MAHARASHTRA
Panels set up to probe collapse of Shivaji statue, build new one
The Maharashtra Government has formed a technical committee of engineers, IIT experts, and Navy officials to investigate the collapse of the Shivaji Maharaj statue in Malvan. An FIR has been filed against the contractor for alleged poor construction. Additionally, a new committee has been created to build a grand statue befitting the warrior king’s stature.
Maharashtra statue politics: Shivaji Maharaj statue collapse leads to opposition protest
Opposition protests are intensifying in Maharashtra following the collapse of a 35-foot statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Political leaders from NCP-SP, Sena (UBT), and Congress accuse the ruling alliance of corruption. Tensions have escalated with clashes and threats, while Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis defends the Indian Navy's involvement in the project.
Shivaji Maharaj statue collapse tragic, no need to play politics over it: Devendra Fadnavis
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has urged not to politicise the collapse of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue in Sindhudurg district. A thorough investigation is underway, and the Navy is involved in the probe. The statue, unveiled last year, collapsed on Monday afternoon. Fadnavis assured a new statue will be erected and dismissed corruption allegations from the opposition.
Sexual offenders should be castrated, says Maharashtra deputy CM Ajit Pawar
Deputy CM Ajit Pawar of Maharashtra proposed castration for sexual offenders against women during a discussion on the 'Ladki Bahin' scheme. He revealed a bill for tougher penalties has been sent to the President for approval. This statement followed intense protests over an alleged assault on kindergarten girls in Badlapur.
'Bulldozer justice' completely unacceptable, must stop: Priyanka Gandhi
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra criticized the Madhya Pradesh government's actions after a man's house was demolished following protest-related violence. She insisted that only the courts should determine guilt and punishment. The protest was in response to objectionable remarks by seer Ramgiri Maharaj, leading to injuries and property damage.
Badlapur incident hit Maharashtra's image in the country: Sharad Pawar
NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar criticized the Maharashtra state government for its handling of the alleged sexual abuse case involving two kindergarten girls in Badlapur. He highlighted the incident's impact on Maharashtra's image. Thousands protested, blocking roads and clashing with police. A proposed 'Maharashtra Bandh' was halted by the Bombay High Court, citing potential disruptions. Pawar emphasized the government's responsibility for women's safety.
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Maharashtra govt committed to ensuring safety of women, says CM Shinde at 'Ladki Bahin' event
Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde affirmed the success of the 'Majhi Ladki Bahin' scheme, which offers financial aid to women. He responded to opposition criticisms and promised potential benefits expansion. Deputy CM Fadnavis emphasized the scheme's impact on family finances. The program also distributed certificates to beneficiaries and included discussions with the Maratha community.
Don't agree with High Court order but have called off August 24 Maharashtra bandh, says Uddhav
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray opposed a Bombay High Court order but said the MVA had canceled its proposed Maharashtra bandh on Saturday in response to a sexual abuse case in Thane. Instead, opposition members will protest with black bands tied around their mouths across the state.
Sharad Pawar wonders if his Z plus security an attempt to get 'authentic information'
Sharad Pawar, chief of NCP(SP), has been provided with the highest category of Z plus security by the Centre, alongside RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and Home Minister Amit Shah. As Maharashtra assembly elections near, Pawar speculates this move could be to gather information. A team of 55 CRPF personnel will ensure his security.
Won't play big brother, have open mind on MVA leadership: Cong's Chennithala
While the Sena brass has already conveyed to the allies -- Congress and NCP (SCP) -- its pitch for Uddhav Thackeray as the alliance's CM candidate, it also triggered some resentful murmurs from within the Congress with some pointing out that the party won bigger and better than other MVA allies in the Lok Sabha polls, netting 13 of the 17 seats contested, compared to Sena's 9 (out of 21) and NCP's 8 (out of 10 ).
Govt provides 'Z plus' security cover to Sharad Pawar
Sharad Pawar, the 83-year-old chief of NCP-SP and former Maharashtra Chief Minister, received the Z plus armed VIP security cover from the Centre due to threat assessments. The Union Home Ministry instructed the CRPF to undertake the task with 55 armed personnel, who are already in Maharashtra to provide the necessary protection.
Third Eye: All about eyeglasses, pink scheme of things in Maharashtra politics, and sweet moment at party office
Former Jharkhand CM Champai Soren explained his New Delhi visit as a trip to fix his broken eyeglasses advised by his grandson. Ajit Pawar suggested his son Jay may contest from Baramati, criticized by Sanjay Raut. BJP’s Bharati Ghosh visited their office, tying rakhi and offering sweets to staff and journalists.
MVA calls for Maharashtra bandh on August 24 to protest Badlapur sexual abuse case
The opposition has called for a Maharashtra bandh on August 24 following an alleged sexual abuse incident involving two young girls in Badlapur. Protests led to clashes with police and disrupted rail services. The government has responded by forming a special investigation team, and 72 individuals have been arrested in connection with the violence.
Badlapur protest was politically motivated; most protestors were outsiders: CM Shinde
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde claimed that the recent protest in Badlapur, Thane district, over the alleged sexual abuse of two kindergarten girls was politically motivated and aimed at tarnishing the state government's image. He stated that most protesters were outsiders, not local residents, and accused the opposition of exploiting the situation. Despite state minister Girish Mahajan agreeing to the protesters' demands, the unrest persisted, leading to the suspension of rail services for over 10 hours and the arrest of 72 individuals.
BJP is 'poison': Mallikarjun Kharge attacks Modi & co at 'Sadbhavana Diwas' event
At a 'Sadbhavana Diwas' event, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge called the BJP 'poison' and urged for its complete removal. Uddhav Thackeray, attending his first Congress event, described Congress as a better ally. NCP's Sharad Pawar was present too. Kharge stressed the critical role of the Maharashtra state assembly elections in countering BJP's constitutional amendments.
Third eye: Battle of wits in the courtroom, visiting homes to cook, giving a bath, name changing spree in Karnataka
The Supreme Court decided to provide CISF security for doctors at RG Kar hospital, leading to a verbal clash between Kapil Sibal and Tushar Mehta. Meanwhile, NCP’s Hasan Mushrif proposed extreme measures to win votes in Maharashtra. Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah announced renaming Electronic City after D Devaraj Urs, with additional plans to rename Ramanagar as Bengaluru South.
Will quit politics if CM says I am hindering Maratha quota process: Devendra Fadnavis in swipe at Manoj Jarange
Devendra Fadnavis, Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister, declared he would quit politics if CM Eknath Shinde affirmed he obstructed the Maratha quota. Shinde defended Fadnavis, calling Manoj Jarange's accusations groundless. Jarange blamed Fadnavis for impeding the Maratha community's reservation, citing administrative delays despite promised efforts to grant Kunbi certificates.
Third eye: Drunk BJP MLA accosts Pankaja; sensitivity by Kiwis appreciated & it’s time for consultants
President Droupadi Murmu's visit to New Zealand saw Khalistani activists kept away from her event. In Maharashtra, CM Eknath Shinde and Deputy CM Ajit Pawar hired different election strategists. A drunken BJP MLA embarrassed BJP leader Pankaja Munde at an event, with videos of the incident going viral just months before the elections.
MVA will scrap Dharavi project if residents don't get 500 sq ft homes: Aaditya Thackeray
At the 'Dharavi Bachao' rally, Aaditya Thackeray of Shiv Sena (UBT) pledged that the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) would cancel the Dharavi redevelopment project unless 500 square feet homes are provided to residents. He accused the government of favoring the Adani group over Dharavi's inhabitants. Thackeray proposed relocating residents to nearby transit camps and criticized the government for delaying assembly elections. He spoke on the increasing farmer suicides and unemployment and criticized the Mumbadevi Temple beautification project for displaced shopkeepers.
