Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh on Saturday announced in the Legislative Council that the state government will organize a two-day special Assembly session to pass a law pertaining to women safety on the lines of the 'Disha Act' of Andhra Pradesh.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/andhra-pradesh-dgp-welcomes-new-ap-disha-act-passed-by-state-assembly-268311">Andhra Pradesh DGP welcomes new AP Disha Act passed by State Assembly</a>

The minister while addressing the state Assembly on February 28 had stated that under the proposed law, the whole trial of rape cases will be completed in 21 days and there would be provision for stricter punishment including the death penalty.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/andhra-assembly-passes-disha-bill-to-provide-stricter-rape-offences-268114">Andhra Assembly passes Disha Bill to provide stricter rape offences</a>

The Disha Act 2019, allows stringent punishment for crimes committed against women and enables the death penalty for rape and reduces the judgment period in such cases to 21 working days.

Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh on Saturday announced in the Legislative Council that the state government will organize a two-day special Assembly session to pass a law pertaining to women safety on the lines of the 'Disha Act' of Andhra Pradesh.

Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh on Saturday announced in the Legislative Council that the state government will organize a two-day special Assembly session to pass a law pertaining to women safety on the lines of the 'Disha Act' of Andhra Pradesh. Also read: Andhra Pradesh DGP welcomes new AP Disha Act passed by State Assembly The minister while addressing the state Assembly on February 28 had stated that under the proposed law, the whole trial of rape cases will be completed in 21 days and there would be provision for stricter punishment including the death penalty. Also see: Andhra Assembly passes Disha Bill to provide stricter rape offences The Disha Act 2019, allows stringent punishment for crimes committed against women and enables the death penalty for rape and reduces the judgment period in such cases to 21 working days.

Maharashtra to organise two-day special Assembly session to pass law on women safety

In a setback to former Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, the Supreme Court dismissed his plea seeking review of its 2019 verdict asking him to face trial for allegedly failing to furnish details of two pending criminal cases against him in his 2014 poll affidavit.

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/devendra-fadnavis-sanctions-rs-5380-crores-for-rain-affected-farmers-264476">Devendra Fadnavis sanctions Rs 5,380 crores for rain-affected farmers</a>

A three-judge bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra said that there was no ground to review the verdict pronounced last year.

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/democracy-is-being-murdered-in-west-bengal-devendra-fadnavis-on-clash-during-amit-shah-rally-218855">Democracy is being murdered in West Bengal: Devendra Fadnavis on clashes during Amit Shah rally</a>

"We find no ground to interfere in the review petitions. The same is dismissed," said the bench also comprising justices Deepak Gupta and Aniruddha Bose.

The order was passed on February 18 but it was uploaded on the apex court website on Tuesday.

While seeking review of the 2019 verdict, Fadnavis had told the court that there was a "clear error" in the apex court's judgement as the law stipulates for disclosure of details about criminal cases only if charges are framed and on conviction.

In its October 1, 2019 judgment, the apex court had set aside a Bombay High Court order which gave a clean chit to Fadnavis and held that he did not deserve to be tried for the alleged offence under the Representation of Peoples Act (RPA).

The verdict had come on an appeal by one Satish Ukey, who had challenged the high court's order.

The apex court had last year revived a criminal complaint filed against Fadnavis for allegedly failing to furnish details of two pending criminal cases in his 2014 election affidavit and had asked the trial court to consider it afresh.

The top court had allowed the appeal by Ukey, who had filed a criminal complaint against Fadnavis before a magisterial court in Nagpur, seeking registration of a case against him under section 125-A of the RP Act.

Section 125-A of the RP Act deals with the penalty for "filing false affidavit" and says that if a candidate or his proposer fails to furnish or gives false or conceals any information in his nomination paper on issues like pending criminal cases then the person may be awarded six months' jail term or fine or both.

Ukey had initially moved a magisterial court, which had dismissed his complaint against Fadnavis on September 7, 2015.

Later, he moved the sessions court, which remanded the matter to the magisterial court for a "de novo" (afresh) consideration.

Aggrieved by the sessions court order, Fadnavis had moved the high court which, on May 3, 2018, set it aside.

Ukey alleged that Fadnavis had failed to disclose the pendency of two criminal cases against him in his election affidavit filed in 2014.

The two complaints of alleged cheating and forgery were filed against Fadnavis in 1996 and 1998 but charges were not framed.

In a setback to former Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, the Supreme Court dismissed his plea seeking review of its 2019 verdict asking him to face trial for allegedly failing to furnish details of two pending criminal cases against him in his 2014 poll affidavit.

In a setback to former Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, the Supreme Court dismissed his plea seeking review of its 2019 verdict asking him to face trial for allegedly failing to furnish details of two pending criminal cases against him in his 2014 poll affidavit. Also Read:Devendra Fadnavis sanctions Rs 5,380 crores for rain-affected farmers A three-judge bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra said that there was no ground to review the verdict pronounced last year. Also Read:Democracy is being murdered in West Bengal: Devendra Fadnavis on clashes during Amit Shah rally "We find no ground to interfere in the review petitions. The same is dismissed," said the bench also comprising justices Deepak Gupta and Aniruddha Bose. The order was passed on February 18 but it was uploaded on the apex court website on Tuesday. While seeking review of the 2019 verdict, Fadnavis had told the court that there was a "clear error" in the apex court's judgement as the law stipulates for disclosure of details about criminal cases only if charges are framed and on conviction. In its October 1, 2019 judgment, the apex court had set aside a Bombay High Court order which gave a clean chit to Fadnavis and held that he did not deserve to be tried for the alleged offence under the Representation of Peoples Act (RPA). The verdict had come on an appeal by one Satish Ukey, who had challenged the high court's order. The apex court had last year revived a criminal complaint filed against Fadnavis for allegedly failing to furnish details of two pending criminal cases in his 2014 election affidavit and had asked the trial court to consider it afresh. The top court had allowed the appeal by Ukey, who had filed a criminal complaint against Fadnavis before a magisterial court in Nagpur, seeking registration of a case against him under section 125-A of the RP Act. Section 125-A of the RP Act deals with the penalty for "filing false affidavit" and says that if a candidate or his proposer fails to furnish or gives false or conceals any information in his nomination paper on issues like pending criminal cases then the person may be awarded six months' jail term or fine or both. Ukey had initially moved a magisterial court, which had dismissed his complaint against Fadnavis on September 7, 2015. Later, he moved the sessions court, which remanded the matter to the magisterial court for a "de novo" (afresh) consideration. Aggrieved by the sessions court order, Fadnavis had moved the high court which, on May 3, 2018, set it aside. Ukey alleged that Fadnavis had failed to disclose the pendency of two criminal cases against him in his election affidavit filed in 2014. The two complaints of alleged cheating and forgery were filed against Fadnavis in 1996 and 1998 but charges were not framed.

SC dismisses plea of Devendra Fadnavis seeking review of 2019 verdict

After <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/states-have-to-implement-caa-under-article-254-kerala-governor-275122">Kerala </a>and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-join-kerala-in-supreme-court-over-citizenship-amendment-act-punjab-cm-amarinder-singh-274934">Punjab</a>, the Maha Vikas Agadi (MVA) government is also mulling over a resolution against the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/wion-edit-citizenship-amendment-act-absolute-power-comes-with-responsibility-269329">Citizenship Amendment&nbsp;Act</a>, 2019 in Maharashtra Assembly.

