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Tag: Eknath Shinde

  • Shinde factions MLAs, goons thrash journalist for raising minor girl rape and murder issue

    Express News Service

    MUMBAI: Journalist Sandeep Mahajan from Maharashtra was assaulted by Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde faction Shiv Sena MLA Kishor Patil’s workers cum goons for raising the eight-year-old girl rape and gruesome murder issue and demanding justice from MLA Kishor Patil and chief minister Eknath Shinde. 

    The Opposition condemned this gruesome act by Shiv Sena MLA and his goons and demanded the registration of an FIR against the MLA Kishor Patil and his goon. They also demanded immediate arrest of the people who are a threat to him and his family. 

    NCP MLA Rohit Pawar also raised the issue and said that this incident shows that there is no law and order in Maharashtra. “Media is the fourth pillar of democracy and that is thrashed in broad daylight just because it is doing its duty and raising the issue. This is a shameful act and action should be taken immediately,” Pawar said. 

    Uddhav Thackeray factions Shiv Sena Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi said the goons of the traitor gang acted shamelessly.

    Sandeep Mahajan runs his own YouTube challenge and newspaper called Dyay in Pachora in Jalgaon district of Maharashtra. A few days ago, an eight-year-old girl was raped by her 19-year-old neighbour and later the accused thrashed her with stones. The local police and MLA Kishor Patil tried to suppress this case. 

    Sandeep Mahajan raised this rape and murder case of a minor in his local newspaper and ran news on his YouTube channel. Shinde factions Shiv Sena MLA Kishor Patil got angry with journalist Sandeep Mahajan over his report and reportedly abused him by using all filthy words over the phone. Surprisingly, the next day, when the Shiv Sena MLA was asked about his abuses and objectionable act, he defended himself saying he has not done anything wrong and he will continue to do so and had no fear of anyone. 

    However, Sandeep Mahajan continue his reporting about the rape and murder incident and raised questions to local MLA Kishor Patil and chief minister Eknath Shinde demanding justice for the girl and her family. 

    Shiv Sena MLA Kishor Patil’s workers cum goons caught Mr Mahajan when he was going to the office and in broad daylight and assaulted him in a public place. He went to lodge a police case, but the police refused to take a case against the Shiv Sena MLA Kishor Patil and his goons.

    MUMBAI: Journalist Sandeep Mahajan from Maharashtra was assaulted by Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde faction Shiv Sena MLA Kishor Patil’s workers cum goons for raising the eight-year-old girl rape and gruesome murder issue and demanding justice from MLA Kishor Patil and chief minister Eknath Shinde. 

    The Opposition condemned this gruesome act by Shiv Sena MLA and his goons and demanded the registration of an FIR against the MLA Kishor Patil and his goon. They also demanded immediate arrest of the people who are a threat to him and his family. 

    NCP MLA Rohit Pawar also raised the issue and said that this incident shows that there is no law and order in Maharashtra. “Media is the fourth pillar of democracy and that is thrashed in broad daylight just because it is doing its duty and raising the issue. This is a shameful act and action should be taken immediately,” Pawar said. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    Uddhav Thackeray factions Shiv Sena Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi said the goons of the traitor gang acted shamelessly.

    Sandeep Mahajan runs his own YouTube challenge and newspaper called Dyay in Pachora in Jalgaon district of Maharashtra. A few days ago, an eight-year-old girl was raped by her 19-year-old neighbour and later the accused thrashed her with stones. The local police and MLA Kishor Patil tried to suppress this case. 

    Sandeep Mahajan raised this rape and murder case of a minor in his local newspaper and ran news on his YouTube channel. Shinde factions Shiv Sena MLA Kishor Patil got angry with journalist Sandeep Mahajan over his report and reportedly abused him by using all filthy words over the phone. Surprisingly, the next day, when the Shiv Sena MLA was asked about his abuses and objectionable act, he defended himself saying he has not done anything wrong and he will continue to do so and had no fear of anyone. 

    However, Sandeep Mahajan continue his reporting about the rape and murder incident and raised questions to local MLA Kishor Patil and chief minister Eknath Shinde demanding justice for the girl and her family. 

    Shiv Sena MLA Kishor Patil’s workers cum goons caught Mr Mahajan when he was going to the office and in broad daylight and assaulted him in a public place. He went to lodge a police case, but the police refused to take a case against the Shiv Sena MLA Kishor Patil and his goons.

  • Shinde will be replaced, Ajit Pawar could become CM: Raut after portfolio allocation 

    By PTI

    MUMBAI: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Friday claimed Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde will be replaced and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar could helm the government in future.

    “Ajit Pawar could become the CM in future. It is certain that the CM (Eknath Shinde) will be replaced,” Raut claimed after Pawar was given the finance and planning ministries.

