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There's lot of time, talks underway: Raut says all well in MVA after Prakash Ambedkar's VBA announces LS candidates

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)

devdiscourse 28 Mar 2024 7:27 pm

Your women will be raped, youll be killed: Hindu family threatened by Muslim mob over land issue in Maharashtras Sangli, 9 booked and 2 arrested

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.

OpIndia 28 Mar 2024 6:25 pm

Sena (UBT) Firm on Contesting from Sangli, Nobody Should Do Anything That Will Help BJP: Raut

Raut was responding to questions about Congress' exasperation after his party on Wednesday announced its first list of 17 candidates, including for the Sangli seat and a few from Mumbai

News18 28 Mar 2024 6:16 pm

Shiv Sena (UBT) firm on contesting from Sangli, nobody should do anything that will help BJP: Sanjay Raut

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut reaffirmed the party's decision to contest from Sangli Lok Sabha seat in Maharashtra, cautioning against actions that could benefit the BJP. Amid tensions with Congress over candidate selection, Raut emphasized the importance of coalition unity in the upcoming elections.

The Economic Times 28 Mar 2024 2:51 pm

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.

The Economic Times 28 Mar 2024 12:09 pm

Congress Fumes as Shiv Sena (UBT) Unilaterally Announces Candidates in Maharashtra, MVA Alliance Cracks Widens

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.

Deccan Chronicle 28 Mar 2024 8:00 am

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.

The New Indian Express 28 Mar 2024 7:01 am

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.

The Hindu 28 Mar 2024 4:33 am

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.

Deccan Chronicle 28 Mar 2024 1:10 am

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.

The Economic Times 28 Mar 2024 12:33 am

Mumbai Police Seize Mephedrone Worth Rs 245 Crore from Factory in Sangli District; Six Held

The latest haul, which also saw the arrest of six persons including mephedrone maker Pravin Shinde, was the outcome of an investigation after police seized drugs worth Rs 7 crore in Mumbai last month

News18 27 Mar 2024 6:32 pm

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.

NDTV 27 Mar 2024 4:53 pm

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.

The New Indian Express 27 Mar 2024 2:34 pm

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

Deccan Chronicle 27 Mar 2024 2:11 pm

Mumbai Crime Branch busts drug factory in Sangli; seized MD worth over Rs 200 cr

The mephedrone production factory in Sangli has been operational for the last seven months, said officials.

Mid Day 27 Mar 2024 1:35 pm

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)

devdiscourse 27 Mar 2024 1:06 pm

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.

Rediff 27 Mar 2024 11:53 am

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.

devdiscourse 27 Mar 2024 12:13 am

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

Deccan Chronicle 26 Mar 2024 10:58 pm

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

Deccan Chronicle 26 Mar 2024 9:37 pm

Mumbai police seize 100 kg MD drug from Sangli factory

In yet another major haul, a team of Mumbai Police raided a factory at Irli village in Kavathe-Mahankal tehsil of the district on Monday and recovered more than 100 kg MD (mephedrone) drugs worth over Rs 150 crore in international market.

Web Dunia 26 Mar 2024 11:29 am

Cong pulls out of seat-share talks with MVA over Sangli, Bhiwandi

MVA alliance faces tensions over Sangli, Bhiwandi seats. Congress withdraws from decision-making, demands direct talks with AICC president. UBT and NCP clash over candidature. Congress proposes descendants of Vasantdada Patil for seats.

The Times of India 26 Mar 2024 8:19 am

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.

Rediff 24 Mar 2024 7:47 pm

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 .

The Siasat Daily 24 Mar 2024 7:29 pm

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.

devdiscourse 24 Mar 2024 5:20 pm

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

NDTV 24 Mar 2024 4:51 pm

Maharashtra LS polls: Dynasties, rivalries, changing dynamics give ruling alliance & MVA headaches in Sangli, Madha

MUMBAI: 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 ...

