In a tragic incident, a 28-year-old woman died after falling off from an overcrowded Karjat local train near Mumbai on Tuesday night. The victim, Rutuja Ganesh Jangam, was allegedly unable to maintain her balance owing to the heavy rush of passengers and was pushed out of the train between Ambernath and Badlapur stations. According to the police, the Karjat-bound local train, which departed from Ambernath at 8 pm, was running 25 minutes late. This resulted in severe overcrowding of passengers on board. Eyewitnesses stated that as soon as the train arrived at Ambernath station, a large number of commuters rushed to board the train. Jangam, who was attempting to board the train amid the chaos, lost her grip and got stuck in the doorway. Moments after the train left Ambernath station, she was pushed out of the train owing to the overcrowding, and fell onto the tracks. Fellow passengers immediately alerted authorities, following which Jangam was rushed to Central Hospital in Ulhasnagar for emergency treatment. However, the doctors declared her dead upon arrival.
23 October,2024 09:13 PM IST | Mumbai | Apoorva AgasheThe Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) on Wednesday released its first list of 65 candidates for the Maharashtra Assembly election 2024. The party has nominated Aaditya Thackeray to contest from Worli constituency in central Mumbai from where he is the sitting MLA. महाराष्ट्र विधानसभा निवडणूक २०२४शिवसेना (उद्धव बाळासाहेब ठाकरे) पक्षाची अधिकृत उमेदवारांची पहिली यादी. pic.twitter.com/QAJ01ce7ds — ShivSena - शिवसेना Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (@ShivSenaUBT_) October 23, 2024 Aaditya Thackeray's cousin and Shiv Sena's Yuva Sena leader Varun Sardesai would contest from Bandra (East) seat in the western suburbs of the city. The party has renominated most of its MLAs who stayed with Uddhav Thackeray after the split in the Shiv Sena in 2022. In Thane's Kopri-Panchpakhadi seat, where Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is in the fray, the Shiv Sena (UBT) fielded Kedar Dighe who is the nephew of late Shiv Sena leader Anand Dighe, considered to be CM Shinde's political mentor. In Mahim in central Mumbai, Sena (UBT)'s Mahesh Sawant will take on the Shiv Sena's Sada Sarvankar and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena's Amit Thackeray, son of MNS chief Raj Thackeray, in a triangular contest. The Sena (UBT) fielded former MP Rajan Vichare, who lost the Lok Sabha election earlier this year, from the Thane city assembly seat. Vichare had represented the seat from 2009 until he won the Lok Sabha polls in 2014. Satyajit Patil, who unsuccessfully contested from Hatkanangale Lok Sabha seat, has been fielded from Shahuwadi in Kolhapur district. Some turncoats also found place in the Sena (UBT)'s first list. Former MP Unmesh Patil, who joined the party after the BJP denied him a Lok Sabha ticket, was fielded from Chalisgaon in Jalgaon district. Meanwhile, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance of Congress, the Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP SP), and Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) on Wednesday announced to contest 85 seats each in Maharashtra assembly election 2024 even as deliberations to seal a final seat-sharing pact are still underway. Addressing a press conference, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut said consensus has been reached on 270 out of total 288 seats for the November 20 elections. "We will include Samajwadi Party, PWP, CPI(M), CPI, and AAP. Discussions are still on for the remaining seats. We have amicably arrived at a consensus on 270 seats. MVA stands united to defeat the Mahayuti government," Sanjay Raut said, according to the PTI. Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole said the rest of the seats will be left for smaller parties. Earlier, Maharashtra Congress leaders on Wednesday met NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar to break MVA seat-sharing deadlock, reported the PTI. According to the PTI, the Leader of Opposition in the assembly Vijay Wadettiwar of the Congress, MPCC president Nana Patole and Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader Balasaheb Thorat met Sharad Pawar at YB Chavan Centre in south Mumbai as part of efforts to iron out differences among MVA constituents for the allocation of seats ahead of the November 20 polls for the 288-member house. Nana Patole said that the talks are still on over four to five assembly seats with competing claims and the matter will be resolved soon. (with PTI inputs)
23 October,2024 08:53 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) on Wednesday announced to contest 85 seats each in Maharashtra assembly election 2024 even as deliberations to seal a final seat-sharing pact are still underway, reported the PTI. The MVA consists of Congress, NCP (SP), and Shiv Sena (UBT). Addressing a press conference, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut said that the consensus has been reached on 270 out of total 288 seats for the November 20 elections. "We will include Samajwadi Party, PWP, CPI(M), CPI, and AAP. Discussions are still on for the remaining seats. We have amicably arrived at a consensus on 270 seats. MVA stands united to defeat the Mahayuti government," Sanjay Raut said, reported the PTI. Maharashtra Congress President Nana Patole said, "We've decided that Congress, NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) and Shiv Sena (UBT) will contest on 85 seats each and on remaining 18 seats, we will have talks with our alliance parties including Samajwadi Party and by tomorrow they will be cleared. We are contesting the elections as Maha Vikas Aghadi and we will form the government," the ANI reported. #WATCH | Mumbai: Maharashtra Congress President Nana Patole says, "We've decided that Congress, NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) and Shiv Sena (UBT) will contest on 85 seats each and on remaining 18 seats, we will have talks with our alliance parties including Samajwadi Party and by… pic.twitter.com/tegTusAi6L — ANI (@ANI) October 23, 2024 Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole said the rest of the seats will be left for smaller parties. Earlier, the Congress leaders on Wednesday met NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar to break MVA seat-sharing deadlock, reported the PTI. The hectic last minute parleys among Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) allies to finalize seat-sharing for the Maharashtra Assembly election 2024 continued on Wednesday with Sharad Pawar playing the role of a mediator in resolving differences between the constituents. The Congress, NCP (SP) and Shiv Sena (UBT) are constituents of the opposition bloc MVA. According to the PTI, the Leader of Opposition in the assembly Vijay Wadettiwar of the Congress, MPCC president Nana Patole and Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader Balasaheb Thorat met Sharad Pawar at YB Chavan Centre in south Mumbai as part of efforts to iron out differences among MVA constituents for the allocation of seats ahead of the November 20 polls for the 288-member house. (with PTI and ANI inputs)
23 October,2024 07:54 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has suffered a jolt ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly election, as party leader and former minister Laxman Dhobale joined the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) on Wednesday, October 23, in the presence of party Member of Parliament (MP) Supriya Sule.Dhobale, a former guardian minister of Solapur district, was part of the undivided NCP before joining BJP, reported news agency ANI. Earlier, the chief spokesperson of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar-headed NCP, Umesh Patil, resigned from his post and met veteran politician Sharad Pawar at YB Chavan Centre in Mumbai. Patil submitted his resignation to NCP President Sunil Tatkare.Meanwhile, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA)- comprising the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), NCP (SP), and Congress- continue to negotiate the seat-sharing agreements, reported ANI. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut, earlier in the day, assured that there is no difference among the alliance over seat sharing."There is no difference of opinion among us. There is no animosity. Everything is going well." Sanjay Raut said.Exuding confidence over MVA's victory in the Maharashtra Assembly election, Raut said that Shiv Sena (UBT) will secure a century of seats as that the country wants them to win 100 seats. Meanwhile, the ruling Mahayuti alliance - comprising BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP - have released their first list of candidates.As the polling date draws near, both Mahayuti and MVA have intensified their preparations.The Maharashtra Assembly election will be held on November 20, with the counting for all the 288 constituencies scheduled to take place three days later.In the 2019 Maharashtra Assembly election, BJP won 105 seats, followed by the Shiv Sena (56), NCP (54) and the Congress (44). In 2014, BJP won 122 seats, while the Shiv Sena won 63 and the Congress 42. Somaiya writes to EC over Abu Azmi's alleged hate speech Former BJP lawmaker Kirit Somaiya wrote a letter to Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar on Wednesday, seeking action against Samajwadi Party (SP) Maharashtra Chief Abu Azmi for using an alleged provocative speech during his recent election campaign.In his letter, Somaiya alleged that Azmi was appealing to the Muslim community to vote on "religious lines" and that he was "exploiting fanaticism" among Muslim voters ahead of the elections. He also noted that the speech given by Azmi, where the SP leader said that when the party has eight MLAs in Maharashtra, no mother will "feed her child milk" to commit atrocities against Muslims."We currently have two MLAs; we need at least six to eight MLAs, and the day we get eight, no one's mother will feed him milk so that he can commit atrocities against Muslims. This is my promise: I can offer my life for this community, but I will not kneel before anyone," Azmi said, as alleged in the letter.Somaiya further appealed to the Election Commission to take appropriate action against the SP leader.Earlier, the Samajwadi Party demanded 12 seats from MVA as part of the alliance for the upcoming polls. (With ANI inputs)
