Maharashtra Political Parties Use 42 MLC Vacancies to Pacify Rebels

Mumbai: Political parties in Maharashtra are dangling the carrot of legislative council membership to keep the disgruntled party leaders in check. There are 21 vacant seats in the legislative council and the vacancies will double by the end of July this year. According to sources, all parties have promised the leaders, who were eager to contest Lok Sabha but denied tickets, a seat in the state legislative council. Some have been promised Rajya Sabha membership. Maharashtra has a total 78 members of the Legislative Council. Of these, 31 are elected by members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs), 21 members are elected by local body authorities (like Municipal Corporations), seven members each are elected by graduates and teachers from Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Konkan, Aurangabad, Nagpur and Amravati divisions. In addition to this, 12 members are nominated by Maharashtra Governor. The governor has not nominated 12 members in the Legislative Council. These nominations are done on the recommendations of the state government to the Governor. Besides this, six members, who were elected by local authorities, are retiring by June 21 of this year. Two members each from graduates and teachers constituencies are retiring by July 7 of this year. In addition to this, out of the total 31 members elected by MLAs in the Legislative Council, the tenure of 11 members will end by July 27 of this year. There are already nine vacant seats, which are elected by local bodies, in the council. An official of the state legislature said that the members elected by the MLAs, who are retiring, include BJP's Nilay Naik, Ramrao Patil, Ramesh Patil and Bhai Girkar, NCP's Babajani Durrani, Congress's Wajahat Mirza, Dr. Pradnya Rajiv Satav, Uddhav Thackeray led Shiv Sena (UBT) Anil Parab, Eknath Shinde led Shiv Sena's Manisha Kayande, PWP's Jayant Patil and RSP's Mahadev Jankar. They are going to retire by July 27, 2024. We are going to conduct an election on 11 seats, which are elected by the MLA, after the Lok Sabha election, the official said. Nine vacant seats are not being filled due to non-existence of local bodies for more than a year. Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena has denied ticket to its sitting MPs Hemant Patil from Hingoli, Bhavana Gawali from Yavatmal-Washim and Krupal Tumane from Ramtek. The three are reportedly upset with their party. BJP leader Harshvardhan Patil had opposed supporting the Ajit Pawar faction due to traditional political rivalry in Baramati. In addition to this, Shiv Sena leader Vijay Shivtare's decision to challenge Ajit Pawar in Baramati had caused tension among Mahayuti. Subsequently, Mr Patil and Mr Shivtare have been pacified by Mr. Fadnavis and Mr. Shinde. A Mahayuti leader said that chief minister Eknath Shinde held meetings with Gawali, Patil and Tumane individually. All of them have been assured about their rehabilitations. We have asked the disgruntled leaders to ensure the victory of our candidates in Lok Sabha. We will do their proper political rehabilitation. They will be given an opportunity to go to the Legislative Council or they can get a ticket in the upcoming assembly elections later this year, the Mahayuti leader said. A BJP office bearer said that Harshvardhan Patil will be given an MLC ticket after Lok Sabha election if Mahayuti candidate wins Baramati Lok Sabha seat.

Free haircut, mehendi for women on offer as Maharashtra votes in Phase 2

Shillong, April 26: A voter turnout of 53.51 per cent was recorded till 5 p.m. for the 8 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra where voting was held on Friday. Wardha registered the highest polling percentage till 5 p.m. at 56.66 per cent, followed by Amravati (54.50), Yavatmal-Washim (54.04), Parbhani (53.79), Akola (52.49), Nanded (52.47), Buldhana [] The post Free haircut, mehendi for women on offer as Maharashtra votes in Phase 2 appeared first on The Shillong Times .

Voter Turnout Reaches 43% by 3 PM in Maharashtra's 2nd Phase of LS Elections

Voter Turnout Reaches 43% by 3 PM in Maharashtra's 2nd Phase of LS Elections A voter turnout of 43.01 percent was recorded till 3 pm in eight constituencies in Maharashtra in the second phase of Lok Sabha elections on Friday, officials said. Voting started at 7 am in Akola, Amravati, Buldhana, Wardha and Yavatmal-Washim seats in Vidarbha (eastern Maharashtra) and Hingoli, Nanded and Parbhani constituencies in the central Marathwada region, and will end at 6 pm. Wardha recorded 45.95 percent turnout, Akola 42.69 percent, Amravati 43.76 percent, Buldhana 41.66 percent, Hingoli 40.5 percent, Nanded 42.42 percent, Parbhani 44.49 percent and Yavatmal-Washim 42.55 percent, election officials said. Former chief minister Ashok Chavan, who recently switched over from the Congress to the BJP, voted along with his family members in the initial hours in Nanded. As many as 1.49 crore voters (77,21,374 men, 72,04,106 women and 432 persons from third gender category) are eligible to cast ballots across 16,589 polling centres. There are a total of 204 candidates in the fray -- 21 in Buldhana, 15 in Akola, 37 in Amravati, 24 in Wardha, 17 in Yavatmal-Washim, 33 in Hingoli, 23 in Nanded and 34 in Parbhani. On April 19, five seats in eastern Vidarbha Nagpur, Ramtek, Chandrapur, Bhandara-Gondia and Gadchiroli-Chimur went to polls, registering a voter turnout of 63.70 per cent. Buldhana, Yavatmal-Washim and Hingoli are seeing a direct contest between the Shiv Sena led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Uddhav Thackerays Shiv Sena (UBT). The undivided Shiv Sena contested the last general elections in the state in alliance with the BJP. It split in 2022 after Shinde led a rebellion, toppled the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government and joined hands with the BJP to become the CM. In Buldhana, sitting Shiv Sena MP Prataprao Jadhav is pitted against Narendra Khedekar of Sena (UBT). The Shiv Sena has nominated Rajashri Patil in Yavatmal-Washim, dropping sitting MP Bhavana Gawli. Patil is pitted against Sanjay Deshmukh of the Thackeray-led party. In Hingoli, Rajashtri Patil's husband and sitting MP Hemant Patil was replaced by the Shiv Sena, which gave the ticket to Baburao Kohalikar. The Sena nominee is contesting against Nagesh Patil Ashtikar of Sena (UBT). In Parbhani, Mahadev Jankar of Rashtriya Samaj Paksha is contesting against MP Sanjay Jadhav, nominated by the Shiv Sena (UBT). Jankar has been backed by the ruling Mahayuti alliance, comprising BJP, Shiv Shinde Sena and Ajit Pawar-led NCP. Dr B R Ambedkars grandson Prakash Ambedkar, who heads the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA), has fielded candidates in seven seats, including himself from Akola. His brother Anandraj Ambedkar is in the fray in Amravati as a Republican Sena nominee. In Akola, the contest is between Anup Dhotre of BJP and Abhay Patil of Congress, with Prakash Ambedkar as the third candidate. Amravati is seeing a battle between MP Navneet Rana, now contesting as a BJP nominee, against Balwant Wankhede of Congress. Dinesh Bub is the Prahar Janshakti Party candidate. The Prahar party, which has two legislators in the assembly, is an ally of the ruling coalition. In Wardha, there is a fight between former Congress MLA Amar Kale, contesting on the symbol of the NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) a man blowing turha (a traditional trumpet) against BJP MP Ramdas Tadas. In Nanded, BJP MP Pratap Chikhalikar is pitted against Congress nominee Vasant Chavan. Maharashtra, which has 48 Lok Sabha seats, the second highest after Uttar Pradesh, will vote in three more phases between May 7 and May 20.

31.77% Voter Turnout Recorded in Phase 2 of Maharashtra LS Polls for 8 Seats by 1 PM

31.77% Voter Turnout Recorded in Phase 2 of Maharashtra LS Polls for 8 Seats by 1 PM A voter turnout of 31.77 per cent was recorded till 1 pm on Friday in eight constituencies of Maharashtra in the second phase of the Lok Sabha polls, officials said. Voting started at 7 am in Akola, Amravati, Buldhana, Wardha and Yavatmal-Washim seats in the west Vidarbha region and Hingoli, Nanded and Parbhani constituencies in Marathwada, and will end at 6 pm, they said. As per the election office, till 1 pm, Parbhani recorded 33.88 per cent voting, Nanded 32.93, Wardha 32.32, Akola 32.25, Yavatmal-Washim 31.47, Amravati 31.40, Hingoli 30.46 and Buldhana 29.07. Former chief minister Ashok Chavan, who recently switched over from the Congress to the BJP, voted along with his family members in the initial hours in the Nanded constituency. As many as 1.49 crore voters, including 77,21,374 men, 72,04,106 women, and 432 persons from the third gender category, are eligible to cast their ballot across 16,589 polling centres to seal the fate of 204 candidates in the fray in the eight seats. There are a total of 204 candidates in the fray, of whom 21 are in Buldhana, 15 in Akola, 37 in Amravati, 24 in Wardha, 17 in Yavatmal-Washim, 33 in Hingoli, 23 in Nanded, and 34 contestants in Parbhani seat. On April 19, five seats in east Vidarbha Nagpur, Ramtek, Chandrapur, Bhandara-Gondia and Gadchiroli-Chimur went to polls, registering a voter turnout of 63.70 per cent. Buldhana, Yavatmal-Washim and Hingoli are seeing a direct contest between the Shiv Sena led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and the Uddhav Thackerays Shiv Sena (UBT). The undivided Shiv Sena contested the last general elections in the state in alliance with the BJP. It split in 2022 after Shinde led a rebellion, sunk the then Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government and sided with the BJP to become the CM. In Buldhana, sitting Shiv Sena MP Prataprao Jadhav is pitted against Narendra Khedekar of Sena (UBT). The Shiv Sena has nominated Rajashri Patil in Yavatmal-Washim, dropping sitting MP Bhavana Gawli. Patil is pitted against Sanjay Deshmukh of the Thackeray-led party. In Hingoli, Rajashtri Patil's husband and sitting MP Hemant Patil was replaced by the Shiv Sena, which gave the ticket to Baburao Kohalikar. The Sena nominee is contesting against Nagesh Patil Ashtikar of Sena (UBT). In Parbhani, Mahadev Jankar of Rashtriya Samaj Paksha is contesting against MP Sanjay Jadhav, nominated by the Shiv Sena (UBT). Jankar has been backed by the ruling Mahayuti alliance, comprising BJP, Shiv Shinde Sena and Ajit Pawar-led NCP. Dr B R Ambedkars grandson Prakash Ambedkar, who heads the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA), has fielded candidates in seven seats, including himself from Akola. His brother Anandraj Ambedkar is in the fray in Amravati as a Republican Sena nominee. In Akola, the contest is between Anup Dhotre of BJP and Abhay Patil of Congress, with Prakash Ambedkar as the third candidate. Amravati is seeing a battle between MP Navneet Rana, now contesting as a BJP nominee, against Balwant Wankhede of Congress. Dinesh Bub is the Prahar Janshakti Party candidate. The Prahar party, which has two legislators in the assembly, is an ally of the ruling coalition. In Wardha, there is a fight between former Congress MLA Amar Kale, contesting on the symbol of the NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) a man blowing turha (a traditional trumpet) against BJP MP Ramdas Tadas. In Nanded, BJP MP Pratap Chikhalikar is pitted against Congress nominee Vasant Chavan. Maharashtra, which has 48 Lok Sabha seats, the second highest after Uttar Pradesh, will vote in three more phases between May 7 and May 20.

Maha MLA takes MP wife on bike ride to cast vote in Amravati

Maha MLA takes MP wife on bike ride to cast vote in Amravati Amravati (Maharashtra): Actress-turned-politician BJP candidate for Amravati (SC) Lok Sabha constituency, Navneet Kaur-Rana knows how to grab eyeballs, not just inside dark cinemas but also in broad daylight. As the much-awaited E-day dawned, Navneet, 38 sporting a dazzling golden-orange sari [] The post Maha MLA takes MP wife on bike ride to cast vote in Amravati appeared first on Mangalorean.com .

18.83 pc turnout in eight LS seats in Maharashtra till 11 am in second phase

Voting started at 7 am in Buldhana, Akola, Amravati, Wardha and Yavatmal-Washim seats in the west Vidarbha region and Hingoli, Nanded and Parbhani constituencies in Marathwada, and will end at 6 pm

Ashok Chavan Expresses Optimism After Resigning: ''I Made My Decision, Confidence in Brighter Future''

Ashok Chavan Expresses Optimism After Resigning: ''I Made My Decision, Confidence in Brighter Future'' Former Maharashtra chief minister Ashok Chavan, who recently crossed over from Congress to the BJP, said on Friday that he had made his decision and that everything would be fine. Chavan was speaking to reporters after casting his vote along with his family members at Ambedkar Nagar in Nanded city in the second phase of Lok Sabha polls. There is enthusiasm among voters here and people are standing in queues to cast their ballots. As there is increasing heat, I hope people will complete their voting by the afternoon. I expect the voting percentage to go up this time, he said. Besides the Nanded constituency, polling is underway in Buldhana, Akola, Amravati, Wardha, Yavatmal-Washim, Hingoli and Parbhani seats in the state in the second phase of the general elections. Asked about some Congress leaders remark that people from Nanded should take revenge on him for the betrayal of Rahul Gandhi, Chavan said, I took my decision and everything will be fine. Let anyone say what they want. People here know what they want. In Nanded, BJP MP Pratap Chikhalikar is pitted against Congress nominee Vasant Chavan.

Polling begins in Maharashtras eight Lok Sabha constituencies

The constituencies where polling started at 7 a.m. are Buldhana, Akola, Amravati, Wardha, Yavatmal-Washim. Hingoli, Nanded, and Parbhani.

Hailstorms ruin Amravati orange crop on 40,000ha

Hailstorms in Amravati damaged 40,000ha Nagpur Orange crop, affecting harvest. Loss assessment ongoing for potential compensation. Fruits affected by premature drop. Mahaorange explores new markets. Strong political support aids farmers in receiving compensation.

Brisk voting in Maharashtras eight LS seats

Shillong, April 26: Voting started on a brisk note in the second phase of Lok Sabha elections to eight constituencies in the Vidarbha-Marathwada regions of Maharashtra, officials said on Friday. The constituencies are Akola, Amravati (SC), Buldhana, Hingoli, Nanded, Parbhani, Wardha and Yavatmal-Washim, with a total of 204 candidates in the race. Queues of early [] The post Brisk voting in Maharashtras eight LS seats appeared first on The Shillong Times .

Lok Sabha elections 2024: Polling begins in 8 LS constituencies in Maharashtra

Voting started at 7 am in Buldhana, Akola, Amravati, Wardha and Yavatmal-Washim seats in the west Vidarbha region and Hingoli, Nanded and Parbhani constituencies in Marathwada, and will end at 6 pm

Mumbai News Live Updates: Voting commences in 8 Lok Sabha seats across Maharashtra

Polling for the second phase of the general elections in Maharashtra began today in eight Lok Sabha constituencies. These constituencies include Buldhana, Akola, Amravati, Wardha, Yavatmal-Washim, ...