Bing 24 Mar 2024 9:04 am

BJP leader files complaint against Raut over Aurangzeb remark against PM Modi

BJP leader Vivek Gupta has complained against Sanjay Raut for criticising PM Modi during a speech in Sangli. Gupta has urged ECI to take action against Raut.

Mid Day 23 Mar 2024 10:31 am

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 .

The Siasat Daily 22 Mar 2024 9:30 pm

Sanjay Raut speaks of Gujarat link of Jinnah to target PM Modi, Amit Shah

Sanjay Raut, speaking at a rally in Sangli, used historical figures Aurangzeb and Jinnah to criticise PM Modi and Amit Shah without naming them directly

Mid Day 22 Mar 2024 11:41 am

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 .

The Siasat Daily 22 Mar 2024 8:10 am

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.

devdiscourse 21 Mar 2024 8:30 pm

Congress, Sena (UBT) tussle on Sangli seat; MLA says will boycott Uddhav rally

Tension prevailed on Thursday, between the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Congress over Sangli seat with the local MLA Vikramsinh Sawant announcing a boycott of the Sena (UBT) rally ahead of the Lok Sabha elections 2024

Mid Day 21 Mar 2024 5:19 pm

Tension in MVA over Sangli seat claims: Congress refuses to concede to Shiv Sena (UBT) and vice versa

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)

The New Indian Express 19 Mar 2024 4:14 pm

List of MVA candidates will be out in two to three days: Maharashtra Cong chief

Nana Patole also said the Congress has decided to field Vishal Patil from the Sangli parliamentary constituency

Mid Day 19 Mar 2024 9:03 am

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.

The New Indian Express 19 Mar 2024 7:32 am

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.

Zee News 18 Mar 2024 11:45 pm

List of MVA candidates will be out in two to three days: Maharashtra Congress chief

List of MVA candidates will be out in two to three days: Maharashtra Congress chief Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole on Monday said the list of Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) candidates for Lok Sabha elections will be out in the next two to three days. He also said the Congress has decided to field Vishal Patil from the Sangli parliamentary constituency. Patole said Rahul Gandhi spoke about crucial issues concerning women and youth at the INDIA bloc rally on Sunday but the BJP is trying to divert the people's attention from these points. He alleged the BJP has double standards for stoking violence by supporting cow vigilantes and accepting money through electoral bonds from beef exporting companies. ''BJP's flawed Hindutva is exposed through electoral bonds. The BJP has played politics in the country in the name of cow protection and cow worship. But the same BJP has accepted money via electoral bonds from beef exporting companies. It means BJP's Hindutva is fake,'' Patole alleged while talking to reporters. He claimed even top religious leaders like Shankaracharyas had lashed out at the BJP for using religion only for political gains. ''Beef exports of India increased significantly during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's tenure, and we have become one of the top exporters of beef in the world,'' the Congress leader claimed. He said Rahul Gandhi spoke about 25 guarantees to the people and also about women's empowerment, but his words are twisted to project them as an insult to women. ''What right does PM Modi have to talk about women and their rights? He chose to cover his eyes and never uttered a single word when women in Manipur faced atrocities like stripping and parading in public. Modi has a fake sympathy for women,'' he alleged. Queried on a seat-sharing formula of Maha Vikas Aghadi, comprising the Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress, and Nationalist Congress Party led by Sharad Pawar rpt Sharad Pawar, Patole said the list of candidates will be out in the next two to three days. ''The Congress party has decided to field Vishal Patil for Lok Sabha from Sangli constituency,'' he added. Sangli Lok Sabha seat in western Maharashtra is currently represented by BJP's Sanjaykaka Patil.

devdiscourse 18 Mar 2024 11:14 pm

Agreement on 9 seats eludes, MVA struggles to iron out differences

MUMBAI : The negotiations for seat-sharing within the Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition are nearing completion, although agreement is still pending on nine Lok Sabha constituencies. Contentious seats include Kolhapur, Sangli, Mumbai North West, Ramtek, Wardha, Bhiwandi, Yawatmal, Wasim, and Gondiya-Bhandara. A senior Congress leader indicated that the seat-sharing formula within the Maha Vikas Aghadi is close to finalisation, with 20 seats allocated for the Congress, 18 for the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena, and the remaining 10 for the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP). Negotiations are underway with the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi, led by Prakash Ambedkar, and the Rashtriya Samaj Pak, led by Mahadev Jankar, who have respectively been offered four and one seat. 'Lazy attitude of MVA' is concerning: Prakash Ambedkar writes to Kharge on delay in seat-sharing agreements While Congress and Shiv Sena are prepared to allocate four seats to Prakash Ambedkar from their quota, NCP (SP) is willing to concede one seat to Mahadeo Jankar, likely the Madha Lok Sabha seat. However, the announcement of seat-sharing is pending until after a scheduled rally of Rahul Gandhi in Mumbai on Sunday. On the other hand, the seat-sharing arrangement within the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance has been settled. The BJP will contest 30 Lok Sabha seats, while CM Eknath Shindes Shiv Sena will contest 11 seats and DCM Ajit Pawars NCP will pursue seven seats in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Nonetheless, six seats, including Amravati, South Mumbai, Osmanabad, Ratnagiri Sindhudurg, and Thane Lok Sabha seats, remain a bone of contention.

The New Indian Express 16 Mar 2024 8:28 am

Rs 3,600 crore drug haul: ED seeks details of accused from Pune police

Rs 3,600 crore drug haul: ED seeks details of accused from Pune police The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has sought details of the persons arrested by Pune police in Maharashtra in the last month's mephedrone drug haul case, a senior official said. The city police in February seized more than 1,700 kilograms of mephedrone, valued at about Rs 3,600 crore in illicit markets, across Pune, Delhi and Sangli. Eleven persons, including the owner of a manufacturing unit in Kurkumbh MIDC (near Pune), where the contraband was allegedly produced, were apprehended. ''We received a letter from the ED on Monday, seeking information about the accused. Given the magnitude of the drug racket, it was expected that the ED would seek details,'' the crime branch official said on Tuesday. The central agency asked for information about the accused, their bank accounts and locations where searches were conducted. ''Based on the information, the agency will investigate money trails and suspected hawala transactions involving the accused,'' he said. The police have arrested 11 persons in the case so far, with five now in judicial custody and six in police custody. ''Four suspects, including mastermind Sandip Dhunay who has fled the country, are wanted in the case,'' the official said.

devdiscourse 6 Mar 2024 8:19 am

Rs 3,600 Crore Drug Haul: ED Seeks Case Details from Pune Police

Pune police in February seized over 1,700 kgs of mephedrone in illicit markets across Pune, Delhi, and Sangli. 11 people, including the owner of a manufacturing unit in Kurkumbh MIDC where the contraband was allegedly produced, were apprehended

News18 5 Mar 2024 11:46 pm

MCOCA invoked against six members of interstate gang

MCOCA invoked against six members of interstate gang The police have invoked the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against six members of an interstate gang involved in cases of dacoity, murder and other crimes, an official said on Tuesday. The accused were arrested in January while they were preparing to commit dacoity, and a case under relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code, Arms Act and Maharashtra Police Act was registered against them at the Virar police station, assistant commissioner of police (Crime) MBVV Police Madan Ballal said. The gang was allegedly involved in several crimes in Palghar, Thane, Nashik, Pune, Sangli, Ahmednagar, Chatrapati Sambajinagar districts of Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, he said. The gang had cases of murder, armed dacoity, attempt to murder, theft, and housebreaking, among other crimes to its name, the official said. The police have now invoked charges under the MCOCA against the accused, he said.

devdiscourse 5 Mar 2024 5:27 pm