Ahmedabad: 2 held for selling private videos of women at maternity hospital
Ahmedabad cyber crime police on Thursday, February 20, arrested three people for their involvement in uploading and selling private videos of women at hospitals across social media platforms. The accused aged between 20 and 25 have been identified as Prajwal Ashok Teli from Maharashtras Latur, Prajapati Rajendra Patil from Sangli, and Chandraprakash Phoolchand from Uttar 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 .
UP man held by Gujarat cops uploaded videos of women bathers in Mahakumbh
AHMEDABAD: One of the three persons arrested by Gujarat police's Cyber Crime Branch for allegedly uploading videos of women being medically examined in hospitals had also done the same with clips of women pilgrims bathing during Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, a police official said on Friday. Chandra Prakash, a resident of Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh, had started a YouTube channel named 'CP Monda' a few months ago and uploaded videos of women pilgrims bathing at the ongoing Mahakumbh, Ahmedabad Cyber Crime Deputy Commissioner of Police Lavina Sinha told reporters. Chandra Prakash was held from Prayagaj on Wednesday along with Prajwal Taili and Praj Patil from Latur and Sangli in Maharashtra for uploading objectionable videos of women patients, including from a Rajkot based hospital, with aim of making money from subscribers on Telegram app. While Taili and Patil had acquired the videos of women patients from hackers, Chandra Prakash had downloaded the videos from other YouTube channels and uploaded them on his channel recently. We are probing if he too had intention of selling these videos. The duo from Maharashtra are not linked to Prakash, Sinha said. Taili and Praj knew each other as they have cleared Class 12 and were preparing for NEET in Latur. The three accused have been remanded in police custody till March 1, Sinha informed. In the videos, which appeared to be from CCTV footage, women patients could be seen being examined inside a closed room of a hospital by a female doctor or being given injection by a nurse. A police probe found the viral videos were part of CCTV footage of Rajkot-based Payal Maternity Home. Some hackers breached the hospital's CCTV system and acquired the footage, as per police. Later, Taili and Praj Patil acquired these footage and shared them on their YouTube channels, with the description carrying a link to a Telegram group. Using Telegram, the duo used to sell these clips for Rs 800 to Rs 2000 each. Both had made Rs 8 to 9 lakh in 7-8 months by selling such obscene clips online. We found nearly 2,000 clips, including of public places, from their devices, said Sinha.
Gujarats cybercrime branch busts racket selling videos of female patients; three arrested
AHMEDABAD: Ahmedabad Cyber Crime has arrested two suspects from Maharashtra and one from Uttar Pradesh in connection with the viral videos of female patients undergoing treatment and examinations at Payal Maternity Home & Surgical Hospital near Raiya Circle in Rajkot. The accused were allegedly selling these illicit videos on a Telegram channel, charging hefty amounts from subscribers. Investigators have uncovered further evidence of the financial transactions linked to the illegal activity. Meanwhile, Ahmedabad Cyber Crime has confirmed that the hospitals CCTV IP system was hacked, allowing unauthorised access to private footage. One such video, showing a woman receiving treatment in a gynecological hospital, recently went viral on Telegram, with group members being invited to access similar content. The circulation of such videos is a direct violation of patient privacy, prompting authorities to register a case and take strict legal action. Gujarats Ahmedabad Cyber Crime and Crime Branch teams conducted coordinated raids across multiple states, leading them to Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, where they apprehended three suspects. Among them, Pragnesh Patil and Prajwal Teli were arrested from Sangli and Latur in Maharashtra, while another suspect was caught in Uttar Pradesh. Meanwhile, investigators are interrogating seven more individuals linked to the case, hinting at a larger operation. The case revolves around the illegal sharing of private videos capturing female patients undergoing sensitive medical procedures, including sonography, breast check-ups, gynecological treatments, childbirth, and CT scans at a Rajkot maternity hospital. These videos were allegedly uploaded and sold through Telegram and YouTube channels, exposing victims to severe privacy violations. Cyber Crime ACP Hardik Mankadia confirmed earlier that viral videos on YouTube and Telegram have come under the cybercrime department's radar, linking the probe to their spread. Investigators are analysing the content, he said, adding that the video surfaced on YouTube on January 6 and a Telegram channel was created in September 2024. Mankadia stated that legal action is imminent. A case registered under Sections 66E and 67 of the Cyber Crime IT Act, reinforcing the departments strict stance. According to the crime branch, the two arrested suspects were actively profiting from this illicit trade by charging substantial amounts for access to the content. As the investigation deepens, officials are preparing to transfer the suspects from Maharashtra to Ahmedabad for further legal action, strengthening their crackdown on the perpetrators. Preliminary findings suggest a nationwide racket exploiting hospital CCTV footage, with cybercriminals operating across Gujarat and at least two other states. The misused footage was traced back to Rajkot's Payal Maternity Home & Surgical Hospital, prompting an immediate raid by Ahmedabad Cyber Crime officials. Statements from doctors and staff have been recorded, as authorities work to dismantle the larger network behind the privacy breach.
