Tag: Maharashtra

Bombay High Court pulls up Maharashtra Govt for not granting allowance to martyrs’ widow

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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On May 2, 2020, 30-year-old Major Anuj Sood sacrificed his life while rescuing civilian hostages in Kashmir in an anti-militancy operation. He was awarded the Shaurya Chakra, which was received by his wife, Aakriti Sood. The two got married a few months before Major Sood was martyred. Now, it’s been three years since martyr Major Anuj Sood’s widow has been fighting to get her allowance from the Maharashtra government.

Aakriti started writing letters to the Maharashtra CM and the Prime Minister in 2021. The government in the state changed, but nothing changed for Martyr Major Sood’s family.

Last month, Aakriti finally approached the court. In the beginning, when the Bombay High Court sought a reply from the state government, the government said that Major Sood didn’t have a domicile certificate so the government couldn’t do anything.

Aakriti Sood’s lawyer Adv Sneha Bhange told CNBC-TV 18 that, “The petitioner (Aakriti Sood) started writing letters to the Maharashtra govt officials, the CM, the sainik welfare board and the PM in 2021. She and Maj Sood’s family is eligible for benefits under two GRs (Government Resolutions) of 2000 and 2019. Her request was rejected citing the lack of a domicile certificate. She provided all the evidence proving that the only house the family has is in Pune and they are Maharashtra residents. But it didn’t help so we filed a writ petition in March 2024.”

In the previous hearings, the court ordered the state government to consider this as a special case. The state government told the court that it can’t do anything now because of the Lok Sabha elections as the model code of conduct has kicked in. The court said that this should be treated like a special case and since it’s a court order, the code of conduct won’t come in the state government’s way.

But in the next hearing, the state govt repeated its earlier reply. The court pulled up the state government for not considering this a special case. The court said in its order that it is conscious of the fact that the state government certainly can take lightning decisions on several issues and as compared to such decisions, the present issue is small but needy.

On Friday, the state government counsel once again mentioned that Martyr Major Anuj Sood didn’t have a domicile certificate. To provide benefits to his family under these circumstances will need a policy change. The state govt’s counsel said that this decision will require policy changes and the government needs a cabinet nod for the same, and that can’t happen because of the code of conduct.

Post this, the Bombay High Court once again pulled up the state government. The court said that it’s very unhappy and surprised at the state government’s stand. “It’s surprising to see that the Maharashtra government wants a cabinet nod to grant compensation to the widow of Major Anuj Sood who sacrificed his life for the nation,” the court said, and directed the state government that if the CM is unable to decide, he has to place it in an affidavit, and the court will deal with it.

The next hearing will take place on April 17.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Maharashtra: Officials take 107-km tortuous route to help two elderly men cast their ballot in Gadchiroli

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Election authorities in Gadchiroli district, Maharashtra, travelled on winding and treacherous tracks and through forests for 107 km to enable two elderly men to vote from their homes for the Lok Sabha polls, officials said on Friday, April 12.

The voters, aged 100 and 86, are from the Gadchiroli-Chimur constituency, which will go to polls in the first phase on April 19.

According to the District Information Office in Gadchiroli, the Election Commission has given those above 85 years and individuals with more than 40% disability the option of casting their ballots from home in the upcoming general elections.

Under the initiative, election officials travelled 107 kilometres from Aheri to Sironcha to reach the homes of 100-year-old Kishtayya Madarboina and 86-year-old Kishtayya Komera who have mobility issues but were keen to exercise their electoral rights, the official said.

Poll officials have approved the applications of 1,037 voters aged above 85 and 338 “divyangs” for voting from home in the Gadchiroli-Chimur constituency, he said.

So far, 1,205 home voters have cast their ballots.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Maharashtra Lok Sabha elections: Seats, schedule, Congress candidates, and more

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Maharashtra, which sends the second-highest number of representatives, 48, after Uttar Pradesh, 80, to the Lok Sabha, remains a keenly watched state during the Lok Sabha elections.

Voting for the 2024 general elections in Maharashtra will be held in five phases– April 19, April 26, May 7, May 13, and May 20. Polling in all six seats in Mumbai will be conducted in the fifth phase. The counting of votes is scheduled for June 4.

Going by the records, the state, which is known for its electoral unpredictability, poses a challenge for all political parties vying for a sweeping victory in general elections.

In the last two Lok Sabha polls—2014 and 2019—the state has voted in favour of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won 23 seats in the 2019 elections, while its then-ally Shiv Sena managed to get 18. The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) secured victory on four seats, while the Congress and AIMIM were restricted to just one seat each. The remaining seat was bagged by an independent.

The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) on Tuesday announced its seat-sharing formula in Maharashtra, noting that the Shiv Sena (UBT) would field its candidates in 21 seats. The Congress would contest 17 seats and the remaining 10 seats went to the NCP (SP).

The MVA is taking on the ruling Mahayuti, which includes the BJP, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party, among others.

Maharashtra Lok Sabha elections: voting dates

Polling in the state will be conducted in the first five phases of the 2024 general elections on April 19, April 26, May 7, May 13, and May 20. In the 2019 polls, Maharashtra witnessed a total voter turnout of 61.02%.

Maharashtra Lok Sabha elections: total seats

Maharashtra has 48 parliamentary constituencies, of which five are reserved for SC candidates and four for ST candidates. The remaining 39 seats remain unreserved.

Maharashtra Lok Sabha elections: Congress candidates

After a dismal performance in the last two general elections, the Congress is aiming for a strong comeback in Maharashtra, backed by its long-time ally the NCP (SP) and the Shiv Sena (UBT).

Here’s a list of candidates announced by the Congress party for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra:

The Congress had earlier fielded Rashmi Barve from the Ramtek Lok Sabha seat. However, her caste certificate was invalidated during scrutiny, according to reports.

The grand old party, as a matter of precaution, had filed her husband Shyamkumar Barve’s name as the substitute along with affidavits. This might make him now the official candidate of the Congress from the Lok Sabha seat.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Maharashtra Lok Sabha elections 2024: Seats, schedule, BJP candidates and more

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Maharashtra sends the second-highest number of parliamentarians, to the Lok Sabha, just behind Uttar Pradesh (80). Maharashtra is one of the few states where registering a landslide victory in general elections is a rare occurrence going by records.

Known for its unpredictability during polls, the state holds great significance as it can play a major factor in getting a majority in Lok Sabha.

Voting for the 2024 general elections will be held in seven phases from April 19 to June 1. In Maharashtra, polling will be conducted in five phases on April 19, April 26, May 7, May 13 and May 20. All the six parliamentary constituencies in Mumbai will go to polls in the fifth phase. The counting of votes will be done on June 4.

Maharashtra, which lays a great emphasis on local issues during the polls, saw the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) bagging the most seats (23) in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, while its then ally Shiv Sena got 18. The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) won 4 seats and the Congress and Asaduddin Owaisi’s AIMIM were restricted to one seat each. One seat was taken by an Independent.

As per the seat-sharing formula of the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) in Maharashtra, the Shiv Sena (UBT) will field its candidates on 21 seats, while the Congress will contest 17 seats and the NCP (SP) on the remaining 10 in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

The ruling Mahayuti — Bharatiya Janata Party, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party among others — are yet to decide on the seat-sharing formula.

Maharashtra Lok Sabha elections: Voting dates

Polling for the 2024 general elections in Maharashtra is scheduled during the first five phases on April 19, April 26, May 7, May 13 and May 20. The state saw a total voter turnout of 61.02% in the 2019 elections.

Maharashtra Lok Sabha elections: Total seats

The state has a total of 48 parliamentary constituencies. Of these, five seats are reserved for SC and four for the ST candidates. The remaining 39 seats are unreserved.

Maharashtra Lok Sabha elections: BJP candidates

Being in a dominant position in Maharashtra, the BJP-led Mahayuti is eyeing the maximum number of seats in the 2024 elections.

Here’s a list of candidates announced by the BJP in the state for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls:

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Maharashtra: MVA finalises seat sharing, Shiv Sena to contest on 21 seats, Cong 17 and NCP 10

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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The Mahavikas Aghadi (MVA) on Tuesday, April 9, reached a consensus on seat sharing in Maharastra ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. The Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray) will contest 21 seats, Congress on 17 and the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar) on 10 out of the 48 Parliamentary constituencies.

As part of the deal, the Shiv Sena (UBT) has got Jalgaon, Parbhani, Nashik, Palghar, Kalyan, Thane, Raigad, Maval, Osmanabad, Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg, Buldhana, Hathkanangkale, Aurangabad, Shirdi, Sangli, Hingoli, Yavatmal-Washim, Mumbai South, Mumbai South Central, Mumbai North West and Mumbai North East seats.

The Congress has got Nandurbar, Dhule, Akola, Amravati, Nagpur, Bhandara-Gondia, Gadchiroli-Chimur, Chandrapur, Nanded, Jalna, Mumbai North Central, Mumbai North, Pune, Latur, Solapur, Kolhapur and Ramtek seats.

The NCP(SP) will contest Baramati, Shirur, Satara, Bhiwandi, Dindori, Madha, Raver, Wardhan, Ahmednagar South and Beed seats.

The state will vote in five phases from April 19 to May 20 in a direct contest between MVA and Mahayuti [BJP, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde) and NCP (Ajit Pawar).

NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray and state Congress president Nana Patole announced the poll pact at a press conference here after weeks of negotiations.

The state is politically important as it holds the second-largest number of Lok Sabha seats.  In the 2019 General Elections, BJP and Shiv Sena contested together before the vertical split in the latter in 2022. The BJP won 23 seats and Shiv Sena bagged 18 constituencies. The NCP won 4 seats and split into two after Ajit Pawar joined the Eknath Shinde-Devendra Fadnavis government in 2023. The Congress, AIMIM and Independent won one seat each.

The seven-phased Lok Sabha elections will begin voting on April 19. The voting will end on June 1. The result will be declared on June 4.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Lok Sabha Election LIVE: PM Modi holds road show in Chennai, targets Rahul Gandhi for ‘Shakti’ remarks

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Lok Sabha Election LIVE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday attacked the INDIA alliance over its earlier “Shakti” remarks of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and said he was reminding the people on the first day of Navratri how the opposition blow has “vowed to end Shakti.” Addressing a rally in Philibhit in Uttar Pradesh in support of the party’s candidate, Jitin Prasada, PM Modi also accused the Congress of “appeasement politics.”

Meanwhile in Maharashtra, the opposition Mahavikas Aghadi (MVA) on Tuesday announced its seat-sharing formula for the Lok Sabha polls with the Shiv Sena (UBT) getting the major chunk of 21 seats, while the Congress will contest 17 and the NCP (SP) 10 seats. The Congress gave up its claim on the contentious Sangli and Bhiwandi seats, which will now be contested by the Sena (UBT) and the NCP (SP), respectively.

As part of the deal, the Shiv Sena (UBT) has got Jalgaon, Parbhani, Nashik, Palghar, Kalyan, Thane, Raigad, Maval, Osmanabad, Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg, Buldhana, Hathkanangkale, Aurangabad, Shirdi, Sangli, Hingoli, Yavatmal-Washim, Mumbai South, Mumbai South Central, Mumbai North West and Mumbai North East seats.

The Congress has got Nandurbar, Dhule, Akola, Amravati, Nagpur, Bhandara-Gondia, Gadchiroli-Chimur, Chandrapur, Nanded, Jalna, Mumbai North Central, Mumbai North, Pune, Latur, Solapur, Kolhapur and Ramtek seats. The NCP (SP) will contest Baramati, Shirur, Satara, Bhiwandi, Dindori, Madha, Raver, Wardhan, Ahmednagar South and Beed seats. The Lok Sabha polls will be held in the state in five phases, from April 19 to May 20.

Here are the live updates from the Lok Sabha election and campaign trail

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Gudi Padwa wishes, messages, quotes to share on the Marathi New Year

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Gudi Pudwa is celebrated by the Marathi community. The auspicious day is observed with utmost oomph and fervour. Gudi Padwa is marked on the first day of Chaitra month. This year, Gudi Padwa falls on April 9. To make the beginning of the New Year a memorable one, we have curated a list of wishes, messages and WhatsApp SMS that you can share with your friends and family.

• Wishing you a vibrant beginning of the new year! May the new year bring you loads of happiness and laughter. Happy Gudi Padwa!
• May the almighty bless you with joy, health, prosperity, wealth and happiness this year. Happy Gudi Padwa!
• Hope you have great celebrations and get to spend some quality time with your loved ones! Have a cheerful, fun-filled, prosperous year ahead! Happy Gudi Padwa 2024!
• In this new year look forward to new aims, new vision, and new achievements everything waiting for you! Forget the failures, correct the mistakes and move forward! Happy Gudi Padwa!
• This Gudi Padwa, I pray that God showers blessings on you.
• May true happiness, success, and good fortune bestow on you this year! Happy Gudi Padwa to you and your family!
• May this Gudi Padwa bring many new opportunities your way, to explore every joy of life and turn all your dreams into reality and all your efforts into great achievements! Wish you and your family a very Happy Gudi Padwa!
• Love, joy and happiness may all of these be showered upon you this New Year! Wishing you and your entire family a very Happy Gudi Padwa 2024!

Gudi Padwa Quotes that you can send to your family and friends

• May this auspicious occasion of Gudi Padwa shower happiness, prosperity, and success into your life. Happy Gudi Padwa to you and your family!
• On the occasion of Gudi Padwa, may you be blessed with good health, joy, and prosperity. Happy Gudi Padwa 2024 to you and your family!
• As we commemorate Gudi Padwa, let’s cherish the traditions and values that keep us together as a family and a community. Happy New Year!

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Gudi Padwa: Significance and how it is celebrated

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Gudi Padwa will be observed on April 9, Tuesday. The day marks the beginning of the Marathi New Year. Also known as Samvatsara Padvoy, it is celebrated on the first day of the Chaitra month.

Significance of Gudi Padwa

Gudi Padwa holds a rich cultural significance. As per Hindu mythology, it is said that the universe was created on this day by Lord Bramha.

The word ’Gudi’ means decorated flag or banner, which is hoisted outside the houses as a symbol of victory and prosperity on this day. According to the traditional ways, the Gudi is by winding a silk cloth which is often bright in colour to the tip of a bamboo stick. The bamboo stick is then decorated with garlands and neem leaves and a copper or silver pot (Kalash) is placed upside down over it. The Gudi is then placed outside the household, which signifies the victory of Lord Ram over Ravana.

How Gudi Padwa is Celebrated?

On this day, people clean and decorate the households with rangolis, mango leaves and marigold flowers. People take oil baths and chew neem leaves to celebrate new beginnings, as per Drik Panchang.

‘Shrikhand-Puri’ is one of the dishes prepared on the occasion of Gudi Padwa.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Gudi Padwa 2024: Date, shubh muhurat, rituals, puja vidhi and more

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Gudi Padwa, also known as the Marathi New Year, is observed as Samvatsar Padvo and is celebrated with great enthusiasm by Maharashtrians and Konkanis across the country. On Gudi Padwa, people keep the Gudi (a flag) outside the window or door to welcome the New Year. According to the Hindu calendar, the festival is marked on the first day of Chaitra month.

Ahead of Gudi Padwa 2024, take a look at the date, shubh muhurat, and important rituals.

Gudi Padwa 2024: Date and Shubh Muhurat

This year, Gudi Padwa will be celebrated on Tuesday, 9 April 2024. According to Drik Panchang, here are the shubh muhurat:

Pratipada Tithi begins at: 11:50 pm on 8 April 2024

Pratipada Tithi ends at: 8:30 pm on 9 April 2024

Gudi Padwa 2024: Rituals and Puja Vidhi

On the day of Gudi Padwa, the day starts with an oil bath followed by some special prayers. Devotees also eat neem leaves with jaggery or other seeds.

After taking the oil bath, devotees decorate their homes with rangoli and other decorations, depicting the colours of spring.

Next, a few routine rituals are performed which include an auspicious puja for worshipping Lord Brahma along with a havan which is also conducted to offer prayers to Lord Vishnu and his different incarnations.

On the other hand, women in Maharashtra create lovely ‘Gudi’ in their homes on the festival and worship them. Gudi is basically a flag, made with an inverted silver or copper pot covered with yellow cloth and adorned on the top of a bamboo stick. Devotees believe that the Gudi helps to protect families from all the negative energy and bring fortune.

Lastly, after the rituals and puja are completed, prasadam is distributed among others including gram lentils, honey, and cumin seeds.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Maharashtra Assembly Speaker urges Alibaug to be renamed ‘Maynaknagri’

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar has urged the state government to rename Alibaug as ‘Maynaknagri’ in memory of Maynak Bhandari, who played a crucial role in the naval prowess of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

The coastal town of Alibaug near Mumbai is a tourist attraction and a municipal council in the state’s Raigad district.

Narwekar made the demand after a delegation of the All India Bhandari Federation recently met him with a request for the name change.

Narwekar on Thursday wrote to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, stressing that during the reign of Maratha warrior king Shivaji, coastal security and coastal war campaigns were crucial to prevent foreign invasions.

“Shivaji Maharaj laid the foundation of a strong naval force, which Maynak Bhandari led from Konkan. The British had to retreat from the fort at Khanderi-Underi harbour in Alibaug after a bitter struggle and due to the bravery of Maynak Bhandari,” he wrote.

Narwekar also said that a statue of Bhandari should be erected in Alibaug.

The speaker said a delegation of the All India Bhandari Federation led by Navinchandra Bandivdekar met him with the demands. “The demands are justified and I urge the government to look into them,” Narwekar said.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow