbai said, “It is obvious that the people have chosen good and stable governance. The BJP had been accused of playing the communal card. Sentences like: ‘batenge toh katenge’ were cherry-picked from a 45-minute address about development. The BJP’s philosophy is to bring everybody together and unite them. The Mughal emperors wanted to divide us. This time, it was the Opposition trying to divide us on lines of caste and religion, which the people rejected.” Dhrutiman Joshi Swadesh Khetawat, vice-president of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) Konkan Pranth claimed, “People gave voice to what they were feeling, feelings that had been suppressed. That is the crux. When there is an atmosphere that is designed to make a Hindu feel fearful or hesitant to say he is a Hindu and he goes to a temple, somewhere those repressed feelings are going to find expression. Here, it was at the ballot box.” Grassroots RSS worker Dhrutiman Joshi said, “The RSS worked hard on the ground to mobilise some lethargic voters to get out of their homes and vote. The RSS did not tell them who to vote for but to go out and vote. While on the ground I sensed that people were against the appeasement policies of Uddhav Thackeray. There was huge anger. They also disagreed with Rahul Gandhi’s bid of divisive caste politics.” Victorious Congress leader Amin Patel from Mumbadevi stated he wanted to, “thank every voter, though the overall results of the party were not up to expectations.” For Shinde Sena’s Shaina NC who lost from the Mumbadevi constituency, “This mandate makes it clear that the Mahayuti is here to stay. People have accepted a model of good governance. I think vote bank and appeasement politics resonate with some, which is a sad fact. This is till people realise that development will impact and change lives.” The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), though not contesting directly Mumbai working president of AAP Ruben Mascarenhas stated, “The AAP was working to defeat the BJP’s tyranny, corruption and politics of hate in Maharashtra. We humbly accept the mandate of the people. We fought the good fight. There is certainly a need for greater introspection. It will be back to the drawing board for us.”
24 November,2024 08:31 AM IST | Mumbai | Hemal AsharThe Maharashtra Assembly polls painted a stark picture of the state’s political dynamics, with smaller parties struggling to stay relevant amid the dominance of larger alliances. The ruling Mahayuti coalition, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction), secured a resounding victory, while the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA)—comprising the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction), Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray faction), and Congress—was left to play catch-up. Caught in this polarised contest, smaller parties like the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) of Raj Thackeray, Prakash Ambedkar’s Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA), and Raju Shetti’s Swabhimani Paksha failed to make any significant headway. Despite fielding hundreds of candidates, their performance remained underwhelming, with vote shares barely scratching the surface. Amit Thackeray, MNS leader, on his way to file nomination before polls. File pic/Ashish Raje Even high-profile candidates like Amit Thackeray, son of Raj Thackeray, suffered crushing defeats, reflecting a broader voter preference for stability over fragmented alternatives. Speaking about the challenges, political analyst Abhay Deshpande said, “The elections have increasingly become a battle of alliances. Smaller parties find themselves sidelined as voters prefer stability and decisive governance. It’s a trend that is likely to persist unless these parties re-strategise.” Kunal Mainkar from MNS stated that the results were unexpected. “The poll results have not met our expectations. Whether it's Mumbai, Thane, or elsewhere in Maharashtra, the results were surprising and not as anticipated. Initially, we took the lead, but later things took a downturn. We had hoped to win a few seats, but the outcome is not what we expected,” said Kunal Mainkar, the MNS candidate from Borivli. Echoing similar sentiments, VBA Vice President and Chief Spokesperson Siddharth Mokale expressed that the results were unexpected. “These are not the results we were expecting. We were in contest in at least 30-35 seats. The key point is that we were the only party to fight the elections with reservations as our main agenda. In Marathwada and western Maharashtra, where the issue of reservations holds significant importance, we contested the elections with full force. However, the results are unexpected, and everything seems to be going in favour of Mahayuti.” Meanwhile, when contacted, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) leader Waris Pathan said, “I am not in a position to comment on this right now.” Parties like the Samajwadi Party and AIMIM were in a slightly better position. While the MNS had fielded 125 candidates, the VBA had 200 candidates in the fray. The bad news for the MNS was compounded by Amit Thackeray, son of party chief Raj Thackeray, trailing in third place in the Mahim. According to the Election Commission, the MNS secured 1.6 per cent of the vote share, AIMIM garnered 0.85 per cent, and the Samajwadi Party received 0.40 per cent. The Raju Shetti-led Swabhimani Paksha, which had fielded 19 candidates, also failed to make any impact. It is known for its influence among farmers, especially in western Maharashtra.
24 November,2024 08:22 AM IST | Mumbai | Ronak MastakarAs the Maharashtra state assembly election results are out, only 0.71 per cent votes have been secured to none of the above candidates. According to the Election commission of India, None Of The Above (NOTA) was introduced in 2013, the voter who doesn’t wish to cast its vote for the candidate can vote for NOTA on the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM). Highest NOTA votes were seen in Anushakti Nagar which is 3,884, while in Mulund constituency also 3,834 voters opted to vote for NOTA. In 2019 in Anushakti Nagar, NOTA had secured 2,290 votes while Worli had secured 6,305 votes. Actor Ajaz Khan who was contesting from the Versova constituency has failed to beat NOTA, he has secured 155 votes while the NOTA has secured 1,298 votes in the constituency. Vote share of parties in 2024 assembly election BJP 26.77 %Shiv Sena (Shinde) 12.38%NCP (AP) 9.01%NCP (SP) 11.28%Shiv Sena (UBT) 9.96 %Congress 12.42 %MNS 1.55%NOTA 0.72% Other 15.91%Mahayuti 48.16 % MVA 33.66% How many voters opted for it Andheri East2,346 Andheri West 1,822 Bhandup West2,406 Borivli3,637 Byculla1,581 Chandivali2,247 Chembur2,018 Anushakti Nagar 3,884 Colaba1,993 Chinchpokli2,313
24 November,2024 08:12 AM IST | Mumbai | Apoorva AgasheIn a significant win for the Shiv Sena Uddhav Thackeray faction, Varun Sardesai, the UBT-Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) candidate, emerged victorious in the Bandra East constituency. Sardesai, who is also the cousin of Aaditya Thackeray defeated Zeeshan Siddique, the candidate fielded from the NCP Ajit Pawar—Mahayuti faction, marking a major victory for the party and its leadership. Zeeshan Siddique is the son of the recently assassinated Baba Siddique, and who contested from the NCP-Ajit Pawar faction. The seat was one of the most watched this election and Siddique had won it back in 2019 when he had contested the Bandra East assembly constituency and defeated former Mumbai mayor—Vishwanath Mahadeshwar by a margin of 5,790 votes. The buzz within the political circles was that even though Zeeshan was the MLA, it was his father who was the guiding force behind Zeeshan’s popular public welfare initiatives. One of which include improving civic infrastructure like building public toilets. After his father’s assassination, Siddique joined the NCP-Ajit Pawar faction and many expected that this move along with a sympathy wave, might help Siddique to clinch the seat. Sardesai’s candidature also indicated just how prestigious this seat is for the Shiv Sena UBT. The constituency is also where the Thackeray family currently resides (Matoshree Bungalow). Since the vote counting started, Sardesai who had been keeping abreast of the area by meeting the local cadre for the last two to three years, was seen taking the lead in majority of the rounds. At the end of the 19th round of vote counting Sardesai won the seat by getting 57,708 votes and defeated Zeeshan Siddique by a lead of 11,365 votes.
24 November,2024 08:09 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavFamily feuds took centre stage in these assembly polls, with uncles pitted against nephews, father versus daughter, and even estranged spouses locking horns in the electoral battlefield. At the heart of this family drama was the high-stakes battle in Baramati, the bastion of the Pawar family. Deputy Chief Minister and NCP chief Ajit Pawar was pitted against his nephew Yugendra Pawar, a debutant backed by the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP). Yugendra, the son of Ajit Pawar’s younger brother Shrinivas, was fielded to take on his seasoned uncle, making this one of the most talked about contests of the election. The Pawar family feud escalated during the campaign, with Sharad Pawar personally leading the charge against his nephew Ajit Pawar. The rivalry was so fierce that the Deputy CM was compelled to camp in Baramati for several days in a bid to defend his stronghold. When the dust settled, Ajit Pawar emerged victorious, securing the seat for the eighth time, with a commanding margin of 1,00,899 votes. According to the Election Commission of India, Ajit Pawar garnered 1,81,132 votes