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MVA rips into and demands dismissal of Maha BJP Minister for labelling Kerala ‘mini-Pakistan’

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Mumbai, Dec 30: The Maha Vikas Aghadi on Monday slammed a Maharashtra Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Minister, Nitesh N. Rane, for alleging that Kerala is a ‘mini-Pakistan’ and claiming that Congress leaders like Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Vadra get elected from there as terrorists vote for them.

MVA leaders like the Congress’ Pawan Khera, Atul Londhe, Shiv Sena (UBT)’s Anand Dubey and Kishore Tiwari, besides Nationalist Congress Party (SP)’s Clyde Crasto, and more have termed Rane’s utterances as ‘unconstitutional’ and arising out of an ‘illiterate mind’.

Rane, the son of former Chief Minister and ex-union minister Narayan Rane, drew the comparisons at an event last night in Pune to commemorate Shiv Pratap Din – marking Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s killing of the Bijapur Sultanate’s General Afzal Khan (1659) at Pratapgad Fort in Satara.

While praising Hindu activists from Kerala, he said that they had saved the lives of 12,000 Hindu girls, a huge feat considering how difficult it was to rescue even one sister.

“Kerala is nothing but a ‘mini-Pakistan’. That is why Rahul Gandhi and his sister (Priyanka Vadra) get elected from there. All the terrorists are ones who vote for them. I am speaking the facts… These persons (the Gandhi siblings) become MPs with support from the terrorists,” claimed Rane.

The references to the Gandhis was pertaining to Rahul Gandhi winning the Lok Sabha polls in Wayanad (Kerala), while losing Amethi (2019). However, in 2024, he won both Amethi and Wayanad, and later Priyanka Vadra won the Wayanad seat in 2024 Lok Sabha bypolls.

“What else can be expected from him. But we have to ask Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis how can somebody calling one of our own states ‘mini-Pakistan’ continue to be a Cabinet Minister? We take the pledge of unity…I expected both (PM & CM), who give patriotic speeches, to ensure that such persons are not allowed to remain in the ministry,” said Londhe sharply.

Crasto dubbed Nitesh Rane as a “motormouth who needs to be controlled by the BJP” and who has insulted and demeaned an important state of India, which was a highly deplorable act.

“Does the BJP endorse his opinions? What comes to the fore is that a mentally illiterate Nitesh Rane is shamelessly berating the most literate state of India. The BJP must answer to all,” demanded Crasto.

Tiwari said that with such irresponsible and shameless words, “Nitesh Rane is making blatant attempts to incite communities against each other in Kerala which has always rejected the BJP”, and should be sacked for violating the oath of office.

Khera bluntly said, “Ask BJP President J.P. Nadda whether his party will contest the next elections from Kerala or not. These unconstitutional statements by the BJP leaders made repeatedly are against the Constitution.”

“If what Rane claims is true, then why has the Kerala Governor, appointed by the President, not submitted a report to the Centre of how that state has become a ‘mini-Pakistan’.

“What are the Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Fadnavis – whose ‘laadla’ (favourite) Nitesh Raje is, doing in the matter,” asked an irked Dubey.

The NCP (SP) has called upon the state BJP to take cognisance of statements by Rane, known for stirring controversies in the past, and do the needful.

The first-time Minister also assured the Hindutva workers that “you are not alone and we are with you as the government.”

“The state has a saffron-clad CM, Hindutva activists should not fear anything. If anyone acts illegally against Hindus or Hinduism, we will not spare them,” warned Rane, adding that though he has ministerial responsibilities and constraints, the “work of Hindutva must continue in full steam.”

Present on the occasion at the Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhi in Saswad (Pune) organised through the Sarsenapati Hambirrao Mohite Gaushala, Gaurakshak Dal, were Vishwa Hindu Parishad Organising leader Dadaji Vedak, plus Prathish Vishwanath, Sanjay ‘Kaka’ Sharma who were given awards for various services.

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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