Shiv Sena has excluded Sanjay Raut, the editor of its mouthpiece Saamna and the party`s face in media, from a list of leaders authorised to speak on behalf of the party on the Assembly elections results day in Maharashtra.

The Shiv Sena`s media department has put out a list of 18 leaders who will put forth the party`s stand on several matters and give reactions on election developments on October 24, the day the poll results are announced.&nbsp;

The party`s media department head Harshal Pradhan has requested media organisations to take reactions for Assembly elections from these authorised people only. The list includes the names of Arvind Sawant, Neelam Gonhe, Vishakha Raut, Bhawana Gawali, Rahul Shewale, Dhairyashil Mane, Anil Parab, Manisha Kayande, and Sunil Shinde.&nbsp;

Other party leaders who would act as spokespersons for the party include Suraj Chahwan, Sachin Ahir, Varun Sardesai, Hemraj Shaha, Sainath Durge, Kishor Kanhere, Shital Mhatre and Shubha Raul. Priyanka Chaturvedi, who joined Shiv Sena before the Lok Sabha elections in April, has also been authorised to speak in media.

The development is seen as a snub to the Rajya Sabha MP who has been critical to BJP before the two parties seal a poll pact for the elections.&nbsp;

Shiv Sena is contesting Assembly elections in alliance with incumbent Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) in the state.Elections will be held on October 21 and counting of votes will be held on October 24 in the state.

Shiv Sena has excluded Sanjay Raut, the editor of its mouthpiece Saamna and the party`s face in media, from a list of leaders authorised to speak on behalf of the party on the Assembly elections results day in Maharashtra.

Shiv Sena has excluded Sanjay Raut, the editor of its mouthpiece Saamna and the party`s face in media, from a list of leaders authorised to speak on behalf of the party on the Assembly elections results day in Maharashtra. The Shiv Sena`s media department has put out a list of 18 leaders who will put forth the party`s stand on several matters and give reactions on election developments on October 24, the day the poll results are announced. The party`s media department head Harshal Pradhan has requested media organisations to take reactions for Assembly elections from these authorised people only. The list includes the names of Arvind Sawant, Neelam Gonhe, Vishakha Raut, Bhawana Gawali, Rahul Shewale, Dhairyashil Mane, Anil Parab, Manisha Kayande, and Sunil Shinde. Other party leaders who would act as spokespersons for the party include Suraj Chahwan, Sachin Ahir, Varun Sardesai, Hemraj Shaha, Sainath Durge, Kishor Kanhere, Shital Mhatre and Shubha Raul. Priyanka Chaturvedi, who joined Shiv Sena before the Lok Sabha elections in April, has also been authorised to speak in media. The development is seen as a snub to the Rajya Sabha MP who has been critical to BJP before the two parties seal a poll pact for the elections. Shiv Sena is contesting Assembly elections in alliance with incumbent Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) in the state.Elections will be held on October 21 and counting of votes will be held on October 24 in the state.

Shiv Sena excludes Sanjay Raut from list of leaders authorised to speak to media on poll result day

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The campaigning ended for assembly polls in Haryana and Maharashtra on Saturday with political leaders making all-out efforts to woo voters through rallies and road shows.

On the last day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a rally at Rewari and Sirsa in Haryana.

Union Home Minister and BJP president Amit Shah held rallies in Maharashtra. State Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis held a roadshow in Nagpur while NCP chief Sharad Pawar addressed an election rally in Satara.

Polling in the two states will be held on October 21 and the results will be announced on October 24. BJP is in power on its own in Haryana and in alliance with Shiv Sena in Maharashtra.

The BJP targeted Congress on its past record in office and vociferously raised the issues of national security and repeal of Article 370.

The Congress and other opposition parties raised issues such as "unemployment", "slow down in economy" and " farm distress".

BJP is contesting 150 seats in 288-member Maharashtra Assembly while its ally Shiv Sena has fielded candidates in 124 candidates. The remaining seats have been left for smaller allies.

Congress is contesting the polls in alliance with NCP in Maharashtra.

The elections to 90-member Haryana assembly will witness multi-cornered contest on several seats between BJP, Congress, Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) and Jannayak Janta Party (JJP).&nbsp;
</div>

The campaigning ended for assembly polls in Haryana and Maharashtra on Saturday with political leaders making all-out efforts to woo voters through rallies and road shows.

The campaigning ended for assembly polls in Haryana and Maharashtra on Saturday with political leaders making all-out efforts to woo voters through rallies and road shows. On the last day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a rally at Rewari and Sirsa in Haryana. Union Home Minister and BJP president Amit Shah held rallies in Maharashtra. State Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis held a roadshow in Nagpur while NCP chief Sharad Pawar addressed an election rally in Satara. Polling in the two states will be held on October 21 and the results will be announced on October 24. BJP is in power on its own in Haryana and in alliance with Shiv Sena in Maharashtra. The BJP targeted Congress on its past record in office and vociferously raised the issues of national security and repeal of Article 370. The Congress and other opposition parties raised issues such as "unemployment", "slow down in economy" and " farm distress". BJP is contesting 150 seats in 288-member Maharashtra Assembly while its ally Shiv Sena has fielded candidates in 124 candidates. The remaining seats have been left for smaller allies. Congress is contesting the polls in alliance with NCP in Maharashtra. The elections to 90-member Haryana assembly will witness multi-cornered contest on several seats between BJP, Congress, Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) and Jannayak Janta Party (JJP).

Campaigning ends for Haryana, Maharashtra assembly polls

Scores of depositors of the scam-hit Punjab and Maharashtra Cooperative (PMC) Bank staged a protest here on Saturday demanding the removal of restriction on cash withdrawal imposed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), which is currently capped at Rs 40,000 for six months.

The protesters raised slogans and held up placards with slogans like 'Save PMC, Save Us'.

"I have been a customer of this bank for the past 15 years. RBI officials during audit had given this bank A grade. What is our mistake in this? Ours is not black money. It is very difficult to run a household for six months with just Rs 40,000," said Shardab Sheikh, a protester.

Manmohan Singh, another protester said that he was under great pressure to make payments.

"I recently bought a new house and have to pay the builder 1 lakh each month. How will I pay the amount...I am very worried. They should allow us to withdraw more cash," he said.

Last month, the RBI restricted the activities of the PMC Bank for six months and asked it not to grant or renew any loans and advances, make any investment or incur any liability, including borrowing of funds and acceptance of fresh deposits after an alleged fraud of Rs. 4,355 crore scam came to light.

The organisation had initially capped the deposit withdrawal at Rs 10,000 but later raised it to Rs 40,000.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has seized and identified movable and immovable assets worth more than Rs 3,830 crore owned by Housing Development and Infrastructure Limited (HDIL) in connection with the case.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Scores of depositors of the scam-hit Punjab and Maharashtra Cooperative (PMC) Bank staged a protest here on Saturday demanding the removal of restriction on cash withdrawal imposed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), which is currently capped at Rs 40,000 for six months.

Scores of depositors of the scam-hit Punjab and Maharashtra Cooperative (PMC) Bank staged a protest here on Saturday demanding the removal of restriction on cash withdrawal imposed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), which is currently capped at Rs 40,000 for six months. The protesters raised slogans and held up placards with slogans like 'Save PMC, Save Us'. "I have been a customer of this bank for the past 15 years. RBI officials during audit had given this bank A grade. What is our mistake in this? Ours is not black money. It is very difficult to run a household for six months with just Rs 40,000," said Shardab Sheikh, a protester. Manmohan Singh, another protester said that he was under great pressure to make payments. "I recently bought a new house and have to pay the builder 1 lakh each month. How will I pay the amount...I am very worried. They should allow us to withdraw more cash," he said. Last month, the RBI restricted the activities of the PMC Bank for six months and asked it not to grant or renew any loans and advances, make any investment or incur any liability, including borrowing of funds and acceptance of fresh deposits after an alleged fraud of Rs. 4,355 crore scam came to light. The organisation had initially capped the deposit withdrawal at Rs 10,000 but later raised it to Rs 40,000. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has seized and identified movable and immovable assets worth more than Rs 3,830 crore owned by Housing Development and Infrastructure Limited (HDIL) in connection with the case.

PMC Bank scam: Depositors stage protest in Mumbai

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold three public rallies in Akola, Jalna and Panvel in poll-bound Maharashtra on Wednesday.

The Prime Minister kicked off his election campaign in the state from Jalgaon and Sakoli on October 13.

Just like his previous rallies, he is likely to emphasise on the Centre`s work including triple talaq, National Register of Citizens (NRC), and abrogation of article 370 as well as highlight the schemes implemented by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis-led government.

In its manifesto, the BJP has promised to generate 1 crore jobs in the state, sanitary napkin at Rs 1 for women, all the village panchayat to be connected via broadband internet, every district to have ATAL Vigyan Kendra and to get the investment of Rs 5 lakh crore in infrastructure projects, among others.

As the state has a large number of farmers, the issues of farm loan waivers and crop insurance hold importance for the BJP.

Earlier, Union Minister Smriti had said that Prime Minister is campaigning in Maharashtra to guide and encourage candidates of the BJP.

The last date for campaigning for the election is October 19. Single-phase polls in Maharashtra will be held on October 21 and results will be announced on October 24.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold three public rallies in Akola, Jalna and Panvel in poll-bound Maharashtra on Wednesday. The Prime Minister kicked off his election campaign in the state from Jalgaon and Sakoli on October 13.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold three public rallies in Akola, Jalna and Panvel in poll-bound Maharashtra on Wednesday. The Prime Minister kicked off his election campaign in the state from Jalgaon and Sakoli on October 13. Just like his previous rallies, he is likely to emphasise on the Centre`s work including triple talaq, National Register of Citizens (NRC), and abrogation of article 370 as well as highlight the schemes implemented by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis-led government. In its manifesto, the BJP has promised to generate 1 crore jobs in the state, sanitary napkin at Rs 1 for women, all the village panchayat to be connected via broadband internet, every district to have ATAL Vigyan Kendra and to get the investment of Rs 5 lakh crore in infrastructure projects, among others. As the state has a large number of farmers, the issues of farm loan waivers and crop insurance hold importance for the BJP. Earlier, Union Minister Smriti had said that Prime Minister is campaigning in Maharashtra to guide and encourage candidates of the BJP. The last date for campaigning for the election is October 19. Single-phase polls in Maharashtra will be held on October 21 and results will be announced on October 24.

PM Modi to hold 3 rallies in poll-bound Maharashtra today

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had suddenly left the country and thrown the Congress in a quandary midway during electioneering for the Maharashtra and Haryana Assembly elections. He is now back in&nbsp;the scene, obviously for damage control. How much Rahul has been able to cement the fractured party organisation and its election machine could be gauged from the fact that local Congress leaders like Sanjay Nirupam and Milind Deora were absent during his rally at the Dharavi slums on Sunday 13th October.

At his Mumbai rally ahead of the October 21 poll in Maharashtra, it appeared that Rahul was flogging a dead horse when he raised the Rafale issue. The well tutored Congress crowd also joined him and raised the 'Chowkidar Chor Hai' slogan, which translated into English would mean “the watchdog is a thief’. It was used extensively by the Congress during Rahul Gandhi's election rallies for the Lok Sabha poll earlier this year.

How can Rahul be oblivious to the fact that the voters have already rejected this slogan and the results are before us. The first lot of Rafale aircraft has also joined the IAF and this has hiked the level of confidence among the people when it comes to national security and defence. Rahul’s current posture shows that he has completely lost “the connect” with the people.

The Congress party is also in the dock as it is facing the charge that it been continuously parroting the same stand that’s been taken by Imran Khan and Pakistan on Jammu and Kashmir and Article 370. &nbsp;

Addressing an election rally at Jalgaon in Maharashtra on Sunday Narendra Modi challenged the Opposition saying that the opposition should state in its election manifesto that they would restore Article 370 if they returned to power. He also said that Kashmir is the crown of India and not “just a piece of land”. Patting his government for the abrogation of Article 370 in the larger interest of the people, the PM has drawn attention to the situation in Kashmir that had been allowed to deteriorate over the last many decades and said that normalcy will be restored in J&amp;K in four months.

Besides, what’s going to prove the waterloo for Congress ally &nbsp;- the Nationalist Congress Party in this election is the case of former Civil Aviation Minister and NCP leader Praful Patel. His name has suddenly shot up in the news as the Enforcement Directorate has started probing an alleged land deal between a close aide of Dawood Ibrahim and a company promoted by Patel and his family. His contradiction notwithstanding, the damage has already been done.

For popular support, BJP is banking heavily on its last word vis-a-vis J&amp;K and Article 370 in the present round of elections. Its election campaign also has been capped with the positives of the Modi government’s welfare policies. With the Congress-NCP campaign in doldrums, the outcome of the Maharastra Assembly election&nbsp;would be on predictable lines.&nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had suddenly left the country and thrown the Congress in a quandary midway during electioneering for the Maharashtra and Haryana Assembly elections.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had suddenly left the country and thrown the Congress in a quandary midway during electioneering for the Maharashtra and Haryana Assembly elections. He is now back in the scene, obviously for damage control. How much Rahul has been able to cement the fractured party organisation and its election machine could be gauged from the fact that local Congress leaders like Sanjay Nirupam and Milind Deora were absent during his rally at the Dharavi slums on Sunday 13th October. At his Mumbai rally ahead of the October 21 poll in Maharashtra, it appeared that Rahul was flogging a dead horse when he raised the Rafale issue. The well tutored Congress crowd also joined him and raised the 'Chowkidar Chor Hai' slogan, which translated into English would mean “the watchdog is a thief’. It was used extensively by the Congress during Rahul Gandhi's election rallies for the Lok Sabha poll earlier this year. How can Rahul be oblivious to the fact that the voters have already rejected this slogan and the results are before us. The first lot of Rafale aircraft has also joined the IAF and this has hiked the level of confidence among the people when it comes to national security and defence. Rahul’s current posture shows that he has completely lost “the connect” with the people. The Congress party is also in the dock as it is facing the charge that it been continuously parroting the same stand that’s been taken by Imran Khan and Pakistan on Jammu and Kashmir and Article 370. Addressing an election rally at Jalgaon in Maharashtra on Sunday Narendra Modi challenged the Opposition saying that the opposition should state in its election manifesto that they would restore Article 370 if they returned to power. He also said that Kashmir is the crown of India and not “just a piece of land”. Patting his government for the abrogation of Article 370 in the larger interest of the people, the PM has drawn attention to the situation in Kashmir that had been allowed to deteriorate over the last many decades and said that normalcy will be restored in J&K in four months. Besides, what’s going to prove the waterloo for Congress ally - the Nationalist Congress Party in this election is the case of former Civil Aviation Minister and NCP leader Praful Patel. His name has suddenly shot up in the news as the Enforcement Directorate has started probing an alleged land deal between a close aide of Dawood Ibrahim and a company promoted by Patel and his family. His contradiction notwithstanding, the damage has already been done. For popular support, BJP is banking heavily on its last word vis-a-vis J&K and Article 370 in the present round of elections. Its election campaign also has been capped with the positives of the Modi government’s welfare policies. With the Congress-NCP campaign in doldrums, the outcome of the Maharastra Assembly election would be on predictable lines. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Maharashtra Assembly election: Rahul Gandhi has made it more difficult for Congress

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday said the BJP-led government`s work for the development of Vidarbha region in last 5 years is much more than the 15 years of Congress-NCP government`s work.

"What we have done for Vidarbha in these 5 years is much more than the 15 years of Congress-NCP government," he said while addressing "Maha JanadeshSankalp Sabha" here.

BJP is contesting on 150 seats and its ally Shiv Sena on 124 constituencies in Maharashtra.&nbsp;

Alliance partners of BJP have fielded 14 candidates on party`s lotus symbol.&nbsp;

The voting for the 288-member Assembly will be held on October 21 in a single phase. The counting of votes will take place on October 24.&nbsp;

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday said the BJP-led government`s work for the development of Vidarbha region in last 5 years is much more than the 15 years of Congress-NCP government`s work.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday said the BJP-led government`s work for the development of Vidarbha region in last 5 years is much more than the 15 years of Congress-NCP government`s work. "What we have done for Vidarbha in these 5 years is much more than the 15 years of Congress-NCP government," he said while addressing "Maha JanadeshSankalp Sabha" here. BJP is contesting on 150 seats and its ally Shiv Sena on 124 constituencies in Maharashtra. Alliance partners of BJP have fielded 14 candidates on party`s lotus symbol. The voting for the 288-member Assembly will be held on October 21 in a single phase. The counting of votes will take place on October 24.

We worked more in last 5 years for Vidarbha than Congress-NCP did in 15 years: Fadnavis

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to campaign in the upcoming assembly polls in Maharashtra on October 13 and 15, party sources said.

The former Congress president will hold an election rally in Mumbai on October 13.

This will be his first election campaign after the Lok Sabha polls debacle.

Maharashtra will go for polls on October 21, while the results for the same will be declared on October 24.&nbsp;

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to campaign in the upcoming assembly polls in Maharashtra on October 13 and 15, party sources said. The former Congress president will hold an election rally in Mumbai on October 13.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to campaign in the upcoming assembly polls in Maharashtra on October 13 and 15, party sources said. The former Congress president will hold an election rally in Mumbai on October 13. This will be his first election campaign after the Lok Sabha polls debacle. Maharashtra will go for polls on October 21, while the results for the same will be declared on October 24.

Rahul Gandhi to campaign for Maharashtra assembly polls on October 13, 15

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday said that isolated places over Madhya Maharashtra, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, Interior Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal are likely to receive heavy rainfall today.

The weather forecast agency further predicted that places over Karaikal, Kerala and Mahe are also likely to witness heavy downpour throughout the day.

The thunderstorm accompanied with lightning very likely at isolated places over Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, West Bengal and Sikkim, Odisha, Madhya Maharashtra, Konkan, Goa and Coastal Andhra Pradesh.

In Delhi, the sky will partly be cloudy with the minimum and the maximum temperatures hovering around 20 degrees Celsius and 33 degrees Celsius. The relative humidity in the area would be around 78 per cent.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday said that isolated places over Madhya Maharashtra, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, Interior Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal are likely to receive heavy rainfall today.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday said that isolated places over Madhya Maharashtra, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, Interior Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal are likely to receive heavy rainfall today. The weather forecast agency further predicted that places over Karaikal, Kerala and Mahe are also likely to witness heavy downpour throughout the day. The thunderstorm accompanied with lightning very likely at isolated places over Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, West Bengal and Sikkim, Odisha, Madhya Maharashtra, Konkan, Goa and Coastal Andhra Pradesh. In Delhi, the sky will partly be cloudy with the minimum and the maximum temperatures hovering around 20 degrees Celsius and 33 degrees Celsius. The relative humidity in the area would be around 78 per cent.

Madhya Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh to receive heavy rainfall today: IMD

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iaf-continues-to-serve-india-with-utmost-dedication-excellence-pm-modi-on-87th-air-force-day-254363">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> is slated to address election rallies in Haryana and Maharashtra, the two states which will go to polls shortly. 
 
Assembly polls in both Haryana and Maharashtra will be held on October 21 and the results will be announced on October 24. 
 
In Maharashtra, Modi will carry out nine rallies from October 14 and is slated to address four rallies in Haryana from October 17. 
 
"BJP is confident about its report card. The work done by the party like abrogation of article 370, triple talaq, NRC, an airstrike is still in people's mind, so we have no tension," said a source. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mamallapuram-gets-a-facelift-ahead-of-modi-xi-informal-summit-254322">The Prime Minister will start the rallies</a> just four days before the last date of election campaigning - October 19. 
 
Scores of BJP star campaigners like Piyush Goyal, Prakash Javadekar, Nitin Gadkari, Smriti Irani, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, Yogi Adityanath and others will also carry out rallies and election programs, the source revealed. 
 
"Apart from this, around 10,000 BJP workers are working on this platform", the source revealed. 
 
In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP had bagged 23 seats in Maharashtra, while the Sena emerged victorious in 18 constituencies. 
 
Whereas in Haryana, the BJP has set a target of bagging over 75 seats in the 90-member Assembly. 
 
"PM will not do any campaigning this week. He will start it after meeting and greeting the President of China," a source privy to the development said. 
 
Xi Jinping is slated to visit the country for an informal summit with Prime Minister Modi in the coming days. 
 
Unlike the last time, both the chief ministers -&nbsp;Devendra Fadnavis and Manohar Lal Khattar -&nbsp;have a good image among the people, the source added. 
 