    Ambadas Danve, Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra Legislative Council, said time is exacting revenge on the Shiv Sena 40 MLAs who rebelled against Uddhav Thackeray.

    Danve said the Shiv Sena MLAs had accused Ajit Pawar of depriving them of funds when they were part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government and left the party and today the same person has become the state’s finance minister.

    Shinde’s rebellion last year split the original Shiv Sena and caused the collapse of the Uddhav Thackeray-led MVA government, comprising Sena, Congress and NCP.

    Shinde then joined hands with the BJP to become the CM in June 2022. Ajit Pawar and his supporters became a part of the ruling coalition this month after breaking away from the Sharad Pawar-founded NCP.

    Apart from Ajit Pawar, eight other NCP ministers were also given portfolios, said a statement by CM Shinde’s office.

    It said Dhananjay Munde has been given Agriculture, while Dilip Walse-Patil will be the new Cooperation minister. The other NCP leaders with newly allocated ministries are Hasan Mushrif (Medical Education), Chhagan Bhujbal (Food and Civil Supplies), Dharmrao Atram (Food and Drugs Administration), Sanjay Bansode (Sports), Aditi Tatkare (Woman and Child Development) and Anil Patil (Relief, Rehabilitation and Disaster Management), it said.

    READ MORE: Shinde going, going… Ajit Pawar readies to be Maha successor

    MUMBAI: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Friday claimed Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde will be replaced and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar could helm the government in future.

    “Ajit Pawar could become the CM in future. It is certain that the CM (Eknath Shinde) will be replaced,” Raut claimed after Pawar was given the finance and planning ministries.

    Ambadas Danve, Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra Legislative Council, said time is exacting revenge on the Shiv Sena 40 MLAs who rebelled against Uddhav Thackeray.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    Danve said the Shiv Sena MLAs had accused Ajit Pawar of depriving them of funds when they were part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government and left the party and today the same person has become the state’s finance minister.

    Shinde’s rebellion last year split the original Shiv Sena and caused the collapse of the Uddhav Thackeray-led MVA government, comprising Sena, Congress and NCP.

    Shinde then joined hands with the BJP to become the CM in June 2022. Ajit Pawar and his supporters became a part of the ruling coalition this month after breaking away from the Sharad Pawar-founded NCP.

    Apart from Ajit Pawar, eight other NCP ministers were also given portfolios, said a statement by CM Shinde’s office.

    It said Dhananjay Munde has been given Agriculture, while Dilip Walse-Patil will be the new Cooperation minister. The other NCP leaders with newly allocated ministries are Hasan Mushrif (Medical Education), Chhagan Bhujbal (Food and Civil Supplies), Dharmrao Atram (Food and Drugs Administration), Sanjay Bansode (Sports), Aditi Tatkare (Woman and Child Development) and Anil Patil (Relief, Rehabilitation and Disaster Management), it said.

    READ MORE: Shinde going, going… Ajit Pawar readies to be Maha successor

  • Shinde, Ajit men to meet Amit Shah as Maharashtra Cabinet’s rift over key portfolios deepens

    Express News Service

    MUMBAI:  A tug-of-war continues between Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar-led NCP over allocations of key portfolios such as finance, urban development department, cooperation, irrigation and agriculture. Both sides have decided to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah to resolve the issue.

    Sources said Shinde has refused to concede the key portfolios to NCP ministers, including Ajit Pawar, arguing that it will reduce his importance in the government.

    “Shinde has conveyed to the BJP leadership that unless Shiv Sena MLAs are sworn in, he will not allocate the portfolios to the NCP ministers. Shinde fears that after the allocation of portfolios to the NCP ministers, the BJP may not allow him further cabinet expansion. Shinde plans to meet top BJP leaders in Delhi,” said a source.

    Another senior minister said the BJP has conveyed it will be reluctant to induct Shiv Sena MLA Bharat Gogawale and Sanjay Shirsat into the cabinet.

    “Shinde told the BJP leadership that if these two faces — Gogawale and Shirsat ­- are not inducted, then he will have a tough time keeping the flock together.  Most of the Shiv Sena MLAs of Shinde factions already started extending olive branches to Uddhav Thackeray and opening the communications line. If a significant number of Shiv Sena MLAs join Uddhav Thackeray, then Shinde’s CM chair will be in trouble and his party will also face another split. This can damage the BJP. Therefore BJP needs to stand by him,” said a Shiv Sena minister.

    Meanwhile, Sunil Tatkare, the state NCP chief (Ajit Pawar faction) said that there is no dispute over allocations of ministries.  

    MUMBAI:  A tug-of-war continues between Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar-led NCP over allocations of key portfolios such as finance, urban development department, cooperation, irrigation and agriculture. Both sides have decided to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah to resolve the issue.

