News Analysis India

Tag: Maharashtra

  • Uddhav Thackeray: My detractors see me in their dreams, know people of Maharashtra are with me: Uddhav Thackeray

    Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday said his detractors see him in their dreams despite stealing the party’s name and symbol and also know the people of Maharashtra are with him. The former chief minister was addressing supporters at his residence ‘Matoshree’ in Bandra in the western part of the metropolis.

    “Despite stealing my party’s name and symbol, detractors see me in their dreams. They know Uddhav Thackeray is not alone, all of Maharashtra is with him,” the Shiv Sena (UBT) chief said.

    “Love and affection are not for sale. These emotions cannot be purchased,” Thackeray asserted. Referring to some political workers rejoining Shiv Sena (UBT) in Ulhasnagar, part of Thane district, which is a stronghold of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Thackeray said the battle ahead was but struggles can be overcome with all loyalists sticking together and fighting.

    Speaking on the inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22, Thackeray said that day he would offer prayers at Kalaram Temple in Nashik and perform ‘maha aarti’ on the banks of Godavari river.

    He also said he would tour Kalyan Lok Sabha seat, which is represented by Shrikant Shinde, the son of CM Shinde. The Shiv Sena split in June 2022 after Shinde and several MLAs revolted, bringing down the MVA government under Thackeray.

    Shinde’s outfit was given the ‘Shiv Sena’ name and ‘bow and arrow’ symbol by the Election Commission of India.

  • Police seize mephedrone worth Rs 36.9 cr, bust narcotics manufacturing unit in Maharashtra’s Palghar

    By PTI

    THANE: The police have seized mephedrone (MD) worth Rs 36.9 crore and arrested seven persons in an operation spanning over the last five days, involving a raid at a drug manufacturing unit at a farmhouse in Maharashtra’s Palghar district, an official said on Monday.

    Mephedrone is a synthetic stimulant drug of the amphetamine and cathinone classes. Slang names include drone, M-CAT, White Magic, meow meow and bubble.

    The police have recovered 18,453.7 gm of the banned drug, of which 18,100 gm was seized during the raid at the manufacturing unit and lab operated from a farmhouse in Mokhada on Sunday, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) MBVV police Avinash Ambure told reporters.

    Liquid and powder raw materials worth Rs 2.73 lakh, chemicals worth Rs 2.59 lakh, besides vehicles, two country-made pistols, four magazines, and 14 cartridges were seized from seven accused, he said.

    Based on a tip-off, the police had on October 18 raided a hotel and arrested Sunny Bharat Salekar, Vishal Godse, Deepak Dubey, and Shahbaz E and seized 251.7 gm of mephedrone, some firearms and cash, the official said.

    These arrests led the police to Tanvir Nissar Ahmed Choudhary, who was apprehended with 102 gm of the contraband on Saturday and another accused Gautam Gunagar Ghosh who was also arrested on the same day, he said.

    Ghosh informed the police about Chandrashekar Pinjar who operated an MD manufacturing unit at his farmhouse in Mokhada, the official said.

    ALSO READ | Mephedrone worth over Rs 120 crore held from Mumbai, Gujarat; ex-Air India pilot among six held

    The police raided the premises on Sunday and seized 18,100 gm of narcotics, besides machinery and accessories, he said.

    All the seven accused have offences under the Arms Act and Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act to their name, the official said.

    Choudhary, a resident of Bhayandar, is an event organiser, while Ghosh is a businessman and Pinjar, a civil contractor, he said.

    Senior inspector Aviraj Kurhade of the Crime Unit I said the local police were carrying out further probe into the crime. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

    THANE: The police have seized mephedrone (MD) worth Rs 36.9 crore and arrested seven persons in an operation spanning over the last five days, involving a raid at a drug manufacturing unit at a farmhouse in Maharashtra’s Palghar district, an official said on Monday.

    Mephedrone is a synthetic stimulant drug of the amphetamine and cathinone classes. Slang names include drone, M-CAT, White Magic, meow meow and bubble.

