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MLC Polls: Big jolt for MVA as BJP’s ‘extra’ candidate wins, Congressman loses

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In another jolt for the ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) in Maharashtra after the June 10 Rajya Sabha polls, the opposition BJP managed to get its ‘extra’ contestant elected as MLC, trouncing the Congress’ first preference candidate Chandrakant Handore, here late on Monday.

The BJP’s prayers for a ‘political miracle’ seemed to have been answered with all its five nominees getting elected despite lacking numbers while the MVA also bagged five seats.

The prime contest for the tenth seat — between Congress’ Bhai Jagtap and BJP’s Prasad Lad — came as a shocker as both won, while Congress’ first choice Handore was trounced in an unexpected upset, from the total 11 candidates vying for 10 seats.

Jagtap, 66, is a trade unionist heading the Bharatiya Kamgar Karmachari Mahasangh (BKKM) and President of Mumbai Congress, while Lad, 51, is an ex-MLC and ex-chairman of Mumbai Buildings Repair and Reconstruction Board.

Of the 288-member strong lower house, one Shiv Sena MLA, Ramesh Latke, died recently, while two NCP MLAs Anil Deshmukh and Nawab Malik – currently in jail – were denied permission by the courts to vote.

The quota for winning was 26 per candidate, and the votes of 29 MLAs of smaller parties or Independents were critical for both sides.

The MVA’s nominees – Sachin Ahir and Amasha Padvi (Shiv Sena), Ramraje Naik-Nimbalkar and Eknath Khadse (Nationalist Congress Party) and Bhai Jagtap (Congress) have won.

All the BJP’s nominees — Pravin Darekar, Ram Shinde, Shrikant Bhartiya, Uma Khapre and Prasad Lad — sailed through though they were running short on numbers. Boisterous celebrations erupted outside the party offices in Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra.

Congress legislative party leader and Revenue Minister Balasaheb Thorat admitted that the MVA’s votes had been lost and he would not point fingers at the BJP.

This proved to be the second major setback for the MVA after the BJP – under similar circumstances – bagged three Rajya Sabha seats, while the ruling alliance secured three, with one each for Sena-NCP-Congress, while the Sena’s second candidate was defeated.

Maharashtra

Mumbai: Female Doctor At J J Hospital Attempts Suicide; Condition Stable, Investigation Underway

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Mumbai: Following the recent suicide of a doctor at J.J. Hospital who jumped from the Atal Setu, another female doctor from the same hospital attempted to take her own life in her hostel room on Thursday night. She was promptly given medical treatment, and her condition is currently stable.

The hospital administration, along with the Department of Medical Education and Research, has set up independent committees to investigate the incident. The doctor ingested an overdose of medication but was quickly admitted to the hospital by her colleagues, which helped save her life. Her parents in Uttar Pradesh have been informed about the situation.

The exact reasons behind her suicide attempt remain unclear. Dr. Ajay Bhandarwar, Dean of J J Hospital, stated that the findings of the two separate inquiry committees, one at the hospital and another by the Department of Medical Education and Research, will provide clarity once their reports are submitted.

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Maharashtra

Mumbai: NCP (SP) MLA Jitendra Awhad Booked For Obstructing Police Vehicle Outside Vidhan Sabha

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Mumbai: A complaint has been lodged against NCP(SP) leader Jitendra Awhad at the Marine Drive Police Station in Mumbai, following an altercation that occurred between the NCP leader’s supporters and BJP workers at the Maharashtra assembly complex, according to ANI reports.

The confrontation involving the backers of NCP (SP) MLA Jitendra Awhad and BJP legislator Gopichand Padalkar followed a tense discussion between the two MLAs.

An official stated that the Mumbai police filed a case against Awhad for hindering public servants in performing their duties during a protest at the Maharashtra Vidhan Bhavan. Both Padalkar and Awhad voiced their disappointment in the House regarding the altercation between their backers.

Vidhan Bhavan Fight

Thursday evening saw a confrontation between BJP MLA Gopichand Padalkar and NCP leader Jitendra Awhad’s workers in the Maharashtra Assembly, damaging its reputation. Speaker Rahul Narvekar addressed it, with Awhad citing death threats.

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis expressed frustration over the situation while distancing the Speaker’s comments from Awhad’s claims. The altercation, which began after Padalkar’s vehicle allegedly hit Awhad, escalated into violence. Fadnavis called for an investigation, while Uddhav Thackeray criticized the government’s inaction.

Maharashtra legislative assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar stated that the associates of the two MLAs, who were part of Thursday’s altercation and apprehended by the state legislature’s security, will confront a breach of privilege of the House.

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Maharashtra

Congress Alleges Ministers, Officials Caught In Honey Trap Scandal; Demands Probe In Maharashtra Assembly

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Congress leader Nana Patole alleged that several ministers and senior officials of the ruling Mahayuti government are involved in a honey trap scandal. On Thursday, Patole presented a pen drive as purported evidence in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, claiming it contained sensitive information exposing the scandal.

Speaking in the Assembly, Patole said, “More than 72 senior officials and some ministers have fallen victim to honey traps. Sensitive information is being extracted and handed over to anti-social elements. Some officials have even been blackmailed to the extent of contemplating suicide. Despite the seriousness of the issue, the government refuses to make even a basic statement on the matter.”

He further claimed that cities like Thane, Nashik, and Mumbai have become centers of these honey trap operations. “I don’t intend to tarnish anyone’s image, but the government is not taking this seriously. Important government documents are being leaked through these traps, and I urge the Speaker to issue directions,” Patole added.

The issue was echoed in the Legislative Council as well, where Opposition Leader Ambadas Danve reiterated the claims. Danve stated that information had emerged indicating the involvement of political leaders and senior officials in honey traps. He warned that such incidents posed a threat to administrative secrecy and the law and order situation in the state.

“During the Pahalgam attack, individuals involved in similar activities were caught by the central government. It is feared that confidential administrative information and key files have been leaked through these traps. Police have already begun inquiries in Thane and Nashik. This matter must be taken seriously from the standpoint of state security,” Danve said.

He also emphasized the possibility that some individuals might have gained administrative advantages through blackmail, urging the government to clarify its position and investigate the matter thoroughly.

On Wednesday, NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) MLA Jitendra Awhad also raised concerns about the impact of the scandal on Nashik’s image. “It is unfortunate that Nashik, a city of rich heritage, is being associated with such cases. What kind of political culture are we promoting? People are stooping to shocking levels of immorality just to make money,” Awhad remarked.

While the state government has yet to make a formal statement, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde acknowledged the issue, stating that the government has taken note of the matter.

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