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Maharashtra Elections 2024: BJP Renominates Bharati Lavekar For Versova Amid Infrastructure Delays; MVA Puts Forward Haroon Khan

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Mumbai: Versova is one of the Vidhan Sabha constituencies located in the Mumbai Suburban district and is part of the Mumbai North West Lok Sabha constituency. Bharati Lavekar, 58, served as a BJP MLA for two consecutive terms and has now been nominated by the BJP for a third term.

With 2.82 lakh voters, the Versova constituency covers areas including Seven Bungalows, Yari Road, Versova, Lokhandwala, Oshiwara, Veera Desai Road, and parts of Jogeshwari West. It is a cosmopolitan area, with a significant Minorities and North Indian population, and includes the Koli community. The constituency comprises a mix of affluent, upper-middle-class, middle-class, and economically weaker sections of society.

The Versova constituency was established during the 2008 delimitation of the Vile Parle constituency. It includes portions of the former Vile Parle and Amboli constituencies. In 2009, Congress candidate Baldev Khosa was elected, but the seat shifted to the BJP in 2014 when Bharti Lavekar was elected and subsequently re-elected.

In 2019, Lavekar secured 41,057 votes, defeating Congress candidate Baldev Khosa by a margin of 5,186 votes, with Khosa receiving 35,871 votes.

Lavekar, a PhD holder, received the ‘Ahilyabai Holkar’ award from the Maharashtra Government in 2000-2001, and the ‘Maharashtra Ratna’ award in 2005 for her distinguished social work. She was one of two Indians selected by the American government to study the legislative elections in the U.S. in 2006.

According to a report by the Praja Foundation, which assesses the performance of elected representatives, Lavekar ranked 14th overall and maintained a clean criminal record with top attendance. However, she ranked 16th in terms of the quantity and quality of questions raised in the assembly.

The constituency faces several unresolved issues. The long-awaited Versova-Madh bridge has been planned for 35 years, yet construction has not begun, with estimated costs rising from Rs 400 crore to Rs 4,000 crore over the past years. Line 6 of the metro project has completed 80% of its civil work, but the construction of the yard remains stalled.

Other pending projects include a post office near Taraporewala Tower (planned since 1990) and a fire brigade station at Chitrakoot Grounds, reserved in the 1991 development plan but not yet built.

Dhaval Shah, Director of the Andheri Lokhandwala Oshiwara Citizens Organisation, stated, “Road and bridge delays contribute to significant traffic congestion in the constituency. The Oshiwara River bridge project, started in 2018, remains incomplete. The Thackeray flyover extension has faced delays near Country Club, and the Yari Road to SVP Nagar flyover has been in the works for decades. The Mrinal Tai flyover extension is delayed by three years, and the Versova-Bandra Sea Link project has been delayed by four years, leading to cost escalation and high tolls for citizens.”

This time, predicting the outcome in this constituency is challenging. Political experts say that in the recent Lok Sabha election 2024, this constituency gave a lead of 21,000 votes to the MVA (Maha Vikas Aghadi) candidate. People are dissatisfied with Lavekar’s work, which could negatively impact BJP’s votes. However, the BJP has once again placed its confidence in Bharati Lavekar.

Lavekar stated, “The party declared my name late because it took time to decide who would receive this seat among the Mahayuti. My party informed me much earlier to start working. Over the last ten years, I have completed several major projects. The Savitribai Phule garden, a playground, a bridge work completed and the Versova-Madh bridge tender has been issued. A modern jetty worth Rs. 400 crore has been approved, which will benefit the Koli community. Approved Rs.35.50 crore funds for the Versova beach project, and approved Rs.20 crore for the Sea Erosion Barrier project.”

Further she stated, “The Oshiwara maternity hospital is under construction, and nine metro stations in the Versova area, along with the coastal road, are also being developed. The Versova-Bandra sea link project is 26% complete. Land for a Fire Brigade station has been reserved, and the process is ongoing. Several infrastructure projects were delayed due to the Maha Vikas Aghadi government gave stayed when they were in power.”

Meanwhile, the MVA seat that goes to Shiv Sena (UBT) has announced Haroon Khan’s name.

Versova has approximately 1.1 lakh minority voters. To counter the BJP and AIMIM’s strategy, Uddhav Thackeray has nominated a loyal Shiv Sena (UBT) member, Haroon Khan, as a candidate in the assembly elections.

Khan stated, “Voters should not think of me as just a Muslim candidate. I want to work for every community and focus on developmental work. In our constituency, several infrastructure projects, such as resolving issues on the JVLR, metro works, and pending SRA projects, are overdue. Good schools and playgrounds are needed in our constituency. This fight is between the BJP and the MVA.”

Raju Pednekar from the Thackeray group has rebelled and filed as an independent candidate. However, there is talk that Shiv Sainiks, along with other aspirants from the constituency, are upset because Thackeray has nominated Khan.

Apart from it MNS has announced Sandesh Desai as its candidate, and MIM has fielded Raiees Lashkaria.

Lashkaria stated, “In the Versova constituency, not a single infrastructure project has been completed in the last ten years. This reflects a total failure on the part of the BJP MLA. Both the Central and State governments have failed to address infrastructure needs in our area. With 40% of the constituency being from minority communities, I see a strong chance for the MIM to win this seat. This will be a battle between the MIM and the BJP”

MNS Desai added, “In our constituency, the Koliwadas’ FSI (Floor Space Index) and boundary issues are major concerns. The MLA has made promises but has not delivered any results. Our constituency includes affluent, middle, and poor classes, and high school fees with limited Right to Education quota seats are significant issues. Another concern is the lack of a BMC hospital; Cooper Hospital in Juhu is inadequate for our needs. We also lack public grounds as the Andheri Sports Complex charges fees, and traffic remains a persistent problem. People are disappointed with Lavekar’s performance.”

KEY CONCERNS

Versova-Madh connectivity

Metro yard construction

Fire brigade station requirement

Delayed bridge work over the Oshiwara River

Incomplete Thackeray flyover extension

Yari Road to SVP Nagar flyover delay

Mrinal Tai flyover extension delays

Versova-Bandra Sea Link project delay

Maharashtra

Bollywood in the Crosshairs After Firing at Tiger Shroff; Legal Action Initiated Against Bishnoi Gang, Three Shooters Arrested

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Mumbai: The Crime Branch has claimed to have solved the case involving a shooting incident targeting Tiger Shroff in the Juhu area of ​​Mumbai. Addressing a press conference, Mumbai Crime Branch DCP Raj Tilak Roshan stated that two unidentified individuals on a motorcycle carried out the shooting. The Crime Branch received information that, following the incident, the shooters abandoned their Pulsar motorcycle at Andheri station and traveled by train toward Kota. The Crime Branch alerted the Kota police, who subsequently arrested three suspects. The police have now taken all three individuals into custody. Additionally, Anil Pandit had circulated a post online referencing the ‘Bishnoi gang,’ a matter that is currently under police investigation. Regarding the targeting of Bollywood figures by the Bishnoi gang, DCP Raj Tilak Roshan noted that action has been taken against the group—including in the earlier case involving the shooting incident at Salman Khan’s residence. In the current case, the Crime Branch has registered a case under charges of attempted murder and the Arms Act. Legal proceedings are also underway concerning the Lawrence and Anmol Bishnoi gang, with efforts being made to secure the custody of Lawrence Bishnoi. The DCP explained that comprehensive information was provided to the Kota police, as Crime Branch teams had been actively pursuing the shooters. To date, no weapons have been recovered from the suspects. Authorities are currently verifying a post circulating on social media to determine whether it originated from the Bishnoi gang, and action is being taken against those involved. The suspects spent 10 to 15 minutes surveying the scene before carrying out the shooting. One of the suspects, 22-year-old Ritik (alias Roshan), has completed his education up to the 12th grade. None of the three suspects are minors; therefore, they will all be held in custody for further interrogation. Five rounds were fired. Prior to this incident, no complaints regarding threats against Tiger Shroff had been received; the police are investigating every aspect of the case and have already begun questioning the three suspects while they remain in custody. The three individuals—Ritik (alias Roshan), Rehan Rashiduddin, and Paul Singh—have been arrested. Rehan, who previously worked as a ‘Rapido’ (ride-hailing) driver in Mumbai, eventually became a shooter. The suspects were apprehended from the general compartment of a train; they were attempting to flee toward Delhi and Nepal. DCP Raj Tilak Roshan stated that, in light of their involvement in past shooting incidents and their ties to the Bishnoi gang, the MCOCA (Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act) has been invoked against these shooters.

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Maharashtra

E-Office System Implemented in Mumbai Municipal Corporation; 14,000 Users to Be Integrated in Phases to Make Administration More Transparent and Efficient

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Mumbai – The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is implementing an ‘E-Office’ system to make its administrative operations more dynamic, transparent, and efficient through the effective use of modern technology. This system will facilitate the digitalization of various administrative processes, including the management of official files, correspondence, and the processing of proposals. Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide stated that the system will be rolled out across the entire corporation in a phased manner, encompassing approximately 14,000 users. This initiative is expected to reduce paper consumption and render the decision-making process smoother, faster, and more transparent.

On October 17, 2026, a monthly review meeting involving various BMC departments was held at the ‘Command and Control Centre’ in Worli. During the meeting, preparations for the implementation of the ‘E-Office’ system—including technical infrastructure, training requirements, and administrative planning—were reviewed. Ashwini Bhide addressed the meeting in this regard.

The meeting was attended by Additional Municipal Commissioner (Western Suburbs) Dr. Vipin Sharma, Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects) Abhijit Bangar, Additional Municipal Commissioner (Eastern Suburbs) Dr. Avinash Dhakne, Joint Commissioner (Vigilance) Dr. M. Devender Singh, and Deputy Commissioner (Commissioner’s Office) Prashant Gaikwad. Additionally, all Joint Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners, Assistant Commissioners, and heads of various departments were also present.

Digitalization of Administrative Affairs via ‘e-Office’
Providing information about the ‘e-Office’ system, Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide explained that ‘e-Office’ is an office management system developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC). In accordance with a government resolution issued by the Government of Maharashtra, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has initiated the implementation of this system. The ‘e-Office’ system will enable the execution of administrative tasks digitally, thereby reducing reliance on paper-based files. Processes such as recording notes (note sheets), drafting documents, submitting proposals, and granting approvals can now be completed online, following a defined workflow. Consequently, this will not only accelerate the pace of work but also ensure transparency and accountability within administrative procedures.

Managing File Movement and Monitoring Pending Matters
The ‘e-Office’ system facilitates the creation and management of electronic files, as well as their routing to the relevant officers or departments. It allows for the systematic recording of inward and outward correspondence, the integration of scanned documents into the system, and the tracking of subsequent actions taken. Furthermore, the system enables the approval of notes, drafts, and orders through the use of digital signatures. Furthermore, it enables the monitoring of file movement, pending cases, decisions taken, and official correspondence. The ability to save and archive electronic records—along with the existence of a centralized repository for documents—makes information management highly organized and efficient. Phased Onboarding of 14,000 Users.

The implementation of the e-Office system across the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) will take place in phases. This process will involve approximately 14,000 users, with specific roles and responsibilities defined at every level to ensure the effective use of the system. Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide stated that a circular has been issued regarding the re-implementation of the e-Office system and its effective application in administrative affairs.

Focus on Training, Technical Facilities, and Digital Signatures
To ensure the effective implementation of the e-Office system, the Information Technology Department will conduct ‘Train-the-Trainer’ sessions for nodal officers. A central help desk will be established to resolve any technical issues that may arise during the use of the system. Additionally, a core team—led by the heads of the respective departments—will be formed to oversee the implementation process.
Emphasis is being placed on providing the necessary computing facilities and technical infrastructure, as well as ensuring that the relevant officers and staff receive appropriate training. Ms. Bhade stated that ‘Digital Signature Certificates’ (DSC) have been provided to the officers authorized to sign documents. She further explained that the effective implementation of the ‘e-Office’ system will promote digital operations within the BMC administration. This will expedite office tasks, reduce paper usage, and make the decision-making process more transparent and accountable.

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Maharashtra

‘Should face same punishment as adults’: Abu Azmi demands lowering of age of juvenile offenders to 14

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Samajwadi Party (SP) Maharashtra President and MLA, Abu Asim Azmi, on Monday demanded that the age threshold for treating an accused as a minor be lowered, arguing that juveniles aged 15 or 16 should face the same punishment as adults if they commit murder.

Speaking to media, Azmi said, “First and foremost, my demand is that the age threshold for a minor be lowered from 17 years to 14 years. At 15 or 16, young people have ‘hot blood’; they fear no one and are capable of doing anything. This age limit should be reduced to 12, 13 or 14 years. If they commit murder, they should face the same punishment as anyone else.”

Reacting to the firing incident involving actor Tiger Shroff in Mumbai, Azmi criticised Mumbai’s law and order situation, alleging that several incidents of murder and violence had taken place without receiving adequate public attention.

“First Baba Siddique, now Tiger Shroff, and it doesn’t end there. Many other murders have occurred previously as well. However, since those victims were not prominent or famous figures, their cases haven’t been highlighted. Murders are rampant in Mumbai. In Mankhurd-Shivaji Nagar, people are being murdered over the most trivial matters. The law and order situation is in a dire state,” he said.

Azmi also criticised the Maharashtra government, alleging that it was focussing its efforts on targeting Muslims rather than addressing law and order concerns.

“I want to tell Chief Minister Fadnavis that this government is focussing all its energy on humiliating Muslims. I ask, why don’t such murders happen in Singapore? Why does no one dare to commit such acts there? Why are there no murders in Arab countries? And if a murder does occur, how quickly is a verdict reached? Just look back at the pages of history,” he said.

He added that people in Mumbai were living in constant fear and said it was shameful for the government when individuals openly claimed responsibility for such crimes.

The firing incident took place on Sunday at around 7 p.m. when Tiger Shroff was returning by car from a football ground in Mumbai’s Juhu area.

According to police, the assailants fired at the vehicle with a pistol, injuring the driver. Another person present at the scene was also hit by a bullet.

A Mumbai Police official said Shroff managed to lean forward when the shots were fired, helping him avoid a direct hit. However, he sustained an injury from a fragment of shattered glass.

Police are investigating the motive behind the attack, tracing the weapon used in the shooting and determining whether other individuals were involved.

In a major development in the case, Kota City Police in Rajasthan apprehended three suspects, including a minor, at Kota railway station in connection with the firing incident on the Bollywood star.

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