The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has nominated party chief Raj Thackeray's son Amit Thackeray from Mahim constituency in the Maharashtra Assembly election 2024. This will be Amit Thackeray's debut as a candidate in Maharashtra elections. आगामी विधानसभा २०२४ च्या सार्वत्रिक निवडणुकांसाठी ,महाराष्ट्र नवनिर्माण सेनेची दुसरी यादी खालीलप्रमाणे....#MNSAdhikrut #विधानसभा_२०२४ pic.twitter.com/gmBAIzsfRb — MNS Adhikrut - मनसे अधिकृत (@mnsadhikrut) October 22, 2024 The MNS on Tuesday also released a list of candidates for the upcoming polls. The party has so far announced candidates for 45 constituencies in Mumbai, among others for Thane, MMR and other parts of Maharashtra. MNS spokesperson and former corporator Sandeep Deshpande will contest from Worli. Maharashtra Navnirman Sena will be contesting in November 20 polls without being part of any alliance though it had supported Mahayuti in the Lok Sabha elections 2024. The Mahayuti and the MVA alliances are yet to declare their seat-sharing formulas as talks continue between the alliance parties. In 2009, its first solo run had given MNS 13 MLAs. In the outgoing House, the MNS has just one legislator. Raj Thackeray wishes to increase the number of elected representatives to be one of the stakeholders in the game of thrones. In Mahim, the MNS had a legislator in 2009 and finished runner-up in the following two elections against undivided Sena’s nominee Sada Sarvankar, who shifted his loyalty to Shiv Sena (Shinde) after the party split in 2022. In the 2019 elections, MNS did not put up a candidate against Aaditya Thackeray, who won with a massive margin against the undivided NCP’s candidate. However, the Raj Thackeray-led party has filed MNS spokesperson and former corporator Sandeep Deshpande from Worli where Aaditya Thackeray is a sitting MLA. The Maharashtra Assembly polls will be held in a single phase and voting will take place on November 20, while the counting will held three days later and the results will be announced on November 23. The term of Maharashtra Assembly's will end on November 26. The Election Commission has said that the last date of submission of nomination forms will be on October 29 and the scrutiny will take place on October 30. The last date of the withdrawal of the candidatures will be November 11.
22 October,2024 10:50 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAmid on going security concerns to the Indian airlines, Akasa Air and IndiGo on Tuesday continued to receive bomb threats. According to the officials, Akasa Air flight QP 1612 from Bangalore to Varanasi was diverted to Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) in Hyderabad on Tuesday evening. The aircraft received the threat around 5:05 pm, prompting immediate action from security authorities, they said, adding that shortly after the alert, the flight landed safely at RGIA at approximately 5:10 pm and was directed to an isolation bay for precautionary measures. Emergency protocols were initiated as soon as the aircraft arrived, official sources said, adding that during the anti-sabotage checks by BDDS team nothing suspicious found and the flight was later pushed back from isolation bay for reboarding. An Akasa Air spokesperson said, “Some of our flights operating on October 22, 2024 received security alerts today. The Akasa Air Emergency Response team was immediately activated and initiated all standard operating procedures, including informing regulatory authorities and monitoring the situation in real-time. Captains and crew members of respective flights followed the required emergency procedures, and prescribed safety and security protocols in coordination with the local authorities. One of our flights, QP 1612 flying from Bengaluru to Varanasi on October 22, 2024, and carrying 183 passengers, 4 children and 6 crew, diverted to Hyderabad. The Captain followed all required emergency procedures and landed safely at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport at 17:06hrs. All passengers were deplaned post arrival. The Airport Services teams at all impacted airports coordinated with local authorities to ensure efficient handling of the situation including offering refreshments as required. Following defined procedures and after thorough inspections, all aircraft have been released for operations.” Meanwhile, IndiGo airlines on Tuesday received at least 13 more bomb threats, they said. The Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) team initiated an Anti-Sabotage Check (ASC) in a flight at Hyderabad airport Video source: Airport Via: @journofaizan #BDDS #ASC #BombThreats #Airport #HyderabadAirport #News #NewsUpdates pic.twitter.com/EjzAsCJT6R — Mid Day (@mid_day) October 22, 2024 Earlier, 30 more incidents of bomb threats to flights have been reported on Tuesday. A total number of 46 more threats were received by Tuesday evening apart from the 30 bomb threats those were received by October 22 morning. The airlines those received threats on Tuesday included Air India, IndiGo, Akasa and Vistara, said sources. Air India received 13 threats, IndiGo 13, Akasa Air 12 and Vistara 8, the officials said. Further details will be updated.
22 October,2024 08:47 PM IST | Mumbai | Prasun Choudhari | Faizan KhanThe Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued an advisory for citizens of Mumbai following a rise in water turbidity due to continuous rainfall in the Bhatsa catchment area over the past few days. Since October 21, residents in certain eastern suburbs and city areas have reported issues with turbid water supply, the civic body said. In an official statement, the BMC said that continuous rainfall has been recorded in the catchment area of the Bhatsa reservoir over the past 3 to 4 days. As a result, from 21st October 2024 onwards, an increase in the turbidity of water in the river channel has been observed. This has led to complaints of turbid water supply in certain areas of the eastern suburbs and city area of Mumbai. The BMC's Hydraulic Engineering Department is taking appropriate measures at the water treatment plant (WTP). However, as a precautionary measure, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation urges citizens to filter and boil the water before consumption. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation supplies water to the citizens of Mumbai from seven water bodies. Due to heavy rainfall in the catchment area of the Bhatsa river, over the last three to four days, the water entering the river channels has shown increased turbidity since 21st October 2024. The BMC said that complaints of turbid water supply from certain parts of the eastern suburbs and city area have been received by the BMC. The Hydraulic Engineering Department is undertaking necessary measures at the water treatment plant to reduce the turbidity levels, and adequate chlorine treatment is also being administered to ensure the water is clean and pure enough. In light of these, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation requests citizens not to panic and are requested to filter and boil the water before consumption, the statement said. Mumbai lakes supplying water to the city reach over 97.03 per cent capacity Meanwhile, the BMC on Saturday stated that the water levels in Mumbai's seven reservoirs, which supply the city with potable water, have reached 97.03 per cent. Based on data from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the combined water stock of the Mumbai lakes stands at 14,04,350 million litres at present, or 97.03 per cent of their capacity. Mumbai gets its water from the Upper and Middle Vaitarnas, Bhatsa, Tansa, Vihar, Tulsi, and Modak Sagar. The civic body's data on the Mumbai lakes indicates that Tansa's water level is 97.31 per cent. 86.74 per cent of the water stock is accessible at Modak-Sagar. Middle Vaitarna is 99.84 per cent, Upper Vaitarna is 100 per cent, Bhatsa is 97.05 per cent, Vihar is 98.98 per cent, and Tulsi is 96.28 per cent of the available useful water.
22 October,2024 08:29 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAhead of Diwali 2024, Mumbai Police on Tuesday issued a preventive order banning flying and sale of sky lanterns in city as safety and security measure. Mumbai Police in its preventive order said, "Reports have been received that due to the situation prevailing in the areas under the jurisdiction of Mumbai Police, it is noticed that use, sale and storage of lanterns and flying them between October 23, 2024 to November 24, 2023 in the Mumbai Police jurisdiction may cause grave danger to human life, safety and injury to public property." It further said, "It is necessary that some checks should be put on flying lanterns activities, use, sale and storage of them in the Mumbai Police Commissionerate, to prevent the activities of antisocial elements through such type of lanterns during the said period in Mumbai and that immediate action is necessary to prevention of the same." The preventive order was issued by Akbar Pathan, DCP (Operations), Mumbai Police. It said that during the period of 30 days i.e. from October 23 to November 24, no flying activities of such type of lanterns and no use, sale and storage is to be allowed in the jurisdiction of Mumbai Police. An official said, "It is a routine preventive order that is reviewed and issued every 30 days." The order said, any person contravening this order shall be punishable under section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. In an another preventive order, the Mumbai Police on Saturday issued an order prohibiting fireworks in areas close to oil and fuel companies in the city. The order says, "no person shall let off or throw any fire crackers/firework or send up any rocket upon any place within a distance of 500 meters beyond the buffer zones of bottling plant and the following areas of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd., and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd. It further said that the order was applicable in the following areas: 1. Outside perimeter area of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Lid., and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd., Refinery. 2. Mahul Terminal Area. 3. Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. Plant Area 4. Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd., Plant Area. 5. Behind 15 and 50 acres area up to Special Oil Refinery.
22 October,2024 07:46 PM IST | Mumbai | Asif RizviMaharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar on Tuesday said the ruling Mahayuti alliance, led by CM Eknath Shinde, has almost finalised its seat sharing deal for the November 20 Maharashtra Assembly election 2024, reported the PTI. "Some seats have been finalised, while a decision on the remaining seats is expected today," the NCP chief told reporters. "There is no reason for me to be present at the meeting when the decision on some seats is to be taken between the BJP and Shiv Sena," Ajit Pawar said, on his absence at the talks between leaders of BJP and Shiv Sena in Mumbai on Monday, according to the PTI. The three (party leaders) are present when discussions concern all the three constituents of the Mahayuti alliance, he added. "As some candidates had to keep up with the 'muhurat' for filing of nominations, they have been allotted our party's A and B forms, Ajit Pawar said, as per the PTI. The A and B forms are important documents, which denote that a certain candidate has been approved by a political party and should be allotted the election symbol of that party. There has been no confirmation from any of the ruling alliance leaders on media reports that the BJP may contest 156 of the 288 seats, while Shiv Sena may fight on 78 seats and the NCP may get 54 seats to contest. Meanwhile, before announcing candidates, NCP has released a list of 27 star campaigners for Maharashtra Assembly election. Ajit Pawar, NCP working president Praful Patel, the party's state head Sunil Tatkare and a host of cabinet members figure in a list of 27 star campaigners released by the ruling coalition partner for the November 20 assembly polls, reported the PTI. The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), a constituent of the ruling Mahayuti alliance, is yet to declare its candidates for the polls to the 288-member assembly.Before announcing its candidates, which is expected this week, the regional party came out with a list of 27 star campaigners for the assembly elections. State NCP president Sunil Tatkare, who is also a Lok Sabha MP, announced the list. The party's star campaigners include NCP president Ajit Pawar, Patel, Sunil Tatkare, state ministers Chhagan Bhujbal, Dilip Walse Patil, Dhananjay Munde, Hasan Mushrif and Aditi Tatkare. The others in the list are Deputy Speaker of state assembly Narhari Zirwal, Rajya Sabha MP Nitin Patil, veteran actor Sayaji Shinde, MLA Amol Mitkari, minority community leader Jallaudin Syed, NCP youth wing national president Dheeraj Sharma and state women's commission chief Rupali Chakankar, the news agency reported. (with PTI inputs)
22 October,2024 04:20 PM IST | MumbaiThe Bombay High Court has affirmed that a Muslim man is entitled to register more than one marriage, in accordance with personal laws that allow for multiple wedlocks. This ruling came during the case of a man seeking to register his third marriage, ANI reported.A division bench consisting of Justices B P Colabawalla and Somasekhar Sundaresan, on 15th October, directed the deputy marriage registration office of the Thane Municipal Corporation to process the application filed by a Muslim man in February of the previous year. He sought to register his marriage with a woman from Algeria.In their plea, the couple requested that the authorities issue them a marriage certificate, contending that their application was denied due to it being the man's third marriage. According to ANI, the authorities had refused to register the marriage, citing the Maharashtra Regulation of Marriage Bureaus and Registration of Marriages Act, which, they claimed, defines marriage as a single union, thereby excluding multiple marriages.However, the bench characterised the authority's refusal as "wholly misconceived," stating that there was nothing in the entire framework of the Act that would prevent a Muslim man from registering a third marriage. "Under personal laws for Muslims, they are entitled to have four wives at a time. Once this is the case, we are unable to accept the submission of the authorities that under the provisions of the Maharashtra Regulation of Marriage Bureaus and Registration of Marriages Act, only one marriage can be registered, even in the case of a Muslim male," the court stated.The bench further reasoned that accepting the authorities' argument would imply that the Maharashtra Regulation of Marriage Bureaus and Registration of Marriages Act supersedes the personal laws of Muslims. "There is absolutely nothing in this Act to indicate that the personal laws of Muslims have been excluded," they added.Interestingly, the same authorities had previously registered the petitioner’s marriage to his second wife. The authorities also claimed that the couple had not provided certain required documents. In response, the court instructed the petitioners to submit all pertinent documents within a fortnight.The court mandated that once these documents are submitted, the relevant officials of the Thane civic body must conduct a personal hearing with the petitioners and issue a reasoned order regarding the marriage registration within ten days, either granting or denying it. Until that time, the bench directed that no coercive measures should be taken against the woman, whose passport expired in May of this year. (With inputs from ANI)
22 October,2024 03:12 PM IST | MumbaiAhead of the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections 2024, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Monday alleged that Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has promised Rs 50 crore to each MLA to secure their election victories, reported news agency ANI. Addressing a press conference in Mumbai, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said "Yesterday, there were 2 vehicles which had almost Rs 15 crores in them. As I had said earlier, Eknath Shinde has promised his people to give them Rs 50 crore each to win elections, it was the first instalment of Rs 15 crore," reported ANI. "There were two vehicles, they let go of one after receiving a call as the inspector that was on duty there was in service of the MLA earlier. Almost 150 MLAs of the state have received Rs 15 crore each by now," Raut alleged, reported ANI. His statement comes after Pune Rural Police seized cash worth Rs 5 crore at Khed Shivapur toll booth during a Nakabandi late evening on October 21. "A total of Rs 5 crore cash was found in the car during Nakabandi by Pune Rural Police at Khed Shivapur toll Naka... Four people who were travelling in the car including the driver were questioned," Pune Rural SP, Pankaj Deshmukh said, reported ANI. "Cash has been handed over to officials of the Income Tax Department for further probe," Pune Rural SP, Pankaj Deshmukh said, reported ANI. This comes as Maharashtra prepares for a single-phase election on November 20, with counting set for November 23. Both the ruling Mahayuti alliance and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) -- comprising the Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), and Congress -- have intensified their preparations for the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections 2024 to 288 Assembly seats in the State. The BJP is part of the ruling Mahayuti alliance alongside the Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) and Ajit Pawar-led NCP. In the 2019 Maharashtra assembly elections, the BJP won 105 seats, Shiv Sena secured 56, and Congress won 44 seats. In 2014, the BJP won 122 seats, Shiv Sena secured 63, and Congress won 42 seats. (With inputs from ANI)
22 October,2024 01:36 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
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 the metro route runs along an established north-south corridor of suburban rail and commuters will not opt for metro unless it is cost-effective. “Metro Line 3's commissioning could serve as an impetus for revitalisation in its communities, particularly by increasing density as infrastructure develops. Its overall influence on the city, however, may be limited because it runs along the already established north-south suburban rail network. The fare structure will significantly impact 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 40 and Rs 60, lower-middle-class commuters are unlikely to make the switch, given the packed conditions during peak hours. The projected transformation will only occur if the price becomes more affordable,” said Joshi. Joshi further pointed out that in terms of connectivity, the city’s centre of activity has moved northwards over the years. He says South Mumbai is not seeing much densification as the suburbs 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. “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 Mumbai, the international airport, and the upcoming Navi Mumbai airport. The line’s potential for real estate development, particularly redevelopment along its route, will grow as the metro network expands further,” he told mid-day. 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, an area known as Ward A, which is one of the most significant tourist districts in the country. This part of the city hosts a mix of commuter patterns, including business districts, residential zones, and a high influx of tourists. The introduction of the metro will inevitably affect 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 and the number will only increase by 25 per cent in the next five years. “The enormous amount of commuters, residents, and tourists necessitates a comprehensive mobility strategy that takes into account the many modes of transportation and how to manage them. However, neither the government nor urban planners are currently taking a holistic approach to this integration. Transportation planners, data analysts, urban designers, and planners must work together to map out these trends and develop a plan that combines the metro with the other transport modes in the area,” Anuradha said. Joshi too echoed similar sentiments while speaking about the last mile connectivity. He said, “One of the primary concerns with Mumbai's new metro lines is a lack of proper last-mile connectivity, which leaves passengers unsure about the availability of buses or other modes of transportation to reach their final destinations. This disparity compels many people to rely on expensive alternatives like as auto-rickshaws or taxis, which raises their travel expenses. The issue affects several metro lines, including the Ghatkopar-Versova, Yellow, and Red lines, and has contributed to lower-than-expected patronage, especially on the Red Line. High metro fares, when compared to more economical suburban train and bus choices, discourage 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 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 connectivity and fare pricing, the metro system cannot fulfill its potential to ease Mumbai’s traffic woes or support its commuters effectively.” Meanwhile, responding to a query on what further challenges it poses, she said, “This region, being historically significant, presents additional challenges. The juxtaposition of modern metro infrastructure with historic precincts needs careful consideration, yet no substantial 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 approach 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 Vivek 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 makes it more susceptible to damage. However, he points out that the important question to be raised is, “Why did Mumbai get its Metro later?” “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 challenges in realising Metro Line 3, said that the administration has adopted a band-aid approach. “The biggest challenge facing Mumbai Metro Line 3 is the lack of comprehensive planning and integration between different parts of the city’s transport network. Current studies are conducted in a piecemeal manner, with no coordination between what is planned in one area, like Kurla, and what happens at the other end of the line. Without a seamless, fully integrated system that connects all origin and destination points—ensuring passengers don’t end up stranded looking for transport—the metro will struggle to achieve its full potential. A holistic, top-to-bottom study linking all proposed projects is essential to avoid missed opportunities and address these challenges effectively,” Anuradha said. Meanwhile, Pali 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, especially for pedestrians, requires junction improvements and traffic calming measures. Additionally, flood-proofing and addressing leakages are critical to prevent disruptions to metro operations.”
22 October,2024 01:17 PM IST | Mumbai | Sanjana DeshpandeSandeep Naik, son of Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Airoli candidate Ganesh Naik, resigned from all party positions on Tuesday. Sandeep Naik is likely to join the Sharad Pawar-led NCP and is expected to contest the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections 2024 from the Belapur constituency, where he will face off against BJP candidate Manda Mhatre. While announcing his resignation on X, Sandeep Naik said, "I have submitted my resignation from the position of BJP Navi Mumbai District President and from the party's membership to State President Shri Chandrashekharji Bawankule. I express my gratitude to the Bharatiya Janata Party for the trust it placed in me." भारतीय जनता पार्टी नवी मुंबई जिल्हाध्यक्ष व पक्षाच्या सदस्यत्वाचा राजीनामा प्रदेशाध्यक्ष श्री. चंद्रशेखरजी बावनकुळे यांना पाठवला आहे. भारतीय जनता पक्षाने माझ्यावर जो विश्वास दाखवला त्याबद्दल कृतज्ञता व्यक्त करतो.-------I have submitted my resignation from the position of BJP… pic.twitter.com/3FtG2aj5kZ — Sandeep Naik (@isandeepgnaik) October 22, 2024 BJP releases first list of 99 candidates for Maharashtra assembly polls The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday released its first list of 99 candidates for the Maharashtra assembly elections 2024, scheduled to be held on November 20. As per the list, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will contest from Nagpur South West, while state BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule will contest from the Kamthi seat. Other key candidates include Minister Girish Mahajan who will contest from Jamner, Sudhir Mungantiwar from Ballarpur, Sreejaya Ashok Chavan from Bhokar, Ashish Shelar from Vandre West, Mangal Prabhat Lodha from Malabar Hill, Rahul Narwekar from Colaba, and Chhatrapati Shivendra Raje Bhosale from Satara. The list also features Suresh Damu Bhole from Jalgaon City, Atul Save from Aurangabad East, Sanjay Mukund Kalkar from Thane, and Vinod Shelar from Malad West, among others. The announcement was two days after a meeting held at Union Home Minister Amit Shah's residence to discuss the National Democratic Alliance's (NDA) strategy for the Maharashtra polls. Maharashtra has 288 Assembly seats, and the BJP is part of the ruling Mahayuti alliance alongside the Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) and Ajit Pawar-led NCP. As election day nears, both the Mahayuti alliance and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) -- comprising the Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), and Congress -- have intensified their preparations, including seat-sharing discussions. In the recent parliamentary elections, the opposition MVA outperformed the BJP, winning 30 of Maharashtra's 48 seats, while the BJP's tally dropped to 9 from 23 in the previous election. Maharashtra will vote on November 20, and the results will be announced on November 23.
22 October,2024 01:05 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentCongress state legislature party leader Balasaheb Thorat on Tuesday met with Sharad Pawar of the NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) ahead of today's meeting of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) constituents, which includes two parties and Shiv Sena (UBT) on seat-sharing for the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections 2024, reported news agency ANI. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said "Congress' senior leader Balasaheb Thorat who was in Delhi has come to meet Sharad Pawar today morning. Later, he will go to Matoshree and then we Uddhav Thackeray and other Shiv Sena leaders will have a meeting with Congress leaders and then we will see what to do, but everything is fine as of now...," reported ANI. Yesterday, the Central Election Committee (CEC) of the Congress chaired by Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge met in the national capital to finalise candidates for the Maharashtra assembly elections 2024. Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition Vijay Wadettiwar said that the final decision on all 288 seats for MVA for the Maharashtra assembly elections 2024 will be made by this evening. Speaking to reporters in Delhi on Monday, Wadettiwar said, "We will finalise the 17 seats. There are issues on six to seven seats in Vidarbha and that too will be resolved. We are going to contest as Aghadi...Since 3 parties are sharing 288 seats, it took a little time...The final decision on all 288 seats for Maha Vikas Aghadi will be made by tomorrow evening," reported ANI. Congress election in-charge for Maharashtra assembly elections 2024, Ramesh Chennithala refuted reports of differences among the INDIA alliance partners in the state. "There are no differences (in Maha Vikas Aghadi). We are united. Talks are going on regarding seats, it will be resolved soon," Chennithala said, reported ANI. Both the ruling Mahayuti alliance and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) -- comprising the Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), and Congress -- have intensified their preparations for the upcoming elections to 288 Assembly seats in the State. The BJP is part of the ruling Mahayuti alliance alongside the Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) and Ajit Pawar-led NCP. The BJP has announced its list of 99 candidates for the elections. Voting in Maharashtra will be held in a single phase on November 20. Counting will be held on November 23. In the 2019 Maharashtra assembly elections, the BJP won 105 seats, while Shiv Sena secured 56, and Congress won 44 seats. In 2014, the BJP won 122 seats, Shiv Sena secured 63, and Congress won 42 seats. (With inputs from ANI)
22 October,2024 12:07 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe recent arrests of three clean-up marshals for attempting to extort Rs 50,000 from a 21-year-old college student in Andheri while posing as policemen sheds light on how miscreants could be appointed as clean-up marshals on a contractual basis due to shortcomings in the police clearance process. According to officials, one of the arrested people had been booked for molestation but this was not mentioned in his clearance certificate. Brihanumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) officials and the agency concerned, Emkay Facilities Services Pvt Ltd, stated that the trio had been employed as they had submitted police clearance certificates (PCCs). When mid-day contacted the police, it was learnt that the certificate was issued to the person against whom the molestation case was registered as he had not been convicted. BMC began redeploying clean-up marshals in April to enforce hygiene in public places. Representation pic Last Thursday, the MIDC police arrested three persons—Dilshad Khan, Simranjit Singh and Rafique Chaudhari—after the student alleged they had tailed her auto and demanded money, accusing her of violating the law by smoking an e-cigarette in the vehicle. All three were released on bail the next day. Prataprao Kadam, a senior police inspector of MIDC police station, said, “All three worked as clean-up marshals on a contractual basis through an agency with the BMC. Khan had been booked in a molestation case in 2022 at Santacruz police station and cops are probing if the accused had committed similar offences.” Dilshad Khan, clean-up marshal who had been booked for molestation; Rafique Chaudhari, an accused; Simranjit Singh, an accused He added that the person is considered innocent until proven guilty and cases may not be mentioned in PCCs if they are if they are under investigation or the individual is an undertrial. The BMC began deploying clean-up marshals in April 2024 to enforce hygiene and sanitation in public places, aiming to maintain a force of 30 marshals in each of Mumbai’s 24 wards. As complaints there had been complaints about extortion when clean-up marshals first patrolled the streets, the BMC chalked out new rules and regulations for the squad. To be appointed as a clean-up marshal, one should have passed Std X and the agency must obtain a verification certificate from the police to check if the candidate has a criminal record. Kiran Dighavkar, deputy municipal commissioner and in-charge of the solid waste management department under whose watch clean-up marshals are appointed, said that the BMC immediately asked the agency concerned for clarification after Thursday’s incident came to light. Agency’s version Emkay Facilities Services Pvt Ltd informed the MIDC police that the trio had submitted the required documents and that they had permission to collect fines only related to cleaning and after the news appeared, they were immediately suspended. Santosh Gawade, CEO of Emkay Facilities Services said, “As per the BMC’s process, a clean-up marshal must have a Std X pass certificate and PCC. We appoint only those who submit these documents along with their Aadhaar and PAN cards. There wasn’t any case mentioned against the trio, according to their PCCs.” A police officer said that only proven charges are mentioned in a PCC. During passport verification, cases against candidates being investigated by the police or under trial are mentioned and when affidavits are filed by electoral aspirants, police hand over a record of all major cases registered against them to the Election Commission, as per the required format. mid-day tried to contact Commissioner of Police Vivek Phansalkar; Satyanarayan Chaudhary, joint commissioner of police, law and order; and Akbar Pathan, deputy commissioner of police, but they did not respond to calls and messages. Sachin Gunjal, DCP of Zone X, under which the extortion case was filed, said he would look into the matter and if cases had been registered against Khan and if so, why this wasn’t reflected in his PCC. ActivistSpeak “In police clearance certificates, even cases under investigation are mentioned as it sometimes takes eight to 10 years to close a case. The police also ask for a reference letter from housing societies. Why the case was not mentioned in the PCC of the clean-up marshal should be investigated,” said Vishwas Kamble, a Kurla-based activist. The BMC had first appointed clean-up marshals in 2006 and then in July 2016. In both instances, they faced extortion complaints. The marshals were given the power to penalise people for spitting, littering, dumping waste/debris, open defecation, not picking up pets’ poop, etc and the fine ranged from Rs 100 to Rs 1,000. During the pandemic, the BMC has been given the right to act against those who did not use masks in public places till the end of 2022. 2022Year the accused was booked for molestation Oct 17Day trio was arrested What happened last week? Three clean-up marshals posing as cops were caught after they tried to extort R50,000 from a college student who was vaping in an autorickshaw while on her way back from college. Clean-up marshals in the dock This newspaper carried multiple reports on extortion cases involving clean-up marshals in 2022. . In May 2021 the Mumbai Crime Branch arrested a clean-up marshal for allegedly posing as a policeman and extorting R5,000 from a man who was allegedly caught spitting in public in Mahim. . In September 2019 clean-up marshals posing as cops extorted R3,500 from three male college students for taking pictures at Marine Drive after threatening to charge them for entering the sea.
22 October,2024 10:51 AM IST | Mumbai | Prajakta KasaleADVERTISEMENT