    Sources said Shinde has refused to concede the key portfolios to NCP ministers, including Ajit Pawar, arguing that it will reduce his importance in the government.

    “Shinde has conveyed to the BJP leadership that unless Shiv Sena MLAs are sworn in, he will not allocate the portfolios to the NCP ministers. Shinde fears that after the allocation of portfolios to the NCP ministers, the BJP may not allow him further cabinet expansion. Shinde plans to meet top BJP leaders in Delhi,” said a source.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    Another senior minister said the BJP has conveyed it will be reluctant to induct Shiv Sena MLA Bharat Gogawale and Sanjay Shirsat into the cabinet.

    “Shinde told the BJP leadership that if these two faces — Gogawale and Shirsat ­- are not inducted, then he will have a tough time keeping the flock together.  Most of the Shiv Sena MLAs of Shinde factions already started extending olive branches to Uddhav Thackeray and opening the communications line. If a significant number of Shiv Sena MLAs join Uddhav Thackeray, then Shinde’s CM chair will be in trouble and his party will also face another split. This can damage the BJP. Therefore BJP needs to stand by him,” said a Shiv Sena minister.

    Meanwhile, Sunil Tatkare, the state NCP chief (Ajit Pawar faction) said that there is no dispute over allocations of ministries.  

  • Notices seeking reply on disqualification issued to MLAs of Shinde, Uddhav camp: Assembly Speaker

    By PTI

    MUMBAI: Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar on Saturday said notices have been issued to 40 MLAs of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and 14 of the Uddhav Thackeray faction, seeking their replies on disqualification petitions against them.

    The development comes a day after Narwekar said he has received a copy of the Shiv Sena’s constitution from the Election Commission of India, and hearing on the disqualification petitions against 16 Shiv Sena MLAs, including CM Shinde will start soon.

    “Notice seeking replies on disqualification issued to 40 MLA of Eknath Shinde-Shiv Sena faction, 14 of Uddhav Thackeray faction,” Narwekar told PTI.

    Earlier this week, the Shiv Sena (UBT) approached the Supreme Court seeking a direction to the Assembly Speaker to hear the disqualification petitions expeditiously.

    MLA Sunil Prabhu had, in his capacity as chief whip of the undivided Shiv Sena, had filed the disqualification petitions against Shinde and other 15 MLAs last year after they rebelled and joined hands with the BJP to form a new government in June 2022.

    On May 11, the top court ruled that Eknath Shinde will continue to be the chief minister of Maharashtra.

    It cannot reinstate the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition government headed by Uddhav Thackeray as the Sena leader chose to resign without facing a floor test in the wake of Shinde’s rebellion, the court said.

    MUMBAI: Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar on Saturday said notices have been issued to 40 MLAs of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and 14 of the Uddhav Thackeray faction, seeking their replies on disqualification petitions against them.

    The development comes a day after Narwekar said he has received a copy of the Shiv Sena’s constitution from the Election Commission of India, and hearing on the disqualification petitions against 16 Shiv Sena MLAs, including CM Shinde will start soon.

    “Notice seeking replies on disqualification issued to 40 MLA of Eknath Shinde-Shiv Sena faction, 14 of Uddhav Thackeray faction,” Narwekar told PTI.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    Earlier this week, the Shiv Sena (UBT) approached the Supreme Court seeking a direction to the Assembly Speaker to hear the disqualification petitions expeditiously.

    MLA Sunil Prabhu had, in his capacity as chief whip of the undivided Shiv Sena, had filed the disqualification petitions against Shinde and other 15 MLAs last year after they rebelled and joined hands with the BJP to form a new government in June 2022.

    On May 11, the top court ruled that Eknath Shinde will continue to be the chief minister of Maharashtra.

    It cannot reinstate the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition government headed by Uddhav Thackeray as the Sena leader chose to resign without facing a floor test in the wake of Shinde’s rebellion, the court said.

  • Mumbai Diary: Shinde responsible for Kharghar heat stroke deaths, says BJP 

    Express News Service

    Shinde responsible for heat stroke death: BJP After 12 people died due to heat stroke during the Kharghar incident, the BJP instructed its ministers and leaders not to defend Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in any way. According to the state leadership, Shinde was solely responsible for organizing the event in scorching heat that led to the tragic deaths, and he should face the consequences since he was seeking credit for the program. A BJP minister was scheduled to hold a press conference in support of Shinde but received a last-minute call cancelling the meeting.

    Congress leaders upset with party membersCongress leaders expressed dissatisfaction with their party members for granting special treatment to Uddhav Thackeray during the Maha Vikas Aghadi rallies. They argued that Thackeray’s current MLA strength was lower than that of the Congress, so there was no reason to treat him differently or preferentially. In the MVA’s Vajramut rallies, Thackeray was given a special chair and podium due to health reasons while other leaders were provided with regular chairs. The Congress leaders believed that all individuals should be treated equally.

    MVA emerges strong in APMC electionsIn the recent elections for the agriculture product market committee (APMC), the Maha Vikas Aghadi emerged as the dominant force, while Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who led the Shiv Sena’s minister, failed to retain their agriculture stronghold. The APMC holds significant importance in rural and farmer politics. The BJP emerged as the single largest party, winning 60 APMCs, followed by the NCP with 40 APMCs, and the Congress with 35 APMCs. The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena won 15 APMCs,  while Shinde’s Shiv Sena  secured 11 APMCs, with the remaining being shared  by joint and independent forces in the state.

    Sudhir Suryawanshi Our correspondent in [email protected]

    Shinde responsible for heat stroke death: BJP 
    After 12 people died due to heat stroke during the Kharghar incident, the BJP instructed its ministers and leaders not to defend Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in any way. According to the state leadership, Shinde was solely responsible for organizing the event in scorching heat that led to the tragic deaths, and he should face the consequences since he was seeking credit for the program. A BJP minister was scheduled to hold a press conference in support of Shinde but received a last-minute call cancelling the meeting.

    Congress leaders upset with party members
    Congress leaders expressed dissatisfaction with their party members for granting special treatment to Uddhav Thackeray during the Maha Vikas Aghadi rallies. They argued that Thackeray’s current MLA strength was lower than that of the Congress, so there was no reason to treat him differently or preferentially. In the MVA’s Vajramut rallies, Thackeray was given a special chair and podium due to health reasons while other leaders were provided with regular chairs. The Congress leaders believed that all individuals should be treated equally.

    MVA emerges strong in APMC elections
    In the recent elections for the agriculture product market committee (APMC), the Maha Vikas Aghadi emerged as the dominant force, while Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who led the Shiv Sena’s minister, failed to retain their agriculture stronghold. The APMC holds significant importance in rural and farmer politics. The BJP emerged as the single largest party, winning 60 APMCs, followed by the NCP with 40 APMCs, and the Congress with 35 APMCs. The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena won 15 APMCs,  while Shinde’s Shiv Sena  secured 11 APMCs, with the remaining being shared  by joint and independent forces in the state.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    Sudhir Suryawanshi 
    Our correspondent in Maharashtra
    [email protected]

  • Eknath Shinde says oil refinery project will not proceed without consent of Barsu villagers

    By Express News Service

    MUMBAI: Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Saturday assured the proposed oil refinery at Barsu will not proceed further without the villagers’ consent. 

    The Barsu villagers are protesting against the proposed oil refinery saying it will damage the local ecology and pollute the environment. Villagers opposed the land survey which led to a tussle with the police.

    On Saturday, the protestors alleged that police had resorted to lathi charges and tear gas shells to disperse the protestors.

    However, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said that as per the collector no lathi charge was used by the police and there is no tension at the site.

    He said that he told the police that no force should be used against the son of the soil. “Without the consent of the locals, the proposed oil refinery projects will not be undertaken at all. The people who are protesting are our people only. They are sons of the soil. We will not force them to give consent. The dialogue with villagers will happen,” Eknath Shinde said.

    Uddhav Thackeray is also likely to visit Barsu and extend support to the protestors who are opposing the oil refinery at Barsu.

    CM Eknath Shinde also criticized former Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray who changed the oil refinery site from Nanar to Barsu. Shinde said that Uddhav Thackeray wrote a letter to the Prime Minister requesting the change and now he is opposing it.

    “This is nothing but a double standard by the Opposition. They should not oppose the projects for the sake of opposition. This will hamper the state’s development,” said CM Eknath Shinde.

    Shinde said that they have got 70 per cent consent for this oil refinery.

    “The government will also talk with the people who are opposing the project. These people will be given information about the projects. This project will help not only generate jobs but it will also bring more and more investment. Once they understand the importance of the project, they themselves will come out and extend the help. We will have a meeting with villagers where all pros and cons will be discussed. For the Samruddhi Marg project, initially, there was opposition, but later people supported it,” Shinde added.

    On the other hand, NCP chief Sharad Pawar said that they are not against the development, but the local people should be taken into consideration before initiating the project.

    MUMBAI: Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Saturday assured the proposed oil refinery at Barsu will not proceed further without the villagers’ consent. 

    The Barsu villagers are protesting against the proposed oil refinery saying it will damage the local ecology and pollute the environment. Villagers opposed the land survey which led to a tussle with the police.

    On Saturday, the protestors alleged that police had resorted to lathi charges and tear gas shells to disperse the protestors.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    However, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said that as per the collector no lathi charge was used by the police and there is no tension at the site.

    He said that he told the police that no force should be used against the son of the soil. “Without the consent of the locals, the proposed oil refinery projects will not be undertaken at all. The people who are protesting are our people only. They are sons of the soil. We will not force them to give consent. The dialogue with villagers will happen,” Eknath Shinde said.

    Uddhav Thackeray is also likely to visit Barsu and extend support to the protestors who are opposing the oil refinery at Barsu.

    CM Eknath Shinde also criticized former Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray who changed the oil refinery site from Nanar to Barsu. Shinde said that Uddhav Thackeray wrote a letter to the Prime Minister requesting the change and now he is opposing it.

    “This is nothing but a double standard by the Opposition. They should not oppose the projects for the sake of opposition. This will hamper the state’s development,” said CM Eknath Shinde.

    Shinde said that they have got 70 per cent consent for this oil refinery.

    “The government will also talk with the people who are opposing the project. These people will be given information about the projects. This project will help not only generate jobs but it will also bring more and more investment. Once they understand the importance of the project, they themselves will come out and extend the help. We will have a meeting with villagers where all pros and cons will be discussed. For the Samruddhi Marg project, initially, there was opposition, but later people supported it,” Shinde added.

    On the other hand, NCP chief Sharad Pawar said that they are not against the development, but the local people should be taken into consideration before initiating the project.

  • Shiv Sena: SC rejects plea for transfer of party assets from Thackeray faction to Shinde group

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed a plea seeking a direction to the Maharashtra government that all party assets of the Shiv Sena being held by the Uddhav Thackeray faction be transferred to the group led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

    A bench comprising Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud and Justice P S Narasimha questioned the locus of petitioner Ashish Giri, a lawyer, and dismissed his plea.

    “Who are you? What is your locus,” the bench asked and then said, “Dismissed.

    ” Giri said a plea has been filed in the top court as it has heard various petitions relating to the feud between the Thackeray and the Shinde factions.

    He had said the assets of the party should be transferred to the Shinde group.

    “What kind of petition is this and who are you? Your request cannot be entertained,” the bench said.

    The top court, on March 16, had reserved its verdict on a batch of cross-petitions of Uddhav Thackeray and CM Eknath Shinde factions pertaining to the Maharashtra political crisis.

    The poll panel has granted the symbol, bow and arrow, to the Shinde faction and the issue is presently sub-judice.

    NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed a plea seeking a direction to the Maharashtra government that all party assets of the Shiv Sena being held by the Uddhav Thackeray faction be transferred to the group led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

    A bench comprising Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud and Justice P S Narasimha questioned the locus of petitioner Ashish Giri, a lawyer, and dismissed his plea.

    “Who are you? What is your locus,” the bench asked and then said, “Dismissed.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    ” Giri said a plea has been filed in the top court as it has heard various petitions relating to the feud between the Thackeray and the Shinde factions.

    He had said the assets of the party should be transferred to the Shinde group.

    “What kind of petition is this and who are you? Your request cannot be entertained,” the bench said.

    The top court, on March 16, had reserved its verdict on a batch of cross-petitions of Uddhav Thackeray and CM Eknath Shinde factions pertaining to the Maharashtra political crisis.

    The poll panel has granted the symbol, bow and arrow, to the Shinde faction and the issue is presently sub-judice.

  • Why 2024, NCP can stake claim to Maharashtra CM post now also: Ajit Pawar

    By PTI

    PUNE: Amid speculation over his next political move, senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar on Friday said his outfit can stake a claim to the post of Maharashtra’s chief minister “now also” instead of waiting for 2024 when Assembly polls are due in the state.

    The Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly also told an interviewer that he will “100 per cent” like to be chief minister of Maharashtra.

    In a free-wheeling interview to the Sakal Media Group at a programme called ‘Dilkhulas Dada’ in Pune, Pawar said he had heard that Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, before his rebellion against the Shiv Sena leadership in June 2022, was unhappy and something was going in his mind.

    Pawar revealed his colleague late R R Patil would have become Chief Minister in 2004 when the NCP had won more Assembly seats than its ally Congress, but a message came from Delhi that his party will get the deputy CM’s post.

    Asked whether the NCP will stake a claim for the chief minister’s post next year when Assembly polls are due in Maharashtra, he remarked, “Why 2024, we are ready to stake a claim for the CM position now also.”

    He, however, did not elaborate on the statement.

    During the rapid fire round, the MLA from Baramati in Pune district, who has served as deputy CM multiple times, was asked by the interviewer whether he would like to become chief minister.

    To this, Pawar promptly replied, “Yes, I would 100 per cent like to be (CM).”

    ALSO READ | Sharad Pawar tightens his grip over NCP, tells Ajit not to break it

    Asked why the NCP has an attraction for the deputy CM’s position as the party has got that post on multiple occasions in the last 20 years, the veteran politician said in 2004, the NCP and the Congress fought Assembly elections in an alliance and the former had won more seats.

    “We got 71 seats, while the Congress won 69. Everyone, including the Congress, thought CM would be from the NCP. However, some decisions were taken at the highest level and a message came from Delhi that the NCP will get the deputy chief minister position and the CM post went to Congress,” he said.

    Pawar said his colleague Patil was chosen as the Leader of the House (Assembly), and he would have become chief minister in 2004 if the top post was given to the NCP. In the subsequent Assembly polls, the Congress bagged more seats than the NCP and naturally kept the CM’s post with itself, he said.

    Asked whether he liked working with Congress CM Prithviraj Chavan or Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray, who occupied the top post from November 2019 to June 2022, Pawar said they worked with the latter “happily”, but working with the former was out of choice.

    On Shinde’s revolt and subsequent split in the Shiv Sena, the former deputy CM said they used to hear that Shinde, then his Cabinet colleague in the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government, was unhappy and sensed something was going on in his mind.

    “We had alerted Pawar Saheb (NCP president Sharad Pawar) and Thackeray was also apprised about it. The BJP had been trying to pull down the MVA government since the first day of its formation. The wife of a key politician confessed later that her husband used to go out in disguise, and later some ministers said Shinde and a particular leader used to meet,” Pawar said without taking any names.

    ALSO READ | Won’t be in govt if Ajit Pawar joins BJP with NCP group: Shinde camp

    He said during the MVA government, Thackeray had given full control of Thane district to Shinde, then a Cabinet minister, and some officials appointed by him had helped rebel Shiv Sena MLAs to sneak out of Mumbai and reach Surat on June 20.

    Queried about him being soft on senior BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis, Pawar said the two had political and ideological differences but weren’t enemies, and cited the example of Sharad Pawar and Shiv Sena founder late Bal Thackeray who attacked each other during rallies and speeches but were good friends.

    Pawar went on add that a commonality between him and Fadnavis was that they were both born on July 22. Pawar was born in 1959 and Fadnavis in 1970.

    Speaking about the rise of the BJP over the last few years, Pawar said it was all due to the charisma of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who managed to lead the party to a majority in consecutive Lok Sabha polls in 2014 and 2019, a feat which even veterans like former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Lal Krishna Advani could not manage.

    “However, today when the question is asked who after Modi, then no name comes to the fore and we know going forward there will be coalition governments at the national level,” the NCP leader added.

    On India surpassing China as the world’s most populous nation, Pawar said some stringent measures need to be taken to check its growth.

    “A child is not a blessing of Allah or Parameshwar. It is the blessing of the husband and wife. This fact should be understood by all and superstitions on this issue must be removed,” Pawar said.

    He said had the five-point programme of Sanjay Gandhi (to check population growth) been implemented properly, the problems associated with the rise in population would not have been faced by the country.

    Pawar on Friday skipped a meeting of his party’s Mumbai unit, raising eyebrows in political circles as speculation about his next political move refuses to die down.

    Speaking to reporters in Pune, Pawar played down the buzz saying he was unable to attend the NCP convention as he had to remain present for some other programmes happening at the same time.

    He insisted nothing much should be read into this.

    ALSO READ | Ajit Pawar gets signatures of 40 ready to bolt

    PUNE: Amid speculation over his next political move, senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar on Friday said his outfit can stake a claim to the post of Maharashtra’s chief minister “now also” instead of waiting for 2024 when Assembly polls are due in the state.

    The Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly also told an interviewer that he will “100 per cent” like to be chief minister of Maharashtra.

    In a free-wheeling interview to the Sakal Media Group at a programme called ‘Dilkhulas Dada’ in Pune, Pawar said he had heard that Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, before his rebellion against the Shiv Sena leadership in June 2022, was unhappy and something was going in his mind.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    Pawar revealed his colleague late R R Patil would have become Chief Minister in 2004 when the NCP had won more Assembly seats than its ally Congress, but a message came from Delhi that his party will get the deputy CM’s post.

    Asked whether the NCP will stake a claim for the chief minister’s post next year when Assembly polls are due in Maharashtra, he remarked, “Why 2024, we are ready to stake a claim for the CM position now also.”

    He, however, did not elaborate on the statement.

    During the rapid fire round, the MLA from Baramati in Pune district, who has served as deputy CM multiple times, was asked by the interviewer whether he would like to become chief minister.

    To this, Pawar promptly replied, “Yes, I would 100 per cent like to be (CM).”

    ALSO READ | Sharad Pawar tightens his grip over NCP, tells Ajit not to break it

    Asked why the NCP has an attraction for the deputy CM’s position as the party has got that post on multiple occasions in the last 20 years, the veteran politician said in 2004, the NCP and the Congress fought Assembly elections in an alliance and the former had won more seats.

    “We got 71 seats, while the Congress won 69. Everyone, including the Congress, thought CM would be from the NCP. However, some decisions were taken at the highest level and a message came from Delhi that the NCP will get the deputy chief minister position and the CM post went to Congress,” he said.

    Pawar said his colleague Patil was chosen as the Leader of the House (Assembly), and he would have become chief minister in 2004 if the top post was given to the NCP. In the subsequent Assembly polls, the Congress bagged more seats than the NCP and naturally kept the CM’s post with itself, he said.

    Asked whether he liked working with Congress CM Prithviraj Chavan or Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray, who occupied the top post from November 2019 to June 2022, Pawar said they worked with the latter “happily”, but working with the former was out of choice.

    On Shinde’s revolt and subsequent split in the Shiv Sena, the former deputy CM said they used to hear that Shinde, then his Cabinet colleague in the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government, was unhappy and sensed something was going on in his mind.

    “We had alerted Pawar Saheb (NCP president Sharad Pawar) and Thackeray was also apprised about it. The BJP had been trying to pull down the MVA government since the first day of its formation. The wife of a key politician confessed later that her husband used to go out in disguise, and later some ministers said Shinde and a particular leader used to meet,” Pawar said without taking any names.

    ALSO READ | Won’t be in govt if Ajit Pawar joins BJP with NCP group: Shinde camp

    He said during the MVA government, Thackeray had given full control of Thane district to Shinde, then a Cabinet minister, and some officials appointed by him had helped rebel Shiv Sena MLAs to sneak out of Mumbai and reach Surat on June 20.

    Queried about him being soft on senior BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis, Pawar said the two had political and ideological differences but weren’t enemies, and cited the example of Sharad Pawar and Shiv Sena founder late Bal Thackeray who attacked each other during rallies and speeches but were good friends.

    Pawar went on add that a commonality between him and Fadnavis was that they were both born on July 22. Pawar was born in 1959 and Fadnavis in 1970.

    Speaking about the rise of the BJP over the last few years, Pawar said it was all due to the charisma of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who managed to lead the party to a majority in consecutive Lok Sabha polls in 2014 and 2019, a feat which even veterans like former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Lal Krishna Advani could not manage.

    “However, today when the question is asked who after Modi, then no name comes to the fore and we know going forward there will be coalition governments at the national level,” the NCP leader added.

    On India surpassing China as the world’s most populous nation, Pawar said some stringent measures need to be taken to check its growth.

    “A child is not a blessing of Allah or Parameshwar. It is the blessing of the husband and wife. This fact should be understood by all and superstitions on this issue must be removed,” Pawar said.

    He said had the five-point programme of Sanjay Gandhi (to check population growth) been implemented properly, the problems associated with the rise in population would not have been faced by the country.

    Pawar on Friday skipped a meeting of his party’s Mumbai unit, raising eyebrows in political circles as speculation about his next political move refuses to die down.

    Speaking to reporters in Pune, Pawar played down the buzz saying he was unable to attend the NCP convention as he had to remain present for some other programmes happening at the same time.

    He insisted nothing much should be read into this.

    ALSO READ | Ajit Pawar gets signatures of 40 ready to bolt

  • Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde held first meeting of Shiv Sena; to demand Bharat Ratna to Savarkar

    Express News Service

    MUMBAI: The Shiv Sena party led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde had called its first national office bearers meeting at a five-star luxury hotel in Mumbai where they decided to propose the name of VD Savarkar for Bharat Ratna.

    After the election commission of India recognised Shinde factions as the real Shiv Sena and even allotted them the traditional Shiv Sena symbol – bow and arrow, it was the first meeting of Shiv Sena on Tuesday late evening. The meeting was chaired by the chief minister.

    Maharashtra cabinet minister Uday Samant after the meeting said that they decided that the Maharashtra government will propose the name of freedom fighter VD Savarkar for Bharat Ratna. “We will request to the central government that VD Savarkar should be conferred with the highest civilian award Bharat Ratna. Besides, they will also demand giving classical language status to Marathi language and ensuring 80 per cent reservations for local people in jobs,” said Samant.

    ALSO READ | Maharashtra CM Shinde to remain ‘chief leader’ of Shiv Sena 

    He said that Veermata Jijabai, Ahilya Bai Holkar, and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj names should be included in the list of national icons. “We will work within the framework of the election commission of India. Besides, we will also expand the party network and will not make the mistake that was done by Uddhav Thackeray during his tenure. There will also be a disciplinary committee that will ensure discipline in the party. The disciplinary committee is headed by minister Dada Bhuse, while Sambhuraj Desai and Sanjay More will be members of this committee,” Samant added.

    MUMBAI: The Shiv Sena party led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde had called its first national office bearers meeting at a five-star luxury hotel in Mumbai where they decided to propose the name of VD Savarkar for Bharat Ratna.

    After the election commission of India recognised Shinde factions as the real Shiv Sena and even allotted them the traditional Shiv Sena symbol – bow and arrow, it was the first meeting of Shiv Sena on Tuesday late evening. The meeting was chaired by the chief minister.

    Maharashtra cabinet minister Uday Samant after the meeting said that they decided that the Maharashtra government will propose the name of freedom fighter VD Savarkar for Bharat Ratna. “We will request to the central government that VD Savarkar should be conferred with the highest civilian award Bharat Ratna. Besides, they will also demand giving classical language status to Marathi language and ensuring 80 per cent reservations for local people in jobs,” said Samant.

    ALSO READ | Maharashtra CM Shinde to remain ‘chief leader’ of Shiv Sena 

    He said that Veermata Jijabai, Ahilya Bai Holkar, and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj names should be included in the list of national icons. “We will work within the framework of the election commission of India. Besides, we will also expand the party network and will not make the mistake that was done by Uddhav Thackeray during his tenure. There will also be a disciplinary committee that will ensure discipline in the party. The disciplinary committee is headed by minister Dada Bhuse, while Sambhuraj Desai and Sanjay More will be members of this committee,” Samant added.

  • Maharashtra CM Shinde to remain ‘chief leader’ of Shiv Sena 

    By PTI

    MUMBAI: Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde will remain the ‘chief leader’ of the Shiv Sena, it was decided at its first national executive meeting held here on Tuesday evening.

    State industries minister Uday Samant made the announcement about the resolutions passed in the meeting.

    The Election Commission of India last week recognized the Shinde faction as the real Shiv Sena, and allotted it the poll symbol of the party, bow and arrow.

    The rival factions led by Shinde and former CM Uddhav Thackeray are locked in legal battles over the control of the Shiv Sena.

    “The meeting was chaired by the chief leader of the Shiv Sena, chief minister Eknath Shinde,” Samant said. It resolved to form a disciplinary committee,” he added.

    Other resolutions included the demand for a posthumous Bharat Ratna for freedom fighters and Hindutva ideologue Vinayak Damodar Savarkar.

    Another resolution passed at the meeting demanded the inclusion of Sambhaji Maharaj, Veermata Jijabai and Ahilyabai Holkar in the list of “national personalities.”

    Samant did not specify what role Uddhav Thackeray will have in this new Shiv Sena.

    The disciplinary committee would be headed by state ports development minister Dada Bhuse; excise minister Shambhuraj Desai and Sanjay More will be its other members.

    “The disciplinary committee will ensure the smooth functioning of the party and will take action against party leaders who act against the party lines,” Samant said, without naming former party president Uddhav Thackeray and 16 MLAs who are loyal to him.

    Shinde’s revolt against Thackeray’s leadership last June brought down the Thackeray-led Sena-Congress-NCP government in Maharashtra.

    The Thackeray camp has filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging the validity of Shinde group’s defection and the way the Shinde-led government was formed with the support of the Bharatiya Janata Party.

    MUMBAI: Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde will remain the ‘chief leader’ of the Shiv Sena, it was decided at its first national executive meeting held here on Tuesday evening.

    State industries minister Uday Samant made the announcement about the resolutions passed in the meeting.

    The Election Commission of India last week recognized the Shinde faction as the real Shiv Sena, and allotted it the poll symbol of the party, bow and arrow.

    The rival factions led by Shinde and former CM Uddhav Thackeray are locked in legal battles over the control of the Shiv Sena.

    “The meeting was chaired by the chief leader of the Shiv Sena, chief minister Eknath Shinde,” Samant said. It resolved to form a disciplinary committee,” he added.

    Other resolutions included the demand for a posthumous Bharat Ratna for freedom fighters and Hindutva ideologue Vinayak Damodar Savarkar.

    Another resolution passed at the meeting demanded the inclusion of Sambhaji Maharaj, Veermata Jijabai and Ahilyabai Holkar in the list of “national personalities.”

    Samant did not specify what role Uddhav Thackeray will have in this new Shiv Sena.

    The disciplinary committee would be headed by state ports development minister Dada Bhuse; excise minister Shambhuraj Desai and Sanjay More will be its other members.

    “The disciplinary committee will ensure the smooth functioning of the party and will take action against party leaders who act against the party lines,” Samant said, without naming former party president Uddhav Thackeray and 16 MLAs who are loyal to him.

    Shinde’s revolt against Thackeray’s leadership last June brought down the Thackeray-led Sena-Congress-NCP government in Maharashtra.

    The Thackeray camp has filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging the validity of Shinde group’s defection and the way the Shinde-led government was formed with the support of the Bharatiya Janata Party.