Speaking to ANI, Congress spokesperson <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bringing-real-estate-under-gst-will-be-a-disaster-congress-22376/amp">Raju Waghmare</a> said: "Our senior party leader Balasaheb Thorat has also shared his stand on the CAA. Even Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has said that we are against the CAA. As far as the resolution against CAA is concerned, our senior leaders of MVA will sit together and decide."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/states-have-to-implement-caa-under-article-254-kerala-governor-275122">States have to implement CAA under Article 254: Kerala Governor</a>

If this happens, then Maharashtra will be the third state to pass a resolution against CAA, which grants citizenship to non-Muslim refugees from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-musharrafs-death-penalty-on-hold-275103">Pakistan</a>, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-says-deal-with-us-can-be-signed-before-end-of-this-month-report-275100">Afghanistan,</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bangladesh-govt-muzzling-voices-of-dissent-274983">Bangladesh</a>, who came to India on or before December 31, 2014.

Emphasising that CAA is 'unconstitutional,' senior lawyer and Congress leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/section-144-cannot-be-used-to-suppress-freedom-of-speech-kapil-sibal-273479">Kapil Sibal </a>has said that every state Assembly has the constitutional right to pass a resolution and seek CAA's withdrawal.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/how-citizenship-amendment-act-caa-is-different-from-nrc-and-npr-274608">How Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) is different from NRC and NPR</a>

He added that it would be problematic to oppose the CAA if the law is declared to be 'constitutional' by the Supreme Court.

"I believe the CAA is unconstitutional. Every State Assembly has the constitutional right to pass a resolution and seek its withdrawal. When and if the law is declared to be constitutional by the Supreme Court then it will be problematic to oppose it/The fight must go on!" Sibal tweeted.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
I believe the CAA is unconstitutional 
 
Every State Assembly has the constitutional right to pass a resolution and seek it’s withdrawal 
 
When and if the law is declared to be constitutional by the Supreme Court then it will be problematic to oppose it 
 
The fight must go on !
— Kapil Sibal (@KapilSibal) <a href="https://twitter.com/KapilSibal/status/1218685599198003200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Earlier speaking at the Kerala Literature Festival on Saturday, the Congress leader had said that constitutionally no state can say that it will not implement the amended Citizenship Act, as doing so will be "unconstitutional".

Kerala government has also approached the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/heres-why-supreme-court-is-not-likely-to-quash-citizenship-amendment-act-268142">Supreme Court</a> against the CAA following the passage of a resolution against it in the state Assembly.

Punjab Chief Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-join-kerala-in-supreme-court-over-citizenship-amendment-act-punjab-cm-amarinder-singh-274934">Amarinder Singh</a> has also announced that the Congress state government is going to join<a href="/search?query= Kerala"> </a>Kerala in the Supreme Court in the case.

After Kerala and Punjab, the Maha Vikas Agadi (MVA) government is also mulling over a resolution against the Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019 in Maharashtra Assembly.

After Kerala and Punjab, the Maha Vikas Agadi (MVA) government is also mulling over a resolution against the Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019 in Maharashtra Assembly. Speaking to ANI, Congress spokesperson Raju Waghmare said: "Our senior party leader Balasaheb Thorat has also shared his stand on the CAA. Even Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has said that we are against the CAA. As far as the resolution against CAA is concerned, our senior leaders of MVA will sit together and decide." Also read: States have to implement CAA under Article 254: Kerala Governor If this happens, then Maharashtra will be the third state to pass a resolution against CAA, which grants citizenship to non-Muslim refugees from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, who came to India on or before December 31, 2014. Emphasising that CAA is 'unconstitutional,' senior lawyer and Congress leader Kapil Sibal has said that every state Assembly has the constitutional right to pass a resolution and seek CAA's withdrawal. Also read: How Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) is different from NRC and NPR He added that it would be problematic to oppose the CAA if the law is declared to be 'constitutional' by the Supreme Court. "I believe the CAA is unconstitutional. Every State Assembly has the constitutional right to pass a resolution and seek its withdrawal. When and if the law is declared to be constitutional by the Supreme Court then it will be problematic to oppose it/The fight must go on!" Sibal tweeted. I believe the CAA is unconstitutional Every State Assembly has the constitutional right to pass a resolution and seek it’s withdrawal When and if the law is declared to be constitutional by the Supreme Court then it will be problematic to oppose it The fight must go on ! — Kapil Sibal (@KapilSibal) January 19, 2020 × Earlier speaking at the Kerala Literature Festival on Saturday, the Congress leader had said that constitutionally no state can say that it will not implement the amended Citizenship Act, as doing so will be "unconstitutional". Kerala government has also approached the Supreme Court against the CAA following the passage of a resolution against it in the state Assembly. Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has also announced that the Congress state government is going to join Kerala in the Supreme Court in the case.

After Kerala, Punjab, now Maharashtra mulls resolution against Citizenship Amendment Act

Jalees Ansari, who was convicted for the 1993 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mumbai-bhubaneswar-lokmanya-tilak-terminus-train-derails-in-odisha-20-injured-274528">Mumbai</a> serial blastings case, went 'missing' on Thursday while being on 21-day parole.

According to officials, the 68-year-old convict was suspected to be involved in many bomb blasts across the country and was serving a life sentence in Ajmer Central Prison, Rajasthan.&nbsp;

Ansari was expected to surrender before prison authorities on Friday. As per officials, he was ordered to visit the Agripada Police Station during his parole period to mark his attendance between 10:30 am and 12 pm.&nbsp;

As an unexpected turn of events, his son, Jaid Ansari, approached the police station on Thursday to file a complaint about his “missing” father. Jalees Ansari did not go to the police station to mark his attendance that day.&nbsp;

As per the filed complaint, Jalees Ansari told his family that he is going to offer namaz at the early hours of the morning but did not return home. The Agripada Police registered the complaint as a missing person’s case.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/gangster-ejaz-lakdawala-arrested-by-mumbai-police-273152">Crime Branch of Mumbai Police</a> and the Maharashtra ATS have launched a massive manhunt to trace him.

Also known as “Doctor Bomb”, Ansari was allegedly connected with terror outfits like SIMI and Indian Mujahideen and taught many terror groups how to make bombs. He was also interrogated by NIA in 2011 in connection with the 2008 Mumbai blasts.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Jalees Ansari, who was convicted for the 1993 Mumbai serial blastings case, went 'missing' on Thursday while being on 21-day parole. According to officials, the 68-year-old convict was suspected to be involved in many bomb blasts across the country and was serving a life sentence in Ajmer Central Prison, Rajasthan.

Jalees Ansari, who was convicted for the 1993 Mumbai serial blastings case, went 'missing' on Thursday while being on 21-day parole. According to officials, the 68-year-old convict was suspected to be involved in many bomb blasts across the country and was serving a life sentence in Ajmer Central Prison, Rajasthan. Ansari was expected to surrender before prison authorities on Friday. As per officials, he was ordered to visit the Agripada Police Station during his parole period to mark his attendance between 10:30 am and 12 pm. As an unexpected turn of events, his son, Jaid Ansari, approached the police station on Thursday to file a complaint about his “missing” father. Jalees Ansari did not go to the police station to mark his attendance that day. As per the filed complaint, Jalees Ansari told his family that he is going to offer namaz at the early hours of the morning but did not return home. The Agripada Police registered the complaint as a missing person’s case. Crime Branch of Mumbai Police and the Maharashtra ATS have launched a massive manhunt to trace him. Also known as “Doctor Bomb”, Ansari was allegedly connected with terror outfits like SIMI and Indian Mujahideen and taught many terror groups how to make bombs. He was also interrogated by NIA in 2011 in connection with the 2008 Mumbai blasts.

Mumbai serial blasts convict Jalees Ansari goes missing during parole

As the Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari gave his nod to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-cm-sent-portfolio-allocation-final-list-to-governor-for-approval-jayant-patil-272209">allocation of portfolios</a> on the recommendation of the state Chief Minister, key Ministries like Finance, Home and Revenue were allocated to lawmakers from Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Congress in the Shiv Sena-NCP-<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-mla-threatens-to-resign-after-denied-ministerial-berth-in-maharashtra-272214">Congress</a> alliance government led by Uddhav Thackeray.

Thackeray had on Saturday sent Governor the final list of ministers with the portfolios to be allocated to them for approval following which portfolio distribution in Maharashtra government was announced.

As per the portfolio distribution, NCP's Ajit Pawar who was recently sworn in as Deputy Chief Minister will look after Finance and Planning, Anil Deshmukh will take care of Home department, Jayant Patil will look after Water Resources, Chhagan Bhujbal has been given charge of Food and Supply ministry whereas Nawab Malik is assigned with the charge of Minority welfare.

Congress's Balasaheb Thorat has been allocated the Revenue department, Ashok Chavan with Public Works Department (PWD) while Varsha Gaikwad will look after School Education.

Among Shiv Sena leaders, first time MLA Aaditya Thackeray, who was also at the forefront of Aarey protest, has been assigned with the responsibility of Environment and Tourism.

Eknath Shinde will look after Urban Development Ministry, Ministry of Industry and Mining and Ministry of Marathi language has been allocated to Subhash Desai, Anil Parab is assigned the Transport department.

Party leader Sanjay Rathod has been assigned with the Forest portfolio while Uday Samant will look after Higher and Technical Education.

Dada Bhuse is assigned Agriculture, Sandeepan Bhumre Employment Guarantee, Gulabrao Patil - Water supply and Shankarrao Gadakh will be looking after the irrigation department.

The Maharashtra government which was formed after days of deliberations between Congress, NCP and Shiv Sena had its cabinet expansion earlier this week.

On November 28, Uddhav Thackeray took oath as Chief Minister bringing an end to weeks of political instability in the state's politics after Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress stitched a post-poll coalition as Maha Vikas Aghadi.

Along with the Chief Minister six other ministers -- two each from NCP, Congress, and Shiv Sena took the oath of office.

On December 30, a total of 36 leaders from Shiv Sena, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Congress, including Ajit Pawar and Aaditya Thackeray, took oath as ministers in the Maharashtra government. 
&nbsp;

As the Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari gave his nod to the allocation of portfolios on the recommendation of the state Chief Minister, key Ministries like Finance, Home and Revenue were allocated to lawmakers from Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Congress in the Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress alliance government led by Uddhav Thackeray.

As the Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari gave his nod to the allocation of portfolios on the recommendation of the state Chief Minister, key Ministries like Finance, Home and Revenue were allocated to lawmakers from Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Congress in the Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress alliance government led by Uddhav Thackeray. Thackeray had on Saturday sent Governor the final list of ministers with the portfolios to be allocated to them for approval following which portfolio distribution in Maharashtra government was announced. As per the portfolio distribution, NCP's Ajit Pawar who was recently sworn in as Deputy Chief Minister will look after Finance and Planning, Anil Deshmukh will take care of Home department, Jayant Patil will look after Water Resources, Chhagan Bhujbal has been given charge of Food and Supply ministry whereas Nawab Malik is assigned with the charge of Minority welfare. Congress's Balasaheb Thorat has been allocated the Revenue department, Ashok Chavan with Public Works Department (PWD) while Varsha Gaikwad will look after School Education. Among Shiv Sena leaders, first time MLA Aaditya Thackeray, who was also at the forefront of Aarey protest, has been assigned with the responsibility of Environment and Tourism. Eknath Shinde will look after Urban Development Ministry, Ministry of Industry and Mining and Ministry of Marathi language has been allocated to Subhash Desai, Anil Parab is assigned the Transport department. Party leader Sanjay Rathod has been assigned with the Forest portfolio while Uday Samant will look after Higher and Technical Education. Dada Bhuse is assigned Agriculture, Sandeepan Bhumre Employment Guarantee, Gulabrao Patil - Water supply and Shankarrao Gadakh will be looking after the irrigation department. The Maharashtra government which was formed after days of deliberations between Congress, NCP and Shiv Sena had its cabinet expansion earlier this week. On November 28, Uddhav Thackeray took oath as Chief Minister bringing an end to weeks of political instability in the state's politics after Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress stitched a post-poll coalition as Maha Vikas Aghadi. Along with the Chief Minister six other ministers -- two each from NCP, Congress, and Shiv Sena took the oath of office. On December 30, a total of 36 leaders from Shiv Sena, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Congress, including Ajit Pawar and Aaditya Thackeray, took oath as ministers in the Maharashtra government.

Maharashtra portfolio distribution: Ajit Pawar gets Finance, Aaditya Thackeray to look after Environment

Enraged by his exclusion from the list of ministers from Maharashtra, Congress MLA from the Jalna Assembly seat, Kailash Goryantal stated that he will resign from the party along with his supporters.

"My supporters and I have decided to submit our resignation letters to the state party president. I have been elected as the MLA for the third time and I work for my people. Still, I have not been made a minister," Gorantyal told reporters.

"I will meet Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee president Balasaheb Thorat and submit my resignation from party posts. Party members of the Jalna Municipal Council, Zilla Parishad will also submit their resignations along with me," he added.

Gorantyal has won from the Jalna Assembly seat in 1999, 2009 and 2019 elections.

Earlier, reports of Shiv Sena leader Abdul Sattar offering to step down from his post in the Cabinet had also surfaced.

Sattar had, however, said that he would hold talks with Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and accept the latter`s decision as final.&nbsp;

Enraged by his exclusion from the list of ministers from Maharashtra, Congress MLA from the Jalna Assembly seat, Kailash Goryantal stated that he will resign from the party along with his supporters.

Enraged by his exclusion from the list of ministers from Maharashtra, Congress MLA from the Jalna Assembly seat, Kailash Goryantal stated that he will resign from the party along with his supporters. "My supporters and I have decided to submit our resignation letters to the state party president. I have been elected as the MLA for the third time and I work for my people. Still, I have not been made a minister," Gorantyal told reporters. "I will meet Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee president Balasaheb Thorat and submit my resignation from party posts. Party members of the Jalna Municipal Council, Zilla Parishad will also submit their resignations along with me," he added. Gorantyal has won from the Jalna Assembly seat in 1999, 2009 and 2019 elections. Earlier, reports of Shiv Sena leader Abdul Sattar offering to step down from his post in the Cabinet had also surfaced. Sattar had, however, said that he would hold talks with Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and accept the latter`s decision as final.

Congress MLA threatens to resign after denied ministerial berth in Maharashtra

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-portfolio-distribution-ajit-pawar-gets-finance-aaditya-thackeray-to-look-after-environment-272217">Worli MLA Aaditya Thackeray</a> on Sunday expressed happiness over getting the portfolio of state Tourism and Environment minister and assured that he will take substantial steps to boost the tourism sector in order to strengthen Maharashtra's economy.

"I have been given the portfolios of Tourism and Environment. We can strengthen the economy of Maharashtra with tourism," he said while speaking to media in Maharashtra."I will take charge of the office after tomorrow's meeting," he added.

Apart from Thackeray, other Shiv Sena leaders such as Eknath Shinde will look after Urban Development Ministry, Ministry of Industry and Mining and Ministry of Marathi language has been allocated to Subhash Desai, Anil Parab is assigned the Transport department.

Party leader Sanjay Rathod has been assigned with the Forest portfolio while Uday Samant will look after Higher and Technical Education.

Dada Bhuse is assigned Agriculture, Sandeepan Bhumre Employment Guarantee, Gulabrao Patil - Water supply and Shankarrao Gadakh will be looking after the irrigation department.

The Maharashtra government which was formed after days of deliberations between Congress, NCP and Shiv Sena had its cabinet expansion earlier this week.

On November 28, Uddhav Thackeray took oath as Chief Minister bringing an end to weeks of political instability in the state's politics after Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress stitched a post-poll coalition as Maha Vikas Aghadi.

Along with the Chief Minister six other ministers -- two each from NCP, Congress, and Shiv Sena took the oath of office.

Worli MLA Aaditya Thackeray on Sunday expressed happiness over getting the portfolio of state Tourism and Environment minister and assured that he will take substantial steps to boost the tourism sector in order to strengthen Maharashtra's economy.

Worli MLA Aaditya Thackeray on Sunday expressed happiness over getting the portfolio of state Tourism and Environment minister and assured that he will take substantial steps to boost the tourism sector in order to strengthen Maharashtra's economy. "I have been given the portfolios of Tourism and Environment. We can strengthen the economy of Maharashtra with tourism," he said while speaking to media in Maharashtra."I will take charge of the office after tomorrow's meeting," he added. Apart from Thackeray, other Shiv Sena leaders such as Eknath Shinde will look after Urban Development Ministry, Ministry of Industry and Mining and Ministry of Marathi language has been allocated to Subhash Desai, Anil Parab is assigned the Transport department. Party leader Sanjay Rathod has been assigned with the Forest portfolio while Uday Samant will look after Higher and Technical Education. Dada Bhuse is assigned Agriculture, Sandeepan Bhumre Employment Guarantee, Gulabrao Patil - Water supply and Shankarrao Gadakh will be looking after the irrigation department. The Maharashtra government which was formed after days of deliberations between Congress, NCP and Shiv Sena had its cabinet expansion earlier this week. On November 28, Uddhav Thackeray took oath as Chief Minister bringing an end to weeks of political instability in the state's politics after Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress stitched a post-poll coalition as Maha Vikas Aghadi. Along with the Chief Minister six other ministers -- two each from NCP, Congress, and Shiv Sena took the oath of office.

Aaditya Thackeray vows to strengthen Maharashtra's tourism sector

As Maharashtra governor gave his nod to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-portfolio-distribution-ajit-pawar-gets-finance-aaditya-thackeray-to-look-after-environment-272217">allocation of portfolios on Sunday</a>, Minister of State (MoS) Abdul Sattar has been assigned with the responsibility of Revenue, Rural Development, Port Land Development and Special Assistance.

Yesterday, amid reports doing the rounds of him offering to step down as a minister of state in the Maharashtra government, Sattar had clarified that he has not tendered his resignation.

"I have not resigned. I am going to talk to Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray at Matoshree. After that, whatever decision will be taken by the Chief Minister, we will accept it," Sattar had said.

Sattar was among the 36 leaders from Congress, NCP and Shiv Sena, who were sworn-in as ministers on December 30 last year.

In the portfolio distribution key Ministries like Finance, Home and Revenue were allocated to lawmakers from Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Congress in the Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress alliance government led by Uddhav Thackeray.

Thackeray had on Saturday sent Governor the final list of ministers with the portfolios to be allocated to them for approval following which portfolio distribution in Maharashtra government was announced.&nbsp;

As Maharashtra governor gave his nod to the allocation of portfolios on Sunday, Minister of State (MoS) Abdul Sattar has been assigned with the responsibility of Revenue, Rural Development, Port Land Development and Special Assistance.

As Maharashtra governor gave his nod to the allocation of portfolios on Sunday, Minister of State (MoS) Abdul Sattar has been assigned with the responsibility of Revenue, Rural Development, Port Land Development and Special Assistance. Yesterday, amid reports doing the rounds of him offering to step down as a minister of state in the Maharashtra government, Sattar had clarified that he has not tendered his resignation. "I have not resigned. I am going to talk to Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray at Matoshree. After that, whatever decision will be taken by the Chief Minister, we will accept it," Sattar had said. Sattar was among the 36 leaders from Congress, NCP and Shiv Sena, who were sworn-in as ministers on December 30 last year. In the portfolio distribution key Ministries like Finance, Home and Revenue were allocated to lawmakers from Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Congress in the Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress alliance government led by Uddhav Thackeray. Thackeray had on Saturday sent Governor the final list of ministers with the portfolios to be allocated to them for approval following which portfolio distribution in Maharashtra government was announced.

MoS Abdul Sattar gets Revenue, Rural Development in Maharashtra portfolio distribution

Home Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amit-shah-lauds-crpf-as-bravest-force-in-the-world-270873">Amit Shah</a> on Thursday lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for giving pace to the National Disaster Response Force (<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/two-rushed-to-hospital-after-fire-breaks-out-at-anaj-mandi-building-again-267131">NDRF</a>), which has become one of the topmost organizations in the world in the field of disaster management. 
 
"In 2016, Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-broke-news-to-general-rawat-about-appointment-as-first-cds-271257">Narendra Modi</a> gave pace to the NDRF. Within four years, NDRF is giving its services by becoming a topmost organization in the world related to disaster management. Today the work to provide the services of NDRF to district and lower levels have been completed," he said while speaking at an event here. 
 
The Home Minister was here to lay the foundation stone of the NDRF Academy and dedicate the new campus of the National Fire Service College (NFSC). 
 
"The NFSC has been there in Nagpur since 1956. Today, there is an opportunity to dedicate to the country a college with a modern campus in accordance with all international standards, on a land of more than 42 acres," he said. 
 
He said that several short-term and long-term courses will be conducted here. 
 
The Home Minister recalled how during the Super <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-bulbul-home-minister-assures-west-bengal-government-of-all-possible-help-261178">Cyclone</a> in Odisha in 1999, around 10,000 people died while during the recent three cyclones, the toll stood at 66. 
 
Recalling that the Centre has launched the Subhash Chandra Bose award in disaster management, he said: "Today, NDRF is being acknowledged at international level. When the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/earthquake-of-magnitude-63-strikes-west-of-port-hardy-canada-270120">earthquake</a> struck Nepal, NDRF provided immediate help."

Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for giving pace to the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), which has become one of the topmost organizations in the world in the field of disaster management.

Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for giving pace to the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), which has become one of the topmost organizations in the world in the field of disaster management. "In 2016, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave pace to the NDRF. Within four years, NDRF is giving its services by becoming a topmost organization in the world related to disaster management. Today the work to provide the services of NDRF to district and lower levels have been completed," he said while speaking at an event here. The Home Minister was here to lay the foundation stone of the NDRF Academy and dedicate the new campus of the National Fire Service College (NFSC). "The NFSC has been there in Nagpur since 1956. Today, there is an opportunity to dedicate to the country a college with a modern campus in accordance with all international standards, on a land of more than 42 acres," he said. He said that several short-term and long-term courses will be conducted here. The Home Minister recalled how during the Super Cyclone in Odisha in 1999, around 10,000 people died while during the recent three cyclones, the toll stood at 66. Recalling that the Centre has launched the Subhash Chandra Bose award in disaster management, he said: "Today, NDRF is being acknowledged at international level. When the earthquake struck Nepal, NDRF provided immediate help."

Home Minister Amit Shah lauds PM Narendra Modi for giving pace to NDRF

Ireland's PM Leo Varadkar visit to his ancestral village, Konkan in Maharashtra must have been nothing less than a very 'precious moment'.

'Special moment' for Ireland's Prime Minister as he visits his ancestral village in India

A month after Maha Vikas Aghadi formed the government in the state, Maharashtra minister Balasaheb Thorat on Sunday said that Congress will get 12 berths in the cabinet expansion scheduled for tomorrow.

"Tomorrow is the oath-taking ceremony and we have to give the final list. We got 12 berths in which two will be state ministers and ten in Cabinet. Our list will be out soon with names," Thorat told ANI after meeting with Congress leadership in New Delhi.

On November 28, Uddhav Thackeray took oath as Chief Minister bringing an end to weeks of political instability in the state's politics after Shiv Sena, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Congress stitched a post-poll coalition as Maha Vikas Aghadi. Six other ministers -- two each from NCP, Congress, and Shiv Sena took the oath of office.

The Congress leader said he does not know whether his ally NCP will pitch Ajit Pawar as Deputy Chief Minister. On alleged manhandling of Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra by Uttar Pradesh Police in Lucknow, Thorat said,&nbsp;"Those who do it should be suspended."

A month after Maha Vikas Aghadi formed the government in the state, Maharashtra minister Balasaheb Thorat on Sunday said that Congress will get 12 berths in the cabinet expansion scheduled for tomorrow.

A month after Maha Vikas Aghadi formed the government in the state, Maharashtra minister Balasaheb Thorat on Sunday said that Congress will get 12 berths in the cabinet expansion scheduled for tomorrow. "Tomorrow is the oath-taking ceremony and we have to give the final list. We got 12 berths in which two will be state ministers and ten in Cabinet. Our list will be out soon with names," Thorat told ANI after meeting with Congress leadership in New Delhi. On November 28, Uddhav Thackeray took oath as Chief Minister bringing an end to weeks of political instability in the state's politics after Shiv Sena, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Congress stitched a post-poll coalition as Maha Vikas Aghadi. Six other ministers -- two each from NCP, Congress, and Shiv Sena took the oath of office. The Congress leader said he does not know whether his ally NCP will pitch Ajit Pawar as Deputy Chief Minister. On alleged manhandling of Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra by Uttar Pradesh Police in Lucknow, Thorat said, "Those who do it should be suspended."

Congress to get 12 berths in Maharashtra cabinet expansion

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray will expand his cabinet on Monday.

Shiv Sena-led Maha Vikas Aghadi government currently has six cabinet ministers - two each from the three parties.&nbsp;

Over thirty ministers are likely to be inducted in the state cabinet tomorrow and take the oath administered by Maharashtra Governor BS Koshyari.&nbsp;

Leaders of the Maha Vikas Aghadi government - comprising Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress - have had held a series of deliberations in the past weeks on cabinet expansion.

As per the seat-sharing formula agreed upon by the three parties, the Shiv Sena would get 15 ministers besides the chief minister while the NCP and the Congress would get 14 and 12 ministers in the cabinet respectively.

The total number of ministers in the Maharashtra cabinet is 42 which includes the chief minister.&nbsp;

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray will expand his cabinet on Monday. Shiv Sena-led Maha Vikas Aghadi government currently has six cabinet ministers - two each from the three parties.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray will expand his cabinet on Monday. Shiv Sena-led Maha Vikas Aghadi government currently has six cabinet ministers - two each from the three parties. Over thirty ministers are likely to be inducted in the state cabinet tomorrow and take the oath administered by Maharashtra Governor BS Koshyari. Leaders of the Maha Vikas Aghadi government - comprising Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress - have had held a series of deliberations in the past weeks on cabinet expansion. As per the seat-sharing formula agreed upon by the three parties, the Shiv Sena would get 15 ministers besides the chief minister while the NCP and the Congress would get 14 and 12 ministers in the cabinet respectively. The total number of ministers in the Maharashtra cabinet is 42 which includes the chief minister.

Maharashtra: Uddhav Thackeray to expand state cabinet on Monday 

Chairperson and Founder of the Reliance Foundation, Nita Ambani and Bollywood actors celebrated the festival of Christmas with children as they spent time with them in India's western Mumbai city on Wednesday (December 25).

Bollywood actors dance, sing as they celebrate Christmas with children in Mumbai

Maharashtra Chief Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-chief-minister-uddhav-thackeray-announces-rs-2-lakh-loan-waiver-for-poor-farmers-269479">Uddhav Thackeray</a> on Tuesday requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he should personally intervene and instruct the concerned authorities to give Marathi language elite status.

In a letter to the Prime Minister, Thackeray said: "On November 16, 2013, a proposal was submitted to the central government on the basis of a report by an expert committee established by the government of Maharashtra regarding grant of status of elite language to Marathi."

"The Marathi language fulfils the criteria required to attain elite language status. Despite repeatedly pursuing elite language status, the matter is pending with the Ministry of Cultural Affairs of the central government," he added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/politicians-pay-tribute-to-bal-thackeray-on-his-seventh-death-anniversary-262697">Thackeray</a> further said that the concerned department has reported the matter to the Literature Academy's Language Committee for consideration.

Since the matter has been pending for a long time, the Prime Minister should himself intervene and ensure that the Marathi language is given elite status, he added.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Tuesday requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he should personally intervene and instruct the concerned authorities to give Marathi language elite status.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Tuesday requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he should personally intervene and instruct the concerned authorities to give Marathi language elite status. In a letter to the Prime Minister, Thackeray said: "On November 16, 2013, a proposal was submitted to the central government on the basis of a report by an expert committee established by the government of Maharashtra regarding grant of status of elite language to Marathi." "The Marathi language fulfils the criteria required to attain elite language status. Despite repeatedly pursuing elite language status, the matter is pending with the Ministry of Cultural Affairs of the central government," he added. Thackeray further said that the concerned department has reported the matter to the Literature Academy's Language Committee for consideration. Since the matter has been pending for a long time, the Prime Minister should himself intervene and ensure that the Marathi language is given elite status, he added.

Maharashtra: CM Thackeray writes to PM Modi seeking elite status for Marathi language

The batting legends, Sachin Tendulkar and Sunil Gavaskar met Maharashtra newly elected Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray at his residence "Matoshree" in suburban Bandra, Mumbai.

Legendary cricket icons Sachin Tendulkar and Sunil Gavaskar met Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray

The opposition BJP and its allies will boycott the customary tea party organised by the Maha Vikash Aghadi government on the eve of the Winter Session of the Maharashtra legislature on Sunday evening.

Leader of Opposition Devendra Fadnavis said the opposition will boycott the tea party to protest against the "brake on development works" and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's remark on Hindu ideologue Vinayak Damodar Savarkar.

"We want farmers to get government help and their farm loans should be written off at the earliest. We have decided not to sip the government's tea over Rahul's remark on Savarkar and the brake on development works, initiated by his government," Fadvanis told reporters.

He also said that the opposition parties would bring a censure motion in the Assembly on Gandhi's 'my name is not Rahul Savarkar'&nbsp;remark.

Fadnavis said that decision was taken at a meeting of the opposition parties at his residence today in the morning.

The BJP leader also attacked the government for not expanding its Cabinet.

"It has been about three weeks but the Cabinet has not been expanded. Whom shall we ask the questions," he asked.Fadnavis, a former Chief Minister, alleged that the government is not taking the Winter Session of Assembly 'seriously'.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

The opposition BJP and its allies will boycott the customary tea party organised by the Maha Vikash Aghadi government on the eve of the Winter Session of the Maharashtra legislature on Sunday evening.

The opposition BJP and its allies will boycott the customary tea party organised by the Maha Vikash Aghadi government on the eve of the Winter Session of the Maharashtra legislature on Sunday evening. Leader of Opposition Devendra Fadnavis said the opposition will boycott the tea party to protest against the "brake on development works" and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's remark on Hindu ideologue Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. "We want farmers to get government help and their farm loans should be written off at the earliest. We have decided not to sip the government's tea over Rahul's remark on Savarkar and the brake on development works, initiated by his government," Fadvanis told reporters. He also said that the opposition parties would bring a censure motion in the Assembly on Gandhi's 'my name is not Rahul Savarkar' remark. Fadnavis said that decision was taken at a meeting of the opposition parties at his residence today in the morning. The BJP leader also attacked the government for not expanding its Cabinet. "It has been about three weeks but the Cabinet has not been expanded. Whom shall we ask the questions," he asked.Fadnavis, a former Chief Minister, alleged that the government is not taking the Winter Session of Assembly 'seriously'.

Maharashtra: Opposition parties to boycott tea party on eve of Winter Session of Assembly

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday said there were no differences between the parties in his coalition government and expressed the hope that his government will be able to make the citizens proud.

"The country is watching that the three parties are together, the leaders are united and so are the workers. I do not have much experience in politics but with the wishes of the people we will run the government for 50 years," Thackeray said at a public rally.

It started raining towards the end of the Chief Minister's speech, which Thackeray, termed as an "ominous sign" from the heavens.

There had been rumours of a rift in the coalition after Congress MP Rahul Gandhi's remarks targeting Hindu ideologue Vinayak Damodar Savarkar.

In a stern message to ally Congress, Shiv Sena on Saturday said that it will not compromise with its stand on the Hindu ideologue, whom it described as a "God-like figure".

Hours after former Congress president Rahul Gandhi's statement on Savarkar, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut said the Hindu ideologue had also a major contribution in the freedom movement like Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi.

"Every such God-like figure should be respected. There is no compromise on it," he added.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday said there were no differences between the parties in his coalition government and expressed the hope that his government will be able to make the citizens proud.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday said there were no differences between the parties in his coalition government and expressed the hope that his government will be able to make the citizens proud. "The country is watching that the three parties are together, the leaders are united and so are the workers. I do not have much experience in politics but with the wishes of the people we will run the government for 50 years," Thackeray said at a public rally. It started raining towards the end of the Chief Minister's speech, which Thackeray, termed as an "ominous sign" from the heavens. There had been rumours of a rift in the coalition after Congress MP Rahul Gandhi's remarks targeting Hindu ideologue Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. In a stern message to ally Congress, Shiv Sena on Saturday said that it will not compromise with its stand on the Hindu ideologue, whom it described as a "God-like figure". Hours after former Congress president Rahul Gandhi's statement on Savarkar, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut said the Hindu ideologue had also a major contribution in the freedom movement like Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi. "Every such God-like figure should be respected. There is no compromise on it," he added.

Uddhav Thackeray says no differences between parties in Maha Vikas Aghadi

Former Maharashtra chief minister and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday said that all the decisions in the previous government were taken in consultation with the Shiv Sena but now the party is opposing those very decisions.

"Earlier, Shiv Sena was with us and all the decisions were taken together. Now, the same Shiv Sena is opposing all those decisions and stopping work," Fadnavis said in a press conference.

He said that the Maha Vikas Aghadi government in Maharashtra has held several cabinet meetings but still has not taken any decision for granting relief to farmers.

"This government is also stopping all the work and taking reviews. No investment will come under this government. This government is starting something and later pulling away from it. How will any work get done under this government?" he said.

Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has stopped several government projects in Maharashtra and put several others under the lens for review after assuming power in the state.

Fadnavis also slammed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his 'Savarkar'&nbsp;remark and demanded an apology.

"Rahul Gandhi has given a statement on Veer Savarkar. Rahul Gandhi does not know anything about Veer Savarkar. Rahul Gandhi must apologise for his statement. Shiv Sena leaders love Veer Savarkar but what are they doing now," he said.

The comment comes after Rahul Gandhi, refusing to apologise for his 'rape in India'&nbsp;remark, said that he is 'not Rahul Savarkar'.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Former Maharashtra chief minister and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday said that all the decisions in the previous government were taken in consultation with the Shiv Sena but now the party is opposing those very decisions.

Former Maharashtra chief minister and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday said that all the decisions in the previous government were taken in consultation with the Shiv Sena but now the party is opposing those very decisions. "Earlier, Shiv Sena was with us and all the decisions were taken together. Now, the same Shiv Sena is opposing all those decisions and stopping work," Fadnavis said in a press conference. He said that the Maha Vikas Aghadi government in Maharashtra has held several cabinet meetings but still has not taken any decision for granting relief to farmers. "This government is also stopping all the work and taking reviews. No investment will come under this government. This government is starting something and later pulling away from it. How will any work get done under this government?" he said. Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has stopped several government projects in Maharashtra and put several others under the lens for review after assuming power in the state. Fadnavis also slammed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his 'Savarkar' remark and demanded an apology. "Rahul Gandhi has given a statement on Veer Savarkar. Rahul Gandhi does not know anything about Veer Savarkar. Rahul Gandhi must apologise for his statement. Shiv Sena leaders love Veer Savarkar but what are they doing now," he said. The comment comes after Rahul Gandhi, refusing to apologise for his 'rape in India' remark, said that he is 'not Rahul Savarkar'.

Shiv Sena opposing projects they agreed upon when with us: Devendra Fadnavis

The prices of onions have continued to surge drastically across the markets in Mumbai`s Dadar, leaving several customers in distress.

Rupesh Chaudhary, a retailer, told ANI, "The reason behind onion price hike is the unseasonal rains that affected many onion farmers in the country. Earlier customers used to buy onion in large quantities, but now that scenario has changed."

"I think the prices would go like this for the next 1-2 months as it will take some time for the new stock of onions to come in the market," he added.

Rahul, a cook, said, "We are forced to use less onions in dishes as it is very expensive. For salads, we have started to offer more carrot, cucumber, and radish than the onion."

Meanwhile, Yusuf Khan, a customer, told ANI, "Onions cost Rs 150-180 per kilogram. We are left with no option than buying these high-priced onions as we have to feed our families.The price of onions has been on the rise in many states of the country, which has even sparked protests among the people. (ANI)

 
&nbsp;

The prices of onions have continued to surge drastically across the markets in Mumbai`s Dadar, leaving several customers in distress. Rupesh Chaudhary, a retailer, told ANI, "The reason behind onion price hike is the unseasonal rains that affected many onion farmers in the country.

The prices of onions have continued to surge drastically across the markets in Mumbai`s Dadar, leaving several customers in distress. Rupesh Chaudhary, a retailer, told ANI, "The reason behind onion price hike is the unseasonal rains that affected many onion farmers in the country. Earlier customers used to buy onion in large quantities, but now that scenario has changed." "I think the prices would go like this for the next 1-2 months as it will take some time for the new stock of onions to come in the market," he added. Rahul, a cook, said, "We are forced to use less onions in dishes as it is very expensive. For salads, we have started to offer more carrot, cucumber, and radish than the onion." Meanwhile, Yusuf Khan, a customer, told ANI, "Onions cost Rs 150-180 per kilogram. We are left with no option than buying these high-priced onions as we have to feed our families.The price of onions has been on the rise in many states of the country, which has even sparked protests among the people. (ANI)

Mumbai: Onions prices continue to surge leaving customers in distress

Senior NCP leader and NCP chief's daughter Supriya Sule said on Tuesday that it is the grandeur of Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he considered me for a cabinet post.&nbsp;

Sule was responding to NCP supremo Sharad Pawar's claim, where he said that PM Modi suggested that the duo should "work together", suggesting BJP-NCP alliance in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uddhav-thackeray-sworn-in-as-maharashtra-chief-minister-ajit-pawar-as-deputy-chief-minister-265104">Maharashtra</a>. Pawar also said that an offer was made to give cabinet birth to Sule in Centre.&nbsp;

"It is the grandeur of the prime minister that he made such suggestions. I am grateful to him for the suggestion, but this cannot happen," Sule said.&nbsp;

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Nationalist Congress Party leader Supriya Sule on Sharad Pawar's claim that PM Modi offered cabinet berth for Sule if BJP-NCP alliance happens: Ye pradhan mantri ji ka badappan hai ki unhone aisa sujhav diya. Main unki aabhari hoon unhone kaha, lekin wo ho nahi paya. <a href="https://t.co/3dVyqKqDDU">pic.twitter.com/3dVyqKqDDU</a>
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Days before BJP, NCP and Congress were closing in on a deal to form government in Maharashtra, in a jolting move, BJP's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ajit-pawar-resigns-as-deputy-chief-minister-of-maharashtra-sources-264628">Devendra Fadnavis </a>took oath along with senior NCP leader Ajit Pawar for the post of CM and deputy CM respectively on November 23.

However, senior Pawar repeatedly denied any involvement of stitching an alliance with BJP and ultimately BJP-NCP-Congress government was formed in the state with Uddhav Thackeray as the chief minister on November 28.&nbsp;

Speaking on whether a disciplinary action will be taken against Sharad Pawar's nephew Ajit, Sule said that is an internal matter of their party and family. "He will always remain my elder brother and senior leader of the party," Sule said.&nbsp;

Long-term allies Shiv Sena and BJP formed an alliance for the Maharashtra Assembly polls but their ties got severed over power-sharing agreement. Sena then held talks with its traditional opponents, Congress and NCP, who later supported Sena and Maha Aghadi government was formed in Maharashtra.

(with inputs from ANI)

 
&nbsp;

Senior NCP leader and NCP chief's daughter Supriya Sule said on Tuesday that it is the grandeur of Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he considered me for a cabinet post.

Senior NCP leader and NCP chief's daughter Supriya Sule said on Tuesday that it is the grandeur of Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he considered me for a cabinet post. Sule was responding to NCP supremo Sharad Pawar's claim, where he said that PM Modi suggested that the duo should "work together", suggesting BJP-NCP alliance in Maharashtra. Pawar also said that an offer was made to give cabinet birth to Sule in Centre. "It is the grandeur of the prime minister that he made such suggestions. I am grateful to him for the suggestion, but this cannot happen," Sule said. Nationalist Congress Party leader Supriya Sule on Sharad Pawar's claim that PM Modi offered cabinet berth for Sule if BJP-NCP alliance happens: Ye pradhan mantri ji ka badappan hai ki unhone aisa sujhav diya. Main unki aabhari hoon unhone kaha, lekin wo ho nahi paya. pic.twitter.com/3dVyqKqDDU — ANI (@ANI) December 3, 2019 × Days before BJP, NCP and Congress were closing in on a deal to form government in Maharashtra, in a jolting move, BJP's Devendra Fadnavis took oath along with senior NCP leader Ajit Pawar for the post of CM and deputy CM respectively on November 23. However, senior Pawar repeatedly denied any involvement of stitching an alliance with BJP and ultimately BJP-NCP-Congress government was formed in the state with Uddhav Thackeray as the chief minister on November 28. Speaking on whether a disciplinary action will be taken against Sharad Pawar's nephew Ajit, Sule said that is an internal matter of their party and family. "He will always remain my elder brother and senior leader of the party," Sule said. Long-term allies Shiv Sena and BJP formed an alliance for the Maharashtra Assembly polls but their ties got severed over power-sharing agreement. Sena then held talks with its traditional opponents, Congress and NCP, who later supported Sena and Maha Aghadi government was formed in Maharashtra. (with inputs from ANI)

Grateful to PM Narendra Modi for offering cabinet berth: NCP leader Supriya Sule

The Maharashtra Assembly was adjourned till December 16 on Sunday.

Earlier today, Congress MLA Nana Patole was elected unopposed as the Speaker of the Maharashtra Assembly after BJP withdrew its candidate for the post.

The Speaker was elected a day after Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray led Maharasthra Vikas Aghadi won the vote of confidence in the Legislative Assembly.

State BJP chief Chandrakant Patil announced the party's decision to take back the nomination of Kisan Kathore for the Assembly Speaker post after an all-party meeting this morning and before the end of the deadline of withdrawal of nomination ended at 10 am.

Barely an hour after the announcement, pro-tem Speaker formally announced Patole's election as the Speaker in the House.

Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis welcomed the new Speaker and escorted him to the Speaker's chair to take charge.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Maharashtra Assembly was adjourned till December 16 on Sunday. Earlier today, Congress MLA Nana Patole was elected unopposed as the Speaker of the Maharashtra Assembly after BJP withdrew its candidate for the post.

The Maharashtra Assembly was adjourned till December 16 on Sunday. Earlier today, Congress MLA Nana Patole was elected unopposed as the Speaker of the Maharashtra Assembly after BJP withdrew its candidate for the post. The Speaker was elected a day after Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray led Maharasthra Vikas Aghadi won the vote of confidence in the Legislative Assembly. State BJP chief Chandrakant Patil announced the party's decision to take back the nomination of Kisan Kathore for the Assembly Speaker post after an all-party meeting this morning and before the end of the deadline of withdrawal of nomination ended at 10 am. Barely an hour after the announcement, pro-tem Speaker formally announced Patole's election as the Speaker in the House. Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis welcomed the new Speaker and escorted him to the Speaker's chair to take charge.

Maharashtra legislative Assembly adjourned till December 16

BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis and former chief minister of Maharashtra was elected as Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra Assembly on Sunday.

Speaker Nana Patole made the announcement in the House stating that BJP will be the opposition party in the assembly.

Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray greeted Fadnavis on his election and said he had learnt a lot from his predecessor. The CM also said that he "won't ever leave the ideology of Hindutva."

"I have learnt a lot of things from Devendra Fadvanis and I will always be friends with him. I am still with the ideology of 'Hindutva'&nbsp;and won't ever leave it. In the past 5 years, I've never betrayed the government," Thackeray said Fadnavis took the seat allocated to the Leader of Opposition soon after his election.

"I welcome Devendra Fadnavis as the Leader of Opposition. We have been together from the past 25 years and I didn't expect this day to come," he said.

The Shiv Sena chief, however, said that the BJP-Shiv Sena spilt would never have happened if the former was good to them.

"I won't call you (Devendra Fadnavis) an 'Opposition leader', but I will call you a 'responsible leader'. If you would have been good to us then, all this (BJP-Shiv Sena split) would have not happened," Thackeray said.

"I am a lucky CM because those who opposed me are now with me and those who I was with are now on the opposite side. I am here with my luck and blessings of people. I have never told anyone that I will be coming here but I came," Thackeray said in an apparent reference to Fadnavis poll campaign slogans 'I will be back'.

NCP leader Jayant Patil also took a jibe at Fadvanis saying, "Fadvanis was right in saying that he will come back but he didn't say he will be sitting on the opposite side."

Earlier today, Congress MLA Nana Patole was elected unopposed as the Speaker of the Assembly after BJP withdrew its candidate for the post.BJP and Shiv Sena alliance collapsed after BJP did not accept the latter's demand for equal power-sharing including rotation of the chief minister's post in the new government.

Sena later stitched an alliance -- Maha Vikas Aghadi -- with the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the Congress to form the new government with Uddhav Thackeray at the helm. 
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BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis and former chief minister of Maharashtra was elected as Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra Assembly on Sunday. Speaker Nana Patole made the announcement in the House stating that BJP will be the opposition party in the assembly.

BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis and former chief minister of Maharashtra was elected as Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra Assembly on Sunday. Speaker Nana Patole made the announcement in the House stating that BJP will be the opposition party in the assembly. Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray greeted Fadnavis on his election and said he had learnt a lot from his predecessor. The CM also said that he "won't ever leave the ideology of Hindutva." "I have learnt a lot of things from Devendra Fadvanis and I will always be friends with him. I am still with the ideology of 'Hindutva' and won't ever leave it. In the past 5 years, I've never betrayed the government," Thackeray said Fadnavis took the seat allocated to the Leader of Opposition soon after his election. "I welcome Devendra Fadnavis as the Leader of Opposition. We have been together from the past 25 years and I didn't expect this day to come," he said. The Shiv Sena chief, however, said that the BJP-Shiv Sena spilt would never have happened if the former was good to them. "I won't call you (Devendra Fadnavis) an 'Opposition leader', but I will call you a 'responsible leader'. If you would have been good to us then, all this (BJP-Shiv Sena split) would have not happened," Thackeray said. "I am a lucky CM because those who opposed me are now with me and those who I was with are now on the opposite side. I am here with my luck and blessings of people. I have never told anyone that I will be coming here but I came," Thackeray said in an apparent reference to Fadnavis poll campaign slogans 'I will be back'. NCP leader Jayant Patil also took a jibe at Fadvanis saying, "Fadvanis was right in saying that he will come back but he didn't say he will be sitting on the opposite side." Earlier today, Congress MLA Nana Patole was elected unopposed as the Speaker of the Assembly after BJP withdrew its candidate for the post.BJP and Shiv Sena alliance collapsed after BJP did not accept the latter's demand for equal power-sharing including rotation of the chief minister's post in the new government. Sena later stitched an alliance -- Maha Vikas Aghadi -- with the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the Congress to form the new government with Uddhav Thackeray at the helm.

Maharashtra: Devendra Fadnavis elected Leader of Opposition

Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray said on Sunday that he has learnt a lot of things from former CM Devendra Fadnavis and will always be befriended to him, in an address to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-leader-nana-patole-elected-as-maharashtra-assembly-speaker-unopposed-265530">Assembly</a>.

"I won't call you (Devendra Fadnavis) an 'Opposition leader', but I will call you a 'responsible leader'. If you would have been good to us then, all this (BJP-Shiv Sena split) would have not happened,"&nbsp;the chief minister said. It should be noted that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-uddhav-thackeray-led-government-passes-floor-test-in-state-assembly-265422">NCP, Shiv Sena and Congress formed an alliance </a>after long-time allies Sena and BJP had a fallout over the power-sharing agreement.&nbsp;

&nbsp;"I have learnt a lot of things from Fadnavis and I will always be befriended to him," Uddhav said.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray: I have learnt a lot of things from Devendra Fadvanis and I will always be friends with him. I am still with the ideology of 'Hindutva' and won't ever leave it. In past 5 years, I've never betrayed the govt. <a href="https://t.co/RucxPRvsfR">https://t.co/RucxPRvsfR</a> <a href="https://t.co/3K5qJKEPAU">pic.twitter.com/3K5qJKEPAU</a>
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Thackeray also said that he is a "lucky" CM as those who opposed him are now in alliance with his party and his former friends are now sitting in Opposition. "I am here with my luck and blessings of people," the CM said.

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Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray: I am a lucky CM because those who opposed me are now with me and those who I was with are now on the opposite side. I am here with my luck and blessings of people. I have never told anyone that I will be coming here but I came. <a href="https://t.co/fobggtTIFj">pic.twitter.com/fobggtTIFj</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1201048330454781952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Earlier, the Maharashtra Assembly elected Congress's Nana Patole unopposed as Speaker of the House after BJP withdrew its candidate to maintain the tradition of Assembly. The BJP had nominated Kishan Rathore for the Speaker post.

On Sunday, Fadnavis was also elected as the Leader of Opposition of the Assembly.&nbsp;

(with inputs from ANI)

Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray said on Sunday that he has learnt a lot of things from former CM Devendra Fadnavis and will always be befriended to him, in an address to the Assembly.

Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray said on Sunday that he has learnt a lot of things from former CM Devendra Fadnavis and will always be befriended to him, in an address to the Assembly. "I won't call you (Devendra Fadnavis) an 'Opposition leader', but I will call you a 'responsible leader'. If you would have been good to us then, all this (BJP-Shiv Sena split) would have not happened," the chief minister said. It should be noted that the NCP, Shiv Sena and Congress formed an alliance after long-time allies Sena and BJP had a fallout over the power-sharing agreement. "I have learnt a lot of things from Fadnavis and I will always be befriended to him," Uddhav said. Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray: I have learnt a lot of things from Devendra Fadvanis and I will always be friends with him. I am still with the ideology of 'Hindutva' and won't ever leave it. In past 5 years, I've never betrayed the govt. https://t.co/RucxPRvsfR pic.twitter.com/3K5qJKEPAU — ANI (@ANI) December 1, 2019 × Thackeray also said that he is a "lucky" CM as those who opposed him are now in alliance with his party and his former friends are now sitting in Opposition. "I am here with my luck and blessings of people," the CM said. Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray: I am a lucky CM because those who opposed me are now with me and those who I was with are now on the opposite side. I am here with my luck and blessings of people. I have never told anyone that I will be coming here but I came. pic.twitter.com/fobggtTIFj — ANI (@ANI) December 1, 2019 × Earlier, the Maharashtra Assembly elected Congress's Nana Patole unopposed as Speaker of the House after BJP withdrew its candidate to maintain the tradition of Assembly. The BJP had nominated Kishan Rathore for the Speaker post. On Sunday, Fadnavis was also elected as the Leader of Opposition of the Assembly. (with inputs from ANI)

I have learnt a lot of things from Devendra Fadnavis: Uddhav Thackeray

Ajit Pawar, the leader of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Saturday said that the ''Maha Vikas Aghadi'' government will prove its majority during the floor test at the State Legislative Assembly. The alliance includes NCP, Congress, and the Shiv Sena. 
 
Two days after being sworn-in as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Uddhav Thackeray led government is set to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-maha-vikas-aghadi-government-to-face-trust-vote-today-sanjay-raut-claims-support-of-170-mlas-265349">face a trust vote</a> in the Maharashtra Assembly today. 
 
Thackeray is heading the government of the newly formed alliance between the three parties.

The floor test will be conducted by pro tem Speaker Dilip Walse Patil, who had replaced BJP's Kalidas Kolambkar on Friday for the two-day special Assembly session.

Pawar also alluded to his meeting with BJP MP Prataprao Chikhalikar and claimed that it had nothing to do with the floor test.

"It was just a courtesy meeting. Even if we are from different parties we all have relations with each other. We did not have any discussion on the floor test. As Sanjay Raut said, our alliance will prove our numbers today in the house," Pawar said. 
 
Ahead of the trust vote, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut expressed confidence of the alliance winning the floor test. Taking to Twitter, he claimed that the Maha Vikash Agadhi had the support of over 170 MLAs.

(With inputs from ANI)

Ajit Pawar, the leader of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Saturday said that the ''Maha Vikas Aghadi'' government will prove its majority during the floor test at the State Legislative Assembly.

Ajit Pawar, the leader of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Saturday said that the ''Maha Vikas Aghadi'' government will prove its majority during the floor test at the State Legislative Assembly. The alliance includes NCP, Congress, and the Shiv Sena. Two days after being sworn-in as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Uddhav Thackeray led government is set to face a trust vote in the Maharashtra Assembly today. Thackeray is heading the government of the newly formed alliance between the three parties. The floor test will be conducted by pro tem Speaker Dilip Walse Patil, who had replaced BJP's Kalidas Kolambkar on Friday for the two-day special Assembly session. Pawar also alluded to his meeting with BJP MP Prataprao Chikhalikar and claimed that it had nothing to do with the floor test. "It was just a courtesy meeting. Even if we are from different parties we all have relations with each other. We did not have any discussion on the floor test. As Sanjay Raut said, our alliance will prove our numbers today in the house," Pawar said. Ahead of the trust vote, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut expressed confidence of the alliance winning the floor test. Taking to Twitter, he claimed that the Maha Vikash Agadhi had the support of over 170 MLAs. (With inputs from ANI)

NCP-Congress-Shiv Sena alliance in Maharashtra will prove its majority during floor test today: Ajit Pawar

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