    The police have recovered 18,453.7 gm of the banned drug, of which 18,100 gm was seized during the raid at the manufacturing unit and lab operated from a farmhouse in Mokhada on Sunday, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) MBVV police Avinash Ambure told reporters.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    Liquid and powder raw materials worth Rs 2.73 lakh, chemicals worth Rs 2.59 lakh, besides vehicles, two country-made pistols, four magazines, and 14 cartridges were seized from seven accused, he said.

    Based on a tip-off, the police had on October 18 raided a hotel and arrested Sunny Bharat Salekar, Vishal Godse, Deepak Dubey, and Shahbaz E and seized 251.7 gm of mephedrone, some firearms and cash, the official said.

    These arrests led the police to Tanvir Nissar Ahmed Choudhary, who was apprehended with 102 gm of the contraband on Saturday and another accused Gautam Gunagar Ghosh who was also arrested on the same day, he said.

    Ghosh informed the police about Chandrashekar Pinjar who operated an MD manufacturing unit at his farmhouse in Mokhada, the official said.

    ALSO READ | Mephedrone worth over Rs 120 crore held from Mumbai, Gujarat; ex-Air India pilot among six held

    The police raided the premises on Sunday and seized 18,100 gm of narcotics, besides machinery and accessories, he said.

    All the seven accused have offences under the Arms Act and Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act to their name, the official said.

    Choudhary, a resident of Bhayandar, is an event organiser, while Ghosh is a businessman and Pinjar, a civil contractor, he said.

    Senior inspector Aviraj Kurhade of the Crime Unit I said the local police were carrying out further probe into the crime. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

  • CM Shinde directs collectors to visit hospitals in their districts, file report on current status 

    By PTI

    MUMBAI: Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Thursday directed collectors in the state to visit all the medical colleges, government hospitals, hospitals under civic bodies and primary health care centres in their respective districts and submit a report on the current status of the facilities.

    In a video conference with all the district collectors from Delhi, Shinde said the state government has set up a committee to probe the recent deaths in government hospitals in Nanded and Aurangabad and strict action will be taken against those responsible, said an official statement.

    He said reasons like shortage of medicines and manpower will not be tolerated and action will be taken against the officials concerned.

    He also reviewed the state’s current health infrastructure, the statement said.

    The Maharashtra government has come under intense criticism following the deaths of several patients at government-run hospitals at Nanded and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, former Aurangabad, in a short span.

    According to officials, 31 patients, including many infants, died at the Dr Shankarrao Chavan Government Medical College and Hospital in Nanded in 48 hours since September 30, while the death of 18 patients was recorded at the Government Medical College and Hospital at Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar between October 2 and 3.

    The CM has directed the collectors to visit every medical college, government hospital, hospital under civic bodies and primary health care centres in their respective districts and submit a report on the current status of the facilities, according to the statement.

    Shinde said health is a top priority for the government and stressed that efforts are being taken to strengthen health infrastructure in the short- and long-term and there won’t be any shortage of funds for it, the statement said.

    In case of a shortage of manpower, the CM said, it can be outsourced at the district level, added the statement.

    MUMBAI: Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Thursday directed collectors in the state to visit all the medical colleges, government hospitals, hospitals under civic bodies and primary health care centres in their respective districts and submit a report on the current status of the facilities.

    In a video conference with all the district collectors from Delhi, Shinde said the state government has set up a committee to probe the recent deaths in government hospitals in Nanded and Aurangabad and strict action will be taken against those responsible, said an official statement.

    He said reasons like shortage of medicines and manpower will not be tolerated and action will be taken against the officials concerned.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    He also reviewed the state’s current health infrastructure, the statement said.

    The Maharashtra government has come under intense criticism following the deaths of several patients at government-run hospitals at Nanded and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, former Aurangabad, in a short span.

    According to officials, 31 patients, including many infants, died at the Dr Shankarrao Chavan Government Medical College and Hospital in Nanded in 48 hours since September 30, while the death of 18 patients was recorded at the Government Medical College and Hospital at Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar between October 2 and 3.

    The CM has directed the collectors to visit every medical college, government hospital, hospital under civic bodies and primary health care centres in their respective districts and submit a report on the current status of the facilities, according to the statement.

