Do you know what the stars hold for you in terms of love life, career, business and personal wellness? Well, read on to know your astrological predictions as per your zodiac sign. AriesMarch 21 – April 19Maintain a cordial equation with colleagues, even the troublesome ones! Listen to your gut if you feel you need to make a lifestyle change.Relationship tip: Those in a long distance marriage or relationship may make an important decision. Make well thought out choices, balancing your head and your heart. TaurusApril 20 – May 20Speak your mind, but only when you’re sure about what needs to be said. Those in a traditional work environment must stick to company protocol.Relationship tip: Choose your words carefully if you need to have an important discussion with a loved one. Stay out of family gossip. GeminiMay 21 – June 20Being prepared for meetings, interviews or negotiations would be essential, even if you feel you have options to choose from. Avoid complicating your investment portfolio.Relationship tip: You may need to choose sides if you’re in the middle of an argument. This is a positive time for singles who are looking for a match online. CancerJune 21 – July 22Be ready to change your approach if you’re in a competitive situation. Implement any lifestyle changes you need to make.Relationship tip: Make time for friends you know you can trust no matter how busy you are. Avoid getting entangled with people you know you can’t depend on. LeoJuly 23 – Aug 22 Handle any situation out of your control in the best possible manner. This is a good time to work on letting go of negative habits that hold you back.Relationship tip: Handle any challenging relationships as best possible, being undermined. Make decisions that you know are the best in the circumstances. VirgoAug 23 – Sept 22This is a good time to work on both personal and professional changes you need to make. Self employed businesspersons could sign on a new, lucrative contract.Relationship tip: Focus on your home, and honest communication between family members. This is a positive time for singles looking to get married. LibraSept 23 – Oct 22If you’re in a slow phase, you need to pull yourself up through feelings of apathy and boredom. Avoid buying things you do not need.Relationship tip: Don’t get caught up in ego issues. It is not worth the stress. Your equation with an elder in the family may need a little attention. ScorpioOct 23 – Nov 21Those wanting to take their career to the next level need to know they want. Be careful while driving as you could be accident prone.Relationship tip: Situations at home require your attention—don’t ignore it in the hopes that it will go away. Knowing whom you can trust is very crucial. SagittariusNov 22 – Dec 21Make sure you get the best possible deal if you are in the middle of any kind of negotiations. Focus on stability while making investments.Relationship tip: Those going through a break up should make a clean end to it. Make time for those who really matter, and do not take them for granted. CapricornDec 22 – Jan 19Let go of the past. Don’t let it affect the decisions you make now. This is a positive time for those in a creative profession.Relationship tip: Someone may not be trustworthy, and you need to be careful to give people any information only on a need to know basis. AquariusJan 20 – Feb 18Impulsive decisions won’t work out like you expected. You need to make thought out choices. Take extra care of your health.Relationship tip: Those in a relationship they have kept hidden, need to reconsider if it’s worth it. Singles need to widen their social circles. PiscesFeb 19 – March 21Time management is very important if you have too much to do and not enough time. Focus on steady and secure investments in a long term perspective. Relationship tip: Don’t be influenced by other people during difficult times of a relationship. Choose peace and joy over conflict.
19 January,2025 12:18 AM IST | Mumbai | Aparna BoseThe Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education has found itself at the centre of controversy as its decision regarding board examinations has sparked widespread criticism. The inclusion of students' caste categories/groups, such as OBC (Other Backward Classes), ST (Scheduled Tribe), and SC (Scheduled Caste), on the hall tickets has ignited a debate, with opposition parties, education experts, and teachers questioning the rationale behind this move. Critics argue that this practice could lead to unnecessary caste-based discrimination, raising concerns about its implications for students'dignity. The decision has left many puzzled, overshadowing the board’s routine preparations for the crucial Secondary and Higher Secondary School Certificate examinations and prompting calls for immediate clarification. The Class 10 (SSC) exams are scheduled to begin on February 21 and will continue till March 17 while the Class 12 (HSC) board exams will be conducted from February 11 to March 11. Education board’s clarification Amid the backlash, Sharad Gosavi, the Chairman of the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education, has issued a clarification. Addressing concerns, Gosavi emphasised that the hall tickets do not specify a student’s caste but only their caste category/group. “This has been done purely for the convenience of students and not to inconvenience them,” he stated. He explained that errors in students’ details, such as their name, parents’ names, caste, or caste category, recorded in the school or junior college’s general register cannot be rectified once the student leaves the institution. Such mistakes often lead to difficulties later, particularly when students need to provide accurate documentation for various purposes. “Many students come to us with complaints about incorrect caste or category information, which creates hurdles in their future education or while availing scholarships. By including the caste category on hall tickets, students and schools get an opportunity to identify and rectify errors before they become a problