Live: Lok Sabha Polls Phase 4 | Fate of candidates in 96 seats to be decided

May 13, 2024. Monday. A total of 96 constituencies across 10 states and union territories goes to the polls in the fourth phase of the 82-day long, seven-phase polling. The fate of 283 seats were sealed in the first three phases held on April 19, April 26, and May 7. The voters turnout recorded in the first three phases reads as 66.1%, 66.7%, and 61%, respectively. Phase-IV will witness simultaneous elections for the Andhra Pradesh assembly (175 seats) and the Lok Sabha (25 seats). In Telangana, 17 Lok Sabha seats are up for grabs. Key candidates The key candidates in the fray in Phase IV include Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi, TMC's Mahua Moitra, Shatrughan Sinha and Yusuf Pathan, and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury and YS Sharmila of the Congress. For the BJP, big names include Union ministers G Kishan Reddy, Arjun Munda, Ajay Mishra Teni, Giriraj Singh and Nityanand Rai, along with party leaders Sakshi Maharaj, Dilip Ghosh, Pankaja Munde, Bandi Sanjay, Madhavi Latha, and Daggubati Purandeswari, who will feature on the ballot. Srinagar Srinagar, witnessing the first parliamentary polls since the revocation of Article 370, will see a three-cornered contest between the National Conference's Agha Ruhullah, People's Democratic Party leader Waheed Para and the Altaf Bukhari-led Apni Partys Mohammad Ashraf Mir, who is contesting as an NDA candidate. The counting of votes will be taken up on June 4 nationwide. Phase IV Andhra Pradesh: All 25 seats Telangana: All 17 seats Jharkhand: 4 out of 14 seats Odisha: 4 out of 21 seats Uttar Pradesh: 13 out of 80 seats Madhya Pradesh: 8 out of 29 seats Bihar: 5 out of 40 seats Maharashtra: 11 out of 48 seats West Bengal: 8 out of 42 seats Jammu and Kashmir: 1 out of 5 seats Andhra Pradesh: All 175 assembly seats Andhra votes for Lok Sabha, Assembly polls in single phase Phase 4 will see elections being held for the 175-member Andhra Pradesh assembly, along with the 25 Lok Sabha seats from the state. YSRCP president Jagan (Pulivendula), TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu (Kuppam) and Janasena chief and actor Pawan Kalyan (Pithapuram), among others, are in the Assembly poll race. AP Congress president and Jagan's sister YS Sharmila (Kadapa) and BJP state chief Purandeswari (Rajamahendravaram), among others, are in the Lok Sabha poll fray. The YSRCP is contesting in all 175 Assembly seats and 25 Lok Sabha segments in the state. As part of a seat-sharing deal among NDA partners, the TDP was allocated 144 Assembly and 17 Lok Sabha constituencies, while the BJP will contest from six Lok Sabha and 10 Assembly seats. The Janasena will contest two Lok Sabha and 21 Assembly seats. As many as 454 candidates are in the fray for Lok Sabha and 2,387 for Assembly polls, according to Andhra Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer MK Meena. Telangana: All 17 seats in fray after electrifying campaign After a high-decibel campaign, including by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the top leaders of Congress and BRS, the stage is now set for polling on Sunday to elect 17 Lok Sabha members from the state in a single phase. The Election Commission has also made arrangements to conduct a bypoll for the Secunderabad (Cantonment) Assembly seat to be held tomorrow. As many as 625 candidates, including Union Minister and Telangana BJP president G Kishan Reddy, the party's national general secretary Bandi Sanjay Kumar and senior leader Etala Rajender are among the saffron party candidates while the Congress fielded among others, BRS turncoats Danam Nagender and K Kavya. AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi is seeking re-election from the party's bastion of Hyderabad Lok Sabha constituency and the BJP has fielded a political novice but enthusiastic K Madhavi Latha who has begun a spirited campaign. The former IPS officer RS Praveen Kumar and sitting MP Nama Nageswar Rao, among others, are in the poll fray from former Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao-led BRS. Apart from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, several union ministers including Rajnath Singh and Amit Shah, and Congress leaders Mallikrajun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy canvassed for their respective party candidates. Over 3.31 crore voters are expected to exercise their franchise in 35,356 polling stations across the state. Telangana recorded 62 percent voter turnout in the 2019 parliamentary elections. The BRS (then TRS) won nine seats, BJP four, Congress three and AIMIM one seat in the 2019 general elections. Uttar Pradesh: Akhliesh's legacy in play as 13 seats go to polls Voting for the fourth phase of the Lok Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh, covering 13 parliamentary constituencies, will take place on Monday, with all eyes on the prestigious Kannauj seat from which Samajwadi Party president and former MP Akhilesh Yadav is seeking re-election. Another prominent candidate in the fray in this round is Union Minister of State for Home Ajay Mishra Teni, who is contesting from Kheri. Voting will take place in Shahjahanpur (SC), Kheri, Dhaurahra, Sitapur, Hardoi (SC), Misrikh (SC), Unnao, Farrukhabad, Etawah (SC), Kannauj, Kanpur, Akbarpur and Bahraich (SC). A total of 130 candidates are in the poll fray in this phase. Among the 13 poll-bound constituencies, Kannauj will see a contest between the SP chief and sitting BJP MP Subrat Pathak, while in Unnao, incumbent BJP MP Sakshi Maharaj (Swami Sachidanand Hari Sakshi) is pitted against SP's Annu Tandon (a former Lok Sabha MP from Unnao). Of the 13 parliamentary constituencies going to polls in the fourth phase, the BJP has reposed its faith in 11 sitting MPs by giving them tickets, while it has fielded new candidates Ramesh Awasthi from Kanpur and Anand Kumar from the Bahraich-SC seat. In the INDIA bloc, the SP has fielded candidates from 11 Lok Sabha seats in this phase, while on two seats -- Kanpur (Alok Misra) and Sitapur (Rakesh Rathor) -- candidates of the Congress are in the fray. Four BJP candidatesUnion minister Teni (Kheri), Rekha Verma (Dhaurahra), Mukesh Rajput (Farrukhabad) and Devendra Singh alias Bhole (Akbarpur)are eyeing a hat trick, while Rajesh Verma is eyeing a fifth term from Sitapur. Maharashtra: 11 seats in action Maharashtra, with its 48 Lok Sabha seats, is the second-largest contributor to the Lower House of Parliament after Uttar Pradesh. In the fourth phase, polling will take place across 11 Lok Sabha constituencies in the state. These Lok Sabha constituencies are Nandurbar, Jalgaon, Raver, Jalna, Aurangabad, Maval, Pune, Shirur, Ahmednagar, Shirdi, and Beed. In the first phase of voting for the general polls, Ramtek, Nagpur, Bhandara-Gondiya, Gadchiroli-Chimur, and Chandrapur were in the fray. The voter turnout in this phase stood at 63.71 percent. Buldhana, Nanded, Akola, Amravati, Wardha, Yavatmal-Washim, Hingoli and Parbhani went to the polls in the second phase. The final polling percentage in this phase was 62.71 percent. In the third phase on May 7, voting took place across 11 constituencies - Raigad, Baramati, Osmanabad, Latur, Solapur, Madha, Sangli, Satara, Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg, Kolhapur, and Hatkanangle. The voter turnout in this phase stood at 63.55 percent. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP won 23 out of 25 contested seats, while the undivided Shiv Sena secured 18 out of 23 seats. Elections to the 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra will be held in five phases on April 19, April 26, May 7, May 13, and May 20. West Bengal: Fate of several star candidates to be decided Congress' Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, TMC's Shatrughan Sinha, Mahua Moitra and Yusuf Pathan, BJP's SS Ahluwalia and Dilip Ghosh will be among the candidates whose fates will be decided in the EVMs as eight Lok Sabha constituencies in West Bengal will go to the polls in the fourth phase on Monday. Spread over Murshidabad, Nadia, Purba Bardhaman, Paschim Bardhaman and Birbhum districts, the problems flagged by voters in these constituencies vary from migrant labour, drinking water supply and drying up of industries, while the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) notification is a bone of contention between the TMC and BJP in some places. Polling will be held in Baharampur, Krishnanagar, Ranaghat (SC), Bardhaman Purba (SC), Bardhaman-Durgapur, Asansol, Bolpur (SC) and Birbhum in West Bengal in the fourth round of the Lok Sabha polls. Film star-turned-politician Shatrughan Sinha is seeking re-election from Asansol and is pitted against the BJP's veteran leader SS Ahluwalia. In Krishnanagar, the TMC has put up its outspoken leader Mahua Moitra, who was expelled from the 17th Lok Sabha last December, against BJP's Amrita Roy, a member of the Krishnanagar royal family. Former Bengali cine celebrity Satabdi Roy is seeking a fourth term from the Birbhum seat, which is now shorn of its maverick TMC leader Anubrata Mondal, lodged in Tihar jail in connection with an alleged cattle smuggling case. Congress' leader in the outgoing Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, fighting for a sixth consecutive term from Baharampur, is set to see his clout tested in the seat considered his fortress for the last three decades, with the TMC having fielded former Indian cricketer Yusuf Pathan and the BJP's Nirmal Kumar Saha. BJP's former West Bengal president Dilip Ghosh, whose controversial comments on various issues and against TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee have often made headlines, is contesting from Bardhaman-Durgapur, having been shifted by the saffron party from Kharagpur, where he had won in 2019. Trinamool Congress has put up former Indian cricketer Kirti Azad from the seat, while CPI(M) has fielded Sukriti Ghosal. BJP's Jagannath Sarkar is seeking re-election from Ranaghat constituency, which has a significant Matua population. The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) has been a profound issue of debate here between the saffron party and the TMC. TMC announced the candidature of Mukut Mani Adhikari for the seat soon after he joined the party, leaving the BJP, of which he was an MLA from Ranaghat Dakshin assembly segment. Asit Kumar Mal is seeking re-election from Bolpur on a TMC ticket, having been pitted against Priya Saha of BJP and Shyamali Pradhan of the CPI (M). In Bardhaman Purba, TMC fielded psychiatrist Sharmila Sarkar against BJP's folk singer candidate Ashim Kumar Sarkar, who is the saffron party's MLA from Haringhata Assembly segment, and CPI(M)'s Nirav Kha. Jharkhand: Four reserved seats in fray The stage is set for voting in Jharkhand's four Lok Sabha constituenciesSinghbhum, Khunti, Lohardaga and Palamuon Monday amidst heavy security deployments in all polling booths. Of the four Lok Sabha seats, three are reserved for Schedule Tribe (ST), while Palamu is reserved for Schedule Caste (SC) candidates. Interestingly, the number of female voters is higher than the number of male voters in three tribal seats. More than 64.37 lakh electors, including 32.07 lakh female voters, are eligible to exercise their franchise in the four constituencies in the state, an election official said. A total of 45 candidates, including seven from Khunti, 15 from Lohardaga, nine from Palamu and 14 from Singhbhum, are in the poll fray. An interesting fight is likely in all three tribal seats as the JMM-led ruling alliance and the BJP-led opposition in Jharkhand have put all their efforts into galvanising people's support in their favour. In Singhbhum, BJP's Geeta Kora, who had won the seat on Congress ticket in 2019, has locked horns with INDIA bloc's Joba Manjhi, who is a JMM MLA from Manoharpur assembly seat. Khunti is heading for a direct fight between Union Minister and BJP nominee Arjun Munda and the INDIA bloc's Kalicharan Munda. The Lohardaga seat might see a triangular contest after JMM's Bishunpur MLA Chamra Linda filed nomination as an Independent candidate against BJP's Samri Oraon and INDIA bloc's Sukhdeo Bhagat. The Palamu seat is set for a direct fight between the BJP's sitting MP Vishnu Dayal Ram and RJD's Mamta Bhuiyan as INDIA bloc candidate.

Low polling in Maharashtra story of Baramati

MUMBAI: Maharashtra recorded a 54.99 per cent voter turnout across eleven Lok Sabha seats, with Kolhapur registering the highest at 63.71% and Baramati recording the lowest at 45.68%. According to the Election Commission of India, the polling percentages were as follows: Latur 55.38 per cent, Sangli 52.56 percent, Baramati 45.68 percent, Hatkalangale 62.18 per cent, Kolhapur 63.71 per cent, Madha 50.00 per cent, Osmanabad 52.78 per cent, Raigad 50.31 per cent, Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg 53.75 per cent, Satara 54.11 per cent, and Solapur 49.17 per cent in their respective Lok Sabha constituencies. The polling was peaceful except for a few isolated incidents. In Baramati, Madha and Hatkalangale, there were allegations and counter-allegations about the distribution of money. NCP(SP) MLA Rohit Pawar posted a series of videos where Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, leading NCP workers, was purportedly seen offering money in exchange for votes. Local workers from the Sharad Pawar-led NCP opposed the distribution, leading to skirmishes between two groups in Baramati. A police vehicle was used to distribute money for votes by the ruling party. Ajit Pawars sugar factory was also involved in the distribution. The EC should take cognizance of these incidents,said Rohit Pawar.

Mumbai police issue Blue Corner Notice against former Dawood aide Salim Dola in drug case

Mumbai police issue Blue Corner Notice against former Dawood aide Salim Dola in drug case Mumbai police on Wednesday issued a Look Out Circular (LOC) against drug supplier Salim Dola in connection with a Rs 252 crore mephedrone seizure in Maharashtra's Sangli district, an official said. Dola, once a close aide of fugitive gangster Dawood Ibrahim, was found to be the main drug supplier, and declared a wanted accused by the crime branch, he said. He was also wanted in several other drug cases, the official added. Police had earlier busted a mephedrone supply ring by raiding a manufacturing unit in western Maharashtra's Sangli district.

Maharashtra sees 53.40 pc turnout in 3rd phase of LS polls for 11 seats

Maharashtra sees 53.40 pc turnout in 3rd phase of LS polls for 11 seats A voter turnout of 54.09 per cent was recorded in 11 out of the 48 Lok Sabha constituencies in Maharashtra, where polling was held on Tuesday in the third phase of the general elections, officials said. The first two phases of polling in the state saw more than 62 per cent voter turnout. As per the data shared by the election authorities, the Kolhapur seat saw the highest turnout of 63.71 per cent, while the Baramati seat, where two members of the politically influential Pawar family were locked in a bitter tussle, recorded the lowest turnout of 47.84 per cent. In Baramati, Sharad Pawars daughter Supriya Sule was pitted against Sunetra Pawar, wife of the veteran leaders estranged nephew and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Hatkanangale recorded a voter turnout of 62.18 per cent, Osmanabad 56.84 per cent, Latur 55.38 per cent, Satara 54.74 per cent, Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg 53.75 per cent, Sangli 52.56 per cent, Raigad 50.31 per cent, Madha 50.00 per cent and Solapur 49.17 per cent. Voting was held between 7 am and 6 pm. Prominent contestants in this phase of polling in the state included royal scions Shahu Chhatrapati of the Congress in Kolhapur and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s Udayanraje Bhosale in Satara as well Union minister Narayan Rane in Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg. Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, his wife Sunetra Pawar and his mother Asha Pawar were among the early voters. They cast their votes at a polling booth in Baramati, where Sunetra is pitted against her sister-in-law Supriya Sule, the sitting MP from there. NCP (SP) head Sharad Pawar, his wife Pratibha Pawar, daughter Supriya Sule and her family, MLA Rohit Pawar and his family also voted in Baramati. Actor couple Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia D'souza cast their votes in Latur, while Union minister Rane voted in Sindhudurg. Riteish Deshmukh is the son of Congress leader and former state chief minister late Vilasrao Deshmukh, whose home turf was Latur. A total of 2.09 crore persons were eligible to vote for 258 candidates in the third phase, for which 23,036 polling centres were set up, an election official said. There were 1,07,64,741 male voters, 1,02,26,946 female voters and 929 from the third gender. Polling was held on April 19 in the first phase of the general elections in Ramtek (SC), Nagpur, Bhandara-Gondiya, Gadchiroli-Chimur (ST) and Chandrapur seats in Maharashtra. The first phase saw a voter turnout of 63.71 per cent. On April 26, polling was held in the second phase of elections in Buldhana, Akola, Amravati, Wardha, Yavatmal-Washim, Hingoli, Nanded and Parbhani Lok Sabha constituencies. The second phase witnessed a voter turnout of 62.71 per cent.

Maharashtra: Real parties find the going tough in battle of loyalties

MUMBAI: In the third phase of Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra, 11 Lok Sabha constituencies will vote on May 7. The BJP faces the challenge to retain its dominance in western Maharashtra as NCPs Sharad Pawar tries to wrest those seats in the high-voltage polls. In the third phase, two descendants of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj are also testing their luck in Satara and Kolhapur seats. Former CM Sushil Kumar Shinde, who lost the last two general elections, is trying for his daughter, Congress MLA Praniti Shinde, from Solapur LS seat. The Lok Sabha constituencies going to the polls are Raigad , Baramati, Dharashiv (Osmanabad), Latur , Solapur, Madha ,Sangli ,Satara ,Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg, Kolhapur, Hatkanangale. Two Lok Sabha constituencies are from the Konkan Division, seven are from the Pune Division, and two from the Aurangabad Division. There are 23,036 polling stations and 2,09,92,616 voters will cast their vote on May 7. As many as 258 candidates are in fray in the 11 Lok Sabha constituencies. The third phase Lok Sabha elections is very crucial for former union minister Sharad Pawar whose party is contesting the high-profile Lok Sabha constituency Baramati, Satara, and Madha Lok sabha seats while Uddhav Thackeray has to retain Dharashiv, Hatkalangale, and Ratnagiri Sindhudurg while Congress is fighting the prestigious battle in Kolhapur, Latur, and Solapur. It is a real test of Sharad Pawar, Uddhav ThAackeray, Ajit Pawar and Devendra Fadnavis. Each one is fighting hard to either retain or wrest old forts. Senior Sharad Pawar at the age of 84 years has again showed again that he has charisma. Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar are good election managers. However, senior Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray have a lot sympathy among voters, said a political observer. In Baramati, third time Lok sabha MP Supriya Sule is facing an uphill challenge by her cousin Deputy CM Ajit Pawar who has fielded his spouse Sunetra Pawar against Supriya Sule. The victory and defeat of both Pawars will decide their political career in Maharashtra therefore, both junior Pawar and senior Pawar have campaigned for their candidates until the last day. Ajit Pawar with the help of the BJPs top leadership has brought the right mathematical calculations on paper, but it will be interesting whether he has the right chemistry. Facing the loyalty test are some of his old political rivals who turned friend such as BJPs Harshvardhan Patil and Shiv Senas Vijay Shivtare. The third phase is very crucial for Sharad, Uddhav, Ajit and Devendra Fadnavis. Each one is fighting hard to either retain or wrest old forts, said a political observer. 258 candidates in the fray The Lok Sabha constituencies going to the polls are Raigad , Baramati, Dharashiv (Osmanabad), Latur , Solapur, Madha ,Sangli ,Satara ,Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg, Kolhapur, Hatkanangale. Two Lok Sabha constituencies are from the Konkan Division, seven are from the Pune Division, and two from the Aurangabad Division. There are 23,036 polling stations and 2,09,92,616 voters will cast their vote on May 7. As many as 258 candidates are in fray in the 11 Lok Sabha constituencies. The constituencies going to the polls are Raigad , Baramati, Dharashiv (Osmanabad), Latur , Solapur, Madha ,Sangli ,Satara ,Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg, Kolhapur, Hatkanangale. Two constituencies are from the Konkan Division, seven are from the Pune Division, and two from the Aurangabad Division.

Test by fire for parties in Maharashtra for 11 seats as voters decide

Phase 3 polling in Maharashtra for 11 seats witnesses intense competition as various political parties battle it out. Triangular fights emerge in Sangli, Hatkangale. NCP, Congress, BJP, and Shiv Sena face off in crucial constituencies.

LIVE: LS Polls 2024 PHASE 3 | Lot at stake for BJP in India's Super Tuesday

Lok Sabha elections 2024 is heating up with all indications being now that the contest is turning out to be closer than was initially expected. In the backdrop of this comes the third phase of voting on Tuesday covering 93 constituencies spread over 11 states and Union Territories. The Surat Lok Sabha seat has already seen Mukesh Dalal of the BJP being elected unopposed in controversial circumstances. The constituencies that will be voting in the third phase include-- 25 seats in Gujarat, 11 seats in Maharashtra, 10 seats in Uttar Pradesh, 14 in Karnataka, seven in Chhattisgarh, five in Bihar, four each in Assam and West Bengal and all two in Goa. The BJP particularly has a lot at stake since it had won an overwhelming majority of these seats, including all in Gujarat, Karnataka, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh in the last elections. In all, over 1300 candidates, including around 120 women, are in the fray. The fight for the 14 seats in Karnakata happens at a time when the flames of the Prajwal Revanna sex scandal are engulfing the JD(S) that had allied with the BJP. Among the star candidates whose fates will be sealed in the ballot boxes are Union ministers Amit Shah (Gandhinagar), Jyotiraditya Scindia (Guna), Mansukh Mandaviya (Porbandar), Parshottam Rupala (Rajkot), Pralhad Joshi (Dharwad) and SP Singh Baghel (Agra). Follow live updates here. Campaigning ends for Gujarat LS polls: BJP aims to repeat sweep despite Cong-AAP alliance Election Commission officers check EVMs and VVPATs before their distribution to polling officials on the eve of the third phase of voting for Lok Sabha elections, in Sangli. In Karnataka, the fate of former Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai (Haveri) and the AIUDF's Badruddin Ajmal (Dhubri) will be decided on Tuesday. In Uttar Pradesh, the current phase is important for the Mulayam Singh Yadav family, with Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav's wife Dimple Yadav aiming to retain the Mainpuri Lok Sabha seat. Dimple Yadav had won the seat in bypolls following the demise of her father-in-law Mulayam Singh Yadav. Akshaya Yadav, son of Ram Gopal Yadav, the national principal general secretary of SP, will try to reclaim the Firozabad seat, which he had won in 2014. Aditya Yadav, the son of SP national general secretary Shivpal Yadav, is making his electoral debut from the Budaun Lok Sabha seat, which was represented by his cousin Dharmendra Yadav in 2014. Polling and security officials with EVMs and VVPATs cross the Brahmaputra river enroute to their polling station on the eve of the third phase of voting for Lok Sabha elections, at Goroimari in Kamrup dstrict. After the third phase, voting will be completed in 283 out of 543 seats in Lok Saba. PM Modi and Shah will cast their vote at booths in Ahmedabad city under the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha seat. The next four phases will be on May 13, May 20, May 25 and June 1. Counting of votes is on June 4. BJP won't cross 150 seats; INDIA bloc will foil its attempt to scrap Constitution: Rahul Gandhi Two former CMs and that fight in Baramati Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Ministers Shivraj Singh Chouhan (Vidisha) and Digvijaya Singh (Rajgarh) have returned to the Lok Sabha electoral fray this time. Another riveting contest will be in Maharashtra's Baramati between Sharad Pawar's daughter Supriya Sule and Sunetra Pawar, wife of the veteran leader's estranged nephew and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Baramati LS constituency will witness what they have not seen in last several years. Blatant misuse of power, threat & use of money for vote was hardly seen in Baramati but in this Lok Sabha election, all unheard things are being used in large scale that no one can even imagine. Sudhir Suryawanshi (@ss_suryawanshi) May 6, 2024 Election officials carry EVMs and other materials on a tractor to their respective polling booths on the eve of 3rd phase of voting for Lok Sabha elections, in Kamrup district. Phase III of Lok Sabha polls in UP puts Samajwadi Party to test in 'Yadav land'

Shiv Sena (UBT) Nashik district chief Vijay Karanjkar joins Shinde Sena

Shiv Sena (UBT) Nashik district chief Vijay Karanjkar joins Shinde Sena In a setback for Shiv Sena (UBT), its Nashik district chief Vijay Karanjkar joined the Shiv Sena (Ek Nath Shinder) in the presence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. According to reports, Vijay Karanjkar was denied a ticket by the Uddhav Thackeray-led party, and he jumped ships with the Shinde Sena faction. Karanjkar joined Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) a day before the third phase of polling for Lok Sabha elections. Shinde Sena has renominated sitting MP Hemant Godse from Nasik. The last date to withdraw the nominations is May 6. Nashik will go to the polls on May 20 in the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha polls. Meanwhile, polling for the third phase is scheduled to be held on May 7. In Maharashtra, seats that will go under polling on May 7 include, Baramati, Raigad, Osmanabad, Latur, Solapur, Madha, Sangli, Satara, Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg, Kolhapur and Hatkanangale. (ANI)

Maharashtra Lok Sabha election: Pawar vs Pawar, Rane vs Raut - A look at key constituencies and candidates in phase 3

On May 7, voters will cast their ballots for 11 seats in the third phase of the Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra, including Baramati, Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg, Sangli, and Kolhapur.

Polls Conclude for 11 Lok Sabha Constituencies in Maharashtra on May 7

Polls Conclude for 11 Lok Sabha Constituencies in Maharashtra on May 7 Campaigning ended Sunday for elections in 11 of the 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra, including the high-stakes battle in Baramati, where Sharad Pawars daughter Supriya Sule is pitted against Sunetra Pawar, wife of the veteran leaders estranged nephew and Maharashtra deputy CM Ajit Pawar. The seats where polling in the third phase of the general elections will take place on May 7 are Baramati, Raigad, Osmanabad, Latur, Solapur, Madha, Sangli, Satara, Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg, Kolhapur and Hatkanangale. Prominent contestants also include royal scions Shahu Chhatrapati of the Congress in Kolhapur and BJPs Udayanraje Bhosale in Satara as well Union minister Narayan Rane in Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg. Altogether 2.09 crore persons are eligible to vote for 258 candidates in the third phase, for which 23,036 polling centres have been set up, an election official said. There are 1,07,64,741 male voters, 1,02,26,946 female voters and 929 from the third gender in the third phase, he said. In the fourth phase on May 13, a total of 2.28 crore voters will decide the fate of 298 candidates in 11 seats, namely Nandurbar, Jalgaon, Raver, Jalna, Aurangabad, Maval, Pune, Shirur, Ahmednagar, Shirdi and Beed Lok Sabha constituencies. Prominent candidates in the fourth phase include minister of state for railways Raosaheb Danve in Jalna and BJPs Pankaja Munde in Beed. The 13 Lok Sabha seats where polling will be held in the fifth and last phase in the state are Dhule, Dindori, Nashik in North Maharashtra and Palghar, Bhiwandi, Kalyan, Thane, Mumbai North, Mumbai North West, Mumbai North East, Mumbai North Central, Mumbai South Central and Mumbai South. Prominent candidates in the fifth phase include Union minister Piyush Goyal, lawyer Ujjwal Nikam, both of the BJP, and Mumbai Congress president Varsha Gaikwad. Polling was held on April 19 in the first phase of the general elections in Ramtek (SC), Nagpur, Bhandara-Gondiya, Gadchiroli-Chimur (ST) and Chandrapur seats. On April 26, polling was held in the second phase of elections in Buldhana, Akola, Amravati, Wardha, Yavatmal-Washim, Hingoli, Nanded and Parbhani Lok Sabha constituencies.

Mesmerizing Moments: Unforgettable Highlights

Mesmerizing Moments: Unforgettable Highlights Following are the top stories at 1.25 pm: NATION: DEL24 RAJNATH-INTERVIEW-LD CONSTITUTION **** BJP govt will never change Preamble of Constitution, reservation will remain: Rajnath New Delhi: The BJP government will never change the Constitution or end reservation, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said, accusing the Congress of creating ''fear psychosis'' and resorting to spreading misinformation for ''vote bank'' politics. **** DEL14 RAJNATH-INTERVIEW-POK **** No need to capture PoK by force; its people will themselves want to join India, Rajnath feels New Delhi: India will never give up its claim on Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir (PoK) but it won't have to capture it with force because its people, on their own, would want to be part of India after seeing the development in Kashmir, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has said. **** DEL22 RAJNATH-INTERVIEW-CHINA **** Talks with China going on well: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on eastern Ladakh border row New Delhi: As the military standoff between India and China drags on along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the talks between the two sides are going on well and indicated hope for a resolution of the lingering row. **** DEL13 JK-FIRING-OPERATION **** Poonch attack: Operation to flush out terrorists enters second day Jammu: The operation to track down the terrorists behind the attack on an Indian Air Force (IAF) convoy in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district entered its second day on Sunday. **** ELX9 ELECTIONS-MP-DIGVIJAYA-INTERVIEW **** PM Modi's political history based on 'Hindu-Muslim dispute': Digvijaya Singh Rajgarh (MP): Prime Minister Narendra Modi's political history is based on the ''Hindu-Muslim dispute'' and he should do some soul-searching as to who is benefiting from it, senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh has claimed. By Manish Shrivastava **** ELX6 ELECTIONS-GJ-MUSLIM CANDIDATES **** 35 Muslim candidates contesting LS polls in Gujarat; none fielded by Cong Ahmedabad: Thirty-five Muslim candidates are contesting the Lok Sabha polls in Gujarat but the Congress has this time broken its tradition and not fielded a single person from the community in the state. By Kumar Anand **** ELX10 ELECTIONS-MH-MUMBAI NORTH CENTRAL **** Mumbai North Central LS seat: BJP's Nikam takes on Cong's Gaikwad in 'mini Mumbai' Mumbai: If Mumbai is ''mini India'', then the Mumbai North Central Lok Sabha seat is ''mini Mumbai'', home to film stars and celebrities living in posh areas like Bandra and Khar as well as migrants and labourers living in the bylanes of Kurla. **** ELX11 ELECTIONS-MP-VIDISHA-TOURISM **** LS polls: High-profile Vidisha has huge tourism potential, but lacks promotion, say historians Vidisha (MP): Vidisha's links with former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, late BJP stalwart Sushma Swaraj and Madhya Pradesh ex-chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan may have brought it under the spotlight from time to time, but the town has the potential to create its identity as a tourist destination, according to historians. By Manish Shrivastava **** ELN2 ELECTIONS-AS-CANDIDATES-CROREPATI **** 15 'crorepati' candidates in third phase of LS polls in Assam Guwahati: Altogether 15 candidates out of the 47 in the fray for the four Lok Sabha constituencies in Assam going to the polls on May 7 are 'crorepatis', with the richest being AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal contesting from the Dhubri seat. **** BOM3 MH-CHOPPER-PRECAUTIONARY LANDING **** Army chopper makes precautionary landing in Maharashtra's Sangli; no casualty Sangli (Maharashtra): An Advance Light Helicopter of the Indian Army has made a ''precautionary landing'' at a farm in Maharashtra's Sangli district due to a technical issue in its engine, police said. **** LEGAL: LGD2 DL-HC-SCHOOL-AIR CONDITIONING **** Parents should bear cost of air conditioning facility in school: HC New Delhi: The cost of air conditioning in school has to be borne by the parents as it is a facility being provided to the students, which is no different from the other charges such as laboratory fee, the Delhi High Court has said. **** FOREIGN: FGN2 CANADA-TRUDEAU-NIJJAR-ARRESTS **** PM Trudeau touts Canada as a 'rule-of-law country' after arrest of three Indians in Nijjar murder case Toronto: Canada is a ''rule-of-law country'' with a strong and independent justice system and a fundamental commitment to protect its citizens, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said, a day after three Indian nationals were charged with the murder of Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. ****

Indian Army helicopter makes precautionary landing in Maharashtra`s Sangli

The incident happened early on Saturday morning while an Indian Army helicopter was travelling from Nashik to Bengaluru with three Army troops aboard--two pilots and a mechanic.

Army chopper makes precautionary landing in Maharashtra's Sangli; no casualty

Indian Army helicopter makes precautionary landing in Sangli, Maharashtra due to technical issue, no casualties reported

Army Helicopter Lands Safely in Maharashtra's Sangli, No Injuries Reported

Army Helicopter Lands Safely in Maharashtra's Sangli, No Injuries Reported An Advance Light Helicopter of the Indian Army has made a ''precautionary landing'' at a farm in Maharashtra's Sangli district due to a technical issue in its engine, police said. Three Army personnel - two pilots and a technician - were on board at the time of the incident on Saturday morning, they said, adding that there was no casualty. The helicopter, belonging to the Army Aviation Corps, was going from Nashik in Maharashtra to Bengaluru, a police official said on Saturday. It made the precautionary landing at around 9.50 am on Saturday at a farm near Erandoli village in Miraj tehsil of Sangli district due to some technical issue, he said. After a couple of hours, another chopper arrived with technical help. The issue was later fixed and both the choppers subsequently took off, the official said.

Army chopper makes precautionary landing in Maharashtras Sangli; no casualty

An Advance Light Helicopter of the Indian Army has made a precautionary landing at a farm in Maharashtras Sangli district due to a technical issue in its engine, police said. Three Army personnel ...

Water crisis deepens in Maharashtras Sangli ahead of Lok Sabha polls third phase

The News Mill

Shah refers to Uddhav as duplicate Shiv Sena chief, INDIA bloc as Aurangzeb fan club

Mumbai: Union home minister Amit Shah on Friday targeted Uddhav Thackeray saying that he is Balasahebs son, but he does not have his fathers legacy. Today Narayan Rane, Eknath Shinde and Raj Thackeray are carrying forward Balasahebs legacy, he said. Addressing election rallies for Narayan Rane in Ratnagiri and Sanjaykaka Patil in Sangli, the BJP leader called INDIA bloc Aurangzeb fan club and urged people to reelect Narendra Modi as the Prime Minister for the third time by voting for BJP and alliance partners candidates. Referring to Uddhav Thackeray as the leader of duplicate Shiv Sena, Mr. Shah said, Uddhav Thackeray cannot support Citizenship Amendment Act, removal of Article 370, ban on Popular Front of India (PFI), abolishing of triple talaq and construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya because he is worried about his new vote bank. Sharad Pawar and Congress partys vote bank is now Uddhavs new vote bank, which does not oppose Pakistan or unfurl the tricolour in Kashmir. The BJP leader further said that though Uddhav is Balasaheb Thackerays son, he does not carry his fathers legacy. He said Uddhav Thakeray cannot take V.D. Savarkars name in his public addresses to protect his alliance with Sharad Pawar and Congress. How can you be Shiv Sena Pramukh (chief), if you feel ashamed of Veer Savarkars name? You are running a fake Shiv Sena. The real Shiv Sena is with Eknath Shinde, he said. Mr. Shah said that though Uddhav is Balasahebs son, the Shiv Sena founders legacy is now with Raj Thackeray, Eknath Shinde and Narayan Rane. Mr. Rane, who was the second chief minister from the Shiv Sena in Maharashtra, is now contesting the Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg Lok Sabha seat as a BJP candidate. He had quit Shiv Sena in 2005 after falling out with Uddhav Thackeray and joined the Congress. Similarly, Raj also left Shiv Sena in 2006 because of his differences with cousin Uddhav and sharted his own party Maharashtra Navnirman Sena. He has declared his support for Mr. Modi in this election. Mr. Shinde parted ways with Uddhav in June 2022 and formed a government in Maharashtra with the BJPs support. Subsequently, the Election Commission and Maharashtra Assembly Speaker have ruled that the Shinde faction is the real Shiv Sena. The Uddhav Thackeray faction is now using a new party name (Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray)) and new election symbol (flaming torch). Mr. Shah said that the INDIA bloc is Aurangzeb fan club, which cannot run the country. He urged people to make Mr. Modi Prime Minister once again to ensure Indias security and prosperity. He asserted that Uniform Civil Code will be implemented across the country after Mr. Modi wins a third term. Before 2014, Pakistan-based terrorists had a free run in India, but when terror attacks in Uri, Pulwama happened, Pakistan had forgotten that Mr. Modi was at the helm and not Manmohan Singh. Mr. Modi conducted surgical strikes inside Pakistan and destroyed terrorist camps, the Union minister said.

Gave seats we won five times to partners for sake of alliance: Uddhav Thackeray

Addressing a rally in Sangli for his party candidate Chandrahar Patil, Uddhav Thackeray exhorted voters not to allow division of votes in the fight against autocracy

Lok Sabha elections 2024: We all want to be a part of Karnataka instead

Villagers from drought-hit Sangli say they have no faith in local politicians

Uddhav: Alliance Partners Received Seats Won Five Times For Alliance's Well-being

Uddhav: Alliance Partners Received Seats Won Five Times For Alliance's Well-being Amid friction in the Maha Vikas Aghadi over Sangli Lok Sabha seat, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday said his party left seats which it had won five times for its partners for the sake of the coalition. Addressing a rally in Sangli for his party candidate Chandrahar Patil, Thackeray exhorted voters not to allow division of votes in the fight against autocracy. Sending a warning to the BJP, he said all days are not the same and exuded confidence that the INDI alliance would win 300 Lok Sabha seats. Congress leader Vishal Patil, who is the grandson of former Maharashtra chief minister late Vasantdada Patil, is in the fray as an independent. The BJP has fielded sitting MP Sanjaykaka Patil. ''We left Ramtek seat which we won five times consecutively. We left Kolhapur seat for Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj. We also left Amravati because the alliance was not just going to benefit me alone, but also our allies,'' Thackeray said. Amravati, Ramtek and Kolhapur seats are being contested by the Congress, part of the MVA along with Thackeray's outfit and the Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (SP). Thackeray's remarks come amid Sharad Pawar admitting earlier in the day that the candidate for Sangli Lok Sabha seat was announced without consultation between MVA constituents. Thackeray also assured local Congress leaders that his party will not stand in between their future, an indication that Shiv Sena (UBT) will not stake claim over its traditional seats in the district. Thackeray also said had the BJP not betrayed him, he would have stayed with them. However, Maharashtra was being looted and he did not want to be party to it so walked out of the alliance with the BJP, Thackeray claimed. Big ticket projects that were to come up in Maharashtra, like Vedanta Foxconn, Drugs Bulk Park and International Finance City. got shifted to Gujarat, the former chief minister alleged.

Congress leading nation towards a second Partition, says Adityanath

Adityanath held rallies in Solapur for the BJPs Ram Satpute and later in Sangli and Kolhapurs Hatkanangale Lok Sabha constituencies to bat for the BJPs Sanjaykaka Patil, and Dhairyasheel Mane of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. All three seats go to polls on May 7 in the third phase.

Contesting polls from Sangali as Independent to retain Congress' ideology and its existence, says Vishal Patil

Contesting polls from Sangali as Independent to retain Congress' ideology and its existence, says Vishal Patil Vishal Patil, a Congress rebel who filed his nomination as an Independent candidate from the Sangli Lok Sabha constituency, has said that he is contesting the polls on his own to retain Congress' ideology and its existence in the parliamentary constituency. Vishal Patil, the grandson of ex-Maharashtra chief minister late Vasantdada Patil, was earlier eyeing a party ticket from the Sangli Lok Sabha constituency, but the Shiv Sena (UBT), a Congress' ally in the INDIA bloc, announced its candidate from the seat. Speaking to ANI, Patil said that the Sangali seat is Congress' stronghold, but the party 'compromised' with the Shiv Sena (UBT) just to remain in the alliance. I listen to the people and the people said that I have to contest. When I entered the fray I never thought that I would contest as an Independent candidate, I was going ahead as a candidate for Congress. I then filled out the form as an Independent candidate. Nothing in writing was given to me from the party and therefore, I do not think that I have disobeyed the orders of my party. I am contesting to retain Congress' ideology and its existence in Sangli, he said on Wednesday. He further said that the people of Sangali constituency wants to defeat the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Congress is the only party that is committed to the INDIA alliance. They are ready to make some compromises to remain in the INDIA alliance. This (Sangli) is Congress' stronghold and therefore Shiv Sena is asking for it. Shiv Sena knows that Congress karyakartas have done a lot of work here and there is an anti-BJP sentiment. People here want to defeat the BJP...The question is of vote transferability, he added. However, hitting back at Vishal Patil, the Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate from the seat, Chandrahar Patil said that the Congress has been losing the seat since 2014 and is nowhere. In 2014, his brother was a central minister, but he still lost. In 2019, it was not Congress' seat...From 2014 to 2024, Congress is nowhere. So how can they claim that Sangli is Congress' stronghold? the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader said. Chandrahar further accused Vishal of contesting the polls at the behest of the BJP. There will not be even 1 per cent loss (Vishal Patil contesting as an Independent candidate)...He is the BJP's 'B' team and at the behest of the BJP, he is contesting the elections as an independent, he said. Notably, there was a tussle within the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance over Sangli as both the Congress and the Shiv Sena (UBT) wanted to contest the seat. After the Sena (UBT) declared its candidate, the Congress protested. Vishal Patil is the grandson of former chief minister Vasantdada Patil. He lost the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, which he fought as a candidate of the Swabhimani Paksha, the political wing of the farmer's organisation Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana. Also, Vishal Patil has got a shot in the arm as Prakash Ambedkar has supported him in his triangular fight for Maharashtra's Sangli Lok Sabha seat with sitting BJP MP Sanjaykaka Patil and Chandrahar Patil of the Shiv Sena (UBT). Sangli will vote on May 7 in the third phase of the Lok Sabha elections. (ANI)

Modi versus three Ms in Maha battle-III

MUMBAI: A high-pitched battle is likely in the third phase of Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra where 12 constituencies will vote on May 7. From the BJP side, PM Narendra Modi is due to address nine rallies, while the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) has decided to bank on three Ms Marathas, Mahars (Dalits) and Muslims, besides local factors. The 12 seats are Baramati, Raigad, Dharashiv, Latur, Solapur, Madha, Sangli, Satara, Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg, Kolhapur and Hatkanangale. In overall 48 seats, the BJP aspires to repeat its 2014 and 2019 tallies 42 seats while the MVA has set a target of 30 seats. For Ajit Pawar, the contest in three constituencies Baramati, Raigad, Dharashiv is important for his political future. These three seats will be key to decide whether voters are with Ajit or not. In the Pawar family bastion of Baramati, Ajits wife Sunetra is locked in a fierce battle against Supriya Sule, the three-term Member of Parliament (MP) and daughter of NCP (SCP) chief Sharad Pawar. In Raigad, the former stronghold of Peasants Workers Party (PWP), NCPs state president Sunil Tatkare has locked horns with Shiv Sena (UBT)s Anant Geete. In the last general elections, Tatkare had won the seat by a close margin of 30,000 votes in 2019 even as his and the rivals party have witnessed a split. The Sharad Pawar-led NCP is banking on the 3M factor in Marathwada and western Maharashtra regions, plus local anti-incumbency and agrarian crisis. In the first and second phases, the MVA performed exceptionally well due to the DMK Dalits, Muslims and Kunbis factor plus local issues. Social engineering, an offshoot of DMK, has favoured the Congress and NCP. It was the same factor that supported the BJP in 2014 and 2019. This time, BJP has not worked for the welfare of these communities, which is forcing them to return to the parent party, the Congress. Thats why Union minister Nitin Gadkari is in trouble in Nagpur, said senior Congress leader. He said in the third and fourth phases, the 3-M factor will work effectively. We had great hope from Marathwada and western Maharashtra regions. Sharad Pawar always relied on that factor when it came to winning the seat. Due to Sharad Pawar, the Marathas are aligning with the MVA while sympathizing with Uddhav Thackeray and helping to consolidate small castes, women and minority votes for the MVA, said the Congress leader. An NCP(SP) leader sarcastically remarked that the Congress manifesto has successfully percolated down thanks to PM Narendra Modis negative campaign. Curiosity has led the people to read the Congress manifesto, he said. Observers say the current political atmosphere in Maharashtra is anti-establishment due to the policies of state and central governments. The NCP leader said the 84-year-old Sharad Pawar lost his party to his nephew Ajit, but the senior Pawar continues to carry the trust of the voter. Sharad Pawar brought back former deputy chief minister Vijay Sinh Mohite Patil to his faction. This has not only rejuvenated his party but has helped develop a second rung of leadership in state assembly segments, said an observer, said an observer. This move has given the party an edge in Madha-like negative seat and its spillover will influence the adjoining Solapur, Satara and Baramati Lok Sabha seats, he added. Moreover, Uddhav Thackeray has also campaigned in every Lok Sabha segment and encouraged his cadre to come out to defeat the traitors. The MVA also organises common rallies for senior leaders. Aditya Thackeray and Sharad Pawars grand-nephew Rohit Pawar are also campaigning and attracting the young voters by raising the unemployment issue and shifting of some of the development works from the state to Gujarat. This election is a very close contest where the BJP is fighting to retain all seats while MVA is out to snatch the traditional constituencies belonging to the alliance partners, he added. A BJP leader said Sharad Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray may have their sympathizers, but their parties do not have a structure like the BJP to bring voters to the booths. He said the BJP has well-trained booth-level workers that will override all factors being talked about in this election. We are in power in the state and Centre and have more than 170 MLAs in the 288-member state assembly. The talk of MVA being strong is only airy-fairy. We are strong on the ground with abundant resources, which will make a huge difference when votes are counted, said the BJP leader. Besides, PM Modi is a popular leader capable of attracting large crowds. When it comes to voting, people will surely vote on national issues and Modis charisma, said the BJP leader. The Opposition does not have a leader who matches Modi. The voter does not have a choice other than Modi, the BJP leader said.

Soaring Temperatures: Maharashtra's Solapur Sizzles at 43.7C, Multiple Cities Breach 40C Mark

Soaring Temperatures: Maharashtra's Solapur Sizzles at 43.7C, Multiple Cities Breach 40C Mark Temperature in several areas of Maharashtra crossed 40 degrees Celsius on Sunday, with Solaur the hottest at 43.7 degrees Celsius, a rise of 2.3 degrees from the normal. The high temperatures were recorded mainly in western and central areas of the state, as per IMD data. Notably, a heatwave warning was issued for Raigad, Mumbai suburb and Thane for Sunday. A temperature of 34.4 degrees Celsius, one degree above the normal, was recorded by Colaba observatory (representative of south Mumbai). At 27.6 degrees Celsius, the minimum temperature also rose by 1.4 degrees from the normal, as per the India Meteorological Department. The Santacruz observatory (representatives of suburbs in Mumbai) recorded a maximum temperature of 38.1 degrees Celsius, an increase of 4.4 degrees, while the minimum temperature was 27.2 degrees Celsius, which was 1.9 degrees above normal, as per data. Neighbouring Thane recorded a maximum temperature of 40.8 degrees Celsius. The other districts where temperatures crossed 40 degrees Celsius include Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (40.7), Jalgaon (42.2), Nashik (41.2), Kolhapur (40.2), Nanded (42.4), Palghar (42), Parbhani (42.8), Sangli (41), and Satara (40.5). All these districts either reported temperatures at par with normal or above normal. The increase in the minimum temperature is serious as it means the nights are also warmer in these districts. Some of the districts that recorded a rise in the minimum temperature include Kolhapur at 26.2 Degrees Celsius (an increase of 3.5 degrees), Nanded at 28.2 degrees Celsius (a rise of 3.2 degrees), Nashik at 24.9 degrees Celsius (an increase of 3.5 degrees) and Sangli at 26.5 degrees celsius (an increase of 3.9 degrees).

Sena (UBT) candidate booked for unauthorized 'padayatra' in Sangli

Sena (UBT) candidate booked for unauthorized 'padayatra' in Sangli The police have registered an offence against Shiv Sena (UBT) Lok Sabha candidate Chandrahar Patil for holding a 'padayatra' (foot march) allegedly without permission in Maharashtra's Sangli district, an official said on Friday. A case under section 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by a public servant) of the Indian Penal Code and provisions of the Maharashtra Police Act has been registered against Patil and three organisers, the official said. Patil and his party workers held a 'padayatra' and paid door-to-door visits in Khatao and Bedag villages in Miraj on April 25, without obtaining permission from the assistant returning officer (ARO), thus violating the model code of conduct, he said. Patil, a wrestler and two-time winner of Maharashtra Kesari, is pitted against the BJP's sitting MP, Sanjay Kaka Patil, in the Sangli Lok Sabha seat, which will go to polls on May 7 in the third phase of the Lok Sabha elections.

With MVA shaken over Sangli rift, Congress brass steps in to pacify restive cadre

The MVA leadership has been concerned as to whether the already demoralised Congress cadre in Sangli would campaign for the Sena (UBT) candidate in the fray

Congress leaders urge party men to work for MVA candidate in Sangli

Mumbai: The Congress is in damage control role after local leader Vishal Patil defied the party and filed nomination for the Lok Sabha polls. State leaders of the Congress on Thursday held a meeting to convince the party cadre to contest for Shiv Sena UBT candidate Chandrahar Patil. Party workers, local leaders as well as legislators of Congress have stayed away from the Shiv Sena UBT candidates campaign so far. Congress legislator Vishwajit Kadam, who was lobbying for Vishal Patils candidature, said the Shiv Sena UBT conspired to snatch the Sangli seat from Congress. He said that the Uddhav Thackeray-led party should not expect any help from Congress during the Assembly polls later this year. He also told Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole, Congress legislature party leader Balasaheb Thorat and senior leader and former chief minister Prithviraj Chavan, who were present in the meeting, that they did not keep an eye on what was underway during seat sharing talks. When a wrestler (Chandrahar Patil) was inducted by the alliance partner, we sensed something wrong was about to happen. Then Uddhav Thackeray comes here and announces his candidate. Does such a thing happen in an alliance, Kadam said. The Congress wanted to contest from the seat but the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) unilaterally declared wrestler Chandrahar Patil as its candidate, resulting in the grand old party's Vishal Patil filing his nomination as an independent. Kadam said he had urged Vishal Patil not to contest the election as an independent and assured the party leaders that he would continue to work for strengthening Congress in Sangli. Patole told party workers that he got rapped in the conspiracy but added he knew how to come out of the chakravyuh. We are a national party. We are not helpless. We just took a step backward. The situation in the country is one of despair and it needs to be rectified. Congress workers in Sangli will contribute to the victory of the MVA for the sake of the country, he said. The state Congress chief further said that Congress had to give up its claim on the Sangli seat in order to save the alliance. Thorat reminded party workers that defeating the BJP is the larger goal and the INDIA bloc was formed to unite the opposition, save democracy and protect the Constitution. The party leadership came from Delhi to Mumbai to discuss the Sangli seat, but the allies did not relent. There is a positive atmosphere for the Congress and Maha Vikas Aghadi in Maharashtra. Our objective is to defeat the BJP, he said. Former CM Prithviraj Chavan also said the Congress lost the Sangli seat due to politics, but defeating the BJP remains the partys priority. We formed an alliance (with Shiv Sena) in 2019 out of compulsion. The alliance would not have been formed if the 2019 assembly results were different. The Sangli Lok Sabha seat is the price we are paying for the alliance formed out of compulsion. However, we must work towards MVAs victory in Maharashtra and INDIA blocs victory in India. If we fail, we will be cursed by the future generations, Chavan said.

Maharashtra: 2.09 Crore Voters to Determine Outcome for 258 Candidates in Phase III of Lok Sabha Elections

Maharashtra: 2.09 Crore Voters to Determine Outcome for 258 Candidates in Phase III of Lok Sabha Elections A total of 2.09 crore voters will decide the fate of 258 candidates in 11 Lok Sabha constituencies in Maharashtra which will go to polls in the third phase on May 7. The last date for withdrawal of nominations was April 22. There are 13 candidates in the fray in Raigad constituency, 38 in Baramati, 31 in Osmanabad, 28 in Latur, 21 in Solapur, 32 in Madha, 20 in Sangli, 16 in Satara, nine in Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg, 23 in Kolhapur, and 27 in Hatkanangale, as per official data. There are a total of 2,09,92,616 voters (1,07,64,741 male, 1,02,26,946 female and 929 third gender) and 23,036 polling centres across the 11 constituencies. The highlight of the third phase in Maharashtra will be the high-octane contest between Supriya Sule of the NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) and her sister-in-law Sunetra Pawar of the rival NCP led by Sunetra's husband and deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in Baramati. There are also two royals, belonging to different branches of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's dynasty, in the fray. In Satara, Udayanraje Bhosale is contesting as BJP candidate, while in Kolhapur, Shahu Chhatrapati is contesting on the Congress' ticket. Union minister Narayan Rane is contesting on BJP ticket from Sindhudurg-Ratnagiri. Maharashtra's Chief Electoral Officer S Chockalingam said preventive action was taken against 95,250 persons in the state as of April 22, and items worth Rs 471.89 crore were seized, including Rs 43.96 crore in cash, liquor worth Rs 34.78 crore and drugs worth Rs 216.47 crore.

Dispute In MVA Over Sangli Seat Persists: Congress MLA Declines Campaigning For Shiv Sena (UBT), Here's What Happened

Congress rebel Vishal Patil to fight Sangli Lok Sabha polls as independent

The Congress and the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena, both part of the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance, were engaged in a tussle over the Sangli seat for several weeks and the latter unilaterally declared wrestler Chandrahar Patil as its candidate. Incidentally, Congress leader Vishwajeet Kadam wrote to the party's central leadership to prevail upon Sena (UBT) to allow Patil to contest, but in vain.

Congress Fails to Pacify Rebel Candidate in Sangli

Mumbai: The Congress has failed to convince party leader Vishal Patil to withdraw his nomination as independent candidate from the Sangli Lok Sabha seat. The deadline for nomination withdrawal ended on Monday. Voting will be held for the Sangli seat in the third phase on May 7. Vishal is the grandson of former Maharashtra CM Vasantdada Patil. Shiv Sena UBTs Chandrahar Patil is the Maha Vikas Adhadis official candidate here. Vishals candidature has made the Sangli seat a three cornered battle between him, Chandrahar and sitting MP Sanjaykaka Patil, who is seeking the third term as the BJP candidate. An official from the Congress said that the partys state leaders tried to convince Vishal to withdraw from the election. Now that he has defied the party decision, state Congress president Nana Patole will soon announce action against him, the official said. Vishal had contested the 2019 candidate as the candidate of Swabhimani Paksha led by farmers leader Raju Shetti and supported by both the Congress and the then unified NCP. However, he lost the election by 1.64 lakh votes. Interestingly, Vanchit Bahujan Aghadis Gopichand Padalkar had received more than three lakh votes. A supporter of Vishal Patil said, The Congress would have won the seat easily if Vishal had contested as the Congress candidate. Shiv Sena UBT does not have organisational strength in Sangli and Chandrahar Patil is not as strong candidate as Vishal. Even as an independent, he will win. The Shiv Sena UBT candidate has started campaigning for the seat. But no local Congress leader has so far joined his campaign. Vishal Patil claimed that the local Congress cadre is with him. I am contesting the election because our people insisted that I should not back out. We were hoping that the Congress will give me AB form and I will be the official candidate of the MVA. But for some inexplicable reason, I was denied the official ticket. Now I am peoples candidate and I will still win, he said.

Lok Sabha election: 317 candidates in fray for 11 third phase Maharashtra seats

In Maharashtra, 317 candidates had valid nomination forms for the May 7 Lok Sabha polls in 11 constituencies. Notable contests include Raigad, Baramati, Osmanabad, Latur, Solapur, Madha, Sangli, Satara, Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg, Kolhapur, and Hathkangale.

Shobha Karandlaje under pressure to win in her party stronghold

Shobha Karandlaje under pressure to win in her party stronghold After she was shifted to Bangalore North segment for the coming Lok Sabha elections, Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje is determined to prove a point or two and wants to ensure that BJP continues its winning streak here. Bangalore North has remained a BJP stronghold since 2004 and the 57-year-old is banking on the ''Modi factor''. She is facing Congress candidate and former Rajya Sabha member M V Rajeev Gowda, who is putting up a spirited fight. Both belong to the Vokkaliga community. Karandlaje is a two-time MP from Udupi-Chikmagalur but was moved out after she faced a ''Go back Shobha'' campaign there from a section of her party. Karandlaje has been telling people how India is on the development path in the past 10 years under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. ''This is an election to save India's culture and 'Sanatana' traditions,'' the Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, who hails from coastal Karnataka, said. According to BJP sources, she has a strong backing of former Chief Minister and BJP stalwart B S Yediyurappa. Since 2004, BJP is holding this seat, which was a Congress fortress from 1952 to 2004 barring the 1996-1998 period when the then Janata Dal's C Narayanaswamy was the MP. Former Railway Minister late C K Jaffer Sharief was the longest serving MP of this constituency who represented it seven times, including for five terms uninterruptedly from 1977 to 1996. Since 2004, BJP had three MPs from here-- former Karnataka Director General of Police H T Sangliana, late D B Chandre Gowda and former Union Minister D V Sadananda Gowda, who were all considered ''outsiders''. Of the eight Assembly segments under Bangalore North, five are represented by the BJP and the rest by the Congress. Karandlaje is known for indulging in ''communally divisive'' speech and polarisation which people don't want here, alleges Rajeev Gowda, who is making his debut in the Lok Sabha elections. People want to enjoy a good quality of life and grow and prosper, and don't want this area to become communally charged and divided, says the former Professor of Indian Institute of Management Bangalore where he taught economics and policy. The Chairman of the AICC Research Department appeared upbeat about his electoral prospects. There is no Modi wave in Karnataka in this Lok Sabha election, the 60-year-old claimed. It's the five guarantee schemes of the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government delivered within 10 months of coming to power that are helping people who are in trouble, he said. Also, the ''sense of injustice'' to Karnataka (in terms of devolution of funds by Centre) and the (dismal) record of the previous BJP government here are what will work in favour of the Congress, he added. ''We did not get proper candidates'', a voter said referring to BJP fielding ''outsiders'' here in the last few elections. ''People who were rejected elsewhere have been dumped here on us. We are not happy,'' the voter added. Nearly 12,000 voters opted for 'None Of The Above' in the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha polls here.

BJP has pitched outsiders in Bengaluru North since 2004, and they have won

The constituency elected H. T. Sangliana from Mizoram in 2004, D. B. Chandre Gowda from Chikkamagaluru district in 2009, D. V. Sadananda Gowda from Dakshina Kannada district in 2014 and 2019, and this time Shobha Karandlaje, also from Dakshina Kannada, is in the fray from the BJP

Heatwave warning issued for 8 Maharashtra districts

Mumbai: Severe heat conditions continued to affect Maharashtra as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heatwave warning for eight districts of the state including Mumbai, Thane and Nashik. Despite rains in some parts of the state, the temperatures have remained high with Malegaon registering the highest temperature at 43 celcius. According to the IMD, the heat wave will prevail in districts like Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, Palghar as well as North Maharashtra districts of Nashik, Jalgaon, Dhule and Nandurbar on Saturday. In addition to this, it has also predicted rains in districts like Sindhudurg, Ratnagiri, Satara, Kolhapur, Sangli, Solapur, Nagar, Dharashiv, Latur, Beed, Parbhani, Nanded and Hingoli with lightening and thunderstorms. Despite intermittent rainfall, temperatures remained unyieldingly high across the state. Malegaon seized the title for the hottest location in the state, marking 43C on the mercury. On Sunday, the IMD has predicted light rains in Marathwada, Vidarbha, Khandesh and central Maharashtra, whereas some parts of Konkan, Central Maharashtra, Marathwada and Vidarbha will receive light to medium range on Monday, the officials said. In the Marathwada region, all four stations reported temperatures surpassing 40C, exceeding normal ranges by 0.4 to 3.7C. Similarly, except for Gondia at 39.8C, all nine stations in Vidarbha recorded temperatures exceeding 40C. In light of the looming heatwave, the IMD officials have advised people to take precautions to avoid heat exposure, including wearing loose and cotton clothes, covering their heads with a cloth, hat, or umbrella, staying hydrated and avoiding outdoor activities during peak heat hours.

PDP flays BJP for failure to check inflation, unemployment

Excelsior Correspondent REASI, Apr 19: A public meeting was organized by the Jammu Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party in Sanglikot area of Mahore in Gulabgarh constituency today where in many people participated and joined PDP. Additional general secretary Shafiq-ul-Rahman Bhat and local leader from Budhal Farooq Inquillabi were warmly welcomed by the people on their arrival at Sanglikot. During the meeting, hundreds of people from National Conference, Congress and BJP joined Peoples Democratic Party. While welcoming them in the party fold [] The post PDP flays BJP for failure to check inflation, unemployment appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

While all eyes set over Congress party rebel from Sangli seat, Former AICC National Secretary Bajirao Khade rebels from Kolhapur

5 Dead, 2 Injured As Car Collides With Private Bus In Maharashtra: Cops

Five people, members of a marriage party, were killed when their car collided with a private bus in western Maharashtra's Sangli district on Wednesday evening, police said.

Congress Leader to Contest Sangli Seat Against Shiv Sena UBT Candidate

Mumbai : The Sangli Lok Sabha seat has become a bone of contention in Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) comprising Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress and Sharad Pawar led NCP as Congress leader Vishal Patil filed his nomination. Maharashtra Congress leadership said that Patil, grandson of former chief minister Vasantdada Patil, will be convinced to withdraw his candidature. The Shiv Sena UBT has expressed displeasure and asked alliance partners to honour alliance dharma. As per the seat-sharing pact of the MVA, Sangli seat is with the Shiv Sena (UBT) along with other 20 seats out of 48 Lok Sabha seats of Maharashtra. The Congress party is contesting 17 seats, while the NCP (SP) is contesting 10 seats. The Shiv Sena (UBT) has fielded Chandrahar Patil, a popular wrestler. However the local Congress leaders have opposed his candidature and insisted that the Sangli seat is Congresss traditional seat. No local Congress leader attended the joint MVA rally held in the city on Monday. However, the state leadership clarified that Mr. Patil has not been given the AB from. Chandrahar Patil, in an emotional speech at the rally, said he is ready to withdraw but wants Congress leaders to declare that they do not want a son of a farmer to succeed in politics. Our friends in Congress have to declare they do not want a farmers son and someone who does not have a sugar mill or comes from a political background to contest, he said. Speaking with this newspaper, Congress MLA Vishwajit Kadam said the party has the strength in Sangli district. We have informed about the sentiments of the party workers to our leader Nana Patole and Balasaheb Thorat. We have informed them about the ground reality of the current Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate in Sangli. I have specifically told them that they should find an amicable solution soon to the problem in the MVA alliance in Sangli, the Congress legislator said. Vishal Patil expressed confidence that the party would give him AB form by April 19. AB form will be submitted to the collector office by April 19, he said. Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray said that the seat sharing has already been finalised. The MVA partners have jointly announced the seat sharing in the press conference. If anyone from any alliance partner is betraying the MVA, it is a responsibility of that party to pacify that individual, said Mr. Thackeray.

Love for son and daughter caused split in Shiv Sena and NCP: Shah tells Uddhav and Sharad Pawar

Love for son and daughter caused split in Shiv Sena and NCP: Shah tells Uddhav and Sharad Pawar Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said the love for the son and daughter was responsible for the respective split in Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena and the NCP headed by Sharad Pawar. Addressing a poll rally at Sakoli town in Bhandara district of Maharashtra, Shah also played on the alleged differences among MVA allies- Shiv Sena (UBT), Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) and Congress- over sharing of seats to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. ''The split in the Shiv Sena and NCP took place because of Uddhav's love for his son (Aaditya Thackeray, an MLA) and Pawar's love for his daughter (Baramati MP Supriya Sule),'' Shah said as he slammed the opposition for blaming the BJP for breaking the parties Taking potshots, the senior BJP leader said the situation is such that the truncated Shiv Sena and NCP have ''halved'' the Congress in the state in terms of sharing of seats for elections. ''I wonder if these three parties will do any good for Maharashtra,'' he added. Notably, Congress was forced to cede Sangli, Bhiwandi, and Mumbai South Central constituencies to allies in the seat-sharing deal. Despite losing a bulk of MPs and MLAs, who joined the Sena led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in 2022, the Thackeray-led faction managed to get 21 seats in the seat-sharing deal with MVA partners. The NCP headed by Sharad Pawar split last year when his nephew Ajit Pawar joined the Mahayuti government comprising the Shinde-led Sena and BJP. As per the MVA seat-sharing pact, the NCP (SP) will contest 10 seats and the Congress 17. Notably, Shah last Thursday termed the Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition an ''auto-rickshaw with mismatching spare parts'' which will fail to perform. During an election rally, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had termed as ''nakli'' (duplicate) the Shiv Sena led by Thackeray, evoking a sharp reaction.

Setback for BJP in Madha as Dhairyasheel Mohite Patil quits party ahead of LS polls

Setback for BJP in Madha as Dhairyasheel Mohite Patil quits party ahead of LS polls In a big blow to Maharashtra's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) unit, Dhairyasheel Mohite Patil resigned from the party. He represented the Madha Lok Sabha constituency. According to reports, upset over not getting the ticket in the upcoming elections, he sent his resignation to BJP President Chandrashekhar Bawankule. The BJP chose sitting MP Ranjit Singh Naik Nimbalkar over him for the Madha seat. On Thursday, Patil met Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) party chief Sharad Pawar in Pune. The Madha constituency was formed in 2009 after delimitation and Sharad Pawar was the first Lok Sabha member elected from Madha in 2009. Maharashtra has 48 Lok Sabha seats, the second-largest after Uttar Pradesh. The Lok Sabha polls will be held in the state in five phases from April 19 to May 20. In the first phase on April 19, Ramtek, Nagpur, Bhandara-Gondiya, Gadchiroli-Chimur, and Chandrapur will go to polls. Buldhana, Akola, Amravati, Wardha, Yavatmal-Washim, Hingoli, Nanded, and Parbhani will vote in the second phase on April 26. Raigad, Baramati, Osmanabad, Latur, Solapur, Madha, Sangli, Satara, Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg, and Kolhapur will vote in the third phase on May 7. Polling will be held across Nandurbhar, Jalgaon, Raver, Jalna, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maval, Pune, Shirur, Ahmednagar, Beed, and Shirdi in the fourth phase on May 13. Dhule, Dindori, Nashik, Palghar, Kalyan, Thane, Mumbai North, Mumbai North-West, Mumbai North-East, Mumbai North-Central, Mumbai South and Mumbai South-Central will vote in the final phase on May 20. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP won 23 out of 25 seats it contested in alliance with the undivided Shiv Sena. Votes will be counted on June 4. (ANI)

MVAs Maha rift refuses to die as Congress struggles with 3 seats

MUMBAI: After the MVA seat-sharing deal, many Congress leaders in Maharashtra are sore over the state leadership for conceding three Lok Sabha seats to allies Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (SP). In the deal, Shiv Sena (UBT) got 21 seats, Congress 17 and NCP (SP) 10. Maharashtra Congress had staked claim over Sangli, Bhiwandi and Mumbai South Central seats, but alliance partners did not budge from their stand. Mumbai Congress president and MLA Varsha Gaikwad was keen to contest from Mumbai South Central. This was also represented by her late father Eknath Gaikwad who had defeated Shiv Sena leader Manohar Joshi in 2009. However, Uddhav Thackeray did not relent and fielded partys Rajya Sabha member Anil Desai from the seat. Former Maharashtra Congress president Vasant Dada Patils grandson Vishal Patil was keen to contest from Sangli, but Shiv Sena (UBT) refused to concede and fielded Chandrahar Patil from there. Bhiwandi is another disputed seat that Congress surrendered to its ally Sharad Pawar-led NCP. Many local Congress leaders have threatened to resign from party posts. Congress with 17 seats Uddhavs has 21 seats, Congress 17 and NCP (SP) 10. State Congress had staked claim South Central seats, but alliance did not budge.

Mumbai Congress Leaders Urge Kharge to Take Corrective Measures

Mumbai : Mumbai Congress leader Vishwabandhu Rai on Thursday questioned the partys surrender before the Shiv Sena UBT, which itself is a weak party. In a letter written to the Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Mr. Rai said the party should not have given key Maharashtra Lok Sabha seats to the Uddhav Thackeray-led party, which has witnessed the exit of several MPs, MLAs and office-bearers. Mumbai Congress president Varsha Gaikwad also urged the party to get back Mumbai South Central seat from the Shiv Sena UBT. Mr. Rai said that seat sharing of 48 Lok Sabha seats in the state exposed the weak leadership of Congresss Maharashtra in-charge (Ramesh Chennithala) and state leaders. He also pointed out that the Congress party has been given tough seats, while Shiv Sena UBT declared its candidates on easier seats even before the seat distribution among the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance partners was finalised. He urged Mr. Kharge to take appropriate measures or else the party workers would be left with no option except to leave the party. The former All India Congress Committee (AICC) member said that he had already pointed out in his previous letters to former party president Sonia Gandhi that Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) is a threat to the Congress party. My assessment has been proved right today, he said. Without taking names of Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole and other state leaders, the Mumbai Congress leader said that the way seat sharing has been done, it has made the Congress weak. Despite several leaders and office-bearers leaving Mr. Thackeray, his party has been given 21 Lok Sabha seats. The MVA coalition in Maharashtra announced its seat-sharing arrangement for the Lok Sabha elections on Tuesday with the Shiv Sena (UBT) securing a substantial portion with 21 seats, while the Congress will contest 17 seats, and the NCP (SP) 10 seats. There is resentment in the Congress party over the seat sharing pact of the MVA especially in connection with the Sangli, Mumbai South Central, Bhiwandi seats, which have gone to Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (SP). Mumbai Congress president Varsha Gaikwad also said that her party should have got at least three out of six Mumbai seats. The Shiv Sena has already declared candidates for four seats, leaving only two seats to Congress. Mr. Thackeray has declared candidature of his trusted aide Anil Desai from Mumbai South Central Lok Sabha constituency. Ms Gaikwad was keen to contest the seat. Earlier, Congress used to contest five seats in Mumbai, leaving only Mumbai North-East to the undivided Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). So we were demanding equal seat-sharing this time. Even if some leaders have quit, the party organisation in Mumbai is strong. The state leadership could have given a better deal for the party. It should have pursued equal seat-sharing among the MVA allies, Ms Gaikwad said. Claiming that she will win the Mumbai South Central seat if given the chance, Ms. Gaikwad said that since the decision has been taken now, as a loyal worker myself and my colleagues in Mumbai will work for the party. But if the Mumbai North seat can be swapped for Mumbai South-Central (with Shiv Sena UBT), we will welcome it. It is for the leadership to decide, she added.

Bickering continues in Congress over MVA seat distribution

Mumbai: A day after the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) sealed its deal over Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra, the Congress continued to face its repercussions. Local Congress leaders are upset as the party has compromised some of the key seats. Maharashtra Congress legislator Vishwajeet Kadam on Wednesday asked Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) leaders to reconsider their decision in connection with Sangli Lok Sabha seat. Mr. Kadam is going to hold a dialogue with all the party leaders and office bearers of Sangli Congress district over the decision to leave the seat to Shiv Sena UBT. A meeting was held in Mumbai to pacify supporters of Mumbai Congress chief Varsha Gaikwad, who was unhappy after the Mumbai South Central seat was also given to the Shiv Sena UBT. There is a huge resentment in the Congress party over the seat sharing pact of the MVA especially in connection with the Sangli, Mumbai South Central, Bhiwandi seats which have gone to Shiv Sena UBT and NCP (SP). Congress has got only 18 seats. The party used to contest 26 seats in alliance with the NCP till 2019. The party office bearers and workers of the Mumbai South Central constituency on Wednesday decided to condemn the seat sharing decision in a meeting at Mumbai office. Preniel Nair, Mumbai Congress organisation in-charge and Sandeep Shukla, Mumbai Congress treasurer managed pacified the party workers. An office bearer of the Mumbai unit of Congress said that they have been promised that a letter will be written to AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge seeking his intervention. We will be sending a letter to Mr. Kharge requesting him to ensure the party would be given three seats including Mumbai South Central. If required, we will also approach Shiv Sena (UBT) Uddhav Thackeray to reconsider his decision over the Mumbai South Central seat, a Mumbai Congress leader said. According to the sources in the party Ms Gaikwad will meet the AICC president and Rahul Gandhi in the next two days. She will convince the party high command that the Mumbai South Central seat should be contested by the Congress as she can win this seat, the sources said. Speaking with this newspaper, Mr. Kadam said that the party leaders and workers in Sangli are unable to digest the decision over the Sangli Lok Sabha seat which is given to Shiv Sena (UBT). We have decided to meet the Congress leaders and office bearers in the district and listen to their sentiments. Post this, we will announce our future course of action on April 15, he said.

Congress MLA urges MVA to reconsider decision on Sangli LS seat, calls it bastion of his party

Congress MLA urges MVA to reconsider decision on Sangli LS seat, calls it bastion of his party Congress MLA Vishwajeet Kadam on Wednesday urged the Maha Vikas Aghadi to revisit its decision on allotting the Sangli Lok Sabha seat to the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), calling the region a bastion of his party. The three-party opposition bloc MVA sealed on Tuesday the seat-sharing pact for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, with the Sena (UBT) getting 21 seats and the Congress agreeing to contest in 17 constituencies. NCP (SP) will field its candidates on 10 seats. The agreement was achieved after the Congress relinquished its claims on the contentious Sangli and Bhiwandi seats, now designated for the Sena (UBT) and the NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar), respectively. Addressing a press conference here, Kadam said the Sangli region has been a Congress bastion since independence. We sincerely tried to persuade the state and central leadership of the Congress to ensure Sangli remains with the party, said Kadam, who represents the Palus-Kadegaon assembly seat in Sangli district. The Sangli parliamentary constituency was a Congress stronghold between 1962 and 2014 before NCP-turned-BJP leader Sanjaykaka Patil wrested it in 2014 and went on to retain it in 2019. Congress has merit in demanding the seat as it has elected representatives (from here) in the assembly and has representation in local bodies. The MVA leadership should understand the historical association of the district with the Congress and seriously reconsider its decision on Sangli, he said. Sena (UBT) has nominated Chandrahar Patil for the Sangli seat. Kadam said the Congress respects Uddhav Thackeray for the way his party is taking on the BJP. But the sentiments of Congress workers in Sangli also need to be taken into account, said the lawmaker. Kadam said even though the larger goal of the MVA is to defeat the BJP, Congress workers are upset at the development. Sangli will, however, remain with the MVA, he asserted. A lot was said about my silence yesterday (Tuesday) after the announcement of the seat-sharing deal. It takes time to digest unpleasant news. We in Sangli are yet to comprehend what has happened. We hope for a positive solution. MVA should reconsider its decision on Sangli, he reiterated. Elections to Maharashtra's 48 Lok Sabha seats will be held in five phases between Apri 19 and May 20 and votes will be counted on June 4.

UBT to contest 21 Maharashtra seats, Congress 17, NCP 10

Maha Vikas Aghadi settles Maharashtra LS seat-sharing. Congress concedes Sangli, Bhiwandi. Sena gets 21, Congress 17, NCP 10 seats. Uddhav Thackeray, Sharad Pawar present. AICC directs for 'INDIA's interest'. Thackeray declares candidates. Patole explains as 'not a surrender'.

Uddhav Thackeray, Sharad Pawar call the shots in MVAs seat-sharing deal as ceding of Sangli reflects waning Congress influence

Congress Gives up on Contentious Seats, Shiv Sena UBT Gets Highest Share

Mumbai : There was unease in Maharashtra Congress after Maha Vikas Aghadi formally announced its final seat sharing pact for the Lok Sabha elections. As per the final agreement, Shiv Sena UBT will contest 21 out of 48 Lok Sabha seats as the Congress high command has given up its claim on contentious Sangli, Bhiwandi and Mumbai South Central seats. The development has dismayed several party leaders, who were hoping to get candidature from the three seats. As per Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) seat sharing formula, the Congress will contest on 17 seats, while NCP (SP) and Shiv Sena (UBT) will contest on 10 seats and 21 seats respectively. The decision was announced in a joint press conference held by NCP founder Sharad Pawar, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, Maharashtra Congress Chief Nana Patole and former Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan at the Shiv Sena (UBT) office in south Mumbai. Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Sanjay Raut read out the names of seats which were distributed among all three constituents. The state Congress leaders were pushing for the Sangli, Bhiwandi and Mumbai South Central seats. However, the Bhiwandi seat has gone to the NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) and the remaining two have gone to Shiv Sena UBT. It may be recalled that the Uddhav Thackeray-led party has already announced renowned wrestler Chandrahar Patil as its candidate for the Sangli seat. According to reports, Congress MLA Vishwajeet Kadam is upset over the decision. The local Congress leaders wanted the seat for former Maharashtra chief minister Vasantdada Patils grandson Vishal Patil. Mumbai Congress president Varsha Gaikwad was also interested in contesting the Lok Sabha election from the Mumbai South Central constituency. She has reportedly complained to the party high command against the state leaders for not taking a firm stand on the seat. She has also told the high command that the Congress has not been given winnable seats.She has also told the high command that the Congress has not been given winnable seats. However, state Congress president Nana Patole said that all party leaders will accept the high commands decision. We are fighting this election to stop dictatorship and save the Constitution. People have seen how efforts I took to get favourable seats. But finally decisions were taken in the larger interest. Now that the decision has been made, I am confident that all leaders will accept it, he said. Asked if Congress is satisfied with the number of the seats, Mr.Patole said that Congress is a national party, but it has shown a large heart to root out the dictatorship from the country. We will throw the BJP out of Maharashtra. Our party leaders and workers will work in Sangli and Bhiwandi for the victory of the MVA candidate. Votes of alliance partners will be transferred for each others candidates as the original Shiv Sainiks and loyal NCP workers have not forgotten how their parties have been split, the Maharashtra Congress chief said. Mr. Pawar said that there is no dispute on any Lok Sabha seat of Maharashtra.The unanimous decision has been read out. There is no disagreement on any of the 48 seats. The candidates will be announced for all the seats in the next two days, he said. Uddhav Thackeray said that the MVA tried everything in vain to bring Prakash Ambedkars Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi in the alliance. We even offered Mr. Ambedkar some seats. Unfortunately, it did not work. I have already stated last week that we will not say anything against Mr. Ambedkar as we respect him, the Shiv Sena (UBT) chief said.

Congress spokesperson Raju Waghmare switches allegiance, joins Shiv Sena

Congress spokesperson Raju Waghmare switches allegiance, joins Shiv Sena Raju Waghmare, a spokesperson of the Maharashtra unit of Congress, on Tuesday quit the party and joined the Shiv Sena led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. He joined the Sena at a function at `Anand Ashram', former residence-cum-office of late Sena leader Anand Dighe, here. Speaking on the occasion, Shinde said the party will benefit from his experience. Waghmare would be a deputy leader and spokesperson of the Shiv Sena, he announced. Talking to reporters, Waghmare claimed the Congress' failure to make a strong claim to Sangli and Bhiwandi Lok Sabha seats during the seat-sharing talks in the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance led to confusion and concerns among party workers. He decided to join the Shiv Sena after observing Shinde's style of functioning, he said, adding that the chief minister cares for the people as well as party workers. ''Even when I was in opposition, I praised his work,'' Waghmare said. The chief minister said his government has removed negativity and brought in positivity in politics, and its good work has given people confidence. The opposition has no right to announce a manifesto for the next 50 years, Shinde said. ''In fact, they should give people an account of their performance in the last 50 years,'' he said. On opposition leaders targeting him for holding political meetings at his official residence 'Varsha', Shinde said there was nothing wrong with holding such meetings there. All was well with the ruling 'Mahayuti' alliance, Shinde said, informing that its candidates for the remaining Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra will be announced soon.

MVA seals pact in Maharashtra for Lok Sabha Polls

Mumbai: The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi on Tuesday announced its seat-sharing formula for the Lok Sabha polls with the Shiv Sena (UBT) getting the major chunk of 21 seats, while the Congress will contest 17 and the NCP (SP) 10 seats. The Congress gave up its claim on the contentious Sangli and Bhiwandi seats, which Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Maharashtra Oppositions Lok Sabha deal sealed: Uddhav Thackeray gets major chunk of 21 seats

Mumbai, Apr 9: The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi on Tuesday announced its seat-sharing formula for the Lok Sabha polls with the Shiv Sena (UBT) getting the major chunk of 21 seats, while the Congress will contest 17 seats and the NCP (SP) 10. The Congress gave up its claim on the contentious Sangli and Bhiwandi [] The post Maharashtra Oppositions Lok Sabha deal sealed: Uddhav Thackeray gets major chunk of 21 seats appeared first on Northlines .

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: MVA seals poll pact in Maharashtra; Sena (UBT) gets 21 seats, Cong 17, NCP (SP) 10

The Congress gave up its claim on the contentious Sangli and Bhiwandi seats, which will now be contested by the Sena (UBT) and the NCP (SP), respectively.

MVA Seals Poll Pact In Maharashtra; Sena (UBT) Gets 21 LS Seats, Cong 17, NCP (SP) 10

Mumbai, Apr 9: The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi on Tuesday announced its seat-sharing formula for the Lok Sabha polls with the Shiv Sena (UBT) getting the major chunk of 21 seats, while the Congress will contest 17 seats and the NCP (SP) 10. The Congress gave up its claim on the contentious Sangli and Bhiwandi seats, which will now be contested by the Sena (UBT) and the NCP (SP), respectively. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp While the Sena [] The post MVA Seals Poll Pact In Maharashtra; Sena (UBT) Gets 21 LS Seats, Cong 17, NCP (SP) 10 appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

MVA seals poll pact in Maharashtra; Sena (UBT) gets 21 seats

Mumbai: The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi on Tuesday announced its seat-sharing formula for the Lok Sabha polls with the Shiv Sena (UBT) getting the major chunk of 21 seats, while the Congress will contest 17 seats and the NCP (SP) 10. The Congress gave up its claim on the contentious Sangli and Bhiwandi seats, which will now be contested by the Sena (UBT) and the NCP (SP), respectively. While the Sena (UBT) said the goal of the alliance was to defeat the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Congress said it has decided to be large-hearted to achieve this objective. NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray and state Congress president Nana Patole announced the poll pact for the 48 parliamentary seats in the state after weeks of hectic negotiations. Addressing a press conference at 'Shivalaya', the Shiv Sena (UBT) office in south Mumbai, party head and former state chief minister Uddhav Thackeray said the seat-sharing deal has been reached and in an alliance, winning is important and defeating the BJP is the goal. When victory against the BJP is the larger goal, we have to set aside certain differences, he said when asked about the Shiv Sena (UBT) refusing to give Sangli seat to the Congress. Thackeray said there was a strange coincidence of surya grahan (solar eclipse), amavasya (new moon) and the BJP rally on the same day (Monday). Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech yesterday was not that of a prime minister. When we respond, please don't take it as an insult of the prime minister. Our criticism will be about a leader of a corrupt party, Thackeray said to a query on Modi referring to his party as fake Shiv Sena. It is not right for a leader of the party of extortionists to call us fake, he said. The BJP is a party of extortionists and this was seen after the electoral bonds scam was exposed, Thackeray claimed. Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole said his party has decided to be large-hearted to achieve the final goal of defeating PM Modi and the BJP. The Congress workers will fight the BJP and ensure victory of the MVA candidates in Sangli and Bhiwandi, he said. Our workers will never forget how the BJP ill-treated our leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, he said. Patole said the parties of Thackeray and Sharad Pawar were hijacked by rebels. Leaders of both the original parties are with us and Modi calls the Uddhav Thackeray-led party as fake Shiv Sena, he said. As part of the deal, the Shiv Sena (UBT) has got Jalgaon, Parbhani, Nashik, Palghar, Kalyan, Thane, Raigad, Maval, Osmanabad, Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg, Buldhana, Hathkanangkale, Aurangabad, Shirdi, Sangli, Hingoli, Yavatmal-Washim, Mumbai South, Mumbai South Central, Mumbai North West and Mumbai North East seats. The Congress has got Nandurbar, Dhule, Akola, Amravati, Nagpur, Bhandara-Gondia, Gadchiroli-Chimur, Chandrapur, Nanded, Jalna, Mumbai North Central, Mumbai North, Pune, Latur, Solapur, Kolhapur and Ramtek seats. The NCP(SP) will contest Baramati, Shirur, Satara, Bhiwandi, Dindori, Madha, Raver, Wardhan, Ahmednagar South and Beed seats. The Lok Sabha polls will be held in the state in five phases from April 19 to May 20.

Maharashtra Lok Sabha: MVA announces seat sharing plan, Congress to contest 17 seats, Sena (UBT) 21, NCP (SP) 10

The Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition unveiled its seat allocation strategy for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, with Congress vying for 17 seats, Shiv Sena (UBT) and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) competing for 21 and 10 seats respectively. Shiv Sena's UBT faction secured the Sangli seat, contested by wrestler Chandrahar Patil. The NCP will contest in the Bhiwandi constituency.

INDIA Alliance Struggle To Finalise Seat-Sharing Formula In Maharashtra

The INDIA alliance is at loggerheads over seat-sharing in Maharashtra for the Lok Sabha elections. The stalemate involved two seats - Bhiwandi and Sangli.

Tensions run high between MVA allies over Sangli Lok Sabha seat

The Shiv Sena (UBT), in its list of 21 candidates, has already announced wrestler Chandrahar Patil for the Sangli seat a move that has irked the Congress leadership across the State

Sitars, Tanpuras Made In Renowned Maharashtra Town Awarded GI Tag

The sitars and tanpuras of Miraj, a small town in Maharashtras Sangli district known for its craftsmanship in making musical instruments, have been awarded the coveted Geographical Indication (GI) tags.

Sitars, Tanpuras Made In Renowed Maharashtra Town Awarded GI Tag

The sitars and tanpuras of Miraj, a small town in Maharashtras Sangli district known for its craftsmanship in making musical instruments, have been awarded the coveted Geographical Indication (GI) tags.

Congress Leaders Upset With Uddhav Thackeray Over Sangli Seat

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray Mumbai: The Sangli Lok Sabha seat in Western Maharashtra has created a rift between Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT). The Congress wants to field Vishal Patil, grandson of former chief minister Vasantdada Patil from this Lok Sabha seat, while Uddhav Thackeray led Shiv Sena (UBT) has announced the candidature of Chandrahar Patil, a popular wrestler. The Congress leaders led by MLA Vishwajeet Kadam have approached the party high command with this issue in New Delhi. Without naming Mr Kadam, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut indicated that the Congress leader is likely to join the BJP soon. Hitting back at Mr Raut, the Congress MLA said that if Mr. Raut has guts, he should take the name. Amid this, Congresss Maharashtra in-charge Ramesh Chennithala held a meeting at Nagpur over Sangli and Bhiwandi seats. According to the sources, some Congress leaders met party president Mallikarjun Kharge and senior party leader K.C. Venugopal on Friday and requested both of them to resolve the issue as soon as possible. Sangli will go to polls in the third phase of Lok Sabha election. Mr. Kadam along with Vishal Patil also met to Congresss Maharashtra in-charge in Nagpur on Saturday. They have apprised Sangli district Congress's stand over the Lok Sabha seat. Earlier in the day, referring to Mr. Kadam, the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader said that Vishal Patil has a pilot. We will have to see where would he land the plane. The plane should not go to Gujarat, he said. Mr. Raut also claimed that after holding a discussion with the senior Congress leaders, Uddhav Thackeray has announced the candidate for the Sangli seat. It is in exchange of Kolhapur Lok Sabha seat, which has been given to the Congress. Speaking with this newspaper, Congress MLA Vishwajeet Kadam said that he met Ramesh Chennithala and the party high command leaders and informed them about the party's position in Sangli district. This constituency has six assembly seats of which the Congress has two seats, NCP has one seat, while the remaining three seats are with the BJP and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. Shiv Sena UBT does not have a single MLA in the district. Mr Kadam said, Sanjay Rauts comment is unfortunate and uncalled for. It is below the belt. Mr Chennithala said that the Sangli seat issue would be discussed with the party high command. On Mr. Raut's allegation against Mr. Kadam, the Congress's Maharashtra incharge said that Mr. Raut should not make personal comments against anyone.

Sangli Constituency Maharashtra Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Check important dates, key candidates, past results and more

Sangli Lok Sabha constituency is one of the 48 Lok Sabha (parliamentary) constituencies in Maharashtra. Total voters in Sangli are approximately 1809109 as per 2019 Lok Sabha Election stats. Voter turnout at Sangli parliamentary seat in the 2019 Lok Sabha Election was 65.92.

Congress eats Maha humble pie as Uddhav stays firm on seats

MUMBAI: The national and principal Opposition party, Congress, which heads the INDIA alliance, finds itself left high and dry by its alliance partners in the seat-sharing negotiations for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Initially, the Maharashtra Congress claimed a total of 20 to 22 Lok Sabha seats, positioning itself as the national big brother while negotiating the allocation of 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra with its alliance partnersthe Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP). However, in reality, the Congress party was forced to eat humble pie, as it will now contest only 16 Lok Sabha seats, while the regional party Shiv Sena (UBT) will contest as many as 22 Lok Sabha seats, and NCP (SP) will contest 10 seats in Maharashtra. We aimed to contest the Sangli and Bhiwandi Lok Sabha seats, where we have a strong network and significant presence of workers. This would have increased our total contested seats to 18. However, both alliance partners laid claim to these disputed seats and even announced their candidates. We found ourselves with no option but to plead with the party leadership, yet immediate assistance seems unlikely, said a senior Congress leader speaking on condition of anonymity. Sharad Pawar convened a meeting of the Maha Vikas Aghadi at his residence, Silver Oak, to address the seat-sharing issue. However, during the meeting, neither Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut nor Sharad Pawar showed any willingness to yield the Sangli and Bhiwandi Lok Sabha seats, respectively, despite our firm and flexible negotiations. Sanjay Rauts demeanour was rather dismissive, declaring the seat-sharing discussion concluded and refusing to engage further on the Sangli seat. Consequently, we walked out of the meeting, seeing no hope of resolving the disputed seat issue, the leader added. Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole emphasised that Sangli is their traditional stronghold, where they stand a chance of victory, while Shiv Sena (UBT) lacks a presence. He argued that Sena (UBT) contesting the Sangli seat would hand over a LS seat to the BJP. BJP made bow-&-arrow symbol disappear The Shiv Sena (UBT) has accused the BJP of making the bow-and-arrow symbol disappear from many parts of Maharashtra after the saffron party started claiming the seats that were earlier contested by the undivided Shiv Sena. In an editorial in party mouthpiece Saamana on Friday, the Uddhav Thackeray-led Sena (UBT) said the undivided Shiv Sena used to contest in 23 of the 48 seats in Maharashtra on its bow-and-arrow symbol. Sena (UBT), which is a part of the MVA, also claimed that the BJP high command was behind the move.

Sanjay Nirupam has crossed all limits by continuously attacking Congress: Ramesh Chennithala

Congress's Maharashtra in-charge Ramesh Chennithala says that stringent disciplinary action has been recommended against former Congress MP Sanjay Nirupam for making unwarranted remarks against the party and leadership. The Congress has initiated action against Nirupam on Wednesday over his remarks against the leadership amid seat sharing talks with Maha Vikas Aghadi ally Shiv Sena (UBT) for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. In an interview with Preetha Nair, Chennithala said that Nirupams exit wont impact the party. The Mumbai Congress proposed action against Sanjay Nirupam for his controversial remarks against the party. What is your stand? I received the report from Maharashtra Congress yesterday recommending strict disciplinary action against Nirupam. I have sent the report to the Congress President yesterday and the high Command will take appropriate action. He has crossed all the limits by continuously attacking the party and making controversial statements to the media despite multiple warnings. Will he be expelled from the party? The Congress President will take the decision. The state leaders want strong action because of his provocative remarks against the party. The party has always considered him as an important leader, still he went against the party. Nirupam wanted to contest the election from Mumbai North West seat. Why didnt the party concede his demand? When we are in an alliance, we have to follow certain coalition dharma. The current political situation in the country warrants all non- BJP parties to come together to fight against the ruling regime. That is why we formed the INDIA bloc. Even before that MVA was formed in Maharashtra. So seats have to be shared among the allies in an amicable way. Nirupam wanted to contest this particular seat which Shiv Sena did not want to part with. We tried our level best to reconcile with Nirupam, but he was very adamant. And he went to the media criticising the party and leadership. Former Mumbai congress president Sanjay Nirupam might quit party over Lok Sabha candidacy There have been a couple of high profile exits from the party in the run up to the election. Ashok Chavan, Milind Deora, Baba Siddique,,and now Nirupam, Isnt it a setback for the party? No setback at all. The workers and sympathisers are solidly behind the party. The support for the party was evident in the huge turnout in the recent Mumbai rally. One or two leaders may go, but my assessment is that Congress is getting stronger and the alliance is going to perform well in the election. Is Nirupam joining the BJP? He is a political leader and its up to him to decide future course of action. I have nothing to say about it. But as a Congress leader, he has crossed all limits. Wasnt the Congress also unhappy about Shiv Sena announcing candidates for Sangli and Mumbai South-Central seats? In a coalition, every party will ask for more seats. So we are also having reservations about some seats, but it will be discussed and sorted out. Kejriwal's stand hurting Indian politics, must step down as CM: Congress leader Nirupam On Congress demand for Sangli, Uddhav Thackeray said no more seat-sharing talks till 2029. How do you respond? Congress is demanding certain seats, and our allies have their own compulsions. But one thing is certain that the MVA will fight unitedly. The larger issue before us is defeating the BJP in this election. Other issues will be sorted out. There were speculations that Congress may go for a friendly fight in these disputed seats. No such thinking. When we are in alliance, there should be some clarity and friendly fights will not help anybody. Alliance should be intact. When will you announce the candidates? We are hoping to announce the names of the candidates in two or three days. Will you still hold seat-sharing talks with Prakash Ambedkars VBA, though he has declared candidates for several seats? It is unfortunate on the part of Ambedkar not to support the MVA. We have had several months of discussion. But unfortunately he has taken a stand which will be going to help the BJP. But we are still open for discussions with him. Govinda joins Shindes Shiv Sena, ending 14-year political 'vanvas', aims to enhance Mumbai's development

Congress initiates disciplinary action against ex-MP Sanjay Nirupam for remarks against party leadership

Congress disciplines Nirupam for criticizing leadership during Shiv Sena talks. Decision soon. Patole removes Nirupam from star campaigners list. MVA meeting to settle Sangli, Bhiwandi. NCP picks Congressman in Wardha. Thackeray rejects friendly fights demand.

Shiv Sena (UBT) declares four more nominees; fields ex-MNS leader Vaishali Darekar in Kalyan

Shiv Sena (UBT) declares four more nominees; fields ex-MNS leader Vaishali Darekar in Kalyan The Shiv Sena (UBT) on Wednesday declared four more candidates for the Lok Sabha elections, fielding Vaishali Darekar-Rane from the high-profile Kalyan constituency, currently represented by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's son Shrikant Shinde. With this, the Uddhav Thackeray-led party has so far declared nominees for 21 seats in Maharashtra which will go to polls in five phases starting April 19. Darekar-Rane had contested from Kalyan on the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) ticket against the Shiv Sena's Anand Paranjape in 2009, finishing third by bagging 1.02 lakh votes. Speaking at a news conference, Thackeray also declared the candidatures of Satyajit Patil (Hatkanangale), Bharti Kamdi (Palghar) and Karan Pawar (Jalgaon). If his Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) ally Congress was not keen on contesting the Mumbai North constituency, his party will field a candidate there, Thackeray said. The BJP has fielded Union minister Piyush Goyal from Mumbai North. The Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde has not yet declared its candidate from Kalyan. Thackeray said Darekar-Rane and Bharti Kamdi are grassroots workers of the party. Karan Pawar, a former president of Parola Municipal Council in north Maharashtra's Jalgaon district, emerged as a surprise choice of Shiv Sena (UBT). Pawar, a BJP leader, joined the Thackeray camp along with sitting BJP MP Unmesh Patil earlier in the day. Unmesh Patil quit the BJP after he was denied a ticket from Jalgaon. The party has fielded Smita Wagh in his place this time. Thackeray also indicated that Shiv Sena (UBT) will not relent on Sangli constituency where it has already declared its candidate (Chandrahar Patil) though the Congress is seeking the seat. The candidature of Chandrahar Patil caused heartburn in the Congress which wanted to field Vishal Patil, grandson of former chief minister late Vasantdada Patil, from Sangli, its traditional bastion in western Maharashtra. ''The Shiv Sena (UBT) has ceded its traditional Kolhapur and Ramtek seats to Congress,'' Thackeray pointed out, adding that his party had already started campaigning in Sangli. Asked if there would be a friendly fight in Sangli, Thackeray said, ''Friendly fights are useless because when there is friendship, there is no contest.'' The Congress is also upset over Shiv Sena (UBT) fielding Thackeray's close aide Anil Desai from Mumbai South-Central constituency. ''If our ally (Congress) is not keen on contesting Mumbai North, we will field a candidate from that seat. We are contesting four (out of six) seats in Mumbai. We want the Congress to win rest of the two seats in Mumbai, and Shiv Sena (UBT) workers will help them,'' Thackeray added. Satyajit Patil's candidature from Hatkanangale in western Maharashtra is seen as a jolt to Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana's Raju Shetti who was seeking Thackeray's support to contest from this constituency. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said the party had conveyed to Shetti that he should contest on the `burning torch' symbol of Shiv Sena (UBT), which he did not agree to. Local party workers were also of the opinion that whoever contests as MVA candidate should contest on the `burning torch' symbol, he said. Shetti won the Hatkanangale seat in 2009 and 2014, but in 2019 he lost to the undivided Shiv Sena's Dhairyasheel Mane. Palghar seat is currently represented by undivided Shiv Sena's Rajendra Gavit.

Four labourers killed, 10 injured in road accident in Sangli district

The accident occurred in the early hours on the Miraj-Pandharpur Road in Kavathe Mahankal town

MVA wrangles over Mumbai, Sangli seats; NDA struggles over Nashik

The Mumbai South Central seat has also caused a heartburn within the Congress as the party was keen to field Mumbai Congress chief Varsha Gaikwad from the constituency. While Gaikwad has not come out against the Sena (UBT) decision, however, Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam, who was keen to contest from Mumbai North West, has given an ultimatum of a week to his party to resolve the issue or else all options would be open.

Cong shouldn't allow itself to be arm-twisted by Sena (UBT): Nirupam on LS seats in Mumbai

Cong shouldn't allow itself to be arm-twisted by Sena (UBT): Nirupam on LS seats in Mumbai In the wake of the Shiv Sena (UBT) announcing 17 candidates for the Lok Sabha polls in Maharashtra, Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam on Saturday said his party should not allow itself to be arm-twisted by the Uddhav Thackeray-led outfit for the seats in Mumbai. He claimed that the Sena (UBT) was not in a position to win any seat without Congress' support. Earlier this week, the Sena (UBT) brought out a list of 17 candidates, and said it would contest a total of 22 parliamentary seats in Maharashtra. These seats included four in Mumbai. Nirupam himself is eyeing to contest the Mumbai North-West seat from where he lost in 2019, However, the Thackeray-led party's move triggered unease among the other two Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) allies - Congress and Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) - as the three parties are yet to finalise the seat-sharing deal for the Lok Sabha polls, which will be held in five phases in Maharashtra starting April 19. Talking to PTI, Nirupam said, ''The Congress should not come under the threat of Shiv Sena (UBT) as the Uddhav Thackeray-led party is not capable of winning any seat without Congress support.'' ''Shiv Sena (UBT) arm-twisted the Congress to take five of the six seats in Mumbai. But the Congress should not allow itself to be arm-twisted like this. This action is against the Congress and it's a ploy to finish off the party in the city,'' the former Mumbai Congress chief alleged. He said if the Congress is considering friendly fights in the disputed constituencies, he was ready for it. He was responding to Congress leader Naseem Khan's statement that the party's state unit has sent a proposal to its central leadership seeking permission to have friendly fights in the six seats in Mumbai. ''Congress should go for friendly fights in Sangli, Mumbai North-West, Mumbai South-Central and Bhiwandi,'' Nirupam said. He reiterated his stand of giving a week's time to his party's leadership, following which he will take a decision on his future course of action (on contesting the Mumbai North-West seat). Earlier this week, Nirupam slammed his party leadership for allowing Sena (UBT) to grab most of the Lok Sabha seats in Mumbai, and said ''all options were open'' before him.

Cong wants 'friendly fights' on 6 Lok Sabha seats, says its leader; it will help BJP, retorts Raut

Cong wants 'friendly fights' on 6 Lok Sabha seats, says its leader; it will help BJP, retorts Raut Maharashtra Congress leader Naseem Khan has said the unilateral announcement of candidates by the Shiv Sena (UBT) had angered his party workers and the state unit was keen on ''friendly fights'' in six Lok Sabha constituencies in the state. The Congress, Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) comprise the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). Speaking on Friday, Khan said, ''We met today and decided to communicate to the central leadership that we will have friendly fights on six seats, namely Sangli, Mumbai South-Central and Mumbai North-West. The manner in which Shiv Sena (UBT) announced candidates on seats claimed by Congress has angered our party workers.'' The Shiv Sena (UBT) on Wednesday announced its candidates for 17 seats, including Sangli, Mumbai South-Central and Mumbai North-West. The Sena (UBT) has announced that it would contest 22 seats out of the total 48 in the state. However, the Thackeray-led party's decision to announce candidates sparked tension in the MVA with the Congress objecting to the move and calling for the allies to stick to ''coalition dharma''. Reacting to Khan's demand, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said such fights would help the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Taking a swipe at its MVA ally, he said, ''Congress is a mature party and I don't think it will allow friendly fights to help the BJP.'' In a sarcastic vein, he said such friendly fights should happen on all 48 seats in Maharashtra as well as in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Raut asserted there will be no discussion on seats anymore.

Cong in Maha friendly fight with MVA allies in 5 seats if no consensus

MUMBAI : The Congress high command on Friday gave the green signal to the Maharashtra party unit to have a friendly contest on five Lok Sabha constituencies if the alliance partners refuse to concede the seats to them, party sources said. The Maharashtra Congress unit held a meeting of its top leaders to discuss the seat-sharing differences with alliance partners -- Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (SP). Congress is keen to contest these five Lok Sabha seats -- Sangli, Bhiwandi, Mumbai South Central, Mumbai North East, and Mumbai North West. But Shiv Sena (UBT) has staked claim over all Mumbai seats. Also it has asked for Sangli, a Congress leader said, requesting anonymity. NCP (SP) is asking for Bhiwandi though they do not have a strong candidate. In Sangli, Sena (UBT) has neither a candidate nor the network. This is not acceptable to us. We informed our strong feelings to the party high command, the leader said. Another leader said the Congress high command has given the green signal for friendly contests in these disputed seats. We surely want the alliance with Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (SP) but are not ready to concede the seats where our winning chances are high. The partners want to grow but we are not here to run a charitable trust and throw our stronghold seats to BJP, he added. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said, Shiv Sena is the big brother in Maharashtra, so it will contest more seats. He said the Congress should leave more seats to them because they want to make Rahul Gandhi the prime minister. Maha Vikas Aghadi is messing up the positive atmosphere. Uddhav Thackeray and Sharad Pawar feel that sympathy is enough to win seats. Its not correct, most of their active workers left them. Congress workers are solidly behind the party.They all have to understand that they need each other. If anyone thinks otherwise, they are spoiling the food before it is eaten, said a political analyst.

Sena (UBT) firm on contesting Sangli Lok Sabha seat in Maharashtra

The Congress, an ally in the Maha Vikas Aghadi, says it is also determined to field a candidate from the constituency

There's lot of time, talks underway: Raut says all well in MVA after Prakash Ambedkar's VBA announces LS candidates

There's lot of time, talks underway: Raut says all well in MVA after Prakash Ambedkar's VBA announces LS candidates A day after the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi, a partner in the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), announced nine candidates for the seven-phased Lok Sabha elections, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said on Thursday the move by the Prakash Ambedkar-led party will not dampen the electoral prospects of the Opposition alliance in the state. Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Raut said, The elections (in Maharashtra) will be held in five phases. A list of nine candidates has been released (by Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi). There is a lot of time (for sewing up a seat-sharing deal). Talks are underway. He affirmed that the VBA chief, who also happens to be the grandson of Dalit icon and the father of the country's Constitution, BR Ambedkar, was still in the MVA's fight against the BJP. Acknowledging that the BJP and the ruling Mahayuti alliance in the state stand to gain if the Praskash Ambedkar-led party were to exit the MVA, the Rajya Sabha MP said, The BJP will benefit, either directly or indirectly (if the VBA were to walk out of the MVA). However, (Prakash) Ambedkar will not do any such thing as he is also with us in this fight. Elections come and go. What would you do if the country and the Constitution were in peril? We all need to stick together. Playing down fears of friction between the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Congress's state unit over the allotment of seats for the Lok Sabha elections, Raut said such differences were 'normal'. The discussions over seat allotments are in their final stages and the list will be out shortly. There are no prickly issues between us and the Congress. These things can happen in an alliance. We accept that the Congress may have felt bad losing Sangli (to Uddhav Sena) as they have enough cadres in the constituency. However, even we have set aside Ramtek for the Congress, the Sena (UBT) MP said. On the MVA meeting scheduled for Friday, Raut said, The MVA partners are to hold a meeting today. However, seat-sharing won't be part of the discussions today. The talks today will centre around the joint campaign and our common minimum programme. We will also flesh out our strategy going forward. Everything is going well in Maha Vikas Aghadi. Sharad Pawar, Uddhav Thackeray, Prithviraj Chauhan, Balasaheb Thorat, Nana Patole...all will be there at today's meeting. (ANI)

Your women will be raped, youll be killed: Hindu family threatened by Muslim mob over land issue in Maharashtras Sangli, 9 booked and 2 arrested

As per the complainant, Jagdish Kudale, Rafiq wanted him and his family to leave the area so that he could house other people from his community in the locality. The accused and his family time and again used to harass my family. Rafiq used to tease women from our house and look at them often making them feel uncomfortable, he said.

UBT faction issues ultimatum to Congress over Sangli Lok Sabha seat

Congress is a big party, we believe that the Congress is to lead the country, we (UBT) dont want to lead it. We want the Prime Minister of the country to be from the Congress party. For just one seat (Sangli) are you ready to lose the Prime Ministers post, they (Congress) should think it over.said UBT Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut.

Congress Fumes as Shiv Sena (UBT) Unilaterally Announces Candidates in Maharashtra, MVA Alliance Cracks Widens

Mumbai: Cracks in the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance in Maharashtra were further widened, with the Congress left fuming after the announcement of 17 candidates by the Shiv Sena (UBT) for the impending Lok Sabha polls. The Congress expressed its displeasure over Uddhav Thackeray unilaterally announcing the candidates when the negotiations over the contentious seats were still ongoing. The Shiv Sena (UBT), a constituent of the MVA, on Wednesday released its first list of 17 candidates. The list includes the contentious seats of Sangli and Mumbai South Central, where ally Congress also wants to field its own candidates. The Shiv Sena (UBT) has named Chandrahar Patil and Anil Desai as candidates for the Sangli and Mumbai South Central seats, respectively. Sangli was once a bastion of the Congress, but since 2014, the seat has been held by BJP MP Sanjay Patil. The Sena has denied the Congress claims on the seat by announcing Mr Patil as its candidate. According to Sena, they have swapped Sangli for Kolhapur, where the Congress has fielded Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, a descendant of legendary Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The Congress had also staked its claim on the Mumbai South Central seat, currently represented by Rahul Shewale of the Shinde-led Shiv Sena. The Congress reportedly wanted to field its Mumbai president and former Maharashtra minister Varsha Gaikwad from there, but the Shiv Sena (UBT) has now announced Mr Desai, a trusted confidante of Mr Thackeray, whose Rajya Sabha term ended this year, as its candidate for the seat. Congress legislative party leader Balasaheb Thorat expressed unhappiness over the Uddhav Thackeray-led Senas first list, saying the party should have avoided declaring candidates for seats about which discussions were still going on. It is important that everyone follow the coalition dharma. We hope the Sena will rethink its decision, he said. Ms Gaikwad said she had conveyed her unhappiness to the party high command about the Senas decisions on Sangli and seats in Mumbai, which were still being discussed. The Sena should not have done that. We will take further action based on guidance from the party leadership, she said. Former Congress MP Sanjay Nirupam urged his party to break the alliance with the Shiv Sena (UBT). I appeal to the Congress leadership to intervene or break the alliance with the Shiv Sena. I am not a person who is sitting without any option. I have all options open. Now it will be aar ya paar, he said. Mr Nirupam, who lost in the Mumbai North West constituency in the last two elections, wanted to contest the poll for a third time. However, the Sena (UBT) has announced Amol Kirtikar as its candidate for the seat. When asked, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut said such things happen in an alliance, adding that these dynamics will not affect the MVA. We had a sitting MP in Ramtek, but the Congress candidate has even filed a nomination. So its fine. Alliances work like this, he said.

MVA in Maha spot as Cong, Uddhav cross over 3 seats

MUMBAI : Hardly has the election campaign begun in Maharashtra than the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi has started faltering on seat-sharing. The alliance partners are set to go against each other with the Congress reminding Uddhav Thackeray of coalition dharma over Sangli and other Lok Sabha seats. The state Congress expressed its displeasure at Uddhav-led Shiv Sena declaring Sangli and a few Mumbai Lok Sabha seats. Both the parties had staked their claims on these seats. Former minister and Congress MLA Vishwajit Patil met party president Mallikarjun Kharge and sought his intervention so that Sangli seat went to party candidate Vishal Patil, the grandson of former CM Vasant Dada Patil. The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena declared its 17 Lok Sabha candidates on Wednesday, including Chandrahar Patil for the Sangli seat. Besides, the party also declared candidates for Mumbais four Lok Sabha seats. Apart from Sangli, the Bhiwandi and Mumbai South Central seats are the bone of contention among the MVA partners. The Congress wants all three seats based on winnability while NCP (Sharad Pawar) wants to contest the Bhiwandi seat. The Shiv Sena (UBT) has already declared Rajya Sabha MP Anil Desai as its candidate from Mumbai South Central where the Congress wants to field its Mumbai unit chief Varsha Gaikwad. A source said the Congress leadership has conveyed to the state unit that if they failed to pursue Uddhav and Sharad Pawar, then they should be ready for a friendly fight in all three constituencies. Congress legislature party leader Balasaheb Thorat has said Uddhav should not have declared the candidates for Sangli and other Mumbai Lok Sabha seats when the discussions were on for these seats. He said that it was not too late for Uddhav to withdraw from Sangli and other LS seats. Sanjay Raut of Shiv Sena (UBT) said the party was firm on the candidates already declared. He said that Ramtek and Kolhapur seats were theirs but had to concede them to Congress. So, why not get Sangli in return? he asked. Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam, who wants Mumbai North-West seat, said the party should break the alliance with Shiv Sena (UBT) if it was not honouring the agreements.

Mumbai police seize mephedrone worth 245 crore from factory in Sangli district; six held

Working on leads, the Mumbai Crime Branch on Monday raided a farm at Irali village in Sangli district.

Uddhav Nominates 17 Candidates, MVA Begins To Crumble

Shiv Sena UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray. (PTI) Shiv Sena UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray. (PTI) Mumbai: Cracks in the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance in Maharashtra were further widened with the Congress left fuming after the announcement of 17 candidates by the Shiv Sena (UBT) for the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls. The Congress expressed its displeasure over Uddhav Thackeray unilaterally announcing the candidates when the negotiations were still about the contentious seats. The Shiv Sena (UBT), a constituent of the MVA, on Wednesday released its first list of 17 candidates. They include the contentious seats of Sangli and Mumbai South Central, where ally Congress also wants to field its own candidates. The Shiv Sena (UBT) has named Chandrahar Patil and Anil Desai as candidates for the Sangli and Mumbai South Central seats respectively. Sangli was once a bastion of Congress, but since 2014, the seat has been wrested by the BJP MP Sanjay Patil. The Sena has denied Congress claims on the seat by announcing Chandrahar Patil as its candidate. According to Sena, they have swapped Sangli for Kolhapur seat, where the Congress has fielded Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, a descendent of legendary Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The congress had also staked its claim on the Mumbai South Central seat, currently represented by Rahul Shewale of the Shinde-led Shiv Sena. The Congress reportedly wanted to field its Mumbai president and former Maharashtra minister Varsha Gaikwad from there but the Shiv Sena (UBT) has now announced Anil Desai, a trusted confidante of Thackeray whose Rajya Sabha term ended this year, as its candidate for the seat. Congress legislative party leader Balasaheb Thorat expressed unhappiness over the Uddhav Thackeray-led Senas first list, saying the party should have avoided declaring candidates for seats about which discussions were still going on. It is important that everyone should follow the coalition dharma. We hope the Sena will rethink its decision, he said. Varsha Gaikwad said she had conveyed her unhappiness to the party high command about the Senas decisions on Sangli and seats in Mumbai, which were still being discussed. The Sena should not have done that. We will take further action based on guidance from the party leadership, she said. Former Congress MP Sanjay Nirupam urged his party to break the alliance with the Shiv Sena (UBT). I appeal to the Congress leadership to intervene otherwise break the alliance with Shiv Sena. I am not a person who is sitting without any option. I have all options open. Now it will be aar ya paar, he said. Nirupam, who lost in the Mumbai North West constituency in the last two elections, wanted to contest the poll for a third time. However, the Sena (UBT) has announced Amol Kirtikar as its candidate for the seat. When asked, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut said such things happen in an alliance, adding that these dynamics would not affect the MVA. We had a sitting MP in Ramtek but the Congress candidate has even filed a nomination. So its fine. Alliances work like this, he said.

Mumbai Police Seize Mephedrone Worth Rs 245 Crore from Factory in Sangli District; Six Held

The latest haul, which also saw the arrest of six persons including mephedrone maker Pravin Shinde, was the outcome of an investigation after police seized drugs worth Rs 7 crore in Mumbai last month

Tussle Over Mumbai Seat In Maha Vikas Aghadi

Seventeen names have been released by the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena, including for four seats in Mumbai. Sangli, which was a dispute between the Congress and the Sena, has now been given to Sena's Chandrahar Patil. Till yesterday, the Congress was keen on this seat - considered a Congress stronghold. The tussle over Mumbai (North West) has been settled with Sena's Amol Kirtikar fielded from the seat. Anil Desai has been announced from Mumbai (South Central). Sanjay Patil is set to contest from Mumbai's northeast which saw a fight between the NCP and the Sena.

MVA in trouble ? Congress expresses displeasure over Shiv Sena's (UBT) Sangali candidature

Maharashtra Congress expressed displeasure over Uddhav Thackeray led Shiv Sena (UBT) for declaring Sangali and few Mumbai Lok Sabha seats where both the parties had staked a strong claim. Uddhav Thackeray led Shiv Sena declared its 17 Lok Sabha candidates on Wednesday morning including Chandrahar Patil for Sangali Lok Sabha seat. Besides, the party also declared candidates for Mumbai Lok Sabha seats even when the discussion on these seats were on with Congress. The Sangli Lok Sabha seat was a bone of contention between Congress and Shiv Sena, as both the parties had put their claims over this particular seat and were keen to contest it. However, Uddhav Thackeray declared his candidate Chandrahar Patil for the Sangali Lok sabha seat on Wednesday along with four other contentious seats. Congress legislative party leader Balasaheb Thorat expressing his displeasure said that Uddhav Thackeray should not have declared the candidates for Sangli and other Mumbai Lok sabha seats, when the discussion and negotiations for these seats were in process. Thorat also said that it is not too late for Uddhav Thackeray to rethink and rescind his decision over Sangli Lok Sabha seat. He said that in a coalition, an alliance partner like Uddhav Thackeray has to follow the alliance Dharma for the larger interest of the alliance. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said that they are firm on the declared candidates. He also said that Ramtek and Kolhapur constituencies were theirs but had to concede it to Congress so why not get Sangali in return? On the other hand, Congress has argued that in Sangli, they have got a strong candidate like Vishal Patil, the grandson of former Maharashtra Chief Minister Vasant Dada Patil. He said Congress has solid network of workers in the constituency while Shiv Sena has significant presence. Why should we just throw away the seat when we have strong candidate ? In this election, each Lok sabha seat is important, said the Congress leader. Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam, who was eyeing Mumbai North West Lok Sabha seat said that Congress should break the alliance with Shiv Sena (UBT) if it is not honouring the seat sharing agreements.

Cong objects to announcement of candidates by Sena (UBT), urges it to reconsider decision

Mumbai, Mar 27 (PTI) The Maharashtra Congress on Wednesday objected to the Shiv Sena (UBT) announcing its candidates for the Bhiwandi, Mumbai South Central and Sangli Lok Sabha seats, saying MVA partners must stick to coalition dharma. Congress Legislature Party leader Balasaheb Thorat urged Sena (UBT) to reconsider its decision. However, his party colleague Sanjay Nirupam adopted a more belligerent stand, attacking their leadership for letting the Uddhav Thackeray-led outfit grab most of the seats in Mumbai. Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) constituents Congress, Sena (UBT) and NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) have been holding seat-sharing discussions for the 48 constituencies in Maharashtra, where the Lok Sabha polls will be held in five phases starting April 19. Amid the talks, Sena (UBT) earlier in the day released its first list of 17 candidates for the upcoming elections and said it will contest a total of 22 seats in the state. Congress Legislature Party leader Balasaheb Thorat said the announcement was not right. Everyone must follow coalition dharma. Shiv Sena (UBT) must reconsider its decision, Thorat said. He said the Congress is still firm on contesting from Sangli, Bhiwandi and Mumbai South Central. Unfortunately, coalition dharma hasn't been followed, he said. Thorat said his partys state unit has apprised the central leadership of the developments. The senior Congress leader also lamented that Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) leader Prakash Ambedkar has announced a separate list of candidates. Ambedkar on Wednesday announced candidates for the Lok Sabha polls in Maharashtra, accusing the MVA allies of trying to use his outfit to promote dynastic politics. Considering the prevailing political situation in the country, the Congress made a genuine attempt to reach out to all parties who believe in democracy and the Constitution, he said. Meanwhile, former Mumbai Congress chief Sanjay Nirupam slammed his party leadership for allowing Sena (UBT) to grab most seats in Mumbai. Talking to reporters, Nirupam said all options were open before him. I will wait for a week and then take a decision, he said. Nirupam, who is keen to contest the Mumbai North West parliamentary constituency, said the party leadership hasn't got in touch with him in the last fortnight. The leadership isnt bothered that injustice is being done to its leaders and workers. Shiv Sena (UBT) is making us bend and we are doing it, he said. Nirupam criticised Sena (UBT) for declaring its candidates in four out of six seats in Mumbai. It is likely that the candidate for the fifth seat will also be declared tomorrow, he claimed. He alleged that attempts are being made to bury the Congress in Mumbai and the party will pay a price for it. I give my leaders a week's time to decide, he said. Nirupam claimed that the Sena (UBT) has given the ticket in Mumbai North West to an accused in an alleged scam during the COVID-19 pandemic. I will not campaign for such a candidate. Didn't the congress leadership which speaks against corruption realise this, he asked. The Sena (UBT) has nominated Amol Kirtikar, son of Shiv Sena MP Gajanan Kirtikar who owes allegiance to CM Shinde-led Sena, from Mumbai North-West. Sena (UBT) is likely to field a candidate in Mumbai North as well, leaving only Mumbai North Central for the Congress in the megapolis. PTI MR NR Disclaimer: This article is published from a syndicated feed and has not been edited by the Deccan Chronicle team

Jolt for Aghadi alliance in Maharashtra, Prakash Ambedkar's VBA names 8 candidates

Jolt for Aghadi alliance in Maharashtra, Prakash Ambedkar's VBA names 8 candidates Prakash Ambdekar of Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi announced on Wednesday the names of eight candidates for the upcoming elections, thus indicating that it would sever its ties with Maha Vikas Aghadi, or MVA, in Maharashtra. The VBA has not yet formally announced its intention to sever its ties with the MVA in Maharashtra. VBA said the name of one more candidate for Ramtek would be announced later in the afternoon. The VBA has named candidates for seats like Gadhciroli, Gondiua and Chandrapur where the Congress has already named candidates. The UBT Sena had announced a candidate for Sangli seat on Wednesday. The names of the candidates were announced following a meeting of the Maharashtra State Committee of the Vanchit Bahujan Aaghadi on Tuesday. The VBA State Committee has decided not to field a candidate from Nagpur Parliamentary Constituency. VBA will support the candidate of the Indian National Congress from the Nagpur Parliamentary Constituency, the party said in a press release. With this announcement it is curtains for the expanded Maha Vikas Aghadi with Ambedkar's party contesting outside the alliance that comprises the Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress, and NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar). The VBA had been pushing hard to forge an alliance with the MVA to take on the Bharatiya Janata Party-led NDA in the Lok Sabha elections. Uddhav faction leader and spokesperson Anand Dubey said, We had decided to work with the VBA. Everything was okay. Today, by announcing the candidates, has he indicated that he will help the BJP through a backdoor channel. Has he not decided to work as the B Team of the BJP? We are not saying this. The public is asking this question. If our message is to defeat the BJP, then why should we go solo in the elections, he asked the VBA leadership. The state will vote in five phases for 48 constituencies in the upcoming general elections. Lok Sabha Elections 2024 would be held in seven phases, starting on April 19 and ending on June 1. The results will be declared on June 4. (ANI)

LS poll: Sena-UBT releases 1st list amid rift with Cong

The Sena-UB has fielded popular wrestler Chandrahar Patil from Sangli despite the Congress announcing Vishal Patil's name from the same seat.

Mephedrone worth Rs 150 crore seized from drug manufacturing unit in Sangli district

Mephedrone worth Rs 150 crore seized from drug manufacturing unit in Sangli district The Mumbai Police unearthed a drug manufacturing unit in Maharashtra's Sangli district and seized more than 100 kg of mephedrone valued at over Rs 150 crore, an official said on Tuesday. Based on specific inputs, crime branch sleuths conducted a raid and discovered the drug manufacturing unit at Irali village on Sunday evening, he said. The unit was situated in a farm, from where the police seized more than 100 kg of mephedrone, a synthetic stimulant drug, valued at over Rs 150 crore, the official said. Police also recovered raw materials used in manufacturing drugs, he said. Earlier, a Pune Police team had seized 150 kg of mephedrone by raiding three locations in Kupwad in Sangli District and arrested three persons.

VBA to announce decision regarding Maha Vikas Aghadi on Mar 27

Mumbai, Mar 26 (PTI) Prakash Ambedkar-led Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) will clear its stand on whether to join the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi or not on Wednesday. The working committee of VBA will hold a meeting on Tuesday night, and our chief Prakash Ambedkar will announce a decision on Wednesday at his home district Akola regarding whether to join hands with the MVA or not, Siddharth Mokle, chief spokesperson and state vice president of VBA, told reporters. The Maha Vikas Aghadi comprises the Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress, and NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar). Notably, the VBA has been trying hard to forge an alliance with the MVA to challenge the BJP-led NDA. Mokle claimed a false picture is being portrayed to show that VBA was responsible for the delay by MVA in finalising a seat-sharing formula for Lok Sabha elections. The VBA was constantly making statements and informing its supporters about the progress in the seat-sharing formula. The MVA constituents have a dispute over 15 parliamentary constituencies. While Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) are at loggerheads in 10 seats, all three parties have staked claims on the remaining five seats, he added. The VBA had damaged the prospects of UPA candidates in Nanded, Solapur, Hatkanangale, Beed, Parbhani and Sangli seats, to name a few, in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, which ultimately helped NDA. PTI ND NSK Disclaimer: This article is published from a syndicated feed and has not been edited by the Deccan Chronicle team

Maharashtra Cong asks Uddhav, Sr Pawar to agree to Ambedkar proposal on seat-sharing

Mumbai, Mar 26 (PTI) Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole on Tuesday asked Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) allies Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) to agree to a seat-sharing formula for Lok Sabha polls proposed by the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) led by Prakash Ambedkar, the grandson of B R Ambedkar, in the state. He expressed disappointment over Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray unilaterally announcing his party's candidate for the Sangli Lok Sabha seat, which Congress traditionally contests. Everybody needs to stick to the framework of an alliance. The Congress is taking steps to forge an alliance, and Uddhav Thackeray and Sharad Pawar (chief of NCP-SP) need to agree to the proposal moved by Prakash Ambedkar-led Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi, Patole said. The Congress leader, however, did not elaborate on Ambedkar's proposal for a tie-up in Maharashtra between the four parties. Patole made the statement on the eve of the deadline for filing nominations for the first phase of Lok Sabha elections. In Maharashtra, the first phase covers five Lok Sabha seats in the Vidarbha region -- Ramtek, Nagpur, Bhandara-Gondia, Gadchiroli-Chimur and Chandrapur. He spoke to reporters after Congress candidate Vikas Thakre filed his nomination from Nagpur, where Union minister Nitin Gadkari is the BJP nominee. The state Congress chief appeared miffed with the Shiv Sena (UBT) for announcing its candidate for the Sangli Lok Sabha seat in western Maharashtra. The Congress traditionally contests Sangli and Bhiwandi (in Thane district) Lok Sabha seats. What happened in Sangli is not right. The Congress party has good candidates for both the seats, Patole told reporters. The VBA had contested the 2019 parliamentary elections separately. According to political analysts, the Ambedkar-led outfit cut into the votes of Congress and undivided NCP candidates, and indirectly helped nominees of the BJP and united Shiv Sena on several seats. Of the 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra, the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance won 41 last time. PTI ND RSY Disclaimer: This article is published from a syndicated feed and has not been edited by the Deccan Chronicle team

Mumbai police seize 100 kg MD drug from Sangli factory

In yet another major haul, a team of Mumbai Police raided a factory at Irli village in Kavathe-Mahankal tehsil of the district on Monday and recovered more than 100 kg MD (mephedrone) drugs worth over Rs 150 crore in international market.

Dynasties, old rivalries trouble Maharashtra alliances

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party-Shiv Sena-Nationalist Congress Party alliance and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi are facing multiple problems in Lok Sabha seats like Sangli, Madha and Satara in western Maharashtra due to political dynasties, old rivalries and one-upmanship, prompting a flurry of meetings before five phase polls begin in the state on April 19.

Dynasties, old rivalries give ruling alliance, MVA headaches in western Maharashtra

Mumbai: The ruling BJP-Shiv Sena-NCP alliance and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi are facing multiple problems in Lok Sabha seats like Sangli, Madha and Satara in western Maharashtra due to political dynasties, old rivalries and one-upmanship, prompting a flurry of meetings before five phase polls begin in the state on April 19. In Sangli, a Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .