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Maharashtra

Maha Assembly Winter Session: Opposition Protests Against State Govt & Health Minister Over Civic Hospital Deaths

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Nagpur: The opposition parties in Maharashtra, amid the ongoing state assembly winter session, protested against the state government and Health Minister Tanaji Sawant over the deaths that occurred in the state government hospitals.

The leader of the opposition in Maharashtra Assembly, Ambadas Danve, held a board in his hands during the protests, which had the names of areas and the number of deaths in the government hospital of the areas written on the board. He also wore an oxygen mask as a part of the protest.

Nanded Govt Hospital Tragedy

Earlier on October, 24 people, including 12 infants, died at a government hospital in Maharashtra’s Nanded, allegedly due to a shortage of medicines.

The incident was reported at Shankarao Chavan Government Medical College and Hospital here due to the alleged scarcity of medicines.

Dr Shyamrao Wakode, in-charge Dean of the Medical College, said that the deceased were suffering from various ailments, including snake bites, arsenic and phosphorus poisoning, etc.

“Around 12 children died in the last 24 hours…12 adults also died due to various ailments (snake bites, arsenic and phosphorus poisoning, etc.). Due to the transfers of various staff, there was some difficulty for us. We were supposed to buy medicines from the Haffkine Institute but that also didn’t happen. Also, patients come from far off to this hospital and there were many patients whose sanctioned budget also got disturbed,” he said.

The deaths in government hospitals in Chandrapur, Nanded, Kalwa (Thane) and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar were also protested by the opposition parties, who held the state government and health minister responsible for the lack of facilities in the hospitals.

Protest On Centre’s Decision To Ban Onion Exports

Earlier, on Monday, the opposition leaders staged a protest on the third day of the assembly winter session against the centre’s decision to ban onion exports.

The opposition also demanded an increase in the MSP (minimum support price) of onions and financial aid to farmers affected by seasonal rain. Slogans were raised against the government during the protest.

India has prohibited the export of onions till March 2024, as per an official notification issued last week.

The DGFT notification said the export of onions will be, however, allowed on the basis of permission granted by the central government to other countries based on the requests made by the countries.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, speaking on the onion issues and opposition protests, said, “We have given Rs 10,000 crore-12,000 crore in the past 1.5 years to farmers for the losses that occurred due to unseasonal rainfall. We have also given relief beyond the NDRF norms.

“Speaking on the centre’s decision to ban onion exports, Shinde said, “The government is in talks with the centre, and all the possible help will be given to farmers and consumers’ benefits will also be considered. We are also perusing the issue with the central government. The government is committed to providing relief to the farmers.”

Maharashtra

Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024: Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi Pays Homage To Dr BR Ambedkar At Deekshabhoomi In Nagpur, Launches Party’s Campaign With Criticism Of BJP & RSS On Inequality

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Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi Pays Homage To Dr BR Ambedkar At Deekshabhoomi In Nagpur, Launches Party's Campaign With Criticism Of BJP & RSS On Inequality

Nagpur: Congress leader and star campaigner Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday launched his party’s election campaign with a visit to Deekshabhoomi that stands in memory of B R Ambedkar and then latching on to the Constitution book that stands for equality.

“When I talk about the caste census, Modiji says that I am dividing the nation. But I am amplifying only a feeble voice from the deprived masses. I have heard the voice which says 90% of the population gets no benefit of the country’s resources. Only a caste census can give justice to this 90% deprived population of India,” said Rahul.

“The RSS and the BJP cannot attack the Constitution from the front. So they hide behind ‘vikas’ , ‘pragati’ , unity (words like ‘development’, ‘progress’, patriotism’) to carry on their agenda of inequality that ensures benefits only to few individuals at the cost of vast majority of people,” said the Congress leader.

Gandhi was addressing a “Samvidhan Samman Sammelan” (Respecting Constitution conference) organized by OBC youth Rights Forum which was attended by members of 200 civil society organizations and NGOs and social bodies that work for equal rights among people.

Though the convention was supposed to be non-political and pro-Constitution affair with no Congress leader adorning the dais except Rahul Gandhi, the purpose of hitting the BJP-RSS hard under the garb of saving statute book was more than obvious. “Modiji is having sleepless nights ever since I raised this demand of caste census,” thundered Rahul Gandhi.

Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi Accuses BJP & RSS Of Ignoring The Caste Census Demand

“The BJP and RSS are huddled in meetings to find a way to wriggle out of this situation but are finding it hard to take a position, “ Rahul stated accusing the BJP and RSS of ignoring the caste census demand as they wanted only 5% of the people in the country to accumulate wealth and enjoy benefits of power. “From where does the RSS get money to maintain its huge facility here and to run Shishu Mandirs and Eklavya Vidyalayas,” he asked and answered that it comes from BJP-run governments in MP, Rajasthan , Gujarat and from favoured industrialists Adani and Ambani.

Rahul Gandhi Reaffirms His Commitment To The Caste Census

Rahul Gandhi reaffirmed his commitment to the caste census, describing it as a step towards justice and equity. He argued that the level of caste-based discrimination in India is unparalleled in the world. Arriving here this afternoon, Gandhi first visited Deekshabhoomi, the historic site where Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Indian Constitution, embraced Buddhism in 1956.

Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi Pays Tribute To Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar

Paying homage to Ambedkar before attending the Samvidhan Sammelan, Gandhi highlighted Ambedkar’s legacy.

“When you read Ambedkar ji’s writings, you’ll see that he isn’t speaking of his own struggles but of others’. Ambedkar ji and Gandhiji never focused on their own pain—they spoke for the suffering of the people. When India entrusted Ambedkar ji with drafting the Constitution, it meant it resonates voices and pain of millions of marginalised masses.”

The Constitution drafted by Ambedkar is not just a book but a way of life, Gandhi said. When people from the RSS and BJP attack the Constitution, they are attacking the voice of the country, he added. “You won’t find a single Dalit, OBC and Adivasi in the management team of Adani group,” Gandhi said. “You waive off Rs 16 lakh crore debts of just 25 people, but when I speak of farmers’ loan waiver, I am attacked for changing habits of these people,” he lamented.

“Caste census will bring a clarity an paradigm shift as it will ensure justice to 90% of people who are missing from judiciary, bureaucracy, corporate management . It will give these deprived masses, power, wealth and respectability ,” Gandhi said. “We have demolish the 50 per cent (reservation cap) wall,” he added. We have to tell the country that we are fighting to secure justice for over 90 per cent marginalised people in the country,” he said.

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Maharashtra

Maharashtra Elections 2024: Holiday Declared For Voters In Mumbai On November 20

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Mumbai: For enabling the citizens to cast their vote in the Maharashtra assembly elections 2024, a mandatory holiday has been declared in Mumbai on Wednesday, November 20. The announcement was made by Mumbai District Election Officer and Brihanmumbai Municipal (BMC) Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani. No salary deduction is allowed for leave on the polling day and action will be taken against the employers who do not abide the rule.

“It is mandatory for government and private sector companies, corporations, undertaking, industrial groups, trades all other establishments to grant leave to labourers, employees and officers on WednesdaNovember 20, 2024, to exercise their right to vote for Legislative Assembly General Election-2024,” reads the statement issued by BMC.

However, in exceptional circumstances where it is not possible to grant full day leave, employees can be given relaxation of at least four hours. But with prior permission of the election officer.

The Election Commission of India has undertaken various initiatives to encourage the eligible voters in Mumbai to step out and cast vote and increase the voting percentage. The commission had expressed worry about the apathy of urban voters.

The order by the District Election officer says, “Every person engaged in any business, trade, industrial undertaking or any other establishment in the polling area where the election is held and entitled to vote in the State Assembly elections shall be given a holiday on the polling day i.e. Wednesday, November 20, 2024. This rule shall be applicable to all industrial groups, corporations, companies and institutions, industrial undertakings or other establishments etc.”

“No deduction of any kind shall be allowed in the salary of the concerned person in lieu of this leave. Violation of these rules or provisions by any employer will be dealt with as per Election Commission rules. According to Section 135 (b) of the Representation of the People Act- 1951, no action shall be taken against any voter.”

Strict actions will be taken against the employer if the rule by election commission is not followed.

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Maharashtra

Maharashtra: Ex-DGP Rashmi Shukla’s Fate In Hands Of New Govt, Likely To Be Re-appointed If Mahayuti Comes To Power After Assembly Elections

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Maharashtra: Ex-DGP Rashmi Shukla's Fate In Hands Of N.ew Govt, Likely To Be Re-appointed If Mahayuti Comes To Power After Assembly Elections

Mumbai: After the Election Commission (EC) removed IPS officer Rashmi Shukla from her position as Maharashtra’s Director General of Police (DGP), her fate now lies in the hands of the new government, unless the EC grants her another posting before the code of conduct ends. The polling for the Maharashtra assembly will be held on November, 20 and results will be declared three days after that.

Ahead of the state elections, the EC removed Shukla on Monday following a complaint from Congress. IPS officer Sanjay Verma was appointed as new Maharashtra DGP on Tuesday, however, Shukla remains without any post as of today.

Will Shukla Be Reappointed

IPS Shukla was appointed as Maharashtra DGP for two years by the state government. Quoting the sources in Mantralaya, Loksatta reported that after Shukla’s removal by EC ahead of polls, the decision of IPS Shukla’s new appointment will be taken by the new government itself. The report also added that Sanjay Verma has been appointed as DGP till until the code of conduct expires and if the Mahayuti government comes to power again, Shukla will be reappointed as Maharashtra DGP.

Nana Patole Requests Non-Appointment Of Shukla

Maharashtra Congress President Nana Patole on Monday evening wrote to the EC thanking for the prompt action and removal of IPS Rashmi Shukla. However, Patole also requested the commission to not appoint Shukla to any position, adhering the legal framework. Notably, the DGP is the highest post in police services in Maharashtra.

Shukla was brought back from the centre after the Mahayuti formed government in Maharashtra. Shukla retired in June this year, however she was granted extension by the state government.

Since the announcement of Maharashtra assembly polls, the opposition MVA led by Congress has been asking for Shukla’s removal alleging that she was biased towards the Eknath Shinde-led Mahayuti government.

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