23 October,2024 07:13 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Congress leaders on Wednesday met NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar to break MVA seat-sharing deadlock, reported the PTI. The hectic last minute parleys among Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) allies to finalize seat-sharing for the Maharashtra Assembly election 2024 continued on Wednesday with Sharad Pawar playing the role of a mediator in resolving differences between the constituents. The Congress, NCP (SP) and Shiv Sena (UBT) are constituents of the opposition bloc MVA. According to the PTI, the Leader of Opposition in the assembly Vijay Wadettiwar of the Congress, MPCC president Nana Patole and Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader Balasaheb Thorat met Sharad Pawar at YB Chavan Centre in south Mumbai as part of efforts to iron out differences among MVA constituents for the allocation of seats ahead of the November 20 polls for the 288-member house. Nana Patole said that the talks are still on over four to five assembly seats with competing claims and the matter will be resolved on Wednesday. "Today, we held discussions over swapping seats. Our high command will decide on five seats (with overlapping claims). We are deciding our seat-sharing on merit. Today itself we will conclude the Maha Vikas Aghadi talks (on allocation of seats)," Vijay Wadettiwar informed, as per the PTI. Asked if "differences" between Patole and Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut over seat distribution have been resolved, Wadettiwar shot back, "Don't speculate on issues which don't exist." While the MVA is yet to announce its candidates, ruling Mahayuti partners -- BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP -- have already declared their first list of nominees -- 99, 45 and 38 -- respectively. Meanwhile, the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Wednesday said that 99 per cent of work on the MVA's seat-sharing arrangement has been completed and leaders of the three alliance parties are expected to announce the formula soon. Talking to reporters, Sanjay Raut also indicated his party could contest 100 seats. The Maharashtra Assembly elections 2024 are scheduled on November 20 and votes will be counted on November 23. Earlier, the top leaders of the opposition's MVA alliance also met late Tuesday night with indications that the seat-sharing arrangement for the polls has been finalised. (with PTI inputs)
23 October,2024 07:01 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMahim railway station and yard has gone 'automatic' after the non-interlocking work was successfully completed during night block on October 21 and 22. The officials said that the commissioning of electronic interlocking will enhance safety by eliminating manual errors, thanks to its fail-safe operations. With faster decision-making and automated route setting and signal management, efficiency will be increased. This will lead to fewer signal failures, reduced maintenance, and improved train operations, they said. The officials further said that the Westrace-make electronic interlocking system has been commissioned at Mahim with 66 routes, 32 signals,17 points, patching of 77 track circuits, 2 IPS with conventional supply along with auto changeover facility, fire alarm system, connectivity with train management system and electronic interlocking, shifting of indicator, passenger announcements, control phones and telecom facilities from old Route Relay Interlocking to new Electronic Interlocking building.
23 October,2024 06:27 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarAll three political parties in the Mahayuti alliance took nomination forms for the Mira-Bhayandar Assembly seat on Tuesday, the first day of form distribution. The seat has not yet been allocated to any party, and all three have staked their claim by taking forms. On Tuesday, a total of 38 nomination forms were distributed for the Mira-Bhayandar Assembly seat. “Of these, four were taken by BJP, three by Shiv Sena, and one by NCP, while nine were distributed to independent candidates,” said an Election Commission official. No party from Maharashtra Vikas Aaghadi has taken any forms yet. Geeta Jain won the seat in 2019 as an Independent after failing to secure a BJP ticket, defeating BJP’s Narendra Mehta by 15,526 votes. After her victory, she supported the MVA government and later joined Shinde’s Shiv Sena after the previous government collapsed in 2022. The BJP announced its first list of 99 candidates on Sunday, October 20, but no candidate was mentioned for the Mira-Bhayandar seat. Shiv Sena and NCP have yet to declare any candidates in Maharashtra. Narendra Mehta, who won the seat in 2014, is interested in contesting it again for BJP and is hopeful his name will be announced soon, according to a close associate. Geeta Jain is also interested in running again and has already begun her campaign. “She proved herself by winning as an Independent. The BJP has committed the seat to her, but if it goes to Sena, she may contest under their banner,” said a senior associate of Jain.