Unhappy leaders, who did not get the tickets, will be sorted by the team comprising BJP president Amit Shah in both the states.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated to address election rallies in Haryana and Maharashtra, the two states which will go to polls shortly. Assembly polls in both Haryana and Maharashtra will be held on October 21 and the results will be announced on October 24.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated to address election rallies in Haryana and Maharashtra, the two states which will go to polls shortly. Assembly polls in both Haryana and Maharashtra will be held on October 21 and the results will be announced on October 24. In Maharashtra, Modi will carry out nine rallies from October 14 and is slated to address four rallies in Haryana from October 17. "BJP is confident about its report card. The work done by the party like abrogation of article 370, triple talaq, NRC, an airstrike is still in people's mind, so we have no tension," said a source. The Prime Minister will start the rallies just four days before the last date of election campaigning - October 19. Scores of BJP star campaigners like Piyush Goyal, Prakash Javadekar, Nitin Gadkari, Smriti Irani, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, Yogi Adityanath and others will also carry out rallies and election programs, the source revealed. "Apart from this, around 10,000 BJP workers are working on this platform", the source revealed. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP had bagged 23 seats in Maharashtra, while the Sena emerged victorious in 18 constituencies. Whereas in Haryana, the BJP has set a target of bagging over 75 seats in the 90-member Assembly. "PM will not do any campaigning this week. He will start it after meeting and greeting the President of China," a source privy to the development said. Xi Jinping is slated to visit the country for an informal summit with Prime Minister Modi in the coming days. Unlike the last time, both the chief ministers - Devendra Fadnavis and Manohar Lal Khattar - have a good image among the people, the source added. Unhappy leaders, who did not get the tickets, will be sorted by the team comprising BJP president Amit Shah in both the states.

PM Modi to address nine election rallies in Maharashtra, four in Haryana

In the Aarey forest felling case, Supreme Court halts trees cutting. SC asks the Maharashtra govt to not cut more trees and release arrested activists as soon as possible. Maharashtra govt also promises to comply with the order.

Aarey forest felling case: SC halts tree felling, asks Maharashtra to release arrested activists

Matter of felling of trees in Aarey forest gets huge, reaches to Supreme court. As s group of students reached to CJI Ranjan Gogoi to intervene into this. Watch this video to know more.

Maharashtra: Matter of felling of trees in Aarey forest gets huge, reaches to Supreme court

Amid ongoing public protests against the cutting of trees at Aarey colony in Mumbai, Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar on Saturday backed the proposed metro shed in Aarey forest area and said that development and environment protection should be done together.

Drawing parallels between the development of Delhi metro and Mumbai metro he said, "The High Court has ruled that Aarey is not a forest. Metro came to Delhi now today it is the best metro across the world. How does it develop? When the first metro station was constructed, 20-25 trees were cut down. People then protested against it".

"But metro has planted 5 trees for every single tree that it has taken down. Now, there are 271 stations. Forest undercover area has increased in Delhi. 30 lakh people are using the metro as public transport. This is the mantra of development and protecting the environment. Both should go together," the BJP leader said.

Protests erupted on Friday at Aarey forest area after the Bombay High Court dismissed all petitions against the proposed cutting down of over 2,500 trees in Aarey Colony of Mumbai to make way for a Metro car shed and refused to declare the colony as a forest.

BJP alliance partner Shiv Sena has attacked Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for backing the metro shed.Shiv Sena senior leader and Rajya Sabha lawmaker Sanjay Raut on Saturday morning posted a cartoon in which the BJP leader is blindfolding Lady Justice with a strip of cloth that reads, "Arey not a forest."

Party chief Uddhav Thackeray's son and Youth President Aaditya Thackeray asked Mumbai Metro to listen to sensible demands of sustainable development."

A project that should be executed with pride, the Metro 3, @MumbaiMetro3 has to do it in the cover of the night, with shame, slyness and heavy cop cover. The project supposed to get Mumbai clean air, is hacking down a forest with a leopard, rusty-spotted cat and more," he tweeted.

Earlier, Fadnavis had said that the government is bound to cut trees in Mumbai's Aarey forest as "development is important".

"We do not wish to cut even a single tree in Aarey, but the development is also important. We will plant more trees in place of those cut. I will personally speak to Aditya Thackeray about this," he said.Meanwhile, prohibitory orders under Section 144 of CrPC imposed in the area near the metro-rail project site in Aarey forest.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Amid ongoing public protests against the cutting of trees at Aarey colony in Mumbai, Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar on Saturday backed the proposed metro shed in Aarey forest area and said that development and environment protection should be done together.

Amid ongoing public protests against the cutting of trees at Aarey colony in Mumbai, Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar on Saturday backed the proposed metro shed in Aarey forest area and said that development and environment protection should be done together. Drawing parallels between the development of Delhi metro and Mumbai metro he said, "The High Court has ruled that Aarey is not a forest. Metro came to Delhi now today it is the best metro across the world. How does it develop? When the first metro station was constructed, 20-25 trees were cut down. People then protested against it". "But metro has planted 5 trees for every single tree that it has taken down. Now, there are 271 stations. Forest undercover area has increased in Delhi. 30 lakh people are using the metro as public transport. This is the mantra of development and protecting the environment. Both should go together," the BJP leader said. Protests erupted on Friday at Aarey forest area after the Bombay High Court dismissed all petitions against the proposed cutting down of over 2,500 trees in Aarey Colony of Mumbai to make way for a Metro car shed and refused to declare the colony as a forest. BJP alliance partner Shiv Sena has attacked Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for backing the metro shed.Shiv Sena senior leader and Rajya Sabha lawmaker Sanjay Raut on Saturday morning posted a cartoon in which the BJP leader is blindfolding Lady Justice with a strip of cloth that reads, "Arey not a forest." Party chief Uddhav Thackeray's son and Youth President Aaditya Thackeray asked Mumbai Metro to listen to sensible demands of sustainable development." A project that should be executed with pride, the Metro 3, @MumbaiMetro3 has to do it in the cover of the night, with shame, slyness and heavy cop cover. The project supposed to get Mumbai clean air, is hacking down a forest with a leopard, rusty-spotted cat and more," he tweeted. Earlier, Fadnavis had said that the government is bound to cut trees in Mumbai's Aarey forest as "development is important". "We do not wish to cut even a single tree in Aarey, but the development is also important. We will plant more trees in place of those cut. I will personally speak to Aditya Thackeray about this," he said.Meanwhile, prohibitory orders under Section 144 of CrPC imposed in the area near the metro-rail project site in Aarey forest.

Javadekar backs cutting trees at Aarey, says development and environment protection should go together

BJP on Friday released its fourth list of seven candidates for the ensuring Maharashtra Assembly polls, with senior leaders like Eknath Khadse and cabinet minister Vinod Tawde missing from the list.

Eknath Khadse had earlier filed nomination from Muktainagar but the party has decided to field his daughter Rohini Khadse from the north Maharashtra constituency.

Khadse, who resigned as a cabinet minister is one of the senior-most leaders in the state.

Senior leader Vinod Tawde has also been replaced by Sunil Rane on Borivali seat.

The last list of the BJP came in today, the last date for filing nominations. The party picked NCP MLC Rahul Narvekar in Colaba and decided to drop MLA Raj Purohit.

Another leader Rahul Narvekar has replaced Raj Purohit from the Colaba seat. BMC corporate Parag Shah has been replaced Prakash Mehta on Ghatkopar east seat.

Rahul Dhikale will contest from the Nashik East and Pradeep Padole has been fielded on Tumsar seat.

Among the seven candidates in the list, Charan Singh Thakur will contest from Katol, Pradeep Padole from Tumsar and Rahul Dhikale from Nashik East.

School education minister Vinod Tawde and power minister Chandrashekar Bawankule are still out of the list.

With its final list of 7 candidates it is now clear that BJP is fighting 26 more seats than its ally Shiv Sena, BJP will be contesting 150 seats and Shiv Sena will contest on 124 seats and other allies gets 14 seats as the total Assembly seat in Maharashtra is 288.

The election will be conducted on October 21 while the counting of votes will take place on October 24 in Maharashtra.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

BJP on Friday released its fourth list of seven candidates for the ensuring Maharashtra Assembly polls, with senior leaders like Eknath Khadse and cabinet minister Vinod Tawde missing from the list.

BJP on Friday released its fourth list of seven candidates for the ensuring Maharashtra Assembly polls, with senior leaders like Eknath Khadse and cabinet minister Vinod Tawde missing from the list. Eknath Khadse had earlier filed nomination from Muktainagar but the party has decided to field his daughter Rohini Khadse from the north Maharashtra constituency. Khadse, who resigned as a cabinet minister is one of the senior-most leaders in the state. Senior leader Vinod Tawde has also been replaced by Sunil Rane on Borivali seat. The last list of the BJP came in today, the last date for filing nominations. The party picked NCP MLC Rahul Narvekar in Colaba and decided to drop MLA Raj Purohit. Another leader Rahul Narvekar has replaced Raj Purohit from the Colaba seat. BMC corporate Parag Shah has been replaced Prakash Mehta on Ghatkopar east seat. Rahul Dhikale will contest from the Nashik East and Pradeep Padole has been fielded on Tumsar seat. Among the seven candidates in the list, Charan Singh Thakur will contest from Katol, Pradeep Padole from Tumsar and Rahul Dhikale from Nashik East. School education minister Vinod Tawde and power minister Chandrashekar Bawankule are still out of the list. With its final list of 7 candidates it is now clear that BJP is fighting 26 more seats than its ally Shiv Sena, BJP will be contesting 150 seats and Shiv Sena will contest on 124 seats and other allies gets 14 seats as the total Assembly seat in Maharashtra is 288. The election will be conducted on October 21 while the counting of votes will take place on October 24 in Maharashtra.

Maharashtra Assembly polls: BJP releases 4th list of candidates

Congress'&nbsp;Nitish Rane on Thursday joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-assembly-polls-bjp-announces-first-list-of-125-candidates-253064">Maharashtra polls</a>.

Son of former Maharashtra chief minister Narayan Rane, Nitish was a former Congress MLA.

The polls in the state are scheduled to take place on October 21 and the results will be declared on October 24.

It is likely that Nitesh Rane will contest from the Kankavli seat in the coastal Konkan region.

Nitesh had won the 2014 Assembly elections from Ankavli seat in Sindhudurg district on a Congress ticket.

He defeated the then BJP MLA Pramod Jathar.

Congress' Nitish Rane on Thursday joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of Maharashtra polls. Son of former Maharashtra chief minister Narayan Rane, Nitish was a former Congress MLA.

