News Analysis India

Tag: Maharashtra

  • Maharashtra farmer earns only Rs 2.49 net profit on sale of 512 kg onions

    By PTI

    PUNE: A farmer from Maharashtra’s Solapur was in for a rude shock when he got to know that he has earned a profit of merely Rs 2.49 against the sale of his 512 kg onions to a trader in the district.

    The farmer, 63-year-old Rajendra Chavan who resides in Barshi tehsil of Solapur, said his onion yield fetched a price of Rs 1 per kg at the Solapur market yard and after all the deductions he received this paltry sum as his net profit last week.

    Talking to PTI, Chavan said, “I had sent 10 bags of onions weighing more than five quintals to an onion trader in Solapur for sale. But after deducting charges towards loading, transport, labour and others, I received a net profit of just Rs 2.49 from him. The rate the trader offered me was Rs 100 per quintal. The overall weight of the crop was 512 kg and the total price he got for the produce was Rs 512,” he said.

    “After deductions worth Rs 509.51 against labour, weighing, transportation and other charges, I received a net profit of Rs 2.49. This is an insult to me and other onion-growers in the state. If we get such returns, how will we survive?” he asked.

    (Photo | Ravindra Kumar Adi Twitter)

    He said the onion farmers need to get a good price for the crop and the affected farmers get compensation.

    While Chavan claimed that the produce was of good quality, the trader said it was low-grade.

    “The farmer had brought only 10 bags and the produce was also of low grade. That is why, he got Rs 100 per quintal rate. So after all the deductions, he got Rs 2 as net profit,” the trader said.

    He added that the same farmer had received good returns in the recent past by selling more than 400 bags to me.

    “This time he brought the remaining produce that was hardly 10 bags and since the prices have gone down, he got this rate,” he said.

    Speaking to PTI, farmers leader and former MP Raju Shetti said that the onion hitting the market now is a ‘kharif’ produce and cannot be stored for a long time and that is why the shelf life of the product is short.

    “This onion needs to be sold in the market immediately and exported out. But due to glut, the prices of onions have nosedived in the market,” he said.

    He added that this onion is not being purchased by NAFED, so the only option is that the government should make the market available for this ‘kharif’ onion.

    “The government’s export and import policy regarding onions is not consistent. We had two permanent markets – Pakistan and Bangladesh, but they preferred buying onions from Iran instead of us due to the inconsistent policy of the government. The third market is Sri Lanka, but everyone knows their situation and no one is taking risks to send their produce,” he said.

    He added that the government should buy this onion or give subsidies to farmers.

    PUNE: A farmer from Maharashtra’s Solapur was in for a rude shock when he got to know that he has earned a profit of merely Rs 2.49 against the sale of his 512 kg onions to a trader in the district.

    The farmer, 63-year-old Rajendra Chavan who resides in Barshi tehsil of Solapur, said his onion yield fetched a price of Rs 1 per kg at the Solapur market yard and after all the deductions he received this paltry sum as his net profit last week.

    Talking to PTI, Chavan said, “I had sent 10 bags of onions weighing more than five quintals to an onion trader in Solapur for sale. But after deducting charges towards loading, transport, labour and others, I received a net profit of just Rs 2.49 from him. The rate the trader offered me was Rs 100 per quintal. The overall weight of the crop was 512 kg and the total price he got for the produce was Rs 512,” he said.

    “After deductions worth Rs 509.51 against labour, weighing, transportation and other charges, I received a net profit of Rs 2.49. This is an insult to me and other onion-growers in the state. If we get such returns, how will we survive?” he asked.

    (Photo | Ravindra Kumar Adi Twitter)

    He said the onion farmers need to get a good price for the crop and the affected farmers get compensation.

    While Chavan claimed that the produce was of good quality, the trader said it was low-grade.

    “The farmer had brought only 10 bags and the produce was also of low grade. That is why, he got Rs 100 per quintal rate. So after all the deductions, he got Rs 2 as net profit,” the trader said.

    He added that the same farmer had received good returns in the recent past by selling more than 400 bags to me.

    “This time he brought the remaining produce that was hardly 10 bags and since the prices have gone down, he got this rate,” he said.

    Speaking to PTI, farmers leader and former MP Raju Shetti said that the onion hitting the market now is a ‘kharif’ produce and cannot be stored for a long time and that is why the shelf life of the product is short.

    “This onion needs to be sold in the market immediately and exported out. But due to glut, the prices of onions have nosedived in the market,” he said.

    He added that this onion is not being purchased by NAFED, so the only option is that the government should make the market available for this ‘kharif’ onion.

    “The government’s export and import policy regarding onions is not consistent. We had two permanent markets – Pakistan and Bangladesh, but they preferred buying onions from Iran instead of us due to the inconsistent policy of the government. The third market is Sri Lanka, but everyone knows their situation and no one is taking risks to send their produce,” he said.

    He added that the government should buy this onion or give subsidies to farmers.

  • 90 stalls, 2 tempos destroyed in fire at Pune vegetable market

    By PTI

    PUNE: A fire broke out at a vegetable market in Maharashtra’s Pune city on Tuesday in which nearly 90 stalls were damaged and two tempos burnt, fire brigade officials said.

    No person was injured in the fire which erupted at around 1.45 am at the market located in Chintamani Nagar in Handewadi area of Hadapsar suburb, they said.

    Nearly 90 stalls were damaged in the blaze, which also destroyed a large quantity of vegetables.

    Two tempos were also gutted, a fire official said.

    Three fire tenders were pressed into service and the blaze was doused in 25 minutes, he said “No one was injured in the fire. The cause of the blaze is yet to be ascertained,” the official said.

    PUNE: A fire broke out at a vegetable market in Maharashtra’s Pune city on Tuesday in which nearly 90 stalls were damaged and two tempos burnt, fire brigade officials said.

    No person was injured in the fire which erupted at around 1.45 am at the market located in Chintamani Nagar in Handewadi area of Hadapsar suburb, they said.

    Nearly 90 stalls were damaged in the blaze, which also destroyed a large quantity of vegetables.

    Two tempos were also gutted, a fire official said.

    Three fire tenders were pressed into service and the blaze was doused in 25 minutes, he said “No one was injured in the fire. The cause of the blaze is yet to be ascertained,” the official said.

  • Shiv Sena rift: SC reserves order on reviewing Nabam Rebia verdict to larger bench

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: Noting that the issue of reference can’t be considered isolated from facts, the Supreme Court on Friday declined immediate reference of SCs 2016 ruling in Nabam Rebia to a seven-judge bench. 

    SC in Nabam Rebia had ruled that the Assembly speaker cannot proceed with a plea for disqualification of MLAs if a prior notice seeking his removal is a pending decision in the House. 

    The reference was sought by former Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray as the judgement had come to the rescue of the rebel MLAs led by Eknath Shinde, now the Chief Minister of Maharashtra.

    The Thackeray faction had sought their disqualification even while a notice of the Shinde group for the removal of Maharashtra Assembly deputy speaker Narhari Sitaram Zirwal, a Thackeray loyalist, was pending before the House.

    While pronouncing the order, CJI DY Chandrachud also said that if reference of the decision in Nabam Rebia to a larger bench is warranted would have to be determined together with the merits of the case and posted the case to be heard on merits from February 21. 

    “The issue of whether a reference to a bench of 7-judges is to be made cannot be considered in the abstract, isolated and divorced from the facts of the case. Whether the principle formulated in Nabam Rebia has an impact on the factual position in the present case needs deliberation. Against the above backdrop, the issue of whether the reference of the decision in Nabam Rebia to a larger bench is warranted would be determined together with the merits of the case. Consequently, the batch of cases is set down for hearing on merits on Tuesday, February 21,” the court said in its order. 

    During the hearing, CJI DY Chandrachud had yesterday opined that bar on the speaker for entertaining a disqualification plea while a resolution for his removal has been issued much be attached since the speaker acts as an adjudicator under the 10th schedule. He also added that this has very serious consequences as finality is also added to adjudication since MLAs lose their seats. CJI further added that the speaker perhaps created a problem himself maybe out of political exigency. 

    NEW DELHI: Noting that the issue of reference can’t be considered isolated from facts, the Supreme Court on Friday declined immediate reference of SCs 2016 ruling in Nabam Rebia to a seven-judge bench. 

    SC in Nabam Rebia had ruled that the Assembly speaker cannot proceed with a plea for disqualification of MLAs if a prior notice seeking his removal is a pending decision in the House. 

    The reference was sought by former Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray as the judgement had come to the rescue of the rebel MLAs led by Eknath Shinde, now the Chief Minister of Maharashtra.

    The Thackeray faction had sought their disqualification even while a notice of the Shinde group for the removal of Maharashtra Assembly deputy speaker Narhari Sitaram Zirwal, a Thackeray loyalist, was pending before the House.

    While pronouncing the order, CJI DY Chandrachud also said that if reference of the decision in Nabam Rebia to a larger bench is warranted would have to be determined together with the merits of the case and posted the case to be heard on merits from February 21. 

    “The issue of whether a reference to a bench of 7-judges is to be made cannot be considered in the abstract, isolated and divorced from the facts of the case. Whether the principle formulated in Nabam Rebia has an impact on the factual position in the present case needs deliberation. Against the above backdrop, the issue of whether the reference of the decision in Nabam Rebia to a larger bench is warranted would be determined together with the merits of the case. Consequently, the batch of cases is set down for hearing on merits on Tuesday, February 21,” the court said in its order. 

    During the hearing, CJI DY Chandrachud had yesterday opined that bar on the speaker for entertaining a disqualification plea while a resolution for his removal has been issued much be attached since the speaker acts as an adjudicator under the 10th schedule. He also added that this has very serious consequences as finality is also added to adjudication since MLAs lose their seats. CJI further added that the speaker perhaps created a problem himself maybe out of political exigency. 

  • SC directs videography of Sakal Hindu Samaj meet in Mumbai; asks to submit contents to court 

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday asked the Maharashtra government to only allow rallies scheduled to be organised by Sakal Hindu Samaj in Mumbai on February 5 subject to the condition that “none will make any hate speech or disturb the public order.” 

    A bench of Justices KM Joseph and JB Pardiwala also directed for video graphing the rally and submitting the contents of the same. 

    “Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal points out that having regards to what has happened on an earlier occasion, the meeting may be held on the permission which may be granted and the same shall be video graphed and the same shall be presented to this court. We are inclined to accept this prayer as well. SG has no objection to the meeting being video graphed if it takes place,” the court said in its order. 

    The bench also directed the police to take preventive action to prevent hate speech if necessary. The court also asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta for Maharashtra Govt to also seek instructions with regards to the recent event organised by Sakal Hindu Samaj under the banner of “Hindu Jan Aakrosh Sabha” on January 29, 2023. 

    The plea had also sought for directing DGP, Maharashtra and other authorities to take adequate action. It was argued in the plea that a shocking number of children are also seen participating in these rallies and chanting hateful slogans against the Muslim community. 

    “The mass participation at these rallies being organized not just with the consent and knowledge of Government authorities but with their active participation, pose a serious threat to the very foundation of our nation as a secular nation. The hatred being taught and the radicalization of youth being carried out with such impunity will inevitably lead to communal disharmony and violence of an unfathomable scale across the country,” the plea stated.

    The plea had also sought for directing DGP, Maharashtra to also explain the measures taken by them to stop the rally, further show the causes and the reason for such failure and also record the same and place the footage, transcripts and translations before SC. 

    NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday asked the Maharashtra government to only allow rallies scheduled to be organised by Sakal Hindu Samaj in Mumbai on February 5 subject to the condition that “none will make any hate speech or disturb the public order.” 

    A bench of Justices KM Joseph and JB Pardiwala also directed for video graphing the rally and submitting the contents of the same. 

    “Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal points out that having regards to what has happened on an earlier occasion, the meeting may be held on the permission which may be granted and the same shall be video graphed and the same shall be presented to this court. We are inclined to accept this prayer as well. SG has no objection to the meeting being video graphed if it takes place,” the court said in its order. 

    The bench also directed the police to take preventive action to prevent hate speech if necessary. The court also asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta for Maharashtra Govt to also seek instructions with regards to the recent event organised by Sakal Hindu Samaj under the banner of “Hindu Jan Aakrosh Sabha” on January 29, 2023. 

    The plea had also sought for directing DGP, Maharashtra and other authorities to take adequate action. It was argued in the plea that a shocking number of children are also seen participating in these rallies and chanting hateful slogans against the Muslim community. 

    “The mass participation at these rallies being organized not just with the consent and knowledge of Government authorities but with their active participation, pose a serious threat to the very foundation of our nation as a secular nation. The hatred being taught and the radicalization of youth being carried out with such impunity will inevitably lead to communal disharmony and violence of an unfathomable scale across the country,” the plea stated.

    The plea had also sought for directing DGP, Maharashtra to also explain the measures taken by them to stop the rally, further show the causes and the reason for such failure and also record the same and place the footage, transcripts and translations before SC. 

  • Maha MLC polls: Congress suspends Satyajeet Tambe who filed nomination as independent

    By PTI

    MUMBAI: The Congress on Thursday suspended Satyajeet Tambe, who rebelled against the party and filed nomination as an independent candidate from the Nashik division graduates’ constituency in Maharashtra for the upcoming state Legislative Council polls.

    The party suspended him for six years.

    The action comes days after the suspension of his father and MLC Sudhir Tambe, who did not file nomination papers after being nominated by the Congress as a party candidate from the Nashik division graduates’ constituency.

    A communication from Maharashtra Congress general secretary Devanand Pawar addressed to Satyajeet Tambe said, “You have rebelled in the Nashik division graduates’ constituency polls of the Maharashtra Legislative Council. This is in violation of party discipline. As per the orders of the state president Nana Patole, you have been suspended from the party for six years.”

    Earlier in the day, while addressing a press conference here Patole announced the names of five candidates whom the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), which comprises the Congress, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), will back and expressed confidence that they will win the polls.

    The Congress had on Sunday suspended Satyajeet Tambe’s father and three-time MLC Sudhir Tambe after he did not file a nomination for the polls despite the party’s mandate and instead got his son to enter the fray as an independent.

    The term of five members of the Legislative Council – two from graduates’ and three from teachers’ constituencies – is expiring on February 7. Voting to elect new members of the Upper House will be held on January 30 and counting will be taken up on February 2.

    ALSO READ | Confusion in MVA over Maharashtra state council biennial polls

    After flip-flops and lack of coordination, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve and NCP’s Jitendra Awhad jointly addressed the press conference with Patole.

    “He (Satyajeet Tambe) is in the fray and has started campaigning. He will be suspended today,” Patole said at the press conference.

    The state Congress chief also said the MVA will back Shubhangi Patil (independent) in the Nashik graduates’ constituency, Balaram Patil (independent) in the Konkan teachers constituency, Vikram Kale (NCP) in the Aurangabad teacher’s constituency, Sudhakar Adbale (independent) in Nagpur teachers constituency and Dhiraj Lingade (Congress) in Amravati graduates constituency.

    All five candidates of the MVA will win, Patole said.

    ALSO READ | Davos 2023: Maharashtra govt inks investment proposals worth Rs 88,500 cr

    On Monday, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said the MLC polls have clearly shown the confusion in the MVA and it is not his party’s responsibility to make “sacrifices” every time.

    He had also said the Shiv Sena’s Gangadhar Nakade withdrew his candidate after instructions from the party because there is a feeling that if any decision has to be taken with regard to the MVA then everyone has to fight together.

    The MVA was formed in November 2019 after Uddhav Thackeray snapped ties with long-time ally Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over differences in power sharing and joined hands with Congress and the NCP.

    MUMBAI: The Congress on Thursday suspended Satyajeet Tambe, who rebelled against the party and filed nomination as an independent candidate from the Nashik division graduates’ constituency in Maharashtra for the upcoming state Legislative Council polls.

    The party suspended him for six years.

    The action comes days after the suspension of his father and MLC Sudhir Tambe, who did not file nomination papers after being nominated by the Congress as a party candidate from the Nashik division graduates’ constituency.

    A communication from Maharashtra Congress general secretary Devanand Pawar addressed to Satyajeet Tambe said, “You have rebelled in the Nashik division graduates’ constituency polls of the Maharashtra Legislative Council. This is in violation of party discipline. As per the orders of the state president Nana Patole, you have been suspended from the party for six years.”

    Earlier in the day, while addressing a press conference here Patole announced the names of five candidates whom the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), which comprises the Congress, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), will back and expressed confidence that they will win the polls.

    The Congress had on Sunday suspended Satyajeet Tambe’s father and three-time MLC Sudhir Tambe after he did not file a nomination for the polls despite the party’s mandate and instead got his son to enter the fray as an independent.

    The term of five members of the Legislative Council – two from graduates’ and three from teachers’ constituencies – is expiring on February 7. Voting to elect new members of the Upper House will be held on January 30 and counting will be taken up on February 2.

    ALSO READ | Confusion in MVA over Maharashtra state council biennial polls

    After flip-flops and lack of coordination, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve and NCP’s Jitendra Awhad jointly addressed the press conference with Patole.

    “He (Satyajeet Tambe) is in the fray and has started campaigning. He will be suspended today,” Patole said at the press conference.

    The state Congress chief also said the MVA will back Shubhangi Patil (independent) in the Nashik graduates’ constituency, Balaram Patil (independent) in the Konkan teachers constituency, Vikram Kale (NCP) in the Aurangabad teacher’s constituency, Sudhakar Adbale (independent) in Nagpur teachers constituency and Dhiraj Lingade (Congress) in Amravati graduates constituency.

    All five candidates of the MVA will win, Patole said.

    ALSO READ | Davos 2023: Maharashtra govt inks investment proposals worth Rs 88,500 cr

    On Monday, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said the MLC polls have clearly shown the confusion in the MVA and it is not his party’s responsibility to make “sacrifices” every time.

    He had also said the Shiv Sena’s Gangadhar Nakade withdrew his candidate after instructions from the party because there is a feeling that if any decision has to be taken with regard to the MVA then everyone has to fight together.

    The MVA was formed in November 2019 after Uddhav Thackeray snapped ties with long-time ally Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over differences in power sharing and joined hands with Congress and the NCP.

  • Maharashtra first state to pass Lokayukta bill

    Express News Service

    Maharashtra Assembly on Wednesday passed the Lokayukta Bill 2022, which brings the Chief Minister and council of ministers under the ambit of the anti-corruption ombudsman.

    Maharashtra deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that Maharashtra will be the first state to bring and pass the Lokayukta bill across India. Interestingly, the bill was passed without any discussion and absence of Opposition.  

    As per the draft bill, prior approval of the Assembly has to be obtained and the motion has to be placed before the immediate session of the House before initiating any inquiry against the Chief Minister.

    Such motion shall be passed by not less than two-thirds of the total members of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, the draft bill stated.

    The draft bill also held the Lokayukta shall not inquire into any matter involving any allegation of corruption against the Chief Minister if it relates to internal security or public order in the state.

    ” Any such inquiry shall be held in-camera and if the Lokayukta comes to the conclusion that the complaint deserves to be dismissed, the records of the inquiry shall not be published or made available to anyone,” the bill states.

    The Lokayukta shall consist of a chairperson who is or has been the Chief Justice of the High Court, a judge of the Supreme Court, or a judge of the Bombay High Court.

    The selection committee for the appointment of members and the chairperson will comprise the Chief Minister, deputy chief minister, speaker of the Legislative Assembly, chairperson of the Legislative Council, the Leaders of Opposition in the Assembly.

    “No appointment of the chairperson or a member shall be invalid merely by reason of any vacancy in the selection committee,” the draft bill said.

    Devendra Fadnavis said that due to this Lokayukta bill the Chief Minister, Ministers and elected representatives will also come under the preview of Lokayukta.  

    Fadnavis said before bringing the bill, they had discussions with social activist Anna Hazare. The high power committee was formed to obtain suggestions and objections after which the bill was passed.  

    “We have also taken precautions that this Lokayukta law should not be misused. The person who files the complaint against the Chief Minister, ministers and elected representatives to Lokayukta should not misuse the bill. If in verification, the case is wrongly filed then there is a provision in this law to take action against that person. We want to bring transparency and end the corruption,” Fadnavis added.  

    The Lokayukta bill was tabled by Eknath Shinde factions minister Deepak Kesarkar in the legislative assembly in winter session.  The trial against the Chief Minister, ministers and elected representatives will be completed within the year after the date of complaint.  

    The bill was passed without discussion as the opposition had staged a walkout over the alleged scam in the Teachers Entrance Test.

    Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis termed the bill a historic legislation, adding Maharashtra is the first state to have such a law.

    As per the bill, prior approval of the Assembly has to be obtained and the motion has to be placed before the immediate session of the House before initiating any inquiry against the Chief Minister.

    Maharashtra Assembly on Wednesday passed the Lokayukta Bill 2022, which brings the Chief Minister and council of ministers under the ambit of the anti-corruption ombudsman.

    Maharashtra deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that Maharashtra will be the first state to bring and pass the Lokayukta bill across India. Interestingly, the bill was passed without any discussion and absence of Opposition.  

    As per the draft bill, prior approval of the Assembly has to be obtained and the motion has to be placed before the immediate session of the House before initiating any inquiry against the Chief Minister.

    Such motion shall be passed by not less than two-thirds of the total members of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, the draft bill stated.

    The draft bill also held the Lokayukta shall not inquire into any matter involving any allegation of corruption against the Chief Minister if it relates to internal security or public order in the state.

    ” Any such inquiry shall be held in-camera and if the Lokayukta comes to the conclusion that the complaint deserves to be dismissed, the records of the inquiry shall not be published or made available to anyone,” the bill states.

    The Lokayukta shall consist of a chairperson who is or has been the Chief Justice of the High Court, a judge of the Supreme Court, or a judge of the Bombay High Court.

    The selection committee for the appointment of members and the chairperson will comprise the Chief Minister, deputy chief minister, speaker of the Legislative Assembly, chairperson of the Legislative Council, the Leaders of Opposition in the Assembly.

    “No appointment of the chairperson or a member shall be invalid merely by reason of any vacancy in the selection committee,” the draft bill said.

    Devendra Fadnavis said that due to this Lokayukta bill the Chief Minister, Ministers and elected representatives will also come under the preview of Lokayukta.  

    Fadnavis said before bringing the bill, they had discussions with social activist Anna Hazare. The high power committee was formed to obtain suggestions and objections after which the bill was passed.  

    “We have also taken precautions that this Lokayukta law should not be misused. The person who files the complaint against the Chief Minister, ministers and elected representatives to Lokayukta should not misuse the bill. If in verification, the case is wrongly filed then there is a provision in this law to take action against that person. We want to bring transparency and end the corruption,” Fadnavis added.  

    The Lokayukta bill was tabled by Eknath Shinde factions minister Deepak Kesarkar in the legislative assembly in winter session.  The trial against the Chief Minister, ministers and elected representatives will be completed within the year after the date of complaint.  

    The bill was passed without discussion as the opposition had staged a walkout over the alleged scam in the Teachers Entrance Test.

    Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis termed the bill a historic legislation, adding Maharashtra is the first state to have such a law.

    As per the bill, prior approval of the Assembly has to be obtained and the motion has to be placed before the immediate session of the House before initiating any inquiry against the Chief Minister.

  • Maharashtra passes resolution on border row with Karnataka, to legally pursue inclusion of Marathi-speaking villages

    By PTI

    NAGPUR: The Maharashtra Legislative Council on Tuesday unanimously passed a resolution to “legally pursue” the inclusion of 865 Marathi-speaking villages in Karnataka into the western state and that the Centre should ask the southern state to guarantee the safety of Marathi people living in the border areas.

    The resolution moved by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in both Houses of the Maharashtra legislature expressed solidarity with the people living in the boundary areas.

    “The state government will legally pursue in the Supreme Court the case to include (in Maharashtra) inch and inch of land of Belgaum, Karwar Bidar, Nipani, Bhalki cities and the 865 Marathi-speaking villages in Karnataka,” the resolution said.

    It said the central government should urge the Karnataka government to implement the decision taken in a meeting with the Union Home Minister (over the border dispute issue).

    The central government should give directives to the Karnataka government to guarantee the safety of the Marathi people in the border areas, it added.

    The Council passed the resolution unanimously in the presence of Deputy Chairperson Dr Neelam Gorhe.

    The border issue dates back to 1957 after the reorganisation of states on linguistic lines.

    The Karnataka Legislative Assembly last Thursday unanimously passed a resolution on the border row with Maharashtra, resolving to protect the southern state’s interests and not to cede an inch of land to its neighbour.

    The resolution had also condemned the border dispute “created” by Maharashtra.

    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 more than 800 Marathi-speaking villages which are currently part of Karnataka.

    Karnataka maintains the demarcation done on linguistic lines as per the States Reorganisation Act and the 1967 Mahajan Commission Report as final.

    ALSO READ | Declare ‘Karnataka-occupied Maharashtra’ as Union Territory: Ex-CM Uddhav

    NAGPUR: The Maharashtra Legislative Council on Tuesday unanimously passed a resolution to “legally pursue” the inclusion of 865 Marathi-speaking villages in Karnataka into the western state and that the Centre should ask the southern state to guarantee the safety of Marathi people living in the border areas.

    The resolution moved by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in both Houses of the Maharashtra legislature expressed solidarity with the people living in the boundary areas.

    “The state government will legally pursue in the Supreme Court the case to include (in Maharashtra) inch and inch of land of Belgaum, Karwar Bidar, Nipani, Bhalki cities and the 865 Marathi-speaking villages in Karnataka,” the resolution said.

    It said the central government should urge the Karnataka government to implement the decision taken in a meeting with the Union Home Minister (over the border dispute issue).

    The central government should give directives to the Karnataka government to guarantee the safety of the Marathi people in the border areas, it added.

    The Council passed the resolution unanimously in the presence of Deputy Chairperson Dr Neelam Gorhe.

    The border issue dates back to 1957 after the reorganisation of states on linguistic lines.

    The Karnataka Legislative Assembly last Thursday unanimously passed a resolution on the border row with Maharashtra, resolving to protect the southern state’s interests and not to cede an inch of land to its neighbour.

    The resolution had also condemned the border dispute “created” by Maharashtra.

    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 more than 800 Marathi-speaking villages which are currently part of Karnataka.

    Karnataka maintains the demarcation done on linguistic lines as per the States Reorganisation Act and the 1967 Mahajan Commission Report as final.

    ALSO READ | Declare ‘Karnataka-occupied Maharashtra’ as Union Territory: Ex-CM Uddhav

  • Border row: Meeting in Delhi achieved nothing, favoured Karnataka, claims Uddhav

    By PTI

    MUMBAI: Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday said that nothing came out of Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s meeting with the chief ministers of Maharashtra and Karnataka over the border dispute.

    Speaking at a press conference after a meeting with his Maha Vikas Aghadi allies Congress and NCP, he also said it was difficult to believe that some tweets from the verified handle of Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on the issue were not actually posted by him.

    “What was achieved by yesterday’s meeting of Union home minister Amit Shah with chief ministers of Maharashtra and Karnataka? It was rubbing of salt into our wounds. As always, the deliberations favoured Karnataka,” Thackeray said.

    The former chief minister demanded to know why Karnataka holds legislature sessions in Belagavi (the north Karnataka city which is the main bone of contention between the two states) and accorded it the status of second capital when the border dispute was before the Supreme Court.

    ”Belagavi, Karwar, Nipani and other surrounding areas (of northern Karnataka) want to join Maharashtra. Why are there no answers to this demand,” he asked.

    He also sought to know why the Karnataka chief minister waited till Wednesday’s meeting in Delhi to clarify that some ‘fake’ Twitter handles were posting tweets in his name that fuelled tensions.

    “What action has been taken till now? Is it believable?” he asked.

    The MVA meeting was attended by NCP leader Ajit Pawar and Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan.

    On a protest march organised by the MVA on Saturday in Mumbai, Thackeray said “all those who love Maharashtra should join it.”

    READ HERE | Karnataka, Maharashtra arm-wrestle over border areas

    Issues such as the border dispute with Karnataka, `insult’ of Maharashtrian icons and industrial projects going to other states would be highlighted during the march which will start from J J Flyover and end at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus in south Mumbai, Pawar and Thackeray said.

    Union minister Shah met the chief ministers of the two states on Wednesday after violence flared up in the border region where Maharashtra has staked claim on 865 Marathi-speaking villages in Karnataka besides Belagavi.

    Of late, Karnataka too has staked claims to south Solapur and Akkalkote regions of Maharashtra, that have a sizeable Kannada speaking population.

    MUMBAI: Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday said that nothing came out of Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s meeting with the chief ministers of Maharashtra and Karnataka over the border dispute.

    Speaking at a press conference after a meeting with his Maha Vikas Aghadi allies Congress and NCP, he also said it was difficult to believe that some tweets from the verified handle of Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on the issue were not actually posted by him.

    “What was achieved by yesterday’s meeting of Union home minister Amit Shah with chief ministers of Maharashtra and Karnataka? It was rubbing of salt into our wounds. As always, the deliberations favoured Karnataka,” Thackeray said.

    The former chief minister demanded to know why Karnataka holds legislature sessions in Belagavi (the north Karnataka city which is the main bone of contention between the two states) and accorded it the status of second capital when the border dispute was before the Supreme Court.

    ”Belagavi, Karwar, Nipani and other surrounding areas (of northern Karnataka) want to join Maharashtra. Why are there no answers to this demand,” he asked.

    He also sought to know why the Karnataka chief minister waited till Wednesday’s meeting in Delhi to clarify that some ‘fake’ Twitter handles were posting tweets in his name that fuelled tensions.

    “What action has been taken till now? Is it believable?” he asked.

    The MVA meeting was attended by NCP leader Ajit Pawar and Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan.

    On a protest march organised by the MVA on Saturday in Mumbai, Thackeray said “all those who love Maharashtra should join it.”

    READ HERE | Karnataka, Maharashtra arm-wrestle over border areas

    Issues such as the border dispute with Karnataka, `insult’ of Maharashtrian icons and industrial projects going to other states would be highlighted during the march which will start from J J Flyover and end at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus in south Mumbai, Pawar and Thackeray said.

    Union minister Shah met the chief ministers of the two states on Wednesday after violence flared up in the border region where Maharashtra has staked claim on 865 Marathi-speaking villages in Karnataka besides Belagavi.

    Of late, Karnataka too has staked claims to south Solapur and Akkalkote regions of Maharashtra, that have a sizeable Kannada speaking population.

  • Maha govt panel set up to collect data on inter-faith couples, Opposition slams ‘retrograde’ move

    By Online Desk

    MUMBAI: In a disturbing development, the Maharashtra government has set up a committee to gather information on inter-faith and inter-caste marriage couples and the maternal families of the women involved if they are estranged. The panel will have 13 members from government and non-government fields to study policies regarding related welfare schemes and laws.

    The opposition Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has condemned the “retrograde” step, stating that the Eknath Shinde government had no right to spy on the personal lives of people. Senior NCP leader and former state minister Jitendra Awhad tweeted, “What’s this rubbish of committee to check inter-caste/religion marriages? Who is govt to spy on who marries whom? In liberal Maharashtra this a retrograde, nauseating step. Which way is progressive Maharashtra heading towards. Stay away from people’s private life.”

    A Government Resolution (GR) issued on Tuesday by the state’s Women and Child Development Department said the “Intercaste/Interfaith marriage-family coordination committee (state level)” will be headed by Lodha.

    They will hold regular meetings with district officials and collect information on registered and unregistered inter-faith and inter-caste marriages including elopement, it said.

    The committee will monitor district-level initiatives for women involved in such marriages who may be estranged from their families, so that assistance can be provided if necessary, it said. Women and their families can also use the platform to avail of counselling and resolve issues.

    ALSO READ | Anti-conversion law: MP govt to move SC against interim relief from action given to interfaith couples

    State minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha who is heading the committee head claimed it was “an attempt to ensure that the Shraddha Walkar case does not happen again.”

    “The fact that Walkar’s family was not aware that she had died six months ago is scary… the committee is being set up to ensure women in such marriages are not away from their families,” he said.

    Walkar was murdered allegedly by her partner Aaftab Poonawala in Delhi in May this year who had strangled and cut her body into 35 pieces which he kept in a 300-litre fridge for almost three weeks at his residence in Mehrauli, before dumping them across the city over several days.

    READ HERE | Anti-conversion laws, tedious Special Marriage Act hurt interfaith unions

    Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had recently said that his government would study laws on freedom of religion enacted by other states, but had not yet decided on introducing a similar law in the western state.

    “Love jihad”, used by right-wing activists, alleges a ‘ploy’ by Muslim men to lure Hindu women into conversion through marriage.

    (With PTI inputs)

    MUMBAI: In a disturbing development, the Maharashtra government has set up a committee to gather information on inter-faith and inter-caste marriage couples and the maternal families of the women involved if they are estranged. The panel will have 13 members from government and non-government fields to study policies regarding related welfare schemes and laws.

    The opposition Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has condemned the “retrograde” step, stating that the Eknath Shinde government had no right to spy on the personal lives of people. Senior NCP leader and former state minister Jitendra Awhad tweeted, “What’s this rubbish of committee to check inter-caste/religion marriages? Who is govt to spy on who marries whom? In liberal Maharashtra this a retrograde, nauseating step. Which way is progressive Maharashtra heading towards. Stay away from people’s private life.”

    A Government Resolution (GR) issued on Tuesday by the state’s Women and Child Development Department said the “Intercaste/Interfaith marriage-family coordination committee (state level)” will be headed by Lodha.

    They will hold regular meetings with district officials and collect information on registered and unregistered inter-faith and inter-caste marriages including elopement, it said.

    The committee will monitor district-level initiatives for women involved in such marriages who may be estranged from their families, so that assistance can be provided if necessary, it said. Women and their families can also use the platform to avail of counselling and resolve issues.

    ALSO READ | Anti-conversion law: MP govt to move SC against interim relief from action given to interfaith couples

    State minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha who is heading the committee head claimed it was “an attempt to ensure that the Shraddha Walkar case does not happen again.”

    “The fact that Walkar’s family was not aware that she had died six months ago is scary… the committee is being set up to ensure women in such marriages are not away from their families,” he said.

    Walkar was murdered allegedly by her partner Aaftab Poonawala in Delhi in May this year who had strangled and cut her body into 35 pieces which he kept in a 300-litre fridge for almost three weeks at his residence in Mehrauli, before dumping them across the city over several days.

    READ HERE | Anti-conversion laws, tedious Special Marriage Act hurt interfaith unions

    Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had recently said that his government would study laws on freedom of religion enacted by other states, but had not yet decided on introducing a similar law in the western state.

    “Love jihad”, used by right-wing activists, alleges a ‘ploy’ by Muslim men to lure Hindu women into conversion through marriage.

    (With PTI inputs)

  • Maharashtra: Man dies after colleague inserts air pressure pump into private parts

    By PTI

    MUMBAI: A 20-year-old contract worker died after his colleague allegedly inserted an air pressure pump meant to clean metal dust into his private parts, police in Maharashtra’s Dhule district said on Monday.

    The incident took place in a private firm in Nizampur in Sakri tehsil, some 325 kilometres from here, on Sunday afternoon and the deceased has been identified as Tushar Sadashiv Nikumbh, an official said.

    “The firm in which the deceased work provides integrated engineering services. They use the air pressure pump to remove metal dust from their clothes and body. During a work break, while removing such dust, a colleague caught Nikumbh and inserted the pump into the latter’s anal area. The air pressure damaged his vital parts in the stomach region,” he said.

    “Nikumbh was first taken to a hospital in Nandurbar and then to Surat in neighbouring Gujarat. However, he succumbed to internal injuries.

    The 28-year-old colleague has been arrested for culpable homicide not amounting to murder,” the official added.

    Further probe into the incident is being carried out by Nizampur police, the official said.

    MUMBAI: A 20-year-old contract worker died after his colleague allegedly inserted an air pressure pump meant to clean metal dust into his private parts, police in Maharashtra’s Dhule district said on Monday.

    The incident took place in a private firm in Nizampur in Sakri tehsil, some 325 kilometres from here, on Sunday afternoon and the deceased has been identified as Tushar Sadashiv Nikumbh, an official said.

    “The firm in which the deceased work provides integrated engineering services. They use the air pressure pump to remove metal dust from their clothes and body. During a work break, while removing such dust, a colleague caught Nikumbh and inserted the pump into the latter’s anal area. The air pressure damaged his vital parts in the stomach region,” he said.

    “Nikumbh was first taken to a hospital in Nandurbar and then to Surat in neighbouring Gujarat. However, he succumbed to internal injuries.

    The 28-year-old colleague has been arrested for culpable homicide not amounting to murder,” the official added.

    Further probe into the incident is being carried out by Nizampur police, the official said.