Instagram friendship lands woman and friend behind bars

Hyderabad: Friendship on Instagram landed a woman and her friend into trouble after Secunderabad Railway Police (GRP) in coordination with the Railway Protection Force (RPF) arrested them for smuggling ganja from Visakhapatnam to Solapur in Maharashtra via Secunderabad railway station. The arrested have been identified as Ishrat Bano, 20, of Madhya Pradesh and Kanchan, 21, of Chhattisgarh. The prime accused Raja of Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh is absconding. The railway police said Bano and Kanchan were friends when they studied in the same school up to intermediate at Bilaspur. They became addicted to consuming alcohol and smoking cigarettes. Two years ago Bano developed a friendship with Raja on Instagram. Bano shared her problems, habits and status with Raja. Raja suggested Bano to assist him in transporting ganja to Maharashtra offering her to pay Rs.1,000 per packet. Bano then agreed to the offer and helped Raja transport ganja thrice a month. Meanwhile, Kanchan often expressed her desire with Bano to go on a long trip. Raja assigned the task of transporting ganja to Solapur. On January 16, 2025, Bano called Kanchan to come to Raipur for a trip to Solapur. During the journey, Bano revealed to Kanchan about the transportation ganja from Visakhapatnam to Solapur and convinced her by offering to share the earnings equally. Thereafter, both Bano and Kanchan went to Visakhapatnam railway station from Raipur. Bano then2 took two back packs of dry ganja in eight packets from an unknown person. She handed over a bag to Kanchan and both boarded a general coach of Konark Express to reach Solapur. On Friday at about 1.15 pm, the train arrived on platform one at Secunderabad station when the police nabbed them while moving under suspicious circumstances. As many as 17.767 kgs of dry ganja worth Rs.4.44 lakh and two mobile phones were seized from the possession of the arrested women.

Shaktipeeth Expressway: 802-KM Link to Boost Nagpur-Goa Link - All You Need To Know

The Nagpur-Goa Shaktipeeth Expressway, an 802-kilometer-long six-lane corridor, is all set to transform travel between Nagpur and Goa. Developed by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), this project will cut down travel time from the current 18-20 hours to just 8-10 hours, revolutionizing connectivity across the state. The expressway will pass through 12 districts, linking key pilgrimage centers while driving tourism, economic growth, and infrastructure development. Route and Districts Covered The expressway begins at Pavnar in Wardha district and ends at Patradevi on the Maharashtra-Goa border, passing through 12 districts, including Yavatmal, Hingoli, Nanded, Parbhani, and Sindhudurg. By offering a faster, more convenient route, the expressway is expected to enhance regional tourism and economic activities. Connecting Pilgrimage Sites and Growth A standout feature of this expressway is its ability to connect significant spiritual destinations. Stretching from Wardha to Sindhudurg, it will provide easier access to famous pilgrimage spots, such as Tuljapur near Solapur, Mahalaxmi in Kolhapur, and Patra Devi, promoting spiritual tourism while fostering economic development. This linkage between cultural heritage and progress will not only benefit devotees but also boost regional industries. Villages Along the Route The expressway will pass through several villages, including Sangavade, Sangavadewadi, Halasavade, Nerli, Vikaswadi, Kaneriwadi, Kaneri, Kogil Budruk, and Khebwade. By integrating rural areas into the expressway's network, the project is expected to open up new economic opportunities for these regions and improve the standard of living for local communities. Cost and Scale of the Project The total cost of the Shaktipeeth Expressway is estimated to be Rs.86,000 crore. Once completed, this highway will become one of Indias longest, surpassing the 701-kilometer Nagpur-Mumbai Expressway. Beyond its sheer size, the project symbolizes the connection between Maharashtra's cultural heritage and its vision for economic advancement. Challenges and Progress Despite facing challenges, the project is moving forward steadily. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has prioritized land acquisition to ensure the project's timely progress. Modeled after the Samruddhi Expressway, this initiative highlights the state governments commitment to reducing travel times and improving infrastructure. The Nagpur-Goa Shaktipeeth Expressway is more than just a road. It represents a new chapter of connectivity, offering a bridge between tradition and modernity, and unlocking new opportunities for millions of people across Maharashtra. A Vision for Maharashtra's Prosperity The Mahayuti government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has introduced an expressway that stands as more than just a transportation route, represents progress and unity. By linking important Shaktipeeths and cutting down travel time, this initiative is expected to boost spiritual tourism and drive economic development. Moreover, the project reflects the government's dedication to balancing infrastructure advancements with environmental and social accountability. The Nagpur-Goa Shaktipeeth Expressway symbolizes a brighter and more connected future for Maharashtra. Prioritizing improved accessibility while protecting the environment, this venture is poised to become a milestone in India's journey toward modern infrastructure development.

NCP (SP) leader Mahesh Kothe dies of heart attack while taking holy dip in UP

Mahesh Kothe`s body will be brought to Solapur for the last rites on Wednesday

Leader From Sharad Pawar's Party Dies Of Heart Attack After Prayagraj Holy Dip

Former Solapur mayor and NCP (SP) leader Mahesh Kothe died after he suffered a heart attack while taking a holy dip at the triveni confluence in Prayagraj on Tuesday, his aide said.

Ex-mayor and NCP (SP) leader Mahesh Kothe dies of heart attack after Prayagraj holy dip

Mahesh Kothe, former Solapur mayor and NCP (SP) leader, died from a heart attack while taking a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj during Makar Sankranti. Despite efforts to save him, he was declared dead at the medical facility. Sharad Pawar expressed condolences, acknowledging Kothe's impact on Solapur's social and political spheres.

After holy dip in Ganga, Solapur's former mayor, NCP(SP) leader Mahesh Kothe passes away

Former Solapur mayor and NCP leader Mahesh Vishnupant Kothe died from a heart attack after participating in the Mahakumbh at Prayagraj. A close confidant of Sharad Pawar, Kothe was recognized for his dedication to social work and extensive political career in Solapur, despite facing health challenges.

NTPC To Mix Bamboo With Coal For Clean Energy Production In Solapur Thermal Plant: Pasha Patel

This development comes after Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis wrote to the NTPC chairman proposing to start India's first biomass-based thermal power project at its Solapur Super Thermal Power Station, a 1,320 MW coal fired project.

2 dead, 4 injured in tempo-SUV collision in Solapur

Three girls from Maharashtra stage kidnapping to fulfil dream of meeting BTS pop band members

CHHATRAPATI SAMBHAJINAGAR: Three minor girls from Maharashtra allegedly staged their own kidnapping in a bid to earn money and visit South Korea to meet the hugely popular BTS pop band members, police said on Monday. The girls, one 11 years' old and two aged 13, hailing from Dharashiv district, had planned to go to Pune to earn money which they needed to travel to South Korea and meet their favourite K-pop band members, an official from Omerga police station said. On December 27, the Dharashiv police received a call on their helpline number with a person claiming three girls were forcibly taken away in a school van from Omerga taluka in the district, he said. The police swung into action and found the number belonged to a woman, who was travelling in a state transport bus going from Omerga to Pune. They tracked the bus while it was passing through the Mohol area in the state's Solapur district, the official added. The Omerga police contacted their counterparts in Mohol and a woman who operates a shop at the Mohol bus stand. With the womans assistance, three girls were removed from a bus and brought to a local police station. Later, the Omerga police team, accompanied by the minors parents, arrived at the station, an official stated. During questioning the next day, the girls revealed their plan to travel to Pune, work there, and save money to fulfil their dream of visiting South Korea to meet their favorite members of the BTS pop band, the official added.

Three Girls Fake Kidnapping to Meet BTS Members

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Three minor girls from Maharashtra allegedly staged their own kidnapping in a bid to earn money and visit South Korea to meet the hugely popular BTS pop band members, police said on Monday. The girls, one 11 years' old and two aged 13, hailing from Dharashiv district, had planned to go to Pune to earn money which they needed to travel to South Korea and meet their favourite K-pop band members, an official from Omerga police station said. On December 27, the Dharashiv police received a call on their helpline number with a person claiming three girls were forcibly taken away in a school van from Omerga taluka in the district, he said. The police swung into action and found the number belonged to a woman, who was travelling in a state transport bus going from Omerga to Pune. They tracked the bus while it was passing through Mohol area in the state's Solapur district, the official said. The Omerga police got in touch with their counterparts in Mohol as well as a woman who runs a shop at the Mohol bus stand, he said. The three girls were subsequently taken down from the bus with the woman's help and brought to a local police station. The Omerga police team along with the minor's parents later reached there, the official said. The next day, the police enquired with the girls, who told them that they had a plan to go to Pune, work there and earn money which they needed to go to South Korea and meet their favourite members of the BTS pop band, the official said.

NCP (SP) MLA claims 'EVM tampering' behind Mahayuti win; BJP says immature comments

MUMBAI: NCP (SP) lawmaker Uttam Jankar on Sunday alleged that the Mahayuti coalition won the Maharashtra assembly polls due to EVM tampering, a claim the BJP dismissed as immature. Talking to a Marathi news channel, Jankar, who won from the Malshiras assembly constituency in Solapur district, also claimed that Deputy Chief Minister and NCP head Ajit Pawar lost the Baramati seat by 20,000 votes. As per the Election Commission, Ajit Pawar defeated NCP (SP) candidate and his nephew Yugendra Pawar in Baramati, the home turf of the Pawar family, by over 1 lakh votes. Jankar's claims were rubbished by BJP leader Pravin Darekar. He said the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), which comprises NCP (SP), Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress, is yet to recover from its poll debacle. Jankar claimed that as per actual results, 77 seats have gone to the BJP, 12 to NCP and 18 to Shiv Sena and 3 to Independents. The Mahayuti of BJP, NCP and Shiv Sena won the polls due to EVM (electronic voting machine) tampering, he said. Jankar's comments are immature. He should substantiate them with facts, Darekar said. In the recently held assembly polls, Mahayuti won 230 of the 288 assembly seats. While the BJP pocketed 132 seats, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena won 57 and NCP bagged 41 seats. By sharp contrast, MVA was reduced to only 46 seats. Sharad Pawar's NCP (SP) won 10, while Uddhav Thackeray-led Sena (UBT) and Congress got only 20 and 16 seats respectively.

In special drive, Maharashtra ATS arrests 13 Bangladeshi nationals for illegal stay

Mumbai/Jalna, Dec 28: The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) arrested 16 Bangladeshi nationals, including six women, for entering India illegally and staying without valid documents. The arrests were made during a special drive initiated by the ATS, officials said. Accordingly, action was taken in the last 24 hours with the help of police in Navi Mumbai, Thane and Solapur. We arrested seven men and six women, an official said. They have been booked in three cases under the Foreigners Act and [] The post In special drive, Maharashtra ATS arrests 13 Bangladeshi nationals for illegal stay appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Rs 500 paddy bonus lures Maharashtra, Karnataka suppliers

Nizamabad: The introduction of a Rs 500 bonus for paddy has inadvertently fuelled illegal transportation of paddy from neighbouring Maharashtra and Karnataka into Nizamabad and Kamareddy districts. Despite efforts by officials to strengthen inter-state borders, middlemen remain pivotal in facilitating the smuggling operations. Previously, farmers transported paddy to Maharashtra seeking higher prices. Under the guise of supporting farmers, certain traders diverted paddy from Nizamabad and Kamareddy to districts such as Nanded, Latur, Bheed, Parbhani, Jalna, Pune, Solapur, Mumbai, and other regions in Maharashtra. With the new Rs 500 bonus incentive, traders have started moving paddy back from Maharashtras Nanded district to Telanganas Nizamabad and Kamareddy districts. Civil supplies, revenue, and police officials have intensified coordination to block the influx of paddy from Maharashtra and Karnataka. However, these measures have largely failed due to the involvement of corrupt employees at key inter-state entry points. Traders exploit these vulnerabilities to smuggle paddy through locations including Salabathpur, Pothangal, Birkur, Salura, Kandakurthi, and Khandgaon.

Murder conspiracy unfolds in Pune: BJP MLCs aunt held for husbands killing

A shocking murder case has emerged in Pune, Maharashtra, where Mohini Wagh, 48, the aunt of BJP MLC Yogesh Tilekar, has been arrested for allegedly masterminding the contract killing of her husband, Satish Wagh. The incident, which took place on December 9, has sent shockwaves through the community. Satish Wagh, 55, was reportedly abducted near Shewalwadi Chowk in Punes Hadapsar area and later found murdered near Yavat, approximately 40 kilometers away on the Pune-Solapur Highway. Police investigations suggest that the murder stemmed from a domestic dispute linked to Mohinis extra-marital affair. According to Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime) Shailesh Balkawade, Mohini had been involved in an affair with Akshay Jawalkar, a former tenant of the Wagh family. After Satish discovered the relationship and confronted his wife, it reportedly led to an abusive confrontation. The Jawalkar family had moved out, but Mohini and Akshay continued to maintain contact. In a shocking twist, Mohini allegedly conspired with Akshay to have her husband killed. Akshay, in turn, paid 5 lakh to four individualsPawan Shyamsundar Sharma, Navnath Arjun Gursale, Vikas Sitaram Shinde, and Atish Jadhavto carry out the murder. The police have arrested Mohini Wagh, Akshay Jawalkar, and the four hired accomplices for their involvement in the plot. They are currently in custody, and Mohini will be presented before a local court. Authorities have confirmed that further investigations into the case are ongoing. The brutal killing has raised questions about the extent of domestic conflicts and the lengths to which some individuals may go to resolve them.

Out on morning walk, BJP MLC Yogesh Tilekar's uncle kidnapped, found dead hours later in Pune

PUNE: Maharashtra BJP MLC Yogesh Tilekar's uncle was allegedly abducted and murdered by unidentified persons in Pune district, a police official said. The victim, Satish Wagh (55), was bundled into an SUV near Shewalwadi Chowk in Hadapsar area of Pune city by four to five persons on Monday when he was out for a morning walk, prompting police to form several teams to trace him. In the evening, Wagh was found murdered near Yavat on Pune-Solapur Highway in the district, around 40 kilometres from the spot he was abducted, Additional Commissioner of Police Manoj Patil said. Pune, Maharashtra: Additional CP Manoj Patil says, In Yavat village, near the Shinde Vadghat, Satish's body was found a short distance from the road. The body showed signs of injuries, indicating that he was stabbed with a sharp weapon. However, only one wound was visible on the https://t.co/JAZCmwmSEx pic.twitter.com/cUh8TgjiI8 IANS (@ians_india) December 9, 2024 There were multiple injuries on the body. Several teams have fanned out to nab the accused. A team was at the spot to conduct panchnama, Patil said. Earlier on Monday, a police official said Tilekar's family did not receive any call for ransom nor had they raised suspicion on anyone. Wagh had interests in farming and also owned a hotel near Shewalwadi, as per police sources.

Maharashtra Congress Chief Pushes for Ballot Paper Voting.

Mumbai: Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole has urged the Supreme Court and the Election Commission to take note of the growing public demand for ballot paper voting in view of doubts about the mandate in assembly elections. The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi has upped the ante against electronic voting machines (EVMs) after the BJP-led Mahayuti won 230 out of 288 seats in the Maharashtra assembly elections. Patole on Sunday claimed the Mahayuti victory didn't reflect the mandate of the people. There is a widespread confusion among people about the new state government. A strong sentiment suggests that the government doesn't reflect the people's mandate, Patole told reporters. Several leaders from opposition parties, including NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar, visited Markadwadi village in Solapur district to express solidarity with villagers who had tried to hold a mock epoll using ballot papers while questioning the EVM credibility. This public sentiment is not confined to Markadwadi but resonates across villages in Maharashtra. A demand for conducting voting through ballot papers is growing, with village sabhas passing resolutions to this effect, Patole claimed. He appealed to the Election Commission and the Supreme Court to take cognisance of this public sentiment. The Congress leader, who won the electoral contest by a wafer-thin margin, said the doubt among electors about their vote reaching the candidate of their choice should be resolved. Residents of Markadwadi had resolved to conduct a mock re-poll using ballot papers, but the government, with the help of the Election Commission and police, suppressed their efforts and filed cases against them, he alleged. Patole sought the Election Commission's clarification on he addition of 7.6 million votes. They have failed to provide a satisfactory explanation. Manipulating votes is akin to the daylight murder of democracy. If such dissatisfaction arises in a democracy, it must be addressed. The Opposition will fight for this demand in the legislature and on the streets, Patole added. The Supreme Court last month dismissed a plea seeking to revert to paper ballot voting in elections in the country, saying allegations of tampering with EVMs raked up only when people lose polls. What happens is, when you win the election, EVMs are not tampered with. When you lose the election, EVMs are tampered (with), remarked a bench of Justices Vikram Nath and P B Varale. Apart from ballot paper voting, the plea sought several directions, including a directive to the Election Commission to disqualify candidates for a minimum of five years if found guilty of distributing money, liquor or other material inducement to the voters during polls.

Maharashtra Congress chief asks ECI, SC to consider 'public demand' for ballot paper voting

MUMBAI: Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole has urged the Supreme Court and the Election Commission to take note of the growing public demand for ballot paper voting in view of doubts about the mandate in assembly elections. The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi has upped the ante against electronic voting machines (EVMs) after the BJP-led Mahayuti won 230 out of 288 seats in the Maharashtra assembly elections. Patole on Sunday claimed the Mahayuti victory didn't reflect the mandate of the people. There is a widespread confusion among people about the new state government. A strong sentiment suggests that the government doesn't reflect the people's mandate, Patole told reporters. Accept defeat: CM Fadnavis counters Sharad Pawars remark on vote-seat discrepancies Several leaders from opposition parties, including NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar, visited Markadwadi village in Solapur district to express solidarity with villagers who had tried to hold a mock epoll using ballot papers while questioning the EVM credibility. This public sentiment is not confined to Markadwadi but resonates across villages in Maharashtra. A demand for conducting voting through ballot papers is growing, with village sabhas passing resolutions to this effect, Patole claimed. He appealed to the Election Commission and the Supreme Court to take cognisance of this public sentiment. NCP (SP) leader, 88 villagers booked for bid to conduct 're-election' with ballot papers in Maharashtra The Congress leader, who won the electoral contest by a wafer-thin margin, said the doubt among electors about their vote reaching the candidate of their choice should be resolved. Residents of Markadwadi had resolved to conduct a mock re-poll using ballot papers, but the government, with the help of the Election Commission and police, suppressed their efforts and filed cases against them, he alleged. Patole sought the Election Commission's clarification on he addition of 7.6 million votes. They have failed to provide a satisfactory explanation.Manipulating votes is akin to the daylight murder of democracy.If such dissatisfaction arises in a democracy, it must be addressed.The Opposition will fight for this demand in the legislature and on the streets, Patole added. 'Bring back ballot paper,' Mallikarjun Kharge says on Constitution Day, calls for campaign The Supreme Court last month dismissed a plea seeking to revert to paper ballot voting in elections in the country, saying allegations of tampering with EVMs raked up only when people lose polls. What happens is, when you win the election, EVMs are not tampered with. When you lose the election, EVMs are tampered (with), remarked a bench of Justices Vikram Nath and P B Varale. Apart from ballot paper voting, the plea sought several directions, including a directive to the Election Commission to disqualify candidates for a minimum of five years if found guilty of distributing money, liquor or other material inducement to the voters during polls.

Solapur DC junks Pawar's charges

Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team Dazzles Hyderabad in Aerial Show

Hyderabad: The entire city looked skywards, mouths agape, as the Surya Kiran aerobatic team of the Indian Air Force blasted across the sky, leaving behind the colours of glory, for a thrilling half-an-hour on Sunday evening. The show was centred over the Hussainsagar, but the aircraft flew over most parts of the city as part of their aerobatic display Indian Air Force pilots flew the Hawk Mk 132 aircraft in breathtaking formations, leaving trails of colour, as part of the celebrations for Praja Palana Vijayotsavalu. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, his Cabinet colleagues, and bureaucrats and thousands of road-users as well as people on roof-tops were present to witness the aerial extravaganza. Most of the audience turned into photographers, capturing images of the aircraft performing various aerial stunts. The gentle winter sun, setting in the backdrop, the white edifice of the Secretariat, and the monolith Buddha statue formed a picturesque backdrop for the Surya Kiran team. Technicians connected the Surya Kiran team leader, Group Captain Ajay Dasarathi, to the public address system: Thank you, Hyderabad! Mee Premaku Shukriya, Gp Captain Dasarathi said. Nitya Santoshi from Kachiguda, who attended the event with her brother, said, I am at a loss for words to describe how magnificent it was. A thrilling experience! It truly felt like a celebration out of this world. Amit Singh of Srinagar Colony commented, The Chief Minister's initiative to organise such a show is highly commendable. In my opinion, it is the need of the hour, especially when the youth seem astray and confused. This show enlightens and inspires them to consider joining the defense forces. Shivakumar, a spectator who travelled from Solapur, said, I rushed to Hyderabad specifically to witness the airshow. I was as excited as a child! It was a joy to watch the breathtaking aerial acrobatics. The Surya Kiran team of the Indian Air Force comprises nine Hawk Mk 132 aircraft, flying in extremely close proximity sometimes merely five metres apart. The team consists of 12 pilots, led by Group Captain Ajay Dasarathi, a Su-30 MKI pilot. The deputy leader is Group Captain Sidhesh Kartik. The other pilots were Wing Commanders Rajesh Kajla, Arjun Patel, Kuldeep Hooda and Allen George and Squadron Leaders Jasdeep Singh, Himkhush Chandel, Ankit Vashisth, Vishnu, Diwakar Sharma and Gaurav Patel. GRAPHIC POINTS Surya Kiran formed in 1996, has performed over 700 displays. The only nine-aircraft aerobatic team in Asia. Surya Kiran also performed at international air shows in China, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Singapore, and the UAE. Surya Kiran files the Hawk Mk 132 advanced jet trainer. This aircraft is used to train new pilots on fighters.

Sharad Pawar supports villagers demanding ballot paper polling; dont mislead, says BJP

Solapur, Dec 8 (PTI) NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar on Sunday backed villagers from Markadwadi in Maharashtras Solapur district who had questioned the credibility of EVMs and tried to conduct a mock repoll using ballot papers. Pawar visited the village, emerging as an epicentre of protests against Electronic Voting Machines after last months assembly elections, which saw BJP-led Mahayuti winning 230 out of 288 seats. We have collected some data about EVMs. People cast their votes, but in the end, the results were unexpected. You raised awareness about the issue, and the process needs to change, Pawar said. The BJP

Pawar backs Maha villagers' demand for repoll

NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar has thrown his weight behind villagers in Solapur, Maharashtra, who are demanding a repoll using ballot papers after raising doubts about the accuracy of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). Pawar met with villagers in Markadwadi, where a police case was filed against over 200 people for attempting to conduct an unauthorized re-election. He expressed support for their concerns, claiming that the villagers were he ones who thought of conducting polls using ballot papers. Pawar criticized the police action, calling it a restriction on the villagers' right to assemble and vowing to raise the issue with the Chief Minister, the state Chief Electoral Officer, the Prime Minister, and the Election Commission of India.

