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.
Maharashtra
High Court To Decide On Nawab Malik Bail Plea
Taking cognizance of the allegation that former state minister and NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) leader Nawab Malik seems fit and healthy, ashes freely roaming around and campaigning for the assembly election, the Bombay High Court will decide on his bail plea on merit, Justice Manish Pitale said he will decide on the main bail plea while hearing a petition filed by one Samson Pathare, seeking the cancellation of Malik’’s medical bail.
Pathares plea contended that Malik had neither undergone any surgery nor hospitalisation. “He has prima facie misled the court and is misusing the liberty granted to him” the plea added.
Malik was arrested on February 22, 2022, by the Enforcer Plea in HC says NCP leader, out on medical bail, seems ‘fit & healthy’ ment Directorate (ED), in an alleged money laundering case related to underworld fugitive Dawood Ibrahim and his aides.
He was granted interim medical bail by the Supreme Court in August 2023 to undergo treatment for his failing kidneys and needing ‘hospitalisation and continuous treatment.
He is currently competing in the assembly election from the Mankhurd-Shivaji Nagar assembly constituency. Pathare’s advocate, Chandrakant Mishra, argued that, apart from misleading the court about his medical condition, Malik has violated the conditions imposed on him while being granted bail.
He has stayed outside the jurisdiction of the PMLA court for more than four days. Mishra pointed out that Malik has been giving statements to the media, holding election rallies, and “roaming the whole of Maharashtra.” After going through the order dated August 5, 2023, by which Malik was granted bail, Justice Pitale remarked that one of the conditions was that if he went outside the jurisdiction of the PMLA court for four days, he would have to inform the trial court about the itinerary.
And if the stay was going to be for more than four days, he would have to obtain prior permission. Malik’s advocate, Taraq Sayed, asserted that the NCP leader had not stayed outside the PMLA court’s jurisdiction for more than four days. Remarking that it was a serious allegation, the court questioned Mishra about the evidence to support his claim.
“It’s a serious violation that he is remaining outside PMLA court jurisdiction for more than four days. What is the material filed to support allegations?” asked Justice Pitale. Mishra responded by saying he would submit videos and photographs to prove that Malik had violated bail conditions. Justice Pitale noted there was no urgency to hear the plea seeking the cancellation of Malik’s bail, but said, he would decide the NCP leader’s bail plea on merit, instead.
The court, in its order, noted that the application seeking cancellation of Malik’s bail, “falls short of supporting allegations” by Pathare. The court has granted liberty to Pathare to place on record, in two weeks, material/ documents to support his allegation of the violations of bail conditions by Malik. “Since the allegation is that the interim bail was granted on medical condition and after order, said respondent (Malik) is freely roaming around, indicating that he is fit and healthy, it will be appropriate that the main bail application is listed for hearing at the earliest,” Justice Pitale noted. HC has kept Pathare’s plea for hearing along with Malik’s main bail plea on December 9
Crime
Mira-Bhayandar: Police Busts Illicit Liquor Brewing Den In Nallasopara
Mira Bhayandar: Further tightening their screws against illicit liquor mafia ahead of the assembly elections scheduled to be held on 20, November, the Mira Road-based central crime branch unit attached to the Mira Bhayandar-Vasai (MBVV) police busted yet another massive illicit liquor brewing unit which was operating from a hillock in a dense jungle area in Nallasopara on Thursday.
Acting on a tip-off, a team led by assistant police inspector- Dattatray Sarak marched 2-kilometre-deep inside the jungle area located in the Dhaniv Baug area of Nallasopara (east) at around 8 am.
The team seized multiple barrels of hooch along with ingredients including 2,800 litres of fermented jaggery wash, 140 litres of liquor, chemicals and other manufacturing equipment collectively worth more than Rs. 1.42 lakh.
However, the den operator identified as- Prabhakar Bhoye and his employees managed to evade the police dragnet. The entire material and equipment were destroyed on the spot.
An offence under the relevant sections of the Maharashtra Prohibition Act-1949 for construction/works of any distillery or brewery and manufacturing intoxicants has been registered in this context at the Pelhar police station.
The consumption of illicit liquor which is unscientifically manufactured by using toxic chemicals like methanol and rectified spirit can cause deaths and other serious ailments including loss of eyesight. Further investigations were underway.
Maharashtra
Mumbai Weather Update: Lowest Temperature Recorded In Dream City; Check Out AQI & More
Mumbai: The winter season in Mumbai has always been ever-changing in nature due to topography and climate change. While the temperature rises during the noon, mornings and nights are comparatively pleasant. The lowest temperature was recorded this year in the city’s Santacruz area, giving hope of winter’s arrival. However, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted a rise in temperatures in the upcoming days.
Lowest Temperature Recorded
As per a Hindustan Times report, Mumbai experienced a minimum temperature drop below 20 degrees Celsius for the first time this year on Thursday, with Santacruz registering a morning low of 19 degrees Celsius, 2.6 degrees lower than usual. According to a prediction from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), temperatures are expected to increase in the upcoming days.
Today’s Weather Report
Today, on November 15, 2024, the weather in Mumbai shows a temperature of 29°C, with a forecast of 23°C as the minimum and 36°C as the maximum. The humidity level is at 54% with a wind velocity of 6 km/h. The sun will rise at 06:46 AM and set at 06:00 PM.
The forecast for today predicts morning fog with a chance of partly cloudy skies later on. Please organise your day based on the temperature and expected weather patterns. Have fun in the sun, but remember to bring your sunscreen and sunglasses when you enjoy the nice weather.
Tomorrow’s Weather Forecast
The forecast for Mumbai on Saturday, November 16, 2024 is a low of 27.54 °C and a high of 30.53 °C. The humidity is expected to reach 52% tomorrow.
Mumbai AQI Today
Today, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Mumbai is at 119, categorised as moderate. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted foggy skies today. It is advised to wear mask as you head out to start your day.
IMD Predictions
The IMD attributes the weather disturbances to easterly winds and a cyclonic circulation in the southeast Arabian Sea. According to the forecast by IMD, the temperature will reach a high of 34-35 degrees Celsius over the next few days, with a low of around 24-25 degrees Celsius, before decreasing once more.
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