Maharashtra cabinet approves anti-narcotics task force expansion
MUMBAI: The Maharashtra cabinet on Tuesday approved the creation of 346 new posts in the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF), and the setting up of the Sixth State Finance Commission, among other decisions, officials said. The decision to expand ANTF aims to enhance enforcement efforts and curb the spread of narcotics. The government sanctioned the setting up of such an entity on August 31, 2023. The cabinet's approval includes 310 permanent posts and 36 contractual positions within the task force. These include roles ranging from senior police officials to clerical staff and scientific assistants. The state government has sanctioned a recurring expenditure of over Rs 19 crore and a one-time expenditure of more than Rs 3 crore for vehicle procurement and other needs, the government stated. Chairing the meeting, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis underlined the importance of acting decisively against drug networks across Maharashtra. He said strengthening the task force would help law enforcement agencies tackle the growing use of narcotics more effectively. The council of ministers also sanctioned Rs 1,275 crore to improve the Varkhede Londhe Barrage Medium Project in Jalgaon district. The project, located on the Girna River, will provide irrigation facilities to 8,290 hectares of land in Chalisgaon and Bhadgaon talukas. The latest approval marks the third administrative sanction for the project, which aims to enhance water availability in the region. In another decision, the cabinet approved the establishment of the Sixth State Finance Commission, which will give suggestions for financial planning and resource distribution from April 1, 2026, to March 31 2031. The commission is expected to submit its report by December 31, 2025. The chief minister has been given the authority to recommend the names of the commission's chairman and members to the governor. The commission will review the financial status of local self government institutions and suggest measures to improve their economic management, as per an official release. The cabinet also approved a Rs 1,594 crore solar energy project to enhance the energy efficiency of the Mhaisal Lift Irrigation Scheme in Sangli district. This project aims to meet the scheme's annual electricity requirement of approximately 39.8 crore units by leveraging solar power. The Krishna Koyna Lift Irrigation Project, which includes the Mhaisal scheme, is crucial for providing water to drought-prone areas in Sangli and Solapur districts, the statement said. Under the approved plan, 65 out of the 108 pumps in the Mhaisal scheme will be upgraded to energy-efficient models. Additionally, an advanced monitoring system and a 200 MW solar power plant will be installed. The generated electricity will be supplied to the Narwad substation through a dedicated transmission line. The project's financial structure includes a loan of Rs 1,120 crore from Germany's KfW Bank and a state government investment of Rs 474 crore, the statement said. The Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission and other state agencies will oversee the implementation of the project, which is expected to reduce operational costs and promote the use of green energy in the state's irrigation sector. The water will benefit 1,08,197 hectares of agricultural land from tehsils like Miraj, Kavathe Mahankal, Tasgaon and Jat in Sangli districts and Sangola and Mangalvedha in Solapur district The cabinet approved the allocation of land to Dinanath Mangeshkar Hospital in Pune to construct a bridge over a nullah on a nominal annual lease of Re 1. The hospital, run by the Dinanath Mangeshkar Foundation, had requested 795 square metres of land for the bridge to connect its properties in Erandwane and Karvenagar. The land will be given on a nominal annual lease of Rupee 1. The foundation will bear the construction costs. The bridge is expected to improve accessibility for patients staff and ambulances.
Jayant Patil attends event with Gadkari, mocks media over speculative reports
PUNE, Feb 17: Maharashtra NCP (SP) chief Jayant Patil on Monday took jibes at the media over speculation of his joining the BJP as he attended an event with Union minister Nitin Gadkari. In a sarcastic vein, Patil also asked the media to not report that Gadkari is joining the NCP (SP). Patil was speaking at an event where a hostel building of Rajarambapu Institute of Technology (RIT) in Islampur in Sangli district was inaugurated in the presence of chief [] The post Jayant Patil attends event with Gadkari, mocks media over speculative reports appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Maharashtra: Major fire at Sanglis Aditi Foods, no casualties reported
A major fire broke out at Aditi Foods in Sanglis Walwa tehsil early Thursday morning, suspected to be caused by a short circuit. Firefighters battled the blaze for nearly five hours, with no casualties reported
Sangli District Maharashtra Anganwadi Helper Recruitment 2025 - Apply Offline
Sangli District Maharashtra has Recruits Anganwadi Helper Posts. Candidates with 12TH Pass Can Apply on or before 21-02-2025.
Pune driver latest GBS fatality, toll rises to seven; confirmed case tally 167
PUNE: A 37-year-old driver from Pune, diagnosed with rare nerve disorder Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), has died in a city hospital during treatment, health officials said on Monday. The latest fatality took the toll of suspected and confirmed deaths linked to GBS in Pune to seven. Meanwhile, the number of suspected GBS cases rose to 192 after eight more infections were recorded. The tally of confirmed cases is 167 , while 21 patients are on ventilator support. The deceased worked as a driver in Pune. He was initially brought to a city-based hospital following complaints of weakness in the lower limbs, Pune civic health officials said. His relatives didn't admit him to Pune hospital and instead took him to Nipani in Karnataka on February 1. He was subsequently admitted to a Sangli-based hospital by his relatives where he was administered IVIG injections, a treatment for GBS, they said. On February 5, the relatives of the patient took a discharge against the medical advice (from Sangli) and admitted him in the ICU of Pune municipal corporation-run Kamala Nehru Hospital on the same day, according to the officials. He suffered supra-ventricular tachycardia, a heart rhythm disorder during treatment. He suffered a cardiac arrest on February 9 and died, the officials added. Officials said of the 192 suspected cases, 167 patients were diagnosed with GBS. Among 192 cases, 39 patients are from Pune municipal corporation areas, 91 are from newly-added villages in the civic area, 29 from Pimpri Chinchwad civic body, 25 are from Pune rural region and eight are from other districts. Among these cases, 91 patients have been discharged till now, 48 are in ICU, and 21 are on a ventilator, according to the release from the state health department. Investigations still on to identify cause behind Guillain-Barre Syndrome spurt: ICMR chief
Village in Maharashtra seeks a return to ballot papers in future elections
The Bahe village gram panchayat in Walva tehsil of Sangli district in Maharashtra has passed a resolution supporting ballot papers in future elections
Fadnavis will ask Munde to resign if...: Maha min
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will ask NCP minister Dhananjay Munde to step down if any evidence is found linking him to sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh's murder, his cabinet colleague Chandrakant Patil has said. A comprehensive probe is being conducted into the murder of Deshmukh, BJP leader Patil told reporters in Sangli on Sunday. Walmik Karad, an associate of minister Munde, has been arrested in an extortion case linked to the sarpanch's killing. Deshmukh, the sarpanch of Massajog village in Beed district, was abducted, tortured and killed on December 9 for trying to stop an extortion attempt against an energy firm operating a windmill project there. Munde, the NCP MLA from Parli in Beed district, is under attack from some of the ruling alliance colleagues and the opposition over his links with Karad. The Maharashtra government has already seized properties of the accused in sarpanch Deshmukh murder case. Stringent charges have been invoked and the probe is going on, the BJP leader said. The police machinery is actively investigating the case, and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has also been formed for a probe into it, Patil said. Additionally, a committee headed by a retired judge has been constituted to oversee the inquiry, the minister said. Steps are being taken, including invocation of the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against Walmik Karad and other accused, Patil pointed out. The process of seizing Karad's assets is also underway, he added.