Mahayuti leaders accuse opposition of misleading public over EVMs

MUMBAI: The ruling Mahayuti alliance on Sunday accused opposition leaders of misleading the public regarding electronic voting machines (EVMs) instead of accepting their losses in the Maharashtra assembly elections. The elections held on 20 November saw the Mahayuti alliance, comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP, achieve a landslide victory by winning 230 out of 288 assembly seats. In contrast, the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), consisting of the Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP (SP), managed to secure only 46 seats. The opposition has since alleged irregularities with the EVMs and called for a return to ballot paper voting. Speaking to reporters, Shiv Sena leader Uday Samant criticised the opposition for what he described as their double standards. It is because of the MVA's double standards that the Samajwadi Party has parted from the alliance. Yesterday, they boycotted the oath-taking ceremony, and today, they will hopefully take oath as members, which will again highlight their double standards, he said. Samant further accused the opposition of fabricating a narrative to mislead the public rather than accepting their electoral defeat. Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule also targeted NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar, accusing the veteran leader of spreading misinformation. We respect Pawar, but he is spreading falsehood. He is confusing people. The opposition is hiding its failure, Bawankule said in response to Pawar's comments expressing surprise over the opposition receiving more votes yet winning fewer seats. Meanwhile, NCP (SP) leader Jitendra Awhad noted that opposition members had protested against the curfew and arrests in Markadwadi village in the Malshiras assembly constituency in Solapur. He highlighted the villagers' demand for a repoll using ballot papers as a key issue. The Mahayuti leaders maintained that the opposition should take responsibility for its losses rather than questioning the credibility of EVMs.

Opposition members take oath as MLAs in Maharashtra assembly

MUMBAI: Members of the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) on Sunday took oath as MLAs in the newly constituted Maharashtra assembly. The opposition members had boycotted the oath-taking ceremony on Saturday, the first day of the special three-day session of the assembly, alleging misuse of EVMs in the recently-held state polls. Congress's Nana Patole, Vijay Wadettiwar and Amit Deshmukh, NCP (SP) leader Jitendra Awhad and Shiv Sena (UBT)'s Aaditya Thackeray were some of the prominent opposition MLAs who took oath as soon as the House reassembled for the day. On Saturday, the opposition cited that it was also protesting against the curfew and arrests in Markadwadi village in the Malshiras assembly constituency in Solapur, where villagers sought a 'repoll' using ballot papers. VIDEO | It is our duty to apprise the judicial system, election commission about the sentiments of people. This government is not of people's votes, it is of machines. The fight will continue. We have decided to take oath (new MLAs), says Maharashtra Congress Chief Nana Patole pic.twitter.com/TXNYuaWZ1B Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 8, 2024

Maharashtra: Solapur Villagers' Attempt To Hold 'Re-Election' With Ballot Papers; NCP(SP) Leader Uttam Jankar, 88 Others Booked

NCP (SP) leader, 88 villagers booked for bid to conduct 're-election' with ballot papers in Maharashtra

PUNE: Police have registered a case against NCP (SP) leader Uttam Jankar and 88 others after a section of people from Markadwadi village in Solapur district and nearby areas attempted to conduct a e-election using ballot papers, an official said. Prior to this, police had registered a case against more than 200 persons for allegedly defying prohibitory orders and trying to conduct the e-election. On Wednesday, Jankar, who won the Malshiras assembly seat in the recent Maharashtra elections, and others were charged with unlawful assembly and disobeying orders issued by a public servant, among other sections of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, the official said. Markadwadi village comes under the Malshiras assembly segment. On Tuesday morning, 250 to 300 persons gathered in the Markadwadi village to conduct a epoll by wilfully defying prohibitory orders and encouraging others to participate in the unauthorised polling process, the police said. The idea of conducting a e-election with ballot papers was floated after villagers raised doubts about the number of votes counted through EVMs from a polling booth in Markadwadi in the recently-held state elections. However, they relented and gave up their plan after the police's intervention. Jankar had defeated BJP's Ram Satpute by 13,147 votes. Though Jankar won the seat, Markadwadi residents claimed the quantum of votes polled by the NCP (SP) leader was less compared with Satpute, expressing doubt about the EVMs. The Solapur district administration had denied permission to villagers to conduct the e-poll on ballot papers and imposed prohibitory orders banning unlawful assembly. The villagers, however, made arrangements for e-polling on Tuesday morning and placed the polling material. Police held meetings with Jankar and villagers and explained to them the legal procedures and warned of registering cases, officials had said. Later, the residents relented and cancelled their plans to conduct the epoll.

Maharashtra: Over 200 booked in for attempting illegal re-election

Solapur: Police registered a case against more than 200 persons from Markadwadi village and nearby areas in Maharashtras Solapur for allegedly trying to conduct a re-election using ballot papers on Tuesday in an unauthorised manner, officials said. They were also charged for allegedly spreading misinformation about Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), the police said. Authorities said 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 .

200 booked for bid to hold 're-poll' in Maha village

Police registered a case against more than 200 persons from Markadwadi village and nearby areas in Maharashtra's Solapur for allegedly trying to conduct a 're-election' using ballot papers on Tuesday in an unauthorised manner, officials said.

Maharashtra village cancels repoll plan with ballot papers after police intervention

Solapur: A group of villagers from Maharashtra's Malshrias assembly segment insisting on a e-election with ballot papers relented on Tuesday and gave up their plan after police intervention, the NCP (SP) winning candidate from the seat said. A senior police official said they had cautioned the villagers that legal action would be initiated if they went ahead with their polling plan. Earlier, residents of Markadwadi village under Malshiras segment in Solapur district had put up banners claiming a epoll will be held on December 3. The village comes under the Malshiras assembly constituency, where NCP (SP) candidate Uttam Jankar defeated BJP's Ram Satpute by 13,147 votes in the November 20 state polls, the results of which were declared on November 2. Though Jankar won the seat, Markadwadi residents claimed he polled less votes in their village against Satpute, which was not possible, and cast doubt on the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). The Malshiras sub-divisional magistrate on Monday imposed prohibitory orders, under section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita, from December 2 to 5 in the area to avoid any conflict or law and order situation due to the epoll plan of locals, an official earlier said. Heavy police security was deployed as a group of locals at the village made arrangements on Tuesday morning for the epoll with the use of ballot papers. Later, Deputy Superintendent of Police (Malshiras division) Narayan Shirgavkar said they had a detailed meeting with the villagers and NCP (SP) leader Jankar. We explained to them procedures in the law and also warned that even if one vote is cast, cases will be registered, Shirgavkar said. Jankar said he had a meeting with police officials and also a discussion with villagers, following which they cancelled the epoll plan. We had a meeting with police officials who said they will seize all the material at the polling station and will file cases, the NCP (SP) leader said. After the meeting with police, we had a discussion with villagers. Their opinion was that if the administration is not allowing the polling to take place, there will be chaos and conflict between police and residents and as a result, the process will not take place and people will leave the polling station, he said. Considering the stand of the police administration, the villagers decided to stop the polling process, Jankar said. However, we will continue our protest by other means. We will try to take this issue to various authorities such as the Election Commission and judiciary and we will not stop until we get justice, he said. Earlier, local resident Ranjit Markad claimed the village had 2,000 eligible voters on the polling day, and 1,900 of them exercised their franchise. The village always supported Jankar in the past, but this time, as per the counting of votes through EVMs, Jankar got 843 votes while BJP candidate Satpute polled 1,003 votes. This is not possible and we do not trust these EVM numbers, that is why we decided to conduct the repoll through ballot papers, said Markad. The EVM results are doubtful and a delegation of villagers had approached the district administration for a repoll using ballot papers, but the request was rejected, another villager said. In the recently-concluded Maharashtra polls, the Mahayuti won 230 of the state's 288 seats, with the BJP emerging victorious in 132, followed by Shiv Sena in 57 and Ajit Pawar's NCP in 41 seats. The Maha Vikas Aghadi, comprising the Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress and Sharad Pawar's NCP (SP), managed to get just 46 seats.

Maharashtra village cancels 'repoll' plan with ballot papers after police intervention

SOLAPUR: A group of villagers from Maharashtra's Malshrias assembly segment insisting on a e-election with ballot papers relented on Tuesday and gave up their plan after police intervention, the NCP (SP) winning candidate from the seat said. A senior police official said they had cautioned the villagers that legal action would be initiated if they went ahead with their polling plan. Earlier, residents of Markadwadi village under Malshiras segment in Solapur district had put up banners claiming a epoll will be held on December 3. The village comes under the Malshiras assembly constituency, where NCP (SP) candidate Uttam Jankar defeated BJP's Ram Satpute by 13,147 votes in the November 20 state polls, the results of which were declared on November 2. Though Jankar won the seat, Markadwadi residents claimed he polled less votes in their village against Satpute, which was not possible, and cast doubt on the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). The Malshiras sub-divisional magistrate on Monday imposed prohibitory orders, under section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita, from December 2 to 5 in the area to avoid any conflict or law and order situation due to the epoll plan of locals, an official earlier said. Heavy police security was deployed as a group of locals at the village made arrangements on Tuesday morning for the epoll with the use of ballot papers. Later, Deputy Superintendent of Police (Malshiras division) Narayan Shirgavkar said they had a detailed meeting with the villagers and NCP (SP) leader Jankar. We explained to them procedures in the law and also warned that even if one vote is cast, cases will be registered, he said. Jankar said he had a meeting with police officials and also a discussion with villagers, following which they cancelled the epoll plan. We had a meeting with police officials who said they will seize all the material at the polling station and will file cases, the NCP (SP) leader said. After the meeting with police, we had a discussion with villagers. Their opinion was that if the administration is not allowing the polling to take place, there will be chaos and conflict between police and residents and as a result, the process will not take place and people will leave the polling station, he said. Considering the stand of the police administration, the villagers decided to stop the polling process, Jankar said. However, we will continue our protest by other means. We will try to take this issue to various authorities such as the Election Commission and judiciary and we will not stop until we get justice, he said. Earlier, local resident Ranjit Markad claimed the village had 2,000 eligible voters on the polling day, and 1,900 of them exercised their franchise. The village always supported Jankar in the past, but this time, as per the counting of votes through EVMs, Jankar got 843 votes while BJP candidate Satpute polled 1,003 votes. This is not possible and we do not trust these EVM numbers, that is why we decided to conduct the repoll through ballot papers, said Markad. The EVM results are doubtful and a delegation of villagers had approached the district administration for a repoll using ballot papers, but the request was rejected, another villager said. In the recently-concluded Maharashtra polls, the Mahayuti won 230 of the state's 288 seats, with the BJP emerging victorious in 132, followed by Shiv Sena in 57 and Ajit Pawar's NCP in 41 seats. The Maha Vikas Aghadi, comprising the Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress and Sharad Pawar's NCP (SP), managed to get just 46 seats.

Doubting EVMs, Solapur villagers to hold 'repoll'

Residents of a village in Maharashtra's Solapur district on Monday said they have planned a 'repoll' using ballots as the results of the recently-concluded assembly polls were 'doubtful' due to the presence of electronic voting machines (EVMs).

Maharashtra Assembly polls: Independents finish second in 19 constituencies

MUMBAI: While the contest was between the ruling Mahayuti and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi, which together constitute six major parties, in the Maharashtra assembly polls, independent candidates showed their mettle by standing second in 19 constituencies. The Mahayuti swept the polls to the 288-member assembly, with BJP bagging 132 seats while Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena got 57 and 41 went into the kitty of the NCP. The opposition Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (SP) of Sharad Pawar managed to win just 16, 20 and 10 seats, respectively. Maharashtra polls: At 85%, BJPs strike rate highest in state In Aheri constituency in Gadchiroli district, independent candidate Raje Ambrish Rao Raje Satyavanrao Atram, who had previously won in 2014 as a BJP candidate and was also a minister in the Devendra Fadnavis government, lost to Nationalist Congress Party's (NCP) Atram Dharamraobaba Bhagwantrao by just 16,814 votes. In Airoli constituency in Navi Mumbai, BJP's Ganesh Naik defeated independent challenger Vijay Chougule by 91,880 votes. However, Chougule managed to race ahead of the contestant from Shiv Sena (UBT). In Amalner (Jalgaon district), independent candidate Shirish Hiralal Chaudhari finished second to NCP's Anil Bhaidas Patil. He lost the poll by 33,435 votes. Similarly, in Beed's Ashti constituency, BJP's Dhas Suresh Ramchandra won by 77,975 votes, while independent candidate Bhimrao Anandrao Dhonde finished second. The Badnera constituency in Amaravati district saw independent candidate Priti Sanjay Band finish runner-up to Ravi Rana of the Rashtriya Yuva Swabhiman Party. Rana was backed by the BJP in Badnera. In Kalyan East, Mahesh Dashrath Gaikwad, an independent candidate, lost narrowly to BJP's Sulbha Ganpat Gaikwad by 26,408 votes. Sulbha is the wife of BJP MLA Ganpat Gaikwad, who is in jail after firing at Mahesh Gaikwad inside a police station. In Kannad constituency (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district), independent candidate Jadhav Harshwardhan Raibhan was defeated by his estranged wife Ranjanatai (Sanjana) Harshvardhan Jadhav of Shiv Sena by 18,201 votes. In Raigad's Karjat constituency, independent candidate Sudhakar Parshuram Ghare finished second to Shiv Sena's Thorve Mahendra Sadashiv by a margin of 5,694 votes. In Solapur district's Karmala constituency, NCP's Narayan (Aba) Govindrao Patil won by 16,085 votes against independent candidate Shinde Sanjaymama Vithalrao, while the in Kolhapur North Shiv Sena's Rajesh Vinayak Kshirsagar defeated Congress-backed independent candidate Rajesh Bharat Latkar by 29,563 votes. In Solapur's Madha constituency, independent candidate Ranjit Babanrao Shinde lost to NCP's Abhijeet Dhananjay Patil by 30,621 votes. Malegaon Outer (Nashik) saw a massive 106,606 vote victory for Shiv Sena's Dadaji Dagdu Bhuse over independent candidate Pramod Bandukaka Purushottam Bachhav. In Maval constituency (Pune district), NCP's Sunil Shankarrao Shelke defeated independent candidate Anna Alias Bapu Jaywantrao Bhegade by a margin of 108,565 votes. In Nashik's Nandgaon constituency, independent candidate Bhujbal Sameer, who rebelled against the NCP, lost by 89,874 votes to Shiv Sena's Suhas Kande. In Nandurbar constituency, independent candidate Sharad Krishnarao Gavit lost to Congress' Shirishkumar Surupsing Naik by 1,121 votes. Maharashtra poll drubbing a wake-up call for Congress Independent candidate Satyajit Vikramsingh Patankar was defeated by Shiv Sena's Desai Shambhuraj Shivajirao by 34,824 votes in Satara's Patan constituency. Similarly, in Nagpur's Ramtek constituency, Congress-backed independent Rajendra Bhurao Mulak lost by 26,555 votes to Shiv Sena's Ashish Nandkishore Jaiswal. In Washim district's Risod constituency, independent candidate Anantrao Vitthalrao Deshmukh finished second to Congress's Ameet Subhashrao Zanak, who won by 6,136 votes. In Dhule's Shirpur constituency, independent candidate Dr. Jitendra Yuvraj Thakur was defeated by BJP's Kashiram Vechan Pawara by a massive margin of 1,45,944 votes. This was the highest margin of victory recorded in these elections. In Shrigonda (Ahilyanagar constituency), independent candidate Rahul Jagtap lost to BJP's Babanrao Pachpute by 37,156 votes. The poll in Warora (Chandrapur district) was also closely contested, with BJP's Karan Sanjay Deotale emerging victorious over independent candidate Mukesh Manoj Jiwtode by 15,450 votes. Two independent candidates won in the Maharashtra assembly polls, results of which were declared on Saturday. Sharaddada Sonawane emerged victorious from Junnar seat in Pune district, while Shivaji Shattupa Patil won from Changad in Kolhapur. Incidentally, the outgoing assembly had 13 independent MLAs. A total of 4,136 candidates were in the fray for the November 20 Maharashtra assembly elections, of which 2,086 were independents.

Results show regional parties are needed: KTR

Hyderabad : The BRS on Saturday sought to capitalise on the election results from Maharashtra and Jharkhand,with its working president K.T. Rama Rao declaring that the outcome in the two states had once again shown the importance of regional parties. Rama Rao said the rejection of the Congress in Maharashtra and that of the BJP in Jharkhand by voters had yet again demonstrated that it was only the regional parties that work for the people in their states. The BJP and Congress constantly conspire against regional parties, and as part of their campaign, engage in shameless criticism of work by regional parties in their respective states. Despite all such efforts, BJP and Congress have failed in their plans, he said. It is only where regional parties are weak do the BJP, or Congress win, he said. Senior BRS leader T. Harish Rao said people in Maharashtra refused to believe Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddys lies during the campaign on how the Congress had implemented its Six Guarantees. It has become clear that Telugu speaking people in Mumbai, Solapur, Pune, Nanded and other areas in Maharashtra saw through the lies, he said. Harish Rao also said that people in Jharkhand taught a lesson to the BJP that its revenge politics will be rejected, and congratulated JMMs Hemant Soren for victory.

Solapur City Central election result 2024: BJP's candidate Devendra Rajesh Kothe leading by 25,246 votes

Devendra Rajesh Kothe of the Bhartiya Janta Party is currently leading in the Solapur City Central constituency by 25,246 votes against AIMIM's Farooq Makbool Shabdi, after nine rounds of counting. Solapur City Central is one of the 288 assembly constituencies in Maharashtra.

Who will be the next Maharashtra CM? Mahayuti, MVA constituents drop different names

MUMBAI: Even before the first votes are counted in Maharashtra, fissures have emerged within the ruling Mahayuti and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) on who will head the next government with constituents in both camps laying claim over the chief minister's post. After polling for the 288-member assembly ended on Wednesday evening, the ruling as well as opposition fronts have started claiming that mandate will be in their favour when votes are counted on November 23. Soon after polling, state Congress chief Nana Patole asserted an MVA government would be formed in Maharashtra under the leadership of his party. Voting trends suggest the Congress will get the maximum number of seats in the new assembly, he said. His remarks did not go down well with ally Shiv Sena (UBT), whose leader Sanjay Raut on Thursday insisted the chief ministerial face will be decided by all alliance partners jointly once the MVA secures majority. The Rajya Sabha MP said if the Congress high command has told Patole that he will be the CM face then the national party's president Mallikarjun Kharge, and its top leaders Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra should announce the same. The MVA, consisting of the Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (SP) and the Mahayuti, comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP, have expressed confidence that their respective alliance will form the next government after votes are counted on Saturday. While a majority of exit polls have predicted that Mahayuti will retain power, a few have favoured the MVA. Whos got Maha edge? High rural vote count key On the Mahayuti side, Shiv Sena MLA and party spokesperson Sanjay Shirsat said the assembly elections were contested with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde as the face. Voters have shown their preference for Shinde through voting. I think it is Shinde's right (to be the next CM) and we are confident that he will be the next CM, Shirsat said. BJP leader Pravin Darekar batted for Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for the top post. I think if anyone from the BJP is becoming the CM then it will be Devendra Fadnavis, he said. NCP leader Amol Mitkari pushed the name of his party chief and Deputy CM Ajit Pawar for the coveted job. Whatever the results, the NCP will be the kingmaker, Mitkari said. Asked about the CM face, Fadnavis maintained all three Mahayuti parties will sit together and take a good decision. Speaking to reporters separately, BJP leader Darekar claimed the Mahayuti will form the next government, dismissing the possibility of the MVA coming to power, and said the opposition bloc was plagued by internal rifts. The people of Maharashtra have given a clear mandate. The Chief Minister will be from the Mahayuti, not the MVA, and certainly not the Congress, he asserted. Highlighting divisions within the MVA, Darekar said, Congress MP Praniti Shinde and her father and former CM Sushilkumar Shinde supported an independent candidate against Uddhav Thackeray's nominee in a constituency in Solapur district. These internal rifts expose a lack of unity. How can parties without internal coherence decide on a Chief Minister? The BJP leader said Patole's aspirations to become chief minister were nothing but Mungerilal ke haseen sapne (daydreaming). On exit polls, Darekar remarked, While no exit poll is final, most have predicted a Mahayuti win. Even independent candidates (on winning) are likely to back Mahayuti. Taking a swipe at Prahar Janshakti Party leader Bachchu Kadu, he said, Kadu speaks with grand bravado, but his own seat is under threat. Let him first declare how many of his candidates are winning. Regarding Rahul Gandhi's statements on the Adani group, the BJP leader quipped, Rahul Gandhi should go to the US and focus on issues abroad, where his commentary might hold weight. His remarks on the fall of the Union government are childish and baseless. On the alleged involvement of NCP (SP) Lok Sabha MP Supriya Sule and Patole in using bitcoins illegally to fund elections, Darekar said the truth will come out soon. Both Sule and Patole have denied the allegations. The ED's investigation is uncovering links to MVA leaders. The truth will emerge soon, he asserted. Highlighting the increase in turnout in the November 20 assembly polls in the state, Darekar credited the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) for their grassroots campaign to encourage voting. The final turnout in Maharashtra assembly polls was 66.05 per cent, up from 61.1 per cent in 2019, according to the Election Commission. Darekar maintained the Mahayuti government's 'Ladki Bahin Yojana' has resonated with women voters. BJP-led alliance projected to retain Maharashtra, wrest Jharkhand: Exit polls

Who will be next Maharashtra CM? Mahayuti, MVA constituents drop different names

Mumbai: Even before the first votes are counted in Maharashtra, fissures have emerged within the ruling Mahayuti and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) on who will head the next government with constituents in both camps laying claim over the chief minister's post. After polling for the 288-member assembly ended on Wednesday evening, the ruling as well as opposition fronts have started claiming that mandate will be in their favour when votes are counted on November 23. Soon after polling, state Congress chief Nana Patole asserted an MVA government would be formed in Maharashtra under the leadership of his party. Voting trends suggest the Congress will get the maximum number of seats in the new assembly, he said. His remarks did not go down well with ally Shiv Sena (UBT), whose leader Sanjay Raut on Thursday insisted the chief ministerial face will be decided by all alliance partners jointly once the MVA secures majority. The Rajya Sabha MP said if the Congress high command has told Patole that he will be the CM face then the national party's president Mallikarjun Kharge, and its top leaders Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra should announce the same. The MVA, consisting of the Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (SP) and the Mahayuti, comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP, have expressed confidence that their respective alliance will form the next government after votes are counted on Saturday. While a majority of exit polls have predicted that Mahayuti will retain power, a few have favoured the MVA. On the Mahayuti side, Shiv Sena MLA and party spokesperson Sanjay Shirsat said the assembly elections were contested with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde as the face. Voters have shown their preference for Shinde through voting. I think it is Shinde's right (to be the next CM) and we are confident that he will be the next CM, Shirsat said. BJP leader Pravin Darekar batted for Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for the top post. I think if anyone from the BJP is becoming the CM then it will be Devendra Fadnavis, he said. NCP leader Amol Mitkari pushed the name of his party chief and Deputy CM Ajit Pawar for the coveted job. Whatever the results, the NCP will be the kingmaker, Mitkari said. Asked about the CM face, Fadnavis maintained all three Mahayuti parties will sit together and take a good decision. Speaking to reporters separately, BJP leader Darekar claimed the Mahayuti will form the next government, dismissing the possibility of the MVA coming to power, and said the opposition bloc was plagued by 'internal rifts'. The people of Maharashtra have given a clear mandate. The Chief Minister will be from the Mahayuti, not the MVA, and certainly not the Congress, he asserted. Highlighting divisions within the MVA, Darekar said, Congress MP Praniti Shinde and her father and former CM Sushilkumar Shinde supported an independent candidate against Uddhav Thackeray's nominee in a constituency in Solapur district. These internal rifts expose a lack of unity. How can parties without internal coherence decide on a Chief Minister? The BJP leader said Patole's aspirations to become chief minister were nothing but Mungerilal ke haseen sapne (daydreaming). On exit polls, Darekar remarked, While no exit poll is final, most have predicted a Mahayuti win. Even independent candidates (on winning) are likely to back Mahayuti. Taking a swipe at Prahar Janshakti Party leader Bachchu Kadu, he said, Kadu speaks with grand bravado, but his own seat is under threat. Let him first declare how many of his candidates are winning. Regarding Rahul Gandhi's statements on the Adani group, the BJP leader quipped, Rahul Gandhi should go to the US and focus on issues abroad, where his commentary might hold weight. His remarks on the fall of the Union government are childish and baseless. On the alleged involvement of NCP (SP) Lok Sabha MP Supriya Sule and Patole in using bitcoins illegally to fund elections, Darekar said the truth will come out soon. Both Sule and Patole have denied the allegations. The ED's investigation is uncovering links to MVA leaders. The truth will emerge soon, he asserted. Highlighting the increase in turnout in the November 20 assembly polls in the state, Darekar credited the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) for their grassroots campaign to encourage voting. The final turnout in Maharashtra assembly polls was 66.05 per cent, up from 61.1 per cent in 2019, according to the Election Commission. Darekar maintained the Mahayuti government's 'Ladki Bahin Yojana' has resonated with women voters.

Maharashtra polls: Voter from Solapur shoots illegal video while voting for Shiv Sena (UBT) inside Barshi booth, police action initiated

The accused person shot the video while inside the polling booth and exposed that he voted for Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate Dilip Sopal. As per OpIndia sources, the voter who shot the video and posted it on social media has been identified as Rutwik Pawar.

Suryapet Police Arrest Six, Seize 1.1 Quintals of Ganja

Suryapet: Suryapet Town-II police arrested six people on Monday and seized 1.1 quintals of ganja from their possession during a routine vehicle check on the outskirts of Suryapet. They were identified as Bacheli Mohana Krishna, Kora Atchuth Raji, Sheik Kasim, Hukkavai Vijay Kumar, Hukkavai Shubam, and Bommagani Srikanth, all residents of Andhra Pradesh. Superintendent of Police Sunpreet Singh, addressing the media, stated that the police stopped and inspected two cars based on suspicion during a vehicle checkpoint. The search revealed that the accused were transporting 1.1 quintals of ganja in the vehicles. During interrogation, the suspects admitted to buying the ganja from a supplier in Malkangiri, Odisha, and were en route to deliver it to Solapur, Maharashtra. The investigation is ongoing to uncover further details about the smuggling network.

4 percent Muslim reservation already in progress in Telangana, says CM

Hyderabad: Telangana chief minister Revanth Reddy said that the four per cent reservation for Muslims was already in progress in the state. Talking to reporters in Maharashtras Solapur on Sunday, CM Revanth said that they had initially implemented five per cent Muslim reservation. Implementing five per cent led to a breach of the 50 per 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 .

Ahead of Maharashtra polls, Sharad Pawars bags checked in Baramati

Pune: NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawars bags were checked by the poll personnel at Baramati helipad in Maharashtras Pune district on Sunday morning, according to his associate. Pawar was on way to attend a poll rally in Solapur, the associate said. The model of code of conduct is enforced in the state for the assembly Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Maharashtra polls: Sharad Pawar's bags checked in Baramati

Pune: NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar's bags were checked by the poll personnel at Baramati helipad in Maharashtra's Pune district on Sunday morning, according to his associate. Pawar was on way to attend a poll rally in Solapur, the associate said. The model of code of conduct is enforced in the state for the assembly elections scheduled on November 20. While Pawar saheb was on his way to Karmala poll rally in Solapur, his bags were checked at the Baramati helipad. After the due checking, he boarded the chopper and proceeded for the rally, the associate said. On Saturday, poll authorities checked the bag of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in Maharashtra's Amravati district where he arrived for a poll rally. Later, former state minister and Congress' Teosa MLA Yashomati Thakur questioned the action of the poll authorities and asked why they were not checking bags of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah or Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The issue of poll officials checking politicians' luggage entered electoral discourse after Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray recently filmed his bags being inspected and shared the video of it. He also sought to know if the election officials had checked the bags of the chief minister, the state's two deputy CMs, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Over the past few days, videos surfaced showing bags of Shah, CM Shinde, his deputies Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar being checked by poll authorities. Shah had in a post on X said the BJP believes in free and fair elections and follows all laid-down rules and protocols.

Revanth to Leave Today for Maha Campaign

Hyderabad : Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy is set to participate in the final phase of the Maharashtra Assembly election campaign this weekend. With the campaign deadline approaching on November 18 and polling scheduled for November 20, Revanth Reddys two-day visit underscores his role as a key Congress campaigner. The Chief Minister will leave Hyderabad on Saturday and reach Nagpur at 10 am. He will begin his campaign in Chandrapur. His schedule for the day includes campaign meetings and roadshows in Rajura, Digras, and Wardha constituencies, before returning to Nagpur for the night. On Sunday, Revanth Reddy will travel to Nanded and continue his campaign in Nayagaon, Bhokar, and Solapur Assembly constituencies. Revanth Reddys participation comes as the Congress intensifies its efforts in Maharashtra, with a list of 40 star campaigners released earlier by the high command. Revanth Reddy is only star campaigners for the Maharashtra poll. Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka has been appointed star campaigner for the Jharkhand elections. Ministers N. Uttam Kumar Reddy and Dansari Anasuya (Seethakka) are All India Congress Committee (AICC) senior observers for Maharashtra, while Deputy CM Bhatti will oversee campaign efforts in Jharkhand. Ministers Uttam Kumar Reddy and Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy are actively campaigning across Maharashtra

CM Revanth to campaign in Maharashtra for 2 days

Hyderabad :Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy is set to participate in the final phase of the Maharashtra Assembly election campaign this weekend. With the campaign deadline approaching on November 18 and polling scheduled for November 20, Revanth Reddys two-day visit underscores his role as a key Congress campaigner. The Chief Minister will leave Hyderabad on Saturday and reach Nagpur at 10 am. He will begin his campaign in Chandrapur. His schedule for the day includes campaign meetings and roadshows in Rajura, Digras, and Wardha constituencies, before returning to Nagpur for the night. On Sunday, Revanth Reddy will travel to Nanded and continue his campaign in Nayagaon, Bhokar, and Solapur Assembly constituencies. Revanth Reddys participation comes as the Congress intensifies its efforts in Maharashtra, with a list of 40 star campaigners released earlier by the high command. Revanth Reddy is only star campaigners for the Maharashtra poll. Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka has been appointed star campaigner for the Jharkhand elections. Ministers N. Uttam Kumar Reddy and Dansari Anasuya (Seethakka) are All India Congress Committee (AICC) senior observers for Maharashtra, while Deputy CM Bhatti will oversee campaign efforts in Jharkhand. Ministers Uttam Kumar Reddy and Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy are actively campaigning across Maharashtra. Historically, Telangana and Maharashtra share close geographical, social, and political ties. The undivided Adilabad and Nizamabad districts of Telangana border Maharashtra, and many residents from these districts have deep social and family connections with regions like Nanded, Yavatmal, Gadchiroli, Chandrapur, and Solapur. A significant number of people from Adilabad and Nizamabad have also settled in these parts of Maharashtra. The Congress plans to capitalise on this by mobilising leaders and cadres from Telangana, especially from Adilabad and Nizamabad districts, to bolster support for the MVA alliance.

Video: Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi hilariously reacts to Solapur Police notice

Hyderabad: All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) President and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi humorously reacted to a notice received from the Solapur Police. Addressing a public meeting, he not only read out the notice issued by the police but also disclosed the response submitted in reply. Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi says 15 mins left While commenting 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 .

On Rally Stage, A Owaisi Served Notice To Avoid Inflammatory Speech

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has been served notice by the police in poll-bound Maharashtra's Solapur over his speeches.

Campaign for all candidates: Uddhav Thackeray urges MVA allies

Uddhav Thackeray, during a rally in Solapur, urged MVA allies to support each other's candidates. He expressed his disappointment over the lack of support from Congress for the UBT candidate in Solapur South and warned that such actions could strain relations within the alliance formed to challenge the BJP.

BJP loses wherever Modi campaigns: Pawar

Mumbai : NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar on Tuesday took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi claiming BJP lost the majority of Lok Sabha seats where the PM held rallies. In the Lok Sabha polls held earlier this year, the BJPs number of seats came down to nine from its 2019 tally of 23. The Mahayuti alliance led by the BJP had won only 18 out of 48 Lok Sabha seats in the state. Mr. Modi held three election rallies in Maharashtra at Chimur, Solapur and Pune.Last week, he had addressed four rallies in the state and scheduled to hold at least seven more rallies. Referring to the PMs personal involvement in BJPs campaign for the Maharashtra Assembly polls, Mr. Pawar said, It is the right of the prime minister to address election rallies. There is no need to pay much attention to it. But keep it in mind that he had held 16 rallies in the state during the Lok Sabha election and the BJP had lost 10-12 of those seats. So let him come. Mr. Pawar also brushed aside Raj Thackerays accusation that he relies on the politics of castes. The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief has alleged that the NCP founder was responsible for creating rifts among different castes to fulfill his political goals. He has alleged that Mr. Pawar always resorts to caste politics whenever he faces difficult challenges or when the elections are near. The MNS leader has blamed Mr. Pawar for the ongoing tension between the OBCs and Marathas over the reservation issue. However, Mr. Pawar said he does not give any importance to Raj Thackeray. He is a leader who gets attention for a few days during the election period. So I do not take him seriously, he said.

