<p>Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis&#39; wife Amruta Fadnavis found herself at the receiving end of heavy criticism on Twitter, for promoting a Christmas-themed charitable event in Mumbai.</p>

<p>It all started after Amruta shared some photographs from the event, aimed at bringing smiles on the faces of poor children ahead of Christmas.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">launched-Be Santa-campaign, as Ambassador for <a href="https://twitter.com/927BIGFM?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@927BIGFM</a> - to collect gifts from people -for poor children ,to bring smiles to their faces during this Christmas.Drop ur gifts at nearest <a href="https://twitter.com/927BIGFM?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@927BIGFM</a> &amp; Feel the joy -as best way to multiply your happiness is by sharing it with others?? <a href="https://t.co/r5UTAi3nDY">pic.twitter.com/r5UTAi3nDY</a></p>
&mdash; AMRUTA FADNAVIS (@fadnavis_amruta) <a href="https://twitter.com/fadnavis_amruta/status/940412986849558528?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Soon after the tweet was posted, Amruta was accused of encouraging Christian missionaries and luring Hindus into the Christian fold.</p>

<p>In some of the tweets, the social worker&nbsp;was asked if she was a Hindu before marriage, while others said this might not fare well for the chief minister&#39;s career.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/CMOMaharashtra?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CMOMaharashtra</a> why <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Maharashtra?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Maharashtra</a> state sponsoring Christian superstitious events to convert Hindus students while you promote crackerless Diwali?<br />
Why no sharing caring celebration on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Shivaji?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Shivaji</a> jayanti?<a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4India?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BJP4India</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ShivSena?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ShivSena</a></p>
&mdash; SankaPadma (@SankaPadma) <a href="https://twitter.com/SankaPadma/status/940470597062144000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Where were you on Diwali Ganesh Puja or when Chennai &amp; Mumbai were flooded &quot;Santa&quot; feeling are exclusive to &quot;Christmas&quot;? this is an abuse of your position and status</p>
&mdash; No Conversion (@noconversion) <a href="https://twitter.com/noconversion/status/940676078410006530?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Done with the shaming tweets, Amruta came to her own rescue with a tweet which read &#39;love sharing &amp; empathy have no religion&#39;.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Love , sharing &amp; empathy have no religion - let&rsquo;s accept all positivity around us &amp; stay away from negative thoughts &amp; demotivating energies !</p>
&mdash; AMRUTA FADNAVIS (@fadnavis_amruta) <a href="https://twitter.com/fadnavis_amruta/status/940439082290651138?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>This isn&#39;t the first time when Amruta has been slammed this harshly on the social media. &nbsp;</p>


Amruta was accused of encouraging Christian missionaries and luring Hindus into the Christian fold

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis' wife Amruta Fadnavis found herself at the receiving end of heavy criticism on Twitter, for promoting a Christmas-themed charitable event in Mumbai. It all started after Amruta shared some photographs from the event, aimed at bringing smiles on the faces of poor children ahead of Christmas. launched-Be Santa-campaign, as Ambassador for @927BIGFM - to collect gifts from people -for poor children ,to bring smiles to their faces during this Christmas.Drop ur gifts at nearest @927BIGFM & Feel the joy -as best way to multiply your happiness is by sharing it with others?? pic.twitter.com/r5UTAi3nDY — AMRUTA FADNAVIS (@fadnavis_amruta) December 12, 2017 × Soon after the tweet was posted, Amruta was accused of encouraging Christian missionaries and luring Hindus into the Christian fold. In some of the tweets, the social worker was asked if she was a Hindu before marriage, while others said this might not fare well for the chief minister's career. @CMOMaharashtra why #Maharashtra state sponsoring Christian superstitious events to convert Hindus students while you promote crackerless Diwali? Why no sharing caring celebration on #Shivaji jayanti?@BJP4India @ShivSena — SankaPadma (@SankaPadma) December 12, 2017 × Where were you on Diwali Ganesh Puja or when Chennai & Mumbai were flooded "Santa" feeling are exclusive to "Christmas"? this is an abuse of your position and status — No Conversion (@noconversion) December 12, 2017 × Done with the shaming tweets, Amruta came to her own rescue with a tweet which read 'love sharing & empathy have no religion'. Love , sharing & empathy have no religion - let’s accept all positivity around us & stay away from negative thoughts & demotivating energies ! — AMRUTA FADNAVIS (@fadnavis_amruta) December 12, 2017 × This isn't the first time when Amruta has been slammed this harshly on the social media.

Devendra Fadnavis' wife trolled for attending Christmas event, hits back with 'love has no religion'

<p>Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis&#39; wife Amruta Fadnavis found herself at the receiving end of heavy criticism on Twitter, for promoting a Christmas-themed charitable event in Mumbai.</p>

<p>It all started after Amruta shared some photographs from the event, aimed at bringing a smile on the face of poor children ahead of Christmas festival.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">launched-Be Santa-campaign, as Ambassador for <a href="https://twitter.com/927BIGFM?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@927BIGFM</a> - to collect gifts from people -for poor children ,to bring smiles to their faces during this Christmas.Drop ur gifts at nearest <a href="https://twitter.com/927BIGFM?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@927BIGFM</a> &amp; Feel the joy -as best way to multiply your happiness is by sharing it with others?? <a href="https://t.co/r5UTAi3nDY">pic.twitter.com/r5UTAi3nDY</a></p>
&mdash; AMRUTA FADNAVIS (@fadnavis_amruta) <a href="https://twitter.com/fadnavis_amruta/status/940412986849558528?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Soon after the tweet was posted, Amruta was accused of encouraging Christian missionaries and luring Hindus into the fold of Christianity.</p>

<p>In some of the tweets, the social worker&nbsp;was asked if she was a Hindu before marriage, while many others said this might not fare well for the chief minister&#39;s career.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/CMOMaharashtra?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CMOMaharashtra</a> why <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Maharashtra?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Maharashtra</a> state sponsoring Christian superstitious events to convert Hindus students while you promote crackerless Diwali?<br />
Why no sharing caring celebration on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Shivaji?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Shivaji</a> jayanti?<a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4India?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BJP4India</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ShivSena?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ShivSena</a></p>
&mdash; SankaPadma (@SankaPadma) <a href="https://twitter.com/SankaPadma/status/940470597062144000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Where were you on Diwali Ganesh Puja or when Chennai &amp; Mumbai were flooded &quot;Santa&quot; feeling are exclusive to &quot;Christmas&quot;? this is an abuse of your position and status</p>
&mdash; No Conversion (@noconversion) <a href="https://twitter.com/noconversion/status/940676078410006530?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Done with the shaming tweets, Amruta came to her own rescue with a tweet which read &#39;love sharing &amp; empathy have no religion&#39;.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Love , sharing &amp; empathy have no religion - let&rsquo;s accept all positivity around us &amp; stay away from negative thoughts &amp; demotivating energies !</p>
&mdash; AMRUTA FADNAVIS (@fadnavis_amruta) <a href="https://twitter.com/fadnavis_amruta/status/940439082290651138?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>This isn&#39;t the first time when Amruta has been slammed this harshly on the social media. &nbsp;</p>


Amruta was accused of encouraging Christian missionaries and luring Hindus into the fold of Christianity.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis' wife Amruta Fadnavis found herself at the receiving end of heavy criticism on Twitter, for promoting a Christmas-themed charitable event in Mumbai. It all started after Amruta shared some photographs from the event, aimed at bringing a smile on the face of poor children ahead of Christmas festival. launched-Be Santa-campaign, as Ambassador for @927BIGFM - to collect gifts from people -for poor children ,to bring smiles to their faces during this Christmas.Drop ur gifts at nearest @927BIGFM & Feel the joy -as best way to multiply your happiness is by sharing it with others?? pic.twitter.com/r5UTAi3nDY — AMRUTA FADNAVIS (@fadnavis_amruta) December 12, 2017 × Soon after the tweet was posted, Amruta was accused of encouraging Christian missionaries and luring Hindus into the fold of Christianity. In some of the tweets, the social worker was asked if she was a Hindu before marriage, while many others said this might not fare well for the chief minister's career. @CMOMaharashtra why #Maharashtra state sponsoring Christian superstitious events to convert Hindus students while you promote crackerless Diwali? Why no sharing caring celebration on #Shivaji jayanti?@BJP4India @ShivSena — SankaPadma (@SankaPadma) December 12, 2017 × Where were you on Diwali Ganesh Puja or when Chennai & Mumbai were flooded "Santa" feeling are exclusive to "Christmas"? this is an abuse of your position and status — No Conversion (@noconversion) December 12, 2017 × Done with the shaming tweets, Amruta came to her own rescue with a tweet which read 'love sharing & empathy have no religion'. Love , sharing & empathy have no religion - let’s accept all positivity around us & stay away from negative thoughts & demotivating energies ! — AMRUTA FADNAVIS (@fadnavis_amruta) December 12, 2017 × This isn't the first time when Amruta has been slammed this harshly on the social media.

Devendra Fadnavis' wife trolled for attending Christmas event, hits back with 'love has no religion' reply

<p>Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) supremo Sharad Pawar on Tuesday attacked Maharashtra&#39;s ruling government over the agrarian crisis in the state, urging farmers not to pay electricity and other dues until the government deposits loan waiver money into their bank accounts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After a state-wide agitation by farmers, the Maharashtra government had announced an agriculture loan waiver of Rs 34,022 crore on June 24.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, on July 9, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that around 36 lakh farmers in the state will have their entire debts waived.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pawar, who was speaking at a rally organised together by the Congress and NCP on his 77th birthday, warned chief minister&nbsp;Fadnavis to restrict himself from blackmailing the opposition leaders.</p>

<p>&quot;The Maharashtra chief minister uses the language of blackmailing the opposition. We respect the mandate of the people who chose you to govern,&quot; asserted Pawar.</p>

<p>The former Union agricultural minister further cautioned the CM saying the people who gave him the mandate can also oust him from power if he continued to use the blackmailing language.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pawar also criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for &#39;deliberately&#39; misconstruing a meeting at the residence of suspended Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar on December 6 and presenting it as a conspiracy by Pakistan to interfere in the Gujarat polls.</p>


The Maharashtra government had announced an agriculture loan waiver of Rs 34,022 crore on June 24

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) supremo Sharad Pawar on Tuesday attacked Maharashtra's ruling government over the agrarian crisis in the state, urging farmers not to pay electricity and other dues until the government deposits loan waiver money into their bank accounts. After a state-wide agitation by farmers, the Maharashtra government had announced an agriculture loan waiver of Rs 34,022 crore on June 24. Meanwhile, on July 9, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that around 36 lakh farmers in the state will have their entire debts waived. Pawar, who was speaking at a rally organised together by the Congress and NCP on his 77th birthday, warned chief minister Fadnavis to restrict himself from blackmailing the opposition leaders. "The Maharashtra chief minister uses the language of blackmailing the opposition. We respect the mandate of the people who chose you to govern," asserted Pawar. The former Union agricultural minister further cautioned the CM saying the people who gave him the mandate can also oust him from power if he continued to use the blackmailing language. Pawar also criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for 'deliberately' misconstruing a meeting at the residence of suspended Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar on December 6 and presenting it as a conspiracy by Pakistan to interfere in the Gujarat polls.

Don't pay electricity, other dues till government gives loan waiver money: Sharad Pawar to farmers

<p>A chopper carrying Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis force-landed today shortly after it took off from Nashik.</p>

<p>Officials said the private helicopter was &quot;overloaded&quot; because of which it had to force-land.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The chief minister, along with Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan, was travelling to Aurangabad. But the helicopter had trouble taking-off and consequently force-landed around 9.30 am.</p>

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<h5>Fadnavis reached Aurangabad in 25 minutes while his cook and his luggage travelled by road and caught up with him in three hours</h5>
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<p>The helicopter was reportedly not able to ascend more than 50 feet and was unable to fly any farther, prompting the pilot to land.</p>

<p>The chief minister&#39;s cook and some his luggage were off-loaded after which the helicopter was able to take off successfully.&nbsp;</p>

<p>An official said, &quot;As the helicopter was unable to get the required altitude to fly, some luggage was also off- loaded. This is not a major issue. The chief minister flew in the same chopper and attended all events in Aurangabad as per schedule.&quot;</p>

<p>Video of the incident went viral on social media. In it, the chopper can be seen struggling to take-off, it then stabilises and makes a slow descent to the ground.</p>

<p>Fadnavis reached Aurangabad in 25 minutes while his cook and his luggage travelled by road and caught up with him in three hours.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Due to fuel issues, the chopper is permitted to fly with only four passengers when it can easily accommodate&nbsp;six people, government officials said.</p>

<p>The chief minister emerged unharmed from the incident.</p>

<p>Fadnavis&#39; aircraft have had had issues earlier too, including a helicopter crash in Latur this May.</p>

<p>(<em>With inputs from PTI)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


The chief minister's cook and some of his luggage were off-loaded after which the helicopter was able to take off successfully

A chopper carrying Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis force-landed today shortly after it took off from Nashik. Officials said the private helicopter was "overloaded" because of which it had to force-land. The chief minister, along with Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan, was travelling to Aurangabad. But the helicopter had trouble taking-off and consequently force-landed around 9.30 am. Fadnavis reached Aurangabad in 25 minutes while his cook and his luggage travelled by road and caught up with him in three hours × The helicopter was reportedly not able to ascend more than 50 feet and was unable to fly any farther, prompting the pilot to land. The chief minister's cook and some his luggage were off-loaded after which the helicopter was able to take off successfully. An official said, "As the helicopter was unable to get the required altitude to fly, some luggage was also off- loaded. This is not a major issue. The chief minister flew in the same chopper and attended all events in Aurangabad as per schedule." Video of the incident went viral on social media. In it, the chopper can be seen struggling to take-off, it then stabilises and makes a slow descent to the ground. Fadnavis reached Aurangabad in 25 minutes while his cook and his luggage travelled by road and caught up with him in three hours. Due to fuel issues, the chopper is permitted to fly with only four passengers when it can easily accommodate six people, government officials said. The chief minister emerged unharmed from the incident. Fadnavis' aircraft have had had issues earlier too, including a helicopter crash in Latur this May. (With inputs from PTI)

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis' chopper 'overloaded', force-lands

<p>The Shiv Sena has launched another attack at ally Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) by distributing to its members a booklet titled &quot;Ghotalebaaz Bhajap&quot; (Scamster BJP) that chronicles the scams involving BJP leaders.</p>

<p>The 56-page booklet was distributed during an organisational meeting at the Sena Bhavan on Wednesday.</p>

<p>The cover of the booklet features four BJP leaders, along with a mention of the scam alleged against them.</p>

<p>A picture of Eknath Kahdse features with the mention of the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) land scam, Education Minister Vinod Tawde is featured for the irregularities in supply of fire extinguishers to zilla parishad schools without inviting tenders, Food and Civil Supplies Minister of Maharashtra Girish Bapat is featured for his alleged involvement in the<em> tur dal </em>scam, and lastly, Dilip Gandhi for the loan waiver scam.</p>

<p>In addition, several senior BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and National President Amit Shah also get a mention in the booklet.</p>

<p>Since forming the government in Maharashtra, in alliance with the BJP, the Sena has been fairly vocal about its grievances with the party.</p>

<p>Through its mouthpiece, &#39;Saamna&#39;, the party has been continually castigating the Centre as well as the Devendra Fadnavis-led state government.&nbsp;</p>


Shiv Sena has launched another attack by calling BJP 'Ghotalebaaz'

The Shiv Sena has launched another attack at ally Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) by distributing to its members a booklet titled "Ghotalebaaz Bhajap" (Scamster BJP) that chronicles the scams involving BJP leaders. The 56-page booklet was distributed during an organisational meeting at the Sena Bhavan on Wednesday. The cover of the booklet features four BJP leaders, along with a mention of the scam alleged against them. A picture of Eknath Kahdse features with the mention of the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) land scam, Education Minister Vinod Tawde is featured for the irregularities in supply of fire extinguishers to zilla parishad schools without inviting tenders, Food and Civil Supplies Minister of Maharashtra Girish Bapat is featured for his alleged involvement in the tur dal scam, and lastly, Dilip Gandhi for the loan waiver scam. In addition, several senior BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and National President Amit Shah also get a mention in the booklet. Since forming the government in Maharashtra, in alliance with the BJP, the Sena has been fairly vocal about its grievances with the party. Through its mouthpiece, 'Saamna', the party has been continually castigating the Centre as well as the Devendra Fadnavis-led state government.

Shiv Sena attacks BJP again, hands out 'Ghotalebaaz Bhajap' booklet to members

<p>The Army will help build a new foot overbridge at the Elphinstone Road station by January 31, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis today said as Union ministers Nirmala Sitharaman and Piyush Goyal visited the station, where a deadly stampede took place last month.</p>

<p>Fadnavis said that the Army will also help in building foot overbridges at two other stations here.</p>

<p>Sitharaman said it was probably the &quot;first time that the Army will come in to build in what could otherwise be called civil work&quot;.</p>

<p>Twenty-three people were killed in a stampede on the crowded foot overbridge (FOB) at the Elphinstone Road station here last month.</p>

<p>Speaking to reporters at the venue, Fadnavis said, &quot;We are taking the Army&#39;s help in building a new FOB at the Elphinstone Road station and at two other suburban train stations in Mumbai.</p>

<p>&quot;I have been informed that the work on these bridges will be completed by January 31,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>Sitharaman said, &quot;This is probably the first time we have asked the Army to come in to build what could otherwise be called a civil work, but Elphinstone tragedy was so big.&quot;</p>

<p>&quot;A call was taken to cooperate seeing the urgency of the matter as the Army has its role at the borders. The Army has come and seen, inspected and assessed where the bridge is going to be built, they will be there at every stage of the work,&quot; she said.</p>

<p>After the stampede on September 29, railway officials posted police personnel to manage the crowd on busy platforms, evicted hawkers from suburban train stations and started speeding up infrastructure projects on suburban network.</p>

<p>Goyal had earlier this month announced a slew of measures for the safety of commuters with a focus on foot overbridges (FOBs) in the country.</p>

<p>He had said the FOBs would now be &quot;mandatory&quot; at all stations. Previously, only the first FOB at a railway station was considered essential and the subsequent a passenger amenity.</p>


Sitharaman said it was probably the "first time that the Army will come in to build in what could otherwise be called civil work".

The Army will help build a new foot overbridge at the Elphinstone Road station by January 31, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis today said as Union ministers Nirmala Sitharaman and Piyush Goyal visited the station, where a deadly stampede took place last month. Fadnavis said that the Army will also help in building foot overbridges at two other stations here. Sitharaman said it was probably the "first time that the Army will come in to build in what could otherwise be called civil work". Twenty-three people were killed in a stampede on the crowded foot overbridge (FOB) at the Elphinstone Road station here last month. Speaking to reporters at the venue, Fadnavis said, "We are taking the Army's help in building a new FOB at the Elphinstone Road station and at two other suburban train stations in Mumbai. "I have been informed that the work on these bridges will be completed by January 31," he said. Sitharaman said, "This is probably the first time we have asked the Army to come in to build what could otherwise be called a civil work, but Elphinstone tragedy was so big." "A call was taken to cooperate seeing the urgency of the matter as the Army has its role at the borders. The Army has come and seen, inspected and assessed where the bridge is going to be built, they will be there at every stage of the work," she said. After the stampede on September 29, railway officials posted police personnel to manage the crowd on busy platforms, evicted hawkers from suburban train stations and started speeding up infrastructure projects on suburban network. Goyal had earlier this month announced a slew of measures for the safety of commuters with a focus on foot overbridges (FOBs) in the country. He had said the FOBs would now be "mandatory" at all stations. Previously, only the first FOB at a railway station was considered essential and the subsequent a passenger amenity.

Army to help build foot overbridge at Elphinstone station

<p>Former senior Congress leader Narayan Rane joined the BJP-led NDA government&nbsp;on Tuesday.</p>

<p>Maharashtra Cabinet, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, who announced the news, said the state cabinet would be expanded soon and &quot;we will think about him and what should be done.&quot;</p>

<p>&quot;We&#39;ll have a cabinet expansion soon. Narayan Rane has joined NDA, we will think about him what should be done,&quot; the Maharashtra chief minister told ANI.</p>

<p>Earlier this month, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-ex-congressman-narayan-rane-floats-new-party-expected-to-support-bjp-govt-20871">Narayan Rane floated a new party </a>called the Maharashtra Swabhimaan Paksh.</p>

<p>His party was expected to support the Devendra Fadnavis-led BJP government in Maharashtra.</p>

<p>The alliance was struck after Rane met BJP President Amit Shah, media reports said, adding that the BJP had asked for his indirect support after the Shiv Sena threatened to walk out of the coalition should Rane be allowed into the party.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/narayan-rane-quits-party-says-congress-backtracked-from-chief-minister-promise-20485">Narayan Rane quit the Congress in September</a> amid speculation that he was planning to join the BJP.</p>

<p>The former senior Congress leader had accused the Congress of going back on its promise of making him the chief minister after he joined the party 12 years ago.</p>

<p>A former member of the Shiv Sena, Narayan Rane was the chief minister in the Sena government in 1999.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Maharashtra Cabinet, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, who announced the news, said the state cabinet would be expanded soon

Former senior Congress leader Narayan Rane joined the BJP-led NDA government on Tuesday. Maharashtra Cabinet, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, who announced the news, said the state cabinet would be expanded soon and "we will think about him and what should be done." "We'll have a cabinet expansion soon. Narayan Rane has joined NDA, we will think about him what should be done," the Maharashtra chief minister told ANI. Earlier this month, Narayan Rane floated a new party called the Maharashtra Swabhimaan Paksh. His party was expected to support the Devendra Fadnavis-led BJP government in Maharashtra. The alliance was struck after Rane met BJP President Amit Shah, media reports said, adding that the BJP had asked for his indirect support after the Shiv Sena threatened to walk out of the coalition should Rane be allowed into the party. Narayan Rane quit the Congress in September amid speculation that he was planning to join the BJP. The former senior Congress leader had accused the Congress of going back on its promise of making him the chief minister after he joined the party 12 years ago. A former member of the Shiv Sena, Narayan Rane was the chief minister in the Sena government in 1999.

Narayan Rane joins NDA, may get cabinet berth in Maharashtra government

<p>The BJP-led Maharashtra government on Saturday&nbsp;announced a major Rs 34,000 crore farm loan waiver scheme that will write off debts&nbsp;of up to Rs 1.5 lakh per farmer, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said.</p>

<p>Devendra Fadnavis said farmers who had paid back their loans regularly would be provided with 25 per cent loan benefit. He added that the government&nbsp;</p>

<p>The scheme would make 40 lakh agriculturists debt-free and&nbsp;benefit 89 lakh farmers, the chief minister added.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Those farmers who have paid back their loans regularly, we will give 25% loan return benefit to them: Devendra Fadnavis, Maharashtra CM <a href="https://t.co/Y9UORYSDmO">pic.twitter.com/Y9UORYSDmO</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/878564683136999424">June 24, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Devendra Fadnavis also said the government would cut its expenses and all ministers and legislators would give a month&#39;s salary to support the loan waiver.</p>

<p>The programme has been named after Maratha warrior king Shivaji Maharaj.</p>

<p>Earlier this month, farmers in many parts of Maharashtra launched protests, demanding loan waivers. The strikes disrupted supply of vegetables and other essential commodities&nbsp;to cities&nbsp;including Mumbai.</p>

<p>The stir was called off after the government announced the waiver of loans and promised it would bring&nbsp;in a comprehensive scheme to help debt-pressed cultivators.&nbsp;</p>


Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said it would make 40 lakh agriculturists debt-free and?benefit 89 lakh farmers.

The BJP-led Maharashtra government on Saturday announced a major Rs 34,000 crore farm loan waiver scheme that will write off debts of up to Rs 1.5 lakh per farmer, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said. Devendra Fadnavis said farmers who had paid back their loans regularly would be provided with 25 per cent loan benefit. He added that the government The scheme would make 40 lakh agriculturists debt-free and benefit 89 lakh farmers, the chief minister added. Those farmers who have paid back their loans regularly, we will give 25% loan return benefit to them: Devendra Fadnavis, Maharashtra CM pic.twitter.com/Y9UORYSDmO — ANI (@ANI_news) June 24, 2017 × Devendra Fadnavis also said the government would cut its expenses and all ministers and legislators would give a month's salary to support the loan waiver. The programme has been named after Maratha warrior king Shivaji Maharaj. Earlier this month, farmers in many parts of Maharashtra launched protests, demanding loan waivers. The strikes disrupted supply of vegetables and other essential commodities to cities including Mumbai. The stir was called off after the government announced the waiver of loans and promised it would bring in a comprehensive scheme to help debt-pressed cultivators.

Maharashtra government announces 34,000 crore mega farm loan waiver scheme

<p>By Kanchan Srivastava</p>

<p>The fate of all the political parties involved and 17,000 plus candidates will be decided on Tuesday as 10 big cities and several districts across Maharashtra conduct local body elections, which are being considered mini-Assembly polls. The results will be announced on February 23.</p>

<p>The multi-cornered fight, involving four major political parties, has made this contest all the more curious. A handful of votes could be a game-changer for all the stakeholders.</p>

<p>Though the stakes are high for all the parties, they are most crucial for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for several reasons.</p>

<p>Incidentally, it is not just the reins of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) that have been made a &quot;prestige issue&quot; by the BJP post its break-up with the Shiv Sena. Indeed, the fate of the Fadnavis government itself hangs in the balance. With 122 MLAs, the BJP government is surviving with the support of Shiv Sena in the 288-member House. To get rid of this dependence, the BJP badly needs to expand its base across the state before the next Assembly polls, which is two-and-a-half years away.</p>

<p>Perhaps that is why Fadnavis carefully made the election campaign personality-driven, pitting himself against Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray.</p>

<p>Fadnavis has held dozens of rallies across Mumbai and other parts of the state without a break in the past two weeks, trading jibes with the Sena chief at every opportunity and from every stage.</p>

<p>While Thackeray is yet to join Twitter, Fadnavis has extensively used it in these elections by propagating his poll plank &quot;Transparency in BMC&quot; and taking pot-shots at the Sena. &quot;Civic elections were never so high-profile in Maharashtra,&quot; admits political analyst Prof Sudha Mohan of Mumbai University.</p>

<p>Deliberate or not, Fadnavis&#39; stand of leading the civic body elections from the front has made the contest look like a fight between the two &quot;allies-cum-foes&quot;, where other players are sidelined.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The pollsters believe Fadnavis&#39; aggressive campaign might work in Mumbai where BJP relies heavily on migrant population from Gujarat and northern states. His series of campaigns might also help the BJP retain Nagpur, Amravati and Akola corporations. However, demonetisation and farmer issues might haunt Fadnavis in rest of Maharashtra, analysts say.</p>

<p>Relying on Fadnavis&#39; campaign and clean image, BJP is confident of winning six out of 10 corporations, including Mumbai, Nashik and Pune, and two-third of the Zilla Parishad where elections held last week.</p>

<p>For its part, Shiv Sena has led a positive campaign projecting its good work in Mumbai and Thane corporations. It hopes to come back in both the civic bodies and expects to expand its base in some of the Zilla Parishads.</p>

<p>To achieve the target, the party has shed its old image of being a hardline party and sought to become a &#39;secular&#39; one.</p>

<p>Sena started campaign when other parties were still figuring out their strategy. However, the Economic Survey Report, which ranked the BMC as number 1 civic body in India in transparency, came as a morale booster for the party.</p>

<p>The Opposition Congress and the NCP are fighting to retain whatever base they have in Mumbai, Pune and other parts of the state. Congress had 52 seats and NCP 14 in the outgoing BMC house, but infighting in Congress and lack of good leaders in the NCP might dent their base further, say observers.</p>

<p>Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam rejects the pollsters and claim, &quot;Congress would surprise everyone in Mumbai when results are out.&quot;</p>

<p>NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik also claims that NCP will retain two corporations &mdash;Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad &mdash; and would emerge as the largest in Akola. &quot;NCP will win most of the Zilla Parishads too. People are fed up with Fadnavis&#39; lies and inefficiency,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>According to political pundits, the MNS, Samajwadi Party and MIM, are unlikely to put up a good performance because of the polarisation of votes among four major parties.</p>

<p>(This report first appeared in DNA)</p>

<div style="position:relative;height:0;padding-bottom:56.3%"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RPHIawfkCdQ?ecver=2" style="position:absolute;width:100%;height:100%;left:0" width="639"></iframe></div>


The BJP & Shiv Sena -- allies in the assembly -- are fighting each other in these polls

By Kanchan Srivastava The fate of all the political parties involved and 17,000 plus candidates will be decided on Tuesday as 10 big cities and several districts across Maharashtra conduct local body elections, which are being considered mini-Assembly polls. The results will be announced on February 23. The multi-cornered fight, involving four major political parties, has made this contest all the more curious. A handful of votes could be a game-changer for all the stakeholders. Though the stakes are high for all the parties, they are most crucial for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for several reasons. Incidentally, it is not just the reins of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) that have been made a "prestige issue" by the BJP post its break-up with the Shiv Sena. Indeed, the fate of the Fadnavis government itself hangs in the balance. With 122 MLAs, the BJP government is surviving with the support of Shiv Sena in the 288-member House. To get rid of this dependence, the BJP badly needs to expand its base across the state before the next Assembly polls, which is two-and-a-half years away. Perhaps that is why Fadnavis carefully made the election campaign personality-driven, pitting himself against Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray. Fadnavis has held dozens of rallies across Mumbai and other parts of the state without a break in the past two weeks, trading jibes with the Sena chief at every opportunity and from every stage. While Thackeray is yet to join Twitter, Fadnavis has extensively used it in these elections by propagating his poll plank "Transparency in BMC" and taking pot-shots at the Sena. "Civic elections were never so high-profile in Maharashtra," admits political analyst Prof Sudha Mohan of Mumbai University. Deliberate or not, Fadnavis' stand of leading the civic body elections from the front has made the contest look like a fight between the two "allies-cum-foes", where other players are sidelined. The pollsters believe Fadnavis' aggressive campaign might work in Mumbai where BJP relies heavily on migrant population from Gujarat and northern states. His series of campaigns might also help the BJP retain Nagpur, Amravati and Akola corporations. However, demonetisation and farmer issues might haunt Fadnavis in rest of Maharashtra, analysts say. Relying on Fadnavis' campaign and clean image, BJP is confident of winning six out of 10 corporations, including Mumbai, Nashik and Pune, and two-third of the Zilla Parishad where elections held last week. For its part, Shiv Sena has led a positive campaign projecting its good work in Mumbai and Thane corporations. It hopes to come back in both the civic bodies and expects to expand its base in some of the Zilla Parishads. To achieve the target, the party has shed its old image of being a hardline party and sought to become a 'secular' one. Sena started campaign when other parties were still figuring out their strategy. However, the Economic Survey Report, which ranked the BMC as number 1 civic body in India in transparency, came as a morale booster for the party. The Opposition Congress and the NCP are fighting to retain whatever base they have in Mumbai, Pune and other parts of the state. Congress had 52 seats and NCP 14 in the outgoing BMC house, but infighting in Congress and lack of good leaders in the NCP might dent their base further, say observers. Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam rejects the pollsters and claim, "Congress would surprise everyone in Mumbai when results are out." NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik also claims that NCP will retain two corporations —Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad — and would emerge as the largest in Akola. "NCP will win most of the Zilla Parishads too. People are fed up with Fadnavis' lies and inefficiency," he said. According to political pundits, the MNS, Samajwadi Party and MIM, are unlikely to put up a good performance because of the polarisation of votes among four major parties. (This report first appeared in DNA)

Maharashtra holds local body elections, stakes high for all parties involved

<p>Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos and Marxist FARC rebel leader&nbsp;Rodrigo &quot;Timochenko&quot; Londono have signed a revised peace deal to end a 52-year-old insurgency in the country.</p>

<p>The agreement between the government and the rebel group comes amid stiff resistance from opposition political parties who say the deal continues to favour the insurgents.</p>

<p>This is the second time in two months that the Santos-led administration and FARC have signed a peace deal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The previous accord was rejected by the Colombian public in an October 2 referendum because they felt the deal absolved&nbsp;the FARC rebels of all crimes they have committed in the last half a century.</p>

<p>But this time, the deal will be sent to the Congress and not go through another referendum.</p>

<p>Chances of the deal coming to fruition is high because Santos holds the majority in the Congress.</p>

<p>Both the government and FARC have made efforts in the last two years to end the region&#39;s longest-running conflict that has left more than 220,000 people dead and several millions displaced.</p>

<p><strong>Opposition to the deal</strong></p>

<p>The deal was inked in a low-key ceremony at a Bogota theatre, a striking contrast from the previous occasion.</p>

<p>Supporters of the deal chanted &quot;We did it!&quot; while the two parties signed the accord.</p>

<p>However, the opposition parties in Colombia have condemned&nbsp;the government for going ahead with a deal that is similar to the first one.</p>

<p>The first peace deal was rejected by the public for being too soft on FARC.</p>

<p>The opposition led by former president Alvaro Uribe have also criticised the government for bypassing the public this time. They want the government to hold another referendum.</p>

<p>President Santos, who won the Nobel Peace Prize last month for his efforst to broker a peace deal with FARC, wants the accord to be legislated quickly in order to maintain&nbsp;a fragile bilateral ceasefire.</p>

<p>The expanded and highly complex new 310-page document makes only small modifications to the original text, such as clarifying private property rights and detailing more fully how the rebels would be confined in rural areas for crimes committed during the war.&nbsp;</p>

<p>(WION with inputs from Reuters)</p>


Mumbai's politicians and bureaucrats paid tribute to those who lost their lives in the Mumbai attacks orchestrated by Pakistani terrorists

Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos and Marxist FARC rebel leader Rodrigo "Timochenko" Londono have signed a revised peace deal to end a 52-year-old insurgency in the country. The agreement between the government and the rebel group comes amid stiff resistance from opposition political parties who say the deal continues to favour the insurgents. This is the second time in two months that the Santos-led administration and FARC have signed a peace deal. The previous accord was rejected by the Colombian public in an October 2 referendum because they felt the deal absolved the FARC rebels of all crimes they have committed in the last half a century. But this time, the deal will be sent to the Congress and not go through another referendum. Chances of the deal coming to fruition is high because Santos holds the majority in the Congress. Both the government and FARC have made efforts in the last two years to end the region's longest-running conflict that has left more than 220,000 people dead and several millions displaced. Opposition to the deal The deal was inked in a low-key ceremony at a Bogota theatre, a striking contrast from the previous occasion. Supporters of the deal chanted "We did it!" while the two parties signed the accord. However, the opposition parties in Colombia have condemned the government for going ahead with a deal that is similar to the first one. The first peace deal was rejected by the public for being too soft on FARC. The opposition led by former president Alvaro Uribe have also criticised the government for bypassing the public this time. They want the government to hold another referendum. President Santos, who won the Nobel Peace Prize last month for his efforst to broker a peace deal with FARC, wants the accord to be legislated quickly in order to maintain a fragile bilateral ceasefire. The expanded and highly complex new 310-page document makes only small modifications to the original text, such as clarifying private property rights and detailing more fully how the rebels would be confined in rural areas for crimes committed during the war. (WION with inputs from Reuters)

India: Strengthening police force priority, says Maharashtra chief minister on 26/11 anniversary

At least two persons drowned and 20 others went missing as two buses were swept away in the swollen Savitri River after a British-era bridge collapsed on the Mumbai-Goa Highway near Mahad in westeren Indian state Maharashtra&#39;s Raigad district late last night.<br />
<br />
Rescuers fished out the bodies of two men from the river, and an intense search is on to trace those missing, Raigad district collector Sheetal Ugale said at the mishap spot, 170 kilometres from Mumbai.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Teams of disaster management forces have joined the coast guard and other agencies engaged in rescue and relief operations.<br />
<br />
Two state transport buses with 18 passengers and four crew members had gone missing in the Mahad tragedy, Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said in a tweet.<br />
<br />
<strong>&#39;Flooding triggered collapse&#39;</strong><br />
<br />
Fadnavis, who is monitoring the situation, said, &quot;There were two parallel bridges; one is a new bridge and one constructed during the British era. The old one collapsed.&quot;<br />
<br />
&quot;The primary reason seems to be the high pressure caused due to flooding of river Savitri due to heavy rains in catchment of Mahabaleshwar,&quot; he said.&nbsp;&quot;Spoke to Raigad SP and Collector about bridge collapse on Mumbai-Goa Highway. Administration has rushed to spot for rescue and immediate measures,&quot; Fadnavis said.<br />
<br />
&quot;Traffic on highway is stopped. Administration is ascertaining strength and stability of new bridge,&quot; he tweeted.<br />
<br />
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Fadnavis and was briefed about the bridge collapse. &quot;The PM offered all help in rescue and relief operations,&quot; Fadnavis said.<br />
<br />
National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams are already activated, he tweeted.&nbsp;The Coast Guard has deployed a Chetak helicopter to carry out search for people who were swept away from the bridge.&nbsp;Soon after the incident, Raigad superintendent of police (SP) Suvez Haque and Collector visited the spot where the bridge once stood.&nbsp;Darkness had hampered operations, which resumed this morning.<br />
<br />
According to a defence spokesperson, the coast guard deployed a Chetak helicopter at about 8:15 am to carry out a search for people, while a&nbsp;Seaking 42B helicopter on another mission was also diverted to help search the area. In addition, the navy launched a&nbsp;Seaking 42C all-weather aircraft with a diving team.<br />
<br />
<strong>Govenor expresses concern&nbsp;</strong><br />
<br />
Maharashtra governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao has expressed grief over the loss of life caused by the bridge collapse.&nbsp;The governor expressed concern over the fate of the missing persons, who boarded the state transport buses and other vehicles that have gone missing in the flood.<br />
<br />
&quot;My heart goes out to the persons who were on board the two buses and other vehicles that have gone missing in the Savitri river in Mahad. I offer my condolences to the kin of those who lost their lives and pray for the safe rescue of those who are missing,&quot; he said in a message. &nbsp;<br />
<br />
(PTI)&nbsp;

Two buses on the Mumbai-Goa Highway bridge were swept away in the Savitri River. Rescue teams frantically search for survivors

At least two persons drowned and 20 others went missing as two buses were swept away in the swollen Savitri River after a British-era bridge collapsed on the Mumbai-Goa Highway near Mahad in westeren Indian state Maharashtra's Raigad district late last night. Rescuers fished out the bodies of two men from the river, and an intense search is on to trace those missing, Raigad district collector Sheetal Ugale said at the mishap spot, 170 kilometres from Mumbai. Teams of disaster management forces have joined the coast guard and other agencies engaged in rescue and relief operations. Two state transport buses with 18 passengers and four crew members had gone missing in the Mahad tragedy, Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said in a tweet. 'Flooding triggered collapse' Fadnavis, who is monitoring the situation, said, "There were two parallel bridges; one is a new bridge and one constructed during the British era. The old one collapsed." "The primary reason seems to be the high pressure caused due to flooding of river Savitri due to heavy rains in catchment of Mahabaleshwar," he said. "Spoke to Raigad SP and Collector about bridge collapse on Mumbai-Goa Highway. Administration has rushed to spot for rescue and immediate measures," Fadnavis said. "Traffic on highway is stopped. Administration is ascertaining strength and stability of new bridge," he tweeted. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Fadnavis and was briefed about the bridge collapse. "The PM offered all help in rescue and relief operations," Fadnavis said. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams are already activated, he tweeted. The Coast Guard has deployed a Chetak helicopter to carry out search for people who were swept away from the bridge. Soon after the incident, Raigad superintendent of police (SP) Suvez Haque and Collector visited the spot where the bridge once stood. Darkness had hampered operations, which resumed this morning. According to a defence spokesperson, the coast guard deployed a Chetak helicopter at about 8:15 am to carry out a search for people, while a Seaking 42B helicopter on another mission was also diverted to help search the area. In addition, the navy launched a Seaking 42C all-weather aircraft with a diving team. Govenor expresses concern Maharashtra governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao has expressed grief over the loss of life caused by the bridge collapse. The governor expressed concern over the fate of the missing persons, who boarded the state transport buses and other vehicles that have gone missing in the flood. "My heart goes out to the persons who were on board the two buses and other vehicles that have gone missing in the Savitri river in Mahad. I offer my condolences to the kin of those who lost their lives and pray for the safe rescue of those who are missing," he said in a message. (PTI)

Two drown, 20 missing as British-era bridge on Indian highway collapses?

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