Congress' Nitish Rane on Thursday joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of Maharashtra polls. Son of former Maharashtra chief minister Narayan Rane, Nitish was a former Congress MLA. The polls in the state are scheduled to take place on October 21 and the results will be declared on October 24. It is likely that Nitesh Rane will contest from the Kankavli seat in the coastal Konkan region. Nitesh had won the 2014 Assembly elections from Ankavli seat in Sindhudurg district on a Congress ticket. He defeated the then BJP MLA Pramod Jathar.

Congress' Nitesh Rane joins Bharatiya Janata Party ahead of Maharashtra polls

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-begins-preps-for-upcoming-assembly-polls-names-election-in-charges-for-delhi-haryana-jharkhand-maharashtra-241718">Bharatiya Janata Party</a> (BJP) on Tuesday announced the first list of 125 candidates for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-shiv-sena-to-fight-maharashtra-assembly-polls-in-135-seats-each-chandrakant-patil-223679">Assembly polls in Maharashtra election</a>, which are scheduled to be held on October 21.

Out of the 125 seats, 52 sitting MLAs have been given ticket again while 12 sitting MLAs were denied the ticket by the party.

Prominent among those who have been fielded again in the fray include Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who will contest from Nagpur South-West seat, state unit party chief Chandrakant Patil from Kothrud and Pankaja Munda from Parli.

Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, who quit the Congress and joined the BJP recently, will be contesting from Shirdi whereas State Minister Girish Mahajan has been given the ticket from Jamner. Fadnavis' personal assistant (PA) Abhimanyu Pawar has also been fielded from Ausa.

In addition to these, the BJP also announced that Udayanraje Bhosale will be the party candidate for the Lok Sabha by-poll to be held in Satara constituency.

Bhosale had earlier met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and tendered his resignation as an NCP MP and later joined the BJP in the presence of top party leaders including Home Minister Amit Shah, working president JP Nadda and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

The party has also given tickets to new entrants like Vikhe Patil, who will contest from Shirdi. The new entrant from the Congress Harshwardhan Patil has been fielded from Indapur seat.

Sweta Mahale will contest from Chikhli constituency.

BJP's first list has 125 names while the remaining names will be announced in a day or two. Shiv Sena has also released a list of 124 seats. A few seats will go to other alliance partners.

In the 2014 Assembly elections, the BJP and the Shiv Sena had fought separately. The BJP had won 122 seats while the Shiv Sena won 63 seats. Later, the two parties allied to form the government in the state.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday announced the first list of 125 candidates for the Assembly polls in Maharashtra election, which are scheduled to be held on October 21.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday announced the first list of 125 candidates for the Assembly polls in Maharashtra election, which are scheduled to be held on October 21. Out of the 125 seats, 52 sitting MLAs have been given ticket again while 12 sitting MLAs were denied the ticket by the party. Prominent among those who have been fielded again in the fray include Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who will contest from Nagpur South-West seat, state unit party chief Chandrakant Patil from Kothrud and Pankaja Munda from Parli. Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, who quit the Congress and joined the BJP recently, will be contesting from Shirdi whereas State Minister Girish Mahajan has been given the ticket from Jamner. Fadnavis' personal assistant (PA) Abhimanyu Pawar has also been fielded from Ausa. In addition to these, the BJP also announced that Udayanraje Bhosale will be the party candidate for the Lok Sabha by-poll to be held in Satara constituency. Bhosale had earlier met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and tendered his resignation as an NCP MP and later joined the BJP in the presence of top party leaders including Home Minister Amit Shah, working president JP Nadda and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The party has also given tickets to new entrants like Vikhe Patil, who will contest from Shirdi. The new entrant from the Congress Harshwardhan Patil has been fielded from Indapur seat. Sweta Mahale will contest from Chikhli constituency. BJP's first list has 125 names while the remaining names will be announced in a day or two. Shiv Sena has also released a list of 124 seats. A few seats will go to other alliance partners. In the 2014 Assembly elections, the BJP and the Shiv Sena had fought separately. The BJP had won 122 seats while the Shiv Sena won 63 seats. Later, the two parties allied to form the government in the state.

Maharashtra Assembly polls: BJP announces first list of 125 candidates

Shiv Sena and BJP will announce the seat-sharing arrangement for the ensuing Maharashtra Assembly polls, scheduled for October 21, by Monday.&nbsp;

"Shiv Sena will get 128 seats while the BJP will field its candidates on 160 seats. 15 to 18 seats will be given to small alliance partner," sources in the Shiv Sena told ANI.&nbsp;

The discussion for the post of Deputy Chief Minister from the Shiv Sena will take place later, sources added.

Talking to ANI, senior Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut said, "Yes, we are in an alliance and will fight the state election together."

On seat-sharing formula, he said, "Earlier this year, during the Lok Sabha elections both Amit Shah and Uddhav Thackrey, agreed on 50-50 seat-sharing formula but now the BJP leaders are holding closed doors meeting in Delhi over seat-sharing."

"Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was also there in the meeting and he must have gone back to Mumbai with a formula," added Raut.

He further said, "Shiv Sena believes in giving rather than taking. Considering Aditya Thackeray as Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra is baseless. Thackrey family never runs behind power."

On the other hand, BJP sources have indicated that almost everything is final and both parties will fight elections together.&nbsp;

BJP will retain the big brother status in the alliance and is expected to get around 20 more seats than the Shiv Sena, they said.

BJP has called the crucial Central Election Committee (CEC) meeting on Sunday to finalise the name of party candidates for Haryana and Maharashtra candidates.

The NCP and the Congress have already announced a seat-sharing agreement for Maharashtra polls, where both the parties would be contesting on 125 seats each in the 288-member Assembly.&nbsp;

Shiv Sena and BJP will announce the seat-sharing arrangement for the ensuing Maharashtra Assembly polls, scheduled for October 21, by Monday. "Shiv Sena will get 128 seats while the BJP will field its candidates on 160 seats.

Shiv Sena and BJP will announce the seat-sharing arrangement for the ensuing Maharashtra Assembly polls, scheduled for October 21, by Monday. "Shiv Sena will get 128 seats while the BJP will field its candidates on 160 seats. 15 to 18 seats will be given to small alliance partner," sources in the Shiv Sena told ANI. The discussion for the post of Deputy Chief Minister from the Shiv Sena will take place later, sources added. Talking to ANI, senior Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut said, "Yes, we are in an alliance and will fight the state election together." On seat-sharing formula, he said, "Earlier this year, during the Lok Sabha elections both Amit Shah and Uddhav Thackrey, agreed on 50-50 seat-sharing formula but now the BJP leaders are holding closed doors meeting in Delhi over seat-sharing." "Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was also there in the meeting and he must have gone back to Mumbai with a formula," added Raut. He further said, "Shiv Sena believes in giving rather than taking. Considering Aditya Thackeray as Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra is baseless. Thackrey family never runs behind power." On the other hand, BJP sources have indicated that almost everything is final and both parties will fight elections together. BJP will retain the big brother status in the alliance and is expected to get around 20 more seats than the Shiv Sena, they said. BJP has called the crucial Central Election Committee (CEC) meeting on Sunday to finalise the name of party candidates for Haryana and Maharashtra candidates. The NCP and the Congress have already announced a seat-sharing agreement for Maharashtra polls, where both the parties would be contesting on 125 seats each in the 288-member Assembly.

Maharashtra polls: BJP-Shiv Sena to announce seat-sharing arrangement by Monday

&nbsp;Social media platforms will observe a voluntary code of ethics during "the ongoing Haryana and Maharashtra Assembly polls" as well as in all future elections, the Election Commission (EC) said on Thursday.

"The Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) on behalf of its members has agreed to observe the voluntary code of ethics during all future elections including the ongoing general elections to the Haryana and Maharashtra Legislative Assemblies and various bye-elections being held simultaneously," an official statement said.

"This came into immediate effect from the day it was presented to the Commission on March 20. During the election period, social media platforms took action on 909 violative cases, reported by the EC," the statement added.

Under it, social media platforms have created a high priority dedicated grievance redressal channel for taking prompt action on the cases reported by the electoral body. The social media platforms and the Commission have developed a notification mechanism by which poll panel can notify the platforms for potential violations of electoral laws, said the statement.

The platforms will ensure that all political advertisements on their platforms are pre-certified from the media certification and monitoring committees of the EC. Besides, they will voluntarily undertake information, education and communication campaigns to build awareness related to electoral laws and other related instructions, the statement said.

The social media platforms and the EC have developed a notification mechanism and by this, the electoral body can notify the relevant platforms of potential violations of Section 126 of the R.P. Act, 1951, and other electoral laws.

Platforms will ensure that all political advertisements are pre-certified from the media certification and monitoring committees as per the directions of the Supreme Court. Participating platforms are committed to facilitate transparency in paid political advertisements, including utilizing their pre-existing labels/disclosure technology for such advertisements.

Social media platforms will observe a voluntary code of ethics during "the ongoing Haryana and Maharashtra Assembly polls" as well as in all future elections, the Election Commission (EC) said on Thursday.

Social media platforms will observe a voluntary code of ethics during "the ongoing Haryana and Maharashtra Assembly polls" as well as in all future elections, the Election Commission (EC) said on Thursday. "The Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) on behalf of its members has agreed to observe the voluntary code of ethics during all future elections including the ongoing general elections to the Haryana and Maharashtra Legislative Assemblies and various bye-elections being held simultaneously," an official statement said. "This came into immediate effect from the day it was presented to the Commission on March 20. During the election period, social media platforms took action on 909 violative cases, reported by the EC," the statement added. Under it, social media platforms have created a high priority dedicated grievance redressal channel for taking prompt action on the cases reported by the electoral body. The social media platforms and the Commission have developed a notification mechanism by which poll panel can notify the platforms for potential violations of electoral laws, said the statement. The platforms will ensure that all political advertisements on their platforms are pre-certified from the media certification and monitoring committees of the EC. Besides, they will voluntarily undertake information, education and communication campaigns to build awareness related to electoral laws and other related instructions, the statement said. The social media platforms and the EC have developed a notification mechanism and by this, the electoral body can notify the relevant platforms of potential violations of Section 126 of the R.P. Act, 1951, and other electoral laws. Platforms will ensure that all political advertisements are pre-certified from the media certification and monitoring committees as per the directions of the Supreme Court. Participating platforms are committed to facilitate transparency in paid political advertisements, including utilizing their pre-existing labels/disclosure technology for such advertisements.

Social media platforms to observe voluntary code of ethics during elections: Election Commission

Sounding the bugle for Maharashtra Assembly polls with the BJP's 'Jan Sampark Abhiyaan'&nbsp;over abrogation of Article 370 and 35A, Union Home Minister Amit Shah here on Sunday expressed confidence that the work done by the state government and the Centre will pay dividends by paving way for Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to retain power for the second consecutive term.

"This also happens to be the first programme of Maharashtra elections. The `Jan Sampark Abhiyaan` on the abrogation of Article 370 and 35A is going on across the country. This is the first programme in Mumbai," said Shah.

"I can say it with confidence that the NDA government would be formed in the state with a three-fourth majority and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will be your Chief Minister again. If I say so, I have sufficient ground for it," said Shah.

"The work done by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Devendra Fadnavis led government in the state in the last over five years is remarkable. People have already indicated their mood in the recently concluded Lok Sabha polls. The ease with which Prime Minister Modi abrogated Article 370 and 35A is praiseworthy," said Shah.

"I congratulate Prime Minister Modi`s bravery and grit. He removed Article 370 and 35A in the very first session of the Parliament as soon as we formed the government for the second time with 305 members," he added.

He said the Article 370 is a political issue for the Congress and its leader Rahul Gandhi while for the BJP abrogation of Article 370 and 35A is part of its effort to keep country undivided.

"Rahul Gandhi says Article 370 is a political issue. Rahul Baba, you have come into politics now, but three generations of the BJP have given their life for Kashmir, for the abrogation of Article 370. It is not a political matter for us. It is part of our goal to keep Bharat Maa undivided," said Shah.

"Forty thousand people were killed and Kashmiri pundits, Sufis, and Sikhs were driven out from the state in 10 years between 1990 and 2000. Rahul Gandhi cares about his vote bank and how to remain in power and hence is not moved by it. However, the sacrifice of 40,000 people is like a pain in our heart," he said.

He also said the issue of Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) is because of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru announcing "untimely ceasefire" with Pakistan.

"The issue of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) would not have been there had the then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru did not announce an untimely ceasefire in 1947 when the Army was strongly fighting against Pakistani infiltrators in Jammu and Kashmir," said Shah.

The Election Commission of India on Saturday announced that the single-phase Assembly elections for the 288-member Maharashtra and 90-member Haryana Assembly will be held on October 21, while the counting of votes will be done on October 24.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Sounding the bugle for Maharashtra Assembly polls with the BJP's 'Jan Sampark Abhiyaan' over abrogation of Article 370 and 35A, Union Home Minister Amit Shah here on Sunday expressed confidence that the work done by the state government and the Centre will pay dividends by paving way for Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to retain power for the second consecutive term.

Sounding the bugle for Maharashtra Assembly polls with the BJP's 'Jan Sampark Abhiyaan' over abrogation of Article 370 and 35A, Union Home Minister Amit Shah here on Sunday expressed confidence that the work done by the state government and the Centre will pay dividends by paving way for Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to retain power for the second consecutive term. "This also happens to be the first programme of Maharashtra elections. The `Jan Sampark Abhiyaan` on the abrogation of Article 370 and 35A is going on across the country. This is the first programme in Mumbai," said Shah. "I can say it with confidence that the NDA government would be formed in the state with a three-fourth majority and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will be your Chief Minister again. If I say so, I have sufficient ground for it," said Shah. "The work done by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Devendra Fadnavis led government in the state in the last over five years is remarkable. People have already indicated their mood in the recently concluded Lok Sabha polls. The ease with which Prime Minister Modi abrogated Article 370 and 35A is praiseworthy," said Shah. "I congratulate Prime Minister Modi`s bravery and grit. He removed Article 370 and 35A in the very first session of the Parliament as soon as we formed the government for the second time with 305 members," he added. He said the Article 370 is a political issue for the Congress and its leader Rahul Gandhi while for the BJP abrogation of Article 370 and 35A is part of its effort to keep country undivided. "Rahul Gandhi says Article 370 is a political issue. Rahul Baba, you have come into politics now, but three generations of the BJP have given their life for Kashmir, for the abrogation of Article 370. It is not a political matter for us. It is part of our goal to keep Bharat Maa undivided," said Shah. "Forty thousand people were killed and Kashmiri pundits, Sufis, and Sikhs were driven out from the state in 10 years between 1990 and 2000. Rahul Gandhi cares about his vote bank and how to remain in power and hence is not moved by it. However, the sacrifice of 40,000 people is like a pain in our heart," he said. He also said the issue of Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) is because of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru announcing "untimely ceasefire" with Pakistan. "The issue of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) would not have been there had the then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru did not announce an untimely ceasefire in 1947 when the Army was strongly fighting against Pakistani infiltrators in Jammu and Kashmir," said Shah. The Election Commission of India on Saturday announced that the single-phase Assembly elections for the 288-member Maharashtra and 90-member Haryana Assembly will be held on October 21, while the counting of votes will be done on October 24.

Good work will help BJP retain power in Maharashtra: Amit Shah

Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora on Saturday announced the dates for Haryana and Maharashtra Assembly election.

"In both the states,&nbsp;notification will be issued on September 27. The last date of nominations is October 4. Polling will be held on October 21 while counting will take place on October 24," Chief Election Commissioner&nbsp;announced.

''The 5-year term of the Legislative Assemblies of Haryana and Maharashtra expires on November 2 and November 9,'' Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sunil Arora said.

Sunil Arora further added that special security arrangements will be made for Left-wing extremism (LWE)&nbsp;affected areas in Gadchiroli and Gondia in Maharashtra.

''Election campaigns impose an environmental cost upon us. We appeal to political parties to avoid the use of plastic and use only environment-friendly material in their campaigns,''&nbsp;Election Commissioner said.

The commissioner further said that Haryana has 1.82 crore registered voters and Maharashtra has 8.94 crore voters.

The BJP came to power in the state in the last Assembly elections.

On the other hand, in Maharashtra, the BJP and Shiv Sena contested 2014 state Assembly elections separately after they failed to arrive at a seat-sharing formula.&nbsp;

However, they formed the government in the alliance after the elections as none of the parties was able to secure a majority on its own.&nbsp;

Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora on Saturday announced the dates for Haryana and Maharashtra Assembly election. "In both the states, notification will be issued on September 27.

Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora on Saturday announced the dates for Haryana and Maharashtra Assembly election. "In both the states, notification will be issued on September 27. The last date of nominations is October 4. Polling will be held on October 21 while counting will take place on October 24," Chief Election Commissioner announced. ''The 5-year term of the Legislative Assemblies of Haryana and Maharashtra expires on November 2 and November 9,'' Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sunil Arora said. Sunil Arora further added that special security arrangements will be made for Left-wing extremism (LWE) affected areas in Gadchiroli and Gondia in Maharashtra. ''Election campaigns impose an environmental cost upon us. We appeal to political parties to avoid the use of plastic and use only environment-friendly material in their campaigns,'' Election Commissioner said. The commissioner further said that Haryana has 1.82 crore registered voters and Maharashtra has 8.94 crore voters. The BJP came to power in the state in the last Assembly elections. On the other hand, in Maharashtra, the BJP and Shiv Sena contested 2014 state Assembly elections separately after they failed to arrive at a seat-sharing formula. However, they formed the government in the alliance after the elections as none of the parties was able to secure a majority on its own.

Election Commission announces assembly election dates for Maharashtra and Haryana; counting on October 24

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is expected to announce the dates for Maharashtra and Haryana Assembly elections today.&nbsp;

The electoral body will be holding a press conference at noon today.

Earlier, the Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee had urged masses to pitch in ideas for its manifesto for the elections.&nbsp;

The BJP came to power in the state in the last Assembly elections.

On the other hand, in Maharashtra, the BJP and Shiv Sena contested 2014 state Assembly elections separately after they failed to arrive at a seat-sharing formula.&nbsp;

However, they formed the government in the alliance after the elections as none of the parties was able to secure a majority on its own.&nbsp;

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is expected to announce the dates for Maharashtra and Haryana Assembly elections today. The electoral body will be holding a press conference at noon today.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is expected to announce the dates for Maharashtra and Haryana Assembly elections today. The electoral body will be holding a press conference at noon today. Earlier, the Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee had urged masses to pitch in ideas for its manifesto for the elections. The BJP came to power in the state in the last Assembly elections. On the other hand, in Maharashtra, the BJP and Shiv Sena contested 2014 state Assembly elections separately after they failed to arrive at a seat-sharing formula. However, they formed the government in the alliance after the elections as none of the parties was able to secure a majority on its own.

Election Commission to announce Maharashtra, Haryana poll dates today

BJP MP Vijay Goel on Saturday said that in both Haryana and Maharashtra, his party will form the government and that people know it very well.

His comments came soon after the Election Commission announced the dates of Assembly elections to be held in both the states.

Voting will take place on October 21, while counting of votes will be held on October 24 in both the states.

On being asked about the upcoming elections, Goyal told ANI, "In both the states, BJP will win and people know that very well."

Goel, who was protesting here against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal over the money being spent on taking out advertisements, added that AAP will also not return to power in the national capital.

The BJP MP lashed out at Kejriwal and said that his government had not worked during its tenure and is now spending money on advertisements.

"For the past five years, Kejriwal did not work so the only option left for him now is to take out advertisements and resort to fake publicity. He used people`s money for advertisement and publicity," the BJP MP alleged.

"Everyday we see Kejriwal`s photo in these advertisements whether it is related to dengue, Ganesh Chaturthi, Valmiki Jayanti or any other event," he said.

He further said that Delhi has become one of the most polluted cities in the country.

"There are traffic jams and the huge problem of car parking. The Mohalla clinics are opened in small kiosks. Tourists see all this and say that the capital of the country is in such a bad shape," said Goel.

"People of Delhi are smart they know that advertisements being taken out by Kejriwal are fake," he added.

&nbsp;

BJP MP Vijay Goel on Saturday said that in both Haryana and Maharashtra, his party will form the government and that people know it very well. His comments came soon after the Election Commission announced the dates of Assembly elections to be held in both the states.

BJP MP Vijay Goel on Saturday said that in both Haryana and Maharashtra, his party will form the government and that people know it very well. His comments came soon after the Election Commission announced the dates of Assembly elections to be held in both the states. Voting will take place on October 21, while counting of votes will be held on October 24 in both the states. On being asked about the upcoming elections, Goyal told ANI, "In both the states, BJP will win and people know that very well." Goel, who was protesting here against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal over the money being spent on taking out advertisements, added that AAP will also not return to power in the national capital. The BJP MP lashed out at Kejriwal and said that his government had not worked during its tenure and is now spending money on advertisements. "For the past five years, Kejriwal did not work so the only option left for him now is to take out advertisements and resort to fake publicity. He used people`s money for advertisement and publicity," the BJP MP alleged. "Everyday we see Kejriwal`s photo in these advertisements whether it is related to dengue, Ganesh Chaturthi, Valmiki Jayanti or any other event," he said. He further said that Delhi has become one of the most polluted cities in the country. "There are traffic jams and the huge problem of car parking. The Mohalla clinics are opened in small kiosks. Tourists see all this and say that the capital of the country is in such a bad shape," said Goel. "People of Delhi are smart they know that advertisements being taken out by Kejriwal are fake," he added.

BJP will win in both Haryana and Maharashtra: Vijay Goel

After the announcement of Assembly election polls in Maharashtra, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday urged people to participate in huge numbers in the voting process for the upcoming elections.

"The election commission has announced the dates of the biggest festival celebrated in Maharashtra. I am very happy. I appeal everyone to participate in this festival and appear in large numbers for voting. The right to criticise the government`s policy is with those who vote in the elections," he said.

He also encouraged the people to avoid the use of single-use plastics in the state.

"I appeal to everyone not to use plastic. We have already banned the use of single-use plastics and I believe that all the political parties will adhere to this decision," he added.

Earlier in the day, the Election Commission announced the single-phase voting dates for Haryana and Maharashtra Assembly elections on October 21, while the counting of votes will be held on October 24.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

After the announcement of Assembly election polls in Maharashtra, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday urged people to participate in huge numbers in the voting process for the upcoming elections.

After the announcement of Assembly election polls in Maharashtra, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday urged people to participate in huge numbers in the voting process for the upcoming elections. "The election commission has announced the dates of the biggest festival celebrated in Maharashtra. I am very happy. I appeal everyone to participate in this festival and appear in large numbers for voting. The right to criticise the government`s policy is with those who vote in the elections," he said. He also encouraged the people to avoid the use of single-use plastics in the state. "I appeal to everyone not to use plastic. We have already banned the use of single-use plastics and I believe that all the political parties will adhere to this decision," he added. Earlier in the day, the Election Commission announced the single-phase voting dates for Haryana and Maharashtra Assembly elections on October 21, while the counting of votes will be held on October 24.

Fadnavis urges people to vote in upcoming Assembly elections in Maharashtra

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday predicted that isolated places over Madhya Maharashtra, Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are likely to witness heavy rainfall today.

The weather forecasting agency also predicted that isolated places over Vidarbha, Konkan, Goa, Telangana, Interior Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal are expected to receive heavy downpour throughout the day.

Thunderstorm accompanied with squall (wind speed 50-60 kmph) very likely to occur at isolated places over Andaman and Nicobar Islands; with lightning at isolated places over Odisha.

Strong winds, speed reaching 40-50 kmph, are likely to prevail over western parts of west-central and southwest Arabian Sea, Gulf of Mannar and adjoining Tamil Nadu coast.

Squally weather conditions are likely to prevail over south Andhra Pradeshnorth Tamil Nadu coasts and the Andaman Sea.

The organisation has advised fishermen not to venture into these areas for the next few days.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday predicted that isolated places over Madhya Maharashtra, Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are likely to witness heavy rainfall today.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday predicted that isolated places over Madhya Maharashtra, Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are likely to witness heavy rainfall today. The weather forecasting agency also predicted that isolated places over Vidarbha, Konkan, Goa, Telangana, Interior Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal are expected to receive heavy downpour throughout the day. Thunderstorm accompanied with squall (wind speed 50-60 kmph) very likely to occur at isolated places over Andaman and Nicobar Islands; with lightning at isolated places over Odisha. Strong winds, speed reaching 40-50 kmph, are likely to prevail over western parts of west-central and southwest Arabian Sea, Gulf of Mannar and adjoining Tamil Nadu coast. Squally weather conditions are likely to prevail over south Andhra Pradeshnorth Tamil Nadu coasts and the Andaman Sea. The organisation has advised fishermen not to venture into these areas for the next few days.

India Meteorological Department issues heavy rainfall alert for Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh

Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday reviewed poll preparedness ahead of upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections.

Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora, officials of the state election commission and state police officers were also present in the meeting.

The Commission also met political parties.

"Election Commission is looking after the poll preparation. They are meeting with political parties. We told them that the Commission should prepare a plan since Diwali festival is also coinciding. We said that the election should be held in phases. We demanded that the Media Certification Committee should be open 24x7 and approve publicity material quickly. We also requested that expenditure of a candidate should also be increased," Shiv Sena leader Anil Desai told ANI.

Maharashtra Assembly elections are due in October-November this year.

"We requested that election expenditure should be increased. There is also a deadline for permission for only 24 hours. We have urged that it should be increased to seven days," NCP leader Nawab Malik said.

Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday reviewed poll preparedness ahead of upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections. Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora, officials of the state election commission and state police officers were also present in the meeting.

Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday reviewed poll preparedness ahead of upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections. Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora, officials of the state election commission and state police officers were also present in the meeting. The Commission also met political parties. "Election Commission is looking after the poll preparation. They are meeting with political parties. We told them that the Commission should prepare a plan since Diwali festival is also coinciding. We said that the election should be held in phases. We demanded that the Media Certification Committee should be open 24x7 and approve publicity material quickly. We also requested that expenditure of a candidate should also be increased," Shiv Sena leader Anil Desai told ANI. Maharashtra Assembly elections are due in October-November this year. "We requested that election expenditure should be increased. There is also a deadline for permission for only 24 hours. We have urged that it should be increased to seven days," NCP leader Nawab Malik said.

Election Commission reviews preparedness ahead of upcoming Maharashtra polls

<div class="content">
Ahead of the assembly elections in Maharashtra, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-chief-minister-devendra-fadnavis-to-discuss-state-cabinet-expansion-with-uddhav-thackeray-227250">Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis</a> said on Monday that his party was undergoing talks with Shiv Sena regarding seat-sharing.

He further added that a decision for the same will be taken soon.

Meanwhile, several reports speculate that Shiv Sena was thinking on contesting the elections all alone, without the alliance partner BJP.

Shiv Sena President Uddhav Thackeray has reportedly asked his partymen to remain prepared to contest the upcoming assembly election without an alliance with the BJP, a report stated.

The two parties are under tussle over the number of seats for the polls.

Days before, sharing a stage with PM Modi, Thackeray had said that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/bjp-holds-the-aces-in-maharashtra-as-sena-has-to-play-second-fiddle-248814">alliance between BJP and Shiv Sena</a> for the assembly election was "inevitable".
</div>

Ahead of the assembly elections in Maharashtra, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Monday that his party was undergoing talks with Shiv Sena regarding seat-sharing.

Ahead of the assembly elections in Maharashtra, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Monday that his party was undergoing talks with Shiv Sena regarding seat-sharing. He further added that a decision for the same will be taken soon. Meanwhile, several reports speculate that Shiv Sena was thinking on contesting the elections all alone, without the alliance partner BJP. Shiv Sena President Uddhav Thackeray has reportedly asked his partymen to remain prepared to contest the upcoming assembly election without an alliance with the BJP, a report stated. The two parties are under tussle over the number of seats for the polls. Days before, sharing a stage with PM Modi, Thackeray had said that the alliance between BJP and Shiv Sena for the assembly election was "inevitable".

We'll soon take decision on seat sharing with Shiv Sena: Devendra Fadnavis

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) working President JP Nadda on Sunday addressed party workers at Panvel in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra.

Nadda along with other party members and workers recited Vande Matram before commencing the meeting here.

Later, Nadda along with Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya offered prayers at revered Siddhivinayak Temple here to seek blessings of Lord Ganesha.

"Offered prayers at Shri Siddhi Vinayak Temple in Mumbai and prayed for the happiness of all. Ganpati Bappa Morya!" Nadda tweeted on Sunday.Earlier today, Nadda visited Swaminarayan Temple in Mumbai's Bhuleshwar area."

Offered prayers at the Swaminarayan Temple in Mumbai and prayed for the happiness, peace and good health for all," Nadda wrote in a tweet.

Nadda on Saturday addressed a special meeting here and inaugurated an exhibition based on the life of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"I addressed a special meeting in Mumbai, Maharashtra on Saturday and inaugurated an exhibition based on the life of the respected Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the party office on the occasion of #SevaSaptah. Through the medium of this exhibition, we get inspiration of sacrifice, dedication, service, and love for the nation," Nadda tweeted.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) working President JP Nadda on Sunday addressed party workers at Panvel in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra. Nadda along with other party members and workers recited Vande Matram before commencing the meeting here.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) working President JP Nadda on Sunday addressed party workers at Panvel in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra. Nadda along with other party members and workers recited Vande Matram before commencing the meeting here. Later, Nadda along with Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya offered prayers at revered Siddhivinayak Temple here to seek blessings of Lord Ganesha. "Offered prayers at Shri Siddhi Vinayak Temple in Mumbai and prayed for the happiness of all. Ganpati Bappa Morya!" Nadda tweeted on Sunday.Earlier today, Nadda visited Swaminarayan Temple in Mumbai's Bhuleshwar area." Offered prayers at the Swaminarayan Temple in Mumbai and prayed for the happiness, peace and good health for all," Nadda wrote in a tweet. Nadda on Saturday addressed a special meeting here and inaugurated an exhibition based on the life of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "I addressed a special meeting in Mumbai, Maharashtra on Saturday and inaugurated an exhibition based on the life of the respected Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the party office on the occasion of #SevaSaptah. Through the medium of this exhibition, we get inspiration of sacrifice, dedication, service, and love for the nation," Nadda tweeted.

Maharashtra: JP Nadda addresses party workers, visits Siddhivinayak Temple

Two Naxals were killed by the police in an encounter in Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra today.

According to police, the encounter took place in Gyarapatti jungle area falling under Korchi Taluka in the district.

The gunbattle took place during the night when commandos of C-60, a specialised anti-Naxal Unit of Maharashtra police, were combing the area.

A large number of daily use items were recovered from the incident spot.

At present, the police are making efforts to identify the deceased.

Yesterday, six Naxals were killed in three separate encounters with the police in Chhattisgarh`s Bastar region. The encounters took place in Sukma, Bijapur and Dantewada districts.&nbsp;

Two Naxals were killed by the police in an encounter in Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra today. According to police, the encounter took place in Gyarapatti jungle area falling under Korchi Taluka in the district.

Two Naxals were killed by the police in an encounter in Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra today. According to police, the encounter took place in Gyarapatti jungle area falling under Korchi Taluka in the district. The gunbattle took place during the night when commandos of C-60, a specialised anti-Naxal Unit of Maharashtra police, were combing the area. A large number of daily use items were recovered from the incident spot. At present, the police are making efforts to identify the deceased. Yesterday, six Naxals were killed in three separate encounters with the police in Chhattisgarh`s Bastar region. The encounters took place in Sukma, Bijapur and Dantewada districts.

Maharashtra: 2 Naxals killed in police encounter in Gadchiroli

The financial capital of India- Mumbai has observed rainfall in some parts during the last 24 hours.

But the intensity of the downpour was not even.According to Skymet, Colaba recorded 6.2 mm while Santa Cruz recorded 41.3 mm of rain.

The weather forecasting agency has predicted that the region is likely to receive more rainfall in the next two 2-3 days with the temperature oscillating between 24 degree Celsius and 32 degree Celsius.

"September started on a good note for the city with instances of record rainfall multiple times. On many occasions, 3-digit rain was recorded in the city, which was more than double the normal figure. Between September 10 and 11, the rainfall activity in the city subsided to a large extent. But thereafter the weather changed again in Mumbai and moderate rains lashed the city," Skymet stated.

Apart from Mumbai, the national capital and its nearby regions such as Gurugram, Faridabad, Noida and Ghaziabad are also likely to receive heavy downpour for the next two days. "However, these rains would be localised and would not last for long and also would not be widespread," stated the weather forecasting agency in its advisory. (ANI)

 
&nbsp;

The financial capital of India- Mumbai has observed rainfall in some parts during the last 24 hours. But the intensity of the downpour was not even.According to Skymet, Colaba recorded 6.

The financial capital of India- Mumbai has observed rainfall in some parts during the last 24 hours. But the intensity of the downpour was not even.According to Skymet, Colaba recorded 6.2 mm while Santa Cruz recorded 41.3 mm of rain. The weather forecasting agency has predicted that the region is likely to receive more rainfall in the next two 2-3 days with the temperature oscillating between 24 degree Celsius and 32 degree Celsius. "September started on a good note for the city with instances of record rainfall multiple times. On many occasions, 3-digit rain was recorded in the city, which was more than double the normal figure. Between September 10 and 11, the rainfall activity in the city subsided to a large extent. But thereafter the weather changed again in Mumbai and moderate rains lashed the city," Skymet stated. Apart from Mumbai, the national capital and its nearby regions such as Gurugram, Faridabad, Noida and Ghaziabad are also likely to receive heavy downpour for the next two days. "However, these rains would be localised and would not last for long and also would not be widespread," stated the weather forecasting agency in its advisory. (ANI)

Mumbai likely to receive more rainfall in next 2-3 days

Andhra Pradesh is the first state in India to enact a law guaranteeing 75 per cent job reservation for locals in private industrial units, factories, joint ventures, including public-private partnership concerns.

The enactment prescribes that if locals lack the requisite skills, companies and factories are mandated to train them with state government’s assistance and hire them.

While no state can afford to ignore local talent, shutting the doors on the migrant labour force is a regressive step. This model will prove to be very complex and a threat to the overall economic and industrial growth of the newly bifurcated state.

Lately, many regional satraps are taken in by parochial considerations and jingoist sentiments. State governments such as West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Bannerjee’s preference for Bengali-speakers over non-Bengalis in employment in the state, MP Chief Minister’s penchant for 70 per cent employment for locals in the state’s industrial units, Gujarat CM Vijaya Rupani’s promise of 80 per cent job reservations for locals in the industrial and service sector, are examples that may prompt other states to follow suit.

According to Census 2011, there are 139 million internal migrants in the country, who are also a captive source of labour. Their employment does help them in earning and contributing to the state GDP. The xenophobic reaction and nativism is often an excuse to hide failures by governments for their utter misgovernance.

Viewing the whole world as one community has become a term of abuse in the hands of regional political leaders. These leaders view outsiders with suspicion and self-righteousness. According to them, “rootless cosmopolitans” are a threat to the integrity of the state.

For example, beating up Hindi-speaking auto drivers in Mumbai and a proposal from Raj-Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navanirman Sena to issue licenses only to Marathi-speaking autorickshaw drivers, the “Bongal Kheda” agitation in Assam and the fight against “dikus” (outsiders) in Jharkhand, are all examples of this disturbing trend.

Overindulgence in the domestic politics of parochialism constitute the greatest threats to regional peace and stability among different states. It is nothing but splitting the general population into groups and putting their own state citizens’ needs ahead of other citizens’ needs.

These man-created barriers do not come up overnight, but evolve over a period of time. It comes in handy for cynical politicians to hide their failures and mismanagement of the economy. Agendas such as these are often backed by selfish and personal goals at the expense of national interest.

If implemented, such laws would violate Article 14 and 16 of the Indian Constitution. Article 19(d) and 19(e) of the Constitution, which are ingrained in our fundamental rights, guarantees freedom of movement to Indian citizens within the territory of India. In the past, many Indian states have enacted such laws, but have never implemented it vigorously.

Interestingly, Andhra Pradesh has excluded some areas such as fertilisers, coal, pharmaceuticals, petroleum, cement and IT industry from the ambit of such a job guarantee statute.

Similarly, while formulating the 100 per cent reservation plan for the Kannadigas in blue-collar industries in Karnataka, both infotech and biotech have been kept outside its purview.

However, none of these local reservations have been challenged in any court of law, nor does the Constitution contain any provision for non-discriminatory commercial clause.

While responding to the changed law of job reservation for locals, the companies will be busy in adjusting the composition of the workforce to meet the changed quota regime. However, the number and nature of jobs will remain unaffected. Hence, states, instead of changing the job composition, should focus more on new job creation.

At a time, when states are competing fiercely to attract investment, it would be counter-productive for them to discriminate and reserve jobs for sons of the soil.

States who do so, will lose in the long run since the investment flow prefers places where there is low compliance costs and freedom of hiring employees, as per their choice.

To achieve higher growth rate, there is no substitute to employing skilled professionals. In order to survive and excel in the competitive globalised world, the country needs to focus on overall skill development and national goals over regional preferences.

The politics of local preference will dilute the pace of economic growth. A level playing field puts merit over domicile.

The populist stand by state governments could have a bearing on the quantity and quality of investment coming in. When the central government is seeking to achieve the goal of “One Nation One Tax” with the introduction of GST, reservation for locals take us to the other extreme.

In a hypothetical situation, if other states decide to retaliate by not employing personnel hailing from Andhra Pradesh or states reserving jobs for locals, it will add another dimension to the problem of parochialism.

No state can afford to ignore local talent, but shooing away skilled/unskilled migrants is a regressive step. Political compulsions and electoral promises made by politicians apart, reservation for the locals in the private sector is not an effective model to tackle burgeoning unemployment and underemployment.

It may prove regressive and dissuade the corporate sector to invest in a state where such a rule is prevalent. India being a labour surplus country, the internal migration of labour is quite natural.

Many studies indicate that movement of labour is good for the economy, since the regions suffering deficit of labour forces imports from the labour surplus states. 
 
(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-politics-of-native-preference-2789345">original article</a>) 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Andhra Pradesh is the first state in India to enact a law guaranteeing 75 per cent job reservation for locals in private industrial units, factories, joint ventures, including public-private partnership concerns.

Andhra Pradesh is the first state in India to enact a law guaranteeing 75 per cent job reservation for locals in private industrial units, factories, joint ventures, including public-private partnership concerns. The enactment prescribes that if locals lack the requisite skills, companies and factories are mandated to train them with state government’s assistance and hire them. While no state can afford to ignore local talent, shutting the doors on the migrant labour force is a regressive step. This model will prove to be very complex and a threat to the overall economic and industrial growth of the newly bifurcated state. Lately, many regional satraps are taken in by parochial considerations and jingoist sentiments. State governments such as West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Bannerjee’s preference for Bengali-speakers over non-Bengalis in employment in the state, MP Chief Minister’s penchant for 70 per cent employment for locals in the state’s industrial units, Gujarat CM Vijaya Rupani’s promise of 80 per cent job reservations for locals in the industrial and service sector, are examples that may prompt other states to follow suit. According to Census 2011, there are 139 million internal migrants in the country, who are also a captive source of labour. Their employment does help them in earning and contributing to the state GDP. The xenophobic reaction and nativism is often an excuse to hide failures by governments for their utter misgovernance. Viewing the whole world as one community has become a term of abuse in the hands of regional political leaders. These leaders view outsiders with suspicion and self-righteousness. According to them, “rootless cosmopolitans” are a threat to the integrity of the state. For example, beating up Hindi-speaking auto drivers in Mumbai and a proposal from Raj-Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navanirman Sena to issue licenses only to Marathi-speaking autorickshaw drivers, the “Bongal Kheda” agitation in Assam and the fight against “dikus” (outsiders) in Jharkhand, are all examples of this disturbing trend. Overindulgence in the domestic politics of parochialism constitute the greatest threats to regional peace and stability among different states. It is nothing but splitting the general population into groups and putting their own state citizens’ needs ahead of other citizens’ needs. These man-created barriers do not come up overnight, but evolve over a period of time. It comes in handy for cynical politicians to hide their failures and mismanagement of the economy. Agendas such as these are often backed by selfish and personal goals at the expense of national interest. If implemented, such laws would violate Article 14 and 16 of the Indian Constitution. Article 19(d) and 19(e) of the Constitution, which are ingrained in our fundamental rights, guarantees freedom of movement to Indian citizens within the territory of India. In the past, many Indian states have enacted such laws, but have never implemented it vigorously. Interestingly, Andhra Pradesh has excluded some areas such as fertilisers, coal, pharmaceuticals, petroleum, cement and IT industry from the ambit of such a job guarantee statute. Similarly, while formulating the 100 per cent reservation plan for the Kannadigas in blue-collar industries in Karnataka, both infotech and biotech have been kept outside its purview. However, none of these local reservations have been challenged in any court of law, nor does the Constitution contain any provision for non-discriminatory commercial clause. While responding to the changed law of job reservation for locals, the companies will be busy in adjusting the composition of the workforce to meet the changed quota regime. However, the number and nature of jobs will remain unaffected. Hence, states, instead of changing the job composition, should focus more on new job creation. At a time, when states are competing fiercely to attract investment, it would be counter-productive for them to discriminate and reserve jobs for sons of the soil. States who do so, will lose in the long run since the investment flow prefers places where there is low compliance costs and freedom of hiring employees, as per their choice. To achieve higher growth rate, there is no substitute to employing skilled professionals. In order to survive and excel in the competitive globalised world, the country needs to focus on overall skill development and national goals over regional preferences. The politics of local preference will dilute the pace of economic growth. A level playing field puts merit over domicile. The populist stand by state governments could have a bearing on the quantity and quality of investment coming in. When the central government is seeking to achieve the goal of “One Nation One Tax” with the introduction of GST, reservation for locals take us to the other extreme. In a hypothetical situation, if other states decide to retaliate by not employing personnel hailing from Andhra Pradesh or states reserving jobs for locals, it will add another dimension to the problem of parochialism. No state can afford to ignore local talent, but shooing away skilled/unskilled migrants is a regressive step. Political compulsions and electoral promises made by politicians apart, reservation for the locals in the private sector is not an effective model to tackle burgeoning unemployment and underemployment. It may prove regressive and dissuade the corporate sector to invest in a state where such a rule is prevalent. India being a labour surplus country, the internal migration of labour is quite natural. Many studies indicate that movement of labour is good for the economy, since the regions suffering deficit of labour forces imports from the labour surplus states. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Politics of native preference: Shooing away migrants is economically disastrous

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) on Tuesday announced three candidates for upcoming Maharashtra Assembly polls.

AIMIM Maharashtra president Syed Imtiaz Jaleel released the list which named Daniel Ramesh Landge Vadgaonsheri from Pune, Mufti Mohd Ismail Abdul Khalik from Malegaon Central and Mohd Feroz Khan (Lala) - Nanded North.

The Assembly election is due in October-November.

Earlier, AIMIM broke ties with Prakash Ambedkar-led Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) saying that the parties could not reach a "comfortable figure" of seat distribution.

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) on Tuesday announced three candidates for upcoming Maharashtra Assembly polls. AIMIM Maharashtra president Syed Imtiaz Jaleel released the list which named Daniel Ramesh Landge Vadgaonsheri from Pune, Mufti Mohd Ismail Abdul Khalik from Malegaon Central and Mohd Feroz Khan (Lala) - Nanded North.

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) on Tuesday announced three candidates for upcoming Maharashtra Assembly polls. AIMIM Maharashtra president Syed Imtiaz Jaleel released the list which named Daniel Ramesh Landge Vadgaonsheri from Pune, Mufti Mohd Ismail Abdul Khalik from Malegaon Central and Mohd Feroz Khan (Lala) - Nanded North. The Assembly election is due in October-November. Earlier, AIMIM broke ties with Prakash Ambedkar-led Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) saying that the parties could not reach a "comfortable figure" of seat distribution.

AIMIM announces 3 candidates for Maharashtra polls

The political scene in Maharashtra is heating up. The saffron alliance is gearing up for elections. Buoyed by the Lok Sabha victory and complete disarray in the Congress and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), the BJP-led alliance hopes to retain power with a thumping majority.&nbsp;

If the 2019 general elections are an indication, the BJP-Sena alliance is leading in 227 Assembly constituencies, more than three-fourth majority. Congress and NCP are falling like a pack of cards with MLAs switching sides on a daily basis. &nbsp;

Senior Congress leader in Maharashtra and former leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly, Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, has joined the BJP, while NCP’s Mumbai chief, Sachin Ahir, has joined the Shiv Sena. There is a competition underway between BJP and Shiv Sena, as to who is able to attract the maximum defectors. Five MLAs each from Congress-NCP alliance have joined the Shiv Sena and BJP respectively.

Amidst all this, the sticky issue of seat-sharing talks have begun. As per reports, BJP has offered 110 seats to Shiv Sena, while it wants to contest on 160 seats, leaving 18 seats for smaller regional allies. This is much lower than the 50:50 formula, which was agreed upon while finalising Lok Sabha seats distribution.&nbsp;

Shiv Sena won 63 seats and finished runner up in 37 seats in the 2014 state elections. The 110 number is arrived through this formula. Shiv Sena is asking for 126 seats.&nbsp;

BJP, bolstered by a strong performance in Lok Sabha polls riding on the Modi wave, appears in no mood to accept Shiv Sena’s demands.

Murmurs have started doing the rounds that BJP and Shiv Sena are likely to contest separately, like the last time in 2014.&nbsp;

The bone of contention is not just seat distribution, but also the post of Chief Minister. The Shiv Sena had declared in its mouthpiece Saamana in June 2019 that by the time the party celebrates its next foundation day, on June 19, 2020, the state would have a Shiv Sena chief minister.&nbsp;

Shiv Sena workers have claimed that an agreement was reached between Amit Shah and Uddhav Thackeray at the time of Lok Sabha seat finalisation that both the parties will share the CM’s post for a duration of two-and-a-half years each.&nbsp;

Some BJP party leaders have said in the past that it can contest on all 288 seats. However, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has stated categorically that the elections will be contested in alliance with Sena and under his leadership.&nbsp;

BJP won 122 seats on its own in 2014 after the break-up with Sena. Many party insiders feel that it is in a much stronger position today. Modi has won a bigger mandate in his second term. Fadnavis has five years of achievements to showcase, including farm loan waiver and Maratha reservation. The abrogation of Article 370 has further given a fillip to BJP’s prospects and Modi’s popularity is at an all-time high. The arrest of Chidambaram and filing of FIR against Ajit Pawar in the Rs 25,000-crore MSCB scam has given BJP further ammunition.&nbsp;

All this, party strategists feel, will help to bridge the shortfall of 20-odd seats. BJP had contested on 260 seats in 2014. An alliance with Sena means BJP has to deny tickets to more than 100 contestants, which may lead to heartburn and rebellion. They argue that the BJP should go it alone in the polls. In a worst case scenario, if it falls short by a few seats, Shiv Sena will have no choice but to support BJP like in 2014 when results threw a hung verdict.&nbsp;

Shiv Sena, which has played the elder brother for decades, is not able to digest the new structure in which it is playing second fiddle to BJP. That’s why it is applying pressure on its partner so that it could at least agree for the Deputy CM chair for Shiv Sena.&nbsp;

Sena’s tally is also likely to increase at the expense of Congress and NCP in 2019 even if it contests alone. However, if it contests alone, it runs the risk of losing out on sharing power, if BJP gets a majority on its own.Sena has to decide whether it wishes to occupy the opposition space left by Congress and NCP, or it wishes to continue to enjoy the fruits of power.&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-bjp-holds-the-aces-in-maharashtra-as-sena-has-to-play-second-fiddle-2788606">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The political scene in Maharashtra is heating up. The saffron alliance is gearing up for elections. Buoyed by the Lok Sabha victory and complete disarray in the Congress and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), the BJP-led alliance hopes to retain power with a thumping majority.

The political scene in Maharashtra is heating up. The saffron alliance is gearing up for elections. Buoyed by the Lok Sabha victory and complete disarray in the Congress and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), the BJP-led alliance hopes to retain power with a thumping majority. If the 2019 general elections are an indication, the BJP-Sena alliance is leading in 227 Assembly constituencies, more than three-fourth majority. Congress and NCP are falling like a pack of cards with MLAs switching sides on a daily basis. Senior Congress leader in Maharashtra and former leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly, Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, has joined the BJP, while NCP’s Mumbai chief, Sachin Ahir, has joined the Shiv Sena. There is a competition underway between BJP and Shiv Sena, as to who is able to attract the maximum defectors. Five MLAs each from Congress-NCP alliance have joined the Shiv Sena and BJP respectively. Amidst all this, the sticky issue of seat-sharing talks have begun. As per reports, BJP has offered 110 seats to Shiv Sena, while it wants to contest on 160 seats, leaving 18 seats for smaller regional allies. This is much lower than the 50:50 formula, which was agreed upon while finalising Lok Sabha seats distribution. Shiv Sena won 63 seats and finished runner up in 37 seats in the 2014 state elections. The 110 number is arrived through this formula. Shiv Sena is asking for 126 seats. BJP, bolstered by a strong performance in Lok Sabha polls riding on the Modi wave, appears in no mood to accept Shiv Sena’s demands. Murmurs have started doing the rounds that BJP and Shiv Sena are likely to contest separately, like the last time in 2014. The bone of contention is not just seat distribution, but also the post of Chief Minister. The Shiv Sena had declared in its mouthpiece Saamana in June 2019 that by the time the party celebrates its next foundation day, on June 19, 2020, the state would have a Shiv Sena chief minister. Shiv Sena workers have claimed that an agreement was reached between Amit Shah and Uddhav Thackeray at the time of Lok Sabha seat finalisation that both the parties will share the CM’s post for a duration of two-and-a-half years each. Some BJP party leaders have said in the past that it can contest on all 288 seats. However, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has stated categorically that the elections will be contested in alliance with Sena and under his leadership. BJP won 122 seats on its own in 2014 after the break-up with Sena. Many party insiders feel that it is in a much stronger position today. Modi has won a bigger mandate in his second term. Fadnavis has five years of achievements to showcase, including farm loan waiver and Maratha reservation. The abrogation of Article 370 has further given a fillip to BJP’s prospects and Modi’s popularity is at an all-time high. The arrest of Chidambaram and filing of FIR against Ajit Pawar in the Rs 25,000-crore MSCB scam has given BJP further ammunition. All this, party strategists feel, will help to bridge the shortfall of 20-odd seats. BJP had contested on 260 seats in 2014. An alliance with Sena means BJP has to deny tickets to more than 100 contestants, which may lead to heartburn and rebellion. They argue that the BJP should go it alone in the polls. In a worst case scenario, if it falls short by a few seats, Shiv Sena will have no choice but to support BJP like in 2014 when results threw a hung verdict. Shiv Sena, which has played the elder brother for decades, is not able to digest the new structure in which it is playing second fiddle to BJP. That’s why it is applying pressure on its partner so that it could at least agree for the Deputy CM chair for Shiv Sena. Sena’s tally is also likely to increase at the expense of Congress and NCP in 2019 even if it contests alone. However, if it contests alone, it runs the risk of losing out on sharing power, if BJP gets a majority on its own.Sena has to decide whether it wishes to occupy the opposition space left by Congress and NCP, or it wishes to continue to enjoy the fruits of power. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

BJP holds the aces in Maharashtra as Sena has to play second fiddle

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