The Mahavikas Aghadi's (MVA) seat-sharing agreement for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls is to be finalised amid a possible rift between allies Congress and Shiv Sena (led by Uddhav Thackeray), over four seats, sources said.

India Elections: Will discontent among Maharashtra Congress leaders affect MVA alliance?

Unresolved seat-sharing strategies have left the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) tensed ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. Watch in for more details!

India Election 2024: Battle for Maharashtra's 48 seats intensifies

India Election 2024: Maharashtra's opposition alliance is yet to finalise seat sharing agreement

Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) partners - Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress and NCP-Sharadchandra Pawar - have reached an agreement on a seat-sharing deal, according to the reports. Watch in for more details!

Maharashtra's opposition finalise seat sharing deal: Report

India's election season brings with it an unending drama of alliances Partnerships and collaborations and India's state of Maharashtra is no stranger to political mergers. In the latest move made by the BJP in Maharashtra, the party has reportedly proposed a merger with Raj Thackeray. Watch in for more details!

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: BJP seeks long-term partnership with Thackeray's MNS

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: MNS to merge with Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena in Maharashtra?

Focus on Maharashtra: Party leader Sanjay Raut has said that the Shiva Sena Uddhav Thackeray faction's first list of candidates will be formally declared later today. Watch in for more details!

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Shiv Sena (UBT) to release first list

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Shiv Sena (UBT) to release first list of candidates today

India's election season brings with it an unending drama of alliances Partnerships and collaborations and India's state of Maharashtra is no stranger to political mergers. In the latest move made by the BJP in Maharashtra, the party has reportedly proposed a merger between Raj Thackeray.

A new political merger in Maharashtra?

The Congress party has finalised names of 12 candidates for the state of Maharashtra. The names were finalised in the party central election committee meeting.

India Elections: Congress Party to reveal names in third list, finalises Maharashtra's 12 candidates

The Maharashtra Cabinet has implemented a significant change, requiring the inclusion of the mother's first name in all government documents. This move aims to enhance identity documentation and acknowledges the importance of maternal lineage. Watch in for more details!

India: Maharashtra makes Mother's first name mandatory for all government documents

The tussle between Shinde led Shiv Sena and the BJP over a number of seats in Konkan and Marathwada regions are proving to be of significant importance with both taking claim to those seats. Watch to know more!

BJP-Shiv Sena seat sharing tussle erupts ahead of Lok Sabha Polls in Maharashtra

Indian Home Minister Amit Shah held meetings on Tuesday with Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Ministers Ajit Pawar and Devendra Fadnavis, and other leaders to discuss seat-sharing for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

BJP finalises Maharashtra seat-sharing deal with allies

Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde and his deputy Devendra Fadnavis on Friday declined Nationalist Congress Party (SCP) chief Sharad Pawar’s lunch invite at the latter’s Baramati residence on Saturday.

‘Won’t be possible’: Maharashtra CM to skip Sharad Pawar's lunch

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) founder Sharad Pawar on Thursday extended an invitation to Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde, and the two deputy CMs Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar for lunch at his Baramati residence on Saturday when the state leadership will visit the constituency to inaugurate several developmental projects.

Sharad Pawar invites rivals for lunch at his residence at Baramati

Maharashtra in India is expanding investigation into the use of cheese alternatives in fast food products. This basically comes after McDonald's faced accusations of using vegetable oil substitutes for real cheese in some of its items on the menu. So was there no real cheese in your cheeseburger? Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas | Maharashtra to inspect McDonald's as they remove cheese from the menu

The Maharashtra government has now proposed a 10% quarter for the Maratha community, According to the socially and educationally backward classes Bill 2024. The Maharashtra cabinet has approved the draft of the bill for 10% Maratha reservation in education and government jobs. The bill has received cabinet nod and it will be presented to the State Assembly and the council today in a special session. Watch to know more!

Maharashtra cabinet approves 'Maratha Quota Bill' with 10% quota

India: Maharashtra cabinet approves 'Maratha Quota Bill'

<p>Former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique on Thursday said he has resigned from the Congress after being a member of the party for nearly five decades.</p>

<p>A prominent minority face of the Mumbai Congress, Siddique also served as a minister when the Congress-NCP coalition was in power.</p>

<p>Siddique in a post on X said, ''I joined the Indian National Congress party as a young teenager and it has been a significant journey lasting 48 years. Today I resign from the primary membership of the Indian National Congress Party @INCIndia with immediate effect.'' ''There's a lot I would have liked to express but as they say some things are better left unsaid. I thank everyone who has been a part of this journey,'' he added. The move comes days after the Election Commission of India recognised the Ajit Pawar faction as the real National Congress Party (NCP).</p>

<p>Siddique's son is currently a Congress MLA from Bandra (East) in Mumbai.</p>


Former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique on Thursday said he has resigned from the Congress after being a member of the party for nearly five decades. A prominent minority face of the Mumbai Congress, Siddique also served as a minister when the Congress-NCP coalition was in power.

Former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique on Thursday said he has resigned from the Congress after being a member of the party for nearly five decades. A prominent minority face of the Mumbai Congress, Siddique also served as a minister when the Congress-NCP coalition was in power. Siddique in a post on X said, ''I joined the Indian National Congress party as a young teenager and it has been a significant journey lasting 48 years. Today I resign from the primary membership of the Indian National Congress Party @INCIndia with immediate effect.'' ''There's a lot I would have liked to express but as they say some things are better left unsaid. I thank everyone who has been a part of this journey,'' he added. The move comes days after the Election Commission of India recognised the Ajit Pawar faction as the real National Congress Party (NCP). Siddique's son is currently a Congress MLA from Bandra (East) in Mumbai.

India: Former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique quits Congress

<p><strong>Lal Krishna Advani Bharat Ratna:</strong> Veteran Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Lal Krishna Advani will be conferred Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award in India. The announcement was made by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself. Advani has been a key leading figure in the BJP for decades and has served as home minister of India. He has also helmed several other ministries and was deputy prime minister under then-prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in early 2000s.</p>

<p>Hours after Prime Minister Modi, once a disciple of Advani, made the announcement, the 96-year-old veteran expressed gratitude and said he was humbled by the honour.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Narendra Modi (first from right) with LK Advani (third from right) during Gujarat leg of Ram Rath Yatra | File" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202024-01-22T222951.231.png" /></p>

<p><em>Narendra Modi (first from right) with LK Advani (third from right) during Gujarat leg of Ram Rath Yatra in September 1990 | File</em></p>

<p>"With utmost humility and gratitude, I accept the 'Bharat Ratna' that has been conferred on me today. It is not only an honour for me as a person, but also for the ideals and principles that I have strobe to serve throughout my life to the best of my ability...," said Advani.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I am very happy to share that Shri LK Advani Ji will be conferred the Bharat Ratna. I also spoke to him and congratulated him on being conferred this honour. One of the most respected statesmen of our times, his contribution to the development of India is monumental. His is a… <a href="https://t.co/Ya78qjJbPK">pic.twitter.com/Ya78qjJbPK</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1753660421809066495?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>While making the announcement PM Modi said, "Advani Ji’s decades-long service in public life has been marked by an unwavering commitment to transparency and integrity, setting an exemplary standard in political ethics. He has made unparalleled efforts towards furthering national unity and cultural resurgence. The conferring of the Bharat Ratna on him is a very emotional moment for me. I will always consider it my privilege that I got countless opportunities to interact with him and learn from him."</p>

<h2><strong>Who is Lal Krishna Advani?</strong></h2>

<p>Lal Krishna Advani was born on November 8, 1927, in Karachi which is now in present-day Pakistan. After partition, his family migrated to India. Advani joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in&nbsp;1941, when he was just 14 years old.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cast-from-the-past-rath-yatra-to-ram-mandir-between-advani-of-1990-and-modi-of-2024-682579">Cast From The Past | Rath Yatra to Ram Mandir: Between Advani of 1990 and Modi of 2024</a></strong></p>

<p>In 1951, just four years after India gained&nbsp;independence, LK Advani joined the Bharatiya Jana Sangh. The 'Jana Sangh' as it is commonly called, was political precursor of the BJP. Bharatiya Jana Sangh was founded by Syama Prasad Mookerjee, who later became an iconic BJP leader.</p>

<p>Advani began consolidating his position in India's national-level politics in 1970 when he became a Rajya Sabha - upper house of the Parliament - member for the first time in 1970. He then&nbsp;became the leader of the house in&nbsp;1977.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | India: Vijay announces new party 'Tamilaga Vetri Kazhgam'</strong></p>

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<p>Advani was a member of the house&nbsp;till 1989, serving four terms.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He was one of the founding members of the BJP. Advani&nbsp;won a Lok Sabha - lower house of Parliament - seat for the first time in 1989.</p>

<p>Advani has been honoured with India's top civilian award&nbsp;before as well. In 2015, he was conferred Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian honour of the country.</p>


Lal Krishna Advani Bharat Ratna: Veteran Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Lal Krishna Advani will be conferred Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award in India.

Lal Krishna Advani Bharat Ratna: Veteran Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Lal Krishna Advani will be conferred Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award in India. The announcement was made by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself. Advani has been a key leading figure in the BJP for decades and has served as home minister of India. He has also helmed several other ministries and was deputy prime minister under then-prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in early 2000s. Hours after Prime Minister Modi, once a disciple of Advani, made the announcement, the 96-year-old veteran expressed gratitude and said he was humbled by the honour. Narendra Modi (first from right) with LK Advani (third from right) during Gujarat leg of Ram Rath Yatra in September 1990 | File "With utmost humility and gratitude, I accept the 'Bharat Ratna' that has been conferred on me today. It is not only an honour for me as a person, but also for the ideals and principles that I have strobe to serve throughout my life to the best of my ability...," said Advani. I am very happy to share that Shri LK Advani Ji will be conferred the Bharat Ratna. I also spoke to him and congratulated him on being conferred this honour. One of the most respected statesmen of our times, his contribution to the development of India is monumental. His is a… pic.twitter.com/Ya78qjJbPK — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 3, 2024 × While making the announcement PM Modi said, "Advani Ji’s decades-long service in public life has been marked by an unwavering commitment to transparency and integrity, setting an exemplary standard in political ethics. He has made unparalleled efforts towards furthering national unity and cultural resurgence. The conferring of the Bharat Ratna on him is a very emotional moment for me. I will always consider it my privilege that I got countless opportunities to interact with him and learn from him." Who is Lal Krishna Advani? Lal Krishna Advani was born on November 8, 1927, in Karachi which is now in present-day Pakistan. After partition, his family migrated to India. Advani joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in 1941, when he was just 14 years old. Also Read | Cast From The Past | Rath Yatra to Ram Mandir: Between Advani of 1990 and Modi of 2024 In 1951, just four years after India gained independence, LK Advani joined the Bharatiya Jana Sangh. The 'Jana Sangh' as it is commonly called, was political precursor of the BJP. Bharatiya Jana Sangh was founded by Syama Prasad Mookerjee, who later became an iconic BJP leader. Advani began consolidating his position in India's national-level politics in 1970 when he became a Rajya Sabha - upper house of the Parliament - member for the first time in 1970. He then became the leader of the house in 1977. Watch | India: Vijay announces new party 'Tamilaga Vetri Kazhgam' × Advani was a member of the house till 1989, serving four terms. He was one of the founding members of the BJP. Advani won a Lok Sabha - lower house of Parliament - seat for the first time in 1989. Advani has been honoured with India's top civilian award before as well. In 2015, he was conferred Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian honour of the country.

'Honour for my principles': LK Advani reacts as PM Modi announces Bharat Ratna honour

<p>A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lawmaker from India's western state of Maharashtra has been arrested after he allegedly fired a gun at a member from a different party inside a police station in Ulhasnagar. BJP&nbsp;Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Ganpat Gaikwad and his two associates have been arrested by Thane Police. The MLA allegedly opened fire at Mahesh Gaikwad, a city president of Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) inside the police station. Ulhasnagar, the city where the police station is located is less than 100 kilometres away from state capital Mumbai.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Thane, Maharashtra: Sudhakar Pathare, DCP says, "Mahesh Gaikwad and Ganpat Gaikwad had differences about something and they came to the Police station to give complaint. At that time, they had a talk and Ganpat Gaikwad fired at Mahesh Gaikwad and his people. 2 people… <a href="https://t.co/Qw2Q9iUHHz">pic.twitter.com/Qw2Q9iUHHz</a></p>
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<p>Mahesh Gaikwad and Rahul Patil, another leader of Shiv Sena(Shinde faction) were critically injured. They were taken to Jupiter Hospital in Thane for medical assistance.</p>

<p>"Going by what has been found here, there was no question of (firing in) self-defence. The injured were sitting and watching the CCTV screen. There was no argument or provocation. But he (Ganpat Gaikwad) aimed and shot them," Thane Additional CP Datta Shinde said.</p>

<p>"A total of ten rounds were fired in the Ulhasnagar incident. Six bullets were taken out of Mahesh Gaikwad's body by the doctors," Shinde added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lawmaker from India's western state of Maharashtra has been arrested after he allegedly fired a gun at a member from a different party inside a police station in Ulhasnagar.

A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lawmaker from India's western state of Maharashtra has been arrested after he allegedly fired a gun at a member from a different party inside a police station in Ulhasnagar. BJP Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Ganpat Gaikwad and his two associates have been arrested by Thane Police. The MLA allegedly opened fire at Mahesh Gaikwad, a city president of Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) inside the police station. Ulhasnagar, the city where the police station is located is less than 100 kilometres away from state capital Mumbai. #WATCH | Thane, Maharashtra: Sudhakar Pathare, DCP says, "Mahesh Gaikwad and Ganpat Gaikwad had differences about something and they came to the Police station to give complaint. At that time, they had a talk and Ganpat Gaikwad fired at Mahesh Gaikwad and his people. 2 people… pic.twitter.com/Qw2Q9iUHHz — ANI (@ANI) February 2, 2024 × Mahesh Gaikwad and Rahul Patil, another leader of Shiv Sena(Shinde faction) were critically injured. They were taken to Jupiter Hospital in Thane for medical assistance. "Going by what has been found here, there was no question of (firing in) self-defence. The injured were sitting and watching the CCTV screen. There was no argument or provocation. But he (Ganpat Gaikwad) aimed and shot them," Thane Additional CP Datta Shinde said. "A total of ten rounds were fired in the Ulhasnagar incident. Six bullets were taken out of Mahesh Gaikwad's body by the doctors," Shinde added. (With inputs from agencies)

India: State lawmaker arrested for firing inside police station in Maharashtra

Maratha quota leader Manoj Jarange reached Navi Mumbai with thousands of supporters to push for reservation for the Maratha community. As per the plan, Jarange, will begin his hunger strike at Azad Maidan, Mumbai today (Friday).

Maratha Quota Stir: Manoj Jarange reaches Mumbai with thousands of supporters

<p>Tens of thousands of protesters demanding reservations for the Maratha community under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category in the Indian state of Maharashtra are currently en route to Mumbai and will reach the country’s financial capital, on Thursday (Jan 25) amid Republic Day celebrations.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Protests in Mumbai</strong></h2>

<p>Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange-Patil kickstarted the recent protest march demanding reservation for the Maratha community and may begin an indefinite hunger strike on Friday (Jan 26). He has also reportedly asked his supporters to prepare for a long sit-in protest in the city.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to organisers, tens of thousands of people are expected to join the march which they&nbsp;describe&nbsp;as one of the biggest in the Indian state’s history. While&nbsp;Jarange-Patil has claimed more than two crore&nbsp;(20 million) people are expected to come to Mumbai in a show of support.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the Mumbai police have imposed&nbsp;section 144 of the CrPC (Code of Criminal Procedure) till February 6&nbsp;in the city ahead of Republic Day celebrations. In line with this, a gathering of five or more people and any kind of a procession&nbsp;in the financial capital is banned.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Mumbai police have also reportedly denied permission for the protesters to gather at&nbsp;Azad Maidan and instead offered a rally ground in Navi Mumbai's Kharghar.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maratha-protest-maharashtra-state-backward-class-commission-panel-members-quit-citing-govt-interference-669380">Maratha protest: Maharashtra State Backward Class Commission panel members quit citing govt interference</a></strong></p>

<p>Jarange-Patil had set out for the march towards Mumbai from Maharashtra’s Jalna district on January 20 with thousands of supporters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Thursday (Jan 25), police and personnel from the Rapid Action Force and the bomb disposal squad were seen stationed at one of the entry points to the city.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Media reports citing march&nbsp;organisers said Jarange-Patil will start his indefinite hunger strike on January 26 in Mumbai at Azad Maidan.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the Bombay High Court, on Wednesday, refused to issue an order preventing Jarange-Patil from entering the city.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The petition filed by activist Gunratna Sadavarte said Jarange-Patil, accompanied by crores&nbsp;of his followers, posed a logistical challenge for Mumbai and could cause law and order problems.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What are they demanding?</strong></h2>

<p>Maratha reservation supporters led by Jarange-Patil have sought the inclusion of all Marathas under the OBC category by giving them Kunbi sub-caste certificates.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Marathas, who form an estimated 33 per cent of the state’s population, have periodically protested for reservations in government jobs and educational institutions of the state.</p>

<p>Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, on Wednesday (Jan 24) said he is “positive” towards Jarange-Patil’s demands and will “ensure the reservation is legally viable.” He added, “I appeal to Jarange-Patil to stop the agitation.”</p>

<p>Earlier in January, faced with the latest round of protests, the Maharashtra government filed a curative petition asking the Supreme Court to reconsider its 2021 decision of striking down the quota given to Marathas under the ‘socially and educationally backward class’ after they deemed it “unconstitutional”.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ex-karnataka-cm-jagadish-shettar-rejoins-bjp-months-after-crying-foul-over-ill-treatment-683572">Ex-Karnataka CM Jagadish Shettar rejoins BJP months after crying foul over 'ill-treatment'</a></strong></p>

<p>On Wednesday, the state government granted a second extension to a committee formed to finalise the methodology to grant Kunbi status to Marathas, till February 29.</p>

<p>The Maharashtra government has said that it needs time to figure out the legality of the reservation for all Marathas while urging Jarange-Patil to call off the agitation. However, the activist has insisted on continuing till the quota was announced.</p>

<p>Over a decade or so there has been a lot of back and forth between the state government and the courts. Initially, the Maharashtra government had granted a 16 per cent reservation to the community&nbsp;by passing an act, in 2018,&nbsp;following widespread protests.</p>

<p>However, the validity of the legislation was challenged in the Bombay High Court, which later upheld the decision but slashed the quota to 13 per cent and 12 per cent in education and jobs, respectively. In 2021, the apex court quashed it entirely.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Tens of thousands of protesters demanding reservations for the Maratha community under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category in the Indian state of Maharashtra are currently en route to Mumbai and will reach the country’s financial capital, on Thursday (Jan 25) amid Republic Day celebrations.

Tens of thousands of protesters demanding reservations for the Maratha community under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category in the Indian state of Maharashtra are currently en route to Mumbai and will reach the country’s financial capital, on Thursday (Jan 25) amid Republic Day celebrations. Protests in Mumbai Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange-Patil kickstarted the recent protest march demanding reservation for the Maratha community and may begin an indefinite hunger strike on Friday (Jan 26). He has also reportedly asked his supporters to prepare for a long sit-in protest in the city. According to organisers, tens of thousands of people are expected to join the march which they describe as one of the biggest in the Indian state’s history. While Jarange-Patil has claimed more than two crore (20 million) people are expected to come to Mumbai in a show of support. Meanwhile, the Mumbai police have imposed section 144 of the CrPC (Code of Criminal Procedure) till February 6 in the city ahead of Republic Day celebrations. In line with this, a gathering of five or more people and any kind of a procession in the financial capital is banned. The Mumbai police have also reportedly denied permission for the protesters to gather at Azad Maidan and instead offered a rally ground in Navi Mumbai's Kharghar. ALSO READ | Maratha protest: Maharashtra State Backward Class Commission panel members quit citing govt interference Jarange-Patil had set out for the march towards Mumbai from Maharashtra’s Jalna district on January 20 with thousands of supporters. On Thursday (Jan 25), police and personnel from the Rapid Action Force and the bomb disposal squad were seen stationed at one of the entry points to the city. Media reports citing march organisers said Jarange-Patil will start his indefinite hunger strike on January 26 in Mumbai at Azad Maidan. Meanwhile, the Bombay High Court, on Wednesday, refused to issue an order preventing Jarange-Patil from entering the city. The petition filed by activist Gunratna Sadavarte said Jarange-Patil, accompanied by crores of his followers, posed a logistical challenge for Mumbai and could cause law and order problems. What are they demanding? Maratha reservation supporters led by Jarange-Patil have sought the inclusion of all Marathas under the OBC category by giving them Kunbi sub-caste certificates. Marathas, who form an estimated 33 per cent of the state’s population, have periodically protested for reservations in government jobs and educational institutions of the state. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, on Wednesday (Jan 24) said he is “positive” towards Jarange-Patil’s demands and will “ensure the reservation is legally viable.” He added, “I appeal to Jarange-Patil to stop the agitation.” Earlier in January, faced with the latest round of protests, the Maharashtra government filed a curative petition asking the Supreme Court to reconsider its 2021 decision of striking down the quota given to Marathas under the ‘socially and educationally backward class’ after they deemed it “unconstitutional”. ALSO READ | Ex-Karnataka CM Jagadish Shettar rejoins BJP months after crying foul over 'ill-treatment' On Wednesday, the state government granted a second extension to a committee formed to finalise the methodology to grant Kunbi status to Marathas, till February 29. The Maharashtra government has said that it needs time to figure out the legality of the reservation for all Marathas while urging Jarange-Patil to call off the agitation. However, the activist has insisted on continuing till the quota was announced. Over a decade or so there has been a lot of back and forth between the state government and the courts. Initially, the Maharashtra government had granted a 16 per cent reservation to the community by passing an act, in 2018, following widespread protests. However, the validity of the legislation was challenged in the Bombay High Court, which later upheld the decision but slashed the quota to 13 per cent and 12 per cent in education and jobs, respectively. In 2021, the apex court quashed it entirely. (With inputs from agencies)

Maratha quota march: Thousands of protesters to reach Mumbai on January 26; section 144 imposed

In India's Maharashtra, tens of thousands of people are on the move, marching to the state capital Mumbai. Belonging to the Maratha community, they are demanding reservations allowed to the other backward classes or the 'OBC' category.

Maharashtra's Maratha movement explained

<p>Congress leader Milind Deora on Sunday (Jan 14) announced his resignation from the Congress party, ending a 55-year&nbsp;association of the Deora family with the country's oldest political party. Later in the evening, Deora joined Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena faction, further giving a jolt to Congress.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Deora took to his social media handles to announce his departure, stating it was the conclusion of a "significant chapter" in his political journey.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Today marks the conclusion of a significant chapter in my political journey. I have tendered my resignation from the primary membership of @INCIndia, ending my family’s 55-year relationship with the party," said Deora on X, formerly known as Twitter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I am grateful to all leaders, colleagues &amp; karyakartas for their unwavering support over the years," he added.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Today marks the conclusion of a significant chapter in my political journey. I have tendered my resignation from the primary membership of <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@INCIndia</a>, ending my family’s 55-year relationship with the party.<br />
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I am grateful to all leaders, colleagues &amp; karyakartas for their…</p>
— Milind Deora | मिलिंद देवरा ☮️ (@milinddeora) <a href="https://twitter.com/milinddeora/status/1746368092736037291?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Milind's resignation marks&nbsp;another young leader deserting the Congress ship which has been tottering for some time. Prior to him, the likes of Jyotiraditya Scindia, Jaiveer Shergill, and Hardik Patel among others have already quit the party.</p>

<p>Milind, son of Congress veteran Murli Deora, was forced to resign as the Uddhav Thackeray faction of the Shiv Sena in the western state of Maharashtra staked claim on the Mumbai South Lok Sabha seat - a traditional stronghold of the Deora family.</p>

<h2>Congress is now abusing industrialists:<strong>&nbsp;Deora</strong></h2>

<p>The 47-year-old Milind Deora, a former Union minister, slammed Congress left right and centre and targeted the Congress for abusing industrialists and businessmen.<br />
“The same party that ushered in economic reforms 30 years ago, is now abusing industrialists, businessmen, and calling businessmen ‘anti-nationals’,” Deora said.<br />
“It is sad that there is a lot of difference between the Congress my father joined in 1968 and the one I joined in 2004. Had the Congress and the UBT focussed on constructive issues and suggestions, and merit and ability, then Mr Shinde and I would not be here today,” he added.</p>

<h2><strong>Why did Milind Deora quit the party?</strong></h2>

<p>Mumbai South has been a stronghold of the Deoras, who have won the seat in 1984, 1989, 1991 and 1998. Currently, Uddhav faction's (UBT) Arvind Sawant is the MP from the constituency. However, Milind argued that even though he is not the sitting MP, the seat remains a traditional Congress bastion.</p>

