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Maharashtra Elections Results 2024: With Only 48 Hours To Go, Who Will Be State’s New Chief Minister?

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Mumbai: Maharashtra’s political stage is once again pulsating with anticipation. Within the next 48 hours, either Devendra Fadnavis or Eknath Shinde is expected to take the oath of office. However, there are several imponderables. While the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) will nominate Fadnavis with eyes shut, Shinde’s claim is buttressed by his remarkable electoral success and coalition dynamics, it gets further reinforced by the caste factor.

The RSS Factor

Fadnavis, a staunch RSS loyalist and the BJP’s golden boy from Nagpur, is the obvious frontrunner. Known for his administrative acumen and clean image, he aligns perfectly with the Sangh’s ideology. For the RSS, Fadnavis symbolizes continuity and trust—qualities vital for navigating Maharashtra’s volatile political terrain. Yet, his path to the CM’s chair isn’t obstacle-free.

The BJP leadership fears that appointing a Brahmin Chief Minister might alienate the electorally critical OBC and Maratha communities. Moreover, sidelining Eknath Shinde could be precarious for the coalition and undo the effort to dismantle Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena.

Stubborn Shinde

Eknath Shinde, who has helmed the government for the past two years, remains unwilling to cede power. His camp credits the alliance’s electoral success to initiatives like the “Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin” scheme. Supporters argue that Shinde deserves to retain the top job, with Deepak Kesarkar emphatically stating, “This election was fought under Shinde’s leadership—he deserves the chair.”

A recent rally at Varsha Bungalow saw workers chanting Shinde’s name, almost egging him to hold his nerve and ground. For the BJP, alienating Shinde could create unnecessary irritants, which could put in jeopardy the crucial BMC trophy – Maharashtra’s Crown Jewel.

BMC Trophy

The BMC elections are the hidden undercurrent driving this power struggle. With an annual budget exceeding Rs 59,000 crore, control of the civic body is a political and financial lifeline. Wresting it from UBT Sena is a top priority for the BJP. Shinde’s understanding of the workings of UBT Sena and his faction’s stronghold in Mumbai — bolstered by his Maratha identity — could be invaluable in achieving this goal. Retaining Shinde as CM, at least temporarily, might be a calculated move to wrest control of the BMC. However, this strategy is fraught with risks. Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction reportedly finds Fadnavis a more dependable ally, hinting at potential strains within the alliance if Shinde remains at the helm.

A Complex Balancing Act

Balancing Act For the BJP, the choice isn’t just about naming the next Chief Minister. It’s a complex balancing act—appeasing the RSS, retaining Shinde’s loyalty, maintaining coalition harmony, and addressing caste dynamics. Both Shinde and Fadnavis have reportedly been summoned to Delhi for final consultations with Amit Shah and the BJP leadership. Changing the CM now could help showcase the BJP as a decisive, meritocratic party. But it risks undermining its image as a reliable coalition partner. With the BMC elections on the horizon, any perception of instability could prove politically costly.

Road Ahead the BJP faces a pivotal decision: prioritize long-term stability and ideological alignment with Fadnavis, or opt for short-term pragmatism by keeping Shinde in power. The RSS’s preference for Fadnavis might tip the scales, but sidelining Shinde could backfire. A potential compromise—keeping Shinde as CM while giving Fadnavis a stronger behind-thescenes role—could provide a temporary resolution. However, such a formula would require meticulous management to avoid factional rifts.

Final Countdown As the swearing-in approaches, the suspense remains pulsating. In a state where caste, coalition politics, and civic ambitions intersect, the identity of the next Chief Minister is far from a foregone conclusion. Whether it’s Fadnavis, the Sangh’s favorite, or Shinde, the Maratha tactician, Maharashtra is poised for another dramatic twist. One thing is certain: in this game of thrones, “lock kiya jaye” won’t come easy.

Maharashtra

Heavy rains in Mumbai city affect urban system

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Mumbai: Heavy rains have been continuing in Mumbai city since midnight, due to which traffic in Mumbai has also been affected and local trains, which are called lifelines, are also running late. Central Railway trains are running late by 15 to 20 minutes, while services on the Western Line have also been affected due to the impact of rain. Due to the rain in Mumbai since last night, citizens are facing a lot of trouble due to traffic jams on the roads. Due to traffic and water accumulation in low-lying areas, the routes of BEST buses have also been changed. Due to rain, a bus of the back depot got stuck in a pothole on the road when it was raining. The wheel of the bus got stuck in the pothole on Jaikar Marg, after which the route of the bus was changed. The Meteorological Department has predicted heavy to very heavy rains in Mumbai city and suburbs for the next 48 hours, so the government has ordered the BMC to remain on alert mode.

Air services were also affected due to rain. Flights were also affected due to bad weather, while there have been complaints of traffic jams due to potholes on the roads in Mumbai city during the rain. The sea has also been flooded due to the rain and high waves have risen in the sea. 95 mm of rain was recorded in the city, 58 mm in the northern suburbs and 75 mm in the western suburbs. Due to the flood situation in Mumbai city, normal civil order was definitely affected, but normal life was going on. A flood alert has been issued in the sea and there will be floods tomorrow as well, so citizens have been appealed not to go to the beach. Along with this, divers have also been deployed on the beach. There have been complaints of water accumulation in low-lying areas due to rain in Andheri metro area.

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Maharashtra

Mumbai Rains: Heavy Rainfall Hit Transport; Local Trains, Flights Face Delay, Waterlogging Leads To Traffic Jams

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Mumbai: Heavy rains affected Mumbai and coastal regions of Maharashtra on Sunday because of the monsoon’s activation. Mumbai’s local train services experienced delays, and certain flights at the airport encountered brief disruptions because of harsh weather conditions.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasted ongoing intense rainfall for Mumbai, its surrounding areas, and adjacent districts. A red alert has been declared for Mumbai, while Raigad received a red alert due to forecasts of heavy rainfall anticipated in the next two hours.

Travel advisories indicated that all flight operations could be impacted, encouraging passengers to verify their flight status. Rain and thunderstorms had been continuous since the previous night, although their intensity diminished in South Mumbai by the afternoon. Water accumulation was observed in various low-lying areas, affecting traffic movement on primary roads such as LBS Road in Kurla and Vakola Bridge.

Rainfall totals indicated significant accumulation: 161 mm in Wadala, 150 mm in Prabhadevi, 147 mm in Matunga, with numerous other regions recording between 100 mm and 150 mm.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation cautioned about rising sea levels, with waves possibly hitting 4.21 meters. Authorities stressed the importance of reaching out to the control room helpline for help in emergencies. With changing conditions, residents are urged to stay vigilant regarding flooding and traffic issues throughout the city.

The NMMC’s Disaster Management Cell reported five trees down due to 44.48 mm of rain in 24 hours. Belapur (52.04 mm) and Nerul (49.27 mm) were the most affected. Morbe Dam’s water level is 73.69 meters. An orange alert is issued for Thane and Raigad with heavy rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds expected. Residents are advised to ensure safety and contact emergency numbers.

IndiGo Airlines has issued a travel advisory due to a “temporary disruption” in flight schedules over Mumbai caused by heavy rainfall. Passengers are advised to allow extra time for their journeys as delays and slower traffic are anticipated.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of heavy rain in Mumbai and surrounding areas later in the day. From June 18 to 21, isolated heavy rains are expected in Kokan, Goa, and parts of Maharashtra, with light to moderate rainfall in Gujarat on June 16 and 17. A red alert has also led to a holiday for educational institutions in several Kerala districts today.

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Maharashtra

Senior inspector Chavan suspended for illegal activity in Andheri bar

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Mumbai: Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti has given an important message after the raid on a dance bar in Andheri. Local senior police inspector Rajiv Chavan, who was involved in the raid, has been suspended from duty. Police sources said that the raid was conducted jointly by officials of the Property Cell and Crime Branch Unit 2. A senior police inspector of MIDC police station was suspended for negligence in duty after the Crime Branch found 40 bargirls allegedly dancing and indulging in inappropriate activities at a bar in Andheri on Sunday morning.

Senior Inspector Rajiv Chavan of MIDC police station has been suspended by Additional Commissioner of Police, West Zone, Paramjit Singh Dahiya after the Crime Branch conducted a massive raid on the Night Lovers Orchestra Bar in Marol, Andheri. Sources said that the raid was conducted jointly by officials of the Property Cell and Crime Branch Unit 2. More than 40 bar girls were found in the bar, which is a clear violation of the rules allowing such orchestra bars to operate. Dahiya confirmed that based on the action of the crime branch, a crime was registered against the bar operator at the MIDC police station and the MIDC police station in-charge was suspended as the bar was operating under his jurisdiction. A departmental inquiry has been initiated against Chavan.

Another police officer said that finding 40 girls in a bar during the raid is no small matter and it shows that the bar owner was not afraid of the law enforcers and was running his illegal business fearlessly. The officer further said that such strict action will also send a strong message to the heads of other police stations to remain vigilant and keep a close watch on such illegal activities in the institutions under their respective jurisdiction.

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