Shiv Sena Chief Uddhav Thackeray has demanded that the voting time for the Maharashtra Legislative Council Polls be extended by an hour due to heavy rains in Mumbai. With 222 MLAs already casting their votes by 12 pm, the elections have gained momentum as 12 candidates are vying for the 11 seats in the council. The Congress, the NCP (SP) and the Shiv Sena (UBT) are allies in the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance, and have issued a directive for party MLAs to vote for MVA candidates, making the outcome of the elections crucial for all parties involved.
Maharashtra Legislative Council Polls: Shiv Sena Demands Extension of Voting Time Amid Heavy Rains
Background:
The Maharashtra Legislative Council (MLC) is the upper house of the state legislature. Currently, 11 seats in the council are up for grabs. The elections were originally scheduled to be held on December 10, but were postponed due to the death of Shiv Sena patriarch Bal Thackeray.
Current Situation:
On Friday, December 23, voting for the MLC polls began at 9 am. By 12 pm, over 222 MLAs had cast their votes. However, due to heavy rains in Mumbai, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray demanded that the voting time be extended by an hour.
Political Dynamics:
The elections have gained momentum, with 12 candidates vying for the 11 seats. The main contenders include:
The MVA alliance has urged all party MLAs to vote for its candidates, making the outcome of the election crucial for all involved parties.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers:
1. Why are the MLC polls important?
The MLC polls are significant as the upper house can influence the passing of laws and the decision-making process of the state government.
2. What are the main issues in the election?
The main issues include political power, development, and representation of various regions and communities.
3. Who are the key candidates?
The key candidates include NCP's Sachin Ahir, Congress's Sanjay Dutt, and Shiv Sena (UBT)'s Anil Parab.
4. What is the current vote count?
As of noon on Friday, the MVA alliance had secured 121 votes, while the BJP had received 100 votes.
5. What will be the impact of the election results?
The outcome of the election will indicate the strength of different political parties in Maharashtra and could affect future alliances and power dynamics.
Irfan Ansari, a Congress candidate and Minister in Jharkhand, stirred heated debate with his derogatory remarks about BJP candidate Sita Soren, the wife of the late brother of Jharkhand's Chief Minister. His comment about Soren being a "borrowed player" and "rejected" has drawn public outcry and backlash, with Soren demanding a public apology from Ansari. She has also warned of potential protests if he does not take back his words. This incident further highlights the need for accountability and respect towards women in politics.
India suffered a crushing defeat to New Zealand in the second Test, causing their WTC points percentage to drop within eight days. They still hold the top spot, but with a slim lead over Australia. To secure their position, India must win five out of their remaining six Tests with an outright win in each game, including a 5-0 sweep against WTC defending champions Australia. If they can secure at least two wins and four draws, their chances will still be in contention, along with other parallel WTC contenders.
CBI officials question former West Bengal Education Minister and Trinamool Congress Secretary General, Partha Chatterjee, in connection with the multi-crore cash-for-school job case. Chatterjee, who has been in judicial custody since his arrest by the ED in July 2022, was presented at the special court in Kolkata on October 1. The CBI has become active in the case again and has interrogated Chatterjee after the Durga Puja festivities. Chatterjee's counsel has moved for bail, while another accused in the case, private promoter Ayan Shil, was also shown as arrested by CBI on October 1.
Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has filed his nomination papers for the upcoming state assembly election from the Nagpur South-West seat. In a show of support, Fadnavis was joined by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and held a road show in Nagpur ahead of filing his nomination. Speaking to reporters, Fadnavis expressed his gratitude to top party leaders, including Prime Minister Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, for showing trust in him. He also stated that their main aim is to continue the development that has been achieved under the current government.
The Rajasthan High Court has directed the Bar Council of India (BCI) to justify a rule that allows elected members of State Bar Councils to continue in office beyond the prescribed term. The Court has raised concerns about the rule violating the provisions of the Advocates Act, and will consider interim relief for the petitioner in the next hearing. The petitioner argues that the amended rule goes beyond what is permitted by the parent statute, while the BCI maintains that the extension is necessary in case of delayed bar elections.
After Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray submitted his nomination from Worli Assembly Constituency, the MNS announced Rajya Sabha MP Milind Deora as their candidate, setting up a Sena versus Sena battle. This is a significant shift from the Shiv Sena's stronghold in Worli, which has been a Thackeray family stronghold for decades. With MNS candidate Sandeep Deshpande also in the mix, there is speculation of a split in Maratha votes, which could affect the Shiv Sena's victory chances in the upcoming assembly election. While Shiv Sena justifies their low majority in Worli in the recent Lok Sabha polls to overconfidence, the change in political equations is evident with MNS chief Raj Thackeray's decision to not field a candidate against Aaditya Thackeray in 2019.
BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis filed his nomination today from the Nagpur South West constituency, with a strong show of support from senior party leaders. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, BJP Maharashtra President Chandrashekhar Bawankule, and other leaders were present to back Fadnavis. His rally, which witnessed a traditional aarti performed by his wife, also received blessings from his mother and Naga sadhus from Uttarakhand. With thousands of supporters and family support, Fadnavis expressed confidence in securing his sixth victory in the upcoming elections.
Priyanka Gandhi's husband Robert Vadra expressed his happiness at her decision to enter the electoral battle from Wayanad, saying that she would work hard for herself and for the people. He also praised Priyanka's dedication towards her family and the country. Vadra also addressed his own political prospects, stating that he would make a decision if the people wanted him to enter active politics. Priyanka's massive roadshow in Kalpetta and her filing of nominations for the bypoll were also highlighted.
Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis has filed his nomination from Nagpur South West constituency for the upcoming Assembly polls. This will be the fifth time Fadnavis is contesting from this constituency. With the BJP facing a tough competition in the region, Fadnavis is banking on his track record of development-oriented politics to secure a victory. However, Congress's Praful Gudadhe is also expected to give a tough fight in the elections, as the BJP suffered a decline in votes in this constituency during the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Despite this, Fadnavis remains confident, while Congress sees this as an opportunity to make a comeback in the region. In the last Assembly elections, Fadnavis had defeated Gudadhe in a multi-cornered contest.
The political landscape in Maharashtra is filled with controversy as posters giving credit to Chief Minister Ekanth Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for the encounter killing of a suspect in a child sexual assault case have surfaced in various parts of the state. While BJP has denied any involvement in the posters, the Shiv Sena, who is in power with BJP in the state, has openly celebrated and taken credit for the encounter. As the battle for credit and power continues, the local municipality has removed the posters of Fadnavis, causing backlash and calls for an inquiry from BJP members.