The Supreme Court directed the Maharashtra State Election Commission to ensure that the general elections to constitute the Panchayat Samiti, Shrirampur in Ahmednagar district, are conducted in "right earnest" and in accordance with the triple test laid down by it. A bench of Justices AM Khanwilkar and Dinesh Maheshwari was hearing an appeal filed against the Bombay High Court order which declined to interfere in the petition challenging the election of a man as Chairperson of the Panchayat Samiti as reserved OBC category candidate despite the decision of this Court in Vikas Kishanrao Gawali case. The apex court said that as the term of the Panchayat Samiti is only up to February 23, 2022, it does not wish to precipitate the matter any further and accept the explanation offered by the Collector as a plausible error committed by him. "However, while disposing of this petition, we direct continuance of the interim order to the effect that the respondent No.7, who has been elected as Chairperson of the Panchayat Samiti, Shrirampur, shall not take any policy decision in connection with the Panchayat Samiti, until the general body elections of the said Samiti are conducted and the newly constituted Samiti takes over its affairs," the bench said. The apex court said it was not approving the action of the Collector, but it does not wish to issue directions to unseat respondent No. 7 owing to the short tenure left for conduct of general election for constitution of the Panchayat Samiti. "We direct the Maharashtra State Election Commission to ensure that the general elections to constitute the Panchayat Samiti, Shrirampur, are conducted in right earnest to ensure that the newly elected body takes over around the same time when the term of the incumbent Samiti expires. "Needless to observe that the general elections will be conducted strictly as per the decision of this Court in Vikas Kishanrao Gawali (supra)," the bench said. In March last year, a three-judge bench of the apex court had said the reservation in favour of the OBCs in the local bodies in Maharashtra cannot exceed 50 per cent of the total seats reserved for the SCs, STs and OBCs taken together. The top court on December 17, 2021 had directed the state election commissions of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh to re-notify the seats reserved for the OBCs in the local bodies under the general category. The order referred to the Constitution bench verdict of 2010 that had mentioned three conditions, including the setting up of a dedicated commission to conduct a contemporaneous rigorous empirical inquiry into the nature and implications of the backwardness qua the local bodies in the states, which are required to be followed before provisioning such reservation for the OBC category. It had referred to the three conditions noted in the constitution bench verdict of 2010. The conditions included specifying the proportion of reservation required to be provisioned local body-wise in light of the recommendations of the commission so as not to fall foul of overbreadth and in any case, such reservation shall not exceed an aggregate of 50 per cent of the total seats reserved in favour of the SCs, STs and OBCs taken together. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
17 October,2024 11:29 AM IST | New Delhi | PTIThe election results in Karnataka will not have any impact on the outcome of the next year's Lok Sabha and Maharashtra Assembly elections, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said here on Saturday. Speaking to reporters about the Congress's victory in the southern state, Shinde said the BJP had earlier won elections in Meghalaya, Tripura and Nagaland, and the issues in each of these three states were different. "Thus, the results in Karnataka will affect neither Lok Sabha elections nor the (Assembly) elections in Maharashtra," he said. One cannot forecast anything from election results of a single state, he added. Also Read: Victory of politics that unites country: Priyanka Gandhi on Karnataka results Shinde, who split the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena in June 2022 and went on to become chief minister by joining hands with the BJP, also said that one must accept that the BJP had won the 2019 Assembly elections in Maharashtra. "Maharashtra (subsequently) witnessed a government in a coma," he said, in a veiled reference to the Thackeray-led government of the Sena, NCP and Congress. "People in Maharashtra want a government that will work for them. They are intelligent enough to understand the situation," Shinde added. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
17 October,2024 11:28 AM IST | Satara | PTIThe Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Saturday said it would start preparations for the Maharashtra elections even before the Lok Sabha elections get over. Addressing a press conference, its state unit president Sunil Tatkare said the party is taking steps to strengthen the organisation and make it more robust across the state by conducting district-wise reviews. He also claimed that several leaders from other parties will join the NCP on Monday. The NCP is part of the ruling Mahayuti coalition in the state along with BJP and Shiv Sena. "The party has decided to work on the principle of 'Ekach Laksh, Vidhansabha Shetra'. Therefore, without waiting for the results of the Lok Sabha elections on June 4, the NCP is taking steps to strengthen the organization and make it more robust across the state by conducting district-wise reviews," Tatkare said. "An important meeting of NCP will be held at Garware Club House on May 27 from 11 am to 1 pm. The meeting will be attended by national leader Ajit Pawar, national working president MP Praful Patel, senior leader Chhagan Bhujbal, ministers, MLAs, Lok Sabha candidates of the party and all district presidents," he added. Tatkare mentioned that while there is a review meeting scheduled for May 27, they will be introducing various programs to the organisation. He also noted that June 10 marks the foundation day of the party, and a discussion will be held within the core committee to prepare and plan programs in Mumbai and Delhi. "In this meeting, many leaders from both Maharashtra and other states will publicly join the Nationalist Congress Party. The leader joining the NCP will significantly alter the political landscape of the country and the state," said Tatkare. He further said that a meeting of the coordination committee of the Mahayuti will be convened soon after discussing with the Maharashtra Chief Minister and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister. "With the Maharashtra elections in mind and to facilitate further planning, the NCP is aiming to be more proactive, working from the village level to the state level. The party will be strengthened both at the state and national levels after the leaders join on Monday, which will significantly impact the upcoming elections," said Tatkare. He said that the state recorded an average voter turnout of 60 percent. "Voters enthusiastically came out to cast their votes even in the scorching sun. The Mahayuti coalition aimed to highlight national issues and present a national perspective for the Lok Sabha elections. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with Union leaders and state leaders of the alliance, held campaign meetings across the state. We emphasized that this election was crucial for the Parliament of the country and discussed national issues that determine the future of the nation. In contrast, the opposition resorted to low-level politics, focusing on local issues. Overall, the language used by the opposition during the campaign did not align with Maharashtra's culture and ideology," he added. Tatkare expressed confidence that the Mahayuti will achieve significant success in the Lok Sabha elections in the state. "The election battles were fierce, but the final victory will be ours. I attended Prime Minister Narendra Modi's meetings in Kalyan and Mumbai, which received an overwhelming response from the people. Now, everyone's eyes are on the results on June 4. The only discussion across the state is about what will happen in the country, the state, and specifically in the Marathwada, Vidarbha, West Maharashtra, Mumbai, and Konkan assembly constituencies. On this occasion, Sunil Tatkare expressed his belief that the Mahayuti will earn the people's votes," he said. Asked about the demand of the rival NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) for a reelection in Beed Lok Sabha constituency, Tatkare said the demand was being raised two weeks after the polling was held. "The opposition is alleging that our defeat in the elections is imminent, but these are baseless claims and an indirect admission of their declining voter base. Therefore, I don't think we need to take what the opposition says very seriously. Recently, people with little else to do have been recording and broadcasting videos from anywhere, creating the false impression that they understand the real situation. It's been a fortnight since polls were held in Beed, yet a re-poll is being demanded. We are in a democracy, and anyone can make demands, but there is no basis for this one. When elections are conducted democratically, any demand for a re-poll should be made immediately—on the evening of the election or the next day—not weeks later," he said. "They are calling for a re-poll after 15-20 days. This is because they know they are going to be defeated," Tatkare said.
17 October,2024 11:28 AM IST | Mumbai | Ronak MastakarA 46-year-old woman was killed after getting caught in a clash between two armed groups in Manipur's Kangpokpi district, police said on Tuesday. The incident happened in the remote Thangbuh village on Sunday night, they said. A few houses in the village were also torched, forcing the locals to flee to nearby forests, they added. The deceased woman was identified as Nemjakhol Lhungdim. Her body was handed over to her family after a post-mortem examination at the Churachandpur district hospital, police said. A significant number of powerful bombs were discharged during the clash between the two sides, they said. Later that night, an exchange of fire was also reported between CRPF personnel stationed at a nearby school and militants, police said. No casualty was reported in that gunfight, they said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
25 September,2024 05:05 PM IST | Imphal | PTIAgitating junior doctors in West Bengal said they would continue their 'cease work’ to demand justice for the RG Kar hospital medic who was raped and murdered, despite Supreme Court directions to resume duties by 5 pm on Tuesday. Demanding the resignation of the state’s health secretary and director of health education (DHE), the protesting medics said that they would also take out a rally to 'Swasthya Bhavan' – the headquarters of the health department in Salt Lake – on Tuesday noon. "Our demands are unfulfilled and justice is not meted out to the victim. We will continue our agitation as well as the ‘cease work’. We want the health secretary and DHE to resign. Tomorrow noon, we will hold a rally to the Swasthya Bhavan," one of the protesting doctors told PTI on Monday evening after a meeting of their governing body here. The body of the postgraduate trainee doctor was found with injury marks in a seminar room of state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. She was allegedly raped and killed while on duty. The incident has triggered nationwide outrage and protests. The junior doctors have been observing 'cease work' at state-run hospitals for about a month now. The Supreme Court on Monday directed the protesting medics to resume their duties by 5 pm on Tuesday to avoid adverse action by the state government. The court passed the direction after the West Bengal government assured it that no action, including punitive transfers, would be taken against the protesting doctors if they resumed work. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
10 September,2024 09:58 AM IST | Kolkata | PTICongress president Mallikarjun Kharge has said there should be no retirement age in politics, and those with ideological conviction and a will to serve the people and the country should do so till their last breath. The 82-year-old leader was speaking here on Monday at the launch of Congress veteran Sushil Kumar Shinde's memoir "Five Decades in Politics", written with journalist-author Rasheed Kidwai. Kharge said that Shinde shouldn't see himself a retired man at 83 as he still has a crucial role to play in strengthening the Congress party and spreading its ideology further among the masses. "You are 82-83 only.. Look at Morarji Desai. I believe no one should retire in politics. Those who have faith in their ideology, want to serve the nation, want to serve their community, then you have to work till your last breath and awaken the people of your country," Kharge said. Morarji Desai became India's oldest prime minister at the age of 81 in 1977. Kharge, the Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, clarified that none of it should be done seeking a ministry or other plush positions but as a "return gift" to the people of the country and the political party that has nurtured the person. "Whatever one has learnt in his life or whatever one has achieved, eventually you have to return it to the people," he added, hoping that Shinde will continue to work for the party where he achieved so much in his five-decades-long illustrious career. Apart from being the chief minister of Maharashtra from 2003 to 2004, Shinde has held some of the highest offices in the country, including the Governor of Andhra Pradesh from 2004-2006 and the Union home minister from 2012-2014. He was also UPA's vice-presidential candidate in 2002, and in the party he served as All India Congress Committee general secretary. Kharge also praised Shinde for his positive demeanour, saying he went about his business with an ever-present smile on his face, and did his work quietly without tom tomming about it. He argued that this quality of Shinde is rather rare in today's time when some people, referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, are all talk and no action. "He (Shinde) has amazing patience. I, frankly speaking, get angry very easily, and can't stop myself when I see injustice happening anywhere. But not him, Shinde ji is ever smiling. "To have that kind of attitude for 50 years is very difficult and he managed to do that. Not for nothing, he became chief minister, home minister, governor and achieved so much in his life," he added. Sushil Kumar Shinde, on the occasion, thanked the Congress party and especially the late former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi and former Congress president Sonia Gandhi for mentoring and guiding him all the way. "I have no words to thank Sonia Gandhi for what all she did for me. Because to take the decision of appointing a scheduled caste as the chief minister in Maharashtra was not an easy thing to do, and only someone like Sonia ji can do that... There is just so much that the party did for me," he noted, adding that he hopes the book will work as an inspiration to others. The book launch was also attended by Rajya Sabha MP and senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh. The book, priced at Rs 599, is published by HarperCollins India. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
10 September,2024 08:53 AM IST | New Delhi | PTIAs the deadline for filing of nominations for the Haryana Assembly polls nears the prospective alliance between the Congress and the AAP is yet to reach a conclusion. On Monday AAP Haryana President Sushil Gupta said that the party would release the list of 90 candidates if no deal is struck by the end of the day. The statement was reiterated by Party RS MP Sanjay Singh who further said that the party has completed all the processes of selecting candidates for all legislative assembly seats in Haryana. On the speculations of the AAP-Congress alliance, Sanjay Singh said, “Sandeep Pathak has already given a statement on this issue and Sushil Gupta has also clarified the stand that we are fully prepared and we have completed the process of selecting candidates for all seats. As soon as they receive permission from the party or national president Arvind Kejriwal, they will announce the list and move forward with the elections. AAP is a national party and we have a strong organisation in Haryana. Our leaders Sandeep Pathak and Sushil Gupta have already given statements, as soon as they will receive directions from the party and Kejriwal Ji, we will move forward with whatever they have said (Sandeep Pathak and Sushil Gupta). Speaking to reporters, Singh said, “If you are talking about Sushil Gupta’s statements, then his statement is valid as well as right as the last date for nominations is September 12. The people who are working on the ground for the party will discuss it with the party’s president Arvind Kejriwal and take decisions to move forward unitedly, as we have less time.” This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
10 September,2024 07:23 AM IST | New Delhi | AgenciesForest General Manager Sanjay Pathak, has voiced disapproval over and rumours concerning the recent wolf attacks. Pathak criticised certain media outlets for misidentifying jackals as wolves, said, “Many media persons are running news without confirmation and calling jackals wolves.” Pathak added that such misinformation disrupts operations and confuses the team. Despite installing snap cameras using thermal technology to track wolves, no wolves have been detected so far. Pathak explained that the normalising river water levels and dried-up banks might have led the wolves to return to their natural habitat, which could explain the absence of wolf attacks in the past six to seven days. He warned that while they are currently issuing warnings to those spreading rumours, further action may be needed. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
10 September,2024 07:20 AM IST | Bahraich | AgenciesThe Supreme Court on Monday voiced concern over the absence of a key document that was needed for the postmortem of the medic raped and murdered at the RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata, and asked the CBI to investigate into it. A bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud said there was no reference of the ‘challan’ (document) used, and sought an answer from the CBI and the West Bengal government. “Where is the challan of the body when it was handed over for postmortem? the bench also comprising Justice J B Pardiwala and Justice Manoj Misra said. The medical fraternity and others stage a protest at Shyambazar 5 Point Crossing in Kolkata. Pics/PTI Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the CBI, informed the bench that the challan was not part of their records. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for the West Bengal government, told the bench that he could not find the document immediately and would get back to the court on this question. The court also flagged the at least a 14-hour delay by Kolkata Police in registering FIR in rape and murder incident. The top court directed the CBI to submit a fresh report by September 17 on the probe in the case. The apex court also directed immediate removal of photographs of the victim from all social media platforms to protect the dignity and privacy of the deceased. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
10 September,2024 07:18 AM IST | New Delhi | AgenciesA luxury Audi car owned by Maharashtra Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule's son hit several vehicles in the early hours of Monday in Ramdaspeth area of Nagpur, the officials said, reported the PTI. Following the incident, the driver and one more occupant of the car were detained and their medical examination was being conducted, a police official said. According to the Sitabuldi police station official, the Audi car first collided with complainant Jitendra Sonkamble's car at 1 am and then with a moped, leaving two youth riding it injured, as per the PTI. "The Audi car struck some more vehicles moving towards Mankapur area. At T-Point there, the vehicle hit a Polo car. Its occupants chased the Audi and stopped it near Mankapur bridge. Two occupants, identified as driver Arjun Hawre and Ronit Chittamwar, were stopped by those in the Polo car," he said. "The duo was taken to Tehsil police station, from where they were handed over for further probe to Sitabuldi police. The medical examination of driver Arjun Hawre and occupant Chittamwar is in progress. Driver Hawre could be placed under arrest at any time ," he said, according to the PTI. The official said that the occupants of the Audi car were returning from a beer bar in Dharampeth when the incident took place, adding the medical examination will include blood tests for alcohol detection. Speaking to reporters about the incident, Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule admitted the Audi car was registered in the name of his son Sanket. "Police should conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the accident without any bias. Those found guilty should be charged and appropriate action should be taken against them. I have not spoken to any police official. The law must be equal for all," the senior BJP leader said. माझ्या मुलाच्या नावे ती गाडी आहे. या अपघाताची पोलिसांनी निष्पक्षपणे पूर्ण चौकशी करावी, कुणालाही वेगळा न्याय लावू नये. जे कुणी दोषी असतील त्यांच्यावर गुन्हे दाखल व्हावेत, त्यांच्यावर कारवाई व्हायला हवी. मी कुठल्याही पोलीस यंत्रणेशी बोललो नाही. न्याय सर्वांना सारखा असायला हवा मग… pic.twitter.com/doJppl5SGm — Chandrashekhar Bawankule (@cbawankule) September 9, 2024 "A case of rash driving and other offences was registered on the complaint of Sonkamble. No action has been taken so far against Chandrashekhar Bawankule's son Sanket Bawankule and the other two occupants who reportedly escaped from the scene at Mankapur bridge," the official said, according to the PTI. "We are checking the CCTV footage to ascertain the chain of events, after which further action on all aspects, including other occupants, will follow," he said. (with PTI inputs)
09 September,2024 10:19 PM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondentExternal Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday described the situation in Gaza as India's "foremost concern" and said New Delhi supports an Israel-Hamas ceasefire "as soon as possible". Jaishankar made the remarks while speaking at the first India-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Ministerial Meeting for Strategic Dialogue in the Saudi capital. "The current situation in Gaza is now understandably our foremost concern. India's position in this regard has been principled and consistent. While we condemn acts of terrorism and hostage taking, we are deeply pained by the continuing death of innocent civilians," he said. Jaishankar said that any response must take into account the principles of humanitarian law. "We support a ceasefire as soon as possible," he added. On October 7, Hamas, which rules the Gaza Strip, launched an unprecedented attack on Israel by land, air and sea, killing 1,200 people and kidnapping 250 others. Israel launched offensive in Gaza, causing widespread devastation and killing around 40,000 people, according to local health officials. The two sides have so far failed to reach a cease-fire to end the 11-month-old conflict. Jaishankar said India has consistently stood for a resolution of the Palestinian issue through a two-state solution. India has also contributed to the building of Palestinian institutions and capacities, he added. "Where the humanitarian situation is concerned, we have provided relief and increased our support to UNRWA," he added. The GCC is an influential grouping, comprising the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar and Kuwait. The total volume of India's trade with GCC countries stood at USD 184.46 billion in the financial year 2022-23. Jaishankar said it was a great pleasure for him to participate in the first India-GCC Ministerial Meeting for Strategic Dialogue and added that the meeting is not just an occasion to reflect on achievements but an opportunity to chart an ambitious and far-reaching course for the future. "The relationship between India and the GCC is rooted in a rich tapestry of history, culture, and shared values. These bonds have grown stronger with time, evolving into a partnership that spans economics, energy, defence, technology, education, people-to-people ties and beyond," he said. Underlining that there are many ways to contemplate partnership between the two sides, the minister offered the framework of 3Ps - People, Prosperity and Progress. "Our people-to-people ties are the bedrock of our relationship. Close to 9 million Indians work and live amongst you, acting as a living bridge between us. Their contributions to your economic progress are widely recognized. We thank you for ensuring their welfare and comfort," he said. He said trade has not only expanded in volume but also in diversity, encompassing a wide range of goods and services that fuel economies and create jobs. "The task before us is to invest in each other's future and support each other's continued prosperity," he said. He identified the GCC as a cornerstone of global energy supply and said India is one of the world's largest and fastest-growing markets. "Much of the future demand is going to come from us. Our deeper collaboration will help in stabilizing markets, driving innovation and enhancing energy security," he added. "Our partnership in the areas of renewables, technology and innovation, health, space, and education can also help realize our respective national goals," Jaishankar said. Jaishankar said that the GCC-India relationship is built on a foundation of trust, mutual respect, and a shared vision for the future. "It has a larger goal of advancing progress in a world that is characterized by technological advancements, changing geopolitics, shifts in the global economy and the urgent need to address environmental sustainability," he said. Noting that the Gulf region occupies a central place in contemporary geopolitics, the minister said that, "in a world polarised by conflict and tension, we share a commitment to global peace, security, and stability." Underlining that sometimes it is adversity that brings out the real importance of friendships, the minister said that the pandemic underlined how relevant we are to each other for health security, food security and maritime security. "Similarly, the demands of AI, of electric mobility and of green growth highlight the importance of sharing human resources. Conflict and tensions bring out the importance of cooperating on connectivity. In a world moving towards multipolarity, we can be mutually supportive of each other's aspirations," he said. "Let us use this platform to deepen our ties, explore new avenues of cooperation, and build a collaborative future," he said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
09 September,2024 09:34 PM IST | Riyadh | PTIADVERTISEMENT
