Maharashtra
Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024: Mahayuti Alliance Holds Off On Naming CM Eknath Shinde As Chief Ministerial Candidate, Keeping Election Strategy Fluid

Mumbai: As Maharashtra prepares for upcoming state elections, all eyes are on the Mahayuti alliance, which includes the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), BJP, and NCP (Ajit Pawar faction). While current Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is set to lead the alliance, there’s hesitance to officially name him as the Chief Ministerial candidate. Instead, Mahayuti is urging the opposition Mahavikas Aghadi (MVA) to announce their candidate while strategically holding off on confirming Shinde’s nomination. This tactic has led analysts to speculate about the delay, particularly since Shinde is seen as the clear frontrunner.
Reasons For The Delay
One key reason for this delay is the need for strategic flexibility. Maharashtra’s political landscape is highly dynamic, with rapid shifts in voter sentiment and fragile alliances. The current environment is especially complex due to faction splits within major parties, making it prudent for Mahayuti to keep its options open. By not immediately locking in Shinde as the candidate, the alliance can adapt to last-minute political changes as the campaign unfolds.
Another consideration is maintaining the balance of power within the alliance. Eknath Shinde’s leadership has solidified his position within Mahayuti but with significant players like the BJP and Ajit Pawar’s NCP involved, prematurely naming him could risk alienating key allies. The leadership appears committed to ensuring all factions feel included in post-election discussions, fostering unity within the coalition.
Delaying the announcement also allows the alliance to concentrate on collective goals rather than putting the spotlight solely on Shinde. By avoiding a singular focus on him, Mahayuti can emphasize broader issues such as development and governance, where they have established credibility, rather than making the election a referendum on his leadership.
What Would Happen If There’s An Early Declaration Of Chief Ministerial Candidate?
Additionally, early declaration of a Chief Ministerial candidate can lead to voter polarization. Although Shinde has a solid support base among Shiv Sena followers, there are certain demographics that might hesitate to back him due to caste or regional factors. By waiting, Mahayuti aims to attract undecided voters and stay responsive to emerging challenges.
Despite the strategic postponements, Shinde remains a formidable candidate for Chief Minister. His journey from rickshaw driver to the state’s top office resonates deeply with many in Maharashtra. Known for his humility and strong work ethic, Shinde has earned respect for his hands-on approach, particularly in major infrastructure projects like the Samruddhi Mahamarg and Mumbai Metro expansion.
Shinde’s unique ability to blend tradition with modernity enhances his appeal. He honors Shiv Sena’s Hindutva legacy while adapting the party’s message to resonate with contemporary voters. His initiatives, such as the Majhi Ladki Bahin scheme, highlight his commitment to empowering women and preserving Maharashtra’s cultural heritage.
Moreover, his crisis management skills have been evident during natural disasters, where he has led with urgency and effectiveness. This track record has significantly improved the state’s disaster response capabilities.
While Mahayuti’s delay in announcing Shinde’s candidacy is a calculated strategy, his qualifications and dedication to Maharashtra’s development are undeniable. If the alliance secures victory, Shinde appears poised to continue steering the state toward progress with his dynamic leadership style.
Crime
Thane Crime: Anti-Extortion Cell Arrest 3 Men With Country-Made Revolvers And Live Cartridges Worth ₹1.82 Lakh; Case Registered Under Arms Act

Thane: The Anti-Extortion Cell of the Thane Police arrested three individuals for allegedly possessing four country-made revolvers and eight live cartridges worth ₹1.82 lakh in Thane.
The accused have been identified as Akshay Sahani (20), a resident of Delhi; Bintu Gaur (26), a resident of Uttar Pradesh; and Akash Verma (26), also a resident of Delhi.
Acting on a tip-off from a reliable informer on August 30, police learned that three individuals had come to the Kalyan station area intending to sell arms. A team was formed, and a trap was laid at the location.
The suspects were intercepted, and during the search, police recovered two country-made revolvers, two duplicate revolvers, and six live cartridges. The accused were then taken to the police station for further investigation. An FIR has been registered against them under the relevant sections of the Arms Act.
Shailesh Salvi, Senior Police Inspector from the Anti-Extortion Cell, said, “We apprehended the accused and later produced them in court, where they were remanded in police custody until September 4 for further investigation.”
Police sources added that investigations are underway to determine the source of the weapons and their intended buyers.
Crime
Palghar News: 31-Year-Old Woman Advocate Files Complaint Of Molestation During Auto Ride In Virar

Palghar: A 31-year-old woman advocate from Virar has filed a police complaint alleging molestation and intimidation while traveling in an autorickshaw at Global City, Virar (West).
According to the FIR registered at Bolinj Police Station, the incident occurred around 11:40 a.m. on August 29 when the complainant, identified as Renuka Manoj Kumar Saraswat, was on her way from the Global City rickshaw stand to Virar railway station.
The complaint states that an unknown male passenger seated next to her touched her arm inappropriately and made objectionable remarks, calling her “baby” and asking her to hold his hand. The man then allegedly telephoned another person, identified as Advocate Yadav (full name and address unknown), who arrived at the spot.
The complainant further alleged that Advocate Yadav peeped into the autorickshaw and threatened her, saying, “I will tell you what molestation really means. Who is your senior?” He also allegedly abused her in foul language.
Police have booked the case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) – Sections 74, 79, 351(2), 352, and 3(5). No arrests have been made so far.
Crime
NCB Attaches Properties Worth ₹2.36 Crore Of Ganja Smuggling Kingpin In Maharashtra

Mumbai: The office of Competent Authority and Administrator under the SAFEMA & NDPS Act has confirmed the orders of attachment issued by NCB Mumbai concerning the movable & immovable properties worth Rs 2.36 Crores of a kingpin who was found involved in smuggling of Ganja.
The seized movable properties include three bank accounts & one Mahindra Thar and immovable properties include a piece of land at Uruli Kanchan, Taluka Haveli, Pune, Maharashtra.
The matter pertains to seizure of 111 Kgs of Ganja at Pathardi Road, Ahilyanagar by Narcotics Control Bureau, Mumbai leading to arrest of five individuals. The drug was found sourced from Andhra-Odisha Border area (AOB) and was destined to Pune, Maharashtra. In course of investigation, the kingpin & mastermind, operating this interstate drug syndicate from Pune had been arrested.
This case exemplifies NCB’s commitment to effectively identifying drug trafficking networks and disrupting their ecosystem by freezing assets acquired through money generated out of drug trafficking.
To fight against drug trafficking, NCB seeks support of the citizens. Any person can share information related to sale of narcotics by calling on MANAS- National Narcotics Helpline Toll Free Number-1933. The identity of the caller is kept confidential.
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