"If stayed with them, then party would have ended": Maharashtra CM Shinde opens up on split with Uddhav Thackeray
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde defended his decision to part ways with Uddhav Thackeray in 2022, stressing it prevented the party from breaking. Shinde highlighted the critical role of party workers and the influence of PM Modi's development work on their alliances, including Ajit Pawar-led NCP, in strengthening the party ahead of upcoming elections.
Ajit Pawar shown black flags at yatra in Pune; NCP demands clarification from Fadnavis
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar encountered protests featuring black and BJP flags during his Jan Samman Yatra in Junnar, Pune. The protesters criticized Pawar for marginalizing allies at an official function. NCP spokesperson Amol Mitkari sought an explanation from BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis. Pawar's yatra includes meetings on development and environmental issues.
Maharashtra govt formally launches 'Ladki Bahin' scheme; CM seeks women's support
The Shiv Sena-BJP-NCP government, facing a tough assembly polls battle against the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi in coming months, came up with the "Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin" scheme, months after a debacle in Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra.
On elections' waiting list: Maharashtra, Jharkhand, 50 bypolls
The Election Commission postponed the Maharashtra and Jharkhand assembly elections due to the inclusion of the Jammu and Kashmir poll and floods hindering electoral activities in Maharashtra. The new Maharashtra assembly must be established by November 2024. Ongoing security issues in J&K also influenced the decision.
Opposition questions PM's 'one nation, one election' push after EC excludes Maharashtra from upcoming Assembly polls
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar explained the rationale behind the decision, stating that logistical and security concerns influenced the EC's approach. "Last time, Maharashtra and Haryana elections were held together. This time, with four states due for elections and heavy rainfall in Maharashtra, as well as several festivals lined up, we decided to conduct elections in two states together," Kumar said. He added that the additional factors of security force requirements also played a role in the decision.
MVA meet: Thackeray insists on freezing CM candidate first; Pawar, Patole bat for change in govt
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray urges MVA alliance to decide on chief ministerial candidate first, rather than going by seat numbers. Thackeray emphasises backing any candidate announced by Congress and NCP (SP) for the position. MVA allies aim to unseat BJP-led Mahayuti coalition in upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections. Thackeray criticizes PM Modi's push for a secular civil code, questioning abandonment of Hindutva principles.
Won't accept formula of person with maximum seats getting CM post: Uddhav Thackeray
Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray stated ahead of the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections that he will not support giving the Chief Minister's post to the party with the most seats. During a joint event of MVA leaders, he stressed the importance of choosing a CM candidate before the elections. The MVA and Maha Yuti alliances will compete in the elections.
Leading NCP a huge responsibility; Mahayuti seat-sharing talks moving positively: Ajit Pawar
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), discussed his role in steering the NCP away from the influence of its founder and his uncle, Sharad Pawar, following a split in the party. Ajit Pawar mentioned the significant responsibility he now holds as NCP chief and highlighted positive progress in seat-sharing discussions with alliance partners Shiv Sena and BJP for upcoming assembly elections.
Ladki Bahin scheme: Over one crore women in Maharashtra to benefit from new scheme: Fadnavis
Ladki Bahin Scheme: Devendra Fadnavis announced that Maharashtra would launch the 'Ladki Bahin' scheme, offering Rs 1,500 monthly assistance to over one crore eligible women from August 17. The initiative, costing the state Rs 46,000 crore annually, was trialled with some women already receiving Rs 3,000. This scheme aligns with the 'Ladli Behna Yojana' in Madhya Pradesh.
Made a mistake by fielding my wife against my sister in LS polls: Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar
Ajit Pawar admitted his error in fielding his wife against cousin Supriya Sule in the Lok Sabha polls. During his 'Jan Samman Yatra', he highlighted the importance of separating politics from family matters and focused on promoting welfare schemes. He also expressed respect for Sharad Pawar's seniority and decided to ignore criticisms.
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