Turmeric Board Boon to the Quality Produce, Remunerative Price
Nizamabad: The National Turmeric Board (NTB) will change the fate of farmers across the country, especially in Telangana state. From cultivation to exports, the board will play key role. The farmers are eagerly waiting for the initiative of the board for improvement of crop and its benefits. On war footing basis, the officials began arrangements for the setting up of the board in Nizamabad. Maharashtra is top producer of turmeric, but the central government set up the National Turmeric Board in Nizamabad by giving importance to the Telangana state. However, the quality of turmeric cultivated in north Telangana districts is superior. Usually, farmers bring wet turmeric for sale in the Nizamabad agriculture market yard for early disposal of the produce. Only dried turmeric, either finger variety or bulb variety will get remunerative price. In view of this, the Spices Board India created awareness among the farmers over dried turmeric for the last few years. Exclusive Turmeric Board will create awareness over cultivation and marketing strategies to the farmers. For better price, Telangana farmers sent the turmeric to Sangli market in Maharashtra. Speaking to Deccan Chronicle , Spices Board India Nizamabad deputy director Sundareshan said that they are waiting for the norms from the central government over Turmeric Board function. Both Spices Board India office and Turmeric Board will work in Nizamabad, he said. Spices Board dealt with 52 spices barring the turmeric soon, he said. We are trying to cooperate with the farmers to cultivate quality turmeric and get remunerative prices, he explained. Meanwhile, 30 varieties of turmeric crops are being cultivated in around 20 states across the country. Of the world's need for turmeric, India will cater 62 percent of the global market. As for food, cosmetic and medicinal needs, turmeric is being used in various countries. For the last five years, the model price of turmeric stands between Rs 6,350 to Rs 15,000 per quintal in Nizamabad agriculture market yard.
Maha minister Nitesh Rane ignites political storm with EVM remark
Maharashtras newly elected minister and BJP leader Nitesh Rane has once again sparked a wave of controversy with his anti-Muslim inflammatory rhetoric. This time he provocatively reinterpreted the acronym EVM (Electronic Voting Machine). Speaking at a Hindu Garjana Sabha in Sangli, Rane declared that EVM means Every Vote Against Mullah, escalating his pattern of making 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 .
A Bengaluru CEO and five family members died after a container truck crashed onto their SUV. The accident occurred on NH48 near Nelamangala while they were traveling to Sangli. The truck driver lost control while avoiding another car, hitting a milk truck before crushing the SUV. The truck driver and milk truck driver survived with injuries.
Six killed in Nelamangala Highway crash, including tech CEO, family
A devastating accident on the National Highway in Nelamangala, Bengaluru, claimed the lives of six individuals, leaving behind a scene of horror. The victims, including Chandram Yegapagol, a 46-year-old tech CEO, and five of his family members, died instantly in the collision. Yegapagol, who resided in Bengalurus HSR Layout, was the CEO and managing director of IAST Software Solutions, a company he founded in 2018. Originally from Morbagi village in Maharashtras Sangli district, he had an impressive academic background, holding a diploma in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from GPT Gulbarga and a Bachelor of Engineering from the renowned National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK) Surathkal. Yegapagols career was marked by significant leadership roles at prestigious companies such as Robert Bosch Engineering and Business Solutions, KPIT Technologies, and Great Wall Motor in China. His wealth of experience helped him establish IAST Software Solutions, which grew to employ over 100 skilled engineers and had a global reach, with a wholly owned subsidiary in Shanghai and partnerships with companies in France and Japan. The company also expanded its operations to Pune. In the tragic accident, Yegapagol was accompanied by his wife Gurabai, his sister-in-law Vijayalaxmi, his two children, and a niece, all of whom perished at the scene. According to preliminary police investigations, the accident occurred when an Eicher truck, transporting heavy aluminum pillars, lost control. The driver, reportedly trying to avoid another vehicle, veered off the road and crossed the median. The truck then crashed into a Volvo car traveling toward Tumakuru, resulting in a catastrophic impact that severely damaged the vehicle. Before coming to a stop, the truck also collided with a tempo, though the damage to the tempo was minimal. Nearby CCTV footage captured the horrifying moment of the collision. Police are currently examining the footage as part of their ongoing investigation.
Sharad Pawars party to insist on paper ballots
Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) on Sunday elected Jitendra Awhad as its group leader in the Maharashtra legislative assembly, while the youngest legislator in the 15th Maharashtra Assembly and first time MLA Rohit RR Patil was nominated as chief whip of the party. In the meeting, the party also decided to insist on paper ballots in elections. The NCP(SP) chief chaired a meeting of newly elected MLAs at the party office in South Mumbai. However, the party did not elect a group leader of the legislature party due to non availability of the members of the upper house in the meeting. After the meeting, Maharashtra NCP (SP) president Jayant Patil told the reporters that apart from Mr. Awhad and Rohit Patil, Uttam Janakar has also been elected as the whip. Out of 10 newly elected MLAs of the party, nine attended the meeting. Sandeep Kshirsagar did not come due to his felicitation in his Beed Assembly constituency, he said. Rohit Patil is the son of former Maharashtra home minister late R.R. Patil. Hedefeated his fathers archrival Sanjay Kaka Patil from Tasgaon-Kavathe Mahankal assembly constituency in Sangli district. Sanjay Kaka Patil, who is also a former BJP Lok Sabha member, had switched to Ajit Pawar led NCP ahead of the Assembly election. Awhad, who is very close to Sharad Pawar, has been consecutively elected from Mumbra-Kalwa Assembly constituency since 2009. The NCP (SP) secured only 10 out of the 86 seats it contested in the Assembly election. After its massive defeat, the party has questioned the electoral process and EVMs and claimed that the election results were not the people's mandate. In the meeting, MLAs again raised doubts over EVMS and decided to insist for elections through ballot papers in future. Patil said that although the party has less numbers, the MLAs would continue to effectively raise the issues of common people in the state legislature. He also said that the MLAs also discussed serious issues of inexplicable increase in voting percentages in the last hour on polling day. There is a complete mismatch with the final tally and form 17s data. It is a very serious issue, Patil said. The Election Commission has denied the claims stating that authorised agents of all candidates were given a copy of Form 17, which has the total votes polled at the particular polling station and the number of polled votes shown in Form 17C cannot be changed and can be verified with the total votes counted.
Three of family dead as car plunges into Krishna River near Maharashtra's Sangli district
SANGLI: Three members of a family were killed after their car plunged into the Krishna river in western Maharashtra's Sangli district in the early hours of Thursday, police said. The accident took place on the Ankali bridge around 12:30 am when two families, the Khedekars and Narvekars, residents of Sangli, were returning after attending a wedding in Kolhapur. There are two bridges on the Krishna river at the spot, an old one and a new one, adjacent to each other. The driver lost control of the car while it was passing through the old bridge and it fell between the two bridges, said a police official. It landed on a dry patch near a bridge pillar, he added. Six severely injured persons were taken to hospital. While Prasad Bhalchandra Khedekar (35), his wife Prerana (36) and Vaishnavi Santosh Narvekar (21) died, Samarjeet Prasad Khedekar (7), Varad Santosh Narvekar (19) and Sakshi Santosh Narvekar (42) were undergoing treatment, the official said.
Three of Family Die as Car Plunges Into Krishna River
Sangli: Three members of a family were killed after their car plunged into the Krishna river in western Maharashtra's Sangli district in the early hours of Thursday, police said.The accident took place on the Ankali bridge around 12.30 am when two families, the Khedekars and Narvekars, residents of Sangli, were returning after attending a wedding in Kolhapur. There are two bridges on the Krishna river at the spot, an old one and a new one, adjacent to each other. The driver lost control of the car while it was passing through the old bridge and it fell between the two bridges, said a police official. It landed on a dry patch near a bridge pillar, he added. Six severely injured persons were taken to hospital. While Prasad Bhalchandra Khedekar (35), his wife Prerana (36) and Vaishnavi Santosh Narvekar (21) died, Samarjeet Prasad Khedekar (7), Varad Santosh Narvekar (19) and Sakshi Santosh Narvekar (42) were undergoing treatment, the official said.
Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay | Will Sena, NCP rivals unite? Uddhav & Pawar still in play
Understandably, most analysts, including this writer, scrutinise the electoral performance of winner(s), seats won, vote share -- also in comparison with losers, factors that led to victory, the reasons for the inversion of the verdict (if so), and how the campaign was conducted. In most elections, especially with a multilateral polity which gets converted into a bipolar contest because of alliances, it is rare to come across a clearly defined contest between mutual adversaries. However, Maharashtra has, since 2023, after the vertical split in the NCP, been a political theatre with two, if not three, paired antagonists, neatly divided between the two adversarial alliances, Mahayuti and Maha Vikas Aghhadi (MVA). It doesnt need much effort to list three pairs, officially named by the Election Commission as Shiv Sena-Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP-NCP (Sharad Pawar), with the last one obviously being the BJP and the Congress. Before Shiv Sena and NCP splits in 2022 and 2023 respectively, both parties were part of the MVA. But prior to 2019, the Shiv Sena was the BJPs alliance partner for almost 35 years from 1984 onwards. Even before the BJP emerged as a party of significance in the late 1980s (except of course in the 1970s when its earlier Jan Sangh avatar was an important player in the anti-Congress space), the BJP and the Sena jointly took up the Hindu right-wing space. Bal Thackeray increasingly took up this space as the son of the soil was not echoing like earlier, by coming out more openly in support of the Ram Mandir agitation and the post-liberalisation celebration of Valentines Day, than the muted backing from the BJP prior to Lal Krishna Advanis 1991 Rath Yatra. The Sena, under Bal Thackeray or Uddhav Thackeray later, did not deviate from its pro-Hindutva stance. Given this, Uddhav Thackerays 2019 decision to part ways with the BJP was not taken on an ideological basis, it was just a shift made for pursuit of the CMs chair. The split in 2022 was also triggered by power-hungry Eknath Shinde, who found a keen partner in the BJP as its leadership wanted to get even with Uddhav Thackeray and seize power. The Congress, especially its national leadership, displayed discomfort over teaming up with the Shiv Sena, even after its split, but being in government remained the motivator. When the NCP split last year, Ajit Pawar had no ideological qualms in walking over from an anti-Hindutva alliance to the BJP-led coalition so long as he secured the deputy chief ministers position and a few important ministries. It is also worth recollecting during the campaign period, Ajit Pawar as well as Sharad Pawar, had stated that in 2019, they had meetings to discuss possibilities of forming a government in partnership with the BJP. We must remember that back then, the former even crossed over to the BJP side and taken the oath as deputy CM for a few days before quitting and returning to the party led by his uncle. Governance in Maharashtra was, and has been, secured without ideological reasons, even though the primary position of the BJP remains pro-Hindutva and that of its paired antagonist, the Congress, is essentially anti-Hindutva. According to the numerical hierarchy in the two alliances in terms of seats won, in the Mahayuti the sequence (or hierarchy) is: BJP (132), SHS (57) and NCP (41). According to vote-share, the sequence remains the same: BJP (26.77%), SHS (12.38%), and NCP (9.01). In the MVA, the largest to smallest party listing has got altered: SHSUBT (20), Congress (16), and NCP (10); on basis of vote-share: Congress (12.42%), NCPSP (11.28%) and SHSUBT (9.96%). The variance in numerical hierarchy within the MVA is different between the two parameters of listing and is a vagary of the first-past-the-post system. Our electoral system at times becomes more unfair in multi-polar contests -- even when it is bipolar in terms of alliances. For instance, in the Lok Sabha polls, the total vote-share of the MVA was 44.9% (including votes polled by victorious rebel candidate from Sangli who rejoined Congress), while that of the Mahayuti was 42.73, a difference of 2.17%. The total seats differed more widely: MVA (31) and Mahayuti (17). But in the Assembly elections, the three Mahayuti parties bagged 230 parties and polled 48.16% votes while the MVA parties got 46 seats and 33.66%. Another instance of peculiarity is the vote-share in this Assembly election of the Ajit Pawar NCP faction (9.01%) while that of his uncles faction is more (11.28%), even though the nephews party won four times more seats. Likewise, Eknath Shindes faction may have bagged almost three times the seats, but Uddhav Thackerays partys votes are just 2.42% lower. The oddity of the electoral system is that the BJP, with 26.77% votes, won almost 46% of the seats. The stark disproportion between vote-share or actual electoral support and seat tally makes a strong case to deliberate if India should seriously debate shifting to a proportionate system of voting or not. But this matter can be taken up separately and instead we can examine various possibilities for the two factions each in the Shiv Sena and the NCP: will leaders of the four parties reunite with the other faction, or continue as separate parties or gradually head towards extinction. Whenever the question of the political demise of any leader or party is raised, I get reminded of Narendra Modis words while he was a party functionary in New Delhi in late 1990s. While working on a profile of one of his colleagues who was passing through a turbulent period, I asked if this leaders career was over. He said that there was never a full stop in life till it was divinely fated. Despite the bitterness with which the four parties parted ways with their colleagues, there is a far greater chance for the Pawars to come together once again, because despite winning fewer seats, Sharad Pawars political base appears bigger, the fewer seats are because of factors linked to which seats the two contested and their performance in them, even the ones lost. In contrast, Uddhav Thackeray will face a greater challenge, especially if Eknath Shinde remains CM and is in a position to hand out power and resources to party leaders. Much would also depend on the BJP, particularly if it acts like a domineering party on the basis of its higher tally, as both Mr Shinde and Ajit Pawar will examine their options, although not immediately. This means that for the moment, the vanquished will fall back, but as it is colloquially said in a different context, party abhi baaki hai .
3 Dead, 9 Injured After Gas Leak At Fertiliser Plant In Maharashtra
Police said a reactor at the fertiliser plant in Maharashtra's Sangli district exploded releasing chemical fumes.
3 dead, eight injured after gas leak at pharmaceutical company in Maharashtra
A gas leak at a pharmaceutical company in Sangli, Maharashtra, resulted in the deaths of three individuals and injuries to eight others on Thursday night. The incident is suspected to have been caused by a reactor explosion. In a separate incident, a major fire broke out at a factory near Tarapur MIDC in Palghar district on Thursday morning.
Maharashtra: 3 killed, 9 hospitalised after gas leak at fertiliser plant in Sangli
Sangli Superintendent of Police Sandip Ghuge said the gas is suspected to be ammonia. Seven of the injured persons have been admitted to Sahyadri Hospital in Karad and five of them are in the ICU, said another official.
Three killed, nine hospitalised following gas leak at fertiliser plant in Maharashtra
A reactor explosion at a Maharashtra fertiliser plant released toxic fumes, suspected to be ammonia, tragically killing three people and hospitalising nine others. The incident occurred at the Myanmar Chemical Company in Sangli district, claiming the lives of two female workers and a security guard.
Everyone in Maharashtra wants Mahayuti govt, victorious Fadnavis: Amit Shah
SANGLI (Maha), Nov 8 : Senior BJP leader Amit Shah on Friday said people across Maharashtra wanted the Mahayuti government to retain power after the assembly elections, and to ensure victory of deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Speaking at a campaign rally at Shirala in Sangli district, Shah said the Narendra Modi-led BJP government is in power at the Centre, and the government of the BJP-Shiv Sena-NCP alliance was needed to be formed in the state after the elections. On [] The post Everyone in Maharashtra wants Mahayuti govt, victorious Fadnavis: Amit Shah appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Rahul, descendants wont be able to restore 370: Shah
SANGLI, Nov 8: Neither Congress leader Rahul Gandhi nor his fourth generation will be be able to bring back Article 370 that gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir, Union Minister Amit Shah said on Friday in a stinging attack on the opposition at a poll rally in Maharashtras Sangli. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp Addressing a rally in Sangli for Mahayuti (ruling alliance) candidates Sudhir Gadgil and Sanjay Kaka Patil, the Union Minister said the Congress was [] The post Rahul, descendants wont be able to restore 370: Shah appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Neither Rahul Gandhi nor his descendants will be able to restore Art 370: Shah
Sangli, Nov 8: Neither Congress leader Rahul Gandhi nor his fourth generation will be be able to bring back Article 370 that gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir, Union minister Amit Shah said on Friday in a stinging attack on the opposition at a poll rally in Maharashtras Sangli. The J-K assembly on Wednesday [] The post Neither Rahul Gandhi nor his descendants will be able to restore Art 370: Shah appeared first on Northlines .
Amit Shahs comments stir controversy, debate in Maharashtra
Union Home Minister and senior BJP leader Amit Shahs recent rally in Shirala, Sangli district, Maharashtra, has sparked a political and academic debate following his remarks linking the revered saint Ramdas to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Shah stated, This (Maharashtra) is the land where the feet of Samarth Ramdas Maharaj touched, and asserted that Ramdas united the youth in support of Shivaji Maharaj during colonial rule. Shahs portrayal has faced strong criticism from several political leaders, especially within the Maratha community. Shambhajiraje Chhatrapati, a prominent member of the Maratha royal family and former Rajya Sabha MP, voiced his disagreement, asserting that Shivaji Maharajs only true guru was his mother, Jijau Maasaheb. He emphasised her profound influence on Shivajis life, underscoring that this should be recognised in any historical context. While he acknowledged that both Shivaji Maharaj and Sant Ramdas hold significant places in Indian history, Chhatrapati argued that it was inappropriate to imply a direct connection between the two as Shah suggested. Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole also criticised Shah, asserting that BJP-RSS is attempting to distort history by linking Shivaji Maharaj to Ramdas. Shivaji Maharaj was a great leader, and no one can match him; therefore, BJP should stop comparing him to anyone. BJP should not insult our icons, Patole said. Kharge slams Fadnavis, says people of Maharashtra will give a befitting reply to BJP Historian Indrajeet Sawant supported this criticism, stating that historical records lack any reference to Shivaji Maharaj meeting or receiving assistance from Ramdas. BJP-RSS is portraying distorted history because that suits them, but it is not linked to reality, Sawant commented. Shah, however, shifted his focus to the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections, asserting that the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance would face defeat, similar to Congresss loss in Haryana. He alleged that Uddhav Thackeray, leader of Shiv Sena (UBT), is aiming to make his son Aaditya Thackeray the chief minister, while Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar wants the same role for his daughter, Supriya Sule. If MVA comes to power in Maharashtra by mistake, Uddhav Thackeray wants to make his son the chief minister, (Sharad) Pawar Saheb wants the post for his daughter, and there are a dozen leaders in Congress who have already stitched clothes to become the CM, said Shah. Claiming that the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance would emerge victorious, Shah added, These MVA people had purchased crackers worth crores of rupees, thinking they would win Haryana, but in most places, they gave their crackers to BJP workers. In Haryana, Congress was wiped out. Similarly, the Aghadi will be wiped out in Maharashtra, and BJP will form a government. Shah urged voters to place their trust in Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for Maharashtras progress. This government, under the leadership of Narendra Modi and Devendra Fadnavis, will be built on the trust that the people of Maharashtra have placed in them, and the NDA will come to power here, he stated.
Neither Rahul Gandhi nor his descendants will be able to restore Article 370: Amit Shah
Sangli: Neither Congress leader Rahul Gandhi nor his fourth generation will be be able to bring back Article 370 that gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir, Union minister Amit Shah said on Friday in a stinging attack on the opposition at a poll rally in Maharashtra's Sangli. The J-K assembly on Wednesday passed a resolution seeking a dialogue between the Central government and elected representatives for restoration of Article 370 granting special status to the erstwhile state. The move was hailed by the valley-based political parties while it prompted protests by the main opposition BJP which demanded its rollback. The provision was scrapped on August 5, 2019. Addressing a rally in Sangli for Mahayuti (ruling alliance) candidates Sudhir Gadgil and Sanjay Kaka Patil, the Union Minister said the Congress was supporting the National Conference, the ruling party in J-K, in this endeavour. From the land of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, I am telling you Rahul baba that neither you nor you fourth generation will be able to restore Article 370. Every child of the country is ready to fight for Kashmir, the senior BJP leader asserted. When Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the decision to abrogate Article 370, I brought the bill (in Parliament) but Rahul Gandhi, Sharad Pawar, Mamta Banerjee, Akhilesh Yadav and Stalin opposed the move. They said do not remove Article 370 as it would lead to bloodshed in the Valley. Forget rivers of blood, nobody dared to throw a stone, Shah said. During the UPA government of Sonia Gandhi and Manmohan Singh, terrorist attacks were frequent, but after Modi became PM, the incidents at Uri and Pulwama led to surgical strikes that wiped out terrorists in Pakistan, Shah told the gathering. Modi's efforts led to the construction of a grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya, which was being stalled by the Congress for the past 70 years, he said. After Modi came to power, in five years, the court's judgement was delivered, the temple's foundation stone was laid, it was constructed and the consecration ceremony took place, he said. Attacking Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for showing a copy of the Constitution at his rallies to attack the BJP, Shah said the Constitution is not an election agenda. The Constitution is about trust but these people (Congress) are seeking votes in the name of the Constitution and bluffing. Today, in one of the poll rallies, copies of the Constitution were distributed. The front cover was okay but the inside pages were blank. Not a single word was printed on them. Gandhi has insulted the Constitution, insulted Babasaheb Ambedkar and people of India, Shah said. Gandhi should tell the people whether the copy of the Constitution that he held while taking oath as MP in Parliament was real or fake, Shah said. Gandhi recently said the country does not need reservations. But as long as the Modi government is in power, no one has the guts to touch the Constitution. Reservations for SCs, STs and OBCs will remain the way it always was, Shah asserted. Maharashtra assembly polls will be held on November 20, while results will be declared on November 23.
MVA will lose in Maharashtra like Congress lost Haryana: Amit Shah in Sangli
MVA will be wiped out in Maharashtra the way Cong was defeated in Haryana: Amit Shah
Sangli: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) will be wiped out in Maharashtra in the assembly elections the same way the Congress faced a defeat in Haryana. He also said that while Uddhav Thackeray wants his son (Aaditya Thackeray) to become the chief minister of Maharashtra and Sharad Pawar wishes the same for his daughter (Supriya Sule), there are a number of leaders in the Congress who are vying for the post. Shah was addressing an election rally at Shirala in Sangli district to garner support for BJP candidates from Shirala and Islampur constituencies ahead of the November 20 assembly polls. If MVA comes to power in Maharashtra by mistake, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray wants to make his son the chief minister, (Sharad) Pawar saheb wants the post for his daughter and there are a dozen leaders in the Congress who have already stitched clothes to become the CM, Shah said. The former BJP president said those who wish to make their sons the chief minister should work for the welfare of people of Shirala. The development of this region can only happen by Devendra Fadnavis, Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar's Mahayuti under the leadership of Modiji. We want to tell you that whatever promises Modi ji makes, they are fulfilled, he said. But whatever promises that are made by Congress leaders, are never fulfilled, he alleged. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge himself says that whatever promises his party makes are imaginary, Shah claimed. Expressing confidence that Mahayuti will win the state elections, Shah said, These MVA people had purchased crackers worth crores of rupees thinking that they will win Haryana, but in most of the places, they gave their crackers to the BJP workers. In Haryana, the Congress was wiped out. Similarly, the Aghadi will be wiped out in Maharashtra as BJP will form a government, he said.
Ajit Pawar condemns ally Sadabhau khot's remarks on his uncle Sharad Pawar
Pune: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has condemned adverse remarks made against his uncle and NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar by ruling Mahayuti legislator Sadabhau Khot, and said such comments will not be tolerated. As the remarks sparked a row ahead of the November 20 state polls, Khot, the founder of Rayat Kranti Sanghatana and an ally of the ruling Mahayuti in the state, in a video message on Thursday expressed his apology and said he takes back his comment if has hurt anyone's sentiments. During a public rally on Wednesday at Jath in Sangli district, where senior BJP leader and Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis was in attendance, Khot made comments on the health condition of senior Pawar, sparking criticism from both factions of the NCP. Objecting to Khot's comments, Ajit Pawar, who broke ranks with Sharad Pawar last year and joined the Eknath Shinde-BJP government, in a post on X on Wednesday said the remarks were condemnable and inappropriate and will not be tolerated. Speaking to reporters in Pune on Thursday, Ajit Pawar stated, Whatever he (Khot) said was highly condemnable and connotes 'vinash kale viprit buddhi' (a person thinks adversely when his destruction is around). Former state chief minister Yashwantrao Chavan had shown the values of how to behave in political life, and how to not cross a limit while speaking about rivals in politics. A similar tradition was later carried forward by other chief ministers, he noted. The remarks made by Khot are highly condemnable and I have already condemned it, the deputy CM said. Ajit Pawar also said he called Khot over the phone and registered his displeasure over the statement. I told him that nobody liked your remarks about Pawar Saheb. I told him that making personal remarks about someone is not our method. I also told him that it must not happen against Pawar saheb or any leader, irrespective of any party, he said. There are differences of opinion between politicians but while expressing them, a balance should be maintained, Ajit Pawar said. The NCP leader further said Khot has ensured such things will not be repeated. Khot, in a video message, said he did not speak purposefully about anyone's physical condition. It is colloquial lingo in rural areas and some people misconstrued my remarks, but if someone's sentiments have been hurt, I take back my words and express an apology, he said.
Congress calls for probe into Ajit Pawar move into NDA fold
New Delhi: The Congress on Saturday called for a probe into alleged blackmail and coercion tactics used to bring NCP leader Ajit Pawar into the NDA fold. Taking a swipe at the BJP, the Congress also said the saffron partys washing machine was nowhere more powerful than in Maharashtra. Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh cited Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawars recent remarks to claim that the issue involved not just the use of coercion and blackmail but also breach of the oath of confidentiality and the Official Secrets Act. The BJPs washing machine is an all-India phenomenon but perhaps nowhere was it more powerful than in Maharashtra, he said. The use of the term washing machine by the Opposition in political parlance refers to the pattern of allegedly sullied leaders being inducted into the BJP and portrayed as clean. When in Opposition before 2014, the BJP raised allegations about massive corruption by Ajit Pawar, then the states irrigation and water resources minister and the allegations claimed corruption to the tune of `70,000 crore, Ramesh pointed out. The Congress leader claimed that Ajit Pawar has now confirmed that blackmail and coercion surrounding these charges were used by the BJP to bring him over to the National Democratic Alliance. The non-biological Prime Minister himself led the charge, famously labelling the NCP now his much beloved ally at the state and Centre as a Naturally Corrupt Party, he said. Ajit Pawar has now revealed that after becoming Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis showed him a file recommending an open inquiry against Ajit Pawar in the alleged irrigation scam. One can only imagine the threat that was implicit in this move: submit to us, or face action, Mr Ramesh said. Ajit Pawar and several other MLAs broke away from the Nationalist Congress Party led by his uncle Sharad Pawar and joined the Shiv Sena-BJP government in the state last year. The Congress leader asserted that this was a serious matter since it involved not just the use of coercion and blackmail but also breach of the oath of confidentiality and the Official Secrets Act. An investigation should be conducted into this matter, he said. His remarks came days after Pawar alleged he was backstabbed by close colleague and then home minister R.R. Patil, who ordered an open inquiry against him in the alleged multi-crore irrigation scam. Pawar claimed a file mentioning Patils remarks ordering an inquiry was shown to him by Fadnavis after he became chief minister in 2014. Mr Pawar made these claims while addressing a rally for NCP candidate Sanjay Kaka Patil, who is in the fray against the late Patils son Rohit from Tasgaon in Sangli district.
Maharashtra polls: Candidates sweat over Independents with identical names
In the upcoming November 20 assembly elections, candidates in various constituencies face challenges from Independent candidates with identical names, posing potential voter confusion. Notably, Rohit Raosaheb Patil contests against similar-named Independents in Sangli, while similar cases arise in Pune with Bapusaheb Tukaram Pathare and Ashwini Nitin Kadam.
MVA Kicks Off First Joint Rally for Maharashtra Polls Today
Mumbai : The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) will hold its first joint rally on Thursday for the Maharashtra Assembly election in Mumbai. At the rally, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and party president Mallikarjun Kharge will announce the Congresss guarantees in the presence of Shiv Sena(UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and NCP(SP) chief Sharad Pawar. Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole said the event will be held at the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) in the evening. Mr Gandhi will be on a one-day visit to Maharashtra. He will first participate in the Sanvidhan Bachao meeting in Nagpur in the morning. After that, he will attend the MVAs joint rally at the BKC, he said. In the past, the Congress released its guarantee cards, containing poll promises for the 2024 general election and several recent state Assembly elections. Among the MVA allies, the Congress is contesting the highest number of seats (103) in Maharashtra, followed by the Shiv Sena(UBT) 89 and the NCP(SP) 87 seats. Six seats have been given to other MVA allies, while there is no clarity on three Assembly segments. According to reports, the MVA allies have also fielded candidates against each other in at least six seats. Congresss Maharashtra in-charge Ramesh Chennithala acknowledged misunderstanding, but insisted there are no rifts between the MVA allies. He claimed that the Mahayuti alliance led by the BJP is having a major internal fight. There are no issues among us. We are ready to fight the Assembly election even today. We have given equal treatment to all alliance partners, Mr Chennithala said. Taking a dig at the Mahayuti, the Congress leader said that it was the BJP fighting all seats in Maharashtra. He pointed out that several BJP leaders, including ministers and lawmakers, have joined either the Shiv Sena or the NCP and they have been declared the official candidates of the two parties. Former BJP MP from Sangli, Sanjaykaka Patil and the partys Sangli district president Nishikant Bhosale Patil will be contesting the Assembly election as NCP candidates from the Tasgaon and Islampur seats, respectively. The Ajit Pawar-led party has also fielded former BJP MP Pratap Patil-Chikhalikar, who lost the 2024 election from the Nanded Lok Sabha seat, from the Loha Assembly seat. Former BJP minister Rajkumar Badole is the NCP candidate from the Arjuni-Morgaon seat. Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena has fielded former BJP spokesperson N.C. Shaina from the Mumbadevi seat and former BJP MP Rajendra Gavit from the Palghar Assembly constituency. Mahayuti members are fighting amongst themselves. They are fighting from each other's quotas. The BJP leaders are fighting under the Shiv Sena and the NCP symbols. Actually, it is the BJP that is fighting alone. Mr Shinde and Mr Pawar are finished, Mr Chennithala said.
Rahul Gandhi to declare Congress guarantees for Maharashtra poll
Mumbai : Maha Vikas Aghadi will hold its first joint rally on Thursday for the Maharashtra Assembly election in Mumbai. In the rally, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and party president Mallikarjun Kharge will announce Congresss guarantees in the presence of Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar. Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole said the event will be held at the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) in the evening. Rahul Gandhi will be on a one-day visit to Maharashtra. He will first participate in the Sanvidhan Bachao meeting in Nagpur in the morning. After that he attend the MVAs joint rally at the BKC, he said. In the past, Congress released its Guarantee Cards containing poll promises for the 2024 General election and various recent state assembly elections. In the MVA, the Congress is contesting the highest number of seats (103) followed by the Shiv Sena (UBT) 89 and NCP (SP) 87 seats. Six seats have been given to other MVA allies, while there was no clarity on three assembly segments. According to reports, the MVA allies have also fielded candidates against each other from at least six seats. Congresss Maharashtra in-charge Ramesh Chennithala acknowledged misunderstanding, but insisted there were no rifts between the MVA allies. He claimed that the Mahayuti alliance led by the BJP is having a major internal fight. There are no issues among us. We are ready to fight the Assembly election even today. We have given equal treatment to all alliance partners, Mr. Chennithala said. Taking a dig at the Mahayuti, the Congress leader said that it was the BJP fighting all seats in Maharashtra. He pointed out that several BJP leaders, including ministers and lawmakers, have joined either the Shiv Sena or NCP and they have been declared the official candidates of the two parties. Former BJP MP from Sangli, Sanjaykaka Patil and partys Sangli district president Nishikant Bhosale Patil will be contesting the Assembly election as NCP candidates from the Tasgaon and Islampur seats respectively. The Ajit Pawar-led party has also fielded former BJP MP Pratap Patil-Chikhalikar, who lost the 2024 election from the Nanded Lok Sabha seat, from the Loha Assembly seat. Former BJP minister Rajkumar Badole is the NCP candidate from the Arjuni-Morgaon seat. Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena has fielded former BJP spokesperson NC Shaina from the Mumbadevi seat and former BJP MP Rajendra Gavit from the Palghar Assembly constituency. Mahayuti members are fighting amongst themselves. They are fighting from each other's quotas. BJP leaders are fighting under Shiv Sena and NCP symbols. Actually, it is the BJP that is fighting alone. Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar are finished,Mr. Chennithala said.