against Yugendra’s 80,233 votes. Reacting to his win, Ajit Pawar posted on X: “We shall not waste a single moment speaking against anyone. Our focus will solely be on the development of Maharashtra and the welfare of its people.” This is not the first time Baramati turned into a battleground for intra-family politics; in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, Ajit Pawar’s wife Sunetra Pawar was defeated by Sharad Pawar’s daughter Supriya Sule in the Baramati parliamentary seat. Spouses spar Marathwada’s Kannad constituency in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar saw an intense contest between independent candidate Harshvardhan Jadhav and his estranged wife, Shiv Sena (Shinde) candidate Sanjana, who also happens to be the daughter of senior BJP leader and former Union minister Raosaheb Danve. Their marriage had been fraught with discord, eventually leading to separation. Harshvardhan has publicly blamed his father-in-law Raosaheb Danve for the breakdown of their relationship, adding a personal dimension to an already high-profile political contest. The Kannad assembly constituency, Sanjana’s preferred choice, had initially been allocated to Shiv Sena under the BJP-Shiv Sena-NCP Grand Alliance arrangement. Determined to contest, Raosaheb Danve reportedly held discussions with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. This resulted in Sanjana Jadhav formally joining the Shiv Sena (Shinde). Shinde granted her the ticket to contest from the Kannad assembly constituency, setting up a high-stakes triangular battle including Udaysingh Rajput from Sena (UBT). Ultimately, Sanjana Jadhav emerged victorious, defeating her husband by a margin of 18,201 votes. She secured a total of 84,492 votes against Harshvardhan’s 66,291. Rajput was pushed to third place with 46,510 votes. Three-way family feud In Gadchiroli’s Aheri assembly constituency, three-time MLA and state Food and Drug Administration minister Dharmaraobaba Atram from NCP (Ajit Pawar) was challenged by not only his daughter Bhagyashree Atram-Halgekar (from Sharad Pawar’s NCP faction), but also his nephew Raje Amrish Atram, who contested as an independent candidate. This high-stakes familial contest garnered statewide attention, particularly after Bhagyashree reportedly resisted Ajit Pawar’s personal efforts to dissuade her from challenging her father. The Atram family, a prominent tribal dynasty in Aheri, has held a significant political presence in Gadchiroli’s east Vidarbha region for over 150 years. Their political roots trace back to their role as regional royalty under British rule. Since 1990, the family has consistently shaped the political landscape in Gadchiroli. Over the years, the family’s allegiance shifted between parties, with victories under the banners of Congress, the Nag Vidarbha Andolan Samiti, and later the NCP. Dharamraobaba Atram’s political battles have often been familial. In 2014, he faced his nephew Raje Amrish, who contested on a BJP ticket. Although Dharamraobaba reclaimed the seat in 2019, the rivalry persisted. This time round, Dharmaraobaba Atram retained his seat with a commanding margin of 18,441 votes. He secured 54,206 votes, defeating his nephew Raje Amrish’s tally of 37,392 votes, as well as daughter Bhagyashree’s 35,765 votes. Meanwhile, in Beed, Sandeep Ravindra Kshirsagar of NCP (SP) emerged victorious after a closely fought battle against his cousin Yogesh Bharatbhushan Kshirsagar, who represented NCP (Ajit Pawar). Sandeep secured 1,01,874 votes, while Yogesh managed 96,550 votes. Notably, of the six assembly seats in Beed district, the Beed constituency was the only one won by the MVA, underlining its strategic importance for the opposition. Husband vs wife in Kannad Harshvardhan Jadhav, independent vs Sanjana Jadhav, Sena (Shinde) Cousins in Beed Yogesh Kshirsagar, NCP (Ajit Pawar) vs Sandeep Kshirsagar, NCP (SP) Father vs daughter in Aheri Bhagyashree Atram-Halgekar, NCP (SP) vs Dharmaraobaba Atram, NCP (Ajit Pawar)