<p>The UBT does not agree with Deora and refuses to vacate the seat for Congress. Speaking to the media, Sanjay Raut, a senior leader of the party said despite the row over the seat-sharing in the INDIA bloc, his party will not budge from the original formula.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We are speaking with the decision-makers, the central leadership -- not the state leadership. We told them that we always contested 23 seats. Congress has to start with zero in Maharashtra. Neither we have a problem, nor Congress's central leadership has a problem. Rest it does not matter who said what," said Raut.</p>

<p>After Raut's statement, Milind retorted&nbsp;saying Congress was the largest opposition party in the&nbsp;Maharashtra Assembly.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"According to Sanjay Raut, even after losing 40 MLAs (to the Shinde group), Uddhav Sena is the largest party in Maharashtra. I want to tell him that no alliance can proceed without the consultation of the local leadership," said Milind.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After his resignation, speculations were rife that Deora might follow other ex-Congress leaders and join the BJP. However, he preferred Shiv Sena which is an ally of the saffron party.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Congress leader Milind Deora on Sunday (Jan 14) announced his resignation from the Congress party, ending a 55-year association of the Deora family with the country's oldest political party.

Congress leader Milind Deora on Sunday (Jan 14) announced his resignation from the Congress party, ending a 55-year association of the Deora family with the country's oldest political party. Later in the evening, Deora joined Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena faction, further giving a jolt to Congress. Deora took to his social media handles to announce his departure, stating it was the conclusion of a "significant chapter" in his political journey. "Today marks the conclusion of a significant chapter in my political journey. I have tendered my resignation from the primary membership of @INCIndia, ending my family’s 55-year relationship with the party," said Deora on X, formerly known as Twitter. "I am grateful to all leaders, colleagues & karyakartas for their unwavering support over the years," he added. Today marks the conclusion of a significant chapter in my political journey. I have tendered my resignation from the primary membership of @INCIndia, ending my family’s 55-year relationship with the party. I am grateful to all leaders, colleagues & karyakartas for their… — Milind Deora | मिलिंद देवरा ☮️ (@milinddeora) January 14, 2024 × Milind's resignation marks another young leader deserting the Congress ship which has been tottering for some time. Prior to him, the likes of Jyotiraditya Scindia, Jaiveer Shergill, and Hardik Patel among others have already quit the party. Milind, son of Congress veteran Murli Deora, was forced to resign as the Uddhav Thackeray faction of the Shiv Sena in the western state of Maharashtra staked claim on the Mumbai South Lok Sabha seat - a traditional stronghold of the Deora family. Congress is now abusing industrialists: Deora The 47-year-old Milind Deora, a former Union minister, slammed Congress left right and centre and targeted the Congress for abusing industrialists and businessmen. “The same party that ushered in economic reforms 30 years ago, is now abusing industrialists, businessmen, and calling businessmen ‘anti-nationals’,” Deora said. “It is sad that there is a lot of difference between the Congress my father joined in 1968 and the one I joined in 2004. Had the Congress and the UBT focussed on constructive issues and suggestions, and merit and ability, then Mr Shinde and I would not be here today,” he added. Why did Milind Deora quit the party? Mumbai South has been a stronghold of the Deoras, who have won the seat in 1984, 1989, 1991 and 1998. Currently, Uddhav faction's (UBT) Arvind Sawant is the MP from the constituency. However, Milind argued that even though he is not the sitting MP, the seat remains a traditional Congress bastion. The UBT does not agree with Deora and refuses to vacate the seat for Congress. Speaking to the media, Sanjay Raut, a senior leader of the party said despite the row over the seat-sharing in the INDIA bloc, his party will not budge from the original formula. "We are speaking with the decision-makers, the central leadership -- not the state leadership. We told them that we always contested 23 seats. Congress has to start with zero in Maharashtra. Neither we have a problem, nor Congress's central leadership has a problem. Rest it does not matter who said what," said Raut. After Raut's statement, Milind retorted saying Congress was the largest opposition party in the Maharashtra Assembly. "According to Sanjay Raut, even after losing 40 MLAs (to the Shinde group), Uddhav Sena is the largest party in Maharashtra. I want to tell him that no alliance can proceed without the consultation of the local leadership," said Milind. After his resignation, speculations were rife that Deora might follow other ex-Congress leaders and join the BJP. However, he preferred Shiv Sena which is an ally of the saffron party. (With inputs from agencies)

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