Soaring Temperatures: Maharashtra's Solapur Sizzles at 43.7C, Multiple Cities Breach 40C Mark
Soaring Temperatures: Maharashtra's Solapur Sizzles at 43.7C, Multiple Cities Breach 40C Mark Temperature in several areas of Maharashtra crossed 40 degrees Celsius on Sunday, with Solaur the hottest at 43.7 degrees Celsius, a rise of 2.3 degrees from the normal. The high temperatures were recorded mainly in western and central areas of the state, as per IMD data. Notably, a heatwave warning was issued for Raigad, Mumbai suburb and Thane for Sunday. A temperature of 34.4 degrees Celsius, one degree above the normal, was recorded by Colaba observatory (representative of south Mumbai). At 27.6 degrees Celsius, the minimum temperature also rose by 1.4 degrees from the normal, as per the India Meteorological Department. The Santacruz observatory (representatives of suburbs in Mumbai) recorded a maximum temperature of 38.1 degrees Celsius, an increase of 4.4 degrees, while the minimum temperature was 27.2 degrees Celsius, which was 1.9 degrees above normal, as per data. Neighbouring Thane recorded a maximum temperature of 40.8 degrees Celsius. The other districts where temperatures crossed 40 degrees Celsius include Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (40.7), Jalgaon (42.2), Nashik (41.2), Kolhapur (40.2), Nanded (42.4), Palghar (42), Parbhani (42.8), Sangli (41), and Satara (40.5). All these districts either reported temperatures at par with normal or above normal. The increase in the minimum temperature is serious as it means the nights are also warmer in these districts. Some of the districts that recorded a rise in the minimum temperature include Kolhapur at 26.2 Degrees Celsius (an increase of 3.5 degrees), Nanded at 28.2 degrees Celsius (a rise of 3.2 degrees), Nashik at 24.9 degrees Celsius (an increase of 3.5 degrees) and Sangli at 26.5 degrees celsius (an increase of 3.9 degrees).
Uddhav-led Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate booked for holding `padayatra` in Sangli
The police have registered an offence against Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) Lok Sabha elections 2024 candidate Chandrahar Patil for allegedly holding a `padayatra` (foot march) without permission in Sangli district of Maharashtra
Sena (UBT) candidate booked for unauthorized 'padayatra' in Sangli
Sena (UBT) candidate booked for unauthorized 'padayatra' in Sangli The police have registered an offence against Shiv Sena (UBT) Lok Sabha candidate Chandrahar Patil for holding a 'padayatra' (foot march) allegedly without permission in Maharashtra's Sangli district, an official said on Friday. A case under section 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by a public servant) of the Indian Penal Code and provisions of the Maharashtra Police Act has been registered against Patil and three organisers, the official said. Patil and his party workers held a 'padayatra' and paid door-to-door visits in Khatao and Bedag villages in Miraj on April 25, without obtaining permission from the assistant returning officer (ARO), thus violating the model code of conduct, he said. Patil, a wrestler and two-time winner of Maharashtra Kesari, is pitted against the BJP's sitting MP, Sanjay Kaka Patil, in the Sangli Lok Sabha seat, which will go to polls on May 7 in the third phase of the Lok Sabha elections.
With MVA shaken over Sangli rift, Congress brass steps in to pacify restive cadre
The MVA leadership has been concerned as to whether the already demoralised Congress cadre in Sangli would campaign for the Sena (UBT) candidate in the fray
Congress leaders urge party men to work for MVA candidate in Sangli
Mumbai: The Congress is in damage control role after local leader Vishal Patil defied the party and filed nomination for the Lok Sabha polls. State leaders of the Congress on Thursday held a meeting to convince the party cadre to contest for Shiv Sena UBT candidate Chandrahar Patil. Party workers, local leaders as well as legislators of Congress have stayed away from the Shiv Sena UBT candidates campaign so far. Congress legislator Vishwajit Kadam, who was lobbying for Vishal Patils candidature, said the Shiv Sena UBT conspired to snatch the Sangli seat from Congress. He said that the Uddhav Thackeray-led party should not expect any help from Congress during the Assembly polls later this year. He also told Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole, Congress legislature party leader Balasaheb Thorat and senior leader and former chief minister Prithviraj Chavan, who were present in the meeting, that they did not keep an eye on what was underway during seat sharing talks. When a wrestler (Chandrahar Patil) was inducted by the alliance partner, we sensed something wrong was about to happen. Then Uddhav Thackeray comes here and announces his candidate. Does such a thing happen in an alliance, Kadam said. The Congress wanted to contest from the seat but the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) unilaterally declared wrestler Chandrahar Patil as its candidate, resulting in the grand old party's Vishal Patil filing his nomination as an independent. Kadam said he had urged Vishal Patil not to contest the election as an independent and assured the party leaders that he would continue to work for strengthening Congress in Sangli. Patole told party workers that he got rapped in the conspiracy but added he knew how to come out of the chakravyuh. We are a national party. We are not helpless. We just took a step backward. The situation in the country is one of despair and it needs to be rectified. Congress workers in Sangli will contribute to the victory of the MVA for the sake of the country, he said. The state Congress chief further said that Congress had to give up its claim on the Sangli seat in order to save the alliance. Thorat reminded party workers that defeating the BJP is the larger goal and the INDIA bloc was formed to unite the opposition, save democracy and protect the Constitution. The party leadership came from Delhi to Mumbai to discuss the Sangli seat, but the allies did not relent. There is a positive atmosphere for the Congress and Maha Vikas Aghadi in Maharashtra. Our objective is to defeat the BJP, he said. Former CM Prithviraj Chavan also said the Congress lost the Sangli seat due to politics, but defeating the BJP remains the partys priority. We formed an alliance (with Shiv Sena) in 2019 out of compulsion. The alliance would not have been formed if the 2019 assembly results were different. The Sangli Lok Sabha seat is the price we are paying for the alliance formed out of compulsion. However, we must work towards MVAs victory in Maharashtra and INDIA blocs victory in India. If we fail, we will be cursed by the future generations, Chavan said.
Maharashtra: 2.09 Crore Voters to Determine Outcome for 258 Candidates in Phase III of Lok Sabha Elections A total of 2.09 crore voters will decide the fate of 258 candidates in 11 Lok Sabha constituencies in Maharashtra which will go to polls in the third phase on May 7. The last date for withdrawal of nominations was April 22. There are 13 candidates in the fray in Raigad constituency, 38 in Baramati, 31 in Osmanabad, 28 in Latur, 21 in Solapur, 32 in Madha, 20 in Sangli, 16 in Satara, nine in Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg, 23 in Kolhapur, and 27 in Hatkanangale, as per official data. There are a total of 2,09,92,616 voters (1,07,64,741 male, 1,02,26,946 female and 929 third gender) and 23,036 polling centres across the 11 constituencies. The highlight of the third phase in Maharashtra will be the high-octane contest between Supriya Sule of the NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) and her sister-in-law Sunetra Pawar of the rival NCP led by Sunetra's husband and deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in Baramati. There are also two royals, belonging to different branches of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's dynasty, in the fray. In Satara, Udayanraje Bhosale is contesting as BJP candidate, while in Kolhapur, Shahu Chhatrapati is contesting on the Congress' ticket. Union minister Narayan Rane is contesting on BJP ticket from Sindhudurg-Ratnagiri. Maharashtra's Chief Electoral Officer S Chockalingam said preventive action was taken against 95,250 persons in the state as of April 22, and items worth Rs 471.89 crore were seized, including Rs 43.96 crore in cash, liquor worth Rs 34.78 crore and drugs worth Rs 216.47 crore.
Congress rebel Vishal Patil to fight Sangli Lok Sabha polls as independent
The Congress and the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena, both part of the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance, were engaged in a tussle over the Sangli seat for several weeks and the latter unilaterally declared wrestler Chandrahar Patil as its candidate. Incidentally, Congress leader Vishwajeet Kadam wrote to the party's central leadership to prevail upon Sena (UBT) to allow Patil to contest, but in vain.
Sangli will vote on May 7, in the third round of the ongoing seven-phase elections, for which the last date to withdraw nomination forms was April 22. Some expected that Vishal Patil would take back his nomination form and help the MVA fight against BJP's Sanjaykaka Patil from the Mahayuti. However, Vishal Patil decided that he would be in the fray as an independent contestant
Vishal Patil rebels against Congress after Sena (UBT) poaches Sangli
This battle is a fight for the existence of the Congress party in this region, says Vishal Patil, who rebelled against the Congress and is contesting as an independent candidate from Sangli
Solapur booster for Cong as VBA drops out; rebel stays in Sangli
Vishal Patil revolts, faces expulsion as Sangli gears up for three-cornered contest
Maharashtra Lok Sabha Elections 2024: 317 Candidates In The Fray For Phase 3
After filing the nomination papers in the third phase, Raigad 21, Baramati-46, Osmanabad-35, Latur-31, Solapur-32, Madha-38, Sangli-25, Satara-21, Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg-9, Kolhapur-27 and In ...
Lok Sabha election: 317 candidates in fray for 11 third phase Maharashtra seats
In Maharashtra, 317 candidates had valid nomination forms for the May 7 Lok Sabha polls in 11 constituencies. Notable contests include Raigad, Baramati, Osmanabad, Latur, Solapur, Madha, Sangli, Satara, Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg, Kolhapur, and Hathkangale.
Shobha Karandlaje under pressure to win in her party stronghold
Shobha Karandlaje under pressure to win in her party stronghold After she was shifted to Bangalore North segment for the coming Lok Sabha elections, Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje is determined to prove a point or two and wants to ensure that BJP continues its winning streak here. Bangalore North has remained a BJP stronghold since 2004 and the 57-year-old is banking on the ''Modi factor''. She is facing Congress candidate and former Rajya Sabha member M V Rajeev Gowda, who is putting up a spirited fight. Both belong to the Vokkaliga community. Karandlaje is a two-time MP from Udupi-Chikmagalur but was moved out after she faced a ''Go back Shobha'' campaign there from a section of her party. Karandlaje has been telling people how India is on the development path in the past 10 years under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. ''This is an election to save India's culture and 'Sanatana' traditions,'' the Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, who hails from coastal Karnataka, said. According to BJP sources, she has a strong backing of former Chief Minister and BJP stalwart B S Yediyurappa. Since 2004, BJP is holding this seat, which was a Congress fortress from 1952 to 2004 barring the 1996-1998 period when the then Janata Dal's C Narayanaswamy was the MP. Former Railway Minister late C K Jaffer Sharief was the longest serving MP of this constituency who represented it seven times, including for five terms uninterruptedly from 1977 to 1996. Since 2004, BJP had three MPs from here-- former Karnataka Director General of Police H T Sangliana, late D B Chandre Gowda and former Union Minister D V Sadananda Gowda, who were all considered ''outsiders''. Of the eight Assembly segments under Bangalore North, five are represented by the BJP and the rest by the Congress. Karandlaje is known for indulging in ''communally divisive'' speech and polarisation which people don't want here, alleges Rajeev Gowda, who is making his debut in the Lok Sabha elections. People want to enjoy a good quality of life and grow and prosper, and don't want this area to become communally charged and divided, says the former Professor of Indian Institute of Management Bangalore where he taught economics and policy. The Chairman of the AICC Research Department appeared upbeat about his electoral prospects. There is no Modi wave in Karnataka in this Lok Sabha election, the 60-year-old claimed. It's the five guarantee schemes of the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government delivered within 10 months of coming to power that are helping people who are in trouble, he said. Also, the ''sense of injustice'' to Karnataka (in terms of devolution of funds by Centre) and the (dismal) record of the previous BJP government here are what will work in favour of the Congress, he added. ''We did not get proper candidates'', a voter said referring to BJP fielding ''outsiders'' here in the last few elections. ''People who were rejected elsewhere have been dumped here on us. We are not happy,'' the voter added. Nearly 12,000 voters opted for 'None Of The Above' in the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha polls here.
BJP has pitched outsiders in Bengaluru North since 2004, and they have won
The constituency elected H. T. Sangliana from Mizoram in 2004, D. B. Chandre Gowda from Chikkamagaluru district in 2009, D. V. Sadananda Gowda from Dakshina Kannada district in 2014 and 2019, and this time Shobha Karandlaje, also from Dakshina Kannada, is in the fray from the BJP
Heatwave warning issued for 8 Maharashtra districts
Mumbai: Severe heat conditions continued to affect Maharashtra as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heatwave warning for eight districts of the state including Mumbai, Thane and Nashik. Despite rains in some parts of the state, the temperatures have remained high with Malegaon registering the highest temperature at 43 celcius. According to the IMD, the heat wave will prevail in districts like Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, Palghar as well as North Maharashtra districts of Nashik, Jalgaon, Dhule and Nandurbar on Saturday. In addition to this, it has also predicted rains in districts like Sindhudurg, Ratnagiri, Satara, Kolhapur, Sangli, Solapur, Nagar, Dharashiv, Latur, Beed, Parbhani, Nanded and Hingoli with lightening and thunderstorms. Despite intermittent rainfall, temperatures remained unyieldingly high across the state. Malegaon seized the title for the hottest location in the state, marking 43C on the mercury. On Sunday, the IMD has predicted light rains in Marathwada, Vidarbha, Khandesh and central Maharashtra, whereas some parts of Konkan, Central Maharashtra, Marathwada and Vidarbha will receive light to medium range on Monday, the officials said. In the Marathwada region, all four stations reported temperatures surpassing 40C, exceeding normal ranges by 0.4 to 3.7C. Similarly, except for Gondia at 39.8C, all nine stations in Vidarbha recorded temperatures exceeding 40C. In light of the looming heatwave, the IMD officials have advised people to take precautions to avoid heat exposure, including wearing loose and cotton clothes, covering their heads with a cloth, hat, or umbrella, staying hydrated and avoiding outdoor activities during peak heat hours.
PDP flays BJP for failure to check inflation, unemployment
Excelsior Correspondent REASI, Apr 19: A public meeting was organized by the Jammu Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party in Sanglikot area of Mahore in Gulabgarh constituency today where in many people participated and joined PDP. Additional general secretary Shafiq-ul-Rahman Bhat and local leader from Budhal Farooq Inquillabi were warmly welcomed by the people on their arrival at Sanglikot. During the meeting, hundreds of people from National Conference, Congress and BJP joined Peoples Democratic Party. While welcoming them in the party fold [] The post PDP flays BJP for failure to check inflation, unemployment appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Senas win in tussle of allies: Bhujbal opts out of Nashik & Cong warns Sangli rebel
In Sangli, Chandrahar Patil files papers, Uddhav Sena stands firm, Cong losing hope
Cong makes fresh bid to exchange N Mum for Sangli with UBT
5 Dead, 2 Injured As Car Collides With Private Bus In Maharashtra: Cops
Five people, members of a marriage party, were killed when their car collided with a private bus in western Maharashtra's Sangli district on Wednesday evening, police said.
Maharashtra Congress leader to contest as Independent from Sangli
Maharashtra Congress leader to contest as Independent from Sangli
Cong: Will ask rebel in Sangli to withdraw
Congress Leader to Contest Sangli Seat Against Shiv Sena UBT Candidate
Mumbai : The Sangli Lok Sabha seat has become a bone of contention in Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) comprising Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress and Sharad Pawar led NCP as Congress leader Vishal Patil filed his nomination. Maharashtra Congress leadership said that Patil, grandson of former chief minister Vasantdada Patil, will be convinced to withdraw his candidature. The Shiv Sena UBT has expressed displeasure and asked alliance partners to honour alliance dharma. As per the seat-sharing pact of the MVA, Sangli seat is with the Shiv Sena (UBT) along with other 20 seats out of 48 Lok Sabha seats of Maharashtra. The Congress party is contesting 17 seats, while the NCP (SP) is contesting 10 seats. The Shiv Sena (UBT) has fielded Chandrahar Patil, a popular wrestler. However the local Congress leaders have opposed his candidature and insisted that the Sangli seat is Congresss traditional seat. No local Congress leader attended the joint MVA rally held in the city on Monday. However, the state leadership clarified that Mr. Patil has not been given the AB from. Chandrahar Patil, in an emotional speech at the rally, said he is ready to withdraw but wants Congress leaders to declare that they do not want a son of a farmer to succeed in politics. Our friends in Congress have to declare they do not want a farmers son and someone who does not have a sugar mill or comes from a political background to contest, he said. Speaking with this newspaper, Congress MLA Vishwajit Kadam said the party has the strength in Sangli district. We have informed about the sentiments of the party workers to our leader Nana Patole and Balasaheb Thorat. We have informed them about the ground reality of the current Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate in Sangli. I have specifically told them that they should find an amicable solution soon to the problem in the MVA alliance in Sangli, the Congress legislator said. Vishal Patil expressed confidence that the party would give him AB form by April 19. AB form will be submitted to the collector office by April 19, he said. Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray said that the seat sharing has already been finalised. The MVA partners have jointly announced the seat sharing in the press conference. If anyone from any alliance partner is betraying the MVA, it is a responsibility of that party to pacify that individual, said Mr. Thackeray.
Love for son and daughter caused split in Shiv Sena and NCP: Shah tells Uddhav and Sharad Pawar
Love for son and daughter caused split in Shiv Sena and NCP: Shah tells Uddhav and Sharad Pawar Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said the love for the son and daughter was responsible for the respective split in Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena and the NCP headed by Sharad Pawar. Addressing a poll rally at Sakoli town in Bhandara district of Maharashtra, Shah also played on the alleged differences among MVA allies- Shiv Sena (UBT), Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) and Congress- over sharing of seats to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. ''The split in the Shiv Sena and NCP took place because of Uddhav's love for his son (Aaditya Thackeray, an MLA) and Pawar's love for his daughter (Baramati MP Supriya Sule),'' Shah said as he slammed the opposition for blaming the BJP for breaking the parties Taking potshots, the senior BJP leader said the situation is such that the truncated Shiv Sena and NCP have ''halved'' the Congress in the state in terms of sharing of seats for elections. ''I wonder if these three parties will do any good for Maharashtra,'' he added. Notably, Congress was forced to cede Sangli, Bhiwandi, and Mumbai South Central constituencies to allies in the seat-sharing deal. Despite losing a bulk of MPs and MLAs, who joined the Sena led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in 2022, the Thackeray-led faction managed to get 21 seats in the seat-sharing deal with MVA partners. The NCP headed by Sharad Pawar split last year when his nephew Ajit Pawar joined the Mahayuti government comprising the Shinde-led Sena and BJP. As per the MVA seat-sharing pact, the NCP (SP) will contest 10 seats and the Congress 17. Notably, Shah last Thursday termed the Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition an ''auto-rickshaw with mismatching spare parts'' which will fail to perform. During an election rally, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had termed as ''nakli'' (duplicate) the Shiv Sena led by Thackeray, evoking a sharp reaction.
Setback for BJP in Madha as Dhairyasheel Mohite Patil quits party ahead of LS polls
Setback for BJP in Madha as Dhairyasheel Mohite Patil quits party ahead of LS polls In a big blow to Maharashtra's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) unit, Dhairyasheel Mohite Patil resigned from the party. He represented the Madha Lok Sabha constituency. According to reports, upset over not getting the ticket in the upcoming elections, he sent his resignation to BJP President Chandrashekhar Bawankule. The BJP chose sitting MP Ranjit Singh Naik Nimbalkar over him for the Madha seat. On Thursday, Patil met Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) party chief Sharad Pawar in Pune. The Madha constituency was formed in 2009 after delimitation and Sharad Pawar was the first Lok Sabha member elected from Madha in 2009. Maharashtra has 48 Lok Sabha seats, the second-largest after Uttar Pradesh. The Lok Sabha polls will be held in the state in five phases from April 19 to May 20. In the first phase on April 19, Ramtek, Nagpur, Bhandara-Gondiya, Gadchiroli-Chimur, and Chandrapur will go to polls. Buldhana, Akola, Amravati, Wardha, Yavatmal-Washim, Hingoli, Nanded, and Parbhani will vote in the second phase on April 26. Raigad, Baramati, Osmanabad, Latur, Solapur, Madha, Sangli, Satara, Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg, and Kolhapur will vote in the third phase on May 7. Polling will be held across Nandurbhar, Jalgaon, Raver, Jalna, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maval, Pune, Shirur, Ahmednagar, Beed, and Shirdi in the fourth phase on May 13. Dhule, Dindori, Nashik, Palghar, Kalyan, Thane, Mumbai North, Mumbai North-West, Mumbai North-East, Mumbai North-Central, Mumbai South and Mumbai South-Central will vote in the final phase on May 20. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP won 23 out of 25 seats it contested in alliance with the undivided Shiv Sena. Votes will be counted on June 4. (ANI)
MVAs Maha rift refuses to die as Congress struggles with 3 seats
MUMBAI: After the MVA seat-sharing deal, many Congress leaders in Maharashtra are sore over the state leadership for conceding three Lok Sabha seats to allies Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (SP). In the deal, Shiv Sena (UBT) got 21 seats, Congress 17 and NCP (SP) 10. Maharashtra Congress had staked claim over Sangli, Bhiwandi and Mumbai South Central seats, but alliance partners did not budge from their stand. Mumbai Congress president and MLA Varsha Gaikwad was keen to contest from Mumbai South Central. This was also represented by her late father Eknath Gaikwad who had defeated Shiv Sena leader Manohar Joshi in 2009. However, Uddhav Thackeray did not relent and fielded partys Rajya Sabha member Anil Desai from the seat. Former Maharashtra Congress president Vasant Dada Patils grandson Vishal Patil was keen to contest from Sangli, but Shiv Sena (UBT) refused to concede and fielded Chandrahar Patil from there. Bhiwandi is another disputed seat that Congress surrendered to its ally Sharad Pawar-led NCP. Many local Congress leaders have threatened to resign from party posts. Congress with 17 seats Uddhavs has 21 seats, Congress 17 and NCP (SP) 10. State Congress had staked claim South Central seats, but alliance did not budge.
Mumbai Congress Leaders Urge Kharge to Take Corrective Measures
Mumbai : Mumbai Congress leader Vishwabandhu Rai on Thursday questioned the partys surrender before the Shiv Sena UBT, which itself is a weak party. In a letter written to the Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Mr. Rai said the party should not have given key Maharashtra Lok Sabha seats to the Uddhav Thackeray-led party, which has witnessed the exit of several MPs, MLAs and office-bearers. Mumbai Congress president Varsha Gaikwad also urged the party to get back Mumbai South Central seat from the Shiv Sena UBT. Mr. Rai said that seat sharing of 48 Lok Sabha seats in the state exposed the weak leadership of Congresss Maharashtra in-charge (Ramesh Chennithala) and state leaders. He also pointed out that the Congress party has been given tough seats, while Shiv Sena UBT declared its candidates on easier seats even before the seat distribution among the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance partners was finalised. He urged Mr. Kharge to take appropriate measures or else the party workers would be left with no option except to leave the party. The former All India Congress Committee (AICC) member said that he had already pointed out in his previous letters to former party president Sonia Gandhi that Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) is a threat to the Congress party. My assessment has been proved right today, he said. Without taking names of Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole and other state leaders, the Mumbai Congress leader said that the way seat sharing has been done, it has made the Congress weak. Despite several leaders and office-bearers leaving Mr. Thackeray, his party has been given 21 Lok Sabha seats. The MVA coalition in Maharashtra announced its seat-sharing arrangement for the Lok Sabha elections on Tuesday with the Shiv Sena (UBT) securing a substantial portion with 21 seats, while the Congress will contest 17 seats, and the NCP (SP) 10 seats. There is resentment in the Congress party over the seat sharing pact of the MVA especially in connection with the Sangli, Mumbai South Central, Bhiwandi seats, which have gone to Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (SP). Mumbai Congress president Varsha Gaikwad also said that her party should have got at least three out of six Mumbai seats. The Shiv Sena has already declared candidates for four seats, leaving only two seats to Congress. Mr. Thackeray has declared candidature of his trusted aide Anil Desai from Mumbai South Central Lok Sabha constituency. Ms Gaikwad was keen to contest the seat. Earlier, Congress used to contest five seats in Mumbai, leaving only Mumbai North-East to the undivided Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). So we were demanding equal seat-sharing this time. Even if some leaders have quit, the party organisation in Mumbai is strong. The state leadership could have given a better deal for the party. It should have pursued equal seat-sharing among the MVA allies, Ms Gaikwad said. Claiming that she will win the Mumbai South Central seat if given the chance, Ms. Gaikwad said that since the decision has been taken now, as a loyal worker myself and my colleagues in Mumbai will work for the party. But if the Mumbai North seat can be swapped for Mumbai South-Central (with Shiv Sena UBT), we will welcome it. It is for the leadership to decide, she added.
Bickering continues in Congress over MVA seat distribution
Mumbai: A day after the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) sealed its deal over Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra, the Congress continued to face its repercussions. Local Congress leaders are upset as the party has compromised some of the key seats. Maharashtra Congress legislator Vishwajeet Kadam on Wednesday asked Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) leaders to reconsider their decision in connection with Sangli Lok Sabha seat. Mr. Kadam is going to hold a dialogue with all the party leaders and office bearers of Sangli Congress district over the decision to leave the seat to Shiv Sena UBT. A meeting was held in Mumbai to pacify supporters of Mumbai Congress chief Varsha Gaikwad, who was unhappy after the Mumbai South Central seat was also given to the Shiv Sena UBT. There is a huge resentment in the Congress party over the seat sharing pact of the MVA especially in connection with the Sangli, Mumbai South Central, Bhiwandi seats which have gone to Shiv Sena UBT and NCP (SP). Congress has got only 18 seats. The party used to contest 26 seats in alliance with the NCP till 2019. The party office bearers and workers of the Mumbai South Central constituency on Wednesday decided to condemn the seat sharing decision in a meeting at Mumbai office. Preniel Nair, Mumbai Congress organisation in-charge and Sandeep Shukla, Mumbai Congress treasurer managed pacified the party workers. An office bearer of the Mumbai unit of Congress said that they have been promised that a letter will be written to AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge seeking his intervention. We will be sending a letter to Mr. Kharge requesting him to ensure the party would be given three seats including Mumbai South Central. If required, we will also approach Shiv Sena (UBT) Uddhav Thackeray to reconsider his decision over the Mumbai South Central seat, a Mumbai Congress leader said. According to the sources in the party Ms Gaikwad will meet the AICC president and Rahul Gandhi in the next two days. She will convince the party high command that the Mumbai South Central seat should be contested by the Congress as she can win this seat, the sources said. Speaking with this newspaper, Mr. Kadam said that the party leaders and workers in Sangli are unable to digest the decision over the Sangli Lok Sabha seat which is given to Shiv Sena (UBT). We have decided to meet the Congress leaders and office bearers in the district and listen to their sentiments. Post this, we will announce our future course of action on April 15, he said.
Congress MLA urges MVA to reconsider decision on Sangli LS seat, calls it bastion of his party
Congress MLA urges MVA to reconsider decision on Sangli LS seat, calls it bastion of his party Congress MLA Vishwajeet Kadam on Wednesday urged the Maha Vikas Aghadi to revisit its decision on allotting the Sangli Lok Sabha seat to the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), calling the region a bastion of his party. The three-party opposition bloc MVA sealed on Tuesday the seat-sharing pact for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, with the Sena (UBT) getting 21 seats and the Congress agreeing to contest in 17 constituencies. NCP (SP) will field its candidates on 10 seats. The agreement was achieved after the Congress relinquished its claims on the contentious Sangli and Bhiwandi seats, now designated for the Sena (UBT) and the NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar), respectively. Addressing a press conference here, Kadam said the Sangli region has been a Congress bastion since independence. We sincerely tried to persuade the state and central leadership of the Congress to ensure Sangli remains with the party, said Kadam, who represents the Palus-Kadegaon assembly seat in Sangli district. The Sangli parliamentary constituency was a Congress stronghold between 1962 and 2014 before NCP-turned-BJP leader Sanjaykaka Patil wrested it in 2014 and went on to retain it in 2019. Congress has merit in demanding the seat as it has elected representatives (from here) in the assembly and has representation in local bodies. The MVA leadership should understand the historical association of the district with the Congress and seriously reconsider its decision on Sangli, he said. Sena (UBT) has nominated Chandrahar Patil for the Sangli seat. Kadam said the Congress respects Uddhav Thackeray for the way his party is taking on the BJP. But the sentiments of Congress workers in Sangli also need to be taken into account, said the lawmaker. Kadam said even though the larger goal of the MVA is to defeat the BJP, Congress workers are upset at the development. Sangli will, however, remain with the MVA, he asserted. A lot was said about my silence yesterday (Tuesday) after the announcement of the seat-sharing deal. It takes time to digest unpleasant news. We in Sangli are yet to comprehend what has happened. We hope for a positive solution. MVA should reconsider its decision on Sangli, he reiterated. Elections to Maharashtra's 48 Lok Sabha seats will be held in five phases between Apri 19 and May 20 and votes will be counted on June 4.
UBT to contest 21 Maharashtra seats, Congress 17, NCP 10
Maha Vikas Aghadi settles Maharashtra LS seat-sharing. Congress concedes Sangli, Bhiwandi. Sena gets 21, Congress 17, NCP 10 seats. Uddhav Thackeray, Sharad Pawar present. AICC directs for 'INDIA's interest'. Thackeray declares candidates. Patole explains as 'not a surrender'.
UBT, Congress, NCPSP finalise Maharashtra deal
Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance in Maharashtra finalized a seat-sharing deal, although concerns were raised about its fairness. Signs of rebellion emerged within the Sangli Congress unit, indicating possible unrest despite claims of unity among the alliance.
Congress Gives up on Contentious Seats, Shiv Sena UBT Gets Highest Share
Mumbai : There was unease in Maharashtra Congress after Maha Vikas Aghadi formally announced its final seat sharing pact for the Lok Sabha elections. As per the final agreement, Shiv Sena UBT will contest 21 out of 48 Lok Sabha seats as the Congress high command has given up its claim on contentious Sangli, Bhiwandi and Mumbai South Central seats. The development has dismayed several party leaders, who were hoping to get candidature from the three seats. As per Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) seat sharing formula, the Congress will contest on 17 seats, while NCP (SP) and Shiv Sena (UBT) will contest on 10 seats and 21 seats respectively. The decision was announced in a joint press conference held by NCP founder Sharad Pawar, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, Maharashtra Congress Chief Nana Patole and former Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan at the Shiv Sena (UBT) office in south Mumbai. Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Sanjay Raut read out the names of seats which were distributed among all three constituents. The state Congress leaders were pushing for the Sangli, Bhiwandi and Mumbai South Central seats. However, the Bhiwandi seat has gone to the NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) and the remaining two have gone to Shiv Sena UBT. It may be recalled that the Uddhav Thackeray-led party has already announced renowned wrestler Chandrahar Patil as its candidate for the Sangli seat. According to reports, Congress MLA Vishwajeet Kadam is upset over the decision. The local Congress leaders wanted the seat for former Maharashtra chief minister Vasantdada Patils grandson Vishal Patil. Mumbai Congress president Varsha Gaikwad was also interested in contesting the Lok Sabha election from the Mumbai South Central constituency. She has reportedly complained to the party high command against the state leaders for not taking a firm stand on the seat. She has also told the high command that the Congress has not been given winnable seats.She has also told the high command that the Congress has not been given winnable seats. However, state Congress president Nana Patole said that all party leaders will accept the high commands decision. We are fighting this election to stop dictatorship and save the Constitution. People have seen how efforts I took to get favourable seats. But finally decisions were taken in the larger interest. Now that the decision has been made, I am confident that all leaders will accept it, he said. Asked if Congress is satisfied with the number of the seats, Mr.Patole said that Congress is a national party, but it has shown a large heart to root out the dictatorship from the country. We will throw the BJP out of Maharashtra. Our party leaders and workers will work in Sangli and Bhiwandi for the victory of the MVA candidate. Votes of alliance partners will be transferred for each others candidates as the original Shiv Sainiks and loyal NCP workers have not forgotten how their parties have been split, the Maharashtra Congress chief said. Mr. Pawar said that there is no dispute on any Lok Sabha seat of Maharashtra.The unanimous decision has been read out. There is no disagreement on any of the 48 seats. The candidates will be announced for all the seats in the next two days, he said. Uddhav Thackeray said that the MVA tried everything in vain to bring Prakash Ambedkars Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi in the alliance. We even offered Mr. Ambedkar some seats. Unfortunately, it did not work. I have already stated last week that we will not say anything against Mr. Ambedkar as we respect him, the Shiv Sena (UBT) chief said.
Congress spokesperson Raju Waghmare switches allegiance, joins Shiv Sena
Congress spokesperson Raju Waghmare switches allegiance, joins Shiv Sena Raju Waghmare, a spokesperson of the Maharashtra unit of Congress, on Tuesday quit the party and joined the Shiv Sena led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. He joined the Sena at a function at `Anand Ashram', former residence-cum-office of late Sena leader Anand Dighe, here. Speaking on the occasion, Shinde said the party will benefit from his experience. Waghmare would be a deputy leader and spokesperson of the Shiv Sena, he announced. Talking to reporters, Waghmare claimed the Congress' failure to make a strong claim to Sangli and Bhiwandi Lok Sabha seats during the seat-sharing talks in the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance led to confusion and concerns among party workers. He decided to join the Shiv Sena after observing Shinde's style of functioning, he said, adding that the chief minister cares for the people as well as party workers. ''Even when I was in opposition, I praised his work,'' Waghmare said. The chief minister said his government has removed negativity and brought in positivity in politics, and its good work has given people confidence. The opposition has no right to announce a manifesto for the next 50 years, Shinde said. ''In fact, they should give people an account of their performance in the last 50 years,'' he said. On opposition leaders targeting him for holding political meetings at his official residence 'Varsha', Shinde said there was nothing wrong with holding such meetings there. All was well with the ruling 'Mahayuti' alliance, Shinde said, informing that its candidates for the remaining Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra will be announced soon.
MVA seals pact in Maharashtra for Lok Sabha Polls
Mumbai: The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi on Tuesday announced its seat-sharing formula for the Lok Sabha polls with the Shiv Sena (UBT) getting the major chunk of 21 seats, while the Congress will contest 17 and the NCP (SP) 10 seats. The Congress gave up its claim on the contentious Sangli and Bhiwandi seats, which Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Maharashtra Oppositions Lok Sabha deal sealed: Uddhav Thackeray gets major chunk of 21 seats
Mumbai, Apr 9: The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi on Tuesday announced its seat-sharing formula for the Lok Sabha polls with the Shiv Sena (UBT) getting the major chunk of 21 seats, while the Congress will contest 17 seats and the NCP (SP) 10. The Congress gave up its claim on the contentious Sangli and Bhiwandi [] The post Maharashtra Oppositions Lok Sabha deal sealed: Uddhav Thackeray gets major chunk of 21 seats appeared first on Northlines .
The Congress gave up its claim on the contentious Sangli and Bhiwandi seats, which will now be contested by the Sena (UBT) and the NCP (SP), respectively.
MVA Seals Poll Pact In Maharashtra; Sena (UBT) Gets 21 LS Seats, Cong 17, NCP (SP) 10
Mumbai, Apr 9: The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi on Tuesday announced its seat-sharing formula for the Lok Sabha polls with the Shiv Sena (UBT) getting the major chunk of 21 seats, while the Congress will contest 17 seats and the NCP (SP) 10. The Congress gave up its claim on the contentious Sangli and Bhiwandi seats, which will now be contested by the Sena (UBT) and the NCP (SP), respectively. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp While the Sena [] The post MVA Seals Poll Pact In Maharashtra; Sena (UBT) Gets 21 LS Seats, Cong 17, NCP (SP) 10 appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
MVA seals poll pact in Maharashtra; Sena (UBT) gets 21 seats
Mumbai: The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi on Tuesday announced its seat-sharing formula for the Lok Sabha polls with the Shiv Sena (UBT) getting the major chunk of 21 seats, while the Congress will contest 17 seats and the NCP (SP) 10. The Congress gave up its claim on the contentious Sangli and Bhiwandi seats, which will now be contested by the Sena (UBT) and the NCP (SP), respectively. While the Sena (UBT) said the goal of the alliance was to defeat the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Congress said it has decided to be large-hearted to achieve this objective. NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray and state Congress president Nana Patole announced the poll pact for the 48 parliamentary seats in the state after weeks of hectic negotiations. Addressing a press conference at 'Shivalaya', the Shiv Sena (UBT) office in south Mumbai, party head and former state chief minister Uddhav Thackeray said the seat-sharing deal has been reached and in an alliance, winning is important and defeating the BJP is the goal. When victory against the BJP is the larger goal, we have to set aside certain differences, he said when asked about the Shiv Sena (UBT) refusing to give Sangli seat to the Congress. Thackeray said there was a strange coincidence of surya grahan (solar eclipse), amavasya (new moon) and the BJP rally on the same day (Monday). Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech yesterday was not that of a prime minister. When we respond, please don't take it as an insult of the prime minister. Our criticism will be about a leader of a corrupt party, Thackeray said to a query on Modi referring to his party as fake Shiv Sena. It is not right for a leader of the party of extortionists to call us fake, he said. The BJP is a party of extortionists and this was seen after the electoral bonds scam was exposed, Thackeray claimed. Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole said his party has decided to be large-hearted to achieve the final goal of defeating PM Modi and the BJP. The Congress workers will fight the BJP and ensure victory of the MVA candidates in Sangli and Bhiwandi, he said. Our workers will never forget how the BJP ill-treated our leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, he said. Patole said the parties of Thackeray and Sharad Pawar were hijacked by rebels. Leaders of both the original parties are with us and Modi calls the Uddhav Thackeray-led party as fake Shiv Sena, he said. As part of the deal, the Shiv Sena (UBT) has got Jalgaon, Parbhani, Nashik, Palghar, Kalyan, Thane, Raigad, Maval, Osmanabad, Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg, Buldhana, Hathkanangkale, Aurangabad, Shirdi, Sangli, Hingoli, Yavatmal-Washim, Mumbai South, Mumbai South Central, Mumbai North West and Mumbai North East seats. The Congress has got Nandurbar, Dhule, Akola, Amravati, Nagpur, Bhandara-Gondia, Gadchiroli-Chimur, Chandrapur, Nanded, Jalna, Mumbai North Central, Mumbai North, Pune, Latur, Solapur, Kolhapur and Ramtek seats. The NCP(SP) will contest Baramati, Shirur, Satara, Bhiwandi, Dindori, Madha, Raver, Wardhan, Ahmednagar South and Beed seats. The Lok Sabha polls will be held in the state in five phases from April 19 to May 20.
MVA Seat Sharing: Sena to get 21 seats, Congress 17 and NCP 10, say reports
Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena is set to fight on 21 out of the 48 Lok Sabha seats in upcoming elections, with Congress fighting on 17 and Nationalist Congress Party getting the remaining 10. Of the four contentious seats, Shiv Sena will retain Sangli, while Congress will get Mumbai North. Besides Mumbai North, some of the main seats fought by Congress Party are Nandurbar, Dhule, Akola, Amaravati, Nagpur, Chandrapur, Nanded, Jalna, Mumbai North Central, Pune, Latur, Solapur and Kolhapur. Seat sharing talks among the three allies were thrown into disarray when Shiv Sena announced candidates to 21 out of the 48 seats, including seats such as Sangli, Mumbai South Central and Mumbai North West, which were also eyed by the Congress. The front was formed in Maharashtra, India after Shiv Sena and its ally Bharatiya Janata Party could not come to an understanding on sharing power, particularly with regard to the issue of rotating the post of chief minister. As a result, Shiv Sena -- led by Uddhav Thackeray, walked away from the decades-old alliance and tied up with its long-time rivals Indian National Congress and Nationalist Congress Party or NCP. While the government so formed was not expected to last very long, it surprisingly survived for three years, and was brought down by a rebellion led by Shiv Sena leader from Thane, Eknath Shinde. Another split, this time in NCP, further enriched the new, BJP-led alliance later that year. This was led by Ajit Pawar, the nephew of party president Sharad Pawar. Eventually, the speaker of the Maharashtra assembly recognized the breakaway group of Shiv Sena as the real Shiv Sena.
INDIA Alliance Struggle To Finalise Seat-Sharing Formula In Maharashtra
The INDIA alliance is at loggerheads over seat-sharing in Maharashtra for the Lok Sabha elections. The stalemate involved two seats - Bhiwandi and Sangli.
Tensions run high between MVA allies over Sangli Lok Sabha seat
The Shiv Sena (UBT), in its list of 21 candidates, has already announced wrestler Chandrahar Patil for the Sangli seat a move that has irked the Congress leadership across the State
Sitars, Tanpuras Made In Renowned Maharashtra Town Awarded GI Tag
The sitars and tanpuras of Miraj, a small town in Maharashtras Sangli district known for its craftsmanship in making musical instruments, have been awarded the coveted Geographical Indication (GI) tags.
Sitars, Tanpuras Made In Renowed Maharashtra Town Awarded GI Tag
The sitars and tanpuras of Miraj, a small town in Maharashtras Sangli district known for its craftsmanship in making musical instruments, have been awarded the coveted Geographical Indication (GI) tags.
Congress Leaders Upset With Uddhav Thackeray Over Sangli Seat
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray Mumbai: The Sangli Lok Sabha seat in Western Maharashtra has created a rift between Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT). The Congress wants to field Vishal Patil, grandson of former chief minister Vasantdada Patil from this Lok Sabha seat, while Uddhav Thackeray led Shiv Sena (UBT) has announced the candidature of Chandrahar Patil, a popular wrestler. The Congress leaders led by MLA Vishwajeet Kadam have approached the party high command with this issue in New Delhi. Without naming Mr Kadam, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut indicated that the Congress leader is likely to join the BJP soon. Hitting back at Mr Raut, the Congress MLA said that if Mr. Raut has guts, he should take the name. Amid this, Congresss Maharashtra in-charge Ramesh Chennithala held a meeting at Nagpur over Sangli and Bhiwandi seats. According to the sources, some Congress leaders met party president Mallikarjun Kharge and senior party leader K.C. Venugopal on Friday and requested both of them to resolve the issue as soon as possible. Sangli will go to polls in the third phase of Lok Sabha election. Mr. Kadam along with Vishal Patil also met to Congresss Maharashtra in-charge in Nagpur on Saturday. They have apprised Sangli district Congress's stand over the Lok Sabha seat. Earlier in the day, referring to Mr. Kadam, the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader said that Vishal Patil has a pilot. We will have to see where would he land the plane. The plane should not go to Gujarat, he said. Mr. Raut also claimed that after holding a discussion with the senior Congress leaders, Uddhav Thackeray has announced the candidate for the Sangli seat. It is in exchange of Kolhapur Lok Sabha seat, which has been given to the Congress. Speaking with this newspaper, Congress MLA Vishwajeet Kadam said that he met Ramesh Chennithala and the party high command leaders and informed them about the party's position in Sangli district. This constituency has six assembly seats of which the Congress has two seats, NCP has one seat, while the remaining three seats are with the BJP and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. Shiv Sena UBT does not have a single MLA in the district. Mr Kadam said, Sanjay Rauts comment is unfortunate and uncalled for. It is below the belt. Mr Chennithala said that the Sangli seat issue would be discussed with the party high command. On Mr. Raut's allegation against Mr. Kadam, the Congress's Maharashtra incharge said that Mr. Raut should not make personal comments against anyone.
Sangli Lok Sabha constituency is one of the 48 Lok Sabha (parliamentary) constituencies in Maharashtra. Total voters in Sangli are approximately 1809109 as per 2019 Lok Sabha Election stats. Voter turnout at Sangli parliamentary seat in the 2019 Lok Sabha Election was 65.92.
Congress eats Maha humble pie as Uddhav stays firm on seats
MUMBAI: The national and principal Opposition party, Congress, which heads the INDIA alliance, finds itself left high and dry by its alliance partners in the seat-sharing negotiations for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Initially, the Maharashtra Congress claimed a total of 20 to 22 Lok Sabha seats, positioning itself as the national big brother while negotiating the allocation of 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra with its alliance partnersthe Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP). However, in reality, the Congress party was forced to eat humble pie, as it will now contest only 16 Lok Sabha seats, while the regional party Shiv Sena (UBT) will contest as many as 22 Lok Sabha seats, and NCP (SP) will contest 10 seats in Maharashtra. We aimed to contest the Sangli and Bhiwandi Lok Sabha seats, where we have a strong network and significant presence of workers. This would have increased our total contested seats to 18. However, both alliance partners laid claim to these disputed seats and even announced their candidates. We found ourselves with no option but to plead with the party leadership, yet immediate assistance seems unlikely, said a senior Congress leader speaking on condition of anonymity. Sharad Pawar convened a meeting of the Maha Vikas Aghadi at his residence, Silver Oak, to address the seat-sharing issue. However, during the meeting, neither Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut nor Sharad Pawar showed any willingness to yield the Sangli and Bhiwandi Lok Sabha seats, respectively, despite our firm and flexible negotiations. Sanjay Rauts demeanour was rather dismissive, declaring the seat-sharing discussion concluded and refusing to engage further on the Sangli seat. Consequently, we walked out of the meeting, seeing no hope of resolving the disputed seat issue, the leader added. Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole emphasised that Sangli is their traditional stronghold, where they stand a chance of victory, while Shiv Sena (UBT) lacks a presence. He argued that Sena (UBT) contesting the Sangli seat would hand over a LS seat to the BJP. BJP made bow-&-arrow symbol disappear The Shiv Sena (UBT) has accused the BJP of making the bow-and-arrow symbol disappear from many parts of Maharashtra after the saffron party started claiming the seats that were earlier contested by the undivided Shiv Sena. In an editorial in party mouthpiece Saamana on Friday, the Uddhav Thackeray-led Sena (UBT) said the undivided Shiv Sena used to contest in 23 of the 48 seats in Maharashtra on its bow-and-arrow symbol. Sena (UBT), which is a part of the MVA, also claimed that the BJP high command was behind the move.
Bhiwadi, Sangli tussle strains MVA alliance
xThe Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance is experiencing tension over the Bhiwandi and Sangli constituency seats. State Congress chief Nana Patole warns the Nationalist Congress Party faction of Uddhav Thackeray Sena and Sharad Pawar that if they don't follow the coalition dharma, Congress cadres could be upset.
Congress disciplines Nirupam for criticizing leadership during Shiv Sena talks. Decision soon. Patole removes Nirupam from star campaigners list. MVA meeting to settle Sangli, Bhiwandi. NCP picks Congressman in Wardha. Thackeray rejects friendly fights demand.
Shiv Sena (UBT) declares four more nominees; fields ex-MNS leader Vaishali Darekar in Kalyan
Shiv Sena (UBT) declares four more nominees; fields ex-MNS leader Vaishali Darekar in Kalyan The Shiv Sena (UBT) on Wednesday declared four more candidates for the Lok Sabha elections, fielding Vaishali Darekar-Rane from the high-profile Kalyan constituency, currently represented by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's son Shrikant Shinde. With this, the Uddhav Thackeray-led party has so far declared nominees for 21 seats in Maharashtra which will go to polls in five phases starting April 19. Darekar-Rane had contested from Kalyan on the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) ticket against the Shiv Sena's Anand Paranjape in 2009, finishing third by bagging 1.02 lakh votes. Speaking at a news conference, Thackeray also declared the candidatures of Satyajit Patil (Hatkanangale), Bharti Kamdi (Palghar) and Karan Pawar (Jalgaon). If his Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) ally Congress was not keen on contesting the Mumbai North constituency, his party will field a candidate there, Thackeray said. The BJP has fielded Union minister Piyush Goyal from Mumbai North. The Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde has not yet declared its candidate from Kalyan. Thackeray said Darekar-Rane and Bharti Kamdi are grassroots workers of the party. Karan Pawar, a former president of Parola Municipal Council in north Maharashtra's Jalgaon district, emerged as a surprise choice of Shiv Sena (UBT). Pawar, a BJP leader, joined the Thackeray camp along with sitting BJP MP Unmesh Patil earlier in the day. Unmesh Patil quit the BJP after he was denied a ticket from Jalgaon. The party has fielded Smita Wagh in his place this time. Thackeray also indicated that Shiv Sena (UBT) will not relent on Sangli constituency where it has already declared its candidate (Chandrahar Patil) though the Congress is seeking the seat. The candidature of Chandrahar Patil caused heartburn in the Congress which wanted to field Vishal Patil, grandson of former chief minister late Vasantdada Patil, from Sangli, its traditional bastion in western Maharashtra. ''The Shiv Sena (UBT) has ceded its traditional Kolhapur and Ramtek seats to Congress,'' Thackeray pointed out, adding that his party had already started campaigning in Sangli. Asked if there would be a friendly fight in Sangli, Thackeray said, ''Friendly fights are useless because when there is friendship, there is no contest.'' The Congress is also upset over Shiv Sena (UBT) fielding Thackeray's close aide Anil Desai from Mumbai South-Central constituency. ''If our ally (Congress) is not keen on contesting Mumbai North, we will field a candidate from that seat. We are contesting four (out of six) seats in Mumbai. We want the Congress to win rest of the two seats in Mumbai, and Shiv Sena (UBT) workers will help them,'' Thackeray added. Satyajit Patil's candidature from Hatkanangale in western Maharashtra is seen as a jolt to Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana's Raju Shetti who was seeking Thackeray's support to contest from this constituency. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said the party had conveyed to Shetti that he should contest on the `burning torch' symbol of Shiv Sena (UBT), which he did not agree to. Local party workers were also of the opinion that whoever contests as MVA candidate should contest on the `burning torch' symbol, he said. Shetti won the Hatkanangale seat in 2009 and 2014, but in 2019 he lost to the undivided Shiv Sena's Dhairyasheel Mane. Palghar seat is currently represented by undivided Shiv Sena's Rajendra Gavit.
Four labourers killed, 10 injured in road accident in Sangli district
The accident occurred in the early hours on the Miraj-Pandharpur Road in Kavathe Mahankal town
MVA wrangles over Mumbai, Sangli seats; NDA struggles over Nashik
The Mumbai South Central seat has also caused a heartburn within the Congress as the party was keen to field Mumbai Congress chief Varsha Gaikwad from the constituency. While Gaikwad has not come out against the Sena (UBT) decision, however, Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam, who was keen to contest from Mumbai North West, has given an ultimatum of a week to his party to resolve the issue or else all options would be open.
Cong shouldn't allow itself to be arm-twisted by Sena (UBT): Nirupam on LS seats in Mumbai
Cong shouldn't allow itself to be arm-twisted by Sena (UBT): Nirupam on LS seats in Mumbai In the wake of the Shiv Sena (UBT) announcing 17 candidates for the Lok Sabha polls in Maharashtra, Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam on Saturday said his party should not allow itself to be arm-twisted by the Uddhav Thackeray-led outfit for the seats in Mumbai. He claimed that the Sena (UBT) was not in a position to win any seat without Congress' support. Earlier this week, the Sena (UBT) brought out a list of 17 candidates, and said it would contest a total of 22 parliamentary seats in Maharashtra. These seats included four in Mumbai. Nirupam himself is eyeing to contest the Mumbai North-West seat from where he lost in 2019, However, the Thackeray-led party's move triggered unease among the other two Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) allies - Congress and Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) - as the three parties are yet to finalise the seat-sharing deal for the Lok Sabha polls, which will be held in five phases in Maharashtra starting April 19. Talking to PTI, Nirupam said, ''The Congress should not come under the threat of Shiv Sena (UBT) as the Uddhav Thackeray-led party is not capable of winning any seat without Congress support.'' ''Shiv Sena (UBT) arm-twisted the Congress to take five of the six seats in Mumbai. But the Congress should not allow itself to be arm-twisted like this. This action is against the Congress and it's a ploy to finish off the party in the city,'' the former Mumbai Congress chief alleged. He said if the Congress is considering friendly fights in the disputed constituencies, he was ready for it. He was responding to Congress leader Naseem Khan's statement that the party's state unit has sent a proposal to its central leadership seeking permission to have friendly fights in the six seats in Mumbai. ''Congress should go for friendly fights in Sangli, Mumbai North-West, Mumbai South-Central and Bhiwandi,'' Nirupam said. He reiterated his stand of giving a week's time to his party's leadership, following which he will take a decision on his future course of action (on contesting the Mumbai North-West seat). Earlier this week, Nirupam slammed his party leadership for allowing Sena (UBT) to grab most of the Lok Sabha seats in Mumbai, and said ''all options were open'' before him.
Cong wants 'friendly fights' on 6 Lok Sabha seats, says its leader; it will help BJP, retorts Raut
Cong wants 'friendly fights' on 6 Lok Sabha seats, says its leader; it will help BJP, retorts Raut Maharashtra Congress leader Naseem Khan has said the unilateral announcement of candidates by the Shiv Sena (UBT) had angered his party workers and the state unit was keen on ''friendly fights'' in six Lok Sabha constituencies in the state. The Congress, Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) comprise the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). Speaking on Friday, Khan said, ''We met today and decided to communicate to the central leadership that we will have friendly fights on six seats, namely Sangli, Mumbai South-Central and Mumbai North-West. The manner in which Shiv Sena (UBT) announced candidates on seats claimed by Congress has angered our party workers.'' The Shiv Sena (UBT) on Wednesday announced its candidates for 17 seats, including Sangli, Mumbai South-Central and Mumbai North-West. The Sena (UBT) has announced that it would contest 22 seats out of the total 48 in the state. However, the Thackeray-led party's decision to announce candidates sparked tension in the MVA with the Congress objecting to the move and calling for the allies to stick to ''coalition dharma''. Reacting to Khan's demand, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said such fights would help the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Taking a swipe at its MVA ally, he said, ''Congress is a mature party and I don't think it will allow friendly fights to help the BJP.'' In a sarcastic vein, he said such friendly fights should happen on all 48 seats in Maharashtra as well as in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Raut asserted there will be no discussion on seats anymore.
Cong in Maha friendly fight with MVA allies in 5 seats if no consensus
MUMBAI : The Congress high command on Friday gave the green signal to the Maharashtra party unit to have a friendly contest on five Lok Sabha constituencies if the alliance partners refuse to concede the seats to them, party sources said. The Maharashtra Congress unit held a meeting of its top leaders to discuss the seat-sharing differences with alliance partners -- Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (SP). Congress is keen to contest these five Lok Sabha seats -- Sangli, Bhiwandi, Mumbai South Central, Mumbai North East, and Mumbai North West. But Shiv Sena (UBT) has staked claim over all Mumbai seats. Also it has asked for Sangli, a Congress leader said, requesting anonymity. NCP (SP) is asking for Bhiwandi though they do not have a strong candidate. In Sangli, Sena (UBT) has neither a candidate nor the network. This is not acceptable to us. We informed our strong feelings to the party high command, the leader said. Another leader said the Congress high command has given the green signal for friendly contests in these disputed seats. We surely want the alliance with Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (SP) but are not ready to concede the seats where our winning chances are high. The partners want to grow but we are not here to run a charitable trust and throw our stronghold seats to BJP, he added. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said, Shiv Sena is the big brother in Maharashtra, so it will contest more seats. He said the Congress should leave more seats to them because they want to make Rahul Gandhi the prime minister. Maha Vikas Aghadi is messing up the positive atmosphere. Uddhav Thackeray and Sharad Pawar feel that sympathy is enough to win seats. Its not correct, most of their active workers left them. Congress workers are solidly behind the party.They all have to understand that they need each other. If anyone thinks otherwise, they are spoiling the food before it is eaten, said a political analyst.
Congress wants 'friendly fights' on six seats, says Naseem Khan; will help BJP, retorts Raut
Maharashtra Congress leader Naseem Khan expressed dissatisfaction with the Shiv Sena's unilateral announcement of candidates, leading to tensions among party workers. The Congress is advocating for friendly fights in six Lok Sabha constituencies, including Sangli, Mumbai South Central, and Mumbai North West.
There's lot of time, talks underway: Raut says all well in MVA after Prakash Ambedkar's VBA announces LS candidates A day after the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi, a partner in the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), announced nine candidates for the seven-phased Lok Sabha elections, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said on Thursday the move by the Prakash Ambedkar-led party will not dampen the electoral prospects of the Opposition alliance in the state. Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Raut said, The elections (in Maharashtra) will be held in five phases. A list of nine candidates has been released (by Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi). There is a lot of time (for sewing up a seat-sharing deal). Talks are underway. He affirmed that the VBA chief, who also happens to be the grandson of Dalit icon and the father of the country's Constitution, BR Ambedkar, was still in the MVA's fight against the BJP. Acknowledging that the BJP and the ruling Mahayuti alliance in the state stand to gain if the Praskash Ambedkar-led party were to exit the MVA, the Rajya Sabha MP said, The BJP will benefit, either directly or indirectly (if the VBA were to walk out of the MVA). However, (Prakash) Ambedkar will not do any such thing as he is also with us in this fight. Elections come and go. What would you do if the country and the Constitution were in peril? We all need to stick together. Playing down fears of friction between the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Congress's state unit over the allotment of seats for the Lok Sabha elections, Raut said such differences were 'normal'. The discussions over seat allotments are in their final stages and the list will be out shortly. There are no prickly issues between us and the Congress. These things can happen in an alliance. We accept that the Congress may have felt bad losing Sangli (to Uddhav Sena) as they have enough cadres in the constituency. However, even we have set aside Ramtek for the Congress, the Sena (UBT) MP said. On the MVA meeting scheduled for Friday, Raut said, The MVA partners are to hold a meeting today. However, seat-sharing won't be part of the discussions today. The talks today will centre around the joint campaign and our common minimum programme. We will also flesh out our strategy going forward. Everything is going well in Maha Vikas Aghadi. Sharad Pawar, Uddhav Thackeray, Prithviraj Chauhan, Balasaheb Thorat, Nana Patole...all will be there at today's meeting. (ANI)
As per the complainant, Jagdish Kudale, Rafiq wanted him and his family to leave the area so that he could house other people from his community in the locality. The accused and his family time and again used to harass my family. Rafiq used to tease women from our house and look at them often making them feel uncomfortable, he said.
UBT faction issues ultimatum to Congress over Sangli Lok Sabha seat
Congress is a big party, we believe that the Congress is to lead the country, we (UBT) dont want to lead it. We want the Prime Minister of the country to be from the Congress party. For just one seat (Sangli) are you ready to lose the Prime Ministers post, they (Congress) should think it over.said UBT Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut.
Mumbai: Cracks in the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance in Maharashtra were further widened, with the Congress left fuming after the announcement of 17 candidates by the Shiv Sena (UBT) for the impending Lok Sabha polls. The Congress expressed its displeasure over Uddhav Thackeray unilaterally announcing the candidates when the negotiations over the contentious seats were still ongoing. The Shiv Sena (UBT), a constituent of the MVA, on Wednesday released its first list of 17 candidates. The list includes the contentious seats of Sangli and Mumbai South Central, where ally Congress also wants to field its own candidates. The Shiv Sena (UBT) has named Chandrahar Patil and Anil Desai as candidates for the Sangli and Mumbai South Central seats, respectively. Sangli was once a bastion of the Congress, but since 2014, the seat has been held by BJP MP Sanjay Patil. The Sena has denied the Congress claims on the seat by announcing Mr Patil as its candidate. According to Sena, they have swapped Sangli for Kolhapur, where the Congress has fielded Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, a descendant of legendary Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The Congress had also staked its claim on the Mumbai South Central seat, currently represented by Rahul Shewale of the Shinde-led Shiv Sena. The Congress reportedly wanted to field its Mumbai president and former Maharashtra minister Varsha Gaikwad from there, but the Shiv Sena (UBT) has now announced Mr Desai, a trusted confidante of Mr Thackeray, whose Rajya Sabha term ended this year, as its candidate for the seat. Congress legislative party leader Balasaheb Thorat expressed unhappiness over the Uddhav Thackeray-led Senas first list, saying the party should have avoided declaring candidates for seats about which discussions were still going on. It is important that everyone follow the coalition dharma. We hope the Sena will rethink its decision, he said. Ms Gaikwad said she had conveyed her unhappiness to the party high command about the Senas decisions on Sangli and seats in Mumbai, which were still being discussed. The Sena should not have done that. We will take further action based on guidance from the party leadership, she said. Former Congress MP Sanjay Nirupam urged his party to break the alliance with the Shiv Sena (UBT). I appeal to the Congress leadership to intervene or break the alliance with the Shiv Sena. I am not a person who is sitting without any option. I have all options open. Now it will be aar ya paar, he said. Mr Nirupam, who lost in the Mumbai North West constituency in the last two elections, wanted to contest the poll for a third time. However, the Sena (UBT) has announced Amol Kirtikar as its candidate for the seat. When asked, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut said such things happen in an alliance, adding that these dynamics will not affect the MVA. We had a sitting MP in Ramtek, but the Congress candidate has even filed a nomination. So its fine. Alliances work like this, he said.
MVA in Maha spot as Cong, Uddhav cross over 3 seats
MUMBAI : Hardly has the election campaign begun in Maharashtra than the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi has started faltering on seat-sharing. The alliance partners are set to go against each other with the Congress reminding Uddhav Thackeray of coalition dharma over Sangli and other Lok Sabha seats. The state Congress expressed its displeasure at Uddhav-led Shiv Sena declaring Sangli and a few Mumbai Lok Sabha seats. Both the parties had staked their claims on these seats. Former minister and Congress MLA Vishwajit Patil met party president Mallikarjun Kharge and sought his intervention so that Sangli seat went to party candidate Vishal Patil, the grandson of former CM Vasant Dada Patil. The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena declared its 17 Lok Sabha candidates on Wednesday, including Chandrahar Patil for the Sangli seat. Besides, the party also declared candidates for Mumbais four Lok Sabha seats. Apart from Sangli, the Bhiwandi and Mumbai South Central seats are the bone of contention among the MVA partners. The Congress wants all three seats based on winnability while NCP (Sharad Pawar) wants to contest the Bhiwandi seat. The Shiv Sena (UBT) has already declared Rajya Sabha MP Anil Desai as its candidate from Mumbai South Central where the Congress wants to field its Mumbai unit chief Varsha Gaikwad. A source said the Congress leadership has conveyed to the state unit that if they failed to pursue Uddhav and Sharad Pawar, then they should be ready for a friendly fight in all three constituencies. Congress legislature party leader Balasaheb Thorat has said Uddhav should not have declared the candidates for Sangli and other Mumbai Lok Sabha seats when the discussions were on for these seats. He said that it was not too late for Uddhav to withdraw from Sangli and other LS seats. Sanjay Raut of Shiv Sena (UBT) said the party was firm on the candidates already declared. He said that Ramtek and Kolhapur seats were theirs but had to concede them to Congress. So, why not get Sangli in return? he asked. Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam, who wants Mumbai North-West seat, said the party should break the alliance with Shiv Sena (UBT) if it was not honouring the agreements.
Mumbai police seize mephedrone worth 245 crore from factory in Sangli district; six held
Working on leads, the Mumbai Crime Branch on Monday raided a farm at Irali village in Sangli district.
Uddhav Nominates 17 Candidates, MVA Begins To Crumble
Shiv Sena UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray. (PTI) Shiv Sena UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray. (PTI) Mumbai: Cracks in the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance in Maharashtra were further widened with the Congress left fuming after the announcement of 17 candidates by the Shiv Sena (UBT) for the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls. The Congress expressed its displeasure over Uddhav Thackeray unilaterally announcing the candidates when the negotiations were still about the contentious seats. The Shiv Sena (UBT), a constituent of the MVA, on Wednesday released its first list of 17 candidates. They include the contentious seats of Sangli and Mumbai South Central, where ally Congress also wants to field its own candidates. The Shiv Sena (UBT) has named Chandrahar Patil and Anil Desai as candidates for the Sangli and Mumbai South Central seats respectively. Sangli was once a bastion of Congress, but since 2014, the seat has been wrested by the BJP MP Sanjay Patil. The Sena has denied Congress claims on the seat by announcing Chandrahar Patil as its candidate. According to Sena, they have swapped Sangli for Kolhapur seat, where the Congress has fielded Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, a descendent of legendary Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The congress had also staked its claim on the Mumbai South Central seat, currently represented by Rahul Shewale of the Shinde-led Shiv Sena. The Congress reportedly wanted to field its Mumbai president and former Maharashtra minister Varsha Gaikwad from there but the Shiv Sena (UBT) has now announced Anil Desai, a trusted confidante of Thackeray whose Rajya Sabha term ended this year, as its candidate for the seat. Congress legislative party leader Balasaheb Thorat expressed unhappiness over the Uddhav Thackeray-led Senas first list, saying the party should have avoided declaring candidates for seats about which discussions were still going on. It is important that everyone should follow the coalition dharma. We hope the Sena will rethink its decision, he said. Varsha Gaikwad said she had conveyed her unhappiness to the party high command about the Senas decisions on Sangli and seats in Mumbai, which were still being discussed. The Sena should not have done that. We will take further action based on guidance from the party leadership, she said. Former Congress MP Sanjay Nirupam urged his party to break the alliance with the Shiv Sena (UBT). I appeal to the Congress leadership to intervene otherwise break the alliance with Shiv Sena. I am not a person who is sitting without any option. I have all options open. Now it will be aar ya paar, he said. Nirupam, who lost in the Mumbai North West constituency in the last two elections, wanted to contest the poll for a third time. However, the Sena (UBT) has announced Amol Kirtikar as its candidate for the seat. When asked, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut said such things happen in an alliance, adding that these dynamics would not affect the MVA. We had a sitting MP in Ramtek but the Congress candidate has even filed a nomination. So its fine. Alliances work like this, he said.
Congress furious as Shiv Sena (UBT) names 17 candidates
Shiv Sena's announcement of 17 Lok Sabha candidates caused tension with Congress. Talks ongoing for Sangli, Mumbai seats. Congress urges reconsideration. Sanjay Nirupam criticizes. NCP in discussions for seat-sharing.
Tussle Over Mumbai Seat In Maha Vikas Aghadi
Seventeen names have been released by the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena, including for four seats in Mumbai. Sangli, which was a dispute between the Congress and the Sena, has now been given to Sena's Chandrahar Patil. Till yesterday, the Congress was keen on this seat - considered a Congress stronghold. The tussle over Mumbai (North West) has been settled with Sena's Amol Kirtikar fielded from the seat. Anil Desai has been announced from Mumbai (South Central). Sanjay Patil is set to contest from Mumbai's northeast which saw a fight between the NCP and the Sena.
MVA in trouble ? Congress expresses displeasure over Shiv Sena's (UBT) Sangali candidature
Maharashtra Congress expressed displeasure over Uddhav Thackeray led Shiv Sena (UBT) for declaring Sangali and few Mumbai Lok Sabha seats where both the parties had staked a strong claim. Uddhav Thackeray led Shiv Sena declared its 17 Lok Sabha candidates on Wednesday morning including Chandrahar Patil for Sangali Lok Sabha seat. Besides, the party also declared candidates for Mumbai Lok Sabha seats even when the discussion on these seats were on with Congress. The Sangli Lok Sabha seat was a bone of contention between Congress and Shiv Sena, as both the parties had put their claims over this particular seat and were keen to contest it. However, Uddhav Thackeray declared his candidate Chandrahar Patil for the Sangali Lok sabha seat on Wednesday along with four other contentious seats. Congress legislative party leader Balasaheb Thorat expressing his displeasure said that Uddhav Thackeray should not have declared the candidates for Sangli and other Mumbai Lok sabha seats, when the discussion and negotiations for these seats were in process. Thorat also said that it is not too late for Uddhav Thackeray to rethink and rescind his decision over Sangli Lok Sabha seat. He said that in a coalition, an alliance partner like Uddhav Thackeray has to follow the alliance Dharma for the larger interest of the alliance. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said that they are firm on the declared candidates. He also said that Ramtek and Kolhapur constituencies were theirs but had to concede it to Congress so why not get Sangali in return? On the other hand, Congress has argued that in Sangli, they have got a strong candidate like Vishal Patil, the grandson of former Maharashtra Chief Minister Vasant Dada Patil. He said Congress has solid network of workers in the constituency while Shiv Sena has significant presence. Why should we just throw away the seat when we have strong candidate ? In this election, each Lok sabha seat is important, said the Congress leader. Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam, who was eyeing Mumbai North West Lok Sabha seat said that Congress should break the alliance with Shiv Sena (UBT) if it is not honouring the seat sharing agreements.
Cong objects to announcement of candidates by Sena (UBT), urges it to reconsider decision
Mumbai, Mar 27 (PTI) The Maharashtra Congress on Wednesday objected to the Shiv Sena (UBT) announcing its candidates for the Bhiwandi, Mumbai South Central and Sangli Lok Sabha seats, saying MVA partners must stick to coalition dharma. Congress Legislature Party leader Balasaheb Thorat urged Sena (UBT) to reconsider its decision. However, his party colleague Sanjay Nirupam adopted a more belligerent stand, attacking their leadership for letting the Uddhav Thackeray-led outfit grab most of the seats in Mumbai. Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) constituents Congress, Sena (UBT) and NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) have been holding seat-sharing discussions for the 48 constituencies in Maharashtra, where the Lok Sabha polls will be held in five phases starting April 19. Amid the talks, Sena (UBT) earlier in the day released its first list of 17 candidates for the upcoming elections and said it will contest a total of 22 seats in the state. Congress Legislature Party leader Balasaheb Thorat said the announcement was not right. Everyone must follow coalition dharma. Shiv Sena (UBT) must reconsider its decision, Thorat said. He said the Congress is still firm on contesting from Sangli, Bhiwandi and Mumbai South Central. Unfortunately, coalition dharma hasn't been followed, he said. Thorat said his partys state unit has apprised the central leadership of the developments. The senior Congress leader also lamented that Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) leader Prakash Ambedkar has announced a separate list of candidates. Ambedkar on Wednesday announced candidates for the Lok Sabha polls in Maharashtra, accusing the MVA allies of trying to use his outfit to promote dynastic politics. Considering the prevailing political situation in the country, the Congress made a genuine attempt to reach out to all parties who believe in democracy and the Constitution, he said. Meanwhile, former Mumbai Congress chief Sanjay Nirupam slammed his party leadership for allowing Sena (UBT) to grab most seats in Mumbai. Talking to reporters, Nirupam said all options were open before him. I will wait for a week and then take a decision, he said. Nirupam, who is keen to contest the Mumbai North West parliamentary constituency, said the party leadership hasn't got in touch with him in the last fortnight. The leadership isnt bothered that injustice is being done to its leaders and workers. Shiv Sena (UBT) is making us bend and we are doing it, he said. Nirupam criticised Sena (UBT) for declaring its candidates in four out of six seats in Mumbai. It is likely that the candidate for the fifth seat will also be declared tomorrow, he claimed. He alleged that attempts are being made to bury the Congress in Mumbai and the party will pay a price for it. I give my leaders a week's time to decide, he said. Nirupam claimed that the Sena (UBT) has given the ticket in Mumbai North West to an accused in an alleged scam during the COVID-19 pandemic. I will not campaign for such a candidate. Didn't the congress leadership which speaks against corruption realise this, he asked. The Sena (UBT) has nominated Amol Kirtikar, son of Shiv Sena MP Gajanan Kirtikar who owes allegiance to CM Shinde-led Sena, from Mumbai North-West. Sena (UBT) is likely to field a candidate in Mumbai North as well, leaving only Mumbai North Central for the Congress in the megapolis. PTI MR NR Disclaimer: This article is published from a syndicated feed and has not been edited by the Deccan Chronicle team
Jolt for Aghadi alliance in Maharashtra, Prakash Ambedkar's VBA names 8 candidates
Jolt for Aghadi alliance in Maharashtra, Prakash Ambedkar's VBA names 8 candidates Prakash Ambdekar of Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi announced on Wednesday the names of eight candidates for the upcoming elections, thus indicating that it would sever its ties with Maha Vikas Aghadi, or MVA, in Maharashtra. The VBA has not yet formally announced its intention to sever its ties with the MVA in Maharashtra. VBA said the name of one more candidate for Ramtek would be announced later in the afternoon. The VBA has named candidates for seats like Gadhciroli, Gondiua and Chandrapur where the Congress has already named candidates. The UBT Sena had announced a candidate for Sangli seat on Wednesday. The names of the candidates were announced following a meeting of the Maharashtra State Committee of the Vanchit Bahujan Aaghadi on Tuesday. The VBA State Committee has decided not to field a candidate from Nagpur Parliamentary Constituency. VBA will support the candidate of the Indian National Congress from the Nagpur Parliamentary Constituency, the party said in a press release. With this announcement it is curtains for the expanded Maha Vikas Aghadi with Ambedkar's party contesting outside the alliance that comprises the Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress, and NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar). The VBA had been pushing hard to forge an alliance with the MVA to take on the Bharatiya Janata Party-led NDA in the Lok Sabha elections. Uddhav faction leader and spokesperson Anand Dubey said, We had decided to work with the VBA. Everything was okay. Today, by announcing the candidates, has he indicated that he will help the BJP through a backdoor channel. Has he not decided to work as the B Team of the BJP? We are not saying this. The public is asking this question. If our message is to defeat the BJP, then why should we go solo in the elections, he asked the VBA leadership. The state will vote in five phases for 48 constituencies in the upcoming general elections. Lok Sabha Elections 2024 would be held in seven phases, starting on April 19 and ending on June 1. The results will be declared on June 4. (ANI)
LS poll: Sena-UBT releases 1st list amid rift with Cong
The Sena-UB has fielded popular wrestler Chandrahar Patil from Sangli despite the Congress announcing Vishal Patil's name from the same seat.