Ajit blames RR Patil over Rs 70K cr irrigation scam
MUMBAI: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Tuesday opened the decade-old irrigation scam projected at Rs 70,000 crore and claimed that his colleague and former home minister late RR Patil was responsible for initiating an open inquiry involving him. Ajit said he was surprised when he learnt that his cabinet colleague and friend Patil signed on the file initiating the inquiry. The deputy CM was campaigning for his party candidate Sanjaya Kaka Patil, who is contesting against late RR Patils son Rohit Patil in Tasgaon-Kavathe Mahankal in Sangli district. This happened when the Congress-NCP government in 2014 was on its last legs. Then, we withdrew support to the Congress CM Prithviraj Chavan-led government and later Presidents rule was imposed. The file then went to the governor who refused to sign it, saying the next elected government will take a decision. When the BJP government came to power, then CM Fadnavis called me at his residence and showed me the file that was signed by Patil, which I think Patil did purely to defame me, Ajit said. Fadnavis told me that your party leader RR Patil signed the file to carry out an investigation against you. He said he had to sign it as the CM, Ajit said. The entire budget of the irrigation department is Rs 42,000 crore. How come can it be Rs 70,000 cr scam? The issue forced me to quit, Ajit said. Meanwhile, as the Assembly poll temperature shot up in the state, NCP patriarch Sharad Pawar sought to remind his nephew Ajit of his six-month-old speech during the Lok Sabha polls a few months ago. In an aside, He told his nephew not to shed tears over political differences in the family. Sharad was referring to Ajits speech a couple of days ago. Sharad was in Baramati to campaign for his grand-nephew Yugnedra Pawar who is contesting against his deputy CM uncle Ajit Pawar in Baramati. Citing Ajit, Pawar said: Sharad will come to Baramati and try to make you emotional; he will bring tears to your eyes and urge you to cast your vote for Supriya Sule, but do not get emotional.
Congress announces third list of 39 candidates, gains two more in its share of 85 seats in MVA
NEW DELHI/MUMBAI: Congress on Saturday released a list of 39 candidates for the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections. The party has announced 87 candidates so far. Though the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) comprising the Congress, NCP (Sharad Pawar), and Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray) announced that they would contest 85 seats each, the Congress has got two more seats to contest. The third list, released late Saturday evening, has 16 candidates, while the second list had 23 candidates in the afternoon. The party has fielded Sachin Sawant from Andheri West and Mohanrao Marotrao Ambade from Nanded South. In Kolhapur North, Rajesh Bharat Latkar has been fielded while Prithviraj Gulabrao Patil will contest from Sangli. In the ST reserved seat Gadchiroli, the party has fielded Manohar Tulshiram Poreti and Manikrao Thakare contest from Digras. While Rana Dalipkumar Sanada will contest from Khamgaon, Dr Hemant Nanda Chimote will be in ST seat Melghat. In Nagpur South a disputed seat between the Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT), the party has fielded Girish Pandav from that seat. While Kalu Badheliya has been fielded from Kandivali East, Yashwant Singh will contest from Charkop against BJPs Yogesh Sagar. The party has fielded Ganesh Yadav from Sion Koliwada. The party has fielded Suresh Bhoyar against BJP state president Chandrashekhar Bawankule from Kamthi. Shekhar Shende will contest from Wardha. The party released the first list of 48 candidates on Thursday. The names of candidates were finalised at a meeting of the Central Election Committee (CEC) chaired by party chief Malllikarjun Kharge on Friday evening. Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, K C Venugopal, and state leaders attended the meeting. AICC in-charge Maharashtra, Ramesh Chennithala, said all constituents will be given representation as part of the MVA alliance. Samajwadi Party, CPM, CPI and AAP are part of MVA. We are giving representation to all the parties, but seats are limited, he said. In its first list, the party retained several sitting MLAs and fielded senior leaders including Nana Patole and former CM Prithviraj Chavan. The party also fielded former ministers Nitin Raut and Balasaheb Thorat from Nagpur North and Sangamner.
Ajit Pawars Candidates Have BJPs Stamp of Approval
Mumbai: It appears that apart from selecting its own candidates, the BJP is also providing candidates to its alliance partner NCP for the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly election. Ajit Pawars party on Friday inducted five leaders and gave them Assembly tickets. The new entrants included two former BJP MPs and a district president. The other two were Congress MLA Zeeshan Siddique and former minister Nawab Maliks daughter Sana Malik. Former BJP MP from Sangli, Sanjaykaka Patil and partys Sangli district president Nishikant Bhosale Patil joined the NCP in the presence of NCP national president Ajit Pawar and state president Sunil Tatkare in Mumbai. As soon as they joined the party, NCP announced their candidature. Nishikant Patil will contest against NCP (SP)s heavyweight Jayant Patil from Islampur and Sanjaykaka Patil will contest from Tasgaon assembly constituency, where he will be up against late R.R. Patils 25-year-old son Rohit Patil. The NCP also gave tickets to former BJP MP Pratap Patil-Chikhalikar who lost the 2024 election from the Nanded Lok Sabha seat. Now he will contest the Assembly election from the Loha seat as NCP candidate. Zeeshan Siddiqui, son of former state minister and NCP leader Baba Siddique, also joined the NCP. He will be the NCP candidate from Vandre East against Uddhav Thackerays relative Varun Sardesai. Zeshan had won the seat in 2019 as the Congress candidate. However, the Congress recently expelled him for the alleged anti-party activities. After joining the NCP, Zeeshan Siddiqui said, This is an emotional day for me and my family. NCP has expressed trust in me and I thank them for it. I will always be with the one who supported me in these difficult times. Sana Malik, the daughter of former minister Nawab Malik, will contest from her fathers constituency Anushaktinagar. This decision was also taken under the BJPs pressure. The saffron party had strongly objected to Nawab Maliks candidature as he is facing a case related to his alleged links with the Dawood Ibrahim gang. Malik is expected to contest the Assembly election as an independent from the Muslim-dominated Mankhurd-Shivajinagar seat, where he will challenge Samajwadi Partys state chief Abu Azmi. Former BJP minister Rajkumar Badole joined the Ajit Pawar-led party earlier this week and is contesting the Assembly election as the NCP candidate from the Arjuni-Morgaon seat. On Thursday, a crucial meeting was held in Delhi between Union home minister Amit Shah and leaders of the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance to discuss the strategy for the Assembly elections. Speaking about the meeting with Shah, Ajit Pawar said, Our discussion is still. We are moving in a phased manner. Till we say something dont get to the conclusion that someone has been given a ticket and another one is ignored. Yesterday our whole day was spent in Delhi for the discussion. Out of 288 seats, only 11 seats are remaining for us to decide. We are trying to take the best decision for the alliance. The Assembly elections in Maharashtra will be held on November 20 and results will be declared on November 23.
