Maharashtra
Shiv Sena MLAs’ Disqualification Pleas: All Eyes On Speaker Rahul Narwekar’s Big Verdict At 4 pm
![](https://mumbaipress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/NEWS-59.jpg)
There is high tension in corridors of power in Maharashtra as Speaker of the legislative assembly Rahul Narvekar is all set to announce his verdict on Wednesday at 4 p.m. on the disqualification of chief minister Eknath Shinde and his 36 MLAs who ditched the erstwhile Uddhav Thackeray government in June 2022 and joined hands with the BJP to form a coalition government.
A new twist was added to the high-voltage drama with Mr Thackeray filing an affidavit in the Supreme Court on Wednesday accusing Mr Narvekar of political partiality.
Even if the verdict goes against Shinde & Co, there will be no immediate danger to the government since the BJP with its 105 MLAs will continue to have the support of 38 MLAs of the NCP (Ajit Pawar) and some independents in a 288 member House. In fact, sources said after splitting the Shiv Sena, deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis of the BJP split the NCP led by Sharad Pawar also precisely to have a cushion in the event of Shinde and his team getting disqualified.
Uddhav camp not very hopeful
However, the opposition led by the Shiv Sena (UBT) is not very hopeful of a verdict in its favour. The party has already questioned the impartiality of Mr Narvekar, who is an advocate belonging to the BJP before he was elected Speaker. Both Mr Uddhav Thackeray and his party spokesperson Sanjay Raut slammed Mr Narvekar for allegedly cosying up to Mr Shinde on the eve of the verdict. Mr Thackeray sarcastically described the two recent meetings between Mr Shinde and Mr Narvekar as meetings between “an accused and a judge.” Political observers say that Mr Narvekar should not only be neutral, but also appear to be so. But, by meeting the CM he has himself provoked the opposition to question his impartiality and thus has lowered the stature of his office.
Mr Narvekar’s verdict will be in response to 34 petitions moved by both the factions of the Shiv Sena. Sources said the Speaker may read out only the operative part of his judgment on Wednesday, which is the last date given by the Supreme Court to pronounce his verdict.
The Thackeray faction initiated disqualification proceedings against Mr Shinde and his group on June 25, 2022 when it issued notices to all the defecting MLAs. The rebels were given 48 hours to respond. However, this was challenged by Shinde in the Supreme Court. The apex court in a verdict, which raised eyebrows in legal circles, gave Shinde 12 days to respond while the normal time is only seven days.
Narvekar in the midst of a controversy
This is not the first time Mr Narvekar, who has himself changed his political loyalties more than once, has found himself in the midst of a controversy.
In October 2023, the Supreme Court came down heavily on him for the delay in deciding the pleas filed by the Thackeray faction seeking the disqualification of Shinde and the “rebel” MLAs.
Mr Narvekar’s order is expected to deal with the tenth schedule of the Constitution which makes it clear that legislators who have defected from their party invite disqualification. The Thackeray group has contended that the Shinde group’s disregard of the party whip, appointment of a new deputy Speaker, the call for a floor test and claim of majority all clearly prove defection. Mr Thackeray further contended that by calling for a floor test the then governor Bhagat Singh Koshiyari had effectively recognised a split in his party which was an illegal act.
Maharashtra
Maharashtra: Relief For Marathwada As Jayakwadi Dam Reaches Full Capacity, Lakes Supplying Water To Mumbai Cross 98% Mark Amid Heavy Rainfall
![](https://mumbaipress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Untitled-1-22.png)
Mumbai: In a major relief to the drought-prone Marathwada region, the Jayakwadi dam reached 100 per cent water storage on Saturday, September 7. The dam, located in Paithan, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad) is a major water supplier for Marathwada. Jayakwadi dam on the same day last year had mere 32.60 per cent water storage, according to the data by the Maharashtra Water Resources (WRS) Department.
What State Water Resources Data Says
Amid heavy rainfall this monsoon, all 2,997 dams in Maharashtra (including major and minor) have reached total of 83.15 per cent water levels, which is almost 20 per cent more than last year, the WRS data says.
If only major 138 dams are considered, which cover all regions- Konkan (including Mumbai), Pune, Nashik, Nagpur, Amravati and Chhatrapati Sambjajinagar (Marathwada), the total water storage as of Saturday has reached 92.63 per cent. On the same day last year, the water level were mere 70.92 per cent, WRS’ live storage comparison report says.
It is the first time since 2018 that almost all major dams in Maharashtra have reached 100 per cent water storage, indicating that the state may not face severe water shortage up to next monsoon.
Water Level in Mumbai Lakes
Amid heavy rainfall in last few days, the seven reservoirs supplying water to Mumbai have crossed 98 per cent water storage. As of September 6, the water stock in seven lakes including Upper Vaitarna, Middle Vaitarna, Bhatsa, Tansa, Tulsi, Vihar and Modak Sagar was 98.06 per cent. On the same day last year, water stock in these seven lakes was 90.39 per cent.
Rainfall in Maharashtra
Last week, parts of Maharashtra, particularly the Vidharbha and Marathwada regions received intense rainfall. Several districts in Marathwada went under water and lakhs of hectors of crops were damaged. The flood-like situation took 12 lives and thousands of villagers were relocated to safer locations.
This monsoon, Maharashtra has witnessed above normal rainfall, with the state receiving more than 126% of average rainfall from June 1 until last week.
Maharashtra
‘Cannot Say Who Will Be CM After Election’: Devendra Fadnavis Says ‘Authority To Decide Is With Parliamentary Board’
![](https://mumbaipress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Untitled-1-20.png)
Mumbai: At a time when the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) is grappling with the issue of its chief ministerial candidate, the picture in the ruling Mahayuti is not different either. Deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Friday that while the Mahayuti will contest Assembly elections under Eknath Shinde’s leadership, he cannot say who will be the Chief Minister after the election.
Participating in a conclave organised by a regional news channel, Fadnavis said, the authority (to decide on CM) was with the parliamentary board of our party and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). There was no dispute among the alliance partners over the chief ministerial face, he added further.
Eknath Shinde is heading the state government and the person who holds the post of Chief Minister leads the election, said Fadnavis adding, the assembly election will be contested under the leadership of Eknath Shinde.
Fadnavis also made it clear that there were no differences among the partners in Mahayuti on the issue of CM. The BJP parliamentary board will take a decision on it after the assembly elections and it will be acceptable to all of us. Eknath Shinde is the head of the state, so we will go before the people under his leadership, Fadnavis reiterated.
When asked about any assurance given to Shinde by the central leadership on the CM’s post after the elections, the reply given by Fadnavis was that if they have any discussion about this, it will come before us after some time and we will decide accordingly.
A Snipe At Uddhav Thackeray And The Reply By Aaditya
Fadnavis took some potshots at his arch political rival Uddhav Thackeray also. If there have been three-four faces in the mind of Sharad Pawar it surely not be that of Uddhav Thackeray, said the Dy CM. He was camping in Delhi for 3-4 days to get his name announced as the CM candidate but nothing was achieved.
Moreover, the Congress senior leader Sonia Gandhi did not allow him to click the picture of the meeting he had with her, Fadnavis claimed. Participating in the same conclave Aaditya Thackeray offered his reply on this. Taking a jibe, the former minister said, if it was not for Uddhav Thackeray, even Fadnavis’s face is not before the Mahayuti leaders as the next CM.
When asked about his reaction Chief Minister Ekanth Shinde said, do your duty and do not worry about the results. I work hard, and don’t think about the outcome. I do not think what I have achieved but rather what the state has received, he said. We are working as a team and will continue to do so, said the CM.
Maharashtra
Mumbai: PIL Filed In Bombay HC Seeking Ban On DJs, Dance, Music, & Laser Lights During Eid Milad-Un-Nabi Processions
![Mumbai: PIL Filed In Bombay HC Seeking Ban On DJs, Dance, Music, & Laser Lights During Eid Milad-Un-Nabi Processions](https://mumbaipress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Untitled-1-22.jpg)
Mumbai: A public interest litigation (PIL) petition has been filed in the Bombay High Court seeking a ban on use of DJs, dance, music, and laser lights during the upcoming Eid Milad-un-Nabi processions.
About The Plea Filed In The Bombay HC
The PIL filed by four businessmen from Pune – Zuber Peerzade, Siddiqui Alam, Amran Shaikh and Gousemoddin Shaikh – has urged the high court to direct municipal corporations to refrain from granting permission to use DJs, dance, music, and laser lights during the processions.
Neither the holy Quran nor Hadith prescribes the use of DJ sound systems and laser lights for celebrating Eid Milad-un-Nabi, nor did the Prophet himself advocate such forms of celebration, the plea asserts.
The plea, filed through advocate Owais Pechkar, has urged that all religious festivals celebrated in public places must adhere to the provisions of the Noise Pollution Rules, and no religion or sect can claim a fundamental right to use DJs, speakers, or noise-creating instruments as part of their rights under Article 19(1)(a) and 25 of the Constitution of India.
“The petitioners are distressed by the use of DJs and Laser Lights beams during Eid-e-Milad un- Nabi celebration processions, which results in excessive noise pollution, violating regulations and disturbs the practice of a Muslim that affects the morality of Islam and infacts are against the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW),” the plea said.
Point Highlighted By The Plea
It highlights that despite high court directions to the State government, it has failed to control noise pollution during festival celebrations. Further, no grievance redressal mechanism has been created to address complaints regarding the use of DJs and laser lights during festivals on public roads.
No one is entitled to hold religious functions on the streets with loud systems and laser light beams, the plea emphasizes.
“No, one is entitled to claim that holding of religious functions / ceremonies on streets and footways is protected by Article 25 of the Constitution of India. No one has the fundamental right to play loud DJ sound systems and use hazardous laser light beams on a street, public road or footway by obstructing free flow of traffic as it is not an essential part of any religion and in particular of Islam,” the plea reads.
The petitioners made a representation to the authorities raising the issue, however considering that the Eid E Milad is round the corner, they approached the HC.
-
Crime2 years ago
Class 10 student jumps to death in Jaipur
-
Bollywood1 year ago
Jawan Leaked Online! Shah Rukh Khan’s Film Falls Prey To Piracy Within Hours Of Release
-
International12 months ago
Asia Cup 2023: Body Blow For Sri Lanka As Lead Spinner Likely To Miss Final Against India
-
Entertainment2 years ago
Rakhi Sawant changes name to Fatima after her wedding with Adil Khan Durrani – Check viral Nikah pics
-
Crime2 years ago
‘You must stop this’, SC expresses concern on hate speeches made at Dharam Sansads
-
Bollywood1 year ago
With Rs.75 Cr, Shah Rukh Khan Breaks His Own Record As Jawan Beats Pathaan On Day 1 At Box Office
-
Bollywood2 years ago
Anushka Sharma starts shooting for her ‘Chakda Xpress’
-
Bollywood12 months ago
Jawan On OTT: Shah Rukh Khan’s Film Sold To Netflix For A Whopping Rs.250 Crore