News Analysis India

Tag: Mumbai diary

  • Mumbai Diary: Seat of power shifts from Matoshree to Varsha

    Express News Service
    Turncoats turn vociferous with unsavoury remark If reports from the BJP circles are to be believed, vociferous turncoats are making the established leaders uncomfortable, while alienating the masses. Earlier, BJP MLC Gopinath Padalkar was in news for his statements against NCP chief Sharad Pawar. Now, Union minister Narayan Rane’s sons are targeting Sanjay Raut and Aditya Thackeray. Another turncoat, MLC Prasad Lad went one step ahead and threatened to blow up Shiv Sena Bhavan at Dadar. Earlier, such threats were confined to terrorist outfits

    Maha RERA chief’s murky land deals raise eyebrowsQuestions are being raised about the ethicality of Ajoy Mehta continuing as the chairman of Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) – a body to redress the grievances and disputes of buyers and developers – when he is being probed for real estate irregularities. Recently, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) served a notice on Mehta, who was formerly the principal advisor to Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. The ED seeks to get to the bottom of a `5.33 crore 1,076 sq-ft apartment at Nariman Point purchase made by Mehta allegedly through a shell company linked to a Pune-based developer. Recently, Mehta’s son, too, bought a 750 sq-ft flat at Prabhadevi for `2. 86 crore days after the Nariman Point deal, days after Mehta senior’s deal.

    Guv sitting on another list sent by Maha govt After sitting on a list of 12 names nominated to MLC, Governor Bhagat Singh Koshayari seems to be delaying another. The Raj Bhavan has reportedly not approved a list of names for appointment as Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) directors. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, during the Monsoon session, had promised to fill all vacant posts by July end. No progress has been made so far, leading to the Opposition targeting Pawar for the delay. However, Pawar can seemingly do little until the Governor clear the MPSC directors appointments list.

    Seat of power shifts from Matoshree to VarshaVarsha has seemingly replaced Matoshree as the seat of governance. In earlier days, decisions impacting Maharshtra’s future came from Matoshree, but ever since Uddhav assumed the chief ministerial mantle, his official residence Varsha has replaced the former as the hub of political churning. With the Thackerays making Varsha their home, a bevy of leaders make a beeline for Varsha. After Mantralaya, Varsha is the biggest host to political meetings in Maharashtra. Not just politicians, even senior officials make it a point to mark their presence at Varsha, while Matoshree wears a deserted look.

    Sudhir Suryawanshi Our correspondent in Maharashtra [email protected]

  • Mumbai diary: Home minister’s tiffin box talk of the town

    Express News Service
    Pawar’s googly confuses party

    NCP chief Sharad Pawar is known to confuse his party leaders some times. Pawar told his party members that he had not met Amit Shah in Ahmedabad and asked them to deny reports of such a confidential meeting. However, some NCP leaders said Pawar himself should have denied the report.

    Meanwhile, state health minister Rajesh Tope, who belongs to the NCP, alleged that the Centre was not supporting the state over vaccine supply. However, on the same day, Sharad Pawar said the union health minister is extending all support. Now, everyone is confused if this was Pawar’s googly.

    Home minister’s tiffin box talk of the town

    The newly appointed Maharashtra Home minister Dilip Walse Patil is known as a man of principles and discipline. He carries a lot of goodwill among media persons as well. During the state Assembly sessions in Mumbai, Patil’s tiffin is a talk of the town. Patil never brings tiffin for one person, but at least for 30 to 50 people.

    The platter usually contains a variety of local cuisines and sweets. In the break during the sessions, many journalists gather at his chamber and enjoy the food cooked by his wife. Patil makes sure that if anyone misses the meal, they will at least get some sweets.

    The minister’s tiffin session is usually accompanied by light conversation revolving around political issues. Several senior NCP leaders, including Ajit Pawar, have been part of this delicious meal and juicy discussions.

    Congress Mumbai HQ undergoes vaastu-compliance

    Despite assuming charge as Maharashtra Congress president, veteran leader Nana Patol has not started working from Maharashtra Congress office — Tilak Bhavan in Dadar, but has instead chosen the small tiny office Gandhi Bhavan in Colaba. Sources said Patole asked a builder to make alterations to the Tilak Bhavan office as per Vastu rules.

    At present, massive renovation works are taking place in the Dadar building. Patole has already said he is determined to change the face of the party and make it number one in the upcoming elections. It seems he doesn’t want to remain at the wrong place when it comes to Vastu.

    The low-profile doctor who treats politicians

    Doctor Amit Maydeo, who performed endoscopy on the high-profile NCP chief Sharad Pawar at Breach Candy hospital in Mumbai, said if required a gall bladder operation will be done on the veteran politician.

    Dr Amit Maydeo, who keeps a low profile, is one of the best endoscopy surgeons in the country. Earlier, he had handled several high-profile patients like former home minister Sushil Kumar Shinde.

    He was also consulted by former chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on various health issues. Though a man of few words, the doctor carries a lot of weight in political circles.

    (Our correspondent in Maharashtra can be reached at [email protected])