Maharashtra <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/strap-sceptical-opposition-leaders-on-rockets-to-balakot-fadnavis-212819">Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis</a> Thursday said the voters in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections have to choose between the BJP's development agenda and "anarchy" represented by the Congress-led opposition.

Fadnavis said the Congress-led UPA government had no guts to act when Mumbai was attacked by terrorists in 2008.

Addressing an election rally in support of BJP-Sena alliance's Lok Sabha candidate from Bhiwandi Kapil Patil, Fadnavis&nbsp;said the voters should give a second term to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/new-india-gives-befitting-reply-to-terror-pm-modi-213515">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a>.

Fadnavis came down heavily on the Congress for its string of "failures" during its decades-long rule in the country.

During his almost half an hour speech, the BJP leader listed the achievements of the Modi government.

"What the Congress gave to the common man during its 60-year rule was nothing but 'anachar' (misrule), 'brashtachar' (corruption), Fadnavis said.

Fadnavis said speeches of Congress chief Rahul Gandhi and other party leaders were "entertaining" as they are bereft of substance.

The Congress government did not take any action after the 2008 terror strikes in Mumbai, Fadnavis said, adding the then Prime Minister had no guts to punish Pakistan, from where the attackers had come.

Attacking the Congress further, Fadnavis said only Pakistan and the Rahul Gandhi-led party wanted proof of the causalities in the Balakot air strikes.

Seeking support of electors for the BJP, Fadnavis said these polls offer to the voters a choice between "those who are for development and those who are for anarchy".

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis Thursday said the voters in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections have to choose between the BJP's development agenda and "anarchy" represented by the Congress-led opposition.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis Thursday said the voters in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections have to choose between the BJP's development agenda and "anarchy" represented by the Congress-led opposition. Fadnavis said the Congress-led UPA government had no guts to act when Mumbai was attacked by terrorists in 2008. Addressing an election rally in support of BJP-Sena alliance's Lok Sabha candidate from Bhiwandi Kapil Patil, Fadnavis said the voters should give a second term to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Fadnavis came down heavily on the Congress for its string of "failures" during its decades-long rule in the country. During his almost half an hour speech, the BJP leader listed the achievements of the Modi government. "What the Congress gave to the common man during its 60-year rule was nothing but 'anachar' (misrule), 'brashtachar' (corruption), Fadnavis said. Fadnavis said speeches of Congress chief Rahul Gandhi and other party leaders were "entertaining" as they are bereft of substance. The Congress government did not take any action after the 2008 terror strikes in Mumbai, Fadnavis said, adding the then Prime Minister had no guts to punish Pakistan, from where the attackers had come. Attacking the Congress further, Fadnavis said only Pakistan and the Rahul Gandhi-led party wanted proof of the causalities in the Balakot air strikes. Seeking support of electors for the BJP, Fadnavis said these polls offer to the voters a choice between "those who are for development and those who are for anarchy".

Polls offer choice between development, anarchy: Devendra Fadnavis

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis Wednesday said the prime minister's post has been booked for the next two general elections.&nbsp;

Fadnavis was replying to a question asked by actor Riteish Deshmukh during an award ceremony in Mumbai.

When Deshmukh asked who from Maharashtra, including Sharad Pawar and Nitin Gadkari, can become the prime minister, Fadnavis said, "Let me tell you, this question does not arise, because the post for prime minister has already been booked... Not only for this year's election, but also for the 2024 polls."

"Though, I would be more than happy if someone from Maharashtra becomes the prime minister after that," he added.

To another query that which party, the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-2019-bjp-to-contest-25-seats-shiv-sena-23-in-alliance-in-maharashtra-198153">Shiv Sena or the BJP</a>, will stake claim for the chief minister's and deputy chief minister's post if both get equal number of seats in this year's Maharashtra assembly elections, Fadnavis said few things need to remain secret.

"Everything cannot be disclosed at this moment," he added.

He also dismissed reports that BJP workers and leaders were not happy with the alliance as the party would contest only 144 seats in the 288-member House.

"Forging an alliance with our old ally Shiv Sena was necessary and this is the political reality in the present situation when all non-natural allies are ganging up to fight against us. Our workers understand this very well and support the alliance," he said.&nbsp;

Appealing to forget the bitterness, Fadnavis said, "Jo beet gai so baat gai' (Let bygone be bygone).

To another query that what cemented the alliance between the BJP and the Shiv Sena, Fadnavis said in a lighter vein, "When we arrived at 'Matoshree' (Thackeray's) home, Uddhav's better half served us few homemade dishes that were so delightful that we forgot everything and sealed the deal."

Overcoming their strained ties and grandiose declarations of going solo, the BJP and the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/agreed-for-alliance-as-bjps-way-of-treating-allies-has-changed-uddhav-thackeray-198407">Shiv Sena </a>on Monday had announced a seat-sharing pact for the ensuing Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in Maharashtra.

BJP president Amit Shah and Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray had jointly announced that the BJP will contest 25 seats and Shiv Sena 23 of 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra.

The two parties will contest an equal number of seats, after allotting allies their due share of segments, in polls for the 288-member state Assembly, due this year.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis Wednesday said the prime minister's post has been booked for the next two general elections. Fadnavis was replying to a question asked by actor Riteish Deshmukh during an award ceremony in Mumbai.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis Wednesday said the prime minister's post has been booked for the next two general elections. Fadnavis was replying to a question asked by actor Riteish Deshmukh during an award ceremony in Mumbai. When Deshmukh asked who from Maharashtra, including Sharad Pawar and Nitin Gadkari, can become the prime minister, Fadnavis said, "Let me tell you, this question does not arise, because the post for prime minister has already been booked... Not only for this year's election, but also for the 2024 polls." "Though, I would be more than happy if someone from Maharashtra becomes the prime minister after that," he added. To another query that which party, the Shiv Sena or the BJP, will stake claim for the chief minister's and deputy chief minister's post if both get equal number of seats in this year's Maharashtra assembly elections, Fadnavis said few things need to remain secret. "Everything cannot be disclosed at this moment," he added. He also dismissed reports that BJP workers and leaders were not happy with the alliance as the party would contest only 144 seats in the 288-member House. "Forging an alliance with our old ally Shiv Sena was necessary and this is the political reality in the present situation when all non-natural allies are ganging up to fight against us. Our workers understand this very well and support the alliance," he said. Appealing to forget the bitterness, Fadnavis said, "Jo beet gai so baat gai' (Let bygone be bygone). To another query that what cemented the alliance between the BJP and the Shiv Sena, Fadnavis said in a lighter vein, "When we arrived at 'Matoshree' (Thackeray's) home, Uddhav's better half served us few homemade dishes that were so delightful that we forgot everything and sealed the deal." Overcoming their strained ties and grandiose declarations of going solo, the BJP and the Shiv Sena on Monday had announced a seat-sharing pact for the ensuing Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in Maharashtra. BJP president Amit Shah and Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray had jointly announced that the BJP will contest 25 seats and Shiv Sena 23 of 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra. The two parties will contest an equal number of seats, after allotting allies their due share of segments, in polls for the 288-member state Assembly, due this year.

PM's post booked for next two general elections: Devendra Fadnavis

Social activist Anna Hazare has announced that he would launch a hunger strike from Wednesday over the "non-fulfilment" of assurances by the Centre and the Maharashtra government on the appointment of Lokpal and passage of Lokayukta Act in the state respectively.

In his letter to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, dated January 28, Hazare said he would launch the agitation in his village Ralegan Siddhi in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra.

Meanwhile, the Fadnavis Cabinet Tuesday decided to bring the office of Maharashtra Chief Minister under the jurisdiction of Lokayukta.

Maharashtra Minister Girish Mahajan, who has been acting as an emissary between the government and the activist, urged Hazare to cancel the agitation, claiming that almost all the demands made by the activist have been fulfilled.

Hazare, however, said he would not call off the agitation till the Lokayukta Act becomes a reality.

Apart from the appointment of Lokpal at the national level and Lokayukta in states, Hazare has been demanding implementation of the Swaminathan Commission recommendations and some electoral reforms.

"It has been five years since the Lokpal Act was passed. Yet the Narendra Modi government has not appointed Lokpal...Lokayukta Act has not been passed in Maharashtra for four years," Hazare observed in his letter dated January 28.

The activist said the chief minister had mediated when he had launched the agitation at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi in March last year.

Hazare said he had withdrawn that agitation after the central government had assured in writing that it would fulfil the demands.

"Nine months have passed, yet the demands have not been fulfilled. Hence, I will be on hunger strike in my village Ralegan Siddhi on January 30," Hazare said in the letter.

Mahajan urged Hazare not go ahead with the agitation saying almost all the demands he had raised were fulfilled.

"His first demand was implementing Swaminathan Commission recommendations, that farmers should get 1.5 times MSP. I think that demand has been fulfilled," Mahanjan told reporters here.

Speaking in Ahmednagar, Hazare welcomed the government's decision to set rolling the process to appoint Lokayukta.

"I thank them on behalf the people for taking the decision to the appointment of Lokayukta through the Constitutional process. But that does not mean I will not stage hunger strike tomorrow. The agitation will go on until the act is in place," Hazare added.

In Delhi, an eight-member search panel formed to select members of anti-corruption ombudsman Lokpal Tuesday held its first meeting, nearly four months after it was set up by the Modi government.

The committee, headed by former Supreme Court judge Ranjana Prakash Desai, is understood to have discussed modalities related to the appointments of the chief and members of Lokpal.&nbsp;

Social activist Anna Hazare has announced that he would launch a hunger strike from Wednesday over the "non-fulfilment" of assurances by the Centre and the Maharashtra government on the appointment of Lokpal and passage of Lokayukta Act in the state respectively.

Social activist Anna Hazare has announced that he would launch a hunger strike from Wednesday over the "non-fulfilment" of assurances by the Centre and the Maharashtra government on the appointment of Lokpal and passage of Lokayukta Act in the state respectively. In his letter to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, dated January 28, Hazare said he would launch the agitation in his village Ralegan Siddhi in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra. Meanwhile, the Fadnavis Cabinet Tuesday decided to bring the office of Maharashtra Chief Minister under the jurisdiction of Lokayukta. Maharashtra Minister Girish Mahajan, who has been acting as an emissary between the government and the activist, urged Hazare to cancel the agitation, claiming that almost all the demands made by the activist have been fulfilled. Hazare, however, said he would not call off the agitation till the Lokayukta Act becomes a reality. Apart from the appointment of Lokpal at the national level and Lokayukta in states, Hazare has been demanding implementation of the Swaminathan Commission recommendations and some electoral reforms. "It has been five years since the Lokpal Act was passed. Yet the Narendra Modi government has not appointed Lokpal...Lokayukta Act has not been passed in Maharashtra for four years," Hazare observed in his letter dated January 28. The activist said the chief minister had mediated when he had launched the agitation at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi in March last year. Hazare said he had withdrawn that agitation after the central government had assured in writing that it would fulfil the demands. "Nine months have passed, yet the demands have not been fulfilled. Hence, I will be on hunger strike in my village Ralegan Siddhi on January 30," Hazare said in the letter. Mahajan urged Hazare not go ahead with the agitation saying almost all the demands he had raised were fulfilled. "His first demand was implementing Swaminathan Commission recommendations, that farmers should get 1.5 times MSP. I think that demand has been fulfilled," Mahanjan told reporters here. Speaking in Ahmednagar, Hazare welcomed the government's decision to set rolling the process to appoint Lokayukta. "I thank them on behalf the people for taking the decision to the appointment of Lokayukta through the Constitutional process. But that does not mean I will not stage hunger strike tomorrow. The agitation will go on until the act is in place," Hazare added. In Delhi, an eight-member search panel formed to select members of anti-corruption ombudsman Lokpal Tuesday held its first meeting, nearly four months after it was set up by the Modi government. The committee, headed by former Supreme Court judge Ranjana Prakash Desai, is understood to have discussed modalities related to the appointments of the chief and members of Lokpal.

Maharashtra: Anna Hazare to launch hunger strike from Wednesday on Lokpal

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis Monday countered the Shiv Sena's claim of being "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-always-be-big-brother-in-alliance-with-bjp-in-maharashtra-sanjay-raut-193443">the big brother</a>" in the Sena-BJP alliance, saying his party is not seeking a tie-up desperately and can take on the Congress-NCP combine.

He was speaking at the valedictory event of a day-long meeting of the state working committee of the BJP in Jalna.

"BJP does want an alliance with the Shiv Sena but we are not desperate for it. We want the alliance as custodians of Hindutva and a strong force against corruption. We (BJP) are competent to fight the Congress-NCP combine," he said.

The chief minister said his party believes in Hindutva and wanted to keep the opposition alliance away from power.

Several BJP ministers in the state have stated earlier that an alliance with the Sena, which has often been critical of the BJP-led government, is needed to keep anti-Hindutva forces at bay.

The Sena had said last January that it would go it alone in all future elections.

Earlier Monday, Sena's chief whip in Parliament and Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Raut said his party is the "big brother in Maharashtra and will continue to be so".

"There is no proposal from the BJP to form any alliance with the Shiv Sena....We are not waiting for any proposal to be offered to us," Raut added.

Talking about the BJP-led government's performance in the last four and a half years, Fadnavis said that "potholes" of the last 60 years cannot be fixed within five years. 
"We need a continuation," he said.

Till 2014, the BJP and Sena, allies for long, had an understanding where the former contested a larger share of Lok Sabha seats and the latter contested a greater number of Assembly seats in Maharashtra.

In the 2014 Assembly polls, which the two parties fought separately, the BJP won 122 seats against Sena's 63. The Sena later joined the government in the state as a junior partner.

Fadnavis also attacked the Opposition for creating a "hue and cry" over the implementation of the recommendations made by the Swaminathan Commission for welfare of farmers.

He said while the Congress sat on the report, the Narendra Modi government has implemented it.

The chief minister said even M S Swaminathan had praised PM Modi through an article for implementing his recommendations.

"The report was submitted during the previous Congress regime but the party did not open a single page of the document. Even Swaminathan wrote that the UPA government did nothing about the report. NCP chief Sharad Pawar, who had served as Union Agriculture Minister, also did not implement the report," Fadnavis said.

He said the proposed "mahagatbandhan" or grand alliance shaping up against the prime minister, has no agenda except to grab power. "They have come together out of their fear of Modi," the CM alleged.

Later, addressing a public meeting in the city, the chief minister listed development works being carried out by the BJP government.

In his speech, Revenue Minister Chandrakant Patil praised Fadnavis for granting 16 per cent reservation to the Maratha community.

"A Brahmin chief minister has given the quota, which (any) Maratha CM could not do," he said.

Addressing the gathering, Rural Development Minister Pankaja Munde slammed the erstwhile Congress-led government for "doing nothing" for the state.

"The NCP is steeped into corruption. The Rashtravadi party (NCP) should be named as 'Bharstacharvadi' (corrupt) party".

BJP state unit president Raosaheb Danve took a veiled dig at Shiv Sena minister Arjun Khotkar, who he said is "dreaming" to contest Jalna Lok Sabha seat in upcoming polls, and questionned his "contribution" towards development of the constituency.&nbsp;

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis Monday countered the Shiv Sena's claim of being "the big brother" in the Sena-BJP alliance, saying his party is not seeking a tie-up desperately and can take on the Congress-NCP combine.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis Monday countered the Shiv Sena's claim of being "the big brother" in the Sena-BJP alliance, saying his party is not seeking a tie-up desperately and can take on the Congress-NCP combine. He was speaking at the valedictory event of a day-long meeting of the state working committee of the BJP in Jalna. "BJP does want an alliance with the Shiv Sena but we are not desperate for it. We want the alliance as custodians of Hindutva and a strong force against corruption. We (BJP) are competent to fight the Congress-NCP combine," he said. The chief minister said his party believes in Hindutva and wanted to keep the opposition alliance away from power. Several BJP ministers in the state have stated earlier that an alliance with the Sena, which has often been critical of the BJP-led government, is needed to keep anti-Hindutva forces at bay. The Sena had said last January that it would go it alone in all future elections. Earlier Monday, Sena's chief whip in Parliament and Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Raut said his party is the "big brother in Maharashtra and will continue to be so". "There is no proposal from the BJP to form any alliance with the Shiv Sena....We are not waiting for any proposal to be offered to us," Raut added. Talking about the BJP-led government's performance in the last four and a half years, Fadnavis said that "potholes" of the last 60 years cannot be fixed within five years. "We need a continuation," he said. Till 2014, the BJP and Sena, allies for long, had an understanding where the former contested a larger share of Lok Sabha seats and the latter contested a greater number of Assembly seats in Maharashtra. In the 2014 Assembly polls, which the two parties fought separately, the BJP won 122 seats against Sena's 63. The Sena later joined the government in the state as a junior partner. Fadnavis also attacked the Opposition for creating a "hue and cry" over the implementation of the recommendations made by the Swaminathan Commission for welfare of farmers. He said while the Congress sat on the report, the Narendra Modi government has implemented it. The chief minister said even M S Swaminathan had praised PM Modi through an article for implementing his recommendations. "The report was submitted during the previous Congress regime but the party did not open a single page of the document. Even Swaminathan wrote that the UPA government did nothing about the report. NCP chief Sharad Pawar, who had served as Union Agriculture Minister, also did not implement the report," Fadnavis said. He said the proposed "mahagatbandhan" or grand alliance shaping up against the prime minister, has no agenda except to grab power. "They have come together out of their fear of Modi," the CM alleged. Later, addressing a public meeting in the city, the chief minister listed development works being carried out by the BJP government. In his speech, Revenue Minister Chandrakant Patil praised Fadnavis for granting 16 per cent reservation to the Maratha community. "A Brahmin chief minister has given the quota, which (any) Maratha CM could not do," he said. Addressing the gathering, Rural Development Minister Pankaja Munde slammed the erstwhile Congress-led government for "doing nothing" for the state. "The NCP is steeped into corruption. The Rashtravadi party (NCP) should be named as 'Bharstacharvadi' (corrupt) party". BJP state unit president Raosaheb Danve took a veiled dig at Shiv Sena minister Arjun Khotkar, who he said is "dreaming" to contest Jalna Lok Sabha seat in upcoming polls, and questionned his "contribution" towards development of the constituency.

BJP not desperate for alliance: CM Devendra Fadnavis on Shiv Sena's big brother comment

The Supreme Court Thursday issued a notice to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on a plea seeking annulment of his election to the state assembly for alleged non-disclosure of pending criminal cases against him in his nomination papers.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices S K Kaul and K M Joseph sought response of the chief minister on an appeal filed against a Bombay High Court order.

The Bombay High Court had dismissed the plea of one Satish Ukey seeking annulment of Fadanavis's election to the Maharashtra Assembly on the ground of alleged non-disclosure of all pending criminal cases against him.&nbsp;

The apex court was hearing an appeal of Ukey against the high court order.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court Thursday issued a notice to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on a plea seeking annulment of his election to the state assembly for alleged non-disclosure of pending criminal cases against him in his nomination papers.

The Supreme Court Thursday issued a notice to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on a plea seeking annulment of his election to the state assembly for alleged non-disclosure of pending criminal cases against him in his nomination papers. A bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices S K Kaul and K M Joseph sought response of the chief minister on an appeal filed against a Bombay High Court order. The Bombay High Court had dismissed the plea of one Satish Ukey seeking annulment of Fadanavis's election to the Maharashtra Assembly on the ground of alleged non-disclosure of all pending criminal cases against him. The apex court was hearing an appeal of Ukey against the high court order.

Maharashtra: Supreme Court issues notice to CM Devendra Fadnavis  on plea against his election

Amruta Fadnavis, wife of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis came under the media spotlight after a video of her posing for a perfect selfie while sitting on the edge of cruise started doing rounds on social media.

Devendra Fadnavis long with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari inaugurated India's first luxury cruise ship 'Angaria' on Saturday. The video, first posted by news agency ANI, is from the inauguration day.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: Amruta Fadnavis, wife of Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, being cautioned by security personnel onboard India's first domestic cruise Angria. She had crossed the safety range of the cruise ship. <a href="https://t.co/YYc47gLkHd">pic.twitter.com/YYc47gLkHd</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1053937276571541505?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The 31-seconds video shows Amruta Fadnavis sitting very closely at the railing of the ship while posing for a selfie with the phone. During this, she was also asked to return to the safety barricade by the security personnel but paying no heed to the warning Mrs Fadnavis continued attempting for a selfie while sitting there.

Reacting to the video, the people on social media has criticised Mrs Fadnavis for ignoring security warning and acting irresponsibly.

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Amruta Fadnavis seems to be enjoying political tourism. She has absolutely no business in this inagauration. Selfie stunt kathron ke khiladi madhe karava tyanni. How is she on magzine cover page, sing song with Mr. Bacchan etc? Nepotism
— anirudha (@coolanirocks) <a href="https://twitter.com/coolanirocks/status/1053898326049984512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Dear <a href="https://twitter.com/Dev_Fadnavis?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Dev_Fadnavis</a> 
 
Such a shamefull act by ur wife Amruta Fadnavis on a day when Nation along with PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> celebrates <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PoliceCommemorationDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PoliceCommemorationDay</a> 
 
She crosses the safety barricades paying no heed to the repeated warnings by Police 
 
Such Disrespect<a href="https://t.co/txQpyf4ywd">pic.twitter.com/txQpyf4ywd</a>
— Raman (@being_delhite) <a href="https://twitter.com/being_delhite/status/1053938800257167360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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I never supported personal attacks on Amruta Fadnavis for her music videos or fashion show appearances, but this is plain stupidity. You are the spouse of a Chief Minister. The least you can do is not break rules with such brazenness. <a href="https://t.co/G6gPtkM3N5">https://t.co/G6gPtkM3N5</a>
— Prominent Citizen Spaminder Bharti (@attomeybharti) <a href="https://twitter.com/attomeybharti/status/1053947010880061440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Is everything alright between Amruta Fadnavis and <a href="https://twitter.com/Dev_Fadnavis?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Dev_Fadnavis</a> ! 
Or, 
Misuse of power and position Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis ?
— Abhijit Chatterjee (@abhijitc4) <a href="https://twitter.com/abhijitc4/status/1053941551410434048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Amruta Fadnavis, wife of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis came under the media spotlight after a video of her posing for a perfect selfie while sitting on the edge of cruise started doing rounds on social media.

Amruta Fadnavis, wife of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis came under the media spotlight after a video of her posing for a perfect selfie while sitting on the edge of cruise started doing rounds on social media. Devendra Fadnavis long with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari inaugurated India's first luxury cruise ship 'Angaria' on Saturday. The video, first posted by news agency ANI, is from the inauguration day. #WATCH: Amruta Fadnavis, wife of Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, being cautioned by security personnel onboard India's first domestic cruise Angria. She had crossed the safety range of the cruise ship. pic.twitter.com/YYc47gLkHd — ANI (@ANI) October 21, 2018 × The 31-seconds video shows Amruta Fadnavis sitting very closely at the railing of the ship while posing for a selfie with the phone. During this, she was also asked to return to the safety barricade by the security personnel but paying no heed to the warning Mrs Fadnavis continued attempting for a selfie while sitting there. Reacting to the video, the people on social media has criticised Mrs Fadnavis for ignoring security warning and acting irresponsibly. Amruta Fadnavis seems to be enjoying political tourism. She has absolutely no business in this inagauration. Selfie stunt kathron ke khiladi madhe karava tyanni. How is she on magzine cover page, sing song with Mr. Bacchan etc? Nepotism — anirudha (@coolanirocks) October 21, 2018 × Dear @Dev_Fadnavis Such a shamefull act by ur wife Amruta Fadnavis on a day when Nation along with PM @narendramodi celebrates #PoliceCommemorationDay She crosses the safety barricades paying no heed to the repeated warnings by Police Such Disrespectpic.twitter.com/txQpyf4ywd — Raman (@being_delhite) October 21, 2018 × I never supported personal attacks on Amruta Fadnavis for her music videos or fashion show appearances, but this is plain stupidity. You are the spouse of a Chief Minister. The least you can do is not break rules with such brazenness. https://t.co/G6gPtkM3N5 — Prominent Citizen Spaminder Bharti (@attomeybharti) October 21, 2018 × Is everything alright between Amruta Fadnavis and @Dev_Fadnavis ! Or, Misuse of power and position Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis ? — Abhijit Chatterjee (@abhijitc4) October 21, 2018 ×

Maharashtra CM's wife slammed after 'perfect selfie' on edge of cruise ship

A total of 200 talukas in the state of Maharashtra have been identified as scarcity-like conditions, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Tuesday.

Speaking to reporters after chairing an emergency ministerial meeting on the issue, Fadnavis said that the state ministers were apprised of the prevailing conditions and were also asked to submit a report to him on this issue.

"The main focus is how to tackle the drought-hit talukas in the state. One of the main reasons behind the drought is the low rainfall which has been recorded just 77 per cent, less than the average-mark in the state. We are following the drought manual given by the Centre and that has helped us in planning everything well in advance," he said.

The Chief Minister further said that a Central team will soon be visiting to these talukas to review the situation.

"Be it water-scarcity issues or crop damages, I have instructed the ministers to make a detailed plan after they visit the drought-hit talukas.&nbsp;

This not only helps in understanding the situation but allows to counter-check. Above all, we are well prepared to control the situation that has come before us," Fadnavis added.&nbsp;

A total of 200 talukas in the state of Maharashtra have been identified as scarcity-like conditions, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Tuesday. Speaking to reporters after chairing an emergency ministerial meeting on the issue, Fadnavis said that the state ministers were apprised of the prevailing conditions and were also asked to submit a report to him on this issue.

A total of 200 talukas in the state of Maharashtra have been identified as scarcity-like conditions, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Tuesday. Speaking to reporters after chairing an emergency ministerial meeting on the issue, Fadnavis said that the state ministers were apprised of the prevailing conditions and were also asked to submit a report to him on this issue. "The main focus is how to tackle the drought-hit talukas in the state. One of the main reasons behind the drought is the low rainfall which has been recorded just 77 per cent, less than the average-mark in the state. We are following the drought manual given by the Centre and that has helped us in planning everything well in advance," he said. The Chief Minister further said that a Central team will soon be visiting to these talukas to review the situation. "Be it water-scarcity issues or crop damages, I have instructed the ministers to make a detailed plan after they visit the drought-hit talukas. This not only helps in understanding the situation but allows to counter-check. Above all, we are well prepared to control the situation that has come before us," Fadnavis added.

200 talukas facing drought-like conditions: Maharashtra CM Fadnavis

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis sounded a conciliatory note for its ally Shiv Sena when he hinted that BJP will jointly contest 2019 Lok Sabha elections with Uddhav Thackeray's party.

Fadnavis was speaking at an event in Mumbai on Tuesday where Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut interviewed him.

"The Shiv Sena may be a party led by Uddhav Thackeray, but it is run on the ethos of late Balasaheb Thackeray. Looking at the current situation, I can say that all secular, but Hindutva parties will come together to counter the pseudo-secular opposition parties," Fadnavis said. "This was Balasaheb's thinking as well," he added.

When Raut asked him why Bal Thackeray's ideology was forgotten by the BJP in 2014 when it snapped ties with the Sena, Fadnavis blamed the estranged ally for being adamant for just four more seats.

"We had offered you 147 seats, but you were adamant on 151. Had you accepted our offer, the Sena would have got more seats than the BJP (in the ensuing Assembly polls), and either Uddhavji or you would have become the CM," Fadnavis retorted.

Raut also asked Fadnavis how he knew the Sena's future plans when he could not even predict the next move of the RSS.

"The Shiv Sena is a political party and hence it is easy to predict what it will do in future. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) does not have any political compulsions. Its programmes are fixed at times a year in advance and it executes them as per their schedule," Fadnavis said.

He denied that Prime Minister Narendra Modi or BJP chief Amit Shah hold the "remote control" of the Maharashtra government.

Fadnavis also refuted allegations that he has failed as the state's home minister, saying the conviction rate is important and not the crime rate.

"In the last three years, we have taken the rate of conviction to 32 per cent from 8 per cent. That is my achievement.... (late NCP leader and former home minister) R R Patil had once told me that the CM must keep the Home portfolio with himself, because most of the decisions of the department are given a final nod by the CM," the Maharashtra Chief Minister said.

Fadnavis also appealed to all political parties to introspect whether they were glorifying criminals by inducting them. People too should decide if such criminals should be elected, he said.

When Raut asked him why Bal Thackeray's ideology was forgotten by the BJP in 2014 when it snapped ties with the Sena, Fadnavis blamed the estranged ally for being adamant for just four seats.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis sounded a conciliatory note for its ally Shiv Sena when he hinted that BJP will jointly contest 2019 Lok Sabha elections with Uddhav Thackeray's party. Fadnavis was speaking at an event in Mumbai on Tuesday where Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut interviewed him. "The Shiv Sena may be a party led by Uddhav Thackeray, but it is run on the ethos of late Balasaheb Thackeray. Looking at the current situation, I can say that all secular, but Hindutva parties will come together to counter the pseudo-secular opposition parties," Fadnavis said. "This was Balasaheb's thinking as well," he added. When Raut asked him why Bal Thackeray's ideology was forgotten by the BJP in 2014 when it snapped ties with the Sena, Fadnavis blamed the estranged ally for being adamant for just four more seats. "We had offered you 147 seats, but you were adamant on 151. Had you accepted our offer, the Sena would have got more seats than the BJP (in the ensuing Assembly polls), and either Uddhavji or you would have become the CM," Fadnavis retorted. Raut also asked Fadnavis how he knew the Sena's future plans when he could not even predict the next move of the RSS. "The Shiv Sena is a political party and hence it is easy to predict what it will do in future. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) does not have any political compulsions. Its programmes are fixed at times a year in advance and it executes them as per their schedule," Fadnavis said. He denied that Prime Minister Narendra Modi or BJP chief Amit Shah hold the "remote control" of the Maharashtra government. Fadnavis also refuted allegations that he has failed as the state's home minister, saying the conviction rate is important and not the crime rate. "In the last three years, we have taken the rate of conviction to 32 per cent from 8 per cent. That is my achievement.... (late NCP leader and former home minister) R R Patil had once told me that the CM must keep the Home portfolio with himself, because most of the decisions of the department are given a final nod by the CM," the Maharashtra Chief Minister said. Fadnavis also appealed to all political parties to introspect whether they were glorifying criminals by inducting them. People too should decide if such criminals should be elected, he said.

Devendra Fadnavis subtly hints at BJP-Shiv Sena tie-up for 2019 polls

&nbspIn one of&nbspthe first ever reservation for orphans in government jobs in the country, Maharashtra government has issued a resolution of 1 per cent parallel reservation for orphans in the open category for education and jobs.

The decision to introduce the reservation was taken in the Maharashtra cabinet in January 2018 while the&nbspgovernment resolution (GR) to ratify it was issued on Monday.

The reservation is now applicable for state-level recruitments across all levels.

The government resolution mentions that orphans in institutions or otherwise who are unable to trace their parents or any relative and are unable to tarck their caste will be eligible for the reservation.

The resolution, however, states that the person will have to get a certificate from the women and child department certifying their orphan status, in order to get be eligible for the reservation.

Under the parallel reservation, 1 per cent jobs will be reserved for orphans under the general category without increasing the&nbspcaste reservation quota that has already reached 52 per cent.

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Government of Maharashtra issues resolution of 1% parallel reservation for orphans in Government jobs & education in the state
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Under the parallel reservation, 1 per cent jobs will be reserved for orphans under the general category without increasing the caste reservation quota that has already reached 52 per cent

&nbspIn one of&nbspthe first ever reservation for orphans in government jobs in the country, Maharashtra government has issued a resolution of 1 per cent parallel reservation for orphans in the open category for education and jobs. The decision to introduce the reservation was taken in the Maharashtra cabinet in January 2018 while the&nbspgovernment resolution (GR) to ratify it was issued on Monday. The reservation is now applicable for state-level recruitments across all levels. The government resolution mentions that orphans in institutions or otherwise who are unable to trace their parents or any relative and are unable to tarck their caste will be eligible for the reservation. The resolution, however, states that the person will have to get a certificate from the women and child department certifying their orphan status, in order to get be eligible for the reservation. Under the parallel reservation, 1 per cent jobs will be reserved for orphans under the general category without increasing the&nbspcaste reservation quota that has already reached 52 per cent. Government of Maharashtra issues resolution of 1% parallel reservation for orphans in Government jobs & education in the state — ANI (@ANI) April 3, 2018 ×

Maharashtra government passes resolution for 1% parallel reservation for orphans

Social activist Anna Hazare today ended his six-day fast at Ramlila Maidan here, saying he has been assured by the government that appointments of Lokpal at the Centre and Lokayuktas in the states would be made soon.

Hazare said that he was giving the government six months time till August to come good on its assurance and warned that his protest will again begin in September if the demands were not met.

The 80-year-old anti-corruption activist's demands include appointment of Lokpal at the Centre and Lokayuktas in the states, and giving better prices to the farmers for their yield.

"They (government) have assured us that they will make the appointments as soon as possible. I will see till August and we will begin again in September. It should be done within a time frame. ((Though Maharashtra) Chief Minister (Devendra) Fadnavis has said that it will not even take six months, we will see," Hazare said.

"Sarkar aur janta alag nahi hoti...Sarkar ka kaam hai janta ki bhalai, desh ki bhalai...Aese andolan ki naubat nahi aani chahiye (the government and the public are not separate. The government's job is to do what is good for the people and the country. Things should not come to such a pass that protests are needed)," he said.

Meanwhile, a man hurled a shoe towards the stage where Hazare, Fadnavis and Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat were present, but it was unclear as to whom it was aimed at.

The attacker was whisked away by the police.

Hazare lost over five kg weight during the fast, his aide Datta Awari had claimed earlier.&nbsp

Hazare said that he was giving the government six months time till August to come good on its assurance and warned that his protest will again begin in September if the demands were not met.

Social activist Anna Hazare today ended his six-day fast at Ramlila Maidan here, saying he has been assured by the government that appointments of Lokpal at the Centre and Lokayuktas in the states would be made soon. Hazare said that he was giving the government six months time till August to come good on its assurance and warned that his protest will again begin in September if the demands were not met. The 80-year-old anti-corruption activist's demands include appointment of Lokpal at the Centre and Lokayuktas in the states, and giving better prices to the farmers for their yield. "They (government) have assured us that they will make the appointments as soon as possible. I will see till August and we will begin again in September. It should be done within a time frame. ((Though Maharashtra) Chief Minister (Devendra) Fadnavis has said that it will not even take six months, we will see," Hazare said. "Sarkar aur janta alag nahi hoti...Sarkar ka kaam hai janta ki bhalai, desh ki bhalai...Aese andolan ki naubat nahi aani chahiye (the government and the public are not separate. The government's job is to do what is good for the people and the country. Things should not come to such a pass that protests are needed)," he said. Meanwhile, a man hurled a shoe towards the stage where Hazare, Fadnavis and Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat were present, but it was unclear as to whom it was aimed at. The attacker was whisked away by the police. Hazare lost over five kg weight during the fast, his aide Datta Awari had claimed earlier.

Anna Hazare ends fast after six days

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis today rejected the demand for revoking the ban on plastic items, which came into effect from March 18.

He said the government was willing to address genuine concerns of the plastic manufacturing industry.

Fadnavis said a Cabinet sub-committee headed by Environment Minister Ramdas Kadam would be directed to engage with plastic industry stake-holders to find a working solution.

The chief minister said?discussions had been held with the plastic industry stake-holders in the last six months and more engagement would be done to ensure they do not suffer because of the ban.

The demand for reconsideration of the ban was made by some MLAs during a debate on the Opposition-sponsored last week motion on the last day of the Budget session.

Leader of Opposition Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil (Congress) said?the government should ensure that plastic manufacturers don't get affected since the industry is the generator of jobs.

The state government implemented its ambitious plan to ban almost all plastic carry bags and single-use plastic, such as disposable plates and cutlery, food packaging and other items.

The government has proposed fines of Rs 5,000, Rs 10,000 and Rs 25,000 for the first three offences, with the maximum punishment for violation of the ban being a three-month jail term.

To a question, Fadnavis said the state government would fill 72,000 posts in various departments in the next two years.

"A total of 14000 posts will be filled in Home department, 1500 in Urban Development department. The government will fill 2572 posts in agriculture department," he said.

Recently, unemployed youths had held protests against non-fulfillment of government posts.

Fadnavis also justified the reappointment of senior bureaucrat Radheshyam Mopalwar as the vice-chairman and managing director of the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) last month.

The chief minister cited a GR (Government Resolution), dated February 9, 2000, on whose basis former bureaucrat R C Sinha was reappointed by the erstwhile Congress-NCP government.&nbsp

He said the government was willing to address genuine concerns of the plastic manufacturing industry

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis today rejected the demand for revoking the ban on plastic items, which came into effect from March 18. He said the government was willing to address genuine concerns of the plastic manufacturing industry. Fadnavis said a Cabinet sub-committee headed by Environment Minister Ramdas Kadam would be directed to engage with plastic industry stake-holders to find a working solution. The chief minister said?discussions had been held with the plastic industry stake-holders in the last six months and more engagement would be done to ensure they do not suffer because of the ban. The demand for reconsideration of the ban was made by some MLAs during a debate on the Opposition-sponsored last week motion on the last day of the Budget session. Leader of Opposition Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil (Congress) said?the government should ensure that plastic manufacturers don't get affected since the industry is the generator of jobs. The state government implemented its ambitious plan to ban almost all plastic carry bags and single-use plastic, such as disposable plates and cutlery, food packaging and other items. The government has proposed fines of Rs 5,000, Rs 10,000 and Rs 25,000 for the first three offences, with the maximum punishment for violation of the ban being a three-month jail term. To a question, Fadnavis said the state government would fill 72,000 posts in various departments in the next two years. "A total of 14000 posts will be filled in Home department, 1500 in Urban Development department. The government will fill 2572 posts in agriculture department," he said. Recently, unemployed youths had held protests against non-fulfillment of government posts. Fadnavis also justified the reappointment of senior bureaucrat Radheshyam Mopalwar as the vice-chairman and managing director of the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) last month. The chief minister cited a GR (Government Resolution), dated February 9, 2000, on whose basis former bureaucrat R C Sinha was reappointed by the erstwhile Congress-NCP government.

Maharashtra CM rejects demand for revoking ban on plastic items

Responding to the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rail-roko-protests-in-mumbai-called-off-train-services-between-matunga-and-csmt-resume-36463" target="_blank">agitation of students for railway recruitment</a>, Union Railway minister Piyush Goyal has said that 20 per cent seat is already reserved for apprentices and the students were demanding more.&nbsp;

He said, &quot;Was in continuous touch with officials. No rules have changed, 20 per cent seats are reserved for apprentices but they are demanding more. Lathi-charge was done after agitators started pelting stones, no one was injured&quot;.

While Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said that recruitment in Railways was being done at a large scale.

He added that on the directives of Supreme Court, Indian Railways has made an unbiased and transparent recruitment policy.

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Recruitment in Railways is underway at a large scale. On directives of Supreme Court, Indian Railways has made a recruitment policy that is unbiased &amp; transparent: Piyush Goyal on Railway job aspirants&#39; agitation in Mumbai <a href="https://t.co/mjWBIlwGcL">pic.twitter.com/mjWBIlwGcL</a>
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Scores of students agitated Tuesday morning demanding jobs in railways.

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/over-60-trains-cancelled-as-job-aspirants-block-railway-tracks-in-mumbai-36451" target="_blank">students blocked rail traffic, including suburban services</a> between Matunga and Dadar stations, causing difficulties to lakhs of commuters, a Central Railway official said.&nbsp;

The protests have been called off for now and train services have resumed.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

While Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said that recruitment in Railways was being done on a large scale. He added that on the directives of Supreme Court, Indian Railways has made an unbiased and transparent recruitment policy

Responding to the agitation of students for railway recruitment, Union Railway minister Piyush Goyal has said that 20 per cent seat is already reserved for apprentices and the students were demanding more. He said, "Was in continuous touch with officials. No rules have changed, 20 per cent seats are reserved for apprentices but they are demanding more. Lathi-charge was done after agitators started pelting stones, no one was injured". While Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said that recruitment in Railways was being done at a large scale. He added that on the directives of Supreme Court, Indian Railways has made an unbiased and transparent recruitment policy. Recruitment in Railways is underway at a large scale. On directives of Supreme Court, Indian Railways has made a recruitment policy that is unbiased & transparent: Piyush Goyal on Railway job aspirants' agitation in Mumbai pic.twitter.com/mjWBIlwGcL — ANI (@ANI) March 20, 2018 × Scores of students agitated Tuesday morning demanding jobs in railways. The students blocked rail traffic, including suburban services between Matunga and Dadar stations, causing difficulties to lakhs of commuters, a Central Railway official said. The protests have been called off for now and train services have resumed.

20% seats already reserved for apprentices, students demanding more: Piyush Goyal on rail roko protest

The memorial to Babasaheb Ambedkar, to be built on the Indu Mill site near Chaityabhoomi in Mumbai, would be completed in three years time, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis told the Legislative Council.

He was replying to supplementary queries raised on a calling attention motion moved by Sharad Ranpise of the Congress.

&quot;Major works will be carried out in the first two years, ancillary works would be done in one year after that,&quot; Fadnavis told the House.

He informed the House that a special kind of steel, recommended by the Centre, would be used for its construction as well as the memorial of Chhatrapati Shivaji off the coast of Mumbai. This steel could last for about 300 years, Fadnavis said.

Replying to further queries, Fadnavis informed the House that a three member committee, comprising former Shiv Sena corporator Surendra Bagalkar, the Dean of J J School of Arts and the Head of Department of History of Mumbai University would take suggestions from legislators, leaders and the public.

&quot;The committee shall accept suggestions if they improve the overall aesthetic value of the memorial,&quot; he said.

Fadnavis urged members not to compare the project cost of the Ambedkar Memorial with that of Chhatrapati Shivaji in the Arabian sea or with the Sardar Patel Statue of Unity coming up in Gujarat.

He said these projects could not be compared because all the three personalities had contributed immensely in their own way for the welfare of the nation.

Responding to a supplementary query over the Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) pending since 2011 which had led to the Centre withholding environment clearances for several city projects, the CM said that the government had received a draft report from two institutions which would be sent to the Centre after approval from the state Cabinet.

Referring to the omission of some prominent personalities during the &#39;bhoomipujan&#39; ceremony of the Ambedkar memorial in October 2015, he said that all those who had been left out would be invited for its inauguration.

&nbsp;

'Major works will be carried out in the first two years, ancillary works would be done in one year after that,' Fadnavis said

The memorial to Babasaheb Ambedkar, to be built on the Indu Mill site near Chaityabhoomi in Mumbai, would be completed in three years time, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis told the Legislative Council. He was replying to supplementary queries raised on a calling attention motion moved by Sharad Ranpise of the Congress. "Major works will be carried out in the first two years, ancillary works would be done in one year after that," Fadnavis told the House. He informed the House that a special kind of steel, recommended by the Centre, would be used for its construction as well as the memorial of Chhatrapati Shivaji off the coast of Mumbai. This steel could last for about 300 years, Fadnavis said. Replying to further queries, Fadnavis informed the House that a three member committee, comprising former Shiv Sena corporator Surendra Bagalkar, the Dean of J J School of Arts and the Head of Department of History of Mumbai University would take suggestions from legislators, leaders and the public. "The committee shall accept suggestions if they improve the overall aesthetic value of the memorial," he said. Fadnavis urged members not to compare the project cost of the Ambedkar Memorial with that of Chhatrapati Shivaji in the Arabian sea or with the Sardar Patel Statue of Unity coming up in Gujarat. He said these projects could not be compared because all the three personalities had contributed immensely in their own way for the welfare of the nation. Responding to a supplementary query over the Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) pending since 2011 which had led to the Centre withholding environment clearances for several city projects, the CM said that the government had received a draft report from two institutions which would be sent to the Centre after approval from the state Cabinet. Referring to the omission of some prominent personalities during the 'bhoomipujan' ceremony of the Ambedkar memorial in October 2015, he said that all those who had been left out would be invited for its inauguration.

Ambedkar memorial to come up in three years: Devendra Fadnavis

Expressing hope that the &#39;rashtravadi&#39; (nationalist) and Hindutva forces will stay together, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis exuded confidence that Shiv Sena won&#39;t support the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/chandrababu-naidu-led-tdp-pulls-out-of-nda-35990" target="_blank">no-confidence motion</a> against the NDA government..

The statement came after the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) moved a no-confidence motion against the BJP-led government in the Lok Sabha today, following TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu&#39;s announcement that his party was exiting the National Democratic Alliance.

&quot;There have been no talks with Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray as yet. The seniors in our party (BJP&#39;s central leadership) will do that. However, I am confident that the &#39;rashtravadi&#39; and Hindutva forces will stay together,&quot; Fadnavis told reporters.

&quot;The Sena will remain with us.&quot;

&quot;Some Sena leaders met me this morning. They had come to seek (the BJP&#39;s) support in the Mumbai municipal corporation bypoll. We are supporting them,&quot; Fadnavis said.

However, he denied that he met the Sena leadership over the no-trust motion.

On the recent farmers&#39; long march here, Fadnavis said the manner in which the issue was highlighted made it seem that farmers were protesting over the disbursement of loan waiver amount.

&quot;There were barely a few farmers in the protest. Most of the participants were adivasis, against whom injustice has been meted out over the years,&quot; he said.&nbsp;

'There have been no talks with Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray as yet. However, I am confident that the 'rashtravadi' and Hindutva forces will stay together,' the Maharashtra Chief Minister said

Expressing hope that the 'rashtravadi' (nationalist) and Hindutva forces will stay together, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis exuded confidence that Shiv Sena won't support the no-confidence motion against the NDA government.. The statement came after the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) moved a no-confidence motion against the BJP-led government in the Lok Sabha today, following TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu's announcement that his party was exiting the National Democratic Alliance. "There have been no talks with Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray as yet. The seniors in our party (BJP's central leadership) will do that. However, I am confident that the 'rashtravadi' and Hindutva forces will stay together," Fadnavis told reporters. "The Sena will remain with us." "Some Sena leaders met me this morning. They had come to seek (the BJP's) support in the Mumbai municipal corporation bypoll. We are supporting them," Fadnavis said. However, he denied that he met the Sena leadership over the no-trust motion. On the recent farmers' long march here, Fadnavis said the manner in which the issue was highlighted made it seem that farmers were protesting over the disbursement of loan waiver amount. "There were barely a few farmers in the protest. Most of the participants were adivasis, against whom injustice has been meted out over the years," he said.

Confident that Shiv Sena won't support TDP's no-trust motion: Fadnavis

&nbsp;Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced the withdrawal of all cases, except for serious ones,&nbsp;in connection with the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/the-battle-of-bhima-koregaon-and-its-significance-28406" target="_blank">Bhima-Koregaon violence</a>.

He also said that his government would compensate for the loss of Rs 13 crore incurred during the violence.

He said that their government will not spare anyone found responsible for the violence.

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Will not spare anyone found responsible for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BhimaKoregaon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BhimaKoregaon</a> incident. Government is giving financial assistance to those who suffered losses. Appointed Inquiry Committee headed by Retd Chief Justice J.N.Patel: CM Devendra Fadnavis (file pic) <a href="https://t.co/who6NgrARo">pic.twitter.com/who6NgrARo</a>
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Fadnavis added that the Maharashtra government would form a committee under Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) to examine serious offenses committed during the violence. The committee will submit recommendations to a cabinet sub-committee within three months&nbsp;deciding on the cases that should be withdrawn.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/one-killed-3-injured-in-clashes-at-koregaon-bhima-battle-anniversary-in-pune-28313" target="_blank">One killed, 3 injured in clashes at Koregaon Bhima battle anniversary in Pune</a>

Out of the total 622 cases registered in the violence, 350 were serious offenses, the CM said.&nbsp;

He added that as many as 1,119 people were arrested after the violence. Seventeen cases were registered under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and 2,053 people were taken into preventive custody.

The chief minister also clarified that the government will not withdraw the cases against history-sheeters who took advantage of the situation and indulged in a shooting.&nbsp;

The chief minister also denied Opposition&#39;s allegation that the government did not take immediate action against Milind Ekbote, chief of Samasta Hindu Ekta Aghadi. He also said that those responsible for negligence will be dealt with strictly.

Fadnavis announced that the state government will take control of the Samadhi (memorial) of Chhatrapati Sambhaji at Vadhu dismissing the allegation that Ekbote&#39;s organisation had taken control of the Samadhi.

An inquiry will also be conducted to examine the harassment against women&nbsp;during the combing operations in Aurangabad (to arrest rioters). 
 
To mark the 200th anniversary of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/the-battle-of-bhima-koregaon-and-its-significance-28406" target="_blank">battle of Koregaon</a>, several Dalits on January 1 gathered around the victory pillar erected by the British at Koregaon-Bhima - 40 kilometres from Pune. The gathering was to commemorate the&nbsp;victory of&nbsp;British East India Company over the army of Peshawa Bajirao II.&nbsp;&nbsp;It is widely believed that the Mahar community - then considered untouchable - played a key role in East India Company&#39;s win.

Soon, violence broke out and many vehicles were torched <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/one-killed-3-injured-in-clashes-at-koregaon-bhima-battle-anniversary-in-pune-28313" target="_blank">leading to the death of one youth</a>.

Incidents of violence were reported from many parts of Maharashtra, including Ahmednagar, Jalgaon, Nagpur, Dhule, Beed, Akola, Nashik, Pune, Solapur, Thane and Palghar as Dalits protested against Monday&#39;s incidents in Koregaon-Bhima.

Many prominent Dalit outfits, including Bharipa Bahujan Mahasangh, a party headed by BR Ambedkar&#39;s grandson Prakash Ambedkar, called for a &#39;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-tense-after-pune-violence-28374">Maharashtra bandh</a>&nbsp;(shutdown)&nbsp;to express anger over violence.

(With input from agencies)

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced the withdrawal of all cases, except for serious ones, in connection with the Bhima-Koregaon violence

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced the withdrawal of all cases, except for serious ones, in connection with the Bhima-Koregaon violence. He also said that his government would compensate for the loss of Rs 13 crore incurred during the violence. He said that their government will not spare anyone found responsible for the violence. Will not spare anyone found responsible for #BhimaKoregaon incident. Government is giving financial assistance to those who suffered losses. Appointed Inquiry Committee headed by Retd Chief Justice J.N.Patel: CM Devendra Fadnavis (file pic) pic.twitter.com/who6NgrARo — ANI (@ANI) March 13, 2018 × Fadnavis added that the Maharashtra government would form a committee under Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) to examine serious offenses committed during the violence. The committee will submit recommendations to a cabinet sub-committee within three months deciding on the cases that should be withdrawn. Also read: One killed, 3 injured in clashes at Koregaon Bhima battle anniversary in Pune Out of the total 622 cases registered in the violence, 350 were serious offenses, the CM said. He added that as many as 1,119 people were arrested after the violence. Seventeen cases were registered under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and 2,053 people were taken into preventive custody. The chief minister also clarified that the government will not withdraw the cases against history-sheeters who took advantage of the situation and indulged in a shooting. The chief minister also denied Opposition's allegation that the government did not take immediate action against Milind Ekbote, chief of Samasta Hindu Ekta Aghadi. He also said that those responsible for negligence will be dealt with strictly. Fadnavis announced that the state government will take control of the Samadhi (memorial) of Chhatrapati Sambhaji at Vadhu dismissing the allegation that Ekbote's organisation had taken control of the Samadhi. An inquiry will also be conducted to examine the harassment against women during the combing operations in Aurangabad (to arrest rioters). To mark the 200th anniversary of the battle of Koregaon, several Dalits on January 1 gathered around the victory pillar erected by the British at Koregaon-Bhima - 40 kilometres from Pune. The gathering was to commemorate the victory of British East India Company over the army of Peshawa Bajirao II. It is widely believed that the Mahar community - then considered untouchable - played a key role in East India Company's win. Soon, violence broke out and many vehicles were torched leading to the death of one youth. Incidents of violence were reported from many parts of Maharashtra, including Ahmednagar, Jalgaon, Nagpur, Dhule, Beed, Akola, Nashik, Pune, Solapur, Thane and Palghar as Dalits protested against Monday's incidents in Koregaon-Bhima. Many prominent Dalit outfits, including Bharipa Bahujan Mahasangh, a party headed by BR Ambedkar's grandson Prakash Ambedkar, called for a 'Maharashtra bandh (shutdown) to express anger over violence. (With input from agencies)

Bhima-Koregaon violence: Maharashtra government to withdraw minor cases

Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Monday that his government has accepted most of the demands of the farmers protesting in Mumbai.

He also added that they have given a written letter to the farmers.

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We have accepted most of their demands and have given them a written letter: Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis on Maharashtra Farmers&#39; agitation <a href="https://t.co/PWeXxtCq4K">pic.twitter.com/PWeXxtCq4K</a>
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The farmers meanwhile called&nbsp;off their protest after the government assented to their demands.

Earlier in the day, Maharashtra Cabinet Minister Girish Mahajan had said&nbsp;that the farmers seemed satisfied after meeting with the ministers.

He also added that out of the 12-13 demands, their government had accepted some.

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We&#39;ve had a positive meeting with farmers in which all their demands were discussed. They had around 12-13 demands out of which we&#39;ve accepted some &amp; will be giving them a written draft of it. I think they&#39;re satisfied with our decisions: Girish Mahajan, Maharashtra Minister <a href="https://t.co/GPOksRFtuk">pic.twitter.com/GPOksRFtuk</a>
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We are very happy. Our demands have been met. We will be getting back our land which is like mother to us: Suresh Jairam, Nashik Farmer who was participating in farmers&#39; protest. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mumbai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mumbai</a> <a href="https://t.co/8mdCnCo8Fy">pic.twitter.com/8mdCnCo8Fy</a>
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Govt has accepted our demands, we are happy. Leaders of every party and people of Mumbai supported us. Our strength combined with theirs hence this result: Sanjay Sukhdev, Nashik farmer who was participating in farmers&#39; protest. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mumbai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mumbai</a> <a href="https://t.co/lI3OEb7b63">pic.twitter.com/lI3OEb7b63</a>
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&nbsp;Another Minister from the state had said that CM Fadnavis had agreed to the farmers&#39; demands asking for a transfer of the land that they cultivate to their&nbsp;name. He said that the chief minister will follow up on this and an implementation will start within six months.

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Farmers ki shikayat hai ki jo humari zameen hai us se kum unke naam par hai, toh jitni bhi zameen woh cultivate kar rahe hain woh unke naam par honi chahiye. CM has agreed. Chief Secretary will follow-up on this &amp; implementation will start in 6 months: V Savra, Maha Min <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mumbai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mumbai</a> <a href="https://t.co/qvAc9qRk16">pic.twitter.com/qvAc9qRk16</a>
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Activist Anna Hazare has said that only&nbsp;promises will not work and the government will have to work towards fulfilling the demands of the farmers.

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Only promising to fulfill the demands won&#39;t work, it&#39;s now the duty of the govt to work towards fulfilling what they&#39;ve committed. They should think about the welfare of farmers so that they don&#39;t have to take it to the road next time: Anna Hazare on farmers agitation <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mumbai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mumbai</a> <a href="https://t.co/uFlfdC6Ihe">pic.twitter.com/uFlfdC6Ihe</a>
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&nbsp;

Maharashtra Cabinet Minister Girish Mahajan had said earlier in the day that out of the 12-13 demands of the farmers, they had accepted some. He also said that the farmers seemed satisfied with them

Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Monday that his government has accepted most of the demands of the farmers protesting in Mumbai. He also added that they have given a written letter to the farmers. We have accepted most of their demands and have given them a written letter: Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis on Maharashtra Farmers' agitation pic.twitter.com/PWeXxtCq4K — ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2018 × The farmers meanwhile called off their protest after the government assented to their demands. Earlier in the day, Maharashtra Cabinet Minister Girish Mahajan had said that the farmers seemed satisfied after meeting with the ministers. He also added that out of the 12-13 demands, their government had accepted some. We've had a positive meeting with farmers in which all their demands were discussed. They had around 12-13 demands out of which we've accepted some & will be giving them a written draft of it. I think they're satisfied with our decisions: Girish Mahajan, Maharashtra Minister pic.twitter.com/GPOksRFtuk — ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2018 × We are very happy. Our demands have been met. We will be getting back our land which is like mother to us: Suresh Jairam, Nashik Farmer who was participating in farmers' protest. #Mumbai pic.twitter.com/8mdCnCo8Fy — ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2018 × Govt has accepted our demands, we are happy. Leaders of every party and people of Mumbai supported us. Our strength combined with theirs hence this result: Sanjay Sukhdev, Nashik farmer who was participating in farmers' protest. #Mumbai pic.twitter.com/lI3OEb7b63 — ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2018 × Another Minister from the state had said that CM Fadnavis had agreed to the farmers' demands asking for a transfer of the land that they cultivate to their name. He said that the chief minister will follow up on this and an implementation will start within six months. Farmers ki shikayat hai ki jo humari zameen hai us se kum unke naam par hai, toh jitni bhi zameen woh cultivate kar rahe hain woh unke naam par honi chahiye. CM has agreed. Chief Secretary will follow-up on this & implementation will start in 6 months: V Savra, Maha Min #Mumbai pic.twitter.com/qvAc9qRk16 — ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2018 × Activist Anna Hazare has said that only promises will not work and the government will have to work towards fulfilling the demands of the farmers. Only promising to fulfill the demands won't work, it's now the duty of the govt to work towards fulfilling what they've committed. They should think about the welfare of farmers so that they don't have to take it to the road next time: Anna Hazare on farmers agitation #Mumbai pic.twitter.com/uFlfdC6Ihe — ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2018 ×

Maharashtra farmers call off protest after Fadnavis says govt has accepted most demands

The Farmers who were protesting against the Maharashtra&nbsp;government demanding a complete loan waiver were returning to their native villages after the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-has-accepted-most-demands-of-farmers-cm-devendra-fadnavis-35538" target="_blank">government assented to their demands</a>.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, 300 farmers were undergoing treatment in JJ Hospital over complaints of fever, stomach-related ailment, and leg injuries.&nbsp;

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Mumbai: Farmers returning to their native villages after Maharashtra government accepted their demands <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MaharashtraFarmersProtest?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MaharashtraFarmersProtest</a> <a href="https://t.co/9DX9FwUhRN">pic.twitter.com/9DX9FwUhRN</a>
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Mumbai: Treatment of 300 farmers from Nashik underway at JJ Hospital following complaints of fever, stomach related ailment and leg injuries. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MaharashtraFarmersProtest?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MaharashtraFarmersProtest</a>
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Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Monday that his government has accepted most of the demands of the farmers protesting in Mumbai. He also added that they have given a written letter to the farmers.

Earlier in the day, Maharashtra Cabinet Minister Girish Mahajan had said&nbsp;that the farmers seemed satisfied after meeting with the ministers.

Over&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/50000-protesting-farmers-to-march-on-mumabi-vidhan-sabha-six-member-committee-to-look-into-demands-35420" target="_blank">50,000 farmers had marched to Mumbai</a>&nbsp;on Sunday to protest at the legislative assembly demanding a complete loan waiver amongst&nbsp;other things, in Maharashtra.

Their other demands included higher&nbsp;prices for their produce and implementation of the Swaminathan Committee recommendations.&nbsp;Longtime cultivators of Adivasi&nbsp;land also demanding transfer of the land to their names.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, 300 farmers were undergoing treatment in JJ Hospital over complaints of fever, stomach-related ailment, and leg injuries

The Farmers who were protesting against the Maharashtra government demanding a complete loan waiver were returning to their native villages after the government assented to their demands. Meanwhile, 300 farmers were undergoing treatment in JJ Hospital over complaints of fever, stomach-related ailment, and leg injuries. Mumbai: Farmers returning to their native villages after Maharashtra government accepted their demands #MaharashtraFarmersProtest pic.twitter.com/9DX9FwUhRN — ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2018 × Mumbai: Treatment of 300 farmers from Nashik underway at JJ Hospital following complaints of fever, stomach related ailment and leg injuries. #MaharashtraFarmersProtest — ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2018 × Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Monday that his government has accepted most of the demands of the farmers protesting in Mumbai. He also added that they have given a written letter to the farmers. Earlier in the day, Maharashtra Cabinet Minister Girish Mahajan had said that the farmers seemed satisfied after meeting with the ministers. Over 50,000 farmers had marched to Mumbai on Sunday to protest at the legislative assembly demanding a complete loan waiver amongst other things, in Maharashtra. Their other demands included higher prices for their produce and implementation of the Swaminathan Committee recommendations. Longtime cultivators of Adivasi land also demanding transfer of the land to their names.

Maharashtra farmers return to village after govt's assent to demand

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday proposed a panel of senior members of the Maharashtra Legislature to probe the audio clip that allegedly featured the name of Leader of Opposition in the Council, Dhananjay Munde.

Fadnavis said in the Legislative Assembly that it was a serious issue as the audio clip purportedly casts aspersions on the functioning of the Legislature and lowers its dignity.

A Marathi news channel had last week allegedly aired an audio clip in which it was purportedly claimed that Munde, a senior NCP leader, had stalled a Calling Attention Motion in the Legislative Council for a bribe.

Munde had rubbished the accusations against him and alleged it was a tactic adopted by the government to divert peoples&#39;&nbsp;attention from &quot;core issues&quot; plaguing the state.

Fadnavis on Monday said, &quot;We need to protect the dignity of the Legislature.&quot;

&quot;I suggest that a committee comprising the Assembly speaker, the Legislative Council Chairman and the leaders of opposition in the Upper and the Lower House should probe the issue so that the dignity of the legislature is protected&quot;, he said.

He added that the police case in the matter will be probed separately.

NCP leader Ajit Pawar said he agreed with the suggestion and asked the Chair to tell the members from the treasury benches to get back to their seats so that the day&#39;s proceedings could be conducted.

The leader of Opposition Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil then raised the issue of the revocation of suspension of BJP-backed independent MLC Prashant Paricharak.

To this, Fadnavis said there was no need to politicise all issues.

&quot;In this (Munde) case, even we can bring politics. But I am suggesting a way out to uphold the dignity of the Legislature,&quot; Fadnavis said.

As members from the treasury benches came into the well demanding suspension of Dhananjay Munde, Speaker Haribhau Bagde took up the motion to thank Governor C&nbsp;Vidyasagar Rao for his address to the joint sitting of the state Legislature on the first day of the budget session.

Amid the din, the motion was passed without a discussion on it and sans a reply from the Chief Minister.

The speaker then adjourned the House for the day.

Paricharak was suspended from the state Legislative Council in March last year after he joked during an election campaign about the wives of soldiers.

The legislator had later apologized for his statement.

The state government had last week revoked his suspension.

A Marathi news channel had last week allegedly aired an audio clip in which it was purportedly claimed that Munde, a senior NCP leader, had stalled a Calling Attention Motion in the Legislative Council for a bribe

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday proposed a panel of senior members of the Maharashtra Legislature to probe the audio clip that allegedly featured the name of Leader of Opposition in the Council, Dhananjay Munde. Fadnavis said in the Legislative Assembly that it was a serious issue as the audio clip purportedly casts aspersions on the functioning of the Legislature and lowers its dignity. A Marathi news channel had last week allegedly aired an audio clip in which it was purportedly claimed that Munde, a senior NCP leader, had stalled a Calling Attention Motion in the Legislative Council for a bribe. Munde had rubbished the accusations against him and alleged it was a tactic adopted by the government to divert peoples' attention from "core issues" plaguing the state. Fadnavis on Monday said, "We need to protect the dignity of the Legislature." "I suggest that a committee comprising the Assembly speaker, the Legislative Council Chairman and the leaders of opposition in the Upper and the Lower House should probe the issue so that the dignity of the legislature is protected", he said. He added that the police case in the matter will be probed separately. NCP leader Ajit Pawar said he agreed with the suggestion and asked the Chair to tell the members from the treasury benches to get back to their seats so that the day's proceedings could be conducted. The leader of Opposition Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil then raised the issue of the revocation of suspension of BJP-backed independent MLC Prashant Paricharak. To this, Fadnavis said there was no need to politicise all issues. "In this (Munde) case, even we can bring politics. But I am suggesting a way out to uphold the dignity of the Legislature," Fadnavis said. As members from the treasury benches came into the well demanding suspension of Dhananjay Munde, Speaker Haribhau Bagde took up the motion to thank Governor C Vidyasagar Rao for his address to the joint sitting of the state Legislature on the first day of the budget session. Amid the din, the motion was passed without a discussion on it and sans a reply from the Chief Minister. The speaker then adjourned the House for the day. Paricharak was suspended from the state Legislative Council in March last year after he joked during an election campaign about the wives of soldiers. The legislator had later apologized for his statement. The state government had last week revoked his suspension.

Munde audio clip: Chief Minister suggests probe by House Panel

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray said Tuesday that the next general elections and the elections to the Maharashtra state assembly could be held in December 2018.&nbsp;

Thackeray was speaking at a national executive meet of his party. The Sena also announced Tuesday that it would contest the elections <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-not-align-with-bjp-in-2019-lok-sabha-assembly-elections-shiv-sena-30469" target="_blank">on its own</a>, not in alliance with the BJP.&nbsp;

Addressing the meet, Thackeray said that &quot;we should bring down this self-advertising government&quot;.&nbsp;

And that &quot;we will come to power in Maharashtra on our own&quot;.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Shiv Sena&#39;s Uddhav Thackeray speaking at Party&#39;s national executive meeting in Mumbai <a href="https://t.co/0sqKAuSckG">https://t.co/0sqKAuSckG</a>
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The Sena has so far been a difficult BJP ally, taking the ruling BJP to task both in Maharashtra and at the Centre.&nbsp;

The last general and Maharashtra assembly elections were held in 2014. Which means they should be going to the polls again in 2019.&nbsp;

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who is currently in Davos, reacted to the announcements saying &quot;let&#39;s wait, they have been saying many things&quot;.&nbsp;&nbsp;

He added that his government would &quot;complete its term&quot;.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> &#39;Lets wait, they have been saying many things, as of now we are in alliance in the Govt and this Govt will complete its term&#39; says Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Davos?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Davos</a> on Shiv Sena going alone in 2019 <a href="https://t.co/JEPm6Wcy5g">pic.twitter.com/JEPm6Wcy5g</a>
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&nbsp;

The Shiv Sena announced Tuesday that it would contest the elections on its own, not in alliance with the BJP.

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray said Tuesday that the next general elections and the elections to the Maharashtra state assembly could be held in December 2018. Thackeray was speaking at a national executive meet of his party. The Sena also announced Tuesday that it would contest the elections on its own, not in alliance with the BJP. Addressing the meet, Thackeray said that "we should bring down this self-advertising government". And that "we will come to power in Maharashtra on our own". #WATCH Shiv Sena's Uddhav Thackeray speaking at Party's national executive meeting in Mumbai https://t.co/0sqKAuSckG — ANI (@ANI) January 23, 2018 × The Sena has so far been a difficult BJP ally, taking the ruling BJP to task both in Maharashtra and at the Centre. The last general and Maharashtra assembly elections were held in 2014. Which means they should be going to the polls again in 2019. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who is currently in Davos, reacted to the announcements saying "let's wait, they have been saying many things". He added that his government would "complete its term". #WATCH 'Lets wait, they have been saying many things, as of now we are in alliance in the Govt and this Govt will complete its term' says Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis in #Davos on Shiv Sena going alone in 2019 pic.twitter.com/JEPm6Wcy5g — ANI (@ANI) January 23, 2018 ×

Uddhav Thackeray: Lok Sabha, Maharashtra elections could be held in 2018

Bengaluru will&nbsp;be hit by two bandhs in almost 10 days called by the farmers and pro-Kannada organisation president Vatal Nagaraj.

The bandh has been called to urge the central government to resolve the Mahadayi river dispute at the earliest.

One bandh called on January 25, will be observed statewide and the other one would be organised in Bengaluru only on February 4.

The February 4 bandh intends to put pressure on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and is scheduled on the same date when the prime minister is also visiting the state to attend the Parivarthana rally.

Meanwhile, on Sunday Nagaraj was addressing a press meet in which he had a protest from farmers questioning him on the authority of whom Nagaraj asked before announcing bandh. However, the conflict was later resolved and the farmers and Nagaraj addressed a joint press meet.

The state of Karnataka and Goa are in dispute on the issue of sharing the inter-state Mahadayi river water.&nbsp;

While the river originates from Karnataka, a major part of it flows in Goa.

Karnataka is seeking the release of 7.56 tmc ft water for the Kalasa-Banduri Nala project.&nbsp;

A&nbsp;similar protest was observed on December 27 in which the protestors raised anti-government slogans and effigies were burnt.

The protest is being led by the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/farmers-call-for-bandh-in-karnataka-over-mahadayi-water-dispute-27858">Mahadayi</a> Kalasa Banduri Nala Horata Samanvaya Samiti, getting support from several pro-Kannada groups and other organisations.