LS polls: Sena vs Sena in three seats in Maha second phase polling on April 26

MUMBAI: Eight seats in Maharashtra will go to polls on Friday in the second phase of the Lok Sabha elections where 1.49 crore voters from the state can cast their ballot to seal the fate of 204 candidates. Voting will be held in Buldhana, Akola, Amravati, Wardha and Yavatmal-Washim seats in the west Vidarbha region and Hingoli, Nanded and Parbhani constituencies in Marathwada from 7 am to 6 pm across 16,589 polling centres, officials said. Of these seats, Buldhana, Yavatmal-Washim and Hingoli will see direct contests between the Shiv Sena led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and the Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT). A total of 1.49 crore eligible voters, including 77,21,374 men, 72,04,106 women, and 432 persons from the third-gender category, are eligible to exercise their franchise in these eight constituencies. All preparations for the smooth conduct of the elections in the eight Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra have been done, said an official on Thursday. On April 19, five seats in east Vidarbha- Nagpur, Ramtek, Chandrapur, Bhandara-Gondia and Gadchiroli-Chimur ,went to polls, registering a voter turnout of 63.70 per cent. Of the 204 candidates in the fray, there are 21 in Buldhana, 15 in Akola, 37 in Amravati, 24 in Wardha, 17 in Yavatmal-Washim, 33 in Hingoli, 23 in Nanded, and 34 contestants in Parbhani. Pawar & Uddhav face spin attack in a battle to regain the 'lost glory' The undivided Shiv Sena had contested the last general elections in the state in alliance with the BJP. It split in 2022 after Shinde led a rebellion, sunk the then Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government and sided with the BJP to become the CM. In Buldhana, sitting Shiv Sena MP Prataprao Jadhav faces off with Narendra Khedekar of Sena (UBT). The Shiv Sena has nominated Rajashri Patil in Yavatmal-Washim, dropping sitting MP Bhavana Gawli. Patil is pitted against Sanjay Deshmukh of the Thackeray-led party. In Hingoli, Rajashtri Patil's husband and sitting MP Hemant Patil was replaced by the Shiv Sena, which gave the ticket to Baburao Kohalikar. The Sena nominee is contesting against Nagesh Patil Ashtikar of Sena (UBT). Autocracy detrimental to country, says Uddhav; bats for coalition government at Centre Mahadev Jankar of Rashtriya Samaj Paksha is contesting against sitting MP Sanjay Jadhav, nominated by the Shiv Sena (UBT). Jankar has been backed by the ruling Mahayuti alliance, comprising BJP, Shiv Shinde Sena and Ajit Pawar-led NCP. Dr B R Ambedkar's grandson Prakash Ambedkar, who heads the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA), has fielded candidates in seven seats, including himself from Akola. His brother Anandraj Ambedkar is in the fray in Amravati as a Republican Sena nominee. In Akola, the contest is between Anup Dhotre of BJP and Abhay Patil of Congress, with Prakash Ambedkar as the third candidate. Amravati will see a fight between sitting MP Navneet Rana, now contesting as a BJP nominee, against Balwant Wankhede of Congress. Dinesh Bub is the Prahar Janshakti Party candidate. The Prahar party, which has two legislators in the assembly, is an ally of the ruling coalition. Wardha will see a fight between former Congress MLA Amar Kale, contesting on the symbol of the NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) a man blowing turha (a traditional trumpet) against sitting BJP MP Ramdas Tadas. In Nanded , sitting MP Pratap Chikhalikar of the BJP is up against Congress nominee Vasant Chavan. Maharashtra, which has 48 Lok Sabha seats, the second highest after Uttar Pradesh, will vote in five phases between April 19 and May 20.

Voting in 8 LS constituencies in Maharashtra on Friday in 2nd phase; Sena versus Sena in 3 seats

Voting will be held in Buldhana, Akola, Amravati, Wardha and Yavatmal-Washim seats in the west Vidarbha region and Hingoli, Nanded and Parbhani constituencies in Marathwada from 7 am to 6 pm across 16,589 polling centres, officials said.

Maha Bhavan Will Be Built In Kashmir With Centres Support: CM Shinde

Amravati, Apr 25: Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has asserted that a Maharashtra Bhavan will be built in Jammu and Kashmir and with the Centres support, no one will dare to oppose it. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel Speaking at a rally in Maharashtras Amravati district on Wednesday, Shinde claimed that National Conference leader Omar Abdullah has opposed the construction of the Maharashtra Bhavan in Kashmir. The state government has received land in Kashmir for building the Maharashtra [] The post Maha Bhavan Will Be Built In Kashmir With Centres Support: CM Shinde appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

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BJP, Congress go guns blazing in battle for fort Amravati

Amit Shah reaffirms no changes to Constitution or reservation under Modi, criticizes Rahul Gandhi, Sharad Pawar. Rahul Gandhi promises wealth creation through welfare schemes at a rally in Amravati.

Voting for BJP means supporting patriots who want to establish Ram Rajya in country: Shah

AMRAVATI, Apr 24 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday said if people vote for the BJP in the Lok Sabha elections, their votes will go to the patriots, who who want to establish a Ram Rajya in the country and not to the anti-nationals, who want dynastic politics to thrive. He also hit out at the Congress, saying it kept the Ram Janmabhoomi issue pending for 70 years, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi solved it soon after coming [] The post Voting for BJP means supporting patriots who want to establish Ram Rajya in country: Shah appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Jobs, Loan Waiver, 1L Stipend: Rahuls Poll Doles In Amravati

Uddhav didn't attend 'Pran Pratishtha' due to fear of Sonia Gandhi, says Amit Shah in Amravati

'Sonia Gandhi's Fear': Amit Shah Slams Uddhav Thackeray Over Turning Down Ayodhya Inauguration Event

Addressing a Lok Sabha poll rally in Amravati, Shah also accused Thackeray of leaving every principle of Bal Thackeray, the Shiv Sena's patriarch

Maha: Campaigning to end in 8 LS seats of Vidharbha & Marathwada region

Mumbai, April 24 (UNI) Campaigning for second phase of the Lok Sabha elections due to be held on April 26 in eight constituencies of Vidarbha and Marathwada regions in Maharashtra will end on Wednesday evening. These constituencies are Buldhana, Akola, Washim-Yawatmal, Wardha, Amravati, Hingoli, Nanded, and Parbhani. A total of 204 candidates are trying their... The post Maha: Campaigning to end in 8 LS seats of Vidharbha & Marathwada region first appeared on Central India's Premier English Daily .

Rahul Gandhi: Alliance government will create millions of 'lakhpatis' in India

Rahul Gandhi: Alliance government will create millions of 'lakhpatis' in India Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday claimed the Mahalaxmi scheme and his party's promise of the right to apprenticeship, both aimed to uplift the poor women and youth, will change the face of the country by creating crores of ''lakhpatis''. Addressing a rally in Maharashtra's Amravati district, Gandhi also said no force in the world can change the Constitution of India. The Congress, which is a part of the opposition INDIA alliance, has listed the Mahalaxmi scheme and the right to apprenticeship among its various promises made in its manifesto for the ongoing Lok Sabha polls. Gandhi claimed that 10 years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rule saw 22-25 persons becoming ''arabpatis'' (billionaires), while the INDIA alliance, if voted to power, will create crores of ''lakhpatis''. He further claimed that the BJP wanted to change the Constitution because it did not want 90 per cent of the population, which comprises the backwards, advisasis, Dalits and minorities, to know their real potential. ''No force in the world can change the Constitution, wonder what gave the BJP confidence to even think of doing so,'' he said. The Mahalaxmi scheme, aiming to provide Rs 1 lakh every year to the poor women, and the right to apprenticeship, which aims to enable graduates and diploma holders to get a one-year job as apprentices and provide Rs 1 lakh in their bank accounts, will change the face of the country and make crores of ''lakhpatis'', Gandhi claimed.

Kadu miffed after nod for rally in Amravati revoked as venue allotted to BJP

The venue in question is Science Core Ground in Amravati, where Shah is scheduled to address a campaign rally at around 2 pm on Wednesday in support of BJP candidate Navneet Rana

Entire Maharashtra opposition ganging up to decimate me: BJP candidate Navneet Rana

Navneet Rana's political journey, from Tollywood to winning as a BJP candidate in Amravati, reflects her perseverance and evolving ideologies. Despite ...

