LS polls: Ahead of remaining two phases in Maharashtra, focus shifts to onion belt

The state has 22 onion-producing districts across 13 parliamentary constituencies where growers have been impacted by the Centre's moves over the kitchen staple. Of these seats, Solapur, Latur, Baramati and Osmanabad went to polls in the third phase on May 7.

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.

Solapur's heat dampens voters' spirits in hotly contested seat

Virbhave endured scorching heat while voting, facing challenges like lack of chairs for senior citizens. Solapur's high temperature impacted voter turnout. Praniti Shinde aims to break BJP's winning streak in a closely contested election.

Who'll win the mega battle in Maharashtra?

Jamlelya deshbhakta bandhawano, bhaginino aani maatano The words ring out from a stage in Solapur, the textile town once known as the Manchester of Maharashtra. Rendered in EnglishAll my ...

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.

Pune-based artist Nilesh accuses NCP SCP MLA Rohit Pawar of not paying bills for his artwork

Pune-based artist Nilesh accuses NCP SCP MLA Rohit Pawar of not paying bills for his artwork A Pune-based artist Nilesh has accused NCP SCP MLA Rohit Pawar of not paying his dues for multiple artworks he did in his assembly constituency. He made wall paintings in Karjat Jamkhed in Ahmednagar, the assembly constituency of Rohit Pawar. The work was done during the Covid period and the pending amount is Rs 16 lakh. He told ANI, My name is Nilesh artist, I do wall painting work. During the lockdown, Rohit Pawar and Amol Kolhe had come to inaugurate a painting of Shivaji Maharaj that I had made on the wall. During the event, Rohit Pawar appreciated my work and said we would give him more work. Rohit Pawar used to do very good work for the youth then. I am from a poor family, coming from Solapur. I am staying in Pune with my mother. After the program, Rohit Pawar sent one car for me the very next day and also finalized some locations in his constituency Karjat Jamkhed where I was asked to make paintings and those were very big paintings, he added. He said that he has been facing financial issues for the last few years and had made the request to Rohit Pawar and his office but got no response and he is feeling helpless now. He continued, I was given the work of painting, there were two-three children along with me who were also involved in this work. Five of us together worked there for 3 months to make paintings. Meanwhile, my grandmother had also passed away, for which I had also spent a lot. I continued the work for which I had also asked for some money from Rohit Pawar ji but he told me that there was no need to send any bill etc. I felt that he was helping us artists during the lockdown. Later. When the work was over, I followed him many times but then he stopped picking up the phone and stopped replying to the messages, I tried to contact him through the phone, and I also sent messages to some of his workers. In between, my financial situation had deteriorated a lot, my brother also had an accident, then I had requested many times to give me my money but there was no response from there, said the artist. He shared that he is going through a lot of financial issues, I don't even have my own house, I am going through a lot of problems but no reply came from them. I want Rohit Pawar ji to pay my outstanding so that I can do something for myself with this money, he concluded. (ANI)

Former Maharashtra CM Sushil Kumar Shinde and his daughter Solapur Lok Sabha candidate Praniti Shinde cast their votes

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Ajit Pawar, Sunetra Pawar, Praniti Shinde among early voters in Maha

Pune/Solapur: Voting started for 11 constituencies in the third phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections with prominent personalities like Chhatrapati Shrimant Shahu Maharaj, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) President Ajit Pawar and Congress Solapur candidate Praniti Shinde among the early voters in Baramati seat, here Tuesday. Accompanied by members of []

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.

Daughter looks to avenge Shinde losses as BJP eyes hat-trick in Maharashtra's Solapur

BJP trying to counter Congresss No-Development salvo by highlighting Centres funding in last 10 years

Voting commences for 11 Lok Sabha constituencies in Maharashtra

Voting commences for 11 Lok Sabha constituencies in Maharashtra Polling began Tuesday morning for 11 of the 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra, including 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. Polling began at 7 am and will end at 6 pm at the 23,036 polling centres, set up for the third phase of the elections, an official said. The seats where polling is taking place 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, the 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. 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.

Stretches on Solapur, Nagar roads to be free of signals

Maharashtra police book Telangana MLA Raja Singh for hate speech

Goshamahal BJP MLA T Raja Singh has been once again booked for delivering hate speech against minorities by the Maharashtra police. The Bharatiya Janata Party leader was booked on Monday, May 7, for delivering an inflammatory speech at the Hindu Jan Akrosh Morcha rally organized by the Sakal Hindu Samaj in Solapur the previous day. 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 .

Nagpur boils at 43 deg Celsius, Akola hottest in State with 44.4

Nagpur: The summer heat is showing no mercy and is breaking its own records daily in Vidarbha. Akola once again became the hottest place in Maharashtra on the second consecutive day. The maximum temperature of Akola on Sunday was 44.4 degrees Celsius which was equal to that in Solapur (44.4 degrees Celsius) of Central Maharashtra. [] The post Nagpur boils at 43 deg Celsius, Akola hottest in State with 44.4 appeared first on Nagpur Today : Nagpur News .

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.

Government sources: Election Commission's approval secured before lifting onion export ban

Government sources: Election Commission's approval secured before lifting onion export ban The Centre has taken permission from the Election Commission to lift the ban on exports of onion in view of the ongoing implementation of the Model Code of Conduct due to the Lok Sabha elections, sources said. According to government sources, the Department of Revenue under the finance ministry took the permission from the Election Commission to lift the ban on onion exports, subject to conditions of 40 per cent export duty, and also a minimum export price (MEP) of USD 550 per tonne. The government on Saturday lifted the ban on onion exports, a decision that can help boost income of a large section of farmers and comes ahead of the Lok Sabha polls in key producing regions including Maharashtra. The government has imposed a minimum export price (MEP) of USD 550 per tonne (around Rs 46 per kg) as well as 40 per cent export duty. Taking duty into account, the shipments will not be allowed below USD 770 per tonne (around Rs 64 per kg). The decision to lift the ban on exports of onion was on the recommendation of the Department of Consumer Affairs, which monitors the availability and price situation of onion in the country. On December 8 last year, the Centre had banned onion exports in early December to control retail prices amid concerns over likely fall in production. During the last 4-5 years, the country annually exported between 17 lakh and 25 lakh tonnes of onions. Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare on Saturday said the lifting of the ban would not lead to any price rise in retail markets. ''Prices will remain stable. If at all there is any increase, it should be very marginal,'' she said on Saturday, while asserting that the government is committed to protect the interests of both consumers and farmers. The directorate general of foreign trade (DGFT) in a notification on May 4, said that ''the export policy of onions is amended from prohibited to free subject to MEP of USD 550 per metric tonne with immediate effect and until further orders.'' On May 3, the finance ministry imposed a 40 per cent export duty. The decision assumes importance as it comes before the crucial Lok Sabha polls in key onion belts like Nashik, Ahmednagar and Solapur in Maharashtra. Farmers of this region have been demanding a lifting of the ban so that they can get a better price for their produce. Explaining the rationale behind the decision, Khare said the ''ban on onion exports has been removed from today (Saturday) because the supply situation is comfortable and prices are stable in both mandies as well as retail markets.'' The modal price at Lasalgaon mandi in Nashik was Rs 15 per kg in April. She said the decision has been taken after considering the latest estimates of onion production in rabi season at 191 lakh tonnes, which is comfortable. Availability and prices of onion in global markets were also factored in while taking this decision. The secretary said the monthly domestic demand of onion is around 17 lakh tonnes. ''Lifting of the ban would also encourage the farmers to put more area under onions. The monsoon forecast is above normal,'' Khare said. The secretary noted that the decision has been taken after wider discussions with stakeholders. A high-level team also visited key onion producing belts in Maharashtra to assess the ground situation. Khare also pointed out that the shelf life of onions is less and therefore a need was felt to export onions. The secretary said that the government is procuring 5 lakh tonnes of onions as buffer stock, so that it can intervene in the market in case of price rise. ''We are continuously monitoring the prices of all essential food items. We will continue to keep a watch on the availability and price situation,'' she said. A senior government official explained that there is an inter-ministerial committee (IMC) which reviews the prices, production, availability and exports of essential food items including onions. ''So do not think of this as an isolated instance of decision making by IMC,'' the official said, when asked whether the decision has been made in view of general elections. The official said the IMC has been taking a series of steps in various commodities including wheat and rice to boost domestic supply and keep prices under check. In March, the Union Agriculture Ministry released the data for onion production. As per the data, onion production in 2023-24 (First Advance Estimates) is expected to be around 254.73 lakh tonnes compared to around 302.08 lakh tonnes last year. This is due to a decrease of 34.31 lakh tonnes output in Maharashtra, 9.95 lakh tonnes in Karnataka, 3.54 lakh tonnes in Andhra Pradesh and 3.12 lakh tonnes in Rajasthan, the data showed. Last month, in an official statement, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution said the government has allowed export of 99,150 tonnes of onion to six neighbouring countries of Bangladesh, UAE, Bhutan, Bahrain, Mauritius and Sri Lanka. The Congress last month accused the Narendra Modi government of ''callously neglecting'' Maharashtra's onion farmers affected due to the ban on onion exports and said that its manifesto promises a predictable import-export policy to prevent such catastrophic last-minute policies being imposed on farmers.

Maharashtra: Locals urge govts intervention over water crisis in Solapur

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Maharashtra MLAs Seek Maiden Parliament Term from Solapur

Maharashtra MLAs Seek Maiden Parliament Term from Solapur The fight for the Solapur Lok Sabha seat in Maharashtra is between two sitting MLAs who are trying their fortunes for the first time in parliamentary politics. Congress candidate and former Maharashtra chief minister Sushilkumar Shinde's daughter Praniti Shinde is a three-time MLA from the Solapur City Central assembly constituency while BJP nominee Ram Satpute represents the Malshiras assembly segment. Praniti is the third member of the Shinde family who is contesting the election from the Solapur Lok Sabha seat. Her father represented this constituency thrice - in 1998, 1999 and 2009, but he could not win the election in 2014 and 2019. In 2004, her mother Ujwala Shinde contested the seat unsuccessfully. Historically, the Solapur seat has been a stronghold of the Congress, but the party lost it seat in 2014 and again in 2019. It is currently represented by Jai Siddheshwar Shivacharya Swami of the BJP. It 2014, it was represented by another party leader Sharad Bansode. Polling for this seat will be held in the third phase on May 7. Solapur district is located close to the Karnataka border. It is famous for ''Solapuri chaddar'', its cotton blankets. It is also known for the handloom and powerloom industry and leads the state in the manufacturing of beedis, hand-rolled cigarettes wrapped in tendu leaves. One of the biggest issues that haunts the district is shortage of water, with locals saying that they get water once in six to seven days. Another matter of concern is unemployment with the locals saying that industrial development was missing in the region. Rahul Gaikwad of the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) led by Prakash Ambedkar, son of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, withdrew from the poll race on the final day of withdrawal of nomination forms. The All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) did not field a candidate this time even as it had received a significant number of votes in the last election. The VBA has now supported independent candidate Atish Bansode. Praniti Shinde, who is fighting her maiden Lok Sabha election, said, ''Solapur is a big constituency with a different set of problems. I have tried to cover each assembly constituency here by going there and understanding the problems faced by the people to see how they suffered under the BJP rule.'' On the Congress's allegation that the BJP was ignoring the issue of water scarcity in Solapur, Satpute said, ''It is just Congress' narrative. I want the residents of Solapur to know that a water scheme worth Rs 650 crore of a parallel pipeline has been planned by the Centre to bring water from Ujani dam to Solapur. The work is underway and in the coming five months, the water woes will be resolved.'' ''In the nearby Akkalkot region, water was made available for irrigation purposes by the Modi government, but for 40 years, Congress did not do anything,'' he alleged. Satpute expressed confidence that the BJP will retain power for the third time in the constituency. ''Her (Praniti's) father (Sushilkumar Shinde) faced defeat in Lok Sabha polls from here twice. Our party leader Subash Deshmukh defeated her mother (Ujwala Shinde). This is for the fourth time that the Congress gave a ticket to a member of the same family because they didn't find any other party worker. She will also be defeated now. The Solapur voter is intelligent and will choose BJP,'' he said. The handloom and powerloom weaving industry provides employment to a large number of workers. There are 115 units of 29 various beedi factories and there are about 70,000 women who are involved in the beedi-making process, while the number of factory workers is 1,725 in the district, according to official figures. One of the issues faced by the women who make the beedis at home is that since 2016, the wages they used to get every week as cash, now get deposited in the bank once a month. Shinde said, ''Beedi workers took a big hit when demonetisation happened. They used to get paid in cash on a weekly basis, but they don't get cash any more, which is an issue for them. Daily wage workers need cash in hand and demonetisation did not have a desired effect. Why they imposed it is still a mystery.'' To campaign for Satpute, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held an election rally in Solapur on April 29, while Uddhav Thackeray addressed a public meeting the same day to drum up support for Shinde.

Constituency Watch: Solapur Cong hopes to regain lost glory, BJP aims to score hat-trick by betting big on young blood

Mumbai, May 3: The Congress and the BJP are locked in a direct fight in Solapur Lok Sabha reserved constituency in Maharashtra. Both parties have fielded young Legislators in a bid to lure Millennials. The constituency has traditionally been a Congress bastion, but since 2014 the BJP has made sufficient inroads. The Congress has fielded [] The post Constituency Watch: Solapur Cong hopes to regain lost glory, BJP aims to score hat-trick by betting big on young blood appeared first on The Shillong Times .

Maha plan as Maha Vikas Aghadi holds joint rallies to counter PM's brisk campaign

MUMBAI: The Maha Vikas Aghadi has started holding joint rallies for Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra in a bid to counter the impact of Prime Minister Narendra Modis brisk campaign in the state. Organising rallies at the same places where the PM addressed meetings, the opposition alliance is raising local issues and failures of the Modi government. The MVA has lined up a mega plan of Utara Sabha (dilute rallies) in an attempt to neutralise the Modi impact, alliance leaders said. PM Modi had addressed nine rallies in 2019 but this time he has already addressed a dozen meets in the state and the number may go up to 18 till the end of the elections, BJP leaders said. The MVA has held rallies in Amaravati, Solapur, Pune, and Kolhapur soon after Modi hit the campaign trail in those places. In the MVA joint rallies, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray and NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar are the star campaigners, besides Congress leader Balasaheb Thorat and AAPs Sanjay Singh. We are keeping our campaign rallies focused on state issues and injustice done to me and Sharad Pawar with the breaking of their parties, Thackeray said. He said Modi made tall promises, such as crediting Rs 10 lakh to each persons bank account, doubling farmers' income and MSP, but in the last 10 years his government failed to deliver on them. If Modi comes again, then it will be the last elections. They will also replace the Constitution because of BJPs hatred towards Maharashtra and BR Ambedkar, the architect of the Constitution, Thackeray said. BJP leaders have trashed the INDIA blocs allegation about a plan to change the Constitution. In the joint rallies, Pawar is focusing on farmers issues and reminding people of farm loan waiver during his tenure in the UPA government.

Jumping spiders 2 new species found in Solapur & Dharashiv

Without candidates of VBA & AIMIM, Congress may do well in Solapur

The BJP's struggle in Solapur is evident as the constituency continues to face water supply issues despite having a BJP MP for the past decade. With unresolved problems plaguing the region, the Congress sees an opportunity to gain an edge in the upcoming elections. Praniti Shinde, the Congress candidate and current Solapur City Central MLA, has garnered support from various communities, including Dalits, Veershaiva Lingayats, Dhangars, and Muslims.

Maharashtra Premier League: Ratnagiri Jets look to double their championship streak

Maharashtra Premier League: Ratnagiri Jets look to double their championship streak The Ratnagiri Jets snagged a total of seven players at the Maharashtra Premier League Player Auction to complete their squad. The defending champions, Ratnagiri Jets went to the auction with the most retained players out of all the teams and had a clear vision of the gaps that they needed to fill for the upcoming season of the MPL. The management's auction strategy was simple and focused on the skill set that the team needed. The gaps identified by the Ratnagiri Jets drove the decisions that they made at the auction successfully as they picked up a replacement wicketkeeper in the form of Abhishek Pawar because the number of matches has almost doubled this season. The team needed another fast bowler, Piyush Kamal and the most exciting new signee came in the form of Satyajeet Bachhav, undoubtedly one of the best left-arm spinner in the state. We began as defending champions, but that is the distant past. Our focus is on the present, as our responsibility to prepare for the contest began a while back and will never end. We look forward to the challenges this new season brings, said Ranjit Pande, Head Coach. In Season 1, our unity and dedication propelled us to victory. Now, as we announce our Season 2 lineup, the responsibility weighs even heavier on our shoulders. But with the same unwavering teamwork and commitment, we're ready to take on the challenge, aiming higher and flying further as Ratnagiri Jets, said Rakesh Navani, Team Owner, Ratnagiri Jets. Led by Azim Kazi, a seasoned campaigner for Maharashtra, the Ratnagiri Jets won the inaugural season of the MPL which made the decision very easy to retain most of the squad. The first season of the MPL showed the willingness of the players to put their hand up for the team and there was a total of 5 different Man of the Matches that the team won, which is a testament to the number of match winners that Ratnagiri Jets can boast of. The bowlers of Ratnagiri Jets have been stand-out performers with Kunal Thorat bagging 2 wickets vs the Solapur Royals, Divyang Hinganekar getting a scalp and scoring a crucial 46 off 15 balls to win against Chhatrapati Sambhaji Kings, Captain Azim Kazi cleaned out 3 wickets vs the Eagle Nashik Titans and Vijay Pawale also took home the man of the match awards for their crucial two wickets each versus the Puneri Bappa and Kolhapur Tuskers respectively. The second edition of the MPL will begin on June 2 and the Ratnagiri Jets aim to repeat their performance by solely focusing on the processes that were responsible for winning them the cup the first time around. The team has started training together and will continue to build on the plans that have been laid out by the coaching staff. Ratnagiri Jets Final Squad: Abhishek Pawar (WK), Akhilesh Gawale, Azim Kazi (C), Dhiraj Phatangare, Divyang Hinganekar, Kiran Chormale, Krish Shahapurkar, Kunal Thorat, Nikhil Naik (WK), Nikit Dhumal, Piyush Kamal, Pradeep Dadhe, Preetam Patil, Rohit Patil, Sahil Churi, Sangram Bhalekar, Satyajeet Bacchav, Tushar Shrivastav, Vaibhav Chowghule, Vijay Pawale, Yash Borkar, Yogesh Chavan. (ANI)

Maharashtra: A Leading Economic Force and Pioneer in Cyber Security Implementation, Says Governor Bais

Maharashtra: A Leading Economic Force and Pioneer in Cyber Security Implementation, Says Governor Bais Maharashtra Governor Ramesh Bais on Wednesday called the state an economic powerhouse that played a key role in the country's development, and said it was leading in the implementation of cyber security. He was speaking during the Maharashtra Foundation Day event held at Shivaji Park in central Mumbai's Dadar area. ''Maharashtra is leading when it comes to implementing cyber security and providing cyber services to businesses and individuals. Maharashtra has the biggest strength in its population, which is hard-working, enterprising, and progressive. It is also an important centre when it comes to industrial manufacturing and the financial and service sectors,'' he said. In addition to Mumbai, cities like Pune, Nashik, Nagpur, Kolhapur, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and Solapur are power centres for various sectors, he said. The geographical condition of Maharashtra is conducive to industrial development, and the state has always been a centre of attraction for investment, be it domestic or foreign, the governor said. ''Our state is an economic and financial powerhouse which has always played an important role in the infrastructure development of the country. Maharashtra is one of the leading states when it comes to agriculture, industrial products and manufacturing, trade and transportation,'' he said. Talking about Maharashtra capital Mumbai, he said the city made a big contribution to the state's overall development since it houses the headquarters of most banks, corporate houses, and financial institutions. ''India's biggest share market and the film industry are also in Mumbai, and this city is one of the important ports, which witnesses international trade in a big way,'' Bais said. ''One can have a glimpse of India through the diversity of Maharashtra, one of the states with the highest literacy. Our state has various high-quality universities and vocational training institutes that attract students, researchers, and scholars from all over the world,'' he said. Maharashtra has a rich tradition and cultural heritage with the legacy of the Warkari sect and saints. It has a big coastline with hill ranges, forests, forts, river basins and plateaus along with sanctuaries like Tadoba, Melghat and Pench, which are rich in biodiversity. Maharashtra, with all these heritage attractions, attracts Indian and foreign tourists who refer to it as the most favoured destination, the governor said. On the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, Bais said, ''I appeal to everyone to exercise their franchise by voting and participating in this festival of democracy.''

'Opposition lying, won't allow Congress to change Constitution', says Modi

MUMBAI: Modi sought to warn the people against Congress' attempt to take away the SC, ST and SC community reservations and give away to Muslims. The PM said the Opposition was spreading rumours that the BJP would change the Constitution. Don't believe such rumours. As long as I am alive, I will not allow the Congress to change the Constitution, Modi said. The government removed Article 370 from J&K and enforced Dr BR Ambedkar's Constitution there. Why couldn't the Congress do this earlier? With the enforcement of the Indian constitution, people of J&K are getting their rights. We got freedom but Congress wants to keep our people as mental slaves. We also changed the flag of the Indian Navy by replacing the British emblem with Shivaji Maharaj's Shivmudra emblem, he added. The Opposition says we would change the Constitution, will end the reservations etc. I am surprised why the Opposition needs to lie while campaigning in elections, Modi said. At Malshiras in Solapur district, the PM continued his attack on the NCP (SP) leader Sharad Pawar, saying he did not do much for farmers while being the Union agriculture minister, and added that it was now time to punish him. He taunted the opposition Congress, saying it was not able to field even 275 candidates in the Lok Sabha elections, and appealed to people not to waste their vote by supporting the grand old party. Targeting Pawar with out mentioning his name, Modi said, Fifteen years ago, a stalwart leader had come to contest an election here. It is being said that he took an oath before a setting sun that he will bring water to the drought-affected region here. Was he able to bring water here? Time has come to punish him, Modi said. Be it in Vidarbha or Marathwada, the sin of depriving people from water has been happening for years. now, he said. The PM said people are seeing the difference between his government's 10 years and Congress rule of 60 years. Congress leaders kept talking about eradicating poverty in every poll but would not do anything after that, he said. In the last 10 years, our government is able to bring 25 crore people out of poverty and 80 crore are getting free ration, he said.

India Attacks Terrorists on Their Home Turf: Modi

MUMBAI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said under the BJP-led government Aaj Bharat ghar mein ghus ke marta hai (today, India kills terrorists on their home turf), unlike the practice during the Congress regime of sending dossiers on terror attacks. The Prime Minister addressed three back to back rallies at Malshiras in Solapur district, Dharashiv (formerly Osmanabad) and Latur before heading to Telangana. During the Congress regime, the news headlines were about India handing over another dossier to Pakistan about terror activities. It used to be big news. Some of our friends in the media used to clap after any such dossier was sent, Modi said at an election rally in Latur. But, the headlines in Naya Bharat are: Mission LoC, India punishes Pakistan through surgical strikes, Modi said. Modi also claimed that the I.N.D.I.A. bloc has come up with a formula whereby the parties in the Opposition alliance will get the PMs post for one year each if they come to power. With such a system, the good of the country cannot be expected, Modi said. Targeting NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) chief Sharad Pawar at an election rally at Malshiras, under the Madha parliamentary seat, Modi said the NCP founder did not do much for farmers when he was the Union agriculture minister and it was now time to punish him. A stalwart leader had come to contest an election here 15 years ago. It is being said that he took an oath before a setting sun that he will bring water to the drought-affected region here. Was he able to bring water here? So time has come to punish him, Modi said. Pawar had contested from the Madha seat in the 2009 general election. It was his last Lok Sabha election. Modi said that the NCP founder did not muster courage to contest election from Madha again. The Prime Minister said that he did not want to criticize anyone but wanted to apprise the truth to the farmers of the country and Maharashtra.

Splitting of NCP and Shiv Sena, clan prestige loom large ahead of Phase 3 Lok Sabha polls in Maharashtra

The prestige of Maharashtras most influential political clans the Pawars (Baramati), the Ranes (Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg), the Shindes (Solapur), the Tatkares (Raigad) hang in the balance in a string of high profile contests

Modi targets Sharad Pawar on his work as agriculture minister; says it's now time to punish him

Addressing a rally in Maharashtras Solapur district, he taunted the Congress party, saying it was not able to field even 275 candidates in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, and appealed to people not to waste their vote on the Congress

Couldn't even provide farmers water to irrigate fields in 60 years: PM Modi guns for Congress

Couldn't even provide farmers water to irrigate fields in 60 years: PM Modi guns for Congress Firing a fresh salvo at the Congress over its track of governance at the Centre, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said even after holding the country's reins for 60 years, they could not even give farmers water to irrigate their fields even as other countries propelled towards progress and prosperity. Addressing a mega public meeting at Madha in the Solapur Lok Sabha constituency of Maharashtra, PM Modi gunned for the Congress, saying, The country gave the Congress a chance to rule the country for 60 years. Over the course of these six decades, many countries made rapid transitions towards development and prosperity while we lagged on several fronts. The Congress could not even provide water to our farmers to irrigate their fields. When I took office in 2014, there were about 100 irrigation projects that had been stuck in red tape for decades. Of these, 26 projects were for Maharashtra. Just imagine the extent to which Congress betrayed Maharashtra. Also taking a swipe at NCP (SCP) chief Sharad Pawar over his tenure as Union Agriculture Minister under the Congress-led UPA at the Centre (2004-2014), PM Modi said Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) for sugarcane has increased under his tenure. When the remote-controlled government (a dig at Congress-led UPA government under then PM Manmohan Singh) was in power 10 years ago, a powerful leader of Maharashtra (Sharad Pawar) used to be the Agriculture minister. When powerful leaders from here ruled from Delhi, the FRP of sugarcane was around Rs 200 per quintal and today, under Modi's term, the FRP has increased to Rs 350 per quintal, he said. Earlier, in February, the central cabinet approved the 'Fair and Remunerative Price' (FRP) for sugarcane payable by sugar factories for the season 2024-25 (October-September). With this approval, sugar mills have to now pay an FRP at Rs 340/quintal to sugarcane growers on the recovery of 10.25 per cent. Prime Minister Modi alleged that the previous Congress governments in Maharashtra looted the funds that were allocated by the Centre for the state's farmers. In the previous years, the Congress (governments) gobbled up whatever little funds were allocated by the central government for the farmers here. However, it is your son now who sits in Delhi. We will ensure that every penny that comes from Delhi goes directly into your account, PM Modi said. Underscoring the role have to play towards building a 'Viksit Bharat' (developed India), PM Modi said, Your Modi has left no stone unturned to empower women. Thousands of women have joined Self Help Groups in the past 10 years. Women are contributing increasingly to the ongoing development of villages. We have made 1 crore women Lakhpati Didis. The country will soon have 3 crore Lakhpati Didis and this is my guarantee! he said. Polling for 11 seats in Maharashtra will be held in the third phase on May 7. Of the 48 seats in the state, voting in 13 was conducted across the first and second phases. (ANI)

Yogi Adityanath to up ante against Didi in West Bengal today

Yogi Adityanath campaigns in West Bengal against TMC over Sandeshkhali issue. He will address rallies in Asansol, Birbhum, and Berhampore. In Maharashtra, public meetings in Solapur, Sangli, and Kolhapur are scheduled.

PM Modi criticises Sharad Pawar on his work as agriculture minister

PM Modi talked about sugarcane arrears during Sharad Pawar`s tenure at a gathering in Malshiras, Solapur district.

Maharashtra: PM Modi's spectacular rally set to electrify Dharashiv

Maharashtra: PM Modi's spectacular rally set to electrify Dharashiv By Rajnish Singh As the countdown for the third phase of general polls begins, the stage is set for a momentous Tuesday afternoon in Dharashiv Lok Sabha constituency where Prime Minister Narendra Modi's highly anticipated public rally is scheduled amidst flurry of political activities. Anticipation reaches its peak as the eagerly awaited Prime Minister's campaign rally in Dharashiv is set to kick off at 1:30 pm. Here, he will address the public, extending Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP's) backing to the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) nominee Archana Patil. Patil finds herself in a fierce contest against Shiv Sena (UBT) nominee Omraje Nimbalkar. This marks the start of Prime Minister Modi's busy schedule with three consecutive rallies lined up across Maharashtra. His first stop is at 11:45 am in Malshiras, where he will throw his weight behind BJP candidate Ranjeetsingh Naik Nimbalkar, who faces off against Dhairyasheel Mohite Patil, the NCP-Sharadchandra Pawar nominee, in the Madha Lok Sabha constituency. Following this, Prime Minister Modi's second rally is in Dharashiv at 1:30 pm in support of NCP candidate Archana Patil. He will conclude the day in Maharashtra campaign with a rally at 3 pm in Latur, rallying for BJP nominee Sudhakar Shringare, who is up against Congress's Shivaji Kalge. Polling day looms for both Dharashiv and Latur, slated for May 7, alongside nine other Lok Sabha constituencies in Maharashtra. This crucial day marks the third phase of general elections in Maharashtra, encompassing a total of 11 constituencies: Baramati, Raigad, Osmanabad (now renamed as Dharashiv), Latur (SC), Solapur (SC), Madha, Sangli, Satara, Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg, Kolhapur, and Hatkanangle. On Monday, the PM Modi addressed three poll rallies in Solapur, Karad and Pune in Maharashtra, promising guarantee of development for the next five years and attacking opposition levelling charges against their leaders of plunging the country into the abyss of corruption, terrorism, and misrule before 2014. In the third phase of general elections, a significant total of 94 Lok Sabha constituencies spanning across 12 states and Union Territories will be up for grabs. (ANI)

Railways sets up special teams for crowd control in reserved bogies

BENGALURU: The uproar on social media over visuals of passengers inside reserved compartments of trains suffering across the country, and the ground reality at key stations in Bengaluru, has prompted the Railways to form special teams to manage the overwhelming crowds in long-distance trains. The teams are in action at KSR Bengaluru, Sir M Visvesvaraya Terminal, Yesvantpur and Yelahanka railway stations. While the summer train rush has always existed, the crowd has compounded this year due to the overlap of general elections and migrants in Bengaluru travelling to cast their votes, and the onset of the wedding season in many parts of the country. Bengaluru Divisional Railway Manager Yogesh Mohan told TNIE, We have constituted special teams comprising Commercial Division staff and Railway Protection Force cops to manage the extreme rush. Long-distance trains which run jampacked have been identified, and the key job of the teams is to ensure unreserved passengers in reserved coaches are sent to general coaches. Additional Divisional Railway Manager, Administration, Parikshit Mohanpuria said, The team members are also accompanying the TTE during ticket checks, inside reserved compartments so that they can identify travellers without tickets. Trains heading towards Bihar and UP are generally overflowing. An unreserved coach can hold a maximum of 200 passengers but we have a much higher number purchasing open tickets. If we stop issuing general tickets, the public will create issues. Since passengers have already purchased open tickets, many are keen to travel despite the train being jampacked. Due to a lack of space in general coaches, they enter the reserved compartments, he explained. Senior Divisional Commercial Manager K Krishna Chaitanya said that focus is on two aspects - Train Management and Terminal Management. The passengers boarding Hassan-Solapur Express, Udyan Express, Sanghamitra Superfast Express, Howrah Superfast Express and Karnataka Express are closely monitored.

Modi takes barb at India bloc

Solapur, Apr 29: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday took a barb at INDI bloc, claiming that it plans to have five prime ministers in five years if came to power. Addressing a rally in the district of western Maharashtra, he said, On one hand, there is Modi who has been tested for 10 years, [] The post Modi takes barb at India bloc appeared first on Northlines .

Solapur dist Cong prez to support BJPcandidate

Modi Refers to Sharad Pawar As Wandering Soul Spoiling Things for Everyone

Mumbai: Taking a potshot at NCP founder Sharad Pawar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that Maharashtra has been unstable for a long period because of wandering souls in the state politics. In an obvious reference to Mr. Pawar, the PM said this was started by a senior leader 45 years ago to fulfill his personal ambition. Mr. Pawar broke away from the Congress (U) in 1978 to form a government with the support of Janata Party. He became the youngest Maharashtra chief minister at the age of 38. Referring to the 1978 political developments, Mr Modi said, There are some wandering souls whose wishes remain unfulfilled and therefore they start spoiling things for others. Maharashtra has also become the victim of these wandering souls. This game was started 45 years ago by a senior leader to achieve his personal ambition. The PM further said that Maharashtra has remained unstable since 1978. He was referring to the fact that after 1978, no chief minister except for BJPs Devendra Fadnavis has remained in office for five years. This soul destabilises not only the opposition parties, but also its own party and its own family, he said. Mr. Modi alleged that the wandering soul tried to destabilse Shiv Sena-BJP government that was in power from 1995 to 1999 and disregarded peoples mandate in 2019. Interestingly, Mr. Modis comments were made in presence of Ajit Pawar and his wife Sunetra who is contesting the Baramati Lok Sabha seat against Supriya Sule. The rally was organised for BJPs Pune candidate Murlidhar Mohol, Sunetra Pawar, NCP candidate for Shirur seat Shivajirao Adhalrao Patil and Shrirang Barane of Shiv Sena who is contesting the Maval seat. It was Mr. Modis third Maharashtra rally in the day. Earlier, he held election rallies in Satara and Solapur for Udayanraje Bhosale and Ram Satpute respectively. In all three rallies, Mr. Modi criticised the Congress for allegedly providing reservation to the Muslim community in the OBC category. He said he will not allow religion based reservation in the country as long as he is alive. The PM also alleged that the INDIA bloc parties are misusing social media and technology to spread fake videos of BJP leaders including himself and Amit Shah.

PM takes barb at INDIA bloc

Solapur, Apr 29 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday took a barb at INDIA bloc, claiming that it plans to have five prime ministers in five years if came to power. Addressing a rally in the district of western Maharashtra, he said, On one hand, there is Modi who has been tested for 10... The post PM takes barb at INDIA bloc first appeared on Central India's Premier English Daily .

Congress Never Wanted Dalit, Tribal Leadership In Country, Alleges PM

Addressing a public meeting in Maharashtra's Solapur on Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a scathing attack on Congress claiming the party never wanted Dalit, Tribal and OBC leadership in the country. He further accused Congress of insulting Dr BR Ambedkar. Congress never wanted Dalit, Tribal and OBC leadership in the country. This is the same Congress which insulted Dalit leader Dr BR Ambedkar. Baba Saheb also received Bharat Ratna when the anti-Congress government was running with the support of the BJP. It has always been the endeavour of the BJP to ensure maximum representation of SC, ST, and OBCs. In 2014, when you gave us a huge majority, the NDA made a Dalit's son, the President of the country. In 2019, when you once again gave us a huge mandate, for the first time in the history of the country, a tribal daughter became the President of India, said PM Modi.

Tainted Cong Is Dreaming Of Snatching Power But INDIA Bloc Is Vanquished In 2 Phases Of Polls: PM Modi

SOLAPUR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said the Congress, despite its tainted background, is dreaming of snatching power in the country unaware that the INDI alliance is already vanquished in the first two phases of Lok Sabha elections. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel Addressing a rally in Solapur, Modi said a mahayudh is going on in the INDI bloc over leadership and they have come up with a formula of five PMs in five years, who will [] The post Tainted Cong Is Dreaming Of Snatching Power But INDIA Bloc Is Vanquished In 2 Phases Of Polls: PM Modi appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

PM Modi, in Solapur rally, claims INDIA bloc proposes rotating PMs every year

In his speech amid Lok Sabha Elections 2024, Modi reaffirmed his commitment to social justice without causing societal splits.

Modi Floats 'One Year, One PM' Formula for INDI Alliance at Solapur Rally

Modi Floats 'One Year, One PM' Formula for INDI Alliance at Solapur Rally INDI alliance considering 'one year one PM formula', says PM Modi at poll rally in Solapur, Maharashtra.

Modi Highlights Achievements, Unveils Alliance Dynamics at Solapur Rally

Modi Highlights Achievements, Unveils Alliance Dynamics at Solapur Rally You have seen each aspect of Modi in last 10 years; there is war on who will be the leader of INDI alliance: PM Modi in Solapur.

PM Modi requests electorate's support for guaranteed development in Solapur rally

PM Modi requests electorate's support for guaranteed development in Solapur rally I have come to seek your blessings as you will choose development guarantee for next 5 years: PM Modi at rally in Solapur.

What has PM Modi done to alleviate water scarcity in Maharashtra's Satara, Solapur, asks Congress

The Congress on Monday accused the BJP of ignoring the plight of thousands dealing with water scarcity in Maharashtra's Satara and Solapur, and asked what has Prime Minister Narendra Modi done to alle ...

PM Modi to address six poll rallies in two days in Maharashtra

Mumbai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address six campaign rallies for the MahaYuti alliance in Maharashtra on Monday and Tuesday. Prime Minister Modi will address poll rallies in Solapur, Karad and Pune on Monday and in Malshiras, Dharashiv and Latur on Tuesday, said state BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule. On Monday, the Prime Minister will address 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 .

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.

Pune records hottest day this yr as KP temp touches 43.3C

Pune experiences high temperatures with Koregaon Park and Wadgaonsheri hitting 43.3C and 43C. Solapur records 43.7C. Heatwave conditions prevail in western Maharashtra. Various areas in Pune register elevated temperatures.

PM Modi to Address 5 Rallies in 2 Days in Maharashtra

Mumbai: The Lok Sabha election fever is at its peak in Maharashtra with Prime Minister Narendra Modi set to hold as many as six rallies in the state in the next two days. While the opposition claimed it was a sign that the BJP was in panic mode, the saffron party said PMs rallies are part of its strategy to reach out to the maximum voters. Modi will address rallies in Solapur, Satara, Pune, Madha, Dharashiv and Latur Lok Sabha constituencies in the next couple of days. The six rallies come on the backdrop of him holding a big rally in Kolhapur on Saturday. Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule said that Modi will address rallies in Solapur, Satara and Pune on April 29, followed by rallies in Madha, Dharashiv and Latur on April 30. Voting for the 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra is being held in five phases from April 19 to May 20. Modi has already held five rallies for the first two phases of the polling in the state. In the first phase, the PM held three rallies for five seats and in the second phase, he addressed two rallies for eight seats. According to political observers, the increased number of PMs rallies shows that the BJP and its allies are anxious about their winning chances and are relying only on Modis charisma to win the elections in the face of a stiff challenge posed by the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance comprising Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP (SP) and Congress. Maharashtra is one of the most important states in the Lok Sabha polls as it has the second highest number of seats (48) after Uttar Pradesh. In the 2019 elections, the BJP had won 41 seats along with the then undivided Shiv Sena. The BJP won 23 seats and Shiv Sena won 18. The BJP was hopeful that the split in the Shiv Sena and NCP would further strengthen the saffron partys position in the State, as their leaders claimed to win at least 45 out of 48 Lok Sabha seats. However, according to party insiders, trends in the first two phases of polling are not so encouraging which has prompted the party leadership to go for a higher number of Modis rallies. While the saffron party said PMs rallies are part of its strategy to reach out to the maximum voters, the opposition claimed it was a sign that the BJP was in panic mode. The PM is holding rallies in almost every constituency in Maharashtra. It shows that they have panicked and are terrified of losing seats, said NCP (SP) Spokesperson Mahesh Tapase.

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).

Modi's Vaccine Drive Credited for Saving Lives During COVID Pandemic: Fadnavis

Modi's Vaccine Drive Credited for Saving Lives During COVID Pandemic: Fadnavis Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday appealed to people to put aside other issues and vote for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying he kept everyone alive by making vaccines available during the COVID-19 pandemic. Fadnavis sought votes over vaccines during his addresses at Madha and Barshi towns in 32Solapur district. The senior BJP leader held his first rally at Barshi, part of the Osmanabad parliamentary constituency, where Archana Patil of the NCP is contesting against incumbent MP Omraje Nimbalkar of the Shiv Sena (UBT). Madha falls under the Madha Lok Sabha constituency, where the BJP has renominated its sitting MP Ranjitsinh Nimbalkar against Dhairyasheel Mohite Patil of the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP). Dhairyasheel resigned from the BJP earlier this month. Put aside other issues and vote for Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he kept us alive during the pandemic. He took the initiative and under his leadership, India not only produced its own vaccine but also supplied it to other countries, said Fadnavis. He was referring to India's 'Vaccine Maitri' programme under which anti-COVID jabs were supplied to several nations. The country was not in a strong position before Modi came to power, he said. Earlier, people from Pakistan could easily come here and carry out terror attacks. The then prime minister would go to the US to complain about Pakistan, but nothing would happen. After Modi came to power, we retaliated by surgical strike and carried out airstrike to send out a strong message, he said. Today, India is prospering while Pakistan is heading towards bankruptcy, Fadnavis said. Asked about Dhairyasheel, a BJP ex-district general secretary and nephew of former deputy chief minister Vijaysinh Mohite Patil, Fadnavis said, When Sharad Pawar had almost ended his (Vijaysinghs) political career, we (BJP) stood behind him. It is up to Mohite Patil now to decide the future course of action. I do not think all the members of the Mohite Patil family agree with Dhairyasheels decision. Vijaysinhs son Ranjitsinh Mohite Patil is a BJP member of the the Maharashtra legislative council. Madha and Osmanabad Lok Sabha seats will go to polls in the third phase of general elections on May 7. Elections to the 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra have been scheduled in five phases of the general elections between April 19 and May 20. Votes will be counted on June 4.

Put aside other issues, vote for PM Modi as he got COVID vaccines for us during pandemic: Devendra Fadnavis

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday appealed to people to put aside other issues and vote for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying he kept everyone alive by making vaccines available during the COVID-19 pandemic. Fadnavis sought votes over vaccines during his addresses at Madha and Barshi towns in Solapur district.

Heatwave alert in Mumbai, Solapur hottest in Maharashtra at 43.7 degrees Celsius

Heatwave warning was issued by the IMD for Mumbai and Maharashtras Solapur on Sunday recorded a temperature of 43.7 degrees Celsius ...

Lok Sabha Polls: 2nd phase voting

Solapur: Supporters of Congress candidate Praniti during an election campaign for Lok Sabha elections, in Solapur, Friday, April 26, 2024. (PTI Photo) Mathura: Rashtriya Lok Dal Chief Jayant Chaudhary and his wife show their fingers marked with indelible ink after casting their vote for the second phase of Lok Sabha polls, in Mathura, Friday, April 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 .

Rahul to campaign in Karnataka's Vijayapura on April 26

VIJAYAPURA: Former Congress president and MP, Rahul Gandhi, will campaign for partys Vijayapura candidate Raju Algur on April 26. The event will be held on the new BLDE College premises on Solapur Road on the outskirts of Vijayapura. Rahul will be the first national level leader of any party to visit the district to campaign this elections. He is expected to be joined by AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge, AICC general secretary and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Surjewala and other prominent leaders. While the Congress has succeeded in bringing their national leader for the campaign, the BJP is yet to bring any of their national level leaders. Though PM Narendra Modi will be arriving in Bagalkot on April 28, but so far, there is no information about him coming to Vijayapura. In the last 11 years, this will be the fourth visit of Rahul to the district. He had come to the city to campaign for the 2013 Assembly polls. He had also participated in a mega womens convention held at Tikota taluk in 2018. Rahuls last visit to the district was in April 2023 when he had come to participate in a roadshow to campaign for the Assembly elections. Rahul will address a large gathering after arriving in a chopper from Kalaburagi at around 1 pm. Sources in the district Congress unit said party leaders, mainly six MLAs, have also been given the responsibility of mobilising crowd for the event.

As Solapur nominee joins Congress, VBA says both Mahayuti and MVA are pressuring its candidates

Rahul Gandhi slams PM Modi, declares India capital of injustice

Congress leader accuses prime minister of favouring billionaires, vows justice in rally at Solapur

'1% people of India have 40% wealth and that's why unemployment is rising': Rahul Gandhi at rally in Solapur

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi stated during a campaign rally in Solapur on Wednesday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is 'fearful' and acknowledges that the current general election is slipping away from his grasp. The 53-year-old Rahul Gandhi, while addressing the rally, emphasized, 'Unemployment is at an all-time high because one per cent of the population owns 40 per cent of the wealth in the country.'

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.

Gandhi Slams Modi's Campaign, Alleges Electoral Vulnerability

Gandhi Slams Modi's Campaign, Alleges Electoral Vulnerability Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was scared and knew that the ongoing general election was slipping out of his hands. Gandhi was speaking at a campaign rally here in support of Congress' candidate from Solapur, Praniti Shinde, and its ally NCP (SP)'s Dhairyasheel Mohite Patil who is contesting from the neighbouring Madha Lok Sabha constituency. ''Justice needs to be done. Modi has made India the capital of injustice. He is scared as he knows that the election is slipping out of his hands. Due to the electoral bond theft, he knows he will be in trouble after the elections. This is the reason he is continuously speaking lies. But he can not get away this time,'' the Congress leader said. People have realised that they have to protect democracy and the Constitution, and the prime minister was aware of this, he added. Modi was a ''leader of billionaires'' and not of the poor, Gandhi further claimed. The prime minister states that he belongs to the Other Backward Class, but when the Congress demanded a caste census, he started saying there is no caste in India, and there are only the rich and the poor, the Congress leader said. ''If that is so, why does he call himself an OBC,'' Gandhi asked. The 2024 Lok Sabha election is not a routine election, he said, claiming that the BJP wanted to scrap the Constitution. ''Its objective is not just to win elections, but destroy the Constitution. The INDIA alliance will save our democracy and protect the Constitution,'' the Congress leader said. BJP MPs have said in public that the Constitution will be changed if their party wins another term, and without the Constitution nothing will be left for the poor, farmers and labourers, Gandhi said. The Modi government waived loans of Rs 16 lakh crore of a handful of billionaires, he alleged, adding that this amount could have funded farm loan waiver, or the MNREGA scheme for 24 years. ''Seventy crore population in the country has the same amount of wealth as that held by a handful of billionaires,'' Gandhi claimed. Unemployment was at an all time high because one percent of the population owns 40 percent of the wealth in the country, the Congress leader said, adding that if the INDIA bloc is voted to power, it will create ''crores of lakhpatis.'' ''The Mahalaxmi scheme (in the Congress manifesto) will provide one lakh rupees every year, which is Rs 8,500 every month, to the women from poor households. Similarly, degree and diploma holders will get the right to apprenticeship in PSUs and other institutions for a year. During that time, they will also get Rs 1 lakh in their bank accounts which amounts to Rs 8,500 per month,'' Gandhi added. Demonetisation and the introduction of GST benefitted only a few billionaires, he claimed. ''Farmers wanted loan waiver and Minimum Support Price from Modi. But we will set up a separate commission for farmers which will recommend when they need a loan waiver, and accordingly, it will be done. Besides, when the INDIA alliance comes to power, farmers' loans will be waived in the first instance,'' he said. MSP for crops will be legally guaranteed, the Congress leader said. He also reiterated that apart from conducting a caste census, the INDIA alliance would carry out an economic survey to find out who holds how much wealth.

GPT Infraprojects bags 487-cr contract; shares up 11.12%

GPT Infraprojects to build new broad-gauge line in Solapur-Osmanabad section

Central Railway Introduces Economical Meals at 15 Stations

Central Railway Introduces Economical Meals at 15 Stations The Central Railway along with IRCTC has made ''budget-friendly'' meals available for train passengers considering the heavy rush during summer on some of its stations. In a release issued on Tuesday, Central Railway said that budget-friendly meal options are available on 15 major railway stations where long-distance trains halt. The facility is available at Igatpuri, Karjat, Manmad, Khandwa, Badnera, Shegaon, Pune, Miraj, Daund, Sainagar Shirdi, Nagpur, Wardha, Solapur, Wadi and Kurduwadi stations. The initiative is launched particularly for passengers travelling in unreserved compartments, it said. A railway official said that an ''economy meal'' can be purchased for just Rs 20. It will contain seven puris and potato bhaji, whereas for Rs 50, one can buy ''snack meals'' with rice dishes.

Fatwas against BJP from mosques, alleges party's Solapur candidate

Fatwas against BJP from mosques, alleges party's Solapur candidate Ram Satpute, the BJP's candidate from Solapur Lok Sabha constituency in Maharashtra, has alleged that ''fatwas'' were being issued from mosques in Solapur to defeat Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the ongoing general elections. Satpute, who is facing off against Congress' Praniti Shinde, the daughter of veteran leader Sushilkumar Shinde, made the claim while speaking to a Marathi news channel. ''Fatwas are being issued from mosques in Solapur to defeat Modi ji. Maulavis are reaching out to voters asking them to defeat Modi ji,'' he said.

UPSC Success Story: From Vegetable Cart To Civil Services, Daughter Of A Vendor Shines In UPSC 2023 After Mother Mortgages Gold For Her Education

Swati Mohan Rathod, a vegetable vendor's daughter from Solapur, Maharashtra, achieved AIR-492 in UPSC CSE 2023 after five attempts. Her journey of overcoming financial hardships and focusing on solutions rather than problems has made her parents proud.

Meet woman, daughter of vegetable vendor who cracked UPSC CSE 2023, mother mortgaged gold to fund her study, her AIR is...

She is the daughter of a vegetable vendor in Solapur, Maharashtra, and had a humble upbringing. Her family includes three other daughters and a son, and they all battled financial constraints but that didn't hinder Swati's dream.

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.

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.

Shah Rukh Khan In Congress Rally? Video Of SRK's Doppelganger Campaigning In Solapur Goes Viral- Watch

Political campaigns are getting out of hand. Shah Rukh Khan's lookalike Ibrahim Qadri is stirring up social media after partaking in Congress' campaign in Solapur. Check out the viral video.

Yamraj files nomination as Independent for Maharashtras Madha LS seat

Solapur: A man attired as Yamraj, the Hindu God of Death, and riding the deitys preferred mount, a buffalo, reached the Collectorate on Thursday to submit his nomination as an Independent candidate for Maharashtras Madha Lok Sabha constituency Ram Gaikwad, garbed in a gold-and-black robe and dhoti, a gleaming golden headgear with two protruding curved 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 .

MIT VPU Solapur Opens Applications for UG and PG Programmes; Apply here

MIT Vishwaprayag University, Solapur, has opened applications for UG and PG programs online at www.mitvpu.ac.in, with offline options available. The deadline for submissions is April 30th, 2024. Admission is merit and entrance-based, requiring valid scores in exams like DAT, CEED, or UCEED for the B.Des program. International candidates' admissions depend on their qualifying exam grades, pending eligibility verification. All admissions are provisional until verified by the university's equivalence committee.

No difference between Putin and Modi, says Sharad Pawar

Mumbai: NCP founder Sharad Pawar on Sunday equated Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia. Mr. Pawar alleged that Modi is following Mr. Putins path by destroying Indias parliamentary democracy. He said that the BJP has not even fulfilled its manifesto promises made in the last Lok Sabha election, but still boasting about winning more than 400 seats. The NCP founder was on tour in Solapur district. He held a meeting at the residence of former deputy chief minister Vijaysinh Mohite-Patil at Akluj in Solapur. Mr. Pawar was accompanied by senior Congress leader Sushilkumar Shinde along with other MVA leaders. They discussed the crucial seats of Madha and Solapur. Slamming PM Modi, Mr. Pawar said that the PM:s speeches are not suitable for the stature of his post. Mr. Modi is dishonouring the PMs post. The incumbent Prime Minister is not speaking about his plans. Instead of this, he raises questions on late Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehrus contribution. I listened to one of his speeches, in which he was asking not to let any opposition candidate get elected. In a democracy, the ruling party is as important as the opposition party. Taking such a stand - not allowing the opposition to get even a single seat means there is no difference between Russias Putin and Indias Mody, the 83-year-old leader said. Mr. Pawar also alleged that Mr. Modi is misusing central agencies including ED and CBI. Mr. Modi is destroying democracy and moving towards dictatorship, he said. Taking a dig at BJPs slogan 'Abki baar, 400 paar', Mr. Pawar sarcastically said that the party should give a slogan of 543 seats as the Lok Sabha has 543 seats. However, the political situation has been rapidly changing.l, he added.

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)

Organic Recycling System partners to boost biogas generation, shares trade flat

A pilot biogas plant will be established at ORSs existing Solapur facility to test and refine the biogas production process using Napier grass

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.

MVA Seat Sharing: Sena to get 21 seats, Congress 17 and NCP 10, say reports

Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena is set to fight on 21 out of the 48 Lok Sabha seats in upcoming elections, with Congress fighting on 17 and Nationalist Congress Party getting the remaining 10. Of the four contentious seats, Shiv Sena will retain Sangli, while Congress will get Mumbai North. Besides Mumbai North, some of the main seats fought by Congress Party are Nandurbar, Dhule, Akola, Amaravati, Nagpur, Chandrapur, Nanded, Jalna, Mumbai North Central, Pune, Latur, Solapur and Kolhapur. Seat sharing talks among the three allies were thrown into disarray when Shiv Sena announced candidates to 21 out of the 48 seats, including seats such as Sangli, Mumbai South Central and Mumbai North West, which were also eyed by the Congress. The front was formed in Maharashtra, India after Shiv Sena and its ally Bharatiya Janata Party could not come to an understanding on sharing power, particularly with regard to the issue of rotating the post of chief minister. As a result, Shiv Sena -- led by Uddhav Thackeray, walked away from the decades-old alliance and tied up with its long-time rivals Indian National Congress and Nationalist Congress Party or NCP. While the government so formed was not expected to last very long, it surprisingly survived for three years, and was brought down by a rebellion led by Shiv Sena leader from Thane, Eknath Shinde. Another split, this time in NCP, further enriched the new, BJP-led alliance later that year. This was led by Ajit Pawar, the nephew of party president Sharad Pawar. Eventually, the speaker of the Maharashtra assembly recognized the breakaway group of Shiv Sena as the real Shiv Sena.

Marathwada, Pune face Maha water crisis as reservoir levels plummet

MUMBAI: Maharashtra is facing an acute drinking water shortage with Marathwada, Pune, and North Maharashtra regions facing a difficult situation. According to the states water resource department, there is 8% less drinking water in the state reservoirs this year than the previous year. The reservoirs water level was depleting speedily. This year, in all major drinking water supplying dams, only 34% water remained against 42% last year. The worst affected regions are Marathwada and Pune where only 19% and 33% drinking water is left in the respective regions reservoirs. They are followed by 37% of water in north Maharashtras major water supplying reservoirs, said a report of the state water resources department. In Maharashtra, there are 138 major reservoirs supplying drinking water. But this year, the water level is depleting speedily in the summer. This year, the Nagpur division reservoirs have got satisfactory water storage that is 46% against 21% storage last year while Amarawati division of Vidarbha has also got 43% water in its reservoirs this year against the same percentage of water last year as well. But badly affected regions are North Maharashtra and Marathwada regions where people go far in search of drinking water. In Marathwada, this year only 19% storage of drinking water against 40% water last year while in Pune, this year, 33% water storage against 44% last year and in North Maharashtra, there is 37% water storage against 53% last year and in the Konkan region, this year there is 42% water storage against 46% last year. The Jayakwadi reservoir is the major source of drinking water supply in the Marathwada region and the industrial area of Sambhaji Nagar. But this year, it has got only 18% water left against 52% last year. In North Maharashtra, the Bhawali and Chanakapur reservoirs have only 13% and 12% of drinking water left respectively against 46% and 82% the previous year. In Solapur, Bhima Ujani has zero percent drinking water left compared to 22% last year.

Congress Offers to Withdraw Candidate Against Prakash Ambedkar if he Reconciles

Mumbai: Continuing its efforts to woo Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) Prakash Ambedkar, the Congress on Tuesday said it would withdraw its candidate from the Akola seat if the Dalit leader formally joins the opposition MVA alliance. Senior Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan said that the offer of five Lok Sabha seats is open for the VBA even now if Ambedkar reconciles. The Congress will withdraw the Congress candidate from Akola if there is an alliance with the VBA, said Chavan, who is heading the partys campaign in Maharashtra. There is no alliance with the VBA yet. If there is no alliance, we will declare candidates. But even now, at this stage also, if (Prakash) Ambedkar reconciles, we will withdraw our candidate but for that, there has to be an alliance, he added. Chavans comments have come after his party nominated Abhay Patil to contest the Akola constituency for the Lok Sabha polls. Ambedkar has already announced that he would contest from the Akola seat. The Dalit leader has been in discussions with the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) an alliance comprising the Congress, NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) and the Shiv Sena (UBT) for several months for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra. The MVA had earlier given the VBA a proposal for five seats, including Akola, Ramtek, Dhule and a seat in Mumbai, but the talks failed. Ambedkar, last week, announced nine eight candidates from the VBA, indicating that the possibility of joining hands with the opposition alliance was over. In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the VBA candidates fared impressively by finishing third in many constituencies in Maharashtra, thereby denting the chances of Congress and NCP (undivided). The division of votes helped the BJP and Shiv Sena (undivided) alliance, which won 41 out of 48 seats in Maharashtra. In 2019, Ambedkar contested from Akola and Solapur but lost in both seats. He was elected from Akola in 1998 as a candidate of the Republican Party of India and a year later, in 1999, as a candidate of Bharipa Bahujan Mahasangh. However, since 2004 Akola has been a BJP stronghold with Sanjay Dhotre winning the seat for consecutive four times. The BJP has replaced Sanjay, who is ailing, with his son Anup for 2024.

Tour Packages from Hyderabad: - IRCTC's special gift for the people of Hyderabad, you will get a chance to visit 5 places simultaneously

Through this package of Indian Railways, you can visit many places on a low budget. All your facilities in the package will be taken care of by Indian Railways. You only need to book package tickets. The package will include travel train tickets, food expenses, hotel expenses and cab-bus expenses for sightseeing. You can book tickets for this package from the official website of Indian Railways. Ahmedabad, Dwarka, Rajkot, Somnath and Vadodara Tour Packages This package is going to start from 3rd April. After this, you will be able to travel through the package every Wednesday. In Packed, you will get a chance to visit the famous places of Ahmedabad, Dwarka, Rajkot, Somnath and Vadodara. This package is for 7 nights and 8 days. For the package, you can take trains from Hyderabad, Kalyan, Pune, Secunderabad and Solapur. 4 dinners and 4 breakfasts will be provided in the package. Package Fee The package fee per person for travelling with two people is Rs 28280. If three people travel together, the package fee per person is Rs 27610. If you are taking children along, you will have to pay Rs 20020 separately. If you want to travel in a sleeper coach, the package fee is reduced. It is a good offer to travel for 8 days for just Rs 28280. In this, passengers will also get the facility of hotel and bus and cab for travelling for 8 days. Maheshwar, Omkareshwar and Ujjain Tour Package This tour package from Hyderabad is going to start from 3rd April. After April 3, you can book tickets for this package on April 10. This tour package is for 4 nights and 5 days. This trip will be completed through flight. You can take a flight from Hyderabad at 2:35 pm. Package Fee- If you are travelling alone, the package fee is Rs 33350. If two people are travelling together, the package fee per person is Rs 26700. Package fees per person for travelling with three people is Rs 25650. If you are taking children along, you will have to pay Rs 17550 separately. With just Rs 26700, you can easily cover the expenses of flight tickets, hotel and cab or bus for travelling. Image Credit- Freepik

Congress will win all 5 seats in first phase of LS polls in Maharashtra: Patole

Congress will win all 5 seats in first phase of LS polls in Maharashtra: Patole The Maha Vikas Aghadi will win all the five constituencies going to polls in the first phase of Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra next month, state unit president Nana Patole said on Sunday. Addressing a press conference here, Patole claimed the people are fed up with the ''dictatorial'' BJP government at the Centre which will be thrown out of power in elections. The opposition MVA comprises Shiv Sena led by Uddhav Thackeray, Congress, and NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar). Voting will be held for Nagpur, Gadchiroli-Chimur (ST), Bhandara-Gondiya, Chandrapur, and Ramtek (SC) seats which fall in the east Vidarbha region in the first phase on April 19. In four out of these five seats, the BJP and Congress are locked in a straight fight. Interestingly, Chandrapur was the only constituency won by Congress in Maharashtra in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Patole also claimed the situation is very good for Congress in all five constituencies. 97 candidates are in the fray for the first phase of elections in east Vidarbha region. Patole took potshots at BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis who had said that he would book an entire theatre for Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to watch the recently-released movie ''Swatantra Veer Savarkar''. ''Films made on (Narendra) Modi, Nitin Gadkari, and Godse flopped like the recent movie on Veer Savarkar. Fadnavis should watch 'Munnabhai MBBS' based on Gandhian ideals. I will book a theatre for him,'' Patole added. He further said Rahul Gandhi's foot march across the length and breadth of the nation has been successful. ''Rahul has created a place in the minds of people. Instead of mocking Rahul, Fadnsvis (who holds the Home portfolio in the Maharashtra government) should pay attention to the deteriorating law and order situation in the state,'' the Congress leader added. Meanwhile, in a setback for the ruling Mahayuti alliance, former Shiv Sena MLA from Solapur South assembly segment, Dilip Mane, and Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi leader from Latur, Jagdish Mali, joined the Congress in the presence of Patole. Notably, former Union minister Sushilkumar Shinde's MLA daughter Praniti Shinde is contesting the Lok Sabha election Congress nominee from Solapur. ''Mane is a former Congressman who has returned home,'' Sushilkumar Shinde said. He reiterated that the BJP had tried to make Praniti switch to the saffron party but didn't succeed.

Solapur Cong, BJP rivals kick-off LS poll campaign with barbed open letters

Solapur (Maharashtra), March 25: Kicking the ball to launch the Solapur poll campaign match, Congress candidate Praniti Sushilkumar Shinde on Monday called upon her chief rival and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)s nominee Ram Satpute to maintain decorum during the elections, with a prompt return barb from the latter, here on Monday. Welcoming Satpute candidature in [] The post Solapur Cong, BJP rivals kick-off LS poll campaign with barbed open letters appeared first on The Shillong Times .

Solapur: Muslim students of govt college offer Namaz in classroom without permission, authorities take no action despite complaints, video viral

One of the faculty members confirmed to OpIndia that the incident happened within the college premises and the authorities including the college principal failed to take any action against the students for offering Namaz in the college without permission.

Dynasties, old rivalries give BJP-led ruling alliance and Oppn MVA headaches in western Maharashtra

Dynasties, old rivalries give BJP-led ruling alliance and Oppn MVA headaches in western Maharashtra 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 Congress stronghold from 1962 to 2014 before NCP-turned-BJP leader Sanjaykaka Patil wrested it in 2014, the grand old party is seemingly getting short-changed by the decades-old rivalry between Nationalist Congress Party (SP) chief Sharad Pawar and former state chief minister late Vasantdada Patil, a political observer claimed. Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole announced the name of Vishal Patil for Sangli seat some days ago, but Uddhav Thackeray, chief of ally Shiv Sena (UBT), unilaterally declared wrestler Chandrahar Patil as his party's candidate. Vishal Patil is a descendent of former Maharashtra chief minister Vasantdada Patil, against whom NCP founder Sharad Pawar rebelled and got the state's top post in 1978, due to which the two families have been adversaries, the political observer added. ''In 2019, there was large-scale disappointment against BJP MP Sanjaykaka Patil and Sharad Pawar was aware of it. But due to this political rivalry, Pawar convinced the state Congress leaders to give Sangli Lok Sabha seat to Swabhimani Paksha, a little-known party in the region. Vishal Patil, who was supposed to be fight on a Congress ticket, had to contest on the lesser known Swabhimani Paksh symbol (cricket bat) and lost. But, he still got three lakh votes against Sanjakaka's five lakh,'' a close aide of Vishal Patil said. ''This time, Shiv Sena (UBT), which used to have only one MLA, has already announced its candidate without consulting Congress. Such steps mean giving a cake-walk to the BJP candidate,'' the aide claimed. Defending Thackeray's move, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said his party had won both Lok Sabha seats in Kolhapur district in 2019. ''We gave both seats, Kolhapur and Hatkanangale, to Congress and farmer leader Raju Shetti, respectively. Now, if we don't fight from Sangli, we will not have any seat in western Maharashtra,'' Raut said. In Satara, the ruling BJP and NCP are facing issues due to the problem between Udayanraje Bhosale, a descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Bhosale won the seat in 2019 on a NCP ticket and then lost the bypolls after he switched to the BJP. He was elected to the Rajya Sabha but is keen to contest again. However, the Ajit Pawar-led NCP has laid claim to the seat and is fine with Bhosale contesting on its 'clock' symbol. ''Bhosale, who has not been on good terms with Ajit Pawar, is not keen on this arrangement as this would mean accepting the Deputy CM's leadership. Secondly, traditional BJP voters will not vote for him. Moreover, as an NCP candidate, Bhosale would lose the protection of the mighty BJP,'' the political observer added. In Madha Lok Sabha seat, which comprises four assembly segments from Solapur and two from Satara, there is a tussle for dominance between various political dynasties, leaving the BJP confused. The prominent Ramraje Nimbalkar family from the Phaltan assembly segment in Satara district and Vijaysinh Mohite Patil family from the Malshiras assembly seat in Solapur have expressed their displeasure over BJP giving sitting MP Ranjitsinh Naik Nimbalkar a ticket. Ramraje is currently a member of the Maharashtra Legislative Council from Ajit Pawar-led NCP, while Vijaysinh Mohite-Patil's son Ranjitsinh is a BJP MLC. A video of Ramraje Naik-Nimbalkar addressing a gathering, in which he is pitching for change in candidate, has gone viral. Other moves in the run up to the polls included Jayant Patil of the Peasant and Workers Party, which has a strong base in Sangola (part of Madha LS seat), meeting Vijaysinh Mohite-Patil. Jayant Patil later told reporters the result of Madha may be ''surprising''. Unfazed, Ranjitsinh Naik-Nimbalkar claimed he was trying to build a consensus and was confident of people's support. The BJP also has its share of worries because the Mohite-Patil family, which has long-standing ties with the Congress and then with the NCP since its inception, is now discontent with the ruling party, the political observer added. He claimed the family, in order to maintain control over the district, is thinking of jumping back to the NCP (SP). Sharad Pawar recently met Vijaysinh Mohite Patil, the political observer pointed out. ''Moreover, some segments of voters believe Madha seat has four assembly segments from Solapur and, hence, the candidate should be from the district,'' he said. ''It reflects the BJP's failure to groom leadership in the region despite being in power for 10 years. The BJP in the early years used to denounce such political dynasties like the Mohite-Patils of Solapur or Naik-Nimbalkars of Phaltan Satara,'' senior political observer Prakash Akolkar of Mumbai said. ''BJP used to criticise the Congress. Now such families are with the BJP and the party leadership is dragging itself behind them,'' he said.

Congress Leader Says BJP Wants 1 Nation, 1 Election, No Opposition

Mumbai: Mahayuti the alliance of BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP, has finalised distribution of 42 Lok Sabha in Maharashtra. The alliance will hold a meeting to resolve differences on the remaining six seats. The BJP has already declared candidates for 20 seats. A BJP insider informed that the party has got five more seats, while Shiv Sena has got 13 seats and NCP has got four out of 42 seats where the agreement has been reached. The source from BJP said that so far the party has decided to contest 25 seats including 23 seats, which were won in 2019. Of these, the party has already announced 20 seats and remaining five seats including Mumbai North Central, Bhandara-Gondia, Solapur and Amravati would be declared in next 48 hours. BJP's Central Election Committee, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is expected to discuss names of the remaining seats at New Delhi on Saturday. After the CECs meeting, the party is likely to declare the candidates including five candidates for five seats of Maharashtra, he said. The Shiv Sena would contest 13 seats, while the NCP would get four seats including Shirur, Baramati, Raigad and Satara. We will hold a meeting in the next two days to discuss the remaining six seats including Parbhani, Dharashiv (Osmanabad), Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad), Thane, Ratnagiri Sindhudurg and South Mumbai, a BJP leader said.

Cong LS nominee Praniti Shinde from Mahas Solapur alleges harassment, blames BJP

Solapur (Maharashtra), March 22 (IANS) Maharashtra Congress Working President and MLA Praniti Shinde has claimed that some miscreants attempted to stop her car and surround her in Solapur. She alleged that the miscreants were BJP workers masquerading as Maratha activists who tried to harass her late Thursday night, but she got away exercising restraint. Praniti []

Maha blow to MVA as Ambedkar kin plays hardball

MUMBAI: In a blow to Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), Prakash Ambedkar-led Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) is unlikely to be part of the opposition alliance for the Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra. MVA partners have decided to contest all 48 Lok Sabha seats in the state -- Shiv Sena (UBT) 20 seats, Congress 18 seats and NCP (SP) 10 seats. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said they had offered four seats to Prakash Ambedkar, but he neither accepted nor denied it. We tried our best but some of the things were out of our hands. We would have been happy had Ambedkar joined us to fight against the BJP and save democracy and Constitution written by Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, Raut said. Earlier, Prakash Ambedkar wrote to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, saying he lost trust in Sharad Pawar-led NCP and Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena and expressing desire to support the Congress in seven seats. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, VBA got 7 per cent votes. Though it did not win a seat, it was instrumental in the defeat of the Congress and NCP on nine seats. The Congress has already shortlisted candidates for Akola, and Solapur where Ambedkar had staked claim. In 2019, Ambedkar he contested from Akola, and came third. A senior NCP (SP) leader said, Ambedkar does talk big against the BJP, but he was not ready to join the anti-BJP forces like MVA in Maharashtra with unexplained reasons. We tried everything to get him on board, but he never showed interest to join us. He added, Since the beginning, Ambedkar put illogical demand for seats and keptwriting letters and posting on social media. Alliance talk and seat sharing does not take place on social media. Many things need to be resolved behind the curtain but Ambedkar was not ready for it. A VBA leader said, MVA never respected us and was not interested in taking us on board.

Cong's 3rd list of LS poll candidates: Adhir from Berhampore, Kharge's son-in-law from Gulbarga

Cong's 3rd list of LS poll candidates: Adhir from Berhampore, Kharge's son-in-law from Gulbarga The Congress on Thursday released its third list of 56 candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, fielding Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury from Berhampore, party chief Mallikarjun Kharge's son-in-law Radhakrishna from Gulbarga and former Union minister Sushilkumar Shinde's daughter Praniti Shinde from Solapur. The Congress has left the Sikar constituency in Rajasthan for the Communist Party of India (Marxist). With this, the party has declared a total of 138 candidates for the Lok Sabha polls. In its third list, the Congress has declared candidates for two seats in Arunachal Pradesh, 11 in Gujarat, 17 in Karnataka, seven in Maharashtra, five in Rajasthan, five in Telangana, eight in West Bengal and one in Puducherry. Former Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Nabam Tuki has been fielded from Arunachal West. In Gujarat, the party has named Sonal Patel from Gandhinagar, Prabhaben Taviyad from Dahod (ST) and Nilesh Kumbani from Surat, among others. Kharge's son-in-law and the children of five ministers figure in the second list of 17 candidates for Karnataka announced by the Congress. It has fielded Priyanka Jarkiholi from Chikkodi, Radhakrishna from Gulbarga (SC), Vinod Asooti from Dharwad, M Rajeev Gowda from Bangalore North, Sowmya Reddy from Bangalore South, Mansoor Ali Khan from Bangalore Central and state minister Lakshmi Ravindra Hebbalkar's son Mrunal Ravindra Hebbalkar from Belguam, among others. The Congress has fielded Shahu Shahaji Chhatrapati, a descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji, from Kolhapur in Maharashtra. It has also fielded Vasantrao Chavan from Nanded and Ravindra Hemraj Dhangekar from Pune. In Telangana, the party has fielded Sunitha Mahender Reddy from Malkajgiri, Danam Nagender from Secunderabad, Gaddam Vamsi Krishna from Peddapalle (SC), Gaddam Rajith Reddy from Chevella and Mallu Ravi from Nagarkurnool (SC). In Rajasthan, the Congress has fielded Sunil Sharma from Jaipur, Sangeeta Beniwal from Pali, Urmila Jain Bhaya from Jhalawar-Baran. The party has again fielded Chowdhury from Berhampore, setting up the much-anticipated clash between the veteran Congress leader and cricketer-turned-politician Yusuf Pathan, who has been fielded by the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) in West Bengal. In West Bengal, the Congress has also fielded Pradip Bhattacharya from Kolkata North, Mostaque Alam from Maldaha North, Ali Imran Ramz (Victor) from Raiganj, Mohammed Murtoja Hossain (Bokul) from Jangipur, Nepal Mahato from Purulia and Milton Rashid from Birbhum. The party has renominated its incumbent MP from Puducherry, Ve Vaithilingam. Also, the Congress has fielded Isha Khan Choudhury, son of Abu Hasem Khan Choudhury, from Maldaha South. Abu Hasem Khan Choudhury is the incumbent MP from the seat. Earlier, the Congress had announced 82 candidates in two lists for the seven-phase Lok Sabha polls beginning April 19.

Maha: Chhatrapati Shrimant Shahu Maharaj in Congress list of 7 nominees for LS polls

Mumbai, March 21 (IANS) The Congress has fielded Chhatrapati Shrimant Shahu Maharaj from Kolhapur and Praniti Sushilkumar Shinde from Solapur (SC) Lok Sabha constituencies in Maharashtra of the 7 candidates announced on Thursday. The other Parliamentary candidates are Nandurbar (ST) Gowaal K. Padavi; Amravati (SC) Balwant B. Wankhede; Nanded Vasantrao B. []

PFC Consulting transfers Solapur Transmission project to Torrent Power

State-owned PFC Consulting Ltd has transferred the Solapur Transmission project to private player Torrent Power. The selection of the successful bidder was done through a competitive bidding process for establishing a transmission system. The project-specific special purpose vehicle was transferred to Torrent Power, as per a statement by PFC. PFC Consulting is a subsidiary of Power Finance Corporation (PFC), a leading non-banking financial corporation under the Ministry of Power. The power ministry has nominated PFC Consulting as the bid process coordinator for selecting a developer for independent transmission projects through competitive bidding.

Torrent Power rises on inking SPA to acquire 100% stake in Solapur Transmission

Torrent Power is currently trading at Rs. 1221.60, up by 2.40 points or 0.20% from its previous closing of Rs. 1219.20 on the BSE. The scrip opened at Rs. 1243.00 and has touched a high and low of Rs. 1255.00 and Rs. 1217.40 respectively. So far 19832 shares were traded on the counter. The BSE

Congress finalises names for 12 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra

Congress has selected candidates for 12 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra, with Praniti Shinde set to run from Solapur, her father Sushil Kumar Shinde's previous constituency. Sahu Maharaj is the likely contender for Kolhapur. The party is urging Vijay Waddetiwar, leader of the opposition, to stand for Chandrapur, though he prefers his daughter, Shivani, a young leader, to contest from there instead.

2 Arrested For Murder Of 32-Year-Old Woman In Maharashtra: Cops

With the arrest of two persons from Solapur and Dhule districts of Maharashtra, police on Wednesday claimed to have solved the murder case of a woman in Palghar.