Earlier, a petition filed by the Karnataka government was rejected by the Mahadayi Water Disputes Tribunal on grounds that the project may cause ecological damage.

A meeting was called by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddarmaiah with his Maharashtra and Goa counterparts Devendra Fadnavis and Manohar Parrikar&nbsp;&quot;to arrive at a negotiated settlement&quot; over the issue in December.

The bandh has been called to urge the central government to resolve the Mahadayi river dispute at the earliest.

Bengaluru will be hit by two bandhs in almost 10 days called by the farmers and pro-Kannada organisation president Vatal Nagaraj. The bandh has been called to urge the central government to resolve the Mahadayi river dispute at the earliest. One bandh called on January 25, will be observed statewide and the other one would be organised in Bengaluru only on February 4. The February 4 bandh intends to put pressure on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and is scheduled on the same date when the prime minister is also visiting the state to attend the Parivarthana rally. Meanwhile, on Sunday Nagaraj was addressing a press meet in which he had a protest from farmers questioning him on the authority of whom Nagaraj asked before announcing bandh. However, the conflict was later resolved and the farmers and Nagaraj addressed a joint press meet. The state of Karnataka and Goa are in dispute on the issue of sharing the inter-state Mahadayi river water. While the river originates from Karnataka, a major part of it flows in Goa. Karnataka is seeking the release of 7.56 tmc ft water for the Kalasa-Banduri Nala project. A similar protest was observed on December 27 in which the protestors raised anti-government slogans and effigies were burnt. The protest is being led by the Mahadayi Kalasa Banduri Nala Horata Samanvaya Samiti, getting support from several pro-Kannada groups and other organisations. Earlier, a petition filed by the Karnataka government was rejected by the Mahadayi Water Disputes Tribunal on grounds that the project may cause ecological damage. A meeting was called by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddarmaiah with his Maharashtra and Goa counterparts Devendra Fadnavis and Manohar Parrikar "to arrive at a negotiated settlement" over the issue in December.

Karnataka: 2 bandhs in 10 days over river dispute

Indian Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan was&nbsp;seen today alongside Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis during a media interaction at Davos 2018 in Switzerland.&nbsp;

Present at the&nbsp;World Economic Forum summit to receive his Crystal Award for his&nbsp;&quot;leadership in championing children&#39;s and women&#39;s rights in India&quot; with the help of Meer Foundation -- Shah Rukh today was quoted praising PM Modi and Maharashtra&nbsp;CM for their work towards development.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/when-shah-rukh-khan-requested-elton-john-and-cate-blanchett-for-a-selfie-30475" target="_blank">Also Read:&nbsp;When Shah Rukh Khan requested Elton John and Cate Blanchett for a selfie</a>

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/shah-rukh-khan-at-davos-receives-an-award-spoke-against-sexism-30406" target="_blank">Also Watch:&nbsp;We the powerful need to get out of the way to pick barriers apart: Shah Rukh Khan at Davos</a>

Attending the Mumbai and Maharashtra session at World Economic Forum, Khan said that he is whatever he is today because of &quot;Mumbai&quot;. He said, &quot;I am a living example of how someone can come to Mumbai and fulfil his or her dreams and desires.&nbsp;I came here in this city 30 years back.&nbsp;Today, I am here in Davos because I have worked in Mumbai and this is my right to join this session.&quot;

He added, &quot;I always say I have two mothers -- Delhi which gave me birth and Maharashtra which helped me grow and achieving my dreams in life.&quot;

When asked to comment on Indian Prime Minister Modi&#39;s speech, Khan affirmed that the &quot;next future is digital in our country. We will have to create a positive atmosphere and environment for the youth of our nation. Politics should also be digital in India because when we talk about &lsquo;Digital India&rsquo; everything should come under digital.&quot;

Watch&nbsp;WION in Davos, actor Shah Rukh Khan speaks about PM Modi&#39;s speech:&nbsp;

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&#39;PM Modi visiting Davos is a matter of great pride and I hope that whole world will listen and come to India,&#39; Shah Rukh Khan. (WION)
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Appreciating his relationship with Fadnavis, Khan said, &quot;I can always approach Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis sahib anytime for such things.&nbsp;He is the new age CM of India&quot; before adding &quot;Now, I am like a senior citizen of Maharashtra finally, the time has come when I should contribute to this city.&nbsp;Now, I don&rsquo;t demand anything and whenever I meet CM sahib I always ask him that how can I contribute to Mumbai city.&nbsp;We both are on the same plane because we want to do something for this city and state.&quot;

He also said, &quot;After taking a lot from Maharashtra I am not greedy now.&nbsp;I would like to participate in whatever Maharashtra wants through CM sahib.&quot;

Khan then went on to speak about PM Modi and said: &quot;It is for the first time that in 20 years we have a PM coming here in Davos. He has&nbsp;already mentioned that he is here to rejoice 128 crores Indians.&nbsp;Even after lot of radical changes we are sustaining.&quot;

He continued: &quot;PM Narendra Modi pointed out globalisation is losing sheen.&nbsp;India can perhaps become a hub of bringing it back and a lot of good points.&quot;

Lastly, he mentioned his pride at representing India at Davos and said, &quot;All of us are here so it seems that we have taken over Davos.&quot;

&nbsp;

He also praised PM Modi and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, both of whom were also at Davos

Indian Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan was seen today alongside Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis during a media interaction at Davos 2018 in Switzerland. Present at the World Economic Forum summit to receive his Crystal Award for his "leadership in championing children's and women's rights in India" with the help of Meer Foundation -- Shah Rukh today was quoted praising PM Modi and Maharashtra CM for their work towards development. Also Read: When Shah Rukh Khan requested Elton John and Cate Blanchett for a selfie Also Watch: We the powerful need to get out of the way to pick barriers apart: Shah Rukh Khan at Davos Attending the Mumbai and Maharashtra session at World Economic Forum, Khan said that he is whatever he is today because of "Mumbai". He said, "I am a living example of how someone can come to Mumbai and fulfil his or her dreams and desires. I came here in this city 30 years back. Today, I am here in Davos because I have worked in Mumbai and this is my right to join this session." He added, "I always say I have two mothers -- Delhi which gave me birth and Maharashtra which helped me grow and achieving my dreams in life." When asked to comment on Indian Prime Minister Modi's speech, Khan affirmed that the "next future is digital in our country. We will have to create a positive atmosphere and environment for the youth of our nation. Politics should also be digital in India because when we talk about ‘Digital India’ everything should come under digital." Watch WION in Davos, actor Shah Rukh Khan speaks about PM Modi's speech: 'PM Modi visiting Davos is a matter of great pride and I hope that whole world will listen and come to India,' Shah Rukh Khan. (WION) × Appreciating his relationship with Fadnavis, Khan said, "I can always approach Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis sahib anytime for such things. He is the new age CM of India" before adding "Now, I am like a senior citizen of Maharashtra finally, the time has come when I should contribute to this city. Now, I don’t demand anything and whenever I meet CM sahib I always ask him that how can I contribute to Mumbai city. We both are on the same plane because we want to do something for this city and state." He also said, "After taking a lot from Maharashtra I am not greedy now. I would like to participate in whatever Maharashtra wants through CM sahib." Khan then went on to speak about PM Modi and said: "It is for the first time that in 20 years we have a PM coming here in Davos. He has already mentioned that he is here to rejoice 128 crores Indians. Even after lot of radical changes we are sustaining." He continued: "PM Narendra Modi pointed out globalisation is losing sheen. India can perhaps become a hub of bringing it back and a lot of good points." Lastly, he mentioned his pride at representing India at Davos and said, "All of us are here so it seems that we have taken over Davos."

SRK at Davos: 'Always say I have two mothers, Delhi and Maharashtra'

The inquiry report by the Mumbai municipal commissioner on the deadly fire at Kamla Mills compound here has confirmed the theory that flying embers from hookah served illegally at Mojo&#39;s Bistro was the trigger.

Fourteen persons died, most of them at the roof-top `1 Above&#39; pub next to Mojo&#39;s Bistro, in the fire on December 29.

The report submitted by municipal commissioner Ajoy Mehta has found that the blaze started due to flying charcoal embers from hookah, served illegally in Mojo&#39;s Bistro. It also proposed criminal action against the owner of the premises, owners of both the restaurants and concerned architects and interior decorators.

A day after the fire, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had asked Mehta to conduct an inquiry.

A preliminary report by the Mumbai fire brigade had suggested that flying embers from hookah at Mojo&#39;s Bistro may have started the fire.

&quot;The cause of fire was fire starting from the flying embers from the hookah being illegally served in Mojo&#39;s Bistro restaurant which had partially unauthorisedly covered their terrace and used all kinds of combustible material for the construction of the same,&quot; Mehta&#39;s report said.

The &quot;very flammable material&quot; used to cover the terrace of 1 Above pub then caught fire immediately from its common wall with Mojo&#39;s Bistro, and spread rapidly, it said.

Its terrace too had been covered without permission, the report said.

The owner of the premises who gave permission for unauthorised use of terrace areas to these two restaurants was equally responsible for the fire and deaths, the report said.

&quot;It is therefore proposed to initiate criminal action against owner of the premises, owners of the restaurants, the architect and the interior decorator who carried out...These unauthorised works and illegal activities,&quot; the report said.

It also proposed departmental inquiry against ten fire brigade officials for dereliction of duty.

The 98-page report sought amendments to the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act to make punishment for such lapses by restaurants or eatiers more stringent.

Every owner/occupier of commercial premises must appoint a `fire safety officer&#39; trained in matters related to fire safety, and his or her name and contact details must be shared with the city&#39;s Chief Fire Officer, the report said.

Police have already arrested owners of both the restaurants in the case.

 
&nbsp;

The inquiry report was submitted by Mumbai municipal commissioner Ajoy Mehta

The inquiry report by the Mumbai municipal commissioner on the deadly fire at Kamla Mills compound here has confirmed the theory that flying embers from hookah served illegally at Mojo's Bistro was the trigger. Fourteen persons died, most of them at the roof-top `1 Above' pub next to Mojo's Bistro, in the fire on December 29. The report submitted by municipal commissioner Ajoy Mehta has found that the blaze started due to flying charcoal embers from hookah, served illegally in Mojo's Bistro. It also proposed criminal action against the owner of the premises, owners of both the restaurants and concerned architects and interior decorators. A day after the fire, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had asked Mehta to conduct an inquiry. A preliminary report by the Mumbai fire brigade had suggested that flying embers from hookah at Mojo's Bistro may have started the fire. "The cause of fire was fire starting from the flying embers from the hookah being illegally served in Mojo's Bistro restaurant which had partially unauthorisedly covered their terrace and used all kinds of combustible material for the construction of the same," Mehta's report said. The "very flammable material" used to cover the terrace of 1 Above pub then caught fire immediately from its common wall with Mojo's Bistro, and spread rapidly, it said. Its terrace too had been covered without permission, the report said. The owner of the premises who gave permission for unauthorised use of terrace areas to these two restaurants was equally responsible for the fire and deaths, the report said. "It is therefore proposed to initiate criminal action against owner of the premises, owners of the restaurants, the architect and the interior decorator who carried out...These unauthorised works and illegal activities," the report said. It also proposed departmental inquiry against ten fire brigade officials for dereliction of duty. The 98-page report sought amendments to the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act to make punishment for such lapses by restaurants or eatiers more stringent. Every owner/occupier of commercial premises must appoint a `fire safety officer' trained in matters related to fire safety, and his or her name and contact details must be shared with the city's Chief Fire Officer, the report said. Police have already arrested owners of both the restaurants in the case.

Mumbai pub fire: Hookah embers to blame, says report

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will have a packed schedule during the Mumbai leg of his visit tomorrow, as he will breakfast with business leaders, pay tributes to the Mumbai terror attack victims and attend a &#39;Shalom Bollywood&#39; event among other engagements.

Netanyahu will have a &#39;power breakfast&#39; with select captains of the industry, including Anand Mahindra, Ajay Piramal, Adi Godrej, and Chanda Kochhar.

He will later address the India-Israel Business Summit at the iconic Taj hotel in south Mumbai. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will also attend the summit, sources said.

There may be a one-on-one meeting between Fadnavis and Netanyahu after which the Maharashtra chief minister will be hosting a lunch for the Israeli premier and the visiting delegation, they said.

This will be followed by a wreath-laying ceremony for the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack victims.

Netanyahu will then proceed to the nearby Nariman House, where he will meet 11-year-old Moshe Holtzberg.

Moshe&#39;s father Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg and mother Rivka were killed at the Nariman House, during the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.

The Jewish couple ran a cultural and outreach centre for the Chabad-Lubavitch movement at the Nariman House in south Mumbai&#39;s Colaba area.

Moshe came to Mumbai yesterday, returning to the place where he has orphaned nine years ago.

Netanyahu will later meet around 25 to 30 members of the Jewish community at the Taj hotel.

There are about 5,000 members of the Jewish community living in India, but most of them call Mumbai their home. The city earlier had a sizable Jewish population, but around 33,000 Jews migrated when Israel was created.

Mumbai has three distinct Jewish communities -- Bene Israel Jews, Baghdadi Jews and the Malabar Jews. For them, the visit by the Israeli prime minister is about reconnecting with old friends and strengthening old bonds.

Netanyahu will cap his hectic schedule by attending the &#39;Shalom Bollywood&#39; event, also at the Taj hotel. 
&nbsp;

Benjamin Netanyahu will have a 'power breakfast' with select captains of industry, including Anand Mahindra, Ajay Piramal, Adi Godrej, and Chanda Kochhar

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will have a packed schedule during the Mumbai leg of his visit tomorrow, as he will breakfast with business leaders, pay tributes to the Mumbai terror attack victims and attend a 'Shalom Bollywood' event among other engagements. Netanyahu will have a 'power breakfast' with select captains of the industry, including Anand Mahindra, Ajay Piramal, Adi Godrej, and Chanda Kochhar. He will later address the India-Israel Business Summit at the iconic Taj hotel in south Mumbai. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will also attend the summit, sources said. There may be a one-on-one meeting between Fadnavis and Netanyahu after which the Maharashtra chief minister will be hosting a lunch for the Israeli premier and the visiting delegation, they said. This will be followed by a wreath-laying ceremony for the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack victims. Netanyahu will then proceed to the nearby Nariman House, where he will meet 11-year-old Moshe Holtzberg. Moshe's father Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg and mother Rivka were killed at the Nariman House, during the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. The Jewish couple ran a cultural and outreach centre for the Chabad-Lubavitch movement at the Nariman House in south Mumbai's Colaba area. Moshe came to Mumbai yesterday, returning to the place where he has orphaned nine years ago. Netanyahu will later meet around 25 to 30 members of the Jewish community at the Taj hotel. There are about 5,000 members of the Jewish community living in India, but most of them call Mumbai their home. The city earlier had a sizable Jewish population, but around 33,000 Jews migrated when Israel was created. Mumbai has three distinct Jewish communities -- Bene Israel Jews, Baghdadi Jews and the Malabar Jews. For them, the visit by the Israeli prime minister is about reconnecting with old friends and strengthening old bonds. Netanyahu will cap his hectic schedule by attending the 'Shalom Bollywood' event, also at the Taj hotel.

Shalom Mumbai: Netanyahu to meet business leaders, pay tribute to 26/11 victims

Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday had a narrow escape in the helicopter he was flying in. The tail rotor of the helicopter got entangled in a cable while landing in Bhayandar on the outskirts of Mumbai. After having a safe landing the chief minister had to take a vehicle for reaching his destination.&nbsp;

This is not the first time when Fadnavis experienced such helicopter mishap.

Last year four of the helicopter he was flying in had suffered from technical issues.&nbsp;

On 9 December, his helicopter was landed midway because of overloading. The chopper was flown again after unloading some luggage.&nbsp;

On 7 July, he was rescued by security guards from getting hit by the chopper&#39;s tail roter after the piolet started the engine even before Fadnavis could board the chopper.&nbsp; He was saved by the security guards who pushed him out of the copter&#39;s way.&nbsp;

On May 25 , the rotor of the helicopter carrying him had crashlanded. The chief minister was again rescued unharmed.

On May 10, the helicopter that was alloted&nbsp;to him had undergone difficulties even before reaching the pick-up location.&nbsp;

The tail rotor of the Maharashta chief minister's helicopter got entangled in a cable while landing on the outskirts of Mumbai

Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday had a narrow escape in the helicopter he was flying in. The tail rotor of the helicopter got entangled in a cable while landing in Bhayandar on the outskirts of Mumbai. After having a safe landing the chief minister had to take a vehicle for reaching his destination. This is not the first time when Fadnavis experienced such helicopter mishap. Last year four of the helicopter he was flying in had suffered from technical issues. On 9 December, his helicopter was landed midway because of overloading. The chopper was flown again after unloading some luggage. On 7 July, he was rescued by security guards from getting hit by the chopper's tail roter after the piolet started the engine even before Fadnavis could board the chopper. He was saved by the security guards who pushed him out of the copter's way. On May 25 , the rotor of the helicopter carrying him had crashlanded. The chief minister was again rescued unharmed. On May 10, the helicopter that was alloted to him had undergone difficulties even before reaching the pick-up location.

Devendra Fadnavis has another near-miss in helicopter, his fifth

Police in Pune has arrested 43 people in connection with the Koregaon-Bhima violence that was erupted in Pune which caused <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-comes-to-standstill-after-protest-over-bhima-koregaon-violence-28412">Maharashtra standstill </a>on January 1.

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Pune: Police have arrested 43 people including 3 minors so far in connection with <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KoregaonBhimaviolence?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KoregaonBhimaviolence</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/950928237009383425?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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All the arrested accused were&nbsp;from Pune also includes three minors.

On the 200th anniversary of the Koregaon Bhima battle, clashes broke out between the Dalits and alleged right-wing groups on January 1, across towns and cities in Maharashtra.

The Dalit protesters blocked major roads in Mumbai, disrupted road traffic and train services, bringing the life to a standstill after over 160 buses were damaged and heavy security was deployed to control the situation.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
One youth also died in a clash after which <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/devendra-fadnavis-announces-cid-investigation-into-pune-violence-28370">Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ordered Crime investigation department</a> to probe the matter.

A compensation of 10 lakh was also announced to the deceased&#39;s family.

On the day of protest, nearly 100 protesters were also detained.&nbsp;

On January 8 also the Dalit organisation of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bhima-koregaon-violence-bandh-called-in-karnatakas-hubli-28882">Karnataka&#39;s Hubli</a> called for a bandh to protest against the Koregaon violence in Pune. 
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All the arrested accused were from Pune also includes three minors

Police in Pune has arrested 43 people in connection with the Koregaon-Bhima violence that was erupted in Pune which caused Maharashtra standstill on January 1. Pune: Police have arrested 43 people including 3 minors so far in connection with #KoregaonBhimaviolence — ANI (@ANI) January 10, 2018 × All the arrested accused were from Pune also includes three minors. On the 200th anniversary of the Koregaon Bhima battle, clashes broke out between the Dalits and alleged right-wing groups on January 1, across towns and cities in Maharashtra. The Dalit protesters blocked major roads in Mumbai, disrupted road traffic and train services, bringing the life to a standstill after over 160 buses were damaged and heavy security was deployed to control the situation. One youth also died in a clash after which Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ordered Crime investigation department to probe the matter. A compensation of 10 lakh was also announced to the deceased's family. On the day of protest, nearly 100 protesters were also detained. On January 8 also the Dalit organisation of Karnataka's Hubli called for a bandh to protest against the Koregaon violence in Pune.

Koregaon-Bhima violence: 43 arrested in Pune

A bandh has been called by various Dalit organisations in Karnataka&#39;s Hubli in a bid to protest against Pune&#39;s Bhima Koregaon violence.The agitating protestors also vandalised vehicles and police barricades.

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Karnataka: Bandh called in Hubli over <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BhimaKoregaonViolence?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BhimaKoregaonViolence</a>; protesters vandalised vehicles, police barricades (visuals from early morning) <a href="https://t.co/773quqI8jL">pic.twitter.com/773quqI8jL</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/950227665419567104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Earlier on January 1, a youth was killed in a clash between two groups during an event to mark 200 years of Bhima-Koregaon battle that took place near Pune.The incident prompted the Dalit community to protest on the streets in Maharashtra and other states.

Taking cognisance of the matter, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ordered a Crime Investigation Department (CID) probe into the death and also announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the kin of the deceased.In the aftermath, a day-long &#39;Maharashtra bandh&#39; was also called in by various Dalit and other organisations.&nbsp;

The bandh has been called by various Dalit organisations to protest against the violence in Pune

A bandh has been called by various Dalit organisations in Karnataka's Hubli in a bid to protest against Pune's Bhima Koregaon violence.The agitating protestors also vandalised vehicles and police barricades. Karnataka: Bandh called in Hubli over #BhimaKoregaonViolence; protesters vandalised vehicles, police barricades (visuals from early morning) pic.twitter.com/773quqI8jL — ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2018 × Earlier on January 1, a youth was killed in a clash between two groups during an event to mark 200 years of Bhima-Koregaon battle that took place near Pune.The incident prompted the Dalit community to protest on the streets in Maharashtra and other states. Taking cognisance of the matter, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ordered a Crime Investigation Department (CID) probe into the death and also announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the kin of the deceased.In the aftermath, a day-long 'Maharashtra bandh' was also called in by various Dalit and other organisations.

Bhima Koregaon violence: Bandh called in Karnataka's Hubli

Maharashtra remained on edge after the anniversary of a battle fought 200 years ago brought to fore simmering caste tensions even as a statewide bandh called today to protest the state government&#39;s alleged failure to stop violence witnessed stray protest by Dalits.

Dalit protesters tried to block tracks at the Thane railway station today morning, but they were chased away soon and the traffic on the Central Railway line remained uninterrupted, said a railway official.

Protesters also tried to block rail traffic on the Western line in suburban Goregaon, said a police official.

Today&#39;s Class 11 exams at St Xavier&#39;s College in South Mumbai have been cancelled, college authorities said.

Bharipa Bahujan Mahasangh (BBM) leader and Dr B R Ambedkar&#39;s grandson Prakash Ambedkar have called for Maharashtra bandh today to protest the state government&#39;s &quot;failure&quot; to stop the violence at Bhima Koregaon village in Pune district two days ago.

Ambedkar alleged that Hindu Ekta Aghadi was responsible for the violence.

He said Maharashtra Democratic Front, Maharashtra Left Front and some 250 other organisations have supported the call for shutdown.

While the state government clarified that it hasn&#39;t declared a school holiday, bus operators said they won&#39;t run school buses in Mumbai today.

&quot;We can&#39;t risk students&#39; safety and security. Will take a second decision at 11 am if we can run them in the second half, depending on the situation,&quot; a School Bus Owners&#39; Association spokesperson said.

Gujarat MLA and Dalit leader Jignesh Mevani, who was in Mumbai yesterday, alleged the attacks on Dalits in Pune district two days ago were carried out by supporters of the BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.

&quot;These organisations are modern-day Peshwas, representing Brahminism in its worst form. Two hundred years ago, our forefathers fought against the Peshwas. Today, Dalits of my generation are fighting against the new Peshwas,&quot; he said.

&quot;Why can&#39;t Dalits peacefully commemorate the anniversary of the Bhima Koregaon battle? The attackers have resorted to such methods because they are scared of Dalit assertion,&quot; he said.

Pune police last night said they had received a complaint against Mevani and Delhi&#39;s Jawaharlal Nehru University&#39;s (JNU) student leader Umar Khalid for their &quot;provocative&quot; speeches at an event in Pune on December 31.

Mevani and Khalid had attended the &quot;Elgar Parishad&quot;, an event organised to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the battle of Bhima-Koregaon, at Shaniwar Wada in Pune.

Violence erupted in Pune district when Dalit groups were celebrating the bicentenary of the Bhima-Koregaon battle in which the forces of the British East India Company defeated the Peshwa&#39;s army.

Dalit leaders commemorate the British victory, as it is believed that soldiers from the Mahar community - then considered untouchable - were part of the East India Company&#39;s forces. The Peshwas were Brahmins, and the victory is seen as a symbol of assertiveness by Dalits.&nbsp;

A statewide bandh has been called by Prakash Ambedkar, Bharipa Bahujan Mahasangh leader and BR Ambedkar's grandson

Maharashtra remained on edge after the anniversary of a battle fought 200 years ago brought to fore simmering caste tensions even as a statewide bandh called today to protest the state government's alleged failure to stop violence witnessed stray protest by Dalits. Dalit protesters tried to block tracks at the Thane railway station today morning, but they were chased away soon and the traffic on the Central Railway line remained uninterrupted, said a railway official. Protesters also tried to block rail traffic on the Western line in suburban Goregaon, said a police official. Today's Class 11 exams at St Xavier's College in South Mumbai have been cancelled, college authorities said. Bharipa Bahujan Mahasangh (BBM) leader and Dr B R Ambedkar's grandson Prakash Ambedkar have called for Maharashtra bandh today to protest the state government's "failure" to stop the violence at Bhima Koregaon village in Pune district two days ago. Ambedkar alleged that Hindu Ekta Aghadi was responsible for the violence. He said Maharashtra Democratic Front, Maharashtra Left Front and some 250 other organisations have supported the call for shutdown. While the state government clarified that it hasn't declared a school holiday, bus operators said they won't run school buses in Mumbai today. "We can't risk students' safety and security. Will take a second decision at 11 am if we can run them in the second half, depending on the situation," a School Bus Owners' Association spokesperson said. Gujarat MLA and Dalit leader Jignesh Mevani, who was in Mumbai yesterday, alleged the attacks on Dalits in Pune district two days ago were carried out by supporters of the BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. "These organisations are modern-day Peshwas, representing Brahminism in its worst form. Two hundred years ago, our forefathers fought against the Peshwas. Today, Dalits of my generation are fighting against the new Peshwas," he said. "Why can't Dalits peacefully commemorate the anniversary of the Bhima Koregaon battle? The attackers have resorted to such methods because they are scared of Dalit assertion," he said. Pune police last night said they had received a complaint against Mevani and Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru University's (JNU) student leader Umar Khalid for their "provocative" speeches at an event in Pune on December 31. Mevani and Khalid had attended the "Elgar Parishad", an event organised to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the battle of Bhima-Koregaon, at Shaniwar Wada in Pune. Violence erupted in Pune district when Dalit groups were celebrating the bicentenary of the Bhima-Koregaon battle in which the forces of the British East India Company defeated the Peshwa's army. Dalit leaders commemorate the British victory, as it is believed that soldiers from the Mahar community - then considered untouchable - were part of the East India Company's forces. The Peshwas were Brahmins, and the victory is seen as a symbol of assertiveness by Dalits.

Maharashtra on edge after Bhima-Koregaon violence, protests

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has assured protestors in Pune saying that Crime Investigation Department (CID) would investigate into the death of the youth who died in Bhima Koregaon violence.

28-years-old Rahul died during the clash and is now in&nbsp;Sassoon General Hospital for his post-mortem.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/one-killed-3-injured-in-clashes-at-koregaon-bhima-battle-anniversary-in-pune-28313">One killed, 3 injured in clashes at Koregaon Bhima battle anniversary in Pune</a>

While speaking to media Fadnavis also added that the state government will also request the Supreme Court for a judicial inquiry into Koregaon violence.

Compensation of Rs 10 lakh will also be paid to the victim&#39;s family, announced chief minister Fadnavis.

On Tuesday clashes broke out in Pune between villagers from Maharashtra&#39;s Koregaon Bhima, Pabal, and Shikrapur while celebrating the 200th anniversary of Bhima Koregaon battle.

Around 25 vehicles were set on fire by the protestors.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-protesters-in-chembur-disrupt-traffic-over-bhima-koregaon-clash-28335">Protesters in Chembur disrupt traffic over Bhima Koregaon clash</a>

Union Minister Ramdas Athawale also spoke to Fadnavis, demanded an action over the Koregaon violence.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bhima-koregaon-row-bbm-leader-calls-for-maharashtra-strike-rahul-gandhi-blames-bjp-28359">BBM leader calls for Maharashtra strike, Rahul Gandhi blames BJP</a>

ANI reported Athawale as saying, &quot;I have spoken to Maharashtra Chief Minister and demanded Bhima Koregaon incident be enquired and an action is taken against the culprits so that such incidents don&#39;t occur. The inquiry must be conducted who planned an attack on the Dalit community.&quot;

Dalit groups who were protesting has also called for a Bandh in Mumbai to seek an action against those who were involved in the violence.

Incidents of stone-pelting and vandalism occurred at Bhima Koregaon in Shiroor tehsil Monday afternoon when people were heading for the war memorial in the village

The Battle of Koregaon was fought on January 1, 1818, between the British East India Company and the Peshwa faction of the Maratha Confederacy, at Koregaon Bhima.

The Marathas ultimately withdrew, fearing the arrival of a larger British force led by General Joseph Smith.

The Company troops of Indian origin included predominantly Mahar Dalit soldiers belonging to the Bombay Native Infantry, and therefore the Dalit activists regard the battle as a heroic episode in their history.

(With inputs from ANI)

On Tuesday clashes broke out in Pune between villagers from Maharashtra's Koregaon Bhima, Pabal, and Shikrapur while celebrating the 200th anniversary of Bhima Koregaon battle

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has assured protestors in Pune saying that Crime Investigation Department (CID) would investigate into the death of the youth who died in Bhima Koregaon violence. 28-years-old Rahul died during the clash and is now in Sassoon General Hospital for his post-mortem. Also read: One killed, 3 injured in clashes at Koregaon Bhima battle anniversary in Pune While speaking to media Fadnavis also added that the state government will also request the Supreme Court for a judicial inquiry into Koregaon violence. Compensation of Rs 10 lakh will also be paid to the victim's family, announced chief minister Fadnavis. On Tuesday clashes broke out in Pune between villagers from Maharashtra's Koregaon Bhima, Pabal, and Shikrapur while celebrating the 200th anniversary of Bhima Koregaon battle. Around 25 vehicles were set on fire by the protestors. Also read: Protesters in Chembur disrupt traffic over Bhima Koregaon clash Union Minister Ramdas Athawale also spoke to Fadnavis, demanded an action over the Koregaon violence. Also read: BBM leader calls for Maharashtra strike, Rahul Gandhi blames BJP ANI reported Athawale as saying, "I have spoken to Maharashtra Chief Minister and demanded Bhima Koregaon incident be enquired and an action is taken against the culprits so that such incidents don't occur. The inquiry must be conducted who planned an attack on the Dalit community." Dalit groups who were protesting has also called for a Bandh in Mumbai to seek an action against those who were involved in the violence. Incidents of stone-pelting and vandalism occurred at Bhima Koregaon in Shiroor tehsil Monday afternoon when people were heading for the war memorial in the village The Battle of Koregaon was fought on January 1, 1818, between the British East India Company and the Peshwa faction of the Maratha Confederacy, at Koregaon Bhima. The Marathas ultimately withdrew, fearing the arrival of a larger British force led by General Joseph Smith. The Company troops of Indian origin included predominantly Mahar Dalit soldiers belonging to the Bombay Native Infantry, and therefore the Dalit activists regard the battle as a heroic episode in their history. (With inputs from ANI)

Devendra Fadnavis announces CID investigation into Pune violence

A 30-year-old man tried to jump in front of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath&#39;s convoy in Lucknow to draw his attention to illegal mining allegedly being patronised by BJP leaders.

&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Man jumped in front of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath&#39;s convoy in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Lucknow?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Lucknow</a>, immediately removed by police. He was reportedly upset over no legal action against two BJP leaders, whom he had accused of illegal mining <a href="https://t.co/bZFH0nReS9">pic.twitter.com/bZFH0nReS9</a>
&mdash; ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/947131781576192000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2017</a></blockquote>
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As Adityanath was headed to Lok Bhawan for an event, the man who was hiding behind the waiting media at the gate, jumped in front of the Chief Minister`s car.

He was immediately removed by police and handed over to police.&nbsp;

He was reportedly upset over no legal action against two BJP leaders, whom he had accused of illegal mining

The cars of Governor Ram Naik, Deputy Chief Minister Dinesh Sharma and visiting Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis were right behind Adityanath`s vehicle when the incident happened.&nbsp;

The man has been identified as Shyamji Mishra of Sonebhadra district, police said.&nbsp;

Mishra said he wanted to tell Adityanath about the &quot;illegal mining&quot; being done in Sonebhadra &quot;under the patronage of BJP`s Sardar legislator and BJP`s district president&quot;.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Security personnel caught hold of him and handed him over to the police.

A 30-year-old man tried to jump in front of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's convoy in Lucknow to draw his attention to illegal mining allegedly being patronised by BJP leaders. #WATCH Man jumped in front of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's convoy in #Lucknow, immediately removed by police. He was reportedly upset over no legal action against two BJP leaders, whom he had accused of illegal mining pic.twitter.com/bZFH0nReS9 — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) December 30, 2017 × As Adityanath was headed to Lok Bhawan for an event, the man who was hiding behind the waiting media at the gate, jumped in front of the Chief Minister`s car. He was immediately removed by police and handed over to police. He was reportedly upset over no legal action against two BJP leaders, whom he had accused of illegal mining The cars of Governor Ram Naik, Deputy Chief Minister Dinesh Sharma and visiting Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis were right behind Adityanath`s vehicle when the incident happened. The man has been identified as Shyamji Mishra of Sonebhadra district, police said. Mishra said he wanted to tell Adityanath about the "illegal mining" being done in Sonebhadra "under the patronage of BJP`s Sardar legislator and BJP`s district president".

Watch: Man leaps in front of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's convoy in Lucknow

Five officials of the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) were suspended after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-how-the-tragic-incident-happened-625">a massive blaze killed 14 people in the Kamala Mills compound</a> in Lower Parel area of Central Mumbai early on Friday. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis visited the site to take stock of the situation.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CCTVVisuals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CCTVVisuals</a> of people evacuating, rushing out during the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KamalaMillsFire?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KamalaMillsFire</a> incident in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mumbai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mumbai</a> in the late night hours. <a href="https://t.co/YytzcHGtj4">pic.twitter.com/YytzcHGtj4</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/946756344077467650?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Here is a quick fact sheet on the mishap:&nbsp;

<ol>
	<li>Fadnavis today promised action against errant civic officials and the owners of a pub, adding that he had ordered safety audit of all such structures in the city. &quot;The guilty won&#39;t be spared,&quot; Fadnavis said. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>BJP MP Kirit Somaiya said he had asked Fadnavis and the BMC commissioner to order a special fire audit of all such pubs and hooka parlours in Mumbai. &quot;Several such <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mumbai-fire-had-warned-bmc-about-kamala-mills-says-activist-they-replied-nothing-wrong-here-28040">establishments at the Mills compound are illegal</a>, part of which was regularised lately. The place where the blaze took place was illegal,&quot; he claimed. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kamala-mills-fire-how-it-happened-28017">The fire started at 12.30 am</a> on Friday in 1 Above restaurant and quickly spread to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mumbai-building-fire-no-cylinder-at-our-facility-all-guests-safe-says-mojos-bistro-28065">Mojo&#39;s Bistro</a> next door. The majority of those killed were women attending a birthday party at a rooftop restaurant. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Doctors said they died of asphyxiation, apparently as they tried to flee the burning building. Local media reported that a false ceiling had collapsed in the four-storey building. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>More than 12 fire tenders were rushed to fight the blaze. A rescue operation was launched to pull out the people trapped inside the pub. The fire was finally brought under control around 6.30 am. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Among those killed was <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mumbai-fire-woman-whose-birthday-it-was-is-among-14-dead-28034">Khushboo Mehta</a>, who was celebrating her 29th birthday at the restaurant. An eyewitness said the place was engulfed in flames soon after the fire started. She added that there was a stampede since no one knew where the fire-escape doors were. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Police said they were investigating the cause of the fire, and had filed a preliminary case against the restaurant&#39;s owners. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Police have booked Hratesh Sanghvi, Jigar Sanghvi and Abhijeet Manka of C Grade Hospitality, which manages the pub, along with others, under various charges including culpable homicide not amounting to murder. They are also charged IPC sections 337 (causing hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others) and 338 (causing grievous hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others). 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Several media outlets, including TV news channels Times Now, ET Now and TV9 Marathi, have offices in the complex. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Ram Nath Kovind expressed anguish over the tragedy. &quot;Anguished by the fire in Mumbai. My thoughts are with the bereaved families in this hour of grief. I pray that those injured recover quickly,&quot; the Prime Minister&#39;s Office tweeted.</li>
</ol>

Maharashtra Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, visited the site to take stock of the situation

Five officials of the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) were suspended after a massive blaze killed 14 people in the Kamala Mills compound in Lower Parel area of Central Mumbai early on Friday. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis visited the site to take stock of the situation. #WATCH #CCTVVisuals of people evacuating, rushing out during the #KamalaMillsFire incident in #Mumbai in the late night hours. pic.twitter.com/YytzcHGtj4 — ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2017 × Here is a quick fact sheet on the mishap: Fadnavis today promised action against errant civic officials and the owners of a pub, adding that he had ordered safety audit of all such structures in the city. "The guilty won't be spared," Fadnavis said. BJP MP Kirit Somaiya said he had asked Fadnavis and the BMC commissioner to order a special fire audit of all such pubs and hooka parlours in Mumbai. "Several such establishments at the Mills compound are illegal, part of which was regularised lately. The place where the blaze took place was illegal," he claimed. The fire started at 12.30 am on Friday in 1 Above restaurant and quickly spread to Mojo's Bistro next door. The majority of those killed were women attending a birthday party at a rooftop restaurant. Doctors said they died of asphyxiation, apparently as they tried to flee the burning building. Local media reported that a false ceiling had collapsed in the four-storey building. More than 12 fire tenders were rushed to fight the blaze. A rescue operation was launched to pull out the people trapped inside the pub. The fire was finally brought under control around 6.30 am. Among those killed was Khushboo Mehta, who was celebrating her 29th birthday at the restaurant. An eyewitness said the place was engulfed in flames soon after the fire started. She added that there was a stampede since no one knew where the fire-escape doors were. Police said they were investigating the cause of the fire, and had filed a preliminary case against the restaurant's owners. Police have booked Hratesh Sanghvi, Jigar Sanghvi and Abhijeet Manka of C Grade Hospitality, which manages the pub, along with others, under various charges including culpable homicide not amounting to murder. They are also charged IPC sections 337 (causing hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others) and 338 (causing grievous hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others). Several media outlets, including TV news channels Times Now, ET Now and TV9 Marathi, have offices in the complex. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Ram Nath Kovind expressed anguish over the tragedy. "Anguished by the fire in Mumbai. My thoughts are with the bereaved families in this hour of grief. I pray that those injured recover quickly," the Prime Minister's Office tweeted.

Mumbai building fire: 5 civic body officials suspended after 14 killed in massive blaze

Shiv Sena MLA Prakash Abitkar has claimed he was named as a beneficiary of the farm loan waiver in the Kolhapur District Central Cooperative Bank, even though he had not applied for it. He has got a loan waiver of Rs 25,000 from the bank.

This has come just a day after Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced the scheme was being implemented smoothly. He told the state legislative assembly on Thursday that his government had committed some &quot;mistakes&quot; while implementing the Rs 34,022-crore farm loan waiver scheme, but has fixed all these issues.

Abitkar, an MLA from Radhanagari in Kolhapur district, has got the benefit of Maharashtra Government&#39;s loan waiver scheme for drought-affected farmers.

The Shiv Sena MLA has raised the issue citing faulty implementation of the loan waiver scheme and demanded an inquiry into this flawed inclusion as the rules bar any existing or former elected representative from getting benefit under the scheme.

He said, &quot;I was stunned when I came to know that my name appeared on the green list of loan waiver beneficiaries. I was shocked again when I got more details about the list of my (Kolhapur) area. I had not even applied or registered my name anywhere to get the waiver.&quot;

The Opposition is directly blaming Fadnavis for this as the Chief Minister Office (CMO) had been working on the data of the beneficiaries of this scheme through information and technology department of Maharashtra.

Abitkar, an MLA from Radhanagari in Kolhapur district, has got the benefit of Maharashtra Government's loan waiver scheme for drought-affected farmers

Shiv Sena MLA Prakash Abitkar has claimed he was named as a beneficiary of the farm loan waiver in the Kolhapur District Central Cooperative Bank, even though he had not applied for it. He has got a loan waiver of Rs 25,000 from the bank. This has come just a day after Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced the scheme was being implemented smoothly. He told the state legislative assembly on Thursday that his government had committed some "mistakes" while implementing the Rs 34,022-crore farm loan waiver scheme, but has fixed all these issues. Abitkar, an MLA from Radhanagari in Kolhapur district, has got the benefit of Maharashtra Government's loan waiver scheme for drought-affected farmers. The Shiv Sena MLA has raised the issue citing faulty implementation of the loan waiver scheme and demanded an inquiry into this flawed inclusion as the rules bar any existing or former elected representative from getting benefit under the scheme. He said, "I was stunned when I came to know that my name appeared on the green list of loan waiver beneficiaries. I was shocked again when I got more details about the list of my (Kolhapur) area. I had not even applied or registered my name anywhere to get the waiver." The Opposition is directly blaming Fadnavis for this as the Chief Minister Office (CMO) had been working on the data of the beneficiaries of this scheme through information and technology department of Maharashtra.

MLA's name figures in loan-waiver beneficiary list

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