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Maharashtra Elections 2024: 137 Seats Of Vidarbha & MMR-Konkan Belt To ‘Decide’ The Fate Of Mahayuti & MVA

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Maharashtra Elections 2024: 137 Seats Of Vidarbha & MMR-Konkan Belt To 'Decide' The Fate Of Mahayuti & MVA

Mumbai: In the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections, two critical regions, Vidarbha and the Konkan-Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) belt are expected to play a decisive role in determining the outcome. These areas hold 62 and 75 seats respectively and both the ruling Mahayuti alliance and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) are focusing their strategies on these regions.

Insights from the recent Lok Sabha elections indicate a tight contest between the two coalitions, with the MVA winning 30 out of Maharashtra’s 48 seats, while the Mahayuti secured 17. Despite this, there was less than a 1% difference in the vote share between them, with the MVA at 43.71% and Mahayuti at 43.55%.

Outcome Of Recent Lok Sabha Elections

Vidarbha, with the highest number of assembly seats and the MMR-Konkan belt, are seen as battlegrounds that could tip the scales. In Vidarbha, the MVA led in 7 out of 10 Lok Sabha seats, while the Mahayuti performed better in the Konkan region, winning 5 out of 6 seats outside Mumbai. Mumbai itself saw the MVA dominate, winning 4 out of 6 seats.

Mahayuti Relying On Effect Of Schemes & Grassroots Campaigning

The Mahayuti’s strategy revolves around bridging the gap of 30-odd seats where the MVA currently leads, leveraging caste combinations, grassroots campaigning and populist schemes like the Ladki Bahin Yojana. The alliance is focusing on strengthening its position in regions where it performed well in the Lok Sabha polls, particularly in Vidarbha and the MMR-Konkan belt.

The BJP, which once dominated Vidarbha, is hoping to regain its stronghold, while Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena faction remains confident of winning in the Konkan-MMR districts, where it has deep roots.

MVA Focussing On Maratha Quota & Farmers’ Issues

In contrast, the MVA, bolstered by the Maratha reservation movement and the legacy of Sharad Pawar in western Maharashtra, is confident of maintaining its lead in Marathwada and western Maharashtra. Maratha agitation is a key factor in these regions, with the MVA seen as having the upper hand.

In Vidarbha, discontent among farmers and youth, coupled with the Dalit, Muslim and Kunbi alliance that benefited the Congress in the Lok Sabha polls, could also play a decisive role in the MVA’s favour.

Reports citing political analysts believe the BJP’s success in Vidarbha will depend on its ability to appeal to various caste groups and the impact of populist welfare schemes. While the Mahayuti is optimistic about maintaining its hold in Konkan and parts of Vidarbha, the MVA is poised to exploit any growing dissatisfaction among the electorate, particularly in rural areas.

Ultimately, the performance of both alliances in Vidarbha and MMR-Konkan will be crucial in determining the balance of power in Maharashtra’s assembly elections. The elections will be conducted in a single phase, with the polling date on November 20. The counting of votes will take place on November 23.

Maharashtra

Major Bust of EcoStar Recycling Company in Thane for Selling Expired Goods

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Thane, Maharashtra – In a significant operation, the Thane Crime Branch has exposed EcoStar Recycling Company for allegedly selling expired food items, grains, cosmetics, and sanitary products instead of properly disposing of them as mandated by Flipkart. The company was found to be illegally reselling these goods to the market, raising serious concerns about consumer safety.

The investigation began when the Crime Branch received credible information regarding the questionable practices of EcoStar Recycling. Authorities discovered that the company was reversing the standard protocol for handling expired products, allowing them to enter the market rather than being properly destroyed.

During the raid, officials seized a substantial quantity of expired items that were intended to be discarded. Investigators are now scrutinizing the extent of the operation and the potential network involved in the fraudulent sales.

The Thane Crime Branch, known for its proactive measures against such illegal activities, has emphasized the importance of consumer health and safety. “We are committed to ensuring that companies comply with regulations regarding expired products. Our team is determined to put an end to these harmful practices,” said an officer involved in the investigation.

As inquiries continue, EcoStar Recycling Company faces serious legal repercussions, and additional investigations are underway to track down distribution channels that may have been complicit in the sale of these products.

Authorities remind consumers to be vigilant when purchasing food and hygiene products, advocating for awareness regarding expiry dates. The case highlights the ongoing challenge of illegal sales and the need for stricter enforcement of laws designed to protect public health.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.

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Maharashtra

Maharashtra Honeytrap Row: Minister Yogesh Kadam Rejects Allegations, Calls It ‘Political Mudslinging’

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Mumbai: Amid uproar in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly over sensational honeytrap allegations, Minister of State for Home Affairs Yogesh Kadam on Thursday firmly denied any official confirmation regarding the matter.

Reacting to Congress leader Nana Patole’s claims, Kadam said, “There has been no official confirmation so far. No complaint has been filed at any police station. The reports in the media appear completely baseless. This seems like an attempt to defame the government. If anyone has evidence, they should present it, politics should not be played through rumours.

Nana Patole Raises Honeytrap Issue In Assembly

The controversy erupted on Wednesday during Zero Hour when Congress MLA Nana Patole alleged in the Assembly that senior IAS officers and cabinet ministers were being targeted in a honeytrap operation. According to Patole, this may have resulted in the leak of confidential state information.

“There is growing concern that classified information from Maharashtra has been accessed through a systematic honeytrap. Reports suggest involvement of senior officials and ministers. If this has reached anti-national hands, it’s a direct threat to state security,” he said.

Patole demanded that the government issue a clarification in the House by the end of the day, warning that the Opposition would otherwise intensify its agitation. Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar acknowledged the matter and stated that the government should take note.

Outside the House, Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule yesterday commented that the Home Department and police authorities may already be examining the claims. However, Yogesh Kadam’s statement today marked the first official government rejection of the charges.

Meanwhile, Opposition leaders alleged that several top officials had been filmed in compromising positions at a luxury hotel in Nashik. They claimed the footage was being used for blackmail and that at least 72 names had surfaced in preliminary findings. However, these claims remain unverified, and no formal complaints have been lodged.

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Maharashtra

Mumbai Tragedy: 40-Year-Old Differently-Abled Woman Dies By Suicide After Jumping Off 16th Floor Of Bandra Govt Colony; Husband Being Questioned

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Mumbai: In a tragic incident on Wednesday, a 40-year-old differently-abled woman allegedly died by suicide by jumping from the 16th floor of her apartment in the New Bandra Government Colony today at 3 PM. The deceased, Sheetal Pawar, lived with her husband Satish Pawar, a government employee with the Bombay High Court, in flat number 1605.

According to Kherwadi police, Satish was present inside the flat at the time of the incident. However, no suicide note was recovered from the scene. Preliminary investigation has revealed that Sheetal was physically challenged and unable to walk, which may have contributed to her mental distress.

The police are continuing their probe from all possible angles. Satish Pawar is also being questioned as part of the investigation.

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