Everyone in Maha Vikas Aghadi fighting for driver's seat: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a rally in Solapur for the upcoming state assembly elections. He criticized the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance for infighting and a constant struggle for the chief minister position. Modi stated that such instability prevents the formation of a stable government. He highlighted the BJP-led government's achievements in completing long-delayed projects and addressing irrigation issues.

What is BJP doing to prevent farmer suicides in Maharashtra, Cong asks PM

NEW DELHI, Nov 12: The Congress hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday by posing questions to him on Maharashtra, asking what is the BJP doing to prevent farmer suicides in the states. Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh posed questions to the PM ahead of his rallies in Chimur and Solapur and asked why has the BJP diluted Adivasis forest rights in Maharashtra. In 2006, the Congress had passed the revolutionary Forest Rights Act (FRA) [] The post What is BJP doing to prevent farmer suicides in Maharashtra, Cong asks PM appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

PM Modi to address three rallies in poll-bound Maharashtra

Mumbai: With less than a week to go for campaigning to end in poll-bound Maharashtra, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to address three public meetings on Tuesday and campaign for MahaYuti candidates in the state. The Prime Minister will address a public meeting in Chimur at 1 p.m. in eastern Vidarbha, followed by Solapur Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Maharashtra polls: Friendly face-offs between allies in 29 out of 288 assembly seats

Mumbai: The November 20 Maharashtra election will witness friendly contests among the Mahayuti and Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) allies in 29 out of 288 assembly seats. Friendly fights, however, are more complicated for the MVA, especially since smaller parties who are part of the INDIA bloc are also in the mix. The ruling Mahayuti's partners BJP, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar's Nationalist Congress, will contest alongside each other in six seats Mankhurd Shivajinagar (Mumbai), Ashti (Beed), Sindhkhed Raja (Buldhana), Katol (Nagpur), Morshi (Amravati), Dindori (Nashik), Shrirampur (Ahmednagar) and Purandar (Pune). The opposition alliance of the Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP (SP) and Congress will engage in such face-offs in 21 assembly constituencies. One of the major fights will take place in the Nanded North seat, where Congress's Abdul Gaffoor is in the fray with Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate Sangita Patil. In most constituencies, MVA allies are contesting alongside candidates fielded by the Peasants and Workers Party of India (PWPI), Samajwadi Party and the Left. The Samajwadi Party has fielded eight candidates and will be contesting alongside the Congress on six seats, namely Bhiwandi West (Thane), Tuljapur (Dharashiv), Aurangabad East (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar), Malegaon Central (Nashik) and with NCP SP in Paranda (Dharashiv), and Shiv Sena UBT in Dhule City assembly seats. The PWPI has fielded candidates on 14 seats and is in contest with the Shiv Sena (UBT) in Sangole, Loha, Pen, Uran, Ausa, Malegaon Outer and Panvel, and with NCP (SP) in Katol. A PWPI leader said they had sought six seats where they are in serious contest. However, the bigger parties fielded candidates despite our strong presence in these constituencies, he said. The leader said the party had to field candidates wherever it has influence, as it needed to fulfil the electoral criteria of getting the desired number of votes. Asked about the possibility of eating into the alliance's votes, he said, It will happen. But what can we do? We sought seats from bigger parties, but they remained adamant. In an interview earlier this year, Samajwadi Party leader Abu Azmi said the Maha Vikas Aghadi should have fought the polls as a united front, but it had not even called his party for talks. He said, They (MVA) think they can win the polls on their strength, and there is no need for us (SP). Solapur City Central will see a contest between the CPM's Narsaya Adam and the Congress, while in the Wani constituency, CPI's Hepat and Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate Sanjay Derkar are in the fray. In Mahayuti, the Shiv Sena and the NCP are in a friendly contest in Purandar, Dindori, Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar, Sindkhedraja and Shrirampur. The NCP and BJP will battle it in Katol, Morshi and Ashti.

Modi Calls Congress Jhooth ki Dukaan, Says Ek Hain toh Safe Hain

MUMBAI: Prime minister Narendra Modi on Friday attacked Congress on its election promises saying the grand old party has opened. jhooth ki dukaan (shop of lies) in Maharashtra like the other states where it is ruling. He also alleged that schemes designed by the Congress governments have been implemented to allow the party to indulge in maximum corruption. In Maharashtra, the Congress has only one option available to fight the BJP on the development plank in the upcoming Vidhan Sabha polls. It has opened a jhooth ki dukaan, wherein it is making false promises to the people of Maharashtra, Mr. Modi said while addressing a rally at Nashik. The PM said the grand old party made similar promises to people in states like Telangana, Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh. The Congress opened jhooth ki dukaan in these states where it is ruling. But that shop is on the verge of shutting down as the Congress does not have money to run the government (schemes) and pay salaries to their employees. The schemes designed by the Congress governments are intended to indulge in maximum corruption, he added. Mr. Modis attack comes on the backdrop of BJPs campaign in Maharashtra accusing the Congress of not fulfilling the guarantees given during the Karnataka, Telangana and Himachal Pradesh assembly elections and betraying the people. He also said the Congress wants to shut the popular Majhi Ladki Bahin scheme of the Mahayuti in which Rs 1,500 per month is being given to women in the state. Every woman should be cautious of them. They cant tolerate our popular scheme, he said. The PM alleged that for many decades, Congress gave the slogan of eradicating poverty but the poor remained dependent for food, clothes and shelter. However, 25 crore people have been freed from the clutches of poverty in the last 10 years, he claimed. Addressing a rally in Dhule earlier in the day, the promised continued development for the state under the Mahayuti government.He accused the Congress and the INDIA bloc parties of plotting against Kashmir after a recent ruckus in the J&K assembly over a resolution calling for the restoration of Article 370. The PM appealed to Dalits, tribals, and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) to stay united, coining the slogan Ek hain toh safe hain (Together, we are safe). If STs (Scheduled Tribes), SCs (Scheduled Castes), and OBCs stay united, the politics of Congress will be over. The Congress has become parasitic and is surviving on crutches. It can contest polls only with the support of other parties, it cannot stand on its own and hence to survive, it has resorted to its oldest tactic of dividing SCs, STs, and OBCs by sowing seeds of discord among them to weaken their unity, he said. Mr. Modi dared Rahul Gandhi and other Congress leaders to publicly praise Hindutva ideologue V.D. Savarkar and Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray. He asked Uddhav Thackeray to make then do so, saying Rahul Gandhi had repeatedly insulted Savarkar despite being in alliance with the Shiv Sena (UBT). How can he (Uddhav) align with the Congress, which neither respects Savarkar nor Balasaheb? the PM asked. The Congress has reacted sharply to Mr. Modis jhooth ki dukaan barb calling it a false propaganda. To counter it, the grand old party has summoned the heads of its ruling states to Mumbai. Telangana and Himachal Pradesh chief ministers Revanth Reddy and Sukhvinder Sukhu and Karnataka deputy chief minister D.K. Shivakumar will hold a joint Press Conference in Mumbai on Saturday to expose BJPs fake narrative, said the party leader. To counter BJPs fake narrative and present the truth to the people of Maharashtra, Reddy, Sukhu and Shivakumar will expose BJP's lies, he added. On Thursday, the Congress party lodged a complaint with the Election Commission, demanding action against the BJP. This is an attempt by the BJP to spread false propaganda against the Congress. Despite being in power at the centre for 10 years and in the state for seven and a half years, the BJP has nothing significant to show in terms of achievements. Since they cannot gain votes based on work, the BJP has resorted to spreading rumours and false propaganda, said the party leader. Mr. Modi will hold two more rallies in Akola and in Nanded on Saturday. On November 12, he will address rallies in Chimur and Solapur and join a roadshow in Pune in the evening. His final rallies are planned for November 14 in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Raigad, and Mumbai. Voting for the 288-seat Maharashtra state legislative assembly will take place in a single phase on November 20 and results will be announced three days later on November 23.

Foundation ceremony for Asian Minorities Univerity held in Solapur

Amer Ali Khan, Member of Legislative Council (MLC), today graced the foundation laying stone ceremony of the Asian Minorities University in Solapur, Maharashtra, as the Chief Guest. Addressing the media after the ceremony, Khan emphasised the pivotal role education plays in the progress of communities. He said that education is a key factor that leads 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 .

NCP (SP) declares five more candidates for Maharashtra polls

Mumbai: The Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) on Tuesday fielded five more candidates for the Maharashtra assembly elections, upping its tally to 87. The party on Monday released its fourth list with seven candidates for the November 20 polls. It replaced sitting MLA Anil Deshmukh with his son Salil from the Katol assembly constituency in Nagpur district. In the latest list, Pawar replaced Siddhi Ramesh Kadam with Raju Khare in the Mohol assembly seat in Solapur district. Kadam's nomination was opposed as she does not belong to the constituency. The party has fielded Abhijit Patil from the Madha assembly constituency and Anil Sawant from the Pandharpur segment, both in Solapur district. Girish Karale will battle it out in the Morshi assembly constituency of Amravati district, while Sangeeta Waje will contest from the Mulund seat in Mumbai. The NCP (SP) is contesting the elections as an MVA ally along with Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress. The Congress has announced candidates for 102 seats so far, and the Shiv Sena (UBT) has declared more than 80 candidates.

Two killed, 64 injured as state transport buses collide on highway in Pune

PUNE: Two persons were killed and 64 injured after two state transport buses collided with each other on the Pune-Solapur Highway in Maharashtra, police said on Tuesday. The accident occurred near Varvand village in Pune district around 5 pm on Monday, an official said. A Pune-bound bus of the Maharashtra State Transport Corporation (MSRTC) collided with a bus heading towards Solapur, police inspector Narayan Deshmukh said. A two-wheeler suddenly came in front of the Pune-bound bus, and when the vehicle swerved to avoid hitting the rider, it jumped the divider and collided with the bus coming from the opposite direction, he said. The buses were carrying more than 110 passengers, the official said. He said, Two passengers died on the spot, and 64 others from both buses sustained injuries and were rushed to a hospital. The official said a case has been registered, and the incident is being probed.

Maharashtra Assembly polls: Raut warns Congress about fielding candidate for Solapur South seat

Speaking to reporters, Mr. Raut said such actions could provoke a similar response from their side and create problems for the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA)

Raut warns ally Congress as rift in MVA deepens

Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray leader Sanjay Raut on Monday warned Congress about fielding a candidate for the Solapur South assembly seat, for which his party has already announced a nominee.

Maharashtra polls: Sanjay Raut warns Congress about fielding candidate for Solapur South seat

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut cautioned Congress against fielding a candidate for the Solapur South assembly seat, where the Shiv Sena has already named a nominee. Raut warned that such moves could cause internal conflicts within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance.

video-ncp-sharad-pawar-faction-leaders-jitendra-awhad-yunus-shaikh-caught-on-camera-brawling-in-public

In an embarrassing incident for the NCP-SCP, two of its prominent leaders were caught on camera engaging in a scuffle in the public over the party's manifesto. The incident happened on Sunday at Mumbra in Thane district. The footage of the brawl which has gone viral shows NCP-SCP leader Jitendra Awhad, former Maharastra housing minister and MLA, entering into a scuffle with Maharashtra minority vice-president Yunus Shaikh. Though Awhad did not explain the cause of the scuffle, Shaikh later told reporters that he was disappointed with Minority president Shameem Khan. My disappointment was not with Sharad Pawar but with the party's minority president Shameem Khan. We are calm because of the elections but my issues with Khan persist. Awhad had promised that a new manifesto would be released. This isn't the first time that I have clashed with Ahwad but I always back off thinking about his good work for my community and the development of Mumbra, Shaikh added. The Mumbra-Kalwa assembly seat is a Muslim majority seat and a stronghold of NCP. Awhad won the seat in 2014 and 2019. But, infightings threaten to derail the party's campaign this year with Shaikh opening a front against Shameem Khan. However, Shaikh added that he had no enmity with Awhad but no goodness for Shameem either. Local media reports to hint that Shaikh's issues were with Khan and not Awhad, who was only stepping in to avert the clash between the duo. The Sharad Pawar faction of the NCP has so far announced candidates for over 76 assembly constituencies. The list includes Siddhi Kadam from Mohol (Solapur), Gyayak Patni from Karanja (Washim), Atul Wandile from Hinganghat, Rahul Kalate from Chinchwad, Mohan Jagtap from Mazalgaon, and former minister Ramesh Bang from Hingna.

Pune to get four new Vande Bharat Trains, check routes, stoppages, fares here

two of Vande Bharat Expresses are already operating in Maharashtra, connecting Pune Kolhapur, Hubli and Mumbai via Pune Solapur.

TN cybercrime wing traces 'FedEx' scam kingpin to Bangladesh; arrest seven from Gujarat, Maharashtra

CHENNAI: In a major breakthrough, Tamil Nadu polices cyber crime wing has traced the tentacles of the FedEx scam to a kingpin in Bangladesh, an official release on Friday said. The release, however, did not say whether the police have uncovered the identity of this kingpin. This came up during the investigation of a case where a Chennai resident was scammed of Rs 1.18 crore recently, in which seven men from Maharashtra and Gujarat were arrested. Based on investigations and interrogations of the arrested accused, TN police uncovered a network operated by a kingpin in Dhaka, Bangladesh who coordinated with agents in India who allegedly scammed people. The release said that the Chennai resident was scammed by the accused who posed as FedEx executives and cybercrime officers to manipulate the victim into transferring large sums of money under the guise of proving innocence in a fake criminal investigation in August. The modus operandi of claiming that a parcel in her name contained banned goods and transferring the call to a cybercrime officer was used to extort Rs 1.18 crore from her. After she registered a complaint, the cyber crime cops began their investigation. This led to the arrest of three accused, one of whom was Ramesh Bhadabhai, to whose account the scammed money was transferred, and two cyber criminal agents Vivek Beladiya Damajbhai and Paresh Narshibhai Kalsaria. Further investigation led to the arrest of Vipul Bhagubhai Kovadiya from Darang in Bhuj Gujarat who acted as a mediator between the agents and the cybercriminals. Vipul revealed that two more agents based in Maharashtra were involved in this case and that they were the main Face to Face (F2F) agents in this case and that they would have the contact of the main accused in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The Cyber Crime Wing later traced these agents to Kurduvadi in Maharashtra. The two F2F agents Sahil Khudbuddin Attar (24) from Solapur in Maharashtra and Shahrukh Ebrahim Shaikh (27) from Kurduvadi in Maharashtra have been arrested. Police said that Sahil had installed an OTP APK file on the account holders' phone allowing fraudulent transfers. The investigation uncovered that the network operated under the instructions of the kingpin at Dhaka, Bangladesh who coordinated the operations with agents like Sahil, who in turn worked as F2F agent to interact with account holders. Further investigation is ongoing, the cops said.

Talks on seat-sharing in Maharashtra is at final stage: CPM

NEW DELHI: The discussion pertaining to seat-sharing among Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) for Maharashtra assembly elections with the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPM) is at the final stage. The Left party is expected to make a candidature announcement in a couple of days. The CPM had conveyed to the alliance partners that it wishes to contest 12 seats. Senior CPM leaders said that the partys state unit held talks on seat-sharing with alliance members mainly with Nationalist Congress Party Sharadchandra Pawar (NCPSP) on Wednesday evening. According to the leaders, if talks fail with alliance partners --Congress, Uddhav Thackeray-headed Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP-SPthe party may go ahead on its own and nominate candidates for at least five seats in the district where the CPM has been struggling for rights of the people including tribal and farmers. The three parties are also part of Maha Vikas Aghadi; a state-level political coalition formed after the 2019 legislative assembly elections in the state. Dates out for high-octane Maharashtra, Jharkhand electoral battles We have given a list of 12 seats. The partys priority will be five seats having tribal populations including Dahanu, where the Left had struggled for the rights of the tribal for years. The other seats are where we have been contesting in the past, said CPM leaders. Vinod Nikole CPM won Dahanu seat in 2019. The seats being sought by the Left party are Igatpuri, Kinwat, Vikramgad, Shahpur, Kalwan, Dindori, Nashik West, Majalgaon, Pathari, Solapur City Central, Akole and Dahanu. The elections in Maharashtra are scheduled on November 20 and counting of votes will take place on November 23. The party has already announced that it would contest the upcoming Jharkhand Assembly elections independently. It has named candidates for nine constituencies; Tamar, Baharagora, Sisai, Chatra, Jamtara, Pakur, Maheshpur, Jama and Mandar. The elections in the state will happen in two phases; November 13 and November 20. The results will be announced on November 23. There are a total of 81 seats in the Jharkhand assembly. Maharashtra Assembly polls: MVA finalises 85-85-85 deal for Uddhav Sena, Congress, Sharad Pawar's NCP

NCP MLA Set to Join Sharad Pawar Faction

MUMBAI: In yet another jolt to the Ajit Pawar-led NCP, MLA Rajendra Shingne is now set to join the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) this week. Mr. Shingne, who is the MLA from Sindkhed Raja in Buldhana district, has met Sharad Pawar and his daughter Supriya Sule in Pune and Mumbai multiple times in the last few days. According to the sources from the NCP (SP), Shingne is seeking an Assembly ticket from the Sindkhed Raja seat. He was loyal to the party founder and never disregarded the latter. In August 2024, Mr.Shingne, former FDA minister, had said that he did not have a choice but to go with Ajit Pawar in July 2023 as the district cooperative bank headed by him was in trouble. An NCP insider said that Mr. Shingne will be joining the party in the next two to three days. He is likely to be given a ticket from the Sindkhed Raja assembly constituency from the party, the insider said. Reacting to reports, deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar said that the leaders often switch sides when the elections are near and the parties that do not have candidates with elective merit try to poach candidates from other parties. After NCP(SP) won eight out of nine Lok Sabha seats it had contested, party leaders including Sharad Pawars grand nephew Rohit Pawar had claimed that at least a dozen MLAs from the Ajit Pawar camp will switch sides before the Assembly elections. Ajit Pawar-led NCP leaders Umesh Patil and Vilas Lande also on Tuesday met Sharad Pawar in Pune. Around a month ago, Umesh Patil had resigned as spokesperson of NCP over issues of unfair treatment. He told this newspaper that he had held a discussion with Sharad Pawar regarding the political situation in Solapur district. I will support the NCP (SP) candidate in my district, he said. Satara district chief of the Ajit Pawars party Sanjeevraje Naik-Nimbalkar and Phaltan NCP legislator Deepak Chavan had on Monday joined NCP (SP) in the presence of the NCP founder. Sanjeev is the brother of senior leader Ramraje Naik Nimbalkar, who had sided with Ajit Pawar last year. It is being said that Ramraje has decided to remain neutral in the Assembly election. BJP leaders Samarjeetsinh Ghadge from Kolhapur and Harshwardhan Patil from Indapur have also joined the NCP (SP) and both of them are likely to contest the Assembly election.

Maharashtra Cabinet Meeting Cancelled Due to Shindes Health Concern

Mumbai: Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shindes all events on Tuesday were cancelled or postponed due to his health concerns. However, the officials said that the CM will be back to work on Wednesday. A cabinet meeting was also postponed due to Mr. Shindes absence. It was supposed to be the last cabinet meeting of the Shinde government before the model code of conduct came into force in the state. The Shinde cabinet has approved more than 100 proposals in the last three cabinet meetings, including 40 decisions approved in the last weeks cabinet meeting. The same trend was expected to continue, but Tuesdays meeting was cancelled at the last minute. According to officials, Mr. Shinde has been advised complete rest and he is recuperating at his official residence Varsha in Mumbai. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has undergone eye surgery. So the doctor has advised him to take rest and special care. In the wake of the doctors advice, the CM has decided to take a break by cancelling the promotion program of Ladki Bahin Yojana under the Women Empowerment Campaign in Shirdi and the foundation laying ceremony of Onion Mahabank in Rahuri and all other scheduled programs today. However, the media is requested not to make any other arguments in this regard, CMs office said in a statement. However, sources said that Mr. Shinde experienced low blood pressure as a result of overexertion. He has been attending back to meetings and events across the state. Mr. Shinde was also scheduled to visit Solapur, where he was to participate in an event Vachanpoorti (Promise Fulfillment) at 12:30 pm. He was scheduled to depart from Mumbai airport at 11:30 am. Deputy chief ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar attended the event in his absence. Mr. Fadnavis also attended the function at Shirdi while Ajit Pawar skipped it due to his Jansanman Yatra scheduled earlier in Kolhapur district. Speaking at the Solapur event, Mr Fadnavis assured that the Ladki Bahin scheme will not be discontinued after the election and the government will credit installments of Rs 1,500 each for the month of October and November in advance. He termed it as a bhau beej in advance. Under the Mukhyamantri Mazi Ladki Bahin Yojana, the state government credits financial assistance of Rs 1,500 per month in the bank accounts of eligible women. The state government has allocated Rs 46,000 crore to implement the scheme. Targeting the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi, Mr Fadnavis said women should beware of some step brothers trying to stall welfare schemes. He claimed that Anil Wadpalliwar, the official election in-charge of state Congress president Nana Patole, and Congress leader Sunil Kedar approached the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court seeking stay on the Ladki Bahin (beloved sister), Lek Ladki (beloved daughter) schemes and 50 per cent discount on bus tickets for women, claiming these initiatives are a waste of money. As long as your real brothers are sitting in Mumbai (Mahayuti alliance), we will never allow the discontinuation of these initiatives, he said.

AIMIM Proposes to Join MVA, Seeks 28 Assembly Seats

Mumbai: Hyderabad-based-All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) has shown a willingness to join the oppositions alliance for the forthcoming Vidhan Sabha polls in Maharashtra. The decision has been made after consultation of state leaders with AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi. Former MP and party leader Imtiaz Jaleel said the AIMIM has sent a proposal to the presidents of the Congress and NCP (SP) seeking 28 Assembly seats to contest. We (the opposition parties) should come together to ensure BJPs defeat. We do not want the Mahayuti government in the state, he said. Jaleel made it clear that the seats they have proposed to contest are all Muslim-dominated. They (the MVA) will field their candidates in Muslim-dominated constituencies, which will lead to division of votes between them and the AIMIM and it will ultimately help the BJP, he added. The list of constituencies from which the AIMIM is seeking to contest the assembly polls in Maharashtra includes Dharavi, Byculla, Mumba Devi, Versova, Andheri West, Chandivali, Mankhurd, Anushakti Nagar, Kurla, Kalina, Bandra East, Bandra West, Bhiwandi West, Bhiwandi East, Mumbra-Kalwa, Dhule, Malegaon Central, Pune Cantonment, Solapur Central, Akola, Balapur, Akola West, Washim, Amravati, Nanded North, Nanded Central, Aurangabad Central, and Aurangabad East. The AIMIM leader said that the letter seeking alliance with the Congress and NCP (SP) has been drafted. We drafted a letter after consulting AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi and it has been sent to the Congress and NCP (SP). The AIMIM leader also said the proposal has been sent only to the Congress and NCP (SP), as they still do not agree with (the policies of) the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena. The Shiv Sena (UBT) have recently become secular, but we do not agree with their stand on various issues. Hence, we have approached the Congress and the NCP (SP). If they could join hands with a party that has recently become secular, why cant the AIMIM enter into an alliance with the MVA? he said. We have given a proposal for 28 Muslim-dominated constituencies, and we can give a good fight on these seats, Jaleel said. However, he added that the AIMIM has only listed the constituencies and it can contest on fewer seats as well. Elections to the 288-member Maharashtra assembly are likely to be held in November. In the current assembly, the BJP is the single largest party with 103 MLAs, followed by Shiv Sena 40, NCP 41, Congress 40, Shiv Sena (UBT) 15, NCP (SP) 13 and others 29. The AIMIM has two MLAs while some seats are vacant. It is unlikely that Shiv Sena (UBT) will agree with the inclusion of the AIMIM in the MVA. Though the Uddhav Thackeray-led party is part of the secular alliance, it continues to claim that it has not abandoned Hindutva as it does not want to lose its core voters. Besides, the MVA already includes several parties, such as Congress, NCP(SP), Shiv Sena (UBT), Samajwadi Party, Communist Party, Shetkari Kamgar Paksha and the Republican Organization. The alliance is already struggling with accommodating each of the constituents. According to sources, AIMIMs proposal may not get any response from Congress and NCP(SP).

Mumbai Railways: Special Trains Extended, Over 80 Suburban Timetables Revised

The Central Railway has extended the services of several special trains, providing hundreds of additional trips for smoother travel. In addition, they have revised the schedules for over 80 suburban trains on the Mumbai Main Line. Reports indicate that 83 suburban trains will now operate under the updated timetable. Extended Special Train Services: Pune-Harangul Daily Special (Train No. 01487/01488) with a total of 184 trips. Solapur-Tirupati Weekly Special (Train No. 01437/01438) offering 26 trips. Pune-Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Terminus Kolhapur Daily Special (Train No. 01023/01024) with 184 trips. Nagpur-Madgaon Bi-weekly Special (Train No. 01139/01140) providing 52 trips. Lokmanya Tilak Terminus-Solapur Weekly Special (Train No. 01435/01436) with 28 trips. Khandwa-Sanawad 5-Days a Week Special (Train No. 01091/01092) operating 130 trips. Dadar-Gorakhpur 4-Days a Week Special (Train No. 01027/01028) with 106 trips. Dadar-Ballia Tri-weekly Special (Train No. 01025/01026) offering 78 trips. Badnera-Nashik Daily Unreserved Special (Train No. 01211/01212) with 184 trips. Solapur-Daund Daily Unreserved Special (Train No. 01461/01462) providing 184 trips. Solapur-Kalaburagi Daily Unreserved Special (Train No. 01463/01464) with 184 trips. Timetable Revision for Over 80 Trains: The Indian Railways has also revised the schedule of more than 80 trains across the Central Railway zone. These changes will take effect from October 5, 2024. Central Railway covers five divisions: Mumbai, Pune, Bhusawal, Solapur, and Nagpur. Additionally, 21 trains that previously started or ended at Dadar will now operate up to Parel. Trains originating or terminating at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) will be shifted to Dadar to reduce the operational load on CSMT. Indian Railways to Operate 6,000 Special Trains for Festive Season Delhi Airport Set to Introduce India's First Air Train by 2027 Safety Incidents on Indian Railways: Iron Rods Recovered in Bathinda and Gas Cylinder in Kanpur

Police seize drugs worth Rs 43 lakh in Nirmal

Adilabad : The excise enforcement special task force (EE-STF) police raided a house and godown and seized 3.3 kg alprazolam and 728 kgchlorohydrate valued at Rs 43 lakh in Dwarakanagar of Nirmal on Thursday. EE-STF superintendent Pradeeprao said the police action followed intelligence inputs from senior officials in Hyderabad. Police arrested G. Srinivas Goud in this connection and booked him under PD Act. Alprazolam was used in the manufacturing of spurious toddy. The STF found that one Solapur Srinu supplied alprazolam and Roop Singh of Rajasthan was the chlorohydrate. Both were absconding.

Striking for identity and inclusion

It has been over three weeks since the Dhangar community in Maharashtra has started a fast-unto-death agitation in Pandharpur for a Scheduled Tribe reservation, claiming they are the Dhangad community already listed in the Constitution. Vinaya Deshpande Pandit visits Solapur district to understand the political ramifications of the States second largest community in the upcoming Assembly elections

Modi Inaugurates Projects Worth Rs 11,200 Crore In Maharashtra

The prime minister also inaugurated the revamped Solapur Airport, which would significantly improve connectivity,

Modi inaugurates projects worth Rs.11,200 Cr in Maharashtra

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone, inaugurated and dedicated to the nation various projects in Maharashtra worth over Rs 11,200 crore via video conferencing on Sunday. Addressing the occasion, the Prime Minister recalled the cancellation of his event in Pune due to bad weather two days ago and credited technology for todays virtual event saying that this land of inspiration of great personalities is witnessing a new chapter of Maharashtras development. Modi mentioned the inauguration of the Pune Metro section of District Court to Swargate and laying the foundation stone for Swargate-Katraj Extension of Pune Metro Phase-1 today. He also touched upon laying the foundation stone for memorial for Krantijyoti Savitribai Phules First Girls School at Bhidewada and expressed satisfaction with the fast progress towards increasing ease of living in Pune. Devotees of Bhagwan Vitthal have also received a special present today, the Prime Minister said, referring to the inauguration of Solapur airport to establish direct air connectivity to the city. He informed that the terminal capacity has increased and new services and facilities have been created for the passengers after the completion of the upgradation work of the existing airport, thereby increasing convenience for the devotees of Bhagwan Vitthal. He further added that the airport would also give a boost to businesses, industries and tourism and congratulated the people of Maharashtra for todays development projects. Today, Maharashtra needs big goals with new resolutions, the Prime Minister remarked, emphasizing the need to make cities like Pune a center of progress and urban development. Talking about Punes progress and the pressure of the growing population, the Prime Minister said steps need to be taken now to augment development and capacity. To achieve this goal, the Prime Minister said that the present State government is working with the approach of modernizing Punes public transport and giving a boost to connectivity as the city expands. The Prime Minister recalled that discussions about Pune Metro began in 2008 but its foundation stone was laid in 2016 when quick decisions were taken by his government. As a result, the Prime Minister said, today Pune Metro is gaining speed and expanding. Referring to todays projects, Modi said on the one hand Pune Metro section of District Court to Swargate has been inaugurated while on the other hand foundation stone for Swargate to Katraj line has also been laid. He recalled inaugurating the metro service from Ruby Hall Clinic to Ramwadi in March this year. The Prime Minister lauded the work done for the expansion of Pune Metro from 2016 till now because of faster decision-making and removing obstacles. He pointed out that the present government has prepared a modern network of metro in Pune while the previous government could barely construct a single Metro pillar in eight years. Modi underscored the importance of development-driven governance in ensuring Maharashtras progress, emphasizing that any disruption in this continuity leads to significant losses for the state. He highlighted various stalled projects, from Metro initiatives to the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train and critical irrigation projects for farmers, which were delayed before the advent of the double-engine government. The Prime Minister spoke about the Bidkin Industrial Area, a vital component of the Auric City conceptualized during the tenure of the then Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The project, located on the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor had faced obstacles but was revived under the leadership of the double-engine government headed by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Modi announced the dedication of the Bidkin Industrial Node to the nation, highlighting its potential to bring significant investments and employment opportunities to the region. With the development of the Bidkin Industrial Area across 8,000 acres, thousands of crores of investment will flow into Maharashtra, creating jobs for thousands of youth, said the Prime Minister. He emphasized that the mantra of creating jobs through investment is becoming a major strength of the youth in Maharashtra today. Modi reiterated that modernization should be based on the countrys core values and emphasized that India will modernize and develop while carrying forward its rich heritage. He said both future-ready infrastructure and the benefits of development reaching every section are equally important for Maharashtra and underlined that it can become a reality when every section of society participates in the development of the country. The Prime Minister emphasized the pivotal role of womens leadership in societal transformation. He paid tribute to Maharashtras legacy of womens empowerment, particularly the efforts of Savitribai Phule, who initiated the movement for womens education by opening first girls school. The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for the Savitribai Phule Memorial, which will include a skill development center, a library, and other essential facilities. Modi expressed confidence that the memorial will serve as a lasting tribute to the social reform movement and inspire future generations. The Prime Minister highlighted the immense challenges faced by women in pre-independence India, particularly in accessing education, and praised visionaries like Savitribai Phule for opening the doors of education for women. The Prime Minister noted that despite gaining independence, the country struggled to fully shed the mindset of the past and pointed out the previous governments who restricted womens access in many sectors. He said that a lack of basic infrastructure like toilets in schools would lead to a high dropout rate for girls. Modi said that the present government transformed the outdated systems, including the admission of women in Sainik Schools and roles within the armed forces and also addressed the issue of pregnant women having to quit their work. The Prime Minister outlined the significant impact of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and said that its biggest beneficiaries are daughters and women who have been freed from the hardship of open defecation. He also noted that school sanitation improvements have reduced the dropout rate for girls. Modi touched upon strict laws for the safety of women and Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam which ensures womens leadership in Indias democratic process. When the door of every sector opens up for our daughters, only then do the real doors of progress open for the country, Modi said expressing confidence that Savitribai Phule Memorial will give further energy to these resolutions and the campaign for women empowerment. Concluding the address, the Prime Minister reaffirmed his belief in Maharashtras pivotal role in guiding the nation towards development and said, Together we will achieve this goal of Viskit Maharashtra, Viksit Bharat.

PM Modi inaugurates multiple projects in Maharashtra via video conferencing

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated Solapur Airport and Bidkin Industrial Area in Maharashtra through video conferencing.

PM Modi To Launch Projects Worth Rs 11,200 Crore For Maharashtra

Modi will inaugurate the Solapur airport as well which will significantly improve connectivity, making Solapur more accessible to tourists, business travellers and investors.

Prime Minister Modi to unveil projects worth Rs 11,200 crore in Maharashtra

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone, inaugurate, and dedicate various projects in Maharashtra on Sunday. The event includes the inauguration of the Pune Metro section from District Court to Swargate, completing Phase-1 of the project. Other highlights include the dedication of Bidkin Industrial Area and the inauguration of Solapur Airport.

Maharashtra: Revamped Solapur Airport Set For Launch With Rs 65 Crore Upgrade, DGCA Grants Operational Licence

Dhangars demand ST status, hold protest rally

After the delay in passing a GR, the Dhangar community intensified their protest by blocking roads in several districts in Maharashtra, including Beed, Solapur, Kolhapur, Nashik, Pandharpur, and Akola.