24 November,2024 08:04 AM IST | Mumbai | Dipti SinghAmshya Fulji Padvi (Shiv Sena), Akkalkuwa Rajesh Udesing Padvi (BJP), Shahada Dr. Vijaykumar Krushanrao Gavit (BJP), Nandurbar Shirishkumar Surupsing Naik (Cong.), Nawapur Manjula Tulshiram Gavit (Shiv Sena), Sakri Raghavendra (Ramdada) Manohar Patil (BJP), Dhule Rural Agrawal Anupbhaiyya Omprakash (BJP), Dhule City BJP workers celebrate the party’s resound victory at the Nariman Point office on Saturday. Pics/Atul Kamble Jaykumar Jitendrasinh Rawal (BJP), Sindkheda Kashiram Vechan Pawara (BJP), Shirpur Chandrakant Baliram Sonawane (Shiv Sena), Chopda Amol Haribhau Jawale (BJP), Raver Savkare Sanjay Waman (BJP), Bhusawal Suresh Damu Bhole (Raju Mama) (BJP), Jalgaon City Gulabrao Raghunath Patil (Shiv Sena), Jalgaon Rural Anil Bhaidas Patil (Ncp), Amalner Amol Chimanrao Patil (Shiv Sena), Erandol Mangesh Ramesh Chavan (BJP), Chalisgaon Kishor Appa Patil (Shiv Sena), Pachora Girish Dattatray Mahajan (BJP), Jamner Chandrakant Nimba Patil (Shiv Sena) Muktainagar Chainsukh Madanlal Sancheti (BJP), Malkapur Gaikwad Sanjay Rambhau (Shiv Sena), Buldhana Shweta Vidyadhar Mahale (BJP), Chikhli Kayande Manoj Devanand (Ncp), Sindkhed Raja Kharat Siddharth Rambhau (Ss (Ubt)), Mehkar Akash Pandurang Fundkar (BJP), Khamgaon Kute Sanjay Shriram (BJP), Jalgaon (Jamod) Prakash Gunwant Bharsakle (BJP), Akot Nitin Bhikanrao Deshmukh (SS-UBT), Balapur Sajid Khan Pathan (Cong.), Akola West Randhir Pralhadrao Sawarkar (BJP), Akola East Harish Marotiappa Pimple (BJP), Murtizapur Ameet Subhashrao Zanak (Cong.), Risod Shyam Ramcharan Khode (BJP) Washim Sai Prakash Dahake (BJP) Karanja Adsad Pratap Arunbhau (BJP), Dhamangaon Railway Ravi Gangadhar Rana (Rshyvswbhm), Badnera Sulbha Sanjay Khodke (Ncp), Amravati Rajesh Shriramji Wankhade (BJP), Teosa Gajanan Motiram Lawate (Ss (Ubt)), Daryapur Kewalram Tulsiram Kale (BJP), Melghat Pravin Vasantrao Tayade (BJP), Achalpur Umesh Alias Chandu Atmaramji Yawalkar (BJP), Morshi Sumit Wankhede (BJP), Arvi Rajesh Bhaurao Bakane (BJP), Deoli Samir Tryambakrao Kunawar (BJP), Hinganghat Dr. Pankaj Rajesh Bhoyar (BJP), Wardha Charansingh Babulalji Thakur (BJP) Katol Dr Ashishrao Deshmukh (BJP), Savner Sameer Dattarey Meghe (BJP) Hingna Sanjay Narayanrao Meshram (Cong.), Umred Devendra Gangadhar Fadnavis (BJP), Nagpur South West Devendra Gangadhar Fadnavis (BJP) Nagpur South West Khopde Krishna Pancham (BJP) Nagpur East Datke Pravin Prabhakarrao (BJP) Nagpur Central Vikas Pandurang Thakre (Cong.), Nagpur West Dr Nitin Kashinath Raut (Cong.) Nagpur North Chandrashekhar Bawankule (BJP) Kamthi Ashish Nandkishore Jaiswal(Vakil) (Shiv Sena), Ramtek Karemore Raju Manikrao (NCP) Tumsar Bhondekar Narendra Bhojraj (Ss) Bhandara Nanabhau Falgunrao Patole (Cong) Sakoli Badole Rajkumar Sudam (Ncp)Arjuni Morgaon Vijay Bharatlal Rahangdale (Bjp) Tirora Agrawal Vinod (Bjp) Gondiya Sanjay Puram (BJP), Amgaon Ramdas Maluji Masram (Cong.), Armori Dr. Milind Ramji Narote (BJP), Gadchiroli Atram Dharamraobaba Bhagwantrao (Ncp), Aheri Deorao Vithoba Bhongle (BJP), Rajura Jorgewar Kishor Gajanan (BJP), Chandrapur Mungantiwar Sudhir Sacchidanand (BJP), Ballarpur Vijay Wadettiwar (Cong), Bramhapuri Banti Bhangdiya (BJP), Chimur Karan Sanjay Deotale (BJP) Warora Derkar Sanjay Nilkanthrao (Ss (Ubt)), Wani Prof. Dr. Ashok Ramaji Wooike (BJP), Ralegaon Anil Alias Balasaheb Shankarrao Mangulkar (Cong) Yavatmal Rathod Sanjay Dulichand (Shiv Sena), Digras Raju Narayan Todsam (BJP), Arni Indranil Manohar Naik (Ncp), Pusad Kisan Maroti Wankhede (BJP), Umarkhed Bhimrao Ramji Keram (BJP) Kinwat Kohlikar Baburao Kadam (Shiv Sena) Hadgaon Chavan Sreejaya Ashokrao (BJP) Bhokar Balaji Devidasrao Kalyankar (Shiv Sena) Nanded North Anand Shankar Tidke (Shiv Sena) Nanded South Prataprao Patil Chikhalikar (NCP) Loha Rajesh Sambhajirao Pawar (BJP), Naigaon Antapurkar Jitesh Raosaheb (Bjp) Deglur Tushar Govindrao Rathod (BJP), Mukhed Chandrakant Alias Rajubhaiya Ramakant Navghare (Ncp), Basmath Bangar Santosh Laxmanrao (Shiv Sena), Kalamnuri Mutkule Tanhaji Sakharamji (BJP), Hingoli Bordikar Meghna Deepak Sakore (BJP), Jintur Dr. Rahul Vedprakash Patil (Ss (Ubt)), Parbhani Gutte Ratnakar Manikrao (Rsps), Gangakhed Rajesh Uttamrao Vitekar (Ncp), Pathri Babanrao Dattatray Yadav (Lonikar) (BJP), Partur Udhan Hikmat Baliram (Shiv Sena)Ghanasawangi Arjun Panditrao Khotkar (Shiv Sena), Jalna Kuche Narayan Tilakchand (BJP), Badnapur Danve Santosh Raosaheb (Bjp) Bhokardan Abdul Sattar (Shiv Sena) Sillod Ranjanatai (Sanjana) Harshvardhan Jadhav (Shiv Sena), Kannad Anuradha Atul Chavan (BJP) Phulambri Jaiswal Pradeep Shivnarayan (Shiv Sena), Aurangabad Central Sanjay Pandurang Shirsat (Shiv Sena)Aurangabad West Atul Moreshwar Save (BJP), Aurangabad East Bhumre Vilas Sandipanrao (Shiv Sena), Paithan Bumb Prashant Bansilal (BJP) Gangapur Bornare (Sir) Ramesh Nanasaheb (Shiv Sena), Vaijapur Suhas (Aanna) Dwarkanath Kande (Shiv Sena) Nandgaon Mufti Mohammad Ismail Abdul Khalique (Aimim) Malegaon Central Dadaji Dagdu Bhuse (Shiv Sena), Malegaon Outer Dilip Manglu Borse (BJP), Baglan Nitinbhau Arjun (A.t.) Pawar (Ncp), Kalwan Dr.aher Rahul Daulatrao (BJP), Chandvad Chhagan Bhujbal (Ncp), Yevla Adv. Kokate Manikrao Shivaji (Ncp), Sinnar Bankar Diliprao Shankarrao (Ncp), Niphad Narahari Sitaram Zirwal (Ncp), Dindori Adv.rahul Uttamrao Dhikale (BJP), Nashik East Devyani Suhas Pharande (BJP), Nashik Central Hiray Seema Mahesh (BJP), Nashik West Ahire Saroj Babulal (Ncp), Deolali Khoskar Hiraman Bhika (Ncp), Igatpuri Vinod Bhiva Nikole (Cpi(M)), Dahanu Bhoye Harishchandra Sakharam (BJP), Vikramgad Gavit Rajendra Dhedya (Shiv Sena), Palghar Vilas Sukur Tare (Shiv Sena), Boisar Rajan Balkrishna Naik (BJP), Nalasopara Sneha Dube Pandit (BJP), Vasai Shantaram Tukaram More (Shiv Sena), Bhiwandi Rural Daulat Bhika Daroda (Ncp), Shahapur Choughule Mahesh Prabhakar (BJP), Bhiwandi West Rais Kasam Shaikh (Sp), Bhiwandi East Vishwanath Atmaram Bhoir (Shiv Sena), Kalyan West Kisan Shankar Kathore (BJP), Murbad Dr. Balaji Pralhad Kinikar (Shiv Sena), Ambernath Ailani Kumar Uttamchand (BJP), Ulhasnagar Sulbha Ganpat Gaikwad (BJP), Kalyan East Chavan Ravindra Dattatray (BJP), Dombivli Rajesh Govardhan More (Shiv Sena), Kalyan Rural Narendra Mehta (BJP), Mira Bhayandar Narendra Mehta (BJP), Mira Bhayandar Eknath Sambhaji Shinde (Shiv Sena), Kopri - Pachpakhadi Sanjay Mukund Kelkar (BJP), Thane Awhad Jitendra Satish (Ncp (Sp)), Mumbra - Kalwa Ganesh Ramchandra Naik (BJP) Airoli Manda Vijay Mhatre (BJP), Belapur Sanjay Upadhyay (BJP), Borivli Chaudhary Manisha Ashok (BJP), Dahisar Prakash Surve (Shiv Sena), Magathane Mihir Kotecha (BJP), Mulund Sunil Rajaram Raut (Ss (Ubt)), Vikhroli Ashok Dharmaraj Patil (Shiv Sena), Bhandup West Anant (Bala) B. Nar (Ss (Ubt)), Jogeshwari East Sunil Prabhu (Ssubt) Dindoshi Atul Bhatkhalkar (BJP), Kandivli East Yogesh Sagar (BJP) Charkop Aslam Ramjanali Shaikh (Cong.), Malad West Vidya Thakur (BJP) Goregaon Haroon Khan (Ss (Ubt)), Versova Ameet Bhaskar Satam (BJP), Andheri West Murji Patel (Kaka) (Shiv Sena), Andheri East Alavani Parag (BJP), Vile Parle Dilip Bhausaheb Lande (Shiv Sena), Chandivali Ram Kadam (BJP), Ghatkopar West Parag Shah (BJP), Ghatkopar East Abu Asim Azmi (Sp), Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar Sana Malik (Ncp), Anushakti Nagar Tukaram Kate (Shiv Sena) Chembur Kudalkar Mangesh (Shiv Sena), Kurla Sanjay Potnis (Ss-Ubt) Kalina Varun Satish Sardesai (Ss (Ubt)), Vandre East Adv. Ashish Shelar (Bjp) Vandre West Dr. Gaikwad Jyoti Eknath (Cong.), Dharavi Captain R Tamil Selvan (BJP), Sion Koliwada Kalidas Nilkanth Kolambkar (BJP), Wadala Mahesh Baliram Sawant (Ss (Ubt)), Mahim Aditya Uddhav Thackeray (Ss (Ubt)), Worli Ajay Vinayak Choudhari (Ss (Ubt)), Shivadi Manoj Pandurang Jamsutkar (Ss (Ubt)), Byculla Mangal Prabhat Lodha (BJP), Malabar Hill Amin Patel (Cong)Mumbadevi Adv Rahul Suresh Narwekar (BJP), Colaba Prashant Ramsheth Thakur (Bjp) Panvel Thorve Mahendra Sadashiv (Shiv Sena), Karjat Mahesh Baldi (Bjp) Uran Ravisheth Patil (BJP), Pen Mahendra Hari Dalvi (Shiv Sena), Alibag Aditi Sunil Tatkare (Ncp), Shrivardhan Gogawale Bharat Maruti (Shiv Sena), Mahad Sharaddada Bhimaji Sonawane (Independent), Junnar Dilip Dattatray Walse Patil (Ncp), Ambegaon Babaji Ramchandra Kale (Ss (Ubt)), Khed Alandi Dnyaneshwar Alias Mauli Aba Katke (Ncp), Shirur Kul Rahul Subhashrao (BJP), Daund Dattatraya Vithoba Bharane (Ncp) Indapur Ajit Anantrao Pawar (Ncp), Baramati Vijaybapu Shivtare (Shiv Sena), Purandar Shankar Hiraman Mandekar (Ncp), Bhor Sunil Shankarrao Shelke (Ncp), Maval Jagtap Shankar Pandurang (BJP), Chinchwad Anna Dadu Bansode (Ncp), Pimpri Mahesh (Dada) Kisan Landge (Bjp) Bhosari Bapusaheb Tukaram Pathare (Ncp (Sp)), Vadgaon Sheri Siddharth Anil Shirole (BJP), Shivajinagar Chandrakant (Dada) Bachhu Patil (BJP), Kothrud Bhimrao Dhondiba Tapkir (BJP), Khadakwasala Madhuri Satish Misal (Bjp) Parvati Chetan Vitthal Tupe (Ncp), Hadapsar Kamble Sunil Dyandev (BJP), Pune Cantonment Hemant Narayan Rasane (BJP), Kasba Peth Dr. Kiran Yamaji Lahamate (Ncp), Akole Amol Dhondiba Khatal (Shiv Sena), Sangamner Patil Vikhe Radhakrushna Eknathrao (BJP), Shirdi Ashutosh Ashokrao Kale (Ncp), Kopargaon Ogale Hemant Bhujangrao (Cong.), Shrirampur Vitthal Vakilrao Langhe (Shiv Sena), Nevasa Monica Rajeev Rajale (Bjp) Shevgaon Kardile Shivaji Bhanudas (Bjp) Rahuri Kashinath Mahadu Date Sir (Ncp) Parner Sangram Arunkaka Jagtap (Ncp), Ahmednagar City Pachpute Vikram Babanrao (Bjp) Shirgonda Rohit Pawar (Ncp-Sp) Karjat-Jamkhed Vijaysinh Shivajirao Pandit (Ncp), Georai Prakash (Dada) Sunadarrao Solanke (Ncp), Majalgaon Sandeep Ravindra Kshirsagar (Ncp-Sp) Beed Dhas Suresh Ramchandra (BJP), Ashti Namita Akshay Mundada (BJP), Kaij Dhananjay Panditrao Munde (Ncp), Parli Ramesh Kashiram Karad (BJP) Latur Rural Amit Vilasrao Deshmukh (Cong) Latur City Babasaheb Mohanrao Patil (Ncp), Ahmadpur Sanjay Baburao Bansode (Ncp), Udgir Nilangekar Sambhaji Diliprao Patil (BJP), Nilanga Abhimanyu Dattatray Pawar (BJP) AUSA Pravin Virbhadrayya Swami (Sir) (Ss (Ubt)), Umarga Ranajagjitsinha Padmasinha Patil (Bjp) Tuljapur Kailas Balasaheb Ghadge Patil (Ss (Ubt)), Osmanabad Prof.dr.tanaji Jayawant Sawant (Shiv Sena) Paranda Narayan (Aba) Govindrao Patil (Ncp (Sp)), Karmala Abhijeet Dhananjay Patil (Ncp (Sp)), Madha Dilip Gangadhar Sopal (Ss (Ubt)), Barshi Khare Raju Dnyanu (Ncp (Sp)), Mohol Deshmukh Vijay Sidramappa (BJP) Solapur City North Devendra Rajesh Kothe (Bjp) Solapur City Central Kalyanshetti Sachin Panchappa (BJP), Akkalkot Deshmukh Subhash Sureshchandra (Bjp) Solapur South Autade Samadhan Mahadeo (Bjp) Pandharpur Dr. Babasaheb Annasaheb Deshmukh (Pwpi), Sangole Uttamrao Shivdas Jankar (Ncp (Sp)), Malshiras Sachin Patil (Ncp), Phaltan Makrand Laxmanrao Jadhav (Patil) (Ncp), Wai Mahesh Sambhajiraje Shinde (Shiv Sena) Koregaon Jaykumar Bhagavanrao Gore (BJP), Man Manoj Bhimrao Ghorpade (BJP), Karad North Dr Atulbaba Suresh Bhosale (BJP), Karad South Desai Shambhuraj Shivajirao (Shiv Sena), Patan Shivendraraje Abhaysinhraje Bhonsle (BJP), Satara Kadam Yogeshdada Ramdas (Shiv Sena), Dapoli Jadhav Bhaskar Bhaurao (Ss (Ubt)), Guhagar Shekhar Govindrao Nikam (Ncp), Chiplun Uday Ravindra Samant (Shiv Sena), Ratnagiri Kiran Alias Bhaiyya Samant (Shiv Sena), Rajapur Nitesh Narayan Rane (BJP), Kankavli Nilesh Narayan Rane (Shiv Sena), Kudal Deepak Vasantrao Kesarkar (Shiv Sena), Sawantwadi Shivaji Shattupa Patil (Independent), Chandgad Abitkar Prakash Anandrao (Shiv Sena), Radhanagari Mushrif Hasan Miyalal (Ncp), Kagal Amal Mahadevrao Mahadik (BJP), Kolhapur South Chandradeep Shashikant Narake (Shiv Sena), Karvir Rajesh Vinayak Kshirsagar (Shiv Sena), Kolhapur North Dr. Vinay Vilasrao Kore (Savkar) (Jss), Shahuwadi Dalitmitra Dr.ashokrao Mane(Bapu) (Jss), Hatkanangle Rahul Prakash Awade (BJP), Ichalkaranji Rajendra Shamgonda Patil (Yadravkar) Rsva, Shirol Dr. Suresh (Bhau) Dagadu Khade (BJP) Miraj Sudhirdada Alias Dhananjay Hari Gadgil (BJP), Sangli Jayant Rajaram Patil (Ncp (Sp)), Islampur Deshmukh Satyajit Shivajirao (BJP), Shirala Kadam Vishwajit Patangrao (Cong.), Palus - Kadegaon Babar Suhas Anilbhau (Shiv Sena), Khanapur Rohit Suman R.r. Aba Patil (Ncp (Sp)), Tasgaon - Kavathe Mahankal Gopichand Kundlik Padalkar (Bjp) Jat
24 November,2024 07:51 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-dayThe Thackeray family, an enduring force in Maharashtra’s political landscape, witnessed a significant chapter in the 2024 state assembly elections as cousins Aaditya Thackeray and Amit Thackeray contested from neighbouring constituencies, Worli and Mahim, respectively. However, the electoral outcomes—with Aaditya retaining Worli, while Amit lost his poll debut in Mahim—highlighted the shifting dynamics within their political strongholds and the impact of factional rivalries. Ironically, while Aaditya benefited from his uncle Raj Thackeray’s tactical manoeuvres in Worli, Amit bore the brunt of Uddhav Thackeray’s strategy in Mahim. Aaditya’s second innings Aaditya, contesting for a second term from the Worli assembly constituency, emerged victorious against formidable opposition. The seat, which was the undivided Sena’s stronghold, saw a high-stakes, three-way contest involving Aaditya, Milind Deora from the CM Eknath Shinde-led Sena, and Sandeep Deshpande from MNS. Deora, a seasoned politician and former Union minister with significant influence in South Mumbai, was initially tipped to have an edge. However, Aaditya managed to retain the seat, securing 63,324 votes—8,800 votes more than Deora’s 54,523 votes. It appears that MNS’ decision to field Deshpande—who captured 19,367 votes and split the Marathi stronghold vote—is what tipped the scales in Aaditya’s favour and helped him retain his seat. Amit out on maiden bid In Mahim, Amit faced a challenging three-way battle against Sena’s Sada Sarvankar and Mahesh Sawant from Sena (UBT). Despite a spirited campaign, Amit finished a distant third, securing 33,062 votes compared to Sawant’s winning tally of 50,213 and Sarvankar’s 48,897. The Mahim contest was marred by internal disagreements within the Mahayuti alliance. BJP’s Mumbai President Ashish Shelar had initially proposed extending support to Amit, a move aimed at consolidating the Marathi vote base. However, Sarvankar’s decision to contest independently fractured the alliance, effectively paving the way for Sawant’s victory. Political observers noted that had Uddhav Thackeray refrained from fielding a candidate against Amit—his cousin Raj Thackeray’s son—the debutant contestant might have stood a better chance of clinching the seat. The narrow margin of 1,300 votes between Sawant and Sarvankar further highlighted how factional divisions and strategic missteps shaped the outcome. The results have triggered intense debate over the shifting loyalties and polarisation among Marathi and Hindu voters across the Thackeray-led factions and the MNS.
24 November,2024 07:32 AM IST | Mumbai | Dipti SinghBig winners >> The Maharashtra BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule has managed to retain Kamthi seat, which is considered as stronghold of the saffron party. He has won the seat by more than 40,000 votes against Congress candidate Suresh Bhoyar. >> The National Vice President Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha Pravin Datke won Nagpur Central against Congress leader Bunty Baba Shelke by 11,632 votes. >> Samajwadi Party leader Rais Shaikh has managed to retain his Bhiwandi East seat in this election. He won the seat by 52,015 votes. >> BJP candidate Narendra Mehta has won Mira Bhayandar by dethroning Congress leader Muzaffar Hussain by more than 60,433 votes. >> Shirdi MLA Radhakrushna Vikhe Patil managed to retain his seat in this assembly polls. Other winning candidates include Dhananjay Munde (Mahayuti) from Beed, Nilesh Rane (Shiv Sena) from Kudal, Vinod Bhiva Nikole (MVA) from Dahanu and others. >> A 38-year-old law graduate Sneha Dube Pandit, who fought an election for the first time, has successfully decimated BVA supremo Hitendra Thakur in Vasai constituency which the latter had been winning since the last three decades. >> Shiv Sena candidate Pratap Sarnaik has won the Ovala-Majhiwada seat against Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate Narendra Manera by 1,08,158 votes. Big losers >> 78-year-old Prithviraj Chavan, the former chief minister of Maharashtra, has been decimated by BJP’s Atul Bhosale in Karad South constituency. >> The winning streak of 71-year-old Balasaheb Thorat from Sangamner seat for the ninth time has been halted this time, as Shiv Sena (Shinde) candidate Amol Khatal has defeated the Congress heavyweight. >> The sitting MLA from Nalasopara, Kshitij Thakur, suffered a crushing defeat by 36,875 votes at the hand of BJP candidate Rajan Naik. >> BVA’s MLA from Boisar constituency Rajesh Patil also lost the election by more than 44,000 votes at the hands of Shiv Sena leader Vilas Tare. >> Yashomati Thakur also lost the Teosa constituency at the hand of BJP candidate Rajesh Wankhede.