    Shinde said health is a top priority for the government and stressed that efforts are being taken to strengthen health infrastructure in the short- and long-term and there won’t be any shortage of funds for it, the statement said.

    In case of a shortage of manpower, the CM said, it can be outsourced at the district level, added the statement.

  • ‘Elder brother’ BJP should be ready to make sacrifices to accommodate alliance partners: Fadnavis

    Express News Service

    Maharashtra deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday said as the BJP is the elder brother in the three-party alliance government, it should be ready to make sacrifices to accommodate its partners — Shiv Sena and NCP.

    Addressing district presidents of the party and other leaders, he said they should work to make Narendra Modi the Prime Minister of India in 2024. “Not for the BJP, but for India and the country, Narendra Modi should be made the PM of India once again. Narendra Modi is working to fulfill the dream of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The mission 2024 is very important for the country. Modi ji has the capacity to take the country to the pinnacle of development,” Fadnavis added.

    ALSO READ | 59 die in two Maharashtra govt hospitals in last 48 hours, CM orders high-level probe

    “We always say that BJP workers make sacrifices, now the time has come to show that commitment for the country. BJP is the elder brother in government so we should be ready to sacrifice more to accommodate other alliance partners,” Fadnavis said.

    “Our country needs strong leadership and Modi ji can give that to our country. Our economy has been expanding and it is on the right path. Many countries started following us due to the strong leadership of PM Narendra Modi. Modi ji has emerged as a world leader,” he said.

    Fadnavis claimed there are no strong leaders in the Opposition INDIA alliance. “Rahul Gandhi cannot be compared with Modi ji. INDIA alliance members are fighting with each other. They have no clear strategy,” he added.

    Maharashtra deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday said as the BJP is the elder brother in the three-party alliance government, it should be ready to make sacrifices to accommodate its partners — Shiv Sena and NCP.

    Addressing district presidents of the party and other leaders, he said they should work to make Narendra Modi the Prime Minister of India in 2024. “Not for the BJP, but for India and the country, Narendra Modi should be made the PM of India once again. Narendra Modi is working to fulfill the dream of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The mission 2024 is very important for the country. Modi ji has the capacity to take the country to the pinnacle of development,” Fadnavis added.

    ALSO READ | 59 die in two Maharashtra govt hospitals in last 48 hours, CM orders high-level probegoogletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    “We always say that BJP workers make sacrifices, now the time has come to show that commitment for the country. BJP is the elder brother in government so we should be ready to sacrifice more to accommodate other alliance partners,” Fadnavis said.

    “Our country needs strong leadership and Modi ji can give that to our country. Our economy has been expanding and it is on the right path. Many countries started following us due to the strong leadership of PM Narendra Modi. Modi ji has emerged as a world leader,” he said.

    Fadnavis claimed there are no strong leaders in the Opposition INDIA alliance. “Rahul Gandhi cannot be compared with Modi ji. INDIA alliance members are fighting with each other. They have no clear strategy,” he added.

  • Now, govt facility in Maharashtra’s Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar records 18 deaths in 24 hours

    By PTI

    CHHATRAPATI SAMBHAJINAGAR: At least 18 deaths were recorded at the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) here in Maharashtra within 24 hours ending at 8 am on Tuesday, an official said.

    This comes against the backdrop of 24 deaths at the Dr Shankarrao Chavan Government Medical College and Hospital in Nanded, also in Marathwada, in 24 hours between September 30 and October 1 and seven more fatalities between October 1 and 2, taking the tally to 31 in 48 hours, according to officials.

    “18 deaths were recorded at the Government Medical College and Hospital in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar between 8 am on October 2 and 8 am on October 3,” the hospital medical superintendent told PTI.

    He said out of the 18 deaths recorded at the GMCH, four persons were brought dead.

    “Among the 18, two patients died due to heart attack while two others were suffering from pneumonia. Another three deceased patients were suffering from renal failure and another with liver failure. One patient died due to the failure of liver and kidney. One casualty each was reported due to road accident, poisoning, and infection after appendix burst,” he said.

    The official said two pre-term babies died on the sixth day of treatment (between October 2 and 3) at the hospital.

    “They were pre-term babies and weighed only 1,300 grams each,” he added.

    The official said the facility was not running short on life-saving drugs.

    “We are ascertaining which are the last-minute referrals to the GMCH among these cases (18 fatalities),” he added.

    He said the facility has the permission for 1,177 beds but anytime more than 1,600 patients remain admitted.

    “As this facility is a tertiary care unit, we had nearly 28,000 admissions last month. Out of these admissions, 419 deaths were recorded with us (in September). nThe percentage is 1.45 per cent,” he added.

    Patients from various districts of the Marathwada region and cities in north Maharashtra visit the GMCH.

    CHHATRAPATI SAMBHAJINAGAR: At least 18 deaths were recorded at the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) here in Maharashtra within 24 hours ending at 8 am on Tuesday, an official said.

    This comes against the backdrop of 24 deaths at the Dr Shankarrao Chavan Government Medical College and Hospital in Nanded, also in Marathwada, in 24 hours between September 30 and October 1 and seven more fatalities between October 1 and 2, taking the tally to 31 in 48 hours, according to officials.

    “18 deaths were recorded at the Government Medical College and Hospital in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar between 8 am on October 2 and 8 am on October 3,” the hospital medical superintendent told PTI.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    He said out of the 18 deaths recorded at the GMCH, four persons were brought dead.

    “Among the 18, two patients died due to heart attack while two others were suffering from pneumonia. Another three deceased patients were suffering from renal failure and another with liver failure. One patient died due to the failure of liver and kidney. One casualty each was reported due to road accident, poisoning, and infection after appendix burst,” he said.

    The official said two pre-term babies died on the sixth day of treatment (between October 2 and 3) at the hospital.

    “They were pre-term babies and weighed only 1,300 grams each,” he added.

    The official said the facility was not running short on life-saving drugs.

    “We are ascertaining which are the last-minute referrals to the GMCH among these cases (18 fatalities),” he added.

    He said the facility has the permission for 1,177 beds but anytime more than 1,600 patients remain admitted.

    “As this facility is a tertiary care unit, we had nearly 28,000 admissions last month. Out of these admissions, 419 deaths were recorded with us (in September). nThe percentage is 1.45 per cent,” he added.

    Patients from various districts of the Marathwada region and cities in north Maharashtra visit the GMCH.

  • 24 deaths, including 12 infants, reported in 24 hours from Nanded govt hospital: Maharashtra official 

    By PTI

    MUMBAI: Twenty-four deaths, including that of 12 infants, have been reported in the last 24 hours in a government hospital in Nanded, a top Maharashtra health official said on Monday.

    “In the last 24 hours, 24 deaths have been reported at Nanded Government Hospital and Medical College (GMCH). Out of these, 12 are infants who were referred here by some local private hospitals.

    The remaining deaths are of adults for various reasons,” Dr Dilip Mhaisekar, Director, Medical Education and Research in Maharashtra, told PTI.

    “A three-member expert committee from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly Aurangabad) district has been formed with a mandate to submit a report by 1 pm on Tuesday. I am personally visiting the hospital to review the situation,” he informed.

    Speaking on the issue, Congress leader and former chief minister Ashok Chavan said the dean of GMCH had told him about the 24 deaths.

    “Of the 24 who have died, 6-7 are infants and some are pregnant women. Another 70 patients are critical. Some deaths have taken place due to some unknown poisoning reasons,” he said quoting information from the hospital dean.

    Chavan said the Eknath Shinde government must make arrangements for medical staff as well as funds for the Nanded GMCH on priority.

    Chavan said the hospital has 500 beds but some 1,200 patients are admitted at present.

    “It is natural that medical staff and doctors are overburdened due to such a large number of patients. I will speak to state deputy chief minister and finance minister Ajit Pawar seeking his intervention for funds,” Chavan said.

    The dean has also said posts continue to remain vacant after the transfer of some nurses, while there is also a shortage of medical officers, the Congress leader claimed.

    “I have suggested to the state government that they can take the help of private doctors. It is up to the state government to implement it or not,” he added.

    When asked if the Haffkine Institute has not supplied medicines to the hospital, he said he was unaware of such minute details.

    Incidentally, in a 24-hour period between August 12 and 13, a total of 18 patients had died in Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Hospital in Kalwa in Thane district, creating a furore across the state.

    MUMBAI: Twenty-four deaths, including that of 12 infants, have been reported in the last 24 hours in a government hospital in Nanded, a top Maharashtra health official said on Monday.

    “In the last 24 hours, 24 deaths have been reported at Nanded Government Hospital and Medical College (GMCH). Out of these, 12 are infants who were referred here by some local private hospitals.

    The remaining deaths are of adults for various reasons,” Dr Dilip Mhaisekar, Director, Medical Education and Research in Maharashtra, told PTI.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    “A three-member expert committee from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly Aurangabad) district has been formed with a mandate to submit a report by 1 pm on Tuesday. I am personally visiting the hospital to review the situation,” he informed.

    Speaking on the issue, Congress leader and former chief minister Ashok Chavan said the dean of GMCH had told him about the 24 deaths.

    “Of the 24 who have died, 6-7 are infants and some are pregnant women. Another 70 patients are critical. Some deaths have taken place due to some unknown poisoning reasons,” he said quoting information from the hospital dean.

    Chavan said the Eknath Shinde government must make arrangements for medical staff as well as funds for the Nanded GMCH on priority.

    Chavan said the hospital has 500 beds but some 1,200 patients are admitted at present.

    “It is natural that medical staff and doctors are overburdened due to such a large number of patients. I will speak to state deputy chief minister and finance minister Ajit Pawar seeking his intervention for funds,” Chavan said.

    The dean has also said posts continue to remain vacant after the transfer of some nurses, while there is also a shortage of medical officers, the Congress leader claimed.

    “I have suggested to the state government that they can take the help of private doctors. It is up to the state government to implement it or not,” he added.

    When asked if the Haffkine Institute has not supplied medicines to the hospital, he said he was unaware of such minute details.

    Incidentally, in a 24-hour period between August 12 and 13, a total of 18 patients had died in Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Hospital in Kalwa in Thane district, creating a furore across the state.

  • OBC quota won’t be affected by reservations for Marathas, assures Maharashtra CM Shinde

    Express News Service

    MUMBAI: Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde held a meeting with the OBC community on Friday and assured them that their quota would not be affected while giving reservations to Maratha and other communities.  

    The meeting was chaired by CM Eknath Shinde and deputy CM Ajit Pawar. Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis was also present at the meeting held at Sahyadri Guest House.  

    Shinde said they had appointed a retired judge to study whether people belonging to the Kunbi community in Marathwada can be given the OBC certificate on the basis of past records and genealogy.     

    “We are not here to decrease reservations of any communities presently being availed. We want to bring back reservations to the Maratha community that earlier got cancelled due to the Supreme Court order. We are also planning to undertake various schemes for the deprived communities. We will soon have separate meetings for welfare of smaller communities. There are various boards for welfare and development of various communities like BARTI, SARATI etc, which will be strengthened by giving them adequate funds,” Shinde added.

    ALSO READ | Govt committed to giving quota to Maratha community, decision must be foolproof: Maharashtra CM Shinde  

    He said that for OBC community students, the state government has decided to start 72 hostels and relax the cap of Rs 8 lakh income for them so that they can get the benefits in government college admissions. Fadnavis said that the state government has earmarked Rs 4000 crore for the welfare and development of OBC communities. He also said that the Centre has decided to give reservations to OBC students in medical admissions in higher studies.  

    “The OBC commission will be given the constitutional status so it will continue to work for the welfare of the backward community. We will not hurt any community’s reservations,” said Fadnavis.  

    In the meeting, it was reported that cabinet minister Chhagan Bhujbal complained that the OBC seats in government jobs are not filled completely and demanded the review of all posts. “The seats in open are filled more than the total vacancy while OBC seats are kept vacant for years,” Bhujbal said.

    MUMBAI: Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde held a meeting with the OBC community on Friday and assured them that their quota would not be affected while giving reservations to Maratha and other communities.  

    The meeting was chaired by CM Eknath Shinde and deputy CM Ajit Pawar. Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis was also present at the meeting held at Sahyadri Guest House.  

    Shinde said they had appointed a retired judge to study whether people belonging to the Kunbi community in Marathwada can be given the OBC certificate on the basis of past records and genealogy.     googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    “We are not here to decrease reservations of any communities presently being availed. We want to bring back reservations to the Maratha community that earlier got cancelled due to the Supreme Court order. We are also planning to undertake various schemes for the deprived communities. We will soon have separate meetings for welfare of smaller communities. There are various boards for welfare and development of various communities like BARTI, SARATI etc, which will be strengthened by giving them adequate funds,” Shinde added.

    ALSO READ | Govt committed to giving quota to Maratha community, decision must be foolproof: Maharashtra CM Shinde  

    He said that for OBC community students, the state government has decided to start 72 hostels and relax the cap of Rs 8 lakh income for them so that they can get the benefits in government college admissions. Fadnavis said that the state government has earmarked Rs 4000 crore for the welfare and development of OBC communities. He also said that the Centre has decided to give reservations to OBC students in medical admissions in higher studies.  

    “The OBC commission will be given the constitutional status so it will continue to work for the welfare of the backward community. We will not hurt any community’s reservations,” said Fadnavis.  

    In the meeting, it was reported that cabinet minister Chhagan Bhujbal complained that the OBC seats in government jobs are not filled completely and demanded the review of all posts. “The seats in open are filled more than the total vacancy while OBC seats are kept vacant for years,” Bhujbal said.

  • Maharashtra: Farmers protest against Centre at wholesale markets over 40 pc duty on onion export

    By PTI

    MUMBAI: Farmers in Maharashtra on Sunday protested against the Centre’s decision to impose a 40 per cent duty on the export of the kitchen staple.

    A day after the Central government imposed a 40 per cent duty on the export of onions till December 31, 2023, wholesale markets at Satana, Malegaon and Lasalgaon (In Nashik district), in Ahmednagar, and at Manchar and Khed in Pune district saw protests by farmers.

    A Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatna (SSS) leader said protests will be held in wholesale markets across Maharashtra to mount pressure on the Union government.

    Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole said the state government is trying hard to keep the prices of onions low and it doesn’t care about the interests of farmers.

    “We condemn this decision (to impose the export duty on onions) of the Union government,” he said.

    Earlier in the day, onion growers in Rahuri tehsil of Ahmednagar district halted the ongoing auction of the bulb in the wholesale market.

    “The Union government’s anti-farmer stand has again come to the fore. Farmers in Maharashtra were expecting good returns from onion exports, but the imposed duty has ensured that there will not be any export. The prices in the domestic market will crash and farmers will incur losses,” said SSS state president Sandeep Jagtap.

    Several parts of Maharashtra have received insufficient rainfall and this will delay the arrival of fresh onions in the market, he said, accusing the government of protecting the interests of consumers and ignoring farmers.

    “The Centre should also pay attention to our woes because the export duty has sent a message to traders that all the available onion is going to be sold in domestic markets only. Traders have now started quoting lower prices for our produce,” a farmer protesting in Rahuri said.

    According to sources at Lasalgaon Agriculture Produce Market Committee, the largest wholesale onion market in India, there was a rise of nearly 45 per cent in the prices of the kitchen staple last week.

    “Onion was being sold at Rs 1,500 per quintal two weeks ago, and it jumped to Rs 2,200 in just one week. Now, the rates have started coming down, as exports have become nearly impossible,” a trader from Lasalgaon APMC said.

    Amid protests, state Agriculture Minister Dhananjay Munde said he would speak with Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Tuesday and try to find some “amicable” solution to the issue.

    Munde’s cabinet colleague Chhagan Bhujbal said he would raise the onion export duty issue with the state deputy chief minister and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis.

    MUMBAI: Farmers in Maharashtra on Sunday protested against the Centre’s decision to impose a 40 per cent duty on the export of the kitchen staple.

    A day after the Central government imposed a 40 per cent duty on the export of onions till December 31, 2023, wholesale markets at Satana, Malegaon and Lasalgaon (In Nashik district), in Ahmednagar, and at Manchar and Khed in Pune district saw protests by farmers.

    A Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatna (SSS) leader said protests will be held in wholesale markets across Maharashtra to mount pressure on the Union government.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole said the state government is trying hard to keep the prices of onions low and it doesn’t care about the interests of farmers.

    “We condemn this decision (to impose the export duty on onions) of the Union government,” he said.

    Earlier in the day, onion growers in Rahuri tehsil of Ahmednagar district halted the ongoing auction of the bulb in the wholesale market.

    “The Union government’s anti-farmer stand has again come to the fore. Farmers in Maharashtra were expecting good returns from onion exports, but the imposed duty has ensured that there will not be any export. The prices in the domestic market will crash and farmers will incur losses,” said SSS state president Sandeep Jagtap.

    Several parts of Maharashtra have received insufficient rainfall and this will delay the arrival of fresh onions in the market, he said, accusing the government of protecting the interests of consumers and ignoring farmers.

    “The Centre should also pay attention to our woes because the export duty has sent a message to traders that all the available onion is going to be sold in domestic markets only. Traders have now started quoting lower prices for our produce,” a farmer protesting in Rahuri said.

    According to sources at Lasalgaon Agriculture Produce Market Committee, the largest wholesale onion market in India, there was a rise of nearly 45 per cent in the prices of the kitchen staple last week.

    “Onion was being sold at Rs 1,500 per quintal two weeks ago, and it jumped to Rs 2,200 in just one week. Now, the rates have started coming down, as exports have become nearly impossible,” a trader from Lasalgaon APMC said.

    Amid protests, state Agriculture Minister Dhananjay Munde said he would speak with Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Tuesday and try to find some “amicable” solution to the issue.

    Munde’s cabinet colleague Chhagan Bhujbal said he would raise the onion export duty issue with the state deputy chief minister and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis.

  • Five killed, 20 injured as two buses collide in Maharashtra’s Buldhana district

    By PTI

    MUMBAI: Five persons, including two women, were killed and 20 others injured after two private buses collided in the early hours of Saturday in Maharashtra’s Buldhana district, a police official said.

    The accident occurred around 2.30 am on a flyover in Malkapur town in the district, he said.

    According to the official, one of the buses involved in the accident was on its way to Hingoli after Amarnath Yatra, while the other private bus was going towards Nashik.

    The bus going towards Nashik tried to overtake a truck and ended up coming in front of the second bus, resulting in a collision, he said.

    Five persons, including two women, were killed and 20 were injured, the official said.

    Senior district police officials reached the spot and rushed the injured to a nearby hospital.

    The accident disrupted traffic on the road for some time, he added.

    MUMBAI: Five persons, including two women, were killed and 20 others injured after two private buses collided in the early hours of Saturday in Maharashtra’s Buldhana district, a police official said.

    The accident occurred around 2.30 am on a flyover in Malkapur town in the district, he said.

    According to the official, one of the buses involved in the accident was on its way to Hingoli after Amarnath Yatra, while the other private bus was going towards Nashik.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    The bus going towards Nashik tried to overtake a truck and ended up coming in front of the second bus, resulting in a collision, he said.

    Five persons, including two women, were killed and 20 were injured, the official said.

    Senior district police officials reached the spot and rushed the injured to a nearby hospital.

    The accident disrupted traffic on the road for some time, he added.

  • 11 dead in 10 days as rain batters parts of Vidarbha

    By PTI

    NAPUR: At last 11 people have died due to floods and lightning in Nagpur division of Maharashtra’s Vidarbha region so far since since July 13, while more than 1,600 houses have been damaged after heavy rains in the area, officials said on Sunday.

    Rains also affected 875.84 hectares of agriculture land in parts of the Nagpur division- which consists of Nagpur, Wardha, Bhandara, Gondia, Chandrapur and Gadchiroli districts, as per a preliminary report issued by authorities here.

    Heavy rains have been lashing parts of Vidarbha region – comprising Amravati, Akola, Bhandara, Buldhana, Chandrapur, Gadchiroli, Gondia, Nagpur, Wardha, Washim, and Yavatmal – since the last few days.

    Eleven people lost their lives in incidents of flooding and lightning in the Nagpur division from July 13 till date, as per the report.

    Gadchiroli and Bhandara witnessed three deaths each, Wardha and Gondia two each and Chandrapur reported one death, it said.

    The report said 1,601 houses and huts were damaged in the six districts of Nagpur division, while 39 animals also died in the rain fury.

    Rains and flooding also affected 875. 84 hectares of agriculture land in the Nagpur division, including 853. 74 hectares in Chandrapur and 22.1 hectares in Wardha.

    In the 24-hour period ending at 8.30 am on Sunday, Akola recorded 107.9 mm rainfall, followed by Yavatmal-24.0 mm, Wardha-23.4 mm, Amravati- 15.6 mm, Nagpur-6.7 mm, Gadchiroli-3.0 mm, Gondia-2.2 mm, Brahmpuri (in Chandrapur)-2.4 mm and Buldhana-2.0 mm, as per the Regional Meteorological Centre in Nagpur.

    In Yavatmal district, around 110 people stranded due to floods in Anandnagar Tanda village under Mahagaon tehsil were rescued on Saturday.

    The flood waters receded on Sunday in many areas of Yavatmal and the rain intensity also reduced, officials said.

    Maharashtra Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Anil Patil visited Yavatmal on Sunday to take stock of the situation.

    In Buldhana district, nearly 100 people were shifted to safer places at Katargaon village in Sangrampur tehsil on Saturday.

    There was no flooding in the district on Sunday, senior officials said.

    According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), there is a possibility of heavy rains in Amravati district, while cloudy weather is likely to prevail in other parts of Vidarbha.

    NAPUR: At last 11 people have died due to floods and lightning in Nagpur division of Maharashtra’s Vidarbha region so far since since July 13, while more than 1,600 houses have been damaged after heavy rains in the area, officials said on Sunday.

    Rains also affected 875.84 hectares of agriculture land in parts of the Nagpur division- which consists of Nagpur, Wardha, Bhandara, Gondia, Chandrapur and Gadchiroli districts, as per a preliminary report issued by authorities here.

    Heavy rains have been lashing parts of Vidarbha region – comprising Amravati, Akola, Bhandara, Buldhana, Chandrapur, Gadchiroli, Gondia, Nagpur, Wardha, Washim, and Yavatmal – since the last few days.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    Eleven people lost their lives in incidents of flooding and lightning in the Nagpur division from July 13 till date, as per the report.

    Gadchiroli and Bhandara witnessed three deaths each, Wardha and Gondia two each and Chandrapur reported one death, it said.

    The report said 1,601 houses and huts were damaged in the six districts of Nagpur division, while 39 animals also died in the rain fury.

    Rains and flooding also affected 875. 84 hectares of agriculture land in the Nagpur division, including 853. 74 hectares in Chandrapur and 22.1 hectares in Wardha.

    In the 24-hour period ending at 8.30 am on Sunday, Akola recorded 107.9 mm rainfall, followed by Yavatmal-24.0 mm, Wardha-23.4 mm, Amravati- 15.6 mm, Nagpur-6.7 mm, Gadchiroli-3.0 mm, Gondia-2.2 mm, Brahmpuri (in Chandrapur)-2.4 mm and Buldhana-2.0 mm, as per the Regional Meteorological Centre in Nagpur.

    In Yavatmal district, around 110 people stranded due to floods in Anandnagar Tanda village under Mahagaon tehsil were rescued on Saturday.

    The flood waters receded on Sunday in many areas of Yavatmal and the rain intensity also reduced, officials said.

    Maharashtra Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Anil Patil visited Yavatmal on Sunday to take stock of the situation.

    In Buldhana district, nearly 100 people were shifted to safer places at Katargaon village in Sangrampur tehsil on Saturday.

    There was no flooding in the district on Sunday, senior officials said.

    According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), there is a possibility of heavy rains in Amravati district, while cloudy weather is likely to prevail in other parts of Vidarbha.