Thane BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) News

Congress & BJP condemn threat to NCP MLA; TMC’s Mahesh Aher cries foul
Times of India | 1 month ago | |
Times of India
1 month ago | |

THANE: A day after NCP MLA Jitendra Awhad accused assistant municipal commissioner Mahesh Aher to have conspired to harm him and his family, Thane Congress and BJP leaders extended support to take corrective action against errant civic officials.Thane district Congress president Vikrant Chavan demanded an investigation into the accusations levelled by Awhad, including forensic analysis of the clip. “Aher has many complaints and departmental enquiries against him but has surprisingly been promoted,” echoed Sachin Shinde and Rahul Pingale of the Thane Congress. BJP MLA Sanjay Kelkar said it was high time errant officials were held accountable. “If the clip is found to be true then it is condemnable,” he said. Meanwhile, the Awhad-Aher tussle took a fresh turn Thursday, with the official alleging a threat to him and his family from the legislator and his supporters.“It seems someone (Awhad) didn’t like my constant action on illegal constructions in his area. There have been many threats to my life in the past and I now fear for safety of my family too. I have done no wrong. The voice in the said viral clip is definitely not mine,” Aher told the media. Awhad on the other hand released a few videos on his twitter handle, Thursday, alleging involvement of the officer in corruption and also questioned the silence of the administration. His wife Ruta and daughter approached the Vartak Nagar police with his complaint letter. Meanwhile, the Naupada police probing the Aher assault case booked Awhad and six activists, of which four were arrested and sent to police custody. It is learnt that Awhad is planning to move for anticipatory bail. Naresh Mhaske, spokesperson of CM Eknath Shinde camp said he (Shinde) has already instructed police commissioner Jaijeet Singh to provide security to the Awhads. Meanwhile, Thane corporation employees sported a black band to protest the attack on Aher. —

Congress & BJP condemn threat to NCP MLA; TMC’s Mahesh Aher cries foul
Government in Maharashtra will not collapse: Union minister Anurag Thakur
Times of India | 1 month ago | |
Times of India
1 month ago | |

KALYAN: Union minister Anurag Thakur, on Tuesday, said that the Maharashtra government would not collapse. Rather it would keep doing the development work with more strength, he said.Amid speculation that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is strengthening its base in Kalyan before the Lok Sabha election from where CM Eknath Shinde's son Dr Shrikant Shinde is the current MP, Thakur, during his visit to Maharashtra's Kalyan in Thane district, said that the BJP and Balasaheb’s Shiv Sena will together contest the upcoming the Kalyan Lok Sabha election.This is the second time when Thakur is on a visit to the Kalyan Lok Sabha constituency to meet party workers and strengthen the party by holding various programmes.During Thakur's last visit, there were talks of BJP putting up its candidate from Kalyan."Do not worry about who will contest from here (Kalyan Lok Sabha) or not. We will contest together (BJP and Balasaheb's Shiv Sena) and will fight in a better way and we will win by a bigger majority."Responding to a question as to opposition's hopes that the present government will collapse, Thakur said, "If the opposition was thinking about this, they will get disappointed. The government in Maharashtra will not collapse and we will develop the state with more strength."Thakur said, "The central government has given many times more than what the UPA government has given to Maharashtra during the last 10 years. Be it railways, roads or metro projects, the central government was doing wholeheartedly and in future will also do the same."

Government in Maharashtra will not collapse: Union minister Anurag Thakur
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Rajan Vichare demands new Solapur train halts at Thane station
Times of India | 1 month ago | |
Times of India
1 month ago | |

THANE: Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Rajan Vichare has demanded a halt at Thane station of the CSMT-Solapur Vande Bharat Express train for the convenience of north Mumbai suburban and Navi Mumbai residents travelling to Pune and Solapur. He has written to railway minister Ashwini Vaishnav, questioning the rationale behind not including Thane as a halt. Local BJP leaders, including city president Niranjan Davkhare and MLA Sanjay Kelkar, celebrated the arrival of Vande Bharat Express and thanked PM Modi. —

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Rajan Vichare demands new Solapur train halts at Thane station
Maharashtra Congress to fight Kasba Peth seat and NCP Chinchwad
Times of India | 1 month ago | |
Times of India
1 month ago | |

MUMBAI: With the MVA deciding to contest the bypolls in Pune despite an appeal from the ruling parties, the Congress will file its nomination for the Kasba Peth seat and the NCP for Chinchwad seat on Monday. Earlier in the day, chief minister Eknath Shinde, state BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawanjule and MNS chief Raj Thackeray had appealed to MVA leaders, including Ajit Pawar and Jayant Patil, for unopposed election since the bypolls were called after two BJP MLAs expired."The MVA performed very well in the recent legislative council polls and we expect the same trend to continue in the bypolls," said state Congress chief Nana Patole. The MVA will contest both the seats, he tweeted. He added, "The BJP has no moral grounds to talk about the tradition of leaving the seat uncontested when a sitting MLA passes away. The party (BJP) has not fielded family members of its deceased MLA Mukta Tilak for the Kasba Peth bypoll." "I have appealed to the leaders of the Congress and NCP not to contest these bypolls in keeping with the tradition in our state of having unopposed elections in bypolls called after a sitting MLA has died," Shinde had said. In his letter issued on Sunday afternoon, Thackeray said, "Bypolls following the death of an MLA should remain uncontested as far as possible because the public sentiment was not just for that MLA but also for his party."In October 2022, the BJP had initially filed its nomination for the Andheri East bypoll necessitated by the death of Shiv Sena MLA Ramesh Latke. However, it later withdrew from the bypoll and the election was unopposed. However, the BJP had contested and won the Pandharpur bypoll which was called after the death of NCP legislator Bharat Bhalke in 2021. The BJP had also contested the Deglur bypoll which was called after the death of Congress MLA Raosaheb Antapurkar in 2021.Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said, "The BJP wants the two bypolls to be unopposed because it is worried it will lose."

Maharashtra Congress to fight Kasba Peth seat and NCP Chinchwad
Diva dump yard closure sparks row between BJP, Sena (UBT)
Times of India | 1 month ago | |
Times of India
1 month ago | |

THANE: The closure of the Diva dumping ground seems to have sparked a fresh row between the local BJP unit and the Shiv Sena-Balasaheb with the former claiming complete solo credit for shutting down the yard and providing relief to lakhs of residents here.The development comes two days after Shiv Sena-Balasaheb leaders including former mayor Ramakant Madhavi- a close acolyte of chief minister Eknath Shinde started celebrating and claiming credit for shifting of the dumping yard. Former mayor and spokesperson of SS-Balasaheb, Naresh Mhaske, also claimed the shift was due to the efforts by Shinde and his son MP Dr Shrikant Shinde who represents the area.However, the BJP dismissed their (SS-Balasaheb) claims and said it was only due to their persistent follow ups and agitations by the local BJP that the dumping facility was moved away from the suburb to neighbouring Bhandarli.“We have been consistently raising voices against the dumping ground in the suburb and it is only our leaders who have also staged demonstrations here for the same. We had also threatened stern agitations if the same wasn’t shifted by January end and our demands were finally accepted by the municipal administration and the yard was shifted,” echoed BJP MLA Sanjay Kelkar and party city president MLC Niranjan Davkhare.Observers said the fresh credit war could be seen as an attempt by the Thane BJP to gain dominance over the local Diva ward committee that is crucial for beefing up its tally in the Thane House. The local BJP unit had in the recent past targeted the local Sena leaders for failing to usher in development in the now bustling suburb despite being in power for nearly three decades. “Presently, eight seats here are dominated by the chief minister faction of the Shiv Sena and the BJP that is furiously trying to increase its presence in the House compared to the previous years would spare no efforts in snatching the ward committee that is predominantly a bastion of Agri-Kolis and Konkan migrants,” said an observer.

Diva dump yard closure sparks row between BJP, Sena (UBT)
Was offered plum posts to switch loyalty: NCP’s Awhad
Times of India | 1 month ago | |
Times of India
1 month ago | |

Thane: NCP MLA Jitendra Awhad has claimed that the BJP and Shiv Sena had independently lured and offered him plum postings to switch loyalties from the NCP in the past. “Late BJP leader Gopinath Munde had once offered me the ticket to contest the polls on his party ticket and had also said to be ready to speak with Balasaheb (Thackeray) for the same. I held him in high regards but had humbly refused the offer. On another account, Matoshri (Uddhav Thackeray) had also offered me the highest position from Thane through Milind Narvekar which I had refused to take up as I was and am loyal to my mentor Sharad Pawar,” Awhad said. The NCP leader made the revelation to state how he remained loyal to his party despite lure. It may be noted that a few of his aides are believed to be deserting and joining the Shiv Sena-Balasaheb. He also iterated the possibility of getting implicated in a false case ahead of the local polls in a desperate bid by his opponents to poach into his territory.

Was offered plum posts to switch loyalty: NCP’s Awhad
25000 supporters from Thane to attend PM Narendra Modi’s BKC event
Times of India | 2 months ago | |
Times of India
2 months ago | |

THANE: As many as 25000 workers from the Shiv Sena Balasaheb faction and the BJP are likely to head for BKC from Thane tomorrow to attend the public function where PM Narendra Modi will flag off few infra projects.Shiv Sena Balasaheb party spokesperson, Naresh Mhaske said that they have made arrangements for around 15000 people who will travel from Thane by Thursday afternoon. We are making arrangements for transportation of activists from various parts of Thane through buses and private vehicles, Mhaske told TOI.BJP MLA Sanjay Kelkar and party city president and MLC Niranjan Davkhare said they are making arrangements for around 7500-10000 who may travel from the city and suburbs.Meanwhile, the city traffic police said they have made adequate arrangements at the entry and exit points of the city for smooth flow of traffic. "We will deploy additional manpower at Teen hath naka and Kopri bridges considering that many vehicles from beyond Thane city will also pass through. There could be more flow of traffic post evening after the programme concludes," said a senior police officer.

25000 supporters from Thane to attend PM Narendra Modi’s BKC event
NCP leader Anand Paranjape accuses Thane police of harassing opposition
Times of India | 2 months ago | |
Times of India
2 months ago | |

THANE: Former MP and NCP leader Anand Paranjape accused Thane police commissioner and its senior police officials allegedly for working as a private army of the ruling party and harassing the opposition.Paranjape named police commissioner Jaijit Singh, additional commissioner Punjabrao Ugale, DCPs Amarsingh Jadhav and DCP Gansh Gawade to be working only to please the chief minister. He expressed fear that the ruling party will order killing him in an encounter.“Despite the serious offences like Prevention Of Children from Sexual Offence (POCSO) and Prevention of Immoral Trafficking Act (PITA) act registered against a female BJP functionary in Mumbra, she is not been arrested nor any action is taken against her and she is seen meeting the deputy Cm Devendra Fadnavis during the assembly,” said Paranjape. He even pointed out that a Shinde faction former corporator and his female subordinate’s anticipatory bail has been rejected by a BJP worker in a murderous assault case but they are moving freely , however the Thane police have chosen to ignore the accused , Paranjape questioned.But at the same time the cops are targeting their NCP workers for putting up banners against the Shinde and his party, the police are coming to the house of their workers and frisking their toilets and bathroom in a bid to arrest them and treating them like terrorists, Paranjape alleged.“ We will continue to protest against the out-of-government government. It is our constitutional right,” he said.A senior party functionary from Shinde faction flayed Paranjape and told him to recall how his party leaders misused the police machinery against those who spoke against the MVA or NCP leaders.

NCP leader Anand Paranjape accuses Thane police of harassing opposition
Funds misappropriated in name of development: BJP
Times of India | 2 months ago | |
Times of India
2 months ago | |

THANE: The BJP has alleged misappropriation of the taxpayers money in several beautification works undertaken by the municipal corporation and funded partly by various state agencies in the chief minister Eknath Shinde’s city of Thane.BJP MLA Sanjay Kelkar, who met commissioner Abhijit Bangar, alleged that several civic works worth several hundreds of crores that are undertaken in the city are either of substandard quality or have been repeatedly earmarked for development every financial year.Illustrating a few instances, Kelkar said, several projects, including jogging tracks or footpaths, were reflected on paper every year and funds allocated for the same. Several crores of rupees were allocated for repair, beautification of lakes, but it seems there is reallocation of funds. “Nearly Rs 3.5 crore have been spent for Jogila lake revival at Uthalsar but still the work is incomplete and still fresh provisions have been made in the second phase,” alleged Kelkar.“Development works worth crores are being executed in the Thane city through various sources of funding, including that from the state and central agencies. However, there are no checks to ascertain the works done as per the mandate. Also, payments are often made to the contractors even though these works were partially executed or of substandard quality,” said Kelkar while talking to TOI.Kelkar sought a probe on few officials who could be colluding with contractors and draining away the taxpayers hard-earned money and sought checks on works executed.“We are not against development, but will oppose any attempt to waste taxpayer’s money in the name of development works. We will take to the streets if required,” warned Kelkar.Meanwhile, Bangar while talking to TOI said he will investigate the complaints.

Funds misappropriated in name of development: BJP
BJP-Shinde factions spar over Thane assault case
Times of India | 2 months ago | |
Times of India
2 months ago | |

THANE: The BJP and Shinde factions of Shiv Sena are at loggerheads with each other over the assault of a BJP functionary in the chief minister’s home turf Thane on Friday. On Monday, a BJP delegation led by legislators Niranjan Davkhare and Sanjay Kelkar met the Thane city police chief and demanded transfer of the case to crime branch due to inept handling of it by Wagle estate police station. BJP functionary Prashant Jadhav was allegedly beaten up by the Shinde faction and cross cases were registered against both parties. A BJP office-bearer said the city police chief promised action. They submitted a memorandum to the police chief stating that Jadhav was beaten up by activists of the Shinde faction. BJP blamed Wagle Estate police for going slow in the probe and its partisan attitude.

BJP-Shinde factions spar over Thane assault case
  • BJP- Shinde faction in logger head at Maharashtra CM’s home turf over assault case

    • Times of India

    THANE: Thane unit of BJP and Shinde faction of Shiv Sena are in loggerhead with each other over the murderous assault on one of the BJP functionaries in the chief minister’s home turf in Thane on Friday.On Monday, a delegation of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led by two legislators Niranjan Davkhare and Sanjay Kelkar met the Thane city police chief and made a demand to transfer the case to the crime branch due to inapt handling of the case by the Wagle estate police station.BJP functionary Prashant Jadhav was beaten up by the Shinde faction and cross cases were registered against both the parties.A BJP office bearer stated that the city police chief gave a patient hearing to the delegation led by Thane city BJP chief and MLC Niranjan Davkhare and MLA Sanjay Kelkar and promised action.The delegation submitted a memorandum to the police chief in which they stated that their office bearer, Prashant Jadhav was beaten up blue and black by the activists of the Shinde faction. The BJP blamed the Wagle Estate police for going slow in the probe and its partisan attitude also should be probed, the delegation demanded.The delegation informed the police chief that the victim opposed the encroachments and hawkers in the area which the alleged accused persons did not like.In fact a couple of days earlier he had brought to the notice of the local police about the same there was no action from them.In a related development the activists of Shinde faction staged a protest at the Wagle Estate police station protesting the BJP leaders and demanding the arrest of the BJP office bearer who is alleged to have been beaten up by them.The protesters, mainly women, shouted at the top of their voice against Jadhav for allegedly molesting the two women and demanded his arrest. They squatted outside the police station and alleged that two of their activists had been detained by the police following the complaint by the BJP activist. They are released forthwith they demanded.

  • Video: Shinde Faction Workers Thrash BJP Leader In Maharashtra's Thane

    • Ndtv

    The police are reportedly being pressurised from both sides.Mumbai: Party workers from the Eknath Shide faction of the Shiv Sena, which is in power in Maharashtra with support from the BJP, today thrashed their majority partner's Thane office-bearer over a dispute regarding installing banners. The two sides threatened each other during the brawl, which left a BJP worker bloody. Both sides then went to the police. The BJP has alleged that the police aren't taking the matter seriously.In security camera footage, a group of people could be seen trying to place a placard when suddenly a fight breaks out. One man can then be seen being beaten up by the group. A free-for-all later ensues, where several men can be seen hitting another man with wooden sticks while he stumbles to the ground.On Thursday, there was a dispute between BJP's Prashant Jadhav and Shiv Sena's Shinde faction over the installation of banners at Parabwadi in Wagle Estate, Thane. When the police were informed, they warned both the groups and the situation calmed down. However, on Friday evening, 15 to 20 people reportedly attacked Prashant Jadhav, who has suffered a serious head injury during the assault.The BJP has blamed the Shinde faction's local former Corporators Vikas Repale and Namrata Bhosale for the incident.There has been tension between the two groups since, with the possibility of another clash.BJP's Mahila Morcha has tweeted naming the those it blames, with, "dosti ko dosti..mar ko mar..lahu ko lahu se jawab (friendhsip to friendship...thrashing to thrashing...and blood for blood)."PromotedListen to the latest songs, only on JioSaavn.comBJP MLAs Niranjan Davkhare and Sanjay Kelkar met Wagle Estate division Assistant Commisioner of Police Gajanan Kabdule regarding the incident. The BJP has accused the police of not taking the matter seriously.The police are reportedly being pressurised from both sides.

BJP man beaten by ‘Shinde Sena’; cross-cases filed in Thane
Times of India | 2 months ago | |
Times of India
2 months ago | |

THANE: Cross cases were registered against 10 persons of the Shinde faction of the Shiv Sena on one side and a BJP functionary and his three aides on the other side on Saturday. The BJP functionary, Prashant Jadhav, was seriously injured on the head after he was punched, kicked and thrashed with wooden sticks by a group of people in Kashish Park area, an act caught on CCTV cameras. The Shiv Sena group complained to the police that Jadhav and his aides first molested a former female corporator. The violence happened on Friday evening following a dispute over banners. Jadhav was admitted to JJ hospital, said a policeman. Following the statement from Jadhav, 10 persons, including two former corporators, were slapped with a case under various sections of the IPC, including rioting and voluntarily causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapon or means.Jadhav was slapped with a case of molestation of one of those accused of beating him, said an officer.

BJP man beaten by ‘Shinde Sena’; cross-cases filed in Thane
Cross cases against BJP and Shinde faction workers in Thane
Times of India | 2 months ago | |
Times of India
2 months ago | |

THANE: Cross cases have been registered against 10 persons of Shinde faction of Shiv Sena for seriously assaulting a BJP functionary who along with three others were booked for molesting a female former corporator in Kashish park area of Thane.The incident occurred on Friday evening over putting up banners in the area wherein the injured has been identified as Prashant Jadhav who is presently undergoing treatment in JJ hospital, said a police officer. Following the statement from the injured, around 10 persons including two former corporators and their aides were booked under various sections of IPC including rioting, Voluntarily causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapons or means etc while the injured has also been booked for molestation, intimidating by one of the accused lady, said police officer. The officer said that further investigation is underway. In the CCTV footage, it is seen that a bunch of people purportedly from the Shinde faction are hitting Jadhav black-and-blue and blowing punches and kicks. They even beat him after he fell down and even he was assaulted by wooden sticks as well as iron rods and some sharp object, said a police officer. A BJP functionary said, “The issue was petty one of installing banners in the area which the former corporator’s supporters of Shinde faction opposed citing that the lighting would come down due to weight of the banners. The verbal dual turned into ugly and Jadhav was assaulted. Jadhav reportedly suffered a serious head injury during the assault and was moved to the JJ Hospital. BJP sources claimed that the incident could further escalate between the two parties in the home turf of CM’ hometown. Though sources claimed that Jadhav and the former corporator had a long standing rivalry in the area due to one upmanship.

Cross cases against BJP and Shinde faction workers in Thane
Diva locals cry neglect by TMC, demand merger with Navi Mum
Times of India | 2 months ago | |
Times of India
2 months ago | |

Thane: A group of residents from Diva led by a BJP Thane functionary have expressed their displeasure at the step motherly treatment of the Thane corporation towards their suburb, and have now demanded it be excluded from the corporation limits and merged with Navi Mumbai instead.The residents, under the banner of NGO Jaaga Ho Divekar, also plan to meet BJP leader and Navi Mumbai strongman Ganesh Naik with their demand. It may be noted the Diva suburb is considered a stronghold of chief minister Eknath Shinde with seven of the eight former elected representatives from here owing allegiance to him.Meanwhile, the residents said it has been nearly four decades after the Thane corporation was formed, but the suburb that is steadily contributing to the civic treasury gets nothing in return. The ruling parties and their leaders have done precious little for the suburb they lamented.“It seems the politicians and administration have only used Diva residents for their benefit. The suburb contributes nearly Rs 50 crore as taxes annually but gets barely anything in return. Basic facilities like water, roads are non-existent here till date. The suburb is also used as a dumping ground for Thane, raising question on what the administration and local netas have done till date,” questioned Vijay Bhoir of the NGO.Rohidas Munde, another senior BJP leader from Diva, seconded the demand claiming that the state led by Shinde has been making announcements but nothing fruitful has come forth in the last few months. Civic officials denied any neglect towards the suburb.

Diva locals cry neglect by TMC, demand merger with Navi Mum
BJP, Shinde faction spar over Diva dumping issue in Maharashtra’s Thane
Times of India | 3 months ago | |
Times of India
3 months ago | |

THANE: Several Diva residents along with local BJP leaders staged a sudden protest in the suburb, Monday morning, demanding immediate stopping of dumping trash here which they claimed was causing health hazards to locals and political apathy towards the issue in this stronghold of Shiv Sena (Balasaheb) led by chief minister Eknath Shinde.The BJP protest in this stronghold of Shinde reflects the rising aggression between the two state allies in Thane suburbs. While the BJP blamed the political leadership here for failing to stop dumping in Diva and using the issue to only get political mileage, the Shiv Sena (Balasaheb) hit back dismissing the agitation as a feeble attempt to gain publicity.A team led by Manohar Dumbre, former BJP group leader of BJP in the Thane House, accompanied by former corporators Milind Patankar and Narayan Pawar blocked path of trash-laden trucks to the dumpyard and also threatened to intensify their agitation if the administration failed to stop dumping in the suburb in the next ten days and operate a new facility at nearby Bhandarli.It may be noted the Diva dumping yard was started in 2000 and presently accommodates a major chunk of the nearly 750 MT plus solid waste generated daily from the Thane corporation limits. Residents staying in the dense residential colonies which came up in the vicinity have been repeatedly complaining of health hazards due to stench and illegal burning of garbage in the yard. The corporation had announced in 2017 to shut the yard and operate a scientific trash disposal unit in the neighbouring Daighar area.“We have been pursuing the issue for a very long time even though the yard is beyond saturation point. The corporation has been giving deadlines but the dumping continues posing health hazards to residents. The local leaders have used the issue to gain political mileage in the last few elections,” complained Rohidas Munde, Diva BJP chief.Meanwhile, former deputy mayor Ramakant Madhavi, from Shiv Sena (Balasaheb) group dismissed the protests as nothing but a publicity stunt by the BJP. “They have been indirectly putting pressure to ensure the dumping continues here as they will lose out on an issue to harp on ahead of the municipal polls. Their (BJP) attempt has nothing to do with resident welfare but only to gain publicity,” said Madhavi.

BJP, Shinde faction spar over Diva dumping issue in Maharashtra’s Thane
BJP workers boycott Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde son’s event ‘over failure’ to invite party MLA, minister
Times of India | 3 months ago | |
Times of India
3 months ago | |

KALYAN: Angry over the alleged failure to invite local BJP MLA Ganpat Gaikwad and minister Ravindra Chavan and the absence of the two leaders' photos in posters announcing a rozgar mela organised by CM Eknath Shinde's MP son Shrikant Shinde in Kalyan, BJP workers refused to attend the launch event on Saturday. The incident shows the lack of coordination between the two parties at local level. When minister for tourism and skill development and entrepreneurship Mangal Prabhat Lodha arrived, he was welcomed by BJP workers and city president Sanjay More. However, they turned down his request to attend the function. Shrikant, on his part, claimed that both Gaikwad and Chavan had been invited but were unable to make it due to prior commitments. According to him, about 75 private players participated in the mela. While 6,000 people registered themselves, 2,500 had got jobs by Saturday afternoon.

BJP workers boycott Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde son’s event ‘over failure’ to invite party MLA, minister
BJP stir over Sena netas’ remarks; Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde camp backs Thane bandh
Times of India | 3 months ago | |
Times of India
3 months ago | |

MUMBAI/KALYAN/THANE: BJP's Mumbai unit will hold "Maafi Maango" (Apologize) demonstration across the city while the Balasahebanchi Shiv Sena has called for a bandh in Dombivli and Kalyan rural and the Varkari community for a Thane bandh on Saturday. The demonstrations and bandhs are meant to highlight controversial statements made by Shiv Sena (UBT) deputy leader Sushma Andhare against Hindu gods, saints and varkaris and against what BJP alleged is an attempt by Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut to create a controversy over Dr B R Ambedkar's birthplace. The move is intended to counter the MVA morcha set to be held on Saturday. Addressing a press meet on Friday, Mumbai BJP unit president Ashish Shelar said over the last few days, past speeches made by Sena's (UBT) Sushma Andhare making fun of Hindu gods, saints and Varkaris have been circulating on social media. He questioned how the Thackeray Sena was tolerating it. "Is this not against Maharashtra? Why is Uddhav Thackeray silent? There is discontent among people," he said. He alleged Raut was spreading "lies" about Ambedkar's birthplace. "Tomorrow Saamna (Sena UBT mouthpiece) will also say the Constitution has been written by Uddhav Thackeray and he is responsible for the country's freedom. Ever since the Thackeray faction allied with the Congress that ensured Ambedkar's defeat in an election, the party is trying to create this controversy. These are attempts to rewrite history," he said, adding BJP will hold "maafi mango" demonstrations with black flags across the city on these issues. Rajesh More, city president of the Shinde faction in Dombivli, announced a Dombivli bandh along with the traders association, saints associated with the Varkari community, the rickshaw union and other groups. "Maharashtra is a land of saints, and Andhare is seen making controversial statements about our saints. Until she apologises, we will not allow her to enter Dombivli," he said. However, Balu Komaskar, president of Lal Bavta rickshaw union said, "The bandh is politically motivated and our union has decided to not participate." In Thane, the Varkari community, along with several Hindu organisations, called for a Thane bandh on Saturday to protest against Andhare. "We are deeply upset by remarks made by Andhare about Hindu deities and rituals, along with several saints, in the past," said a member of the Varkari community. Meanwhile, the Thane unit of BJP and Balasahebanchi Shiv Sena released statements saying they would support the bandh.

BJP stir over Sena netas’ remarks; Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde camp backs Thane bandh
MVA morcha in south Mumbai today, BJP stir across city
Times of India | 3 months ago | |
Times of India
3 months ago | |

MUMBAI/KALYAN/THANE: BJP's Mumbai unit will hold "Maafi Maango" (Apologize) demonstration across the city while the Balasahebanchi Shiv Sena has called for a bandh in Dombivli and Kalyan rural and the Varkari community for a Thane bandh on Saturday. The demonstrations and bandhs are meant to highlight controversial statements made by Shiv Sena (UBT) deputy leader Sushma Andhare against Hindu gods, saints and varkaris and against what BJP alleged is an attempt by Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut to create a controversy over Dr B R Ambedkar's birthplace. The move is intended to counter the MVA morcha set to be held on Saturday. Addressing a press meet on Friday, Mumbai BJP unit president Ashish Shelar said over the last few days, past speeches made by Sena's (UBT) Sushma Andhare making fun of Hindu gods, saints and Varkaris have been circulating on social media. He questioned how the Thackeray Sena was tolerating it. "Is this not against Maharashtra? Why is Uddhav Thackeray silent? There is discontent among people," he said. He alleged Raut was spreading "lies" about Ambedkar's birthplace. "Tomorrow Saamna (Sena UBT mouthpiece) will also say the Constitution has been written by Uddhav Thackeray and he is responsible for the country's freedom. Ever since the Thackeray faction allied with the Congress that ensured Ambedkar's defeat in an election, the party is trying to create this controversy. These are attempts to rewrite history," he said, adding BJP will hold "maafi mango" demonstrations with black flags across the city on these issues. Rajesh More, city president of the Shinde faction in Dombivli, announced a Dombivli bandh along with the traders association, saints associated with the Varkari community, the rickshaw union and other groups. "Maharashtra is a land of saints, and Andhare is seen making controversial statements about our saints. Until she apologises, we will not allow her to enter Dombivli," he said. However, Balu Komaskar, president of Lal Bavta rickshaw union said, "The bandh is politically motivated and our union has decided to not participate." In Thane, the Varkari community, along with several Hindu organisations, called for a Thane bandh on Saturday to protest against Andhare. "We are deeply upset by remarks made by Andhare about Hindu deities and rituals, along with several saints, in the past," said a member of the Varkari community. Meanwhile, the Thane unit of BJP and Balasahebanchi Shiv Sena released statements saying they would support the bandh.

MVA morcha in south Mumbai today, BJP stir across city
Diva residents want to be part of Navi Mumbai
Times of India | 3 months ago | |
Times of India
3 months ago | |

THANE: A group of residents from Diva led by a BJP Thane functionary have expressed their ire at the step motherly treatment of the Thane corporation towards their suburb and have now demanded it should be excluded from the corporation limits and merged with Navi Mumbai instead. The residents under the banner of NGO Jaaga Ho Divekar also plan to meet BJP leader and Navi Mumbai strongman Ganesh Naik soon with their demand. It may be noted the Diva suburbs is considered a stronghold of chief minister Eknath Shinde with seven of the eight former elected representatives from here owing allegiance to him. Meanwhile, the residents said it has been nearly four decades after the Thane corporation was formed but the suburb that is steadily contributing to the civic treasury gets nothing in return. The ruling parties and their leaders have done precious little for the suburb they lamented. “It seems the politicians and administration have only used Diva residents for their benefit. The suburb contributes nearly Rs 50 crores as taxes annually but gets barely anything in return. Basic facilities like water, roads are non-existent here till date. The suburb is also used as a dumping ground for Thane raising question on what the administration and local netas have done till date,” questioned Vijay Bhoir of the NGO. Rohidas Munde, another senior BJP leader from Diva seconded the demand claiming that thhe state led by Shinde has been making announcements but nothing fruitful has come forth in the last few months. Civic officials denied any neglect towards the suburb.

Diva residents want to be part of Navi Mumbai
Maharashtra MLA, Out On Bail And Named In New Case, "Decides To Resign"
Ndtv | 4 months ago | |
Ndtv
4 months ago | |

NCP leader Jitendra Awhad with supporters after bail on Saturday, November 12.Mumbai: Jitendra Awhad, a legislator from Sharad Pawar's NCP, has tweeted that after “two false cases against me in 72 hours… I have decided to resign as MLA”. On bail after his arrest last week for disrupting a show of Marathi film ‘Har Har Mahadev' in Thane over “distorting the history of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj”, the former minister is now accused of assaulting a woman. A case registered under the Indian Penal Code Section 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty) has been registered as he allegedly pushed her during a public event at the opening of a bridge in Mumbra on November 13.“I will fight against this police brutality. I cannot simply watch this murder of democracy,” said Mr Awhad, MLA from Mumbra-Kalwa constituency in Thane, in his tweet in Marathi.पोलीसांनी माझ्या विरुद्ध ७२ तासात २ खोटा गुन्हा दाखल केला आणि तोही 😭३५४ ,.,मी ह्या पोलिसी आत्याचारा विरुद्ध लढणार … मी माझ्या आमदारकीचा राजीनामा देण्याचा निर्णय घेतो आहे,,. लोकशाहीची हत्या .. उघड्या डोळ्यांनी नाही बघू शकत— Dr.Jitendra Awhad (@Awhadspeaks) November 14, 2022The woman has alleged that MLA Jitendra Awhad "forcefully pushed" her when she was moving towards Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to meet him as he'd come to participate in the inauguration.Angry over the FIR, NCP workers protested at the Mumbra police station and burnt tyres.Earlier, over forcibly shutting the screening of 'Har Har Mahadev', Mr Awhad was arrested on Friday and released on Saturday. He is charged with sections 323 (assault) and 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace).Mr Awhad said the orders to arrest him had come from "higher authorities" — seen as a reference to the Eknath Shinde-BJP government — adding that he had saved a man who was allegedly manhandled at the multiplex on November 7. His party leader leader and MP Supriya Sule also accused the police of being under "pressure from above". Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) leader Aaditya Thackeray criticised the state government, too: ‘'Jitendra Awhad has done the right thing. We are ready to go to jail with him.''Chief Minister Eknath Shinde denied any politics behind the arrest and said the police must have taken action as per law.On November 7, Mr Awhad and his supporters allegedly gatecrashed a multiplex in Thane to disrupt the show. When people demanded a refund and passed comments regarding the disruption, Mr Awhad and his supporters allegedly assaulted some of them.A day later, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said beating up moviegoers will not be tolerated and action will be taken against people involved in such incidents. "People are permitted to register their opposition democratically. I have not seen the movie and I am not aware of the controversy," he'd said.PromotedListen to the latest songs, only on JioSaavn.comMr Awhad was arrested three days later.He was Housing Minister in the previous Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress government under Uddhav Thackeray until Eknath Shinde divided the Sena and took the chair with the BJP's backing.

Maharashtra MLA, Out On Bail And Named In New Case, "Decides To Resign"
Maharashtra: NCP, BJP activists clash in Palghar district, offence registered
Times of India | 4 months ago | |
Times of India
4 months ago | |

PALGHAR: A clash took place between activists of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Maharashtra's Palghar district, police said on Friday. The incident occurred in Dahanu taluka of the district on Thursday evening, ahead of the elections to the post of chief and deputy chief of gram panchayats in the district, an official said. Complaints were lodged by both the sides following the clash and FIRs have been registered against persons involved in the incident, he said. A few members of both the groups sustained minor injuries in the incident, the official said, adding that no arrest has been made so far, the official added.

Maharashtra: NCP, BJP activists clash in Palghar district, offence registered
MLAs with Uddhav Thackeray are either in our contact or BJPs’: Eknath Shinde’s son
Times of India | 4 months ago | |
Times of India
4 months ago | |

THANE: Taking a jibe at Uddhav Thackeray's statement on mid-term elections statement, chief minister Eknath Shinde's son and Kalyan Lok Sabha MP Dr Shrikant Shinde said he was giving such a statement so that his MLAs should not leave him. Dr Shinde on Sunday attended a program in Dombivli during which he addressed to media. He said that the state has got a stable government of Balasaheb's Shiv Sena and BJP. He further said, "In such a situation, the remaining MLAs of his (Uddhav Thackeray) should remain with him due to which he is giving such statements. The truth is that some of their (Uddhav Thackeray) MLAs are either in contact with us or are in contact with our ally BJP". Dr Shinde further said, "This is the reason that under a plan to stop his MLAs, sometimes he (Uddhav) sometimes Congress and sometimes NCP makes statements while they know that this government is a stable government and to pass the time of two years they are making time pass by giving such statement". On Saturday, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray addressing party's functionaries predicted mid-term elections in Maharashtra and asked party workers to start preparations.

MLAs with Uddhav Thackeray are either in our contact or BJPs’: Eknath Shinde’s son
With Eknath Shinde in state, but may go solo in civic polls, says BJP
Times of India | 4 months ago | |
Times of India
4 months ago | |

THANE: BJP may contest the upcoming municipal elections in Maharashtra independently following recommendations to the effect from its local units, said state party chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Saturday. Bawankule was interacting with the media at the first BJP show of strength in Thane. “We’ll definitely fight all state and LS polls with our alliance partner,” he said. “But we’ve left the decision to forge an alliance or not with them at the local level to our BJP core committees working in the regions. We may have a friendly fight with the Shinde faction in those areas.” He hinted at BJP wanting to show its prowess, including in Thane, a stronghold of Shinde as well as Uddhav Thackeray-led Sena. The city, Mumbai, Kalyan-Dombivli, Navi Mumbai and other municipal jurisdictions are headed for local body polls. To media questions on possible tensions with the Shinde faction, Bawankule said the party was with the Balasahebanchi Shiv Sena led by Shinde and would put all its might behind it. He also lauded Shinde and praised his rebellion.

With Eknath Shinde in state, but may go solo in civic polls, says BJP
  • ‘With Shinde in state, but BJP may go solo in civic polls’

    • Times of India

    Thane: The BJP may contest the upcoming municipal elections in the state independently following recommendations to the effect from its local units, said state party chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Saturday, reports Manoj Bagderi.Bawankule was interacting with the media at the first BJP show of strength in CM Eknath Shinde’s city. “We will definitely fight all state and Lok Sabha polls with our alliance partner,” Bawankule said. “But we have left the decision to forge an alliance or not with them at the local level to our BJP core committees working in the regions. We may have a friendly fight with the Shinde faction in those areas.” He hinted at the party wanting to show its prowess, including in the lake city, a stronghold of Shinde as well as Uddhav Thackeray-led Sena.

Opposition will see exodus, have no candidate for 2024 Maharashtra elections, says Chandrashekhar Bawankule
Times of India | 4 months ago | |
Times of India
4 months ago | |

THANE: As the city, Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Kalyan-Dombivli, and other municipal jurisdictions head for local body polls, state BJP president and former minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule is on a statewide tour to meet party workers and try to understand the pulse of every district. Attacking the MVA allies here, he said it was unlikely that the coalition would come to power again. He also ridiculed Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo yatra, claiming that it had made a reverse impact with many leaders and party workers joining the BJP. "The coming days will see many inductions of leaders from the opposition to the BJP and they (opposition) are likely to face a tough time finding a candidate to even contest the 2024 polls," he said. To media questions on possible tensions with the Shinde faction, Bawankule said the party was with the Sena led by Shinde and would put all its might behind it. He lauded Shinde and praised his rebellion, saying the brave Maratha had suitably avenged the backstabbing of the Shiv Sena-BJP alliance by Thackeray in 2019.

Opposition will see exodus, have no candidate for 2024 Maharashtra elections, says Chandrashekhar Bawankule
BJP may fight solo at micro level but alliance with Shinde faction to remain at macro level: Chandrashekhar Bawankule
Times of India | 4 months ago | |
Times of India
4 months ago | |

THANE: The BJP may contest the forthcoming civic elections in some cities independently following recommendations from its local units, party state chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule said on Saturday. Bawankule was interacting with the media in Thane during the first ever show of strength for the BJP in chief minister Eknath Shinde’s dominion. “We will definitely fight all state and Lok Sabha polls along with our alliance partner (Shinde faction Shiv Sena). But we have left the decision to forge an alliance or not with them (Shinde faction) at the local level to our BJP core committees working in the respective regions. We may have a friendly fight with the Shinde faction in those areas,” said Bawankule as he subtly hinted of the party wanting to show its prowess in certain cities including Thane that is a stronghold of not just Shinde but also the Thackeray-led Shiv Sena. It may be noted several cities including Thane, Mumbai, Kalyan-Dombivli, Navi Mumbai and others are slated to go to the polls in the near future. The former minister and state BJP boss is on a state wide tour meeting fellow party workers and trying to understand the pulse of every district ahead of the crucial election season. Even as the media questioned over any possible tension with the Shinde faction, Bawankule clarified the party is with the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) and would put all its might behind them also. He also lauded Shinde and his rebellion saying the brave Maratha has suitably avenged the backstabbing of the Sena-BJP alliance by Thackeray in 2019 adding the Fadnavis-Shinde government would compensate the backlog of development works in the state during the MVA regime in the coming two years. Attacking the MVA allies, he said it is unlikely that the MVA coalition would come to power again. He also chided Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo yatra claiming that it has seen a reverse impact with many leaders and party workers joining the BJP. “The coming days will see many inductions of leaders from the opposition to the BJP and they (opposition) are likely to face a tough time finding a candidate to even contest the 2024 polls,” he said. He also pointed out the fractures appearing in the MVA coalition by highlighting the recent comments made by the Congress on the Sena. "The Congress has realised that Sena may eat into its traditional voter base and is slowly distancing itself from the coalition and making remarks on the Thackeray led Sena," he said.

BJP may fight solo at micro level but alliance with Shinde faction to remain at macro level: Chandrashekhar Bawankule
Thane gram panchayat polls: Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena faction & BJP claim victory on 80% seats
Times of India | 5 months ago | |
Times of India
5 months ago | |

THANE: Chief minister Eknath Shinde-led Bala Saheb's Shiv Sena and Bhartiya Janta Party's supporters have claimed to win about 80 per cent of the seats in Thane district in the first gram panchayat elections held after the Shinde and BJP government came to power in Maharashtra. Thane district is home town of Shinde, where he has a strong hold. Both alliance parties had claimed that their supporters manage to win 121 gram panchayats while Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena and Maha Vikas Aghadi together have been able to win only 28 gram panchayats out of total 156 gram panchayats in District while on 2 gram panchayat locals had boycotted voting. The maximum 63 gram panchayats were won by Shinde faction while BJP managed to win 58 gram panchayats. Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena supporters contested election together with its MVA partners Congress and NCP and they altogether won 28 gram panchayats. Political pandits claimed that many were believing that Thackeray may get sympathy votes since Shinde broke his party, but results show that Shinde still have his clouds in Thane District like earlier. It may be recalled after Eknath Shinde formed government with BJP, more than 80% of political representatives including corporators, zila parishad members, gram panchayat members of Shiv Sena had came in support of Shinde. Prakash Patil, up neta of Shinde faction who has strong hold in Thane rural area, said, "The results shows that Shinde saheb who worked for development in Thane district is still having strong support of real Shiv Sainiks in Bala Saheb's Shiv Sena party and in future also we will get same support." Patil claimed that in upcoming two to three days I will take all our elected representatives in Mumbai to meet CM Shinde. Interestingly MVA partners till late evening were not sure about their elected representatives in Thane district. When asked Kedar Dighe, Thane district president of Uddhav led Shiv Sena, he said, "I was busy in party's meeting and yet to check exactly how much our supporters win gram panchayats." A senior bureaucrat said the claims made by parties have no substance since the elections are not contested on the basis of affiliation to political parties.

Thane gram panchayat polls: Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena faction & BJP claim victory on 80% seats
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