News Analysis India

Tag: Devendra Fadnavis

  • ‘Move to malign image’: Fadnavis says no truck with bookie’s daughter

    Express News Service

    MUMBAI:  There was a furore in the Maharashtra Assembly on Thursday on allegations made by Amruta Fadnavis, the wife of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, that a bookie’s daughter, who has since been arrested, had tried to blackmail her. 

    The Opposition wondered how the wife of the state Home Minister could be targeted like this.  Amruta Fadnavis filed a police complaint against the woman, who claimed to be a designer. A woman named “Aniksha” and her father were named in an FIR filed on February 20.

    She alleged that the woman befriended her, and tried to bribe her, offering her `1 crore to intervene in a criminal case involving her father. She allegedly also offered to give information on bookies “to help her earn money”.

    Fadnavis told the House that the designer ingratiated herself with his wife to get her to save her father.“The FIR details the corruption and bribery attempt. There are 14 cases against Anil Jaisinghani, a bookie, who is missing for four or five years. His daughter Aniksha got in touch with my wife after MVA came to power,” Fadnavis said.

    “She requested me to wear products designed by her at public events, and that this would help promote her clothes, jewellery and footwear. I felt sympathetic… and said alright,” Amruta said in the FIR. Seeking details of the matter, the leader of the Opposition and NCP MLA Ajit Pawar said, “People should know the truth about the case”.

    Woman tried to blackmail me, alleges AmrutaThe wife of deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, Amruta, has filed an FIR alleging that a woman, the daughter of a bookie, had befriended her and tried to bribe her with  `1 crore to intervene in a criminal case involving her father. She allegedly also offered to give information on bookies “to help her earn money” 

    MUMBAI:  There was a furore in the Maharashtra Assembly on Thursday on allegations made by Amruta Fadnavis, the wife of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, that a bookie’s daughter, who has since been arrested, had tried to blackmail her. 

    The Opposition wondered how the wife of the state Home Minister could be targeted like this.  Amruta Fadnavis filed a police complaint against the woman, who claimed to be a designer. A woman named “Aniksha” and her father were named in an FIR filed on February 20.

    She alleged that the woman befriended her, and tried to bribe her, offering her `1 crore to intervene in a criminal case involving her father. She allegedly also offered to give information on bookies “to help her earn money”.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    Fadnavis told the House that the designer ingratiated herself with his wife to get her to save her father.
    “The FIR details the corruption and bribery attempt. There are 14 cases against Anil Jaisinghani, a bookie, who is missing for four or five years. His daughter Aniksha got in touch with my wife after MVA came to power,” Fadnavis said.

    “She requested me to wear products designed by her at public events, and that this would help promote her clothes, jewellery and footwear. I felt sympathetic… and said alright,” Amruta said in the FIR. Seeking details of the matter, the leader of the Opposition and NCP MLA Ajit Pawar said, “People should know the truth about the case”.

    Woman tried to blackmail me, alleges Amruta
    The wife of deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, Amruta, has filed an FIR alleging that a woman, the daughter of a bookie, had befriended her and tried to bribe her with  `1 crore to intervene in a criminal case involving her father. She allegedly also offered to give information on bookies “to help her earn money” 

  • Bribery case: Amruta Fadnavis’ designer ‘friend’ arrested; opposition cries foul   

    Express News Service

    The opposition demanded an impartial probe into Amruta Fadnavis’ alleged links to a Mumbai designer Anishkha, even as the latter was arrested by the police Thursday evening. Anishkha, daughter of an absconding bookie, Anil Jaisinghani, was arrested for allegedly offering Rs 1 crore to the deputy chief minister’s wife for saving her father who has been absconding for several years.

    The arrest followed a police complaint lodged by Amruta Fadnavis.

    The opposition cornered Devendra Fadnavis after apparently audio and video clips relating to the conversations between Amruta and Anishkha came into the limelight.

    The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) legislator and Opposition Leader Ajit Pawar demanded the facts behind the police complaint lodged by Amruta against the designer.

    The leaders including Rajya Sabha member Priyanka Chaturvedi of the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) targetted the deputy chief minister alleging Amruta’s ties with Anishkha. They pointed out that Amruta has been promoting Anishkha’s designer products while the latter used to frequent the deputy chief minister’s house.

    However, Amruta, in her police complaint reportedly alleged that Anishkha requested her to wear products designed by her at public events and that this would help promote her clothes, jewellery, and footwear. She felt sympathetic toward her and agreed to help her.

    Devendra Fadnavis refuted the allegations. However, he admitted that his wife was approached by Anishkha and she even blackmailed his wife.

    Anil Jaisinghani has been absconding for the last about eight years. He faces several cases.

    Anishka, according to Devendra Fadnavis, used to meet Amruta way back in 2015-16. However, she later disappeared. In 2021, she again met his wife claiming that she is a successful designer. She even got a book written by her published by Amruta after gaining access to their house and sought her help to promote her designer products, the deputy chief minister claimed.

    He reportedly issued a statement in the legislative assembly that it was a ‘political conspiracy to trap his family members’ and ‘ruin his political career.’

    The opposition demanded an impartial probe into Amruta Fadnavis’ alleged links to a Mumbai designer Anishkha, even as the latter was arrested by the police Thursday evening. Anishkha, daughter of an absconding bookie, Anil Jaisinghani, was arrested for allegedly offering Rs 1 crore to the deputy chief minister’s wife for saving her father who has been absconding for several years.

    The arrest followed a police complaint lodged by Amruta Fadnavis.

    The opposition cornered Devendra Fadnavis after apparently audio and video clips relating to the conversations between Amruta and Anishkha came into the limelight.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2′); });

    The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) legislator and Opposition Leader Ajit Pawar demanded the facts behind the police complaint lodged by Amruta against the designer.

    The leaders including Rajya Sabha member Priyanka Chaturvedi of the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) targetted the deputy chief minister alleging Amruta’s ties with Anishkha. They pointed out that Amruta has been promoting Anishkha’s designer products while the latter used to frequent the deputy chief minister’s house.

    However, Amruta, in her police complaint reportedly alleged that Anishkha requested her to wear products designed by her at public events and that this would help promote her clothes, jewellery, and footwear. She felt sympathetic toward her and agreed to help her.

    Devendra Fadnavis refuted the allegations. However, he admitted that his wife was approached by Anishkha and she even blackmailed his wife.

    Anil Jaisinghani has been absconding for the last about eight years. He faces several cases.

    Anishka, according to Devendra Fadnavis, used to meet Amruta way back in 2015-16. However, she later disappeared. In 2021, she again met his wife claiming that she is a successful designer. She even got a book written by her published by Amruta after gaining access to their house and sought her help to promote her designer products, the deputy chief minister claimed.

    He reportedly issued a statement in the legislative assembly that it was a ‘political conspiracy to trap his family members’ and ‘ruin his political career.’

  • Maharashtra: With an eye on next year’s elections, Fadnavis’ budget intends to ‘please all’ 

    Express News Service

    MAHARASHTRA: Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday laid emphasis on infrastructure creation as he presented the annual budget, which was intended to please all, in the State Assembly.

    With the general election and elections for the state assembly due next year, there were announcements in the budget aimed to make the farmers, govt employees and Asha workers happy by increasing their salaries and financial aid. 

    Deputy chief minister who also holds the finance portfolio, Fadnavis said that to boost the state government’s share of gross domestic product (GDP) from 14.2 percent to 20 percent, the government has decided to lay emphasis on infrastructure creation so as to ensure comprehensive development of the state.

    India is moving towards a 5 trillion dollar economy and Maharashtra has decided to contribute its share of 1 trillion dollars, he noted in his budget speech.

    The revenue deficit of the state has been pegged at Rs 16,112 crores while the fiscal deficit is Rs 95,500.80 crores.

    Even as he read out his budget speech using the digital technology –tab, Fadnavis quoted verses of medieval saints including Tukaram and Sant Dnyaneshwar.

    Fadnavis announced the ‘Namo Shetkari Mahasanman Nidhi’ to supplement the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Samman Nidhi Yojana, conceived by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with grants from the State.

    “Maharashtra government will provide an additional amount of Rs 6000 along with Rs 6000 per farmer per year from the central government. In this way, an amount of Rs 12,000 will be deposited in the farmer’s account every year. This will benefit around 1.15 crore families. We have earmarked Rs 6900 crore for this ambitious scheme,” Devendra Fadnavis said.

    He added, there is a provision to pay two per cent of the insurance premium by the farmer in the Pradhan Mantri Crop Insurance Scheme of 2016 by the Central Government.

    “However, the insurance premium for their share will be paid by the state government itself. Farmers no longer need to bear this burden. Farmers can register on the Pradhan Mantri Crop Insurance Yojana portal by paying a nominal fee of Re 1. We have provided Rs 3312 crore for this scheme,” he added.

    “Under Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Shetkari Karjmukti Yojana, farmers who regularly repay short-term crop loans have been given an incentive of up to Rs. 50,000, which was announced in the last two budgets, but not distributed. Under this scheme, an amount of Rs 4683 crores has been directly disbursed to the bank accounts of 12.84 lakhs eligible account holders by the end of February 15, 2023,” he informed.

    Fadnavis further announced that it has been proposed to give pipeline connections to 17,72,000 families under Jal Jeevan Mission which will cost Rs. 20,000 crores to the state exchequer. 

    “A new scheme called Lek Ladki will be launched for the empowerment of girls. For yellow and orange ration card holders, a subsidy of Rs. 5,000 will be given after the birth of a girl child. Further, Rs. 4,000 would be extended to the child in class I, Rs. 6,000 in class VI and Rs. 8,000 in class XI. Once the girl completes the age of 18, a cash amount of Rs. 75,000 will be given to her.

    Fadnavis further said that women can henceforth enjoy a 50 percent discount on ticket fares in State Transport Corporation buses.

    Moreover, he announced an increase in the salary of Asha Pravartaka from Rs. 3,500 to Rs 5000 while the promoter will get Rs. 4,700 as honorarium plus an additional Rs. 1,500 each.

    There are about 81,000 Asha volunteers and 3,500 group promoters working in the State.

    Further, Fadnavis said the Anganwadi workers’ honorarium will be hiked from Rs 8,325 to Rs 10,000. Similarly, the honorarium for mini anganwadi workers will go up from Rs. 5,975 to Rs. 7,200 and anganwadi helpers will get Rs 5,500 instead of Rs. 4,425  per month.

    After the setback in recent MLC elections, the state government announced raising the honorarium of primary and higher primary education sevaks from Rs. 6,000 to Rs. 16,000, that of secondary education sevaks from Rs. 8,000 to Rs.18,000, and that of higher secondary education sevaks from Rs. 9,000 to Rs.20,000.