24 November,2024 07:25 AM IST | Mumbai | Diwakar SharmaA man, a dog and a catnap Two Mumbaikars sleep beside each other on a platform at Masjid Bunder railway station. Let’s hear it for AB An elderly voice emerged on our screens during Day One of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series on Friday. We wondered who it was for a while until we were told that Allan Border was part of the Fox Sports commentary team. How apt it is to have the great Australian and the Indian little master lending their views on the Test. Border has not been in the pink of health and his been battling Parkinson’s— but his views are clear, lucid and direct. Sunil Gavaskar and Allan Border with the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Perth on Friday. PIC/GETTY IMAGES He seemed to enjoy himself and accepted the different kind of shots that were played. And amidst all that, he appreciated the courage on display. Border was a hard man as captain of his country. He wanted Dean Jones to continue batting at Chennai in 1986 despite him being in the throes of dehydration. Border was only alarmed when his late mate landed up in hospital. Border’s contribution to Australian cricket can never be underestimated. In that great sports writer Mike Coward’s words, “Allan Border gave Australian cricket the kiss of life.” Now, Border needs a gift of better health that he so richly deserves. 80 years through the Viewfinder From painter to thespian to celebrated Bollywood actor, Amol Palekar has now added one more feather to his cap with the launch of his autobiography, Viewfinder, in Mumbai yesterday. Originally written by Palekar during the COVID-19 pandemic, the manuscript was revived by his wife Sandhya as a special project to mark his 80th birthday today, the actor tells this diarist. Amol Palekar Launching the book in Marathi was important for the actor, who takes great pride in his roots, but in order to reach a wider audience, the book is also being released in English, and a Hindi version is in the pipeline too. The book will include QR codes that will lead readers to Palekar’s rare works, which many may not have seen. “I often hear that my directed films didn’t reach audiences, and sadly, it’s true,” says the actor, “I urged the rights-owners of my films to make them accessible to the world. There are also some rare posters, vintage hand-drawn hoardings, my old interviews and articles… and a few other treasures readers will find through the book.” As for why it’s named Viewfinder, Palekar shares a moving moment when veteran director Hrishikesh Mukherjee gifted the actor his own “director’s viewfinder”—used to check the frame for a shot—which in turn had been given to Mukherjee by renowned director Bimal Roy. “In this book, I’m sharing with you the distilled memories of my 80-year odyssey, framed through this very Viewfinder,” says Palekar. The music box This Bandra boy wears multiple hats—that of a singer, composer, recording artiste, and everything related to music, and he is set to drop a new track in the coming week, called Unspoken. Arjun Kanungo Arjun Kanungo has got one clear goal—to make his listeners “feel something”. According to him, music must hit you right in the feels, but it also needs to have that perfect packaging: “fresh, new, and dripping with global vibes,” he says. The 30-year-old pop singer is on a mission to not be stereotyped into what Indian artiste sounds like on a global stage. He tells Sunday mid-day, “I am tired of outsiders telling us what “Indian” means in music,” and he is flipping the script, one song at a time. Post COVID-19 pandemic, Kanungo started his own label, and is aiming to venture into new markets, from performing in Japan to dabbling in K-Pop. Kanungo is slowly but surely building his global reputation as an independent artist. Ulwe celebrates The Constitution The Samvidhan Amrut Mahotsav Samiti will be held in Ulwe from November 24 to 26, and hopes to arm citizens with knowledge of the constitution. “In today’s socio-political climate, where political influences and even the masses seem to drift away from the Constitution, we risk losing its essence. The Constitution binds us together despite our vast differences and diversity. We must remind ourselves, as Babasaheb,” says Mayura Saav, one of organisers, adding, “We are Indians firstly and Indians lastly.” The Samvidhan Amrut Mahotsav Samiti, Ulwe The event will feature activities designed to engage all age groups: The Run for Fraternity Marathon, symbolising unity and equality, a puppet show by Varanasi’s Creative Paper Theatre an Art Exhibition showcasing constitutional themes. Nirmik Arts and Yalgar Sathi Folk Group will be performing street plays, speeches and discussions, and a live orchestra performance. The celebration stems from Samvidhan Katta, a grassroots initiative started earlier this year at Samvidhan Chowk in Ulwe. A small group of Samvidhan Pracharak Volunteers began meeting to discuss constitutional values, sing songs, and promote civic awareness. Over time, this evolved into a larger community movement. Creating a real Racket There is a racket going on, of a sporty kind. Mumbaikars will soon see a game called Racketlon being played in the city. Here, a player competes against an opponent in the four biggest racket sports: table tennis, badminton, squash and tennis, and the game is coming to an upscale South Mumbai club very soon. The host club has a lawn, a genteel reputation, has another club as its neighbour across the road (accent on the neigh here) and the first part of the club’s name signifies ready or eager to do something. Let the guessing game begin...
24 November,2024 07:18 AM IST | Mumbai | Team SMDADVERTISEMENT
