Page 19 - Maharashtra Assembly Elections

Amid model code, Mumbai police seize Rs 2.3 cr cash, arrest 12 people

In the run-up to the November 20 Maharashtra assembly elections, police have seized Rs 2.3 crore cash from 12 persons at Kalbadevi in south Mumbai, officials said on Friday. Acting on inputs, a team of Lokmanya Tilak Marg police station and poll officials intercepted a group of people on Thursday night. While a search led to the discovery of Rs 2.3 crore, the individuals could neither produce any documents linked to the cash nor explain why they were carrying so much money, an official said. As the model code of conduct for the state elections is in force, surveillance teams formed on the instructions of the Election Commission are checking the movement of potential inducements like cash, liquor, and other items. After paperwork and questioning, which went on till the early hours of Friday, the money was seized and the 12 persons carrying the cash were detained, he said. The cash was later handed over to the Income Tax department for further probe, the official added.

Didn't seek PM's rally as Baramati contest within family: Ajit Pawar

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has said he did not request Prime Minister Narendra Modi to hold a campaign rally in his Baramati constituency because the fight there is within the family. Pawar, the sitting MLA, is contesting against his nephew Yugendra Pawar, the candidate of the rival Nationalist Congress Party led by Sharad Pawar. The prime minister would be holding campaign rallies for the November 20 Maharashtra assembly elections starting Friday. Contest in Baramati is within the family, Ajit told reporters here on Thursday when asked why the PM would not be holding a rally in his constituency. The NCP led by Ajit Pawar is part of the ruling coalition along with the BJP and Shiv Sena. Asked about NCP candidates also not seeking rallies of senior BJP leaders like Amit Shah in their constituencies, Pawar said it could be because there is not much time left for campaigning, and also due to the limit on election expenses. Earlier in the day, when asked what would

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Supriya Sule rules out reconciliation with Ajit Pawar while he's with BJP

Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) leader Supriya Sule said she will not be contesting the Maharashtra Assembly elections

Mahayuti govt has failed, says Sharad Pawar; urges people to overthrow it

NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar on Thursday hit out at the Mahayuti government in Maharashtra, saying it has failed to safeguard the interests of farmers, protect women and provide jobs, and urged people not to allow them to continue in power. He also targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of working in the interest of a particular state. Pawar was addressing a campaign rally for NCP (SP)'s Nagpur East candidate Duneshwar Pethe here. Assembly elections are scheduled to be held on November 20. "Nagpur has a deep relationship with the Congress and its ideology, with leaders from Vidarbha, including Vasantrao Naik and Sudhakarrao Naik, serving as the chief minister of Maharashtra and empowering the state," he said. But those who are in power today have failed to solve the problems faced by farmers and the number suicides by farmers in Vidarbha is very big. Farmers had to take the path of suicide because the government not solve their issues, the former Union agriculture ...

Oppn 'bluffing' by assuring Rs 3,000 monthly aid to women: Ajit Pawar

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Thursday claimed the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) was "bluffing" by promising Rs 3,000 per month to women in the state if the opposition alliance comes to power after the November 20 state polls. Talking to reporters here, NCP leader Pawar noted that when the Mahayuti government offered Rs 1,500 per month to women under its Ladki Bahin Yojana, the opposition questioned its feasibility. The MVA alliance, comprising Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress and NCP (SP) led by Sharad Pawar, on Wednesday promised Rs 3,000 per month to women in Maharashtra. Responding to the MVA's guarantee, Ajit Pawar said the opposition was resorting to "bluffing" by making such promises. He said the decision to give Rs 1,500 (per month) under the Ladki Bahin Yojana was made because it was feasible. "Today, if they claim to give Rs 3,000 per month to women, the expenditure may reach Rs 90,000 crore. They are also promising Rs 4,000 per month to unemploye

BJP's graph diving, INDIA bloc to form govt in Maharashtra, J'khand: Pilot

Senior Congress leader Sachin Pilot on Thursday claimed that BJP's favourability is declining as people are fed up with its policies and misuse of agencies, and predicted the victory of INDIA bloc in Maharashtra and Jharkhand assembly polls. BJP's graph in the entire country is declining and the INDIA grouping will win the upcoming elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand. I have been to Jamshedpur (Jharkhand) and there is a one-sided wave prevailing in that state, Pilot told reporters at the residence of Madhya Pradesh Congress President Jitu Patwari. Senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Vivek Tankha was also present. Pilot arrived here to campaign for Congress in the November 13 bypoll in Vijaypur assembly constituency in Sheopur district, bordering Rajasthan. The former Rajasthan deputy chief minister accused BJP leaders of using low-level language during polls, referring to comments like snatching mangal sutra and taking away your buffaloes during the Lok Sabha elections and

Rahul Gandhi using 'red book' to seek help from 'urban Naxals': Fadnavis

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday alleged that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, was trying to seek support from "urban Naxals and anarchists" by holding a "red book" in his hand. Notably, Gandhi, the leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha, has been displaying an abridged version of the Constitution in a red cover during his rallies. The state assembly polls are scheduled on November 20. During his visit to Nagpur on Wednesday, Gandhi carried a copy of the Constitution in his hand at an event where he once again advocated for a caste census, saying the exercise will happen in the country and it will show the injustice meted out to Dalits, OBCs and Adivasis. Asked about the LoP seeking a caste census in the country, Fadnavis on Thursday told reporters here, "My allegations made two days back against Rahul Gandhi have proved true about his inclination towards 'urban Naxals'. He showed the red book and tried seeking help (politically) from urban Naxals and ...

Ajit Pawar condemns ally Sadabhau Khot's remarks onuncle Sharad Pawar

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has condemned adverse remarks made against his uncle and NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar by ruling Mahayuti legislator Sadabhau Khot, and said such comments will not be tolerated. As the remarks sparked a row ahead of the November 20 state polls, Khot, the founder of Rayat Kranti Sanghatana and an ally of the ruling Mahayuti in the state, in a video message on Thursday expressed his apology and said he takes back his comment if has hurt anyone's sentiments. During a public rally on Wednesday at Jath in Sangli district, where senior BJP leader and Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis was in attendance, Khot made comments on the health condition of senior Pawar, sparking criticism from both factions of the NCP. Objecting to Khot's comments, Ajit Pawar, who broke ranks with Sharad Pawar last year and joined the Eknath Shinde-BJP government, in a post on X on Wednesday said the remarks were condemnable and inappropriate and will not be tolerated. Speakin

Shiv Sena (UBT) manifesto promises free education, to scrap Dharavi project

Shiv Sena (UBT) Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday unveiled his party's manifesto for the Maharashtra assembly polls, assuring free education for male students, stabilising prices of essential items and scrapping of the Dharavi redevelopment project. Thackeray said most of the poll promises are part of the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi's (MVA) overall assurances, but there are some points which need special attention. The MVA, which comprises the Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress and Sharad Pawar's NCP (SP), will also launch its manifesto for the November 20 state assembly polls, he said. Thackeray assured that the way female students in the state were getting free education under a government policy, it will be implemented for male students as well if the MVA comes to power. The MVA will also keep stable the prices of essential commodities, he said. On the Dharavi redevelopment project, the former chief minister said it will be scrapped as the project will have ramifications on Mumbai. Maharas

Maharashtra wants change, MVA working to provide alternative: Sharad Pawar

NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar on Thursday said the people of Maharashtra want a change and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) will work towards giving them that alternative after the upcoming state assembly polls. Pawar also backed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's demand for a caste census in the country. The former Union minister was speaking to reporters at the Nagpur airport ahead of his public meetings here in connection with the November 20 state assembly polls. The MVA comprises the NCP (SP), Congress and Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT). Talking about his campaigning, Pawar said, "We feel that the people of Maharashtra want a change and we need to work towards giving them confidence. And working towards that, me and all my associates are reaching out to the people across Maharashtra from today." Rahul Gandhi, during his visit to Nagpur on Wednesday, said a caste-based census will happen and that his party will also "break the wall of 50 per cent" reservation limit. Asked

Not countering Ladki Bahin scheme, will give more benefits to women: Sule

NCP (SP) working Supriya Sule has said the opposition MVA is not planning to counter the Maharashtra government's flagship Ladki Bahin Yojana, but questioned the amount provided under the scheme in view of the soaring inflation. Under the Ladki Bahin Yojana, women with an annual family income of less than Rs 2.5 lakh are given Rs 1500 per month as aid. On the scheme being called a "gamechanger" ahead of the November 20 state assembly polls, Sule in an interview to PTI said, "All depends on how you see it and who is saying it." 'Rs 1,500 is given to women and at the same time oil prices, food inflation is at an all-time high. Sales dropped during Diwali and the state GDP is not flattering. Crimes against women have gone up,' she pointed out. Sule said the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), comprising the NCP (SP), Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT), is not attempting to counter the Ladki Bahin scheme. 'The Congress government had brought Sanjay Gandhi Niradhar Yojana for women. We didn't scream fr

Maharashtra polls: Paid leave for employees in Mumbai to increase turnout

The Mumbai district election officer has said all establishments, businesses and other workplaces within the Brihanmumbai limits are mandated to grant leave to their employees for voting in the Maharashtra assembly polls on November 20. Violations to this directive by employers will result in action under the Election Commission's guidelines, district election officer and Brihanmumbai Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani said in a release issued on Wednesday. Aiming to enable all eligible voters in Mumbai Suburban and Mumbai City districts to exercise their voting rights, Gagrani has implemented various initiatives to boost the voter turnout here. The release said employers must grant leave to their employees for voting on November 20 in their constituencies and the rule applies to all industrial sectors, corporations, companies and other establishments, ensuring that no wage deductions occur due to this leave. In cases where a full-day leave is not feasible due to exceptional ..

Ajit Pawar's NCP manifesto promises Rs 2,100 for Ladki Bahan scheme

The NCP led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Wednesday unveiled its manifesto for the state assembly polls, promising to raise the amount of Ladki Bahin scheme's monthly financial assistance to Rs 2,100 from the present Rs 1,500. For farmers, the party promised to raise the Shetkari Sanman Nidhi scheme amount from Rs 12,000 to Rs 15,000 per year. The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) is contesting the November 20 assembly elections as part of the ruling Mahayuti alliance, which also comprises the Shiv Sena and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The NCP, which is fighting the elections from 52 constituencies, also unveiled constituency-specific manifestos for all the assembly seats it is contesting. The manifesto was unveiled separately by party president Ajit Pawar in Baramati, by its state unit president Sunil Tatkare in Mumbai, and working president Praful Patel in Gondia. NCP candidates and local leaders also released the poll manifestos in their respective ...

Maharashtra polls: BJP expels 40 rebel leaders for defying party directives

Maharashtra Assembly elections: The Maharashtra BJP expelled 40 leaders for defying directives amid Mahayuti's seat-sharing conflict. The expelled leaders face action for breaching party discipline

Maharashtra polls: Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis holds roadshow in Nagpur

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday held a roadshow in Nagpur. Large crowd gathered on both sides of the road to welcome Fadnavis and showered flowers upon his arrival.

ECI orders transfer of Maharashtra DGP Rashmi Shukla ahead of polls

hief Secretary has been directed to submit a panel of three IPS officers for the appointment of the new DGP by 1 PM on November 5, 2024

Maharashtra polls: Jarange reverses stance, says no support to any party

Taking a U-turn, Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange on Monday said he will not support any contestant or party in the Maharashtra assembly polls and asked his supporters who had filed nominations to withdraw their candidature. Monday is the last day for withdrawing nominations. The state assembly elections will be held on November 20 and votes will be counted on November 23. Jarange's decision not to participate in the electoral process marks a notable shift from his earlier strategy, as he had identified certain constituencies where he intended to support or oppose some candidates. Speaking to reporters at Antarwali Sarathi village here on Monday morning, Jarange said, "After much deliberation, I have decided not to field any candidate in the state. The Maratha community will decide on its own whom to defeat and whom to elect. I have no affiliation to or support for any candidate or political party." The activist asserted he was not under any pressure from the ruling Mahayuti or

Maha polls: BJP rebel Gopal Shetty announces withdrawal of nomination

Senior leader and former MP Gopal Shetty, who had filed nomination as an independent after the BJP denied ticket to him, on Monday announced withdrawal of his candidature from Borivali assembly seat in Mumbai. The BJP has nominated Sanjay Upadhyay from the Borivali seat for the November 20 state assembly polls. Monday is the last day for withdrawing nominations. On Sunday, BJP national general secretary Vinod Tawde held a meeting with Shetty to persuade him to withdraw his nomination. Speaking to reporters on Monday, Shetty said, "I am withdrawing my nomination today. My objection was to the BJP's style of functioning where decisions were taken without any consultation with party workers like me. The party was consistently nominating candidates for the assembly elections from outside, and it was presumed that it was being carried out with my consultation." "I was never consulted when candidates were selected for the Borivali assembly segment (in the past). I am a party worker and

Govt busy with Maharashtra, J'khand polls, has no time for J-K: Saamana

The Shiv Sena (UBT) on Monday claimed the Union government was least interested in addressing the issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir as the Centre's focus was on winning the upcoming polls in Maharashtra and Jharkhand. The remarks in an editorial in the Sena (UBT) mouthpiece 'Saamana' came a day after terrorists lobbed a grenade at a CRPF bunker near a crowded flea market in Srinagar, injuring at least 11 civilians. The attack, which took place near a heavily guarded complex housing All India Radio and Doordarshan Kendra near the Tourist Reception Centre (TRC), came after a top Pakistani commander of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) outfit and two other terrorists were killed in two separate encounters in Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar and Anantnag districts on Saturday. The 'Saamana' editorial said it seemed that the Union government was "least interested in stabilising the situation" in Jammu and Kashmir. The Union government was holding more and more meetings on how to win ...