Mephedrone worth Rs 150 crore seized from drug manufacturing unit in Sangli district
Mephedrone worth Rs 150 crore seized from drug manufacturing unit in Sangli district The Mumbai Police unearthed a drug manufacturing unit in Maharashtra's Sangli district and seized more than 100 kg of mephedrone valued at over Rs 150 crore, an official said on Tuesday. Based on specific inputs, crime branch sleuths conducted a raid and discovered the drug manufacturing unit at Irali village on Sunday evening, he said. The unit was situated in a farm, from where the police seized more than 100 kg of mephedrone, a synthetic stimulant drug, valued at over Rs 150 crore, the official said. Police also recovered raw materials used in manufacturing drugs, he said. Earlier, a Pune Police team had seized 150 kg of mephedrone by raiding three locations in Kupwad in Sangli District and arrested three persons.
VBA to announce decision regarding Maha Vikas Aghadi on Mar 27
Mumbai, Mar 26 (PTI) Prakash Ambedkar-led Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) will clear its stand on whether to join the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi or not on Wednesday. The working committee of VBA will hold a meeting on Tuesday night, and our chief Prakash Ambedkar will announce a decision on Wednesday at his home district Akola regarding whether to join hands with the MVA or not, Siddharth Mokle, chief spokesperson and state vice president of VBA, told reporters. The Maha Vikas Aghadi comprises the Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress, and NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar). Notably, the VBA has been trying hard to forge an alliance with the MVA to challenge the BJP-led NDA. Mokle claimed a false picture is being portrayed to show that VBA was responsible for the delay by MVA in finalising a seat-sharing formula for Lok Sabha elections. The VBA was constantly making statements and informing its supporters about the progress in the seat-sharing formula. The MVA constituents have a dispute over 15 parliamentary constituencies. While Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) are at loggerheads in 10 seats, all three parties have staked claims on the remaining five seats, he added. The VBA had damaged the prospects of UPA candidates in Nanded, Solapur, Hatkanangale, Beed, Parbhani and Sangli seats, to name a few, in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, which ultimately helped NDA. PTI ND NSK Disclaimer: This article is published from a syndicated feed and has not been edited by the Deccan Chronicle team
Maharashtra Cong asks Uddhav, Sr Pawar to agree to Ambedkar proposal on seat-sharing
Mumbai, Mar 26 (PTI) Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole on Tuesday asked Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) allies Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) to agree to a seat-sharing formula for Lok Sabha polls proposed by the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) led by Prakash Ambedkar, the grandson of B R Ambedkar, in the state. He expressed disappointment over Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray unilaterally announcing his party's candidate for the Sangli Lok Sabha seat, which Congress traditionally contests. Everybody needs to stick to the framework of an alliance. The Congress is taking steps to forge an alliance, and Uddhav Thackeray and Sharad Pawar (chief of NCP-SP) need to agree to the proposal moved by Prakash Ambedkar-led Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi, Patole said. The Congress leader, however, did not elaborate on Ambedkar's proposal for a tie-up in Maharashtra between the four parties. Patole made the statement on the eve of the deadline for filing nominations for the first phase of Lok Sabha elections. In Maharashtra, the first phase covers five Lok Sabha seats in the Vidarbha region -- Ramtek, Nagpur, Bhandara-Gondia, Gadchiroli-Chimur and Chandrapur. He spoke to reporters after Congress candidate Vikas Thakre filed his nomination from Nagpur, where Union minister Nitin Gadkari is the BJP nominee. The state Congress chief appeared miffed with the Shiv Sena (UBT) for announcing its candidate for the Sangli Lok Sabha seat in western Maharashtra. The Congress traditionally contests Sangli and Bhiwandi (in Thane district) Lok Sabha seats. What happened in Sangli is not right. The Congress party has good candidates for both the seats, Patole told reporters. The VBA had contested the 2019 parliamentary elections separately. According to political analysts, the Ambedkar-led outfit cut into the votes of Congress and undivided NCP candidates, and indirectly helped nominees of the BJP and united Shiv Sena on several seats. Of the 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra, the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance won 41 last time. PTI ND RSY Disclaimer: This article is published from a syndicated feed and has not been edited by the Deccan Chronicle team
Dynasties, old rivalries trouble Maharashtra alliances
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party-Shiv Sena-Nationalist Congress Party alliance and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi are facing multiple problems in Lok Sabha seats like Sangli, Madha and Satara in western Maharashtra due to political dynasties, old rivalries and one-upmanship, prompting a flurry of meetings before five phase polls begin in the state on April 19.
Dynasties, old rivalries give ruling alliance, MVA headaches in western Maharashtra
Mumbai: The ruling BJP-Shiv Sena-NCP alliance and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi are facing multiple problems in Lok Sabha seats like Sangli, Madha and Satara in western Maharashtra due to political dynasties, old rivalries and one-upmanship, prompting a flurry of meetings before five phase polls begin in the state on April 19. In Sangli, a Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Dynasties, old rivalries give BJP-led ruling alliance and Oppn MVA headaches in western Maharashtra
Dynasties, old rivalries give BJP-led ruling alliance and Oppn MVA headaches in western Maharashtra The ruling BJP-Shiv Sena-NCP alliance and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi are facing multiple problems in Lok Sabha seats like Sangli, Madha and Satara in western Maharashtra due to political dynasties, old rivalries and one-upmanship, prompting a flurry of meetings before five phase polls begin in the state on April 19. In Sangli, a Congress stronghold from 1962 to 2014 before NCP-turned-BJP leader Sanjaykaka Patil wrested it in 2014, the grand old party is seemingly getting short-changed by the decades-old rivalry between Nationalist Congress Party (SP) chief Sharad Pawar and former state chief minister late Vasantdada Patil, a political observer claimed. Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole announced the name of Vishal Patil for Sangli seat some days ago, but Uddhav Thackeray, chief of ally Shiv Sena (UBT), unilaterally declared wrestler Chandrahar Patil as his party's candidate. Vishal Patil is a descendent of former Maharashtra chief minister Vasantdada Patil, against whom NCP founder Sharad Pawar rebelled and got the state's top post in 1978, due to which the two families have been adversaries, the political observer added. ''In 2019, there was large-scale disappointment against BJP MP Sanjaykaka Patil and Sharad Pawar was aware of it. But due to this political rivalry, Pawar convinced the state Congress leaders to give Sangli Lok Sabha seat to Swabhimani Paksha, a little-known party in the region. Vishal Patil, who was supposed to be fight on a Congress ticket, had to contest on the lesser known Swabhimani Paksh symbol (cricket bat) and lost. But, he still got three lakh votes against Sanjakaka's five lakh,'' a close aide of Vishal Patil said. ''This time, Shiv Sena (UBT), which used to have only one MLA, has already announced its candidate without consulting Congress. Such steps mean giving a cake-walk to the BJP candidate,'' the aide claimed. Defending Thackeray's move, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said his party had won both Lok Sabha seats in Kolhapur district in 2019. ''We gave both seats, Kolhapur and Hatkanangale, to Congress and farmer leader Raju Shetti, respectively. Now, if we don't fight from Sangli, we will not have any seat in western Maharashtra,'' Raut said. In Satara, the ruling BJP and NCP are facing issues due to the problem between Udayanraje Bhosale, a descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Bhosale won the seat in 2019 on a NCP ticket and then lost the bypolls after he switched to the BJP. He was elected to the Rajya Sabha but is keen to contest again. However, the Ajit Pawar-led NCP has laid claim to the seat and is fine with Bhosale contesting on its 'clock' symbol. ''Bhosale, who has not been on good terms with Ajit Pawar, is not keen on this arrangement as this would mean accepting the Deputy CM's leadership. Secondly, traditional BJP voters will not vote for him. Moreover, as an NCP candidate, Bhosale would lose the protection of the mighty BJP,'' the political observer added. In Madha Lok Sabha seat, which comprises four assembly segments from Solapur and two from Satara, there is a tussle for dominance between various political dynasties, leaving the BJP confused. The prominent Ramraje Nimbalkar family from the Phaltan assembly segment in Satara district and Vijaysinh Mohite Patil family from the Malshiras assembly seat in Solapur have expressed their displeasure over BJP giving sitting MP Ranjitsinh Naik Nimbalkar a ticket. Ramraje is currently a member of the Maharashtra Legislative Council from Ajit Pawar-led NCP, while Vijaysinh Mohite-Patil's son Ranjitsinh is a BJP MLC. A video of Ramraje Naik-Nimbalkar addressing a gathering, in which he is pitching for change in candidate, has gone viral. Other moves in the run up to the polls included Jayant Patil of the Peasant and Workers Party, which has a strong base in Sangola (part of Madha LS seat), meeting Vijaysinh Mohite-Patil. Jayant Patil later told reporters the result of Madha may be ''surprising''. Unfazed, Ranjitsinh Naik-Nimbalkar claimed he was trying to build a consensus and was confident of people's support. The BJP also has its share of worries because the Mohite-Patil family, which has long-standing ties with the Congress and then with the NCP since its inception, is now discontent with the ruling party, the political observer added. He claimed the family, in order to maintain control over the district, is thinking of jumping back to the NCP (SP). Sharad Pawar recently met Vijaysinh Mohite Patil, the political observer pointed out. ''Moreover, some segments of voters believe Madha seat has four assembly segments from Solapur and, hence, the candidate should be from the district,'' he said. ''It reflects the BJP's failure to groom leadership in the region despite being in power for 10 years. The BJP in the early years used to denounce such political dynasties like the Mohite-Patils of Solapur or Naik-Nimbalkars of Phaltan Satara,'' senior political observer Prakash Akolkar of Mumbai said. ''BJP used to criticise the Congress. Now such families are with the BJP and the party leadership is dragging itself behind them,'' he said.
Old Rivalries, New Equations Hurdle For INDIA Bloc In Key Maharashtra Seats
The ruling alliance in Maharashtra as well as the Maha Vikas Aghadi are facing multiple problems in finalising names for some Lok Sabha seats like Sangli, Madha etc, prompting a flurry of meetings before five phase polls begin in the state
Dynasties, rivalries, changing dynamics give ruling alliance, MVA headaches in Sangli, Madha
Prime among these seats is Sangli, a Congress stronghold between 1962 and 2014 before NCP-turned-BJP leader Sanjaykaka Patil wrested it in 2014. He retained it in 2019, partly due to the presence of Gopal Padalkar, a BJP proxy, a political observer said on Sunday.
BJP moves ECI against Rauts alleged derogatory remarks against PM Modi
Mumbai: The BJP has filed a complaint with the Election Commission of India (ECI) against Shiv Sena (UBT) MP and chief spokesman Sanjay Raut for allegedly making derogatory remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In the complaint, Mumbai BJP Secretary Vivekanand Gupta alleged that Raut, while addressing public meetings in Sangli and Buldhana, compared PM Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
After Aurangzeb, Raut speaks of Gujarat link of Jinnah to target PM, Shah
Sangli: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Thursday raised the Gujarat link of Pakistan creator Mohammad Ali Jinnah in an attempt to target Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Home Minister Amit Shah. A day earlier, he had likened Modi to Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, which had drawn sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
MVA's seat-sharing formula, candidates for LS polls to be declared in a day or two: Patole
MVA's seat-sharing formula, candidates for LS polls to be declared in a day or two: Patole Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi constituents Congress, NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) and Shiv Sena (UBT) on Thursday met to resolve the deadlock over some Lok Sabha seats. The three parties met at opposition stalwart Sharad Pawar's house even as the opposition alliance awaits a response from the Prakash Ambedkar-led Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi on its proposal to him of four seats, including Akola. Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole said the MVA seat sharing formula will be finalised soon and names of candidates will be announced in a day or two. Talking to reporters after the meeting in Pawar's house, Patole said the Congress' central election committee in Delhi had finalised names of 12 candidates. 'We are discussing this with our allies and will then announce the list,'' Patole said. He and Congress Legislature Party leader Balasaheb Thorat were in Delhi to attend the central election committee meeting and and had returned to the city this morning. Patole and Thorat met Jayant Patil of the NCP(SP) in the evening, while the Congress earlier discussed the situation with the local leadership at the grand old party's Tilak Bhavan state headquarters. NCP(SP) MLA Jitendra Awhad also attended the meeting at Pawar's residence. Speaking to reporters after meeting his party leaders in Tilak Bhavan, Patole said the aim was to bring down the BJP, which had ruined the nation in its 10-year rule. Talks have been held with MVA and also parties like the CPI(M), Samajwadi Party, he said, adding that Congress party candidates are almost finalised, while seat allocation and candidates in connection with the MVA will be announced in two to three days. In the meeting with Pawar in the morning. discussions on campaign and other issues were also discussed, he added. ''MVA will fight all 48 seats. Some seats may be exchanged (among the constituents) after discussion,'' Patole said. The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) comprises the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress and NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar). Meanwhile, a Congress leader told PTI talks among Maha Vikas Aghadi constituents was stuck over Ramtek, Sangli and Bhiwandi seats. Speaking on condition of anonymity, the Congress leader said his party was involved in an impasse with the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) on Ramtek (in Vidarbha) and Sangli (western Maharashtra) Lok Sabha seats, as well as on Bhiwandi (near Mumbai) with the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar). The Shiv Sena (UBT) was adamant that the Congress leave Ramtek for it if the grand old party wanted Mumbai South Central, he claimed. ''We have a candidate in Sangli, while NCP(SP) wants Bhiwandi, which is our seat. The Congress will now contest Mumbai North Central and Mumbai North East. Our party has swapped Wardha for Amravati with the Sharad Pawar-led NCP,'' the leader said. ''The NCP and Shiv Sena have split and their vote share has got divided. The NCP(SP) does not even have a candidate for Wardha,'' the leader pointed out. The Congress leader said communication had restarted with Prakash Ambedkar of the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi. ''We hope the issue will be resolved soon. We are offering him (Ambedkar) four seats, including Akola that is part of our quota. The other (MVA) allies will release seats from their quotas in Marathwada, western Maharashtra and Mumbai (to accommodate VBA),'' he claimed. The political situation in 2014 and 2019 is different from what it is now, he added. The Congress leader said the party was also facing issues in Chandrapur where MLA Pratibha Dhanorkar, wife of late Suresh Dhanorkar, who was sitting MP, is seeking to contest. The party has asked senior leader Vijay Wadettiwar to contest from Chandrapur, whereas he wants his daughter Shivani to be given a ticket, the leader said. Meanwhile, former Congress MLA Amar Kale said he will be the NCP(SP) candidate from Wardha. Kale said he hasn't quit the Congress but he will be the MVA candidate. Kale said he had met Sharad Pawar who asked him to contest from Wardha. He said he then sought permission from AICC in charge for Maharashtra Ramesh Chennithala. Kale said he has asked leaders of both parties to clarify when the seat deal is announced that he had not quit the Congress. Elections to the 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra will be held in five phases on April 19, April 26, May 7, May 13 and May 20 and votes will be counted on June 4.
Congress, Sena (UBT) tussle on Sangli LS seat continues; local MLA says will boycott Uddhav rally
Tension arose between the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Congress over the Sangli Lok Sabha seat, with Congress MLA Vikramsinh Sawant announcing a boycott of the Shiv Sena-led rally. Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray is set to address a rally in Sangli and has invited Maha Vikas Aghadi partners, including Congress, to participate. The Shiv Sena (UBT) has hinted at wrestler Chandrahar Patil as its candidate, while Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole stated that his party will field Vishal Patil. Sawant expressed that since the Shiv Sena (UBT) unilaterally declared its candidate, Congress will not attend the rally.
MUMBAI: The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance in Maharashtra is facing a fresh crisis over claims on the Sangli Parliamentary seat. The Shiv Sena (UBT)'s sudden decision to stake claim on the Sangli Lok Sabha seat by announcing their candidate even before a seat-sharing deal could be finalised among the members of the opposition alliance has left the Maharashtra Congress miffed. During a campaign trail last week, Shiv Sena (UBT) President and ex-Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray had named Chandrahar Patil a prominent wrestler and two-time Maharashtra Kesri awardee as its Lok Sabha candidate for Sangli. We need to send a strongman from Sangli with a blunt mace in one hand and a flaming torch (Thackeray's party symbol) in the other to Parliament. I appoint Chandrahar Patil as Shiv Sena Lok Sabha coordinator for Sangli district, Thackeray had said. Incidentally, Patil's candidature for the Lok Sabha polls was announced earlier by the Prakash Ambedkar-led Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA), which is in talks with the Maha Vikas Aghadi for an alliance. Patil had earlier won the Sangli Zilla Parishad elections on an NCP (undivided) ticket. Thackeray's announcement goes against the agreement reached within the MVA last week that none of the constituents would unilaterally declare candidates. Moreover, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut had earlier said thatin lieu of Sangli, the Shiv Sena (UBT) has given up its claim to the Kolhapur constituency from where Shrimant Shahu Chhatrapati Maharaj (the 12th direct descendent of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj) is likely to be fielded on a Congress ticket. Kolhapur had elected a Shiv Sena (undivided) candidate, Sanjay S Mahadik, in 2019. Raut said that Kolhapur and Ramtek Lok Sabha seats will be contested by the Congress while staking Shiv Sena (UBT)'s claim on the Sangli Lok Sabha seat. Congress: 'Won't give up Sangli at any cost' On the other hand, Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole announced that their candidate Vishal Patil who is the grandson of former chief minister Vasantdada Patil would contest from Sangli. Vishal had contested the 2019 Lok Sabha elections but was defeated. Patil has already started campaigning. Patole added that the Congress party will not leave the seat at any cost because it has potential to win the seat. Meanwhile, the Shiv Sena (UBT) has reportedly voiced its displeasure over the Congress declaring their candidate from Sangli after the former had already announced they would be contesting from the seat. Raut claimed that the matter had already been decided during MVA seat-sharing talks and that they would now speak to the Congress leadership in Delhi, as per media reports. On Monday, a delegation comprising Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole, Congress legislative party leader Balasaheb Thorat, and Vijay Namdevrao Wadettiwar, Congress MLA and leader of Opposition, State assembly, left for Delhi to meet Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, and Rahul Gandhi to report their disagreement over Shiva Sena (UBT) staking claim on Sangli. The Congress' opposition could further delay the official announcement of the seat-sharing formula among the MVA constituents - the Congress, Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar), and the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray). BJP's Sanjaykaka Patil is the incumbent two-time MP from Sangli, which went out of Congress control after the latter held sway there for over 52 years. TheBJP has won the Sangli seat for two consecutive terms. Maha dissent as banner of revolt strikes all players Congress leader opposes Chandrahar Patil's candidacy Meanwhile, a senior Congress leader requesting anonymity told this newspaper that Raut should follow the decorum of alliance and not declare candidates' names before they are finalised. He asserted, It was pre-decided that the winnability factor would be the criteria while allocating seats to candidates. In Sangli, the Congress has a strong presence and chance to win while Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate Chandrahar Patil has no connection among the people. Patil joined the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction of the Shiv Sena only few days back. Besides, he is not either an MLA or a big leader. He is only known as a wrestler. Therefore, any cost, we will not leave this seat to Shiv Sena (UBT) and throw it away to the BJP. The leader further added that even if the Sangli seat went to the Shiv Sena (UBT), the Congress would still field Vishal Patil and have a friendly fight with them, just like in Kerala. Raj Thackeray meets Amit Shah as BJP woos MNS Chief for LS poll battle against estranged cousin Uddhav The leader claimed that the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) are struggling to get candidates and want to fight many seats. He questioned, For what? To give away seats to the BJP? The NCP (SP) has no strong candidate in Bhiwandi and Wardha but they still they want to contest from both those Lok Sabha seats. He also claimed that the NCP (SP) not only wants the Wardha seat from the Congress party but they are also asking for their candidate. Our Congress leader and former MLA Amar Kale has been called by Sharad Pawar and is being asked to contest on NCP (SP) symbol from the Wardha Lok Sabha seat. The Congress has major chances to win many seats but things are not being worked out as per the winnability criteria, he added. Maha dilemma: MVA, MahaYuti scramble to clinch seat deal Electoral bonds scheme has exposed BJP's loot, claims Uddhav Thackeray Meanwhile, Congress leader Vishwajeet P Kadam, an ex-minister and a two-time sitting MLA from Palus-Kadegaon, told media that there are around 600 villages in Sangli district and that the Congress has its leaders and elected representatives in many of them. Congress Legislature Party leader Balasaheb Thorat, while admitting the partys stronghold in Sangli, diplomatically said that the senior leaders of both the Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) will sit together and hammer out an amicable solution to the fresh challenge. (With additional inputs from IANS, and Online Desk)
Maha dissent as banner of revolt strikes all players
MUMBAI: The ruling MahaYuti and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi in Maharashtra are struggling to pacify ticket aspirants who have threatened to revolt against the official candidates. The BJP appears ill-at-ease at the Madha seat as party cadres are unhappy with the re-nominated and sitting Lok Sabha MP Ranjit Naik Nimbalkar. Discordant voices have appeared over the neglect of party veteran Vijay Sinh Mohite Patil. In the previous Lok Sabha elections, Mohite Patil was given over one lakh votes from his Akluj constituency alone. If the family refuses to campaign or even remains silent, it will have a huge negative impact on the BJP, said a senior BJP leader. To salvage the situation, BJP minister Girish Mahajan, came as an emissary of Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis to meet Mohite Patil and his supporters in Akluj. Mohite Patil is a big leader. I will convey this to our top leaders, said Mahajan. On the other hand, Congress and Shiv Sena (Udhav Thackeray) are facing a tough task to resolve the Sangali Lok Sabha seat dispute. According to Sena leader Sanjay Raut, Kolhapur was the partys seat which it decided to give to Congress. In the bargain, Shiv Sena (UBT) will contest from Sangali. But Congress is adamant, asserting that Sangli has been its traditional seat. In Baramati, Shiv Sena (Shinde) leader and ex- minister Vijay Shivtare said he would contest as an independent against the Mahayutis Sunetra Pawar, spouse of deputy CM Ajit Pawar. In Amaravati, the BJP is likely to field sitting LS MP Navneet Rana. Ajit Pawars brother splits In a video that has gone viral on social media, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawars younger brother Srinivas Pawar can be heard criticising him for leaving the side of NCP founder Sharad Pawar. Asserting that he was not ready to leave the founder just because he was 83, Srinivas said some of his friends advised him to side with Ajit as the future lies with him. No one should think someone is weak because they have aged, he said.
LS Polls 2024: List of MVA Candidates To Be Out In 2-3 Days, Says Maharashtra Congress Chief
The Congress party has decided to field Vishal Patil for Lok Sabha from Sangli constituency.