    MAHARASHTRA: Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday laid emphasis on infrastructure creation as he presented the annual budget, which was intended to please all, in the State Assembly.

    With the general election and elections for the state assembly due next year, there were announcements in the budget aimed to make the farmers, govt employees and Asha workers happy by increasing their salaries and financial aid. 

    Deputy chief minister who also holds the finance portfolio, Fadnavis said that to boost the state government’s share of gross domestic product (GDP) from 14.2 percent to 20 percent, the government has decided to lay emphasis on infrastructure creation so as to ensure comprehensive development of the state.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2′); });

    India is moving towards a 5 trillion dollar economy and Maharashtra has decided to contribute its share of 1 trillion dollars, he noted in his budget speech.

    The revenue deficit of the state has been pegged at Rs 16,112 crores while the fiscal deficit is Rs 95,500.80 crores.

    Even as he read out his budget speech using the digital technology –tab, Fadnavis quoted verses of medieval saints including Tukaram and Sant Dnyaneshwar.

    Fadnavis announced the ‘Namo Shetkari Mahasanman Nidhi’ to supplement the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Samman Nidhi Yojana, conceived by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with grants from the State.

    “Maharashtra government will provide an additional amount of Rs 6000 along with Rs 6000 per farmer per year from the central government. In this way, an amount of Rs 12,000 will be deposited in the farmer’s account every year. This will benefit around 1.15 crore families. We have earmarked Rs 6900 crore for this ambitious scheme,” Devendra Fadnavis said.

    He added, there is a provision to pay two per cent of the insurance premium by the farmer in the Pradhan Mantri Crop Insurance Scheme of 2016 by the Central Government.

    “However, the insurance premium for their share will be paid by the state government itself. Farmers no longer need to bear this burden. Farmers can register on the Pradhan Mantri Crop Insurance Yojana portal by paying a nominal fee of Re 1. We have provided Rs 3312 crore for this scheme,” he added.

    “Under Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Shetkari Karjmukti Yojana, farmers who regularly repay short-term crop loans have been given an incentive of up to Rs. 50,000, which was announced in the last two budgets, but not distributed. Under this scheme, an amount of Rs 4683 crores has been directly disbursed to the bank accounts of 12.84 lakhs eligible account holders by the end of February 15, 2023,” he informed.

    Fadnavis further announced that it has been proposed to give pipeline connections to 17,72,000 families under Jal Jeevan Mission which will cost Rs. 20,000 crores to the state exchequer. 

    “A new scheme called Lek Ladki will be launched for the empowerment of girls. For yellow and orange ration card holders, a subsidy of Rs. 5,000 will be given after the birth of a girl child. Further, Rs. 4,000 would be extended to the child in class I, Rs. 6,000 in class VI and Rs. 8,000 in class XI. Once the girl completes the age of 18, a cash amount of Rs. 75,000 will be given to her.

    Fadnavis further said that women can henceforth enjoy a 50 percent discount on ticket fares in State Transport Corporation buses.

    Moreover, he announced an increase in the salary of Asha Pravartaka from Rs. 3,500 to Rs 5000 while the promoter will get Rs. 4,700 as honorarium plus an additional Rs. 1,500 each.

    There are about 81,000 Asha volunteers and 3,500 group promoters working in the State.

    Further, Fadnavis said the Anganwadi workers’ honorarium will be hiked from Rs 8,325 to Rs 10,000. Similarly, the honorarium for mini anganwadi workers will go up from Rs. 5,975 to Rs. 7,200 and anganwadi helpers will get Rs 5,500 instead of Rs. 4,425  per month.

    After the setback in recent MLC elections, the state government announced raising the honorarium of primary and higher primary education sevaks from Rs. 6,000 to Rs. 16,000, that of secondary education sevaks from Rs. 8,000 to Rs.18,000, and that of higher secondary education sevaks from Rs. 9,000 to Rs.20,000.

  • Maharashtra budget: Paddy farmers to get Rs 15,000 incentive per hectare

    By Online Desk

    MUMBAI: Deputy Chief  Minister and state Finance Minister Devendra Fadnavis presented Maharashtra’s Budget for 2023-24 on Thursday. This reportedly marks the first Budget of the Eknath Shinde-government after it came to power, toppling the Uddhav Thackeray-led MVA (Maha Vikas Aghadi) government.

    Focus seems to have been given to the agricultural sector in the wake of protests by recent protests by onion and cotton growers who were up in arms against the Centre and the State for failing to help them when the prices are plunging.

    Maharashtra Finance Minister Devendra Fadnavis earmarked Rs 20,000 crore for Har ghar jal — drinking water connections to all in state. @NewIndianXpress
    — Sudhir Suryawanshi (@ss_suryawanshi) March 9, 2023
    Devendra Fadnavis said that the state will finalize the fourth women’s policy for the state. Various schemes announced for girls and women.

    The State government is to provide premiums for farmers under PM Krishi Bima Yojna. Apart from Rs 6,000 to individual farmers from central scheme, the state promises an additional Rs 6,000. It means every eligible farmer will be entitled for Rs 12,000.  Paddy-growing farmers will get Rs 15,000 incentive per hectare. 

    MUMBAI: Deputy Chief  Minister and state Finance Minister Devendra Fadnavis presented Maharashtra’s Budget for 2023-24 on Thursday. This reportedly marks the first Budget of the Eknath Shinde-government after it came to power, toppling the Uddhav Thackeray-led MVA (Maha Vikas Aghadi) government.

    Focus seems to have been given to the agricultural sector in the wake of protests by recent protests by onion and cotton growers who were up in arms against the Centre and the State for failing to help them when the prices are plunging.

    googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    Maharashtra Finance Minister Devendra Fadnavis earmarked Rs 20,000 crore for Har ghar jal — drinking water connections to all in state. @NewIndianXpress
    — Sudhir Suryawanshi (@ss_suryawanshi) March 9, 2023
    Devendra Fadnavis said that the state will finalize the fourth women’s policy for the state. Various schemes announced for girls and women.

    The State government is to provide premiums for farmers under PM Krishi Bima Yojna. Apart from Rs 6,000 to individual farmers from central scheme, the state promises an additional Rs 6,000. It means every eligible farmer will be entitled for Rs 12,000.  Paddy-growing farmers will get Rs 15,000 incentive per hectare. 

  • Maharashtra: Fadnavis tells BJP cadres to take social media by storm 

    Express News Service

    The Maharashtra unit of the BJP has asked its elected representatives, leaders and workers to be active on social media, and amplify the party’s voice by tweeting, and retweeting tweets of prime minister, party national and state presidents and important leaders.

    Maharashtra BJP had held a two-day meeting of BJP leaders in Nasik where the Maharashtra deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis asked his party’s elected representatives and leaders to promote the party’s agenda on social media, particularly on Twitter.

    He alleged that the Opposition is trying to build a fake narrative against them by using social media. “The opposition parties have learned the trick of social media now, therefore the BJP leaders and workers if they want to be in BJP have to be active on social media to amplify the party’s views. This is a must and need of the hour,” Devendra Fadnavisa said.

    In the meeting it was discussed, that many BJP Lok Sabha MPs, MLAs and other leaders’ Twitter accounts are there for the name’s sake while some of them have not taken the effort to open social media accounts.

    “We are going to monitor the social media accounts of all BJP elected representatives and leaders. And this will be one of the criteria while giving the party ticket. The followers of the aspirant candidates and their influence on social media will also be checked. Earlier Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the person who wants to contest the Lok Sabha should have a minimum 25,000 followers on Twitter. So before too late, we should pull our socks and work for the party,” said a senior BJP leader in the meeting.

    BJP leader told the party MLAs not to expect inductions in the cabinet now or anything major in this government. “We have to look after the future. Each one should devote his time to the party. There should be commitment. If you give time for the party, then the party will take care of you. We have to work hard so that party will remain in power for the next 25 days,” he added.

    In this meeting, BJP has also set the mission – 200 MLAs for the 2024 Maharashtra state assembly while mission 45 for Lok Sabha in Maharashtra.

    “To achieve this goal, the central leaders will come to Maharashtra and campaign for the BJP from this month onwards. We have to focus on the constituencies where BJP is weak or lost by a slender margin and reach out to all people to strengthen the base,” said a senior BJP leader.

    The Maharashtra unit of the BJP has asked its elected representatives, leaders and workers to be active on social media, and amplify the party’s voice by tweeting, and retweeting tweets of prime minister, party national and state presidents and important leaders.

    Maharashtra BJP had held a two-day meeting of BJP leaders in Nasik where the Maharashtra deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis asked his party’s elected representatives and leaders to promote the party’s agenda on social media, particularly on Twitter.

    He alleged that the Opposition is trying to build a fake narrative against them by using social media. “The opposition parties have learned the trick of social media now, therefore the BJP leaders and workers if they want to be in BJP have to be active on social media to amplify the party’s views. This is a must and need of the hour,” Devendra Fadnavisa said.

    In the meeting it was discussed, that many BJP Lok Sabha MPs, MLAs and other leaders’ Twitter accounts are there for the name’s sake while some of them have not taken the effort to open social media accounts.

    “We are going to monitor the social media accounts of all BJP elected representatives and leaders. And this will be one of the criteria while giving the party ticket. The followers of the aspirant candidates and their influence on social media will also be checked. Earlier Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the person who wants to contest the Lok Sabha should have a minimum 25,000 followers on Twitter. So before too late, we should pull our socks and work for the party,” said a senior BJP leader in the meeting.

    BJP leader told the party MLAs not to expect inductions in the cabinet now or anything major in this government. “We have to look after the future. Each one should devote his time to the party. There should be commitment. If you give time for the party, then the party will take care of you. We have to work hard so that party will remain in power for the next 25 days,” he added.

    In this meeting, BJP has also set the mission – 200 MLAs for the 2024 Maharashtra state assembly while mission 45 for Lok Sabha in Maharashtra.

    “To achieve this goal, the central leaders will come to Maharashtra and campaign for the BJP from this month onwards. We have to focus on the constituencies where BJP is weak or lost by a slender margin and reach out to all people to strengthen the base,” said a senior BJP leader.

  • “Will call, apprise Amit Shah about attack on Maharashtra’s buses, trucks in Karnataka”: Fadnavis

    By Express News Service

    MUMBAI: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that he will apprise Union Home Minister Amit Shah about the stone pelting incident on Maharashtra’s truck in Karnataka.

    Fadnavis expressed his disappointment over the attacks and spoke to Karnataka CM BS Bommai over the phone condemning the incident.

    The activists of Karnataka RakshanaVedika (KRV) pelted the stone at Maharashtra’s five lorries. The activists even blackened the number plates of the vehicles near the Hirebagewadi toll plaza near Belgaon on Tuesday.

    Pune: Seven people detained for spraying paint on Karnataka buses over Karnataka-Maharashtra border issue. No vandalism was reported. Process underway to file case. We’re yet to identify the outfit or party of those detained: Samarthana Pati, DCP Zone 2, Pune Police pic.twitter.com/ivG0ms8TKL

    — ANI (@ANI) December 6, 2022

    Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai ensured that he will personally look into it and actions will be taken against the people who were involved in the incident. He also ensured the security of the buses and trucks coming from Maharashtra.

    “Everyone has the right to go anywhere in India. No one can stop anyone. Karnataka Chief Minister needs to act swiftly and safeguard the people who are coming to Karnataka from other states,” Fadnavis said.  

    Shambhuraj Desai, Maharashtra Excise Minister said that he will speak about this incident with chief minister Eknath Shinde and even will speak with the Karnataka Director General of Police to ensure the safety and security of the people who are going from Maharashtra to Karnataka. He said to avoid further clashes.

    Mumbai | Despite CM Shinde’s talk with Karnataka CM, he has not shown any softness on the issue…One must not test our (Maharashtra) patience & this shouldn’t go in the wrong direction: NCP Chief Sharad Pawar on the border issue pic.twitter.com/nrsfGq9r6X

    — ANI (@ANI) December 6, 2022

    “We will not accept it. We will also meet the Union Home Minister Amit Shah and apprise him of the present situation at the border,” said Shinde faction leader.

    While Maharashtra BJP spokesperson Keshay Upadhay alleged that the Congress in Karnataka is provoking the activists of Karnataka RakshanaVedika (KRV) and encouraging stone-pelting-like incidents. He demanded an inquiry into this incident.

    MUMBAI: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that he will apprise Union Home Minister Amit Shah about the stone pelting incident on Maharashtra’s truck in Karnataka.

    Fadnavis expressed his disappointment over the attacks and spoke to Karnataka CM BS Bommai over the phone condemning the incident.

    The activists of Karnataka RakshanaVedika (KRV) pelted the stone at Maharashtra’s five lorries. The activists even blackened the number plates of the vehicles near the Hirebagewadi toll plaza near Belgaon on Tuesday.

    Pune: Seven people detained for spraying paint on Karnataka buses over Karnataka-Maharashtra border issue. No vandalism was reported. Process underway to file case. We’re yet to identify the outfit or party of those detained: Samarthana Pati, DCP Zone 2, Pune Police pic.twitter.com/ivG0ms8TKL

    — ANI (@ANI) December 6, 2022

    Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai ensured that he will personally look into it and actions will be taken against the people who were involved in the incident. He also ensured the security of the buses and trucks coming from Maharashtra.

    “Everyone has the right to go anywhere in India. No one can stop anyone. Karnataka Chief Minister needs to act swiftly and safeguard the people who are coming to Karnataka from other states,” Fadnavis said.  

    Shambhuraj Desai, Maharashtra Excise Minister said that he will speak about this incident with chief minister Eknath Shinde and even will speak with the Karnataka Director General of Police to ensure the safety and security of the people who are going from Maharashtra to Karnataka. He said to avoid further clashes.

    Mumbai | Despite CM Shinde’s talk with Karnataka CM, he has not shown any softness on the issue…One must not test our (Maharashtra) patience & this shouldn’t go in the wrong direction: NCP Chief Sharad Pawar on the border issue pic.twitter.com/nrsfGq9r6X

    — ANI (@ANI) December 6, 2022

    “We will not accept it. We will also meet the Union Home Minister Amit Shah and apprise him of the present situation at the border,” said Shinde faction leader.

    While Maharashtra BJP spokesperson Keshay Upadhay alleged that the Congress in Karnataka is provoking the activists of Karnataka RakshanaVedika (KRV) and encouraging stone-pelting-like incidents. He demanded an inquiry into this incident.

  • Supreme Court greenlight to relocate metro car depot back to Aarey Colony

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI:  Nothing that a substantial number of trees have already been cut for the construction of car depot for Metro Line III located at Aarey colony, the Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to stay the Maharashtra government’s July 21, 2022 decision to relocate the car depot back to Aarey Colony from Kanjurmarg.

    Hours after coming to power, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis had overturned the Uddhav Thackarey government’s decision to shift the proposed car shed project from Aarey Colony. The Thackarey government had in November 2019 announced a stay on the construction of the proposed project and later ordered that the car shed be shifted to Kanjurmarg. The bench said that the court cannot be oblivious to the serious dislocation which will be caused if public investment that has gone into the project is disregarded. 

    “We are of the conclusion that the original decision to allow the metro car depot for Metro Line 3 to be located at Aarey to be restored could not be possible at the interim stage to stay the decision… It must be also noted that substantial number of trees pertaining to the area which falls within the segment of car depot and the ramp have already been fell and no further trees were required to be fell,” a bench of Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justice P S Narasimha said. 

    The court also let Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation pursue its application before BMCs Tree Authority for permission to cut 84 trees for construction of Aarey Metro Depot. It asked the authority to consider the plea independently. 

    NEW DELHI:  Nothing that a substantial number of trees have already been cut for the construction of car depot for Metro Line III located at Aarey colony, the Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to stay the Maharashtra government’s July 21, 2022 decision to relocate the car depot back to Aarey Colony from Kanjurmarg.

    Hours after coming to power, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis had overturned the Uddhav Thackarey government’s decision to shift the proposed car shed project from Aarey Colony. The Thackarey government had in November 2019 announced a stay on the construction of the proposed project and later ordered that the car shed be shifted to Kanjurmarg. 
    The bench said that the court cannot be oblivious to the serious dislocation which will be caused if public investment that has gone into the project is disregarded. 

    “We are of the conclusion that the original decision to allow the metro car depot for Metro Line 3 to be located at Aarey to be restored could not be possible at the interim stage to stay the decision… It must be also noted that substantial number of trees pertaining to the area which falls within the segment of car depot and the ramp have already been fell and no further trees were required to be fell,” a bench of Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justice P S Narasimha said. 

    The court also let Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation pursue its application before BMCs Tree Authority for permission to cut 84 trees for construction of Aarey Metro Depot. It asked the authority to consider the plea independently. 

  • Political heat over Karnataka-Maharashtra boundary dispute escalates

    By PTI

    BENGALURU: The political heat over the inter-state border row has escalated with Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai hitting back at Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis terming his statement on the issue “provocative”.

    “No village in Maharashtra will go to Karnataka! The state government will fight strongly in the Supreme Court to get Marathi speaking villages in Karnataka including Belgaum-Karwar-Nipani!,” said Fadnavis.

    In a retort, Bommai, terming it a provocative statement, said: “His (Fadnavis’) dream will never come true. Our government is committed to protecting our state’s land, water and borders.”

    He further said that there was no question of giving up any space in the border districts of Karnataka.

    In fact, he said: “Our demand is that the Kannada speaking areas of Maharashtra like Solapur and Akkalkot should join Karnataka.”

    The dispute over Belagavi dates back to the 1960s after the reorganisation of States on linguistic lines.

    Earlier this week, the Eknath Shinde government in Maharashtra appointed two ministers to coordinate with the legal team regarding the court case on the dispute set to come up in the Supreme Court.

    Bommai said soon after that the State has deployed a battery of top lawyers, including Mukul Rohatgi and Shyam Diwan, to fight its case.

    Bommai said since 2004, the Maharashtra government has filed a case in the Apex court over the border issue.

    “So far they have not succeeded and they will not succeed in future as well. We are geared up to strengthen our legal battle.”

    The Karnataka CM had claimed that the Panchayats in Jath Taluka in Sangli district of Maharashtra had passed a resolution in the past to merge with Karnataka when there was a severe drought situation and acute drinking water crisis, and his government has evolved schemes to help them by providing water.

    Responding to this, Fadnavis told reporters in Nagpur on Wednesday: “These villages (in Jat Taluk) had introduced a resolution on the issue of water scarcity in 2012.

    Presently, none of the villages have introduced any resolution.

    ” Karnataka has repeatedly maintained that the Mahajan Commission report on the border issue is final, and “there is no question of letting go even an inch of Karnataka’s border”.

    Bommai reiterated this week that there is no example to show that what had been done under the States Reorganisation Act was reviewed.

    “The border dispute is a political tool used by all parties in Maharashtra. But they will never succeed,” he had said.

    Shinde said earlier this week: “Late Balasaheb Thackeray was always a staunch supporter of the state’s demand to make Belgaum (Belagavi) a part of Maharashtra. We have concentrated our focus on solving the issue. If required, the number of lawyers would be increased”.

    BENGALURU: The political heat over the inter-state border row has escalated with Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai hitting back at Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis terming his statement on the issue “provocative”.

    “No village in Maharashtra will go to Karnataka! The state government will fight strongly in the Supreme Court to get Marathi speaking villages in Karnataka including Belgaum-Karwar-Nipani!,” said Fadnavis.

    In a retort, Bommai, terming it a provocative statement, said: “His (Fadnavis’) dream will never come true. Our government is committed to protecting our state’s land, water and borders.”

    He further said that there was no question of giving up any space in the border districts of Karnataka.

    In fact, he said: “Our demand is that the Kannada speaking areas of Maharashtra like Solapur and Akkalkot should join Karnataka.”

    The dispute over Belagavi dates back to the 1960s after the reorganisation of States on linguistic lines.

    Earlier this week, the Eknath Shinde government in Maharashtra appointed two ministers to coordinate with the legal team regarding the court case on the dispute set to come up in the Supreme Court.

    Bommai said soon after that the State has deployed a battery of top lawyers, including Mukul Rohatgi and Shyam Diwan, to fight its case.

    Bommai said since 2004, the Maharashtra government has filed a case in the Apex court over the border issue.

    “So far they have not succeeded and they will not succeed in future as well. We are geared up to strengthen our legal battle.”

    The Karnataka CM had claimed that the Panchayats in Jath Taluka in Sangli district of Maharashtra had passed a resolution in the past to merge with Karnataka when there was a severe drought situation and acute drinking water crisis, and his government has evolved schemes to help them by providing water.

    Responding to this, Fadnavis told reporters in Nagpur on Wednesday: “These villages (in Jat Taluk) had introduced a resolution on the issue of water scarcity in 2012.

    Presently, none of the villages have introduced any resolution.

    ” Karnataka has repeatedly maintained that the Mahajan Commission report on the border issue is final, and “there is no question of letting go even an inch of Karnataka’s border”.

    Bommai reiterated this week that there is no example to show that what had been done under the States Reorganisation Act was reviewed.