23 October,2024 05:10 PM IST | Mumbai | Prajakta Kasale
India’s financial capital, one of the most densely populated cities, is finally getting the Mumbai Metro Line 3 decades after it was first proposed. The construction for this route, which is also known as Aqua Line or SEEPZ-Bandra-Colaba line, began in 2017 and is finally nearing completion with one phase open for the public. Phase 1 of Mumbai Metro Line 3–the 12.44-kilometre section between Aarey and Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC)–formally opened to the public on October 6, 2024. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated this phase on October 5, connecting significant regions such as Aarey, Marol Naka, CSMIA T1 and T2, MIDC, SEEPZ, Sahar Road, Vidyanagari, Dharavi, and BKC. Nine of the stations are subterranean, with only Aarey above ground. The metro is open from 6:30 AM to 10:30 PM on weekdays and 8:30 AM to 10:30 PM on weekends. Fares range from Rs 10 to Rs 50. Each train has a capacity of more than 2,000 passengers, aiming to provide significant respite to commuters in these congested areas. Once complete, the underground metro line, stretching 33.5 km, is poised to significantly alter the dynamics of the city’s transport system by easing congestion, reducing travel time, and providing seamless connectivity across the city. But how will this development reshape the city’s urban landscape, economy, and everyday life? Phase 1 of Mumbai Metro Line 3 open to public Urban planners, transport experts, and economists weigh in on the potential impact of Metro Line 3, considering both the immediate benefits and the long-term implications for Mumbai’s growth. Mumbai Metro Line 3: Just another link in the chain? When asked about how the Mumbai Metro Line 3 will impact the city’s urban development plans and its land use, Pankaj Joshi, Principal Director at Urban Centre, said that an affordable, appropriate and sustainable transport network is key for enhancing the quality of life in Mumbai. He said, “Metro Line 3's commissioning could well serve as an impetus for revitalisation of benefits adjacent communities, particularly by allowing increased redevelopment and rejuvenation as infrastructure develops." "Its overall influence on the Mumbai city area, however, may be limited because it runs along the already established north-south road and suburban rail network. The fare structure will significantly decide whether commuters switch from suburban trains to metro. Currently, many suburban rail users may be unable to afford metro fares. Even if tickets are set between Rs 20 and Rs 40, lower-middle-class commuters are unlikely to make the switch, even after given the current packed conditions of suburban rail during peak hours. The projected transformation will only occur if the price becomes more affordable to all ” said Joshi. Joshi further pointed out that in terms of connectivity, the functional centroid on Greater Mumbais activity has moved substantially northwards over the years. The Census of 2001 and 2011 have highlighted stagnation and decline in South Mumbai wards as compared to the major densification in Mumbai Suburbs wards that stretch from Bandra to Dahisar and Sion to Mulund. “This shift indicates that while the Metro might aid in improving connectivity, it won't drastically alter the current transit patterns. The line doesn't provide seamless connections across the entire metro network yet, meaning that commuters will often have to transfer between different lines to reach key destinations, which could limit its effectiveness until more lines are completed,” he said. “This shift indicates that while the Metro might aid in improving connectivity, it won't drastically alter the current mobility patterns. Moreover, Mumbai Metro Line 3 currently doesn't provide seamless connections across the entire metro network yet, meaning that commuters will often have to transfer between different modes to reach key destinations, which could limit its effectiveness until more lines and connections are completed,” he said. “One of the most significant impacts of Metro Line 3 will likely be its future role in airport connectivity, especially with the planned connection to the Navi Mumbai airport. Once fully integrated with other lines and the airport express, the metro could facilitate smoother travel between South and North Mumbai, the international airport, and the upcoming Navi Mumbai airport.” Meanwhile, Anuradha Parmar, Executive Director of Urban Design Research Institute, told mid-day that the Mumbai Metro Line 3 has the potential to streamline transit but that it is not a standalone solution. In response to a question, about its impact, she said, “Mumbai Metro Line 3 is set to enter the southernmost tip of Mumbai, into Ward A, which is one of the most significant tourist and historic districts in the city. This part of the city hosts a mix of mobility patterns, including commuters for everyday work in the business districts, the movement of residents in housing zones, and a high influx of tourists. The introduction of the metro will inevitably affect all these diverse movement patterns. For it to be truly effective, it needs to be integrated with other modes of transportation, especially considering the unique demands of this area.” Anuradha added that the Metro Line 3, in particular, has the potential to increase pedestrian activity in this historic and tourist-heavy area. She said that with five additional stations opening in the area (south Mumbai), the estimated number of persons accessing the metro would be anywhere between 130 to 275 per minute during peak hours and the number will only increase by 25 per cent in the next five years. Joshi too echoed similar sentiments; he said, “One of the primary concerns with Mumbai's new metro lines is a fundamental lack of proper last-mile connectivity, which leaves passengers unsure about the availability of, declining BEST bus network or other modes of transportation to reach their final destinations. This disparity compels many people to rely on expensive alternatives like auto-rickshaws or taxis, which raises their daily travel expenses. This issue is affecting the functional metro lines, including the Ghatkopar-Versova, Yellow, and Red lines, and has contributed to surprisingly lower-than-expected patronage, especially on the Red Line. High metro fares, when compared to more economical suburban train and BEST bus choices, discourage bulk of cost-conscious travellers from making the transfer.” He added, “Mumbai’s status as India’s financial capital is largely attributed to its robust public transport system, which has supported the city’s economy for over a hundred and fifty years. Trains and buses have been cross-subsidising the cost of living for millions, making the city accessible to all. However, in recent years, this crucial understanding of affordable, well-connected public transport has been lost. Without addressing issues like last-mile bus and pedestrian connectivity as well as fare pricing, the metro system cannot fulfil its potential to ease Mumbai’s traffic woes or support its commuters effectively.” Responding to a query on what further challenges it poses, Anuradha said, “This region, being historically significant, presents additional challenges. The juxtaposition of modern metro infrastructure within historic precincts needs careful consideration, yet no comprehensive studies or assessments are being undertaken. Initiatives like the Kala Ghoda Pedestrianisation Project and other pavement improvement schemes fail to account for the impact of the new metro stations. To address these challenges and ‘ensure last-mile connectivity is seamless, a comprehensive mobility plan is needed—one that maps data integrates transport options and respects the area's heritage.” Responding to a query, Transport consultant Vivek Pai said that the Mumbai Metro Line 3 is poised to be a “premium alternative” to the local train network, particularly “for commuters who value convenience and speed”. “Since the line connects Andheri and Colaba to both domestic and international airports, it is expected to be a popular choice for air travellers, especially those running late or seeking a hassle-free journey. While the metro line has been well-conceptualised and doesn't face significant operational challenges, its long-term success hinges on occupancy rates. First-mile, last-mile connectivity, and multimodal integration remain critical issues that need addressing to ensure the metro can serve a wide range of commuters effectively,” said Pai. Pai noted that only around 10-15 per cent of commuters–who travel on local trains–are expected to shift to the metro. However, he said, that the metro could attract a larger portion of passengers who currently use cab aggregator services or drive their cars. “To complement the metro's services, buses will need to reinvent their role, acting more as feeder services than traditional trunk lines, ensuring that commuters can easily transition between different modes of transport,” Pai said. In this new scenario, integrated public transport (IPT) services and feeder networks will be essential. Feeder services such as shared autos, shared taxis, and bus networks must be strategically planned based on load and peak travel analyses to meet passenger demand efficiently. These services will play a crucial role in making Metro Line 3 a viable option for commuters, improving accessibility and ensuring smooth, seamless travel across the city, he added. Mumbai Metro Line 3 is also being seen as a potential catalyst for economic growth in the city. According to economist Vishal Sarin, infrastructure projects like this one have a multiplier effect on local economies. “Earlier, travel from Point A to Point B would take at least two hours, which with the metro, has reduced significantly. Improved transport infrastructure boosts productivity by cutting down travel times,” said Sarin, a professor at Lovely Professional University. He also noted that the commissioning of the entire nearly 33 km of the Metro Line 3 will give way for business to grow. Commercial hubs will mushroom along the metro route, he said. When asked about what he thinks is one of the challenges of operation and maintenance of Metro Line 3, Sarin responded by saying that the underground nature of the route and its proximity to the coastal areas make it more susceptible to damage. Sarin said that since the metro is closer to the coastal area, the possibility of corrosion increases and it could escalate the cost of maintenance. However, he points out that the important question to be raised is, “Why did Mumbai, which is a commercial hub, get its Metro late?” “Kolkata got its metro in the 1980s, followed by Delhi in the 2000s; however it is only now that we have a metro. Commissioning of metro in Mumbai was delayed,” Sarin said. Mumbai Metro Line 3 faces challenges: Financial risks & integration woes Anuradha, while speaking about the challenges of realising Metro Line 3, said that the multiple parties are stakeholders. “The biggest challenge facing Mumbai Metro Line 3 is coordinating effectively among various stakeholders to develop a comprehensive plan that integrates the city's entire transport network. Achieving a seamless, fully integrated system—where all origin and destination points are connected, and passengers aren't left stranded—requires aligning other modes of transport for reliable last-mile connectivity. A holistic study linking all proposed projects is essential to ensure a seamless transition and manage effective phased implementation.,” Anuradha said. Meanwhile, Pai said, “The primary risk for Mumbai Metro Line 3 is financial, as the government must implement policies to reduce dependence on private vehicles in areas influenced by the metro. Ensuring seamless transport and demand-based pricing will help maintain steady ridership at near-full capacity. Passenger safety requires junction improvements and traffic calming measures, especially for pedestrians. Additionally, flood-proofing and addressing leakages are critical to prevent disruptions to metro operations.” Joshi observed that the last mile connectivity issues can be resolved largely if pedestrian mobility is made easier than it presently is. He points out that in cities like New York and London, which have the oldest metro systems, people of all economic backgrounds walk significant distances. “Additionally, Mumbai’s fragmented ticketing system across various modes of transport exacerbates the problem,” he said and cited that cities like Hong Kong offer seamless travel with a single pass covering multiple transport modes. “Mumbai lacks such integration. Establishing a comprehensive transport authority to unify ticketing systems and ensure coordination across buses, metro, suburban rail, and other transport services is essential, especially as more metro lines become operational. Without this integration, the city's potential to optimise its growing metro network will be lost, undermining the efficiency of Mumbai’s public transport system,” he remarked.
23 October,2024 03:59 PM IST | Mumbai | Sanjana DeshpandeThe Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court has directed the city police commissioner to decide on protection to an activist who filed a petition against Maharashtra government's "unregulated freebie" schemes, including the Ladki Bahin Yojana, reported news agency PTI. A division bench of Justices Vinay Joshi and Abhay Mantri on Tuesday said it was the duty of the state to protect the life and liberty of every citizen, reported PTI. The bench directed the Nagpur police commissioner to decide on the applications filed by social activist Anil Wadapalliwar, seeking police protection expeditiously, reported PTI. Wadapalliwar had filed a public interest litigation against distribution of freebies by the state government. The PIL sought that the HC declare as illegal the distribution of state largesse in nature of "unrestricted freebies and unregulated and irrational doles" to a particular section of the public at large, reported PTI. Such freebie schemes were a derogation of fundamental rights and cast a heavy burden on the state exchequer which in furtherance enhances financial burden on genuine taxpayers, it claimed, reported PTI. Wadapalliwar in his application claimed that ever since he filed the PIL, he has been receiving wrath from various sections of the society, reported PTI. Even in political rallies and speeches, references are made against him, he claimed, adding the petitioner and was now scared about the safety of his life and liberty, including his family. Wadapalliwar said he had filed two applications before the police seeking protection, but no decision was taken on the same, reported PTI. The high court said the Commissioner of Police ought to have considered the application assiduously and taken a decision as permissible under law. "There can be no dispute that it is the duty of the State to see safety and protect the life and liberty of every individual, i.e. of every citizen of the country. Article 21 of the Constitution of India has recognized the said protection as a fundamental right," the HC said, reported PTI. The 'Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana' is a flagship programme of the Eknath Shinde-led Mahayuti government, under which eligible women are given Rs 1,500 assistance per month. (With inputs from PTI)
23 October,2024 02:32 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentShiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Wednesday said 99 per cent of work on the Maha Vikas Aghadi's seat-sharing arrangement has been completed and leaders of the three alliance parties are expected to announce the formula later in the day, reported news agency PTI. Talking to reporters, Raut also indicated his party could contest 100 seats. The Maharashtra assembly elections 2024 to the 288-member assembly are scheduled on November 20 and votes will be counted on November 23. Top leaders of the opposition's Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance met in Mumbai late Tuesday night with indications that the seat-sharing arrangement for the Maharashtra assembly elections 2024 has been finalised. The MVA comprises the Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress and NCP (SP). After the talks, especially those between the Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress, hit a roadblock, senior state Congress leader Balasaheb Thorat first met NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar on Tuesday and then Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray. Later, Thorat and other leaders of the MVA again sat together for a meeting that lasted for several hours at a hotel in Mumbai. Leaders of the three parties were involved in hectic seat-sharing deliberations which continued until late Tuesday night. Raut on Wednesday said, "Ninety nine per cent work on seat-sharing has been completed. By today evening, leaders of the three parties will hold a press conference," reported PTI. "Shiv Sena (referring to his faction led by Uddhav Thackeray) is an experienced player, so it has to hit a century. There are expectations of people that Sena should hit a century in seats and overall victory," he said, reported PTI. Taking a dig at the Shiv Sena (headed by CM Eknath Shinde), BJP and MNS which have released their first lists of candidates, Raut said the MVA has to form government which is why the allies took time. Each assembly segment was being deliberated upon, the Rajya Sabha member added. He said even if the MVA has not released its list, the three parties have already given A and B forms to their candidates. The A and B forms are important documents, which denote a certain candidate has been approved by a political party and should be allotted the election symbol of that party. Asked if his party will field a candidate from Mahim against MNS president Raj Thackeray's son Amit Thackeray, Raut said the Sena was formed in Mahim-Dadar belt and it cannot be the case that it will not field a candidate there. Raut also asserted that Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray will win from Worli seat with a bigger margin this time. Amit Thackeray, son of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena president Raj Thackeray, will make his electoral debut from Mahim assembly seat in central Mumbai, as per the list of candidates announced by the MNS for the Maharashtra assembly elections 2024. Amit will be the third person from the extended Thackeray family to contest an election. His father Raj Thackeray has never contested any poll. Amit's cousin Aaditya Thackeray -- Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray's son -- made his debut by winning from neighbouring Worli seat in the 2019 assembly polls. Uddhav Thackeray himself was elected to the legislative council in 2020 after he became Maharashtra chief minister. (With inputs from PTI)
23 October,2024 02:09 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAuthorities have been reaching out to the civil society members and representatives of housing societies in Mumbai's Colaba segment to appeal for increasing the voter turnout in the Maharashtra assembly elections 2024, reported news agency PTI. This comes after Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar last week expressed concern over urban apathy affecting the voter turnout. In the 2019 state polls, south Mumbai's upmarket Colaba area saw a low voter turnout of about 40 per cent. In a bid to address the issue of urban apathy, the Election Commission has decided to hold voting this time on Wednesday (November 20), with an aim to discourage voters from going on vacations if the exercise is clubbed with weekends, reported PTI. The Election Commission has been flagging the issue of low polling in urban centres, including those like Mumbai and Pune in Maharashtra, and has been taking a number of steps to increase voter awareness. "Look at Gurgaon, look at Faridabad, recently, last election Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, Bengaluru South, Gandhinagar, Colaba, Pune, Thane¿ all are much below state averages of each state," Kumar had said, reported PTI. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Mumbai City Collector Sanjay Yadav said they have prepared a list of polling booths which witnessed low voter turnout in the last few elections and formulated as action plan as per the polling station, reported PTI. "For increasing the voter turnout, an action plan has been prepared at the booth levels," he said when about steps taken to encourage electors to exercise their franchise, reported PTI. Yadav said they are reaching out to the civil society members and officer-bearers of housing societies, apart from the booth-level assistants in the Colaba constituency to increase the voter turnout on the election day, reported PTI. He said Colaba area has a large number of defence colonies, and hence they are also approaching defence officers and asking them to appeal to their staff to vote. "We have done all the possible preparations so the voting percentage will be at par with the national and state average," Yadav said, reported PTI. The Colaba assembly constituency has 2,64,931 voters, as per the EC data. The Maharashtra assembly elections 2024 to the 288-member Maharashtra assembly will be held on November 20 and votes will be counted on November 23. (With inputs from PTI)
23 October,2024 01:57 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