Rahul Gandhi's Minority Agenda Echoes Manmohan Singh's Legacy: Tawde

Rahul Gandhi's Minority Agenda Echoes Manmohan Singh's Legacy: Tawde BJP general secretary Vinod Tawde on Tuesday claimed that like former prime minister Manmohan Singh, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's ''agenda'' is that the minorities should have the first right to the country's wealth, and not tribals or Dalits. He was replying to a question about the manifesto of the NCP led by Maharashtra deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, a BJP ally, which mentions a caste-based census. Congress too has been demanding such a survey. ''Caste-based census is not Rahul Gandhi's agenda. His agenda is what Manmohan Singh had stated earlier: minorities have the first right to the country's wealth,'' Tawde told reporters. BJP welcomed anyone for a debate on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks in this regard, Tawde added. ''I am using the words minorities; he (Manmohan Singh) had said very clearly that Adivasis and Dalits would not get anything. And there is no comment on it by Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, (Mallikarjun) Kharge, which means they approve of it. Does it mean that (Maharashtra Congress president) Nana Patole and his allies Sharad Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray also want the same thing that Singh had said?'' he asked. Asked about opposition's allegation that the BJP lowered the standard of the contest with the unopposed election in the Surat Lok Sabha constituency, Tawde said, ''If a candidate files nomination papers with errors, it does not mean standards of the campaign were lowered. We had even requested that independent candidates withdraw their nominations before filing. How can such a request be termed as lowering the campaign standards?'' The BJP candidate was declared winner in Surat after the nomination of his Congress rival was rejected as his proposers disowned their signatures on the form and all other candidates subsequently pulled out of the race. Tawde also alleged that Congress candidate from South Goa, Viriato Fernandes, had said that the country's Constitution should not be applicable to Goa. ''A Congress leader in Karnataka also made a similar statement. It is a fact that the country's Constitution was amended 80 times during the Congress regime....prime minister Narendra Modi started the celebration of Constitution Day. Unfortunately, Rahul Gandhi is continuously trying to mislead people. When there is no other issue, Congress starts a conversation about Constitution changing,'' the BJP leader said. Without naming Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut, who recently used the word ''dancer'' for the BJP's Amravati candidate Navneet Rana, Tawde, a former Maharashtra minister, lamented the declining standards of campaigning in the state.

After Brief Break Due To Illness, Rahul Gandhi To Resume Campaigning On April 24

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said Gandhi will be addressing a public meeting in Amravati at 12:30 pm and in Solapur at 3:30 pm

Cradled Article 370 like a baby for 70 years: Amit Shah tears into Cong over handling of J-K issue

Cradled Article 370 like a baby for 70 years: Amit Shah tears into Cong over handling of J-K issue In an unsparing attack on the Congress over its alleged handling of the Jammu and Kashmir issue and not settling it decisively during its decades in power at the Centre, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday said the grand old party held on to Article 370 and 'cradled' it like a baby on a mother's lap till the Centre, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, revoked it on August 5, 2019. Addressing an election rally at Akola in Maharashtra, Shah also came down heavily on Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge for questioning PM Modi's invocation of the scrapping of Article 370 from the erstwhile state during a rally in Rajasthan. Kharge-ji questioned what the people of Maharashtra and Rajasthan have to do with Kashmir. Kharge Saheb, perhaps, does not know that every youth of Akola cares as much about Jammu and Kashmir as the people in the Union Territory themselves, and are even prepared to lay down their lives for it. It was Modi-ji, who paved the way for making Kashmir an integral part of the country after making Article 370 history. The Congress, as we all know, kept cradling and safeguarding Article 370 for the last 70 years and it wasn't until you elected Modi-ji as PM for the second time, that it was consigned to history, Shah said, invoking the landmark scrapping of the Article, as part of which certain constitutional safeguards and privileges were vested in the erstwhile state. In a veiled counter to Opposition claims that the BJP-led NDA will bring changes to the Constitution if elected for a third time by a brute majority, Shah said despite securing a decisive mandate in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the Centre used it to remove Article 370 from the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir state as opposed to ringing changes to the country's salient statute book. Through the passage of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 in Parliament, Article 370, which gave special constitutional privileges to the erstwhile state, ceased to exist. The state of Jammu and Kashmir was split and reorganised into two UTs--Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh--in August 2019. Also taking aim at the Congress over its approach to dealing with external security threats while in power, the Union Home Minister said the grand old party chose not to respond to misadventures from across the border, in Pakistan, for the sake of safeguarding its 'vote bank'. Under the Sonia-Manmohan Singh government, Pakistan would carry out attacks against us every day and they remained unmoved for the sake of advancing their vote bank politics. When Pulwama and Uri were attacked, after the BJP came to power, we responded in 10 days. Under the leadership of PM Modi, we crossed over into Pakistan and launched surgical and air strikes on terror launch pads and hideouts in Pakistan. Modi-ji also eliminated the threat of Naxalism from Maharashtra, he said. He said while India ranked 11th among major economies under the Congress, PM Modi made it the fifth-largest major economy. If you bring him back as PM for a third time, he will make us the third-biggest global economy, Shah added. Eight Lok Sabha constituencies of Maharashtra will go to polls in the second phase on April 26. In the first phase on April 19, polling was held in Ramtek, Nagpur, Bhandara - Gondiya, Gadchiroli - Chimur, and Chandrapur. In the second phase, voting will be held in Buldhana, Akola, Amravati, Wardha, Yavatmal-Washim, Hingoli, Nanded, and Parbhani. The NDA--BJP and the undivided Shiv Sena--won 7 of these 8 seats in 2019. The BJP bagged Akola, Wardha, and Nanded, while the Sena won Buldhana, Yavatmal-Washim, Hingoli, and Parbhani. Navneet Rana, who is now with the BJP, won Amravati in 2019 as an Independent and is seeking a fresh term from the seat this year on a saffron ticket. (ANI)

After brief illness, Rahul Gandhi to resume campaigning on Wed

New Delhi: Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi, who was not participating in Lok Sabha poll campaign since Sunday as he was unwell, will resume electioneering on Wednesday with public meetings in Maharashtras Amravati and Solapur. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said Gandhi will be addressing a public meeting in Amravati at 12:30 pm and in 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 .

Amravati Constituency, Maharashtra Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Candidates, Voting Date, All You Need To Know

Amravati: The second phase of Maharashtra's Lok Sabha elections on April 26 covers eight constituencies. In the first phase on April 19, voting took place in five constituencies: Ramtek, Nagpur, ...

MVA brass shares stage in Amravati, Uddhav Thackeray defies EC with 'Jai Bhavani' cry

A day after the Election Commission issued a notice to Uddhav Thackeray regarding the inclusion of 'Jai Bhavani' in the party's anthem, the President of Shiv Sena, in a bold move, openly echoed the slogan at a crowded Maha Vikas Aghadi gathering in Amravati. This marked the inaugural significant display of unity among all three coalition partners in support of Congress' Balwant Wankhade against BJP's Navneet Rana.

Uddhav defies EC with Jai Bhavani cry at first MVA rally

A day after the Election Commission issued a notice to Uddhav Thackeray regarding the inclusion of 'Jai Bhavani' in the party's anthem, the President of Shiv Sena, in a bold move, openly echoed the slogan at a crowded Maha Vikas Aghadi gathering in Amravati. This marked the inaugural significant display of unity among all three coalition partners in support of Congress' Balwant Wankhade against BJP's Navneet Rana.

Former PMs worked to make new India, the incumbent one only criticises others: Sharad Pawar

AMRAVATI: NCP (SP) leader Sharad Pawar on Monday claimed former prime ministers worked to make a new India but PM Narendra Modi only criticises others and doesn't speak about what his government had done for the people in the last ten years. Addressing a campaign rally in Amravati for a Maha Vikas Aghadi candidate, Pawar said former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru's contribution to the country cannot be questioned. He claimed some BJP leaders had spoken publicly about changing the Constitution and appealed to the people to not allow autocracy to take shape in India. A high-profile poll battle is shaping up in the Amravati Lok Sabha constituency where the BJP has fielded Navneet Rana, the sitting MP who won the 2019 polls as an Independent candidate, against Balwant Wankhede of Congress. Pawar alleged PM Modi was trying to create fear and emulating Russian President Vladamir Putin. Pawar said he has come to apologise to the people of Amravati for the mistake he had committed in the 2019 elections by supporting the candidate (Navneet Rana). In the last elections, I had sought the support of people and made an appeal (to elect Rana). People elected the candidate I had appealed for. Time has come to amend that mistake, he said. Wankhede, who belongs to Congress, is contesting the election as a candidate of the tripartite Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), comprising Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar), and Congress. After Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, I saw the working of almost all PMs ranging from Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, and Narasimha Rao to Manmohan Singh. Their efforts were to make a new India, but the incumbent PM only criticises, Pawar said. He said that no one in history can forget the contribution of former PM Jawaharlal Nehru but the prime minister (Modi) continuously criticises him. Instead of telling what the Central government did in the last ten years, he (Modi) keeps criticising others, Pawar added. We fear that a new Putin is in the making in India, he said. He hailed Shiv Sena (UBT) led by Uddhav Thackeray for shouldering the responsibility to protect the national interest by working closely with the Congress and the NCP (SP) like in the past.

Aditya Thackeray Exclusive | Aditya Thackeray Exclusive | Shiv Sena Leader | English News | News18

Aditya Thackeray Exclusive | Aditya Thackeray Exclusive | Shiv Sena Leader | English News | News18Aditya Thackeray speaks with News18.Maharashtra's eight Lok Sabha constituencies will go to polls in the second phase on April 26. In the first phase on April 19, elections were held in Ramtek, Nagpur, Bhandara - Gondiya, Gadchiroli - Chimur, and Chandrapur. In the second phase, voting will be held in Buldhana, Akola, Amravati, Wardha,Yavatmal - Washim, Hingoli, Nanded, and Parbhani.

Amravati set for multi-candidate fight

Navneet Ranas BJP candidacy sparks off discontent among BJP party members, its allies and others

Navneet Rana hits back at Sanjay Raut for 'dancer', 'babli' jibe, calls him scrap

Amravati BJP candidate Navneet Rana slams Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut for insulting remarks, vows constituency support

Amravati airport to be operational from July

Lok Sabha 2024: INDIA bloc has always been anti-development, says Modi in Wardha

PM Modi accused past governments for successive irrigation crises that had plagued farmers in Wardha and Amravati districts during an election rally

Sanjay Raut takes 'dancer' jibe at Navneet Rana; BJP moves EC

BJP condemns Shiv Sena-UBT's Raut for insulting BJP's Rana in Amravati. Raut criticized Rana and backed Congress's Wankhede. BJP demands EC action. Women protest, seeking Raut's silence in campaigns.

Sena (UBT) leader Raut takes dancer jibe at BJP Amravati LS candidate Rana

Mumbai: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Thursday triggered a controversy by calling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate from Amravati Lok Sabha seat Navneet Rana a dancer. Rana, an actor-turned-politician, was elected from Amravati in eastern Maharashtra as an independent in 2019 and she is now contesting from the same constituency on a BJP 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 .

Raut Asks Voters Not to Fall for Affectionate Gestures Made by BJPs Navneet Rana

Mumbai : Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Thursday courted a controversy with his sexist remarks against BJP candidate Navneet Rana from Amravati constituency in Maharashtra by calling her naachi (negative connotation for dancer). She is a dancer, an actor on the screen who will call you... will make some affectionate gestures towards you, but do not fall for that trap. The Lok Sabha election is a contest not against a dancer or Babli (a con character in a Hindi film) but a fight between Maharashtra and Modi, Raut said. The Sena UBT Rajya Sabha MP made the controversial comments while addressing a campaign rally in Amaravati in support of Congress candidate Balwant Wankhede, who is pitted against Rana in the Lok Sabha polls. The Uddhav Thackeray-led party is an ally of the Congress. Raut asked the Sena UBT workers to ensure the defeat of Rana in Amravati. It is the primary and moral responsibility of every Shivsainik to defeat a woman, who tried to challenge the Matoshree (residence of Uddhav Thackeray in Mumbai) and used foul language for Hindu religion. She had tried to enter Matoshree by force (during a Hanuman Chalisa agitation in 2022), he added. Rana, an actor-turned-politician, was elected from Amravati as an independent in 2019 and she is now contesting from the same constituency on a BJP ticket. Legislator Manisha Kayande from the Eknath Shinde-led Sena slammed Raut for his comments and urged the Election Commission to ban him from taking further part in the election campaign, on the lines of Congress leader Randeep Surjewala, who had used alleged insulting words against BJP MP Hema Malini. Saying that Rauts comments have exposed his hatred towards women, she demanded that the EC should ban Raut from addressing rallies during the campaign and he should not be allowed to give any speeches or interviews to media during the entire campaign period. Two days ago, the EC barred Surjewala from campaigning for 48 hours over his alleged derogatory remarks against Hema Malini.

Lok Sabha polls: There is Modi wave, there will be Modi wave, says Navneet Rana

BJP candidate from Amravati for Lok Sabha elections 2024, Navneet Rana said that there is a Modi wave in the country and there will be a Modi wave

Lok Sabha polls: No Modi wave, says BJP Amravati candidate Navneet Rana

Driver of mini truck killed after it rams MSRTC bus near Nagpur

Nagpur: The driver of a mini truck was killed after his vehicle collided head-on with a Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) bus near Chauda Mile on Amravati Road near Nagpur on Monday. The driver of the ST bus was seriously injured while around 13 students travelling in the bus escaped with minor injuries. The [] The post Driver of mini truck killed after it rams MSRTC bus near Nagpur appeared first on Nagpur Today : Nagpur News .

Not an easy take for Navneet Rana in Amravati

The incumbent Independent MP, now contesting the seat on a BJP ticket, is battling discontent both from within and without

Lok Sabha polls 2024 | Ground Report: It is neck and neck in Maharashtras Amravati

As the elections approach, the dynamics of a three-cornered contest suggest that Ms. Rana might face as formidable a challenge

Shivshahi bus knocks pedestrian dead in Nagpurs Wadi

Nagpur: A pedestrian was killed after being knocked down by a speeding MSRTCs Shivshahi bus in a hit-and-run incident on Amravati Road in Wadi area Thursday evening. Identified as Roshan Bansod (43), the deceased was a resident of Ward No 1, Surya Road Lines, Suraburdi. Bansod was crossing the road in front of Sarang Bar [] The post Shivshahi bus knocks pedestrian dead in Nagpurs Wadi appeared first on Nagpur Today : Nagpur News .

Direct battles and factional rivalry define Vidarbha's electoral landscape; Congress & BJP lock horns in key constituencies, 2 Senas face-off on 2 seats

Vidarbha's intense Lok Sabha polls witness face-offs between major parties, intra-party clashes in Shiv Sena, and a triangular fight in Akola. Battles intensify in Nagpur, Bhandara, Chandrapur, Gadchiroli, Amravati, and Akola, with caste's role crucial.

Maha govt orders panchnama of unseasonal rain-hit crops spread over 50,000 hectares

Shillong, April 12: Maharashtras Relief and Rehabilitation department has ordered panchnama (on-the-spot assessment) of crops hit by unseasonal rains and hailstorms in about 11 districts in the state. The badly affected crops of jawar, wheat, mangoes, oranges, bananas and Rabi are spread over 50,000 hectares of land in Nagpur, Amravati, Akola, Yavatmal, Washim; Vidarbha region [] The post Maha govt orders panchnama of unseasonal rain-hit crops spread over 50,000 hectares appeared first on The Shillong Times .

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)

Over 1.50 lakh new voters added in eight LS seats of Maharashtra

Over 1.50 lakh new voters added in eight LS seats of Maharashtra More than 1.52 lakh new voters have been registered in eight out of total 48 Lok Sabha constituencies in Maharashtra in the latest round of electoral roll revision, in which the number of new women voters was more than their male counterparts, officials said. In this special drive conducted by the Election Commission of India (ECI), as many as 82,658 new female voters were registered as against the 69,652 new male voters in these eight constituencies - Buldhana, Akola, Amravati, Wardha, Yavatmal-Washim, Hingoli, Nanded, and Parbhani. However, the total number of female voters across these eight segments is way below the count of male voters. There are 53,99,057 female voters as against the 77,21,374 male voters. There are 432 voters registered as transgenders, an official statement issued by the chief electoral office of Maharashtra. These eight constituencies will go to polls in the second phase on May 7. With the addition of voters during the special drive of the ECI conducted between January 23 and April 4, the number of electorates rose by 1,52,330. This took the number of voters in these eight seats to 1,49,25,912. ''Earlier, the ECI used to close its voter registration in January, while the actual campaign commences once the candidates are finalized. The candidates and their teams make efforts like de-cluttering the voters' list, contacting potential voters, among others,'' an official from the chief electoral office said. A political party functionary working for a Lok Sabha poll candidate said, ''With the new provision of the ECI to allow registration of voters beyond January 25, the potential candidates and their teams took extra efforts to complete the registration process of the potential voters, who are otherwise averse to visit the government office and get their names registered.'' The official further said, this permission (for voter registration) turned out to be a win-win situation for voters as well as for candidates. ''The candidates can take credit for helping potential voters in getting their names enrolled in the voters' list and also expect his or her vote for themselves. So in addition to the ECI's routine exercise, such a move also increases the enrolment of voters,'' the official added.

Weather update: IMD issues rainfall, thunderstorm, heatwaves alert in these states, check state-wise forecast

IMD predicts rainfall in parts of Maharashtra like Akola, Amravati, Wardha, Yavatmal, Nanded, and Hingoli on Wednesday.

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.

LS polls: AIMIM backs Anandraj Ambedkars candidacy from Amravati

New Delhi: All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM) declared its support for Anandraj Ambedkar, the grandson of BR Ambedkar, in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Anandraj Ambedkar is contesting from the Amravati constituency in Maharashtra. AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Monday advised its party workers to ensure Anandraj Ambedkars victory in the elections. A post on the 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 .

Lok Sabha: 204 candidates in the fray for 8 Maharashtra seats that will go to polls on Apr 26

Lok Sabha: 204 candidates in the fray for 8 Maharashtra seats that will go to polls on Apr 26 A total of 204 candidates are in the fray for eight Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra that will go to polls in the second phase on April 26, an official said on Monday. Monday was the last date for withdrawal of nominations, he added. ''There were 299 valid nominations. Of these 204 remain in the fray in Buldhana, Akola, Amravati, Wardha, Yavatmal-Washim, Hingoli, Nanded and Parbhani,'' he said. In Parbhani, seven candidates withdrew their nomination forms, leaving 34 contestants in the fray, an official said. Ruling alliance candidate Mahadev Jankar, who is also president of Rashtriya Samaj Paksha, has been allotted the symbol 'whistle', he added. Jankar will take on MP Sanjay Jadhav of the Shiv Sena (UBT) and Panjabrao Dakh (Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi).

Maharashtra LS polls: 299 candidates for eight seats that will vote on Apr 26

The nomination forms of 299 candidates for eight Maharashtra Lok Sabha seats are valid, with 352 candidates submitting their forms. The eight seats are in Buldhana, Akola, Amravati, Wardha, Yavatmal-Washim, Hingoli, Nanded, and Parbhani. The last date for withdrawal of nominations is April 8.

How BJP Leader Navneet Rana's Last-Minute Nomination Drama Unfolded

BJP leader Navneet Kaur Rana's nomination bid for the Amravati Lok Sabha seat in Maharashtra resembles a plot straight out of Bollywood, replete with suspense, anticipation, and a last-minute twist of fate.

SC restores Scheduled Caste status to BJP leader Navneet Kaur

In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court upheld BJP leader Navneet Kaur Ravi Rana's 'Mochi' caste certificate, allowing her to continue representing the Amravati reserved constituency. The court emphasized the importance of respecting expert decisions and procedural rules in caste validation matters, reaffirming Kaur's eligibility as an MP.

352 candidates file nominations for eight LS seats in Maharashtra going to polls on April 26

352 candidates file nominations for eight LS seats in Maharashtra going to polls on April 26 As many as 352 candidates, including those from major parties like the BJP and the Congress, have filed their nominations for the eight Lok Sabha constituencies in Maharashtra that will vote in the second phase on April 26, said an official in the state electoral office on Thursday. These contestants have submitted a total of 477 nominations (meaning some of them have filed more than one set of papers), he said. Thursday (April 4) was the last day of filing nominations for the seats in the state covered in the second round of polling. These nominations will now be scrutinised and the last date of withdrawal of candidature is April 8. The Lok Sabha constituencies that will go to polls in the second phase are Buldhana, Akola, Wardha, Amravati, Yavatmal-Washim, Hingoli, Nanded and Parbhani -- spread across Vidarbha and Marathwada regions of the state. The Nanded Lok Sabha constituency has received 92 nominations from 74 candidates, the highest among the eight seats, while Wardha has got 38 nominations from 27 contestants, the lowest, said the official. Maharashtra, which has 48 Lok Sabha seats, the second highest after Uttar Pradesh (80), will vote in five phases starting from April 19.

BJP's Amravati candidate, Navneet Rana, files nomination for Lok Sabha polls, expresses confidence in constituency's support

Mumbai:N avneet Rana, previously elected as an independent MP from Amravati in 2019, officially submitted her nomination for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Speaking to the media, Rana voiced optimism about receiving backing from the constituency, emphasizing the opportunity for voters to contribute to nation-building, development, and the nation's welfare. Having joined the BJP recently in Nagpur under the presence of BJP state president Chandrashekhar Bawankule, Rana reflected on her past victory in Amravati as an independent candidate. She credited the support from the people of Amravati in the previous elections despite significant political shifts and her limited work in the constituency.Rana's entry into politics occurred after her marriage to BJP politician Ravi Rana. Initially contesting in the 2014 elections from Amravati on the NCP platform, she faced defeat in her debut electoral endeavor. Maharashtra, with 48 Lok Sabha seats, holds substantial electoral significance and influences national politics. The state will conduct elections across its constituencies in five phases on April 19, April 26, May 7, May 13, and May 20.In the previous 2019 elections, BJP secured victory in 23 out of the 25 contested seats, while the undivided Shiv Sena clinched 18 out of 23 contested seats. In 2014, BJP and Shiv Sena won 23 and 18 seats respectively, while the undivided NCP and Congress secured 4 and 2 seats each. CPI(M) Unveils Manifesto for 2024 Lok Sabha Elections, made commitment to scrap CAA Prime Minister Modi's Maharashtra Rally Plans Ahead of Lok Sabha Polls Tesla Explores Land Options for Potential Manufacturing Plant in India

Rahul Gandhi Invested Lacs of Rs in Modi Government's Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme: Details Revealed

New Delhi: Rahul Gandhi submitted his nomination papers for the Wayanad constituency in Kerala, revealing his assets in the process. According to the affidavit submitted for the election, Rahul Gandhi's movable assets amount to approximately Rs 9.24 crore, while his immovable assets are valued at around Rs 11.14 crore, bringing his total wealth to Rs 20.38 crore. However, he also declared a debt of about Rs 49.79 lakh. In addition to his income, Rahul Gandhi disclosed his investments in shares and mutual funds. The affidavit shows that he holds shares in 25 companies, with investments totaling Rs 4.30 crore. Furthermore, he has invested in the Reserve Bank of India's Sovereign Gold Bond scheme, initiated during the tenure of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This scheme allows investors to purchase gold at a fixed annual return of 2.50% for eight years, with subsequent returns linked to market fluctuations. Rahul Gandhi's investment in the Sovereign Gold Bond scheme matured in November 2023, yielding a return of 12.9% over the eight-year period. Additionally, he holds investments of Rs 15.27 lakh in SGBs, along with Rs 61.52 lakh in a Public Provident Fund (PPF) account and 333.30 grams of gold valued at Rs 4.20 lakh. His stock portfolio includes shares in various companies such as ITC, ICICI Bank, Alkyl Amines, Asian Paints, Bajaj Finance, Deepak Nitrite, Divi's Laboratories, Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Britannia Industries, and Titan Company. It's worth noting that Rahul Gandhi's financial assets have seen significant growth since his first election in 2004 when his total assets amounted to Rs 55 lakh. Baramulla Police Seizes Properties of Notorious Drug Peddler BJP's Amravati candidate, Navneet Rana, files nomination for Lok Sabha polls, expresses confidence in constituency's support CPI(M) Unveils Manifesto for 2024 Lok Sabha Elections, made commitment to scrap CAA

Child Rescued from Borewell After 20-Hour Ordeal

Bangalore: A 2-year-old child fell into a borewell in Lachayan village, Karnataka, triggering a more than 20-hour rescue operation. Both SDRF and NDRF teams successfully rescued the child amidst scenes of jubilation. Video footage captured the moment when the rescue team pulled the muddy child out of the borewell, and immediately, medical personnel rushed the child to an ambulance waiting nearby. The incident occurred on the land of the child's father, Satish Mujagond, where a borewell had been dug. Teams swiftly responded to the emergency after learning about the child's fall. The child, named Satvik Mujagond, had fallen into the borewell while playing near his home in Vijayapura district. The rescue team worked diligently to reach the trapped child, who was estimated to be at a depth of 15 to 20 feet. Despite the challenges, the rescue team heard the child crying during the morning rescue operation, indicating that he was still alive. Tubes were installed in the well to supply oxygen to the child, and tube well drilling workers were called to expedite the rescue efforts. Thankfully, the operation concluded successfully with the safe rescue of the child. Rahul Gandhi Invested Lacs of Rs in Modi Government's Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme: Details Revealed Baramulla Police Seizes Properties of Notorious Drug Peddler BJP's Amravati candidate, Navneet Rana, files nomination for Lok Sabha polls, expresses confidence in constituency's support

SC upholds BJP leader Navneet Rana's caste certificate

The Supreme Court on Thursday set aside the Bombay high court verdict cancelling the caste certificate of Amravati MP and BJP leader Navneet Kaur Rana.

Supreme Court upholds caste certificate of Amravati MP Navneet Rana, sets aside Bombay HC court order cancelling her SC status

Supreme Court on Thursday set aside Bombay High Court order that had cancelled the caste certificate of MP Navneet Rana

SC sets aside Bombay HC order cancelling caste certificate of Navneet Kaur Rana

New Delhi: In a big relief to Maharashtras Amravati MP Navneet Kaur Rana ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, the Supreme Court on Thursday set aside an order of the Bombay High Court which had cancelled her Scheduled Caste certificate. In our considered view, the order of the scrutiny committee did not merit any interference 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 .

Supreme Court Relief For BJP's Navneet Rana In Caste Certificate Case

The Supreme Court today overturned the Bombay High Court's decision to cancel the caste certificate of Amravati MP and BJP leader, Navneet Kaur Rana.

SC upholds Amravati MP Navneet Rana's Scheduled Caste certificate

NEW DELHI: In a major relief to Navneet Rana, sitting Amaravati MP from Maharashtra, the Supreme Court in its verdict on Thursday reversed a 2021 Bombay High Court judgment that cancelled Rana's Scheduled Caste certificate of Mochi, calling it forged. A two-judge bench of the top court, led by Justice JK Maheshwari and also comprising Justice Sanjay Karol, passed the verdict, after hearing Rana's appeal. She had moved the apex court by filing an appeal in it, and challenged the Bombay HC's June 2021 judgement cancelling her caste certificate on grounds of it being fraudulently obtained by her. The Bombay HC had in its verdict cancelled and confiscated her caste certificate, forcing her to move to the apex court. It is to be noted that Rana has recently joined the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) and would contest the 2024 upcoming general polls, as she is the party's choice for the same seat (Amaravati), which is a reserved category constituency. It is significant move, the Amravati MP is expected to file her nomination papers today itself as a BJP candidate from the same Amaravati constituency for the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Setting aside the Bombay HC verdict, the SC in its judgement today, said, In the instant case, the Scrutiny Committee duly considered the documents before it and passed its decision complying with principles of natural justice. In light of the discussion and the peculiar facts and circumstances of the case, the instant appeals stand allowed and the High Court order is set aside. The HC had passed the verdict on a petition filed by Shiv Sena leader and former MP Anandra Vithoba Adsul, who had challenged her Mochi caste ertificate. The HC's two-judge bench headed by, Justice RD Dhanuka and VG Bisht, had passed the ruling against Rana and held that she obtained the caste certificate by fabricating records making her to contest the parliamentary elections as a reserved category candidate. It also imposed a cost of 2 lakh on her for fabricating rhe documents.

SC sets aside HC verdict cancelling caste certificate of Amravati MP Navneet Kaur Rana

Allowing the plea of Ms. Rana, a Bench comprising Justices J.K. Maheshwari and Sanjay Karol said the High Court should not have interfered with the report of the scrutiny committee on the issue of caste certificate of Ms. Rana.

Supreme Court relief to Amravati MP Navneet Rana in caste certificate case

Supreme Court relief to Amravati MP Navneet Rana in caste certificate case

Big day for me and my constituency, says BJPs Amravati candidate Navneet Rana ahead of filing nominations for LS polls

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B R Ambedkars grandson in fray from Amravati, seeks AIMIMs support

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: B R Ambedkars grandson and Republican Sena leader Anandraj Ambedkar, in the fray from Amravati Lok Sabha constituency in Maharashtra, has sought the support of Asaduddin Owaisi-led AIMIM. The Amravati contest has become a multi-cornered one with the BJP fielding sitting MP Navneet Rana, who is challenged by Congress Balwant Wankhede, Vanchit Bahujan 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 .

5 Facts On Navneet Rana, BJP Amravati Candidate Who Was At The Centre Of Hanuman Chalisa Row

Navneet Rana won the Amravati seat in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections as an independent candidate

LS polls: BJPs Amravati candidate Navneet Rana calls Fadnavis

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Nobody should...: Sena-UBT firm despite Cong objection

Raut said there is always give and take in an alliance and they gave Ramtek and Kolhapur seats to the Congress. He said Sena-UBT has also given Amravati to the Congress.

BJP's move to field Navneet Rana from Amravati LS seat invites wrath of some 'Mahayuti' constituents

Rana, who currently represents the Amravati Lok Sabha seat, joined the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at the party's state unit chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule's residence in Nagpur along with her supporters late Wednesday night. The BJP's Central Election Committee announced her name as the party candidate for the Amravati seat, and Bawankule said she would file her election nomination on April 4.

Shinde Sena leader opposes BJP's Amravati pick Navneet Rana

Shinde Sena leader opposes BJPs Amravati pick Navneet Rana

BJP's move to field Navneet Rana from Amravati invites wrath of some 'Mahayuti' constituents

Navneet Rana joined the ruling BJP at the party's State unit chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule's residence in Nagpur along with her supporters, on March 27.

Navneet Rana's candidature invites wrath of BJP allies

Rana, who currently represents the Amravati Lok Sabha seat, joined the ruling BJP at the party's state unit chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule's residence in Nagpur along with her supporters late Wednesday night.

Maharashtra Independent MP Navneet Rana Joins BJP

Navneet Rana, an incumbent MP from Amravati, joined the BJP in Nagpur late on Wednesday night in the presence of the party's state unit chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule.

Amravati MP Navneet Rana joins BJP

Amravati MP Navneet Rana joins BJP Navneet Rana, an incumbent MP from Amravati, joined the BJP in Nagpur late on Wednesday night in the presence of the party's state unit chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule. She joined the BJP at the Bawankule's residence in Nagpur along with her supporters and in the presence of senior party leaders from Amravati, Nagpur, Wardha and other places. Her husband Ravi Rana, an MLA, was also present when she joined the BJP. The BJP's Central Election Committee on Wednesday announced her name as the party's candidate for the Amravati seat. Bawankule said she would file her election nomination on April 4. Addressing a press conference around midnight at Bawankule's residence, Navneet Rana said that she followed the development path of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for the last five years as a supporter of the NDA. Rana expressed happiness over joining the BJP and said that she would ensure that the Amravati parliamentary constituency would be among the 400 seats that the party would win in the general elections. Bawankule said that Navneet Rana joined the BJP to support the Viksit Bharat vision of PM Modi. He also slammed Shiv Sena UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray for sending Navneet Rana to jail during his tenure as chief minister of Maharashtra over the issue of chanting Hanuman Chalisa. Rana first contested from Amravati on an NCP ticket in 2014 and was defeated by Shiv Sena's Anandrao Adsul. In 2019, she contested the seat as an Independent supported by NCP and defeated Adsul. However, after 2019, Rana started supporting the BJP. Last month, The Supreme Court reserved its verdict on Navneet Rana's plea challenging the Bombay High Court verdict cancelling her caste certificate. On June 8, 2021, the high court said the 'Mochi' caste certificate was obtained fraudulently using fabricated documents. It had also imposed a fine of Rs 2 lakh on the Amravati MP.

Gadkari Files Nomination from Nagpur, 183 in Fray for 5 Maharashtra Seats

Mumbai : Union minister Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday filed his nomination for the Nagpur Lok Sabha seat. He was accompanied by several senior leaders including Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde, DCM Devendra Fadnavis and NCP leader Praful Patel. The BJP turned the occasion into a massive show of strength rally. Nagpur is one of the five Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra that will go to poll on April 19. Wednesday was the last date for filing nominations for those seats. The other four seats include Ramtek (reserved for SC category), Gadchiroli-Chimur (reserved for ST category), Chandrapur and Bhandara-Gondiya. An intense fight between the BJP-led Mahayuti and Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) is expected for the five Lok Sabha seats that go to poll in the first phase in Maharashtra. The deadline for filing nominations for the five seats Nagpur, ended on Wednesday evening. Union minister Nitin Gadkari will be in the fray from the Nagpur seat. He filed his nomination on the last day in presence of Shiv Sena has fielded Congress turncoat MLA Raju Parwe from the Ramtek seat. Prakash Ambedkar led VBA (Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi) has nominated candidates in three seats, which is likely to dent MVAs votes. The VBA has extended its support to Congress candidate Vikas Thakre in Nagpur Lok Sabha seat. The BJP has nominated its heavyweight leaders Nitin Gadkari and Sudhir Mungantiwar in the first phase of the election, while the Congress party has picked up new faces. Nitin Gadkari has been pitted against Vikas Thakre, who is Nagpur City Congress president and Maharashtra legislator. Mr. Mungantiwar, who is senior cabinet minister in Maharashtra government and OBC face of the BJP, filed his nomination paper on Tuesday from Chandrapur Lok Sabha constituency. He will face Congress candidate Pratibha Dhanorkar, who is wife of late Congress MP Suresh Dhanorkar. In 2019, Suresh Dhanrokar had defeated BJPs Hansaraj Ahir. Congresss Umred assembly constituency MLA Raju Parwe, who on Sunday joined Eknath Shinde led Shiv Sena after resigning from state legislature, filed his nomination papers from Ramtek constituency. Congress has fielded Rashmi Barve from Ramtek, which has been a stronghold of the Congress party. In Gadchiroli-Chimur, the Congress has fielded Namdeo Kirsan against BJPs sitting Lok Sabha MP Ashok Nete, who filed his nomination on Monday. The BJP has fielded its sitting MP Sunil Mendhe from Bhandara-Gondia, where the Congress fielded Dr. Prashant Padole. The VBA has fielded its candidate Sanjay Kevat in Bhandara-Gondia, Hitesh Madavi in Gadchiroli-Chimur, Rajesh Belle in Chandrapur. An official from state branch of Election Commission of India (ECI) said that 54 candidates have filed nominations in Nagpur constituency, followed by 41 candidates in Ramtek (SC), 40 candidates in Bhandara-Gondiya, 36 candidates in Chandrapur, and 12 candidates in Gadchiroli-Chimur (ST). Thus, a total 183 candidates have filed their nominations on five seats of first phase. The last date for withdrawal of nomination is April 30. In the last Lok Sabha election, the BJP-Shiv Sena (undivided) alliance won eight out of 10 seats in Vidarbha region. Remaining two seats- namely Chandrapur and Amravati were won by the Congress and independent candidate Navneet Rana, who was then backed by NCP (united) respectively. However, Navneet later supported the BJP. This time, Ms Rana is the BJP candidate in Amravati Lok Sabha seat, which is going to polls in the second phase.

In its seventh list, BJP announces Navneet Ranas candidature for the contentious Amravati Lok Sabha seat

The announcement paves the way for Ms. Rana, an independent MP whose candidacy has been fiercely opposed by local BJP leaders, to formally join the BJP and contest the SC reserved seat

BJP fields Navneet Rana from Amravati, also announces 10 candidates for Andhra assembly polls

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Amravati nominee Navneet Rana emerges as strong Hindutva advocate in Maha

Mumbai: Despite strong reservations of the Shiv Sena, the BJP has fielded actor-turned-politician Navneet Rana from the Amravati (SC) seat for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Rana had won the 2019 Lok Sabha elections from Amravati as an Independent candidate supported by the NCP. However, after her victory, she aligned with the BJP. In 2014, 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 .

BJP Fields Haryana CM Nayab Saini From Karnal Assembly; Navneet Rana From Amravati Lok Sabha

The BJP also announced the names of 10 candidates for the Andhra Pradesh assembly polls.

BJP fields Navneet Rana from Amravati Lok Sabha seat in Maharashtra; Govind Karjol from Chitradurga in Karnataka.

BJP fields Navneet Rana from Amravati Lok Sabha seat in Maharashtra; Govind Karjol from Chitradurga in Karnataka. BJP fields Navneet Rana from Amravati Lok Sabha seat in Maharashtra; Govind Karjol from Chitradurga in Karnataka.

BJP releases seventh candidate list for Lok Sabha polls; fields Navneet Rana from Maharashtra's Amravati

Wednesday's announcement sees the party announce two Scheduled Caste candidates for the reserved seats in Maharashtra and Karnataka.

Congress Leader Says BJP Wants 1 Nation, 1 Election, No Opposition

Mumbai: Mahayuti the alliance of BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP, has finalised distribution of 42 Lok Sabha in Maharashtra. The alliance will hold a meeting to resolve differences on the remaining six seats. The BJP has already declared candidates for 20 seats. A BJP insider informed that the party has got five more seats, while Shiv Sena has got 13 seats and NCP has got four out of 42 seats where the agreement has been reached. The source from BJP said that so far the party has decided to contest 25 seats including 23 seats, which were won in 2019. Of these, the party has already announced 20 seats and remaining five seats including Mumbai North Central, Bhandara-Gondia, Solapur and Amravati would be declared in next 48 hours. BJP's Central Election Committee, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is expected to discuss names of the remaining seats at New Delhi on Saturday. After the CECs meeting, the party is likely to declare the candidates including five candidates for five seats of Maharashtra, he said. The Shiv Sena would contest 13 seats, while the NCP would get four seats including Shirur, Baramati, Raigad and Satara. We will hold a meeting in the next two days to discuss the remaining six seats including Parbhani, Dharashiv (Osmanabad), Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad), Thane, Ratnagiri Sindhudurg and South Mumbai, a BJP leader said.

Maha: Chhatrapati Shrimant Shahu Maharaj in Congress list of 7 nominees for LS polls

Mumbai, March 21 (IANS) The Congress has fielded Chhatrapati Shrimant Shahu Maharaj from Kolhapur and Praniti Sushilkumar Shinde from Solapur (SC) Lok Sabha constituencies in Maharashtra of the 7 candidates announced on Thursday. The other Parliamentary candidates are Nandurbar (ST) Gowaal K. Padavi; Amravati (SC) Balwant B. Wankhede; Nanded Vasantrao B. []

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.