    “The border dispute is a political tool used by all parties in Maharashtra. But they will never succeed,” he had said.

    Shinde said earlier this week: “Late Balasaheb Thackeray was always a staunch supporter of the state’s demand to make Belgaum (Belagavi) a part of Maharashtra. We have concentrated our focus on solving the issue. If required, the number of lawyers would be increased”.

  • Political heat over Karnataka-Maharashtra boundary dispute escalates

    By PTI

    BENGALURU: The political heat over the inter-state border row has escalated with Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai hitting back at Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis terming his statement on the issue “provocative”.

    “No village in Maharashtra will go to Karnataka! The state government will fight strongly in the Supreme Court to get Marathi-speaking villages in Karnataka including Belgaum-Karwar-Nipani!,” said Fadnavis.

    In a retort, Bommai, terming it a provocative statement, said: “His (Fadnavis’) dream will never come true. Our government is committed to protecting our state’s land, water and borders.”

    He further said that there was no question of giving up any space in the border districts of Karnataka.

    In fact, he said: “Our demand is that the Kannada speaking areas of Maharashtra like Solapur and Akkalkot should join Karnataka.”

    The dispute over Belagavi dates back to the 1960s after the reorganisation of States on linguistic lines.

    Earlier this week, the Eknath Shinde government in Maharashtra appointed two ministers to coordinate with the legal team regarding the court case on the dispute set to come up in the Supreme Court.

    Bommai said soon after that the State has deployed a battery of top lawyers, including Mukul Rohatgi and Shyam Diwan, to fight its case.

    Bommai said since 2004, the Maharashtra government has filed a case in the Apex court over the border issue.

    “So far they have not succeeded and they will not succeed in future as well. We are geared up to strengthen our legal battle.”

    The Karnataka CM had claimed that the Panchayats in Jath Taluka in Sangli district of Maharashtra had passed a resolution in the past to merge with Karnataka when there was a severe drought situation and acute drinking water crisis, and his government has evolved schemes to help them by providing water.

    Responding to this, Fadnavis told reporters in Nagpur on Wednesday: “These villages (in Jat Taluk) had introduced a resolution on the issue of water scarcity in 2012. Presently, none of the villages have introduced any resolution.”

    Karnataka has repeatedly maintained that the Mahajan Commission report on the border issue is final, and “there is no question of letting go even an inch of Karnataka’s border”.

    Bommai reiterated this week that there is no example to show that what had been done under the States Reorganisation Act was reviewed.

    “The border dispute is a political tool used by all parties in Maharashtra. But they will never succeed,” he had said.

    Shinde said earlier this week: “Late Balasaheb Thackeray was always a staunch supporter of the state’s demand to make Belgaum (Belagavi) a part of Maharashtra. We have concentrated our focus on solving the issue. If required, the number of lawyers would be increased”.

    BENGALURU: The political heat over the inter-state border row has escalated with Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai hitting back at Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis terming his statement on the issue “provocative”.

    “No village in Maharashtra will go to Karnataka! The state government will fight strongly in the Supreme Court to get Marathi-speaking villages in Karnataka including Belgaum-Karwar-Nipani!,” said Fadnavis.

    In a retort, Bommai, terming it a provocative statement, said: “His (Fadnavis’) dream will never come true. Our government is committed to protecting our state’s land, water and borders.”

    He further said that there was no question of giving up any space in the border districts of Karnataka.

    In fact, he said: “Our demand is that the Kannada speaking areas of Maharashtra like Solapur and Akkalkot should join Karnataka.”

    The dispute over Belagavi dates back to the 1960s after the reorganisation of States on linguistic lines.

    Earlier this week, the Eknath Shinde government in Maharashtra appointed two ministers to coordinate with the legal team regarding the court case on the dispute set to come up in the Supreme Court.

    Bommai said soon after that the State has deployed a battery of top lawyers, including Mukul Rohatgi and Shyam Diwan, to fight its case.

    Bommai said since 2004, the Maharashtra government has filed a case in the Apex court over the border issue.

    “So far they have not succeeded and they will not succeed in future as well. We are geared up to strengthen our legal battle.”

    The Karnataka CM had claimed that the Panchayats in Jath Taluka in Sangli district of Maharashtra had passed a resolution in the past to merge with Karnataka when there was a severe drought situation and acute drinking water crisis, and his government has evolved schemes to help them by providing water.

    Responding to this, Fadnavis told reporters in Nagpur on Wednesday: “These villages (in Jat Taluk) had introduced a resolution on the issue of water scarcity in 2012. Presently, none of the villages have introduced any resolution.”

    Karnataka has repeatedly maintained that the Mahajan Commission report on the border issue is final, and “there is no question of letting go even an inch of Karnataka’s border”.

    Bommai reiterated this week that there is no example to show that what had been done under the States Reorganisation Act was reviewed.

    “The border dispute is a political tool used by all parties in Maharashtra. But they will never succeed,” he had said.

    Shinde said earlier this week: “Late Balasaheb Thackeray was always a staunch supporter of the state’s demand to make Belgaum (Belagavi) a part of Maharashtra. We have concentrated our focus on solving the issue. If required, the number of lawyers would be increased”.

  • No village from Maharashtra will go anywhere: Fadnavis on Bommai’s statement

    By PTI

    NAGPUR/MUMBAI: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday said no village in Maharashtra has sought merger with Karnataka recently, and there is no question of any border village “going anywhere”.

    Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai had claimed on Tuesday that some village panchayats in Jat taluka of Maharashtra’s Sangli district had passed a resolution in the past seeking to merge with Karnataka when they were facing a severe water crisis.

    The Karnataka government had devised schemes to help them by providing water, and his government was seriously considering the proposal of Jat villages, he said.

    “These villages had introduced a resolution on the issue of water scarcity in 2012. Presently, none of the villages have introduced any resolution,” Fadnavis told reporters here.

    When he became Maharashtra chief minister, his government entered into an agreement with Karnataka to sort out the water issue, he said.

    A water supply scheme was chalked out for the Jat villages when Girish Mahajan was water resources minister in his cabinet, the BJP leader added.

    “We are now going to give approval to that scheme. Perhaps because of Covid, the previous (Uddhav Thackeray-led) government could not approve it,” Fadnavis added.

    “Presently, none of the villages have raised such demand (of merger with Karnataka). The demand is of 2012,” he said.

    “Not a single village of Maharashtra will go anywhere,” Fadnavis stressed.

    Earlier in the day, Maharashtra minister Shambhuraj Desai said the Karnataka chief minister’s claims should not be taken seriously.

    The decades-old border dispute over Belagavi (earlier Belgaum) between Maharashtra and Karnataka is in news again due to recent statements from both sides.

    On Monday, Bommai had said he had formed a formidable legal team of senior lawyers to deal with the border dispute when it comes up in the Supreme Court.

    On Tuesday, the Maharashtra government appointed Chandrakant Patil and Shambhuraj Desai as nodal ministers to coordinate with the state’s legal team regarding the pending court case.

    Talking to reporters here, Desai said, “As Maharashtra has reconstituted its team to take forward the Karnataka border dispute in the Supreme Court, Bommai has come up with some ridiculous old demand. It should not be taken seriously. The villages in Jat tehsil had reportedly passed a resolution more than a decade back to pressurise the then state government to address their demand of water supply from the Krishna river.”

    There is no such official documentation or resolution available with the Maharashtra government, he added.

    “As per my information, the Maharashtra government has already cleared a proposal to supply water for irrigation to the arid parts of Jat tehsil. The cost of the project is around Rs 1,200 crore. A technical scrutiny of the project is underway. It means these villages will definitely get water from Maharashtra,” Desai said.

    The border dispute dates back to the 1960s after the reorganisation of States on linguistic lines.

    Maharashtra laid claim to Belagavi which was part of the erstwhile Bombay Presidency as it has a sizable Marathi-speaking population.

    It also laid claim to 80 Marathi-speaking villages which are currently part of Karnataka.

    NAGPUR/MUMBAI: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday said no village in Maharashtra has sought merger with Karnataka recently, and there is no question of any border village “going anywhere”.

    Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai had claimed on Tuesday that some village panchayats in Jat taluka of Maharashtra’s Sangli district had passed a resolution in the past seeking to merge with Karnataka when they were facing a severe water crisis.

    The Karnataka government had devised schemes to help them by providing water, and his government was seriously considering the proposal of Jat villages, he said.

    “These villages had introduced a resolution on the issue of water scarcity in 2012. Presently, none of the villages have introduced any resolution,” Fadnavis told reporters here.

    When he became Maharashtra chief minister, his government entered into an agreement with Karnataka to sort out the water issue, he said.

    A water supply scheme was chalked out for the Jat villages when Girish Mahajan was water resources minister in his cabinet, the BJP leader added.

    “We are now going to give approval to that scheme. Perhaps because of Covid, the previous (Uddhav Thackeray-led) government could not approve it,” Fadnavis added.

    “Presently, none of the villages have raised such demand (of merger with Karnataka). The demand is of 2012,” he said.

    “Not a single village of Maharashtra will go anywhere,” Fadnavis stressed.

    Earlier in the day, Maharashtra minister Shambhuraj Desai said the Karnataka chief minister’s claims should not be taken seriously.

    The decades-old border dispute over Belagavi (earlier Belgaum) between Maharashtra and Karnataka is in news again due to recent statements from both sides.

    On Monday, Bommai had said he had formed a formidable legal team of senior lawyers to deal with the border dispute when it comes up in the Supreme Court.

    On Tuesday, the Maharashtra government appointed Chandrakant Patil and Shambhuraj Desai as nodal ministers to coordinate with the state’s legal team regarding the pending court case.

    Talking to reporters here, Desai said, “As Maharashtra has reconstituted its team to take forward the Karnataka border dispute in the Supreme Court, Bommai has come up with some ridiculous old demand. It should not be taken seriously. The villages in Jat tehsil had reportedly passed a resolution more than a decade back to pressurise the then state government to address their demand of water supply from the Krishna river.”

    There is no such official documentation or resolution available with the Maharashtra government, he added.

    “As per my information, the Maharashtra government has already cleared a proposal to supply water for irrigation to the arid parts of Jat tehsil. The cost of the project is around Rs 1,200 crore. A technical scrutiny of the project is underway. It means these villages will definitely get water from Maharashtra,” Desai said.

    The border dispute dates back to the 1960s after the reorganisation of States on linguistic lines.

    Maharashtra laid claim to Belagavi which was part of the erstwhile Bombay Presidency as it has a sizable Marathi-speaking population.

    It also laid claim to 80 Marathi-speaking villages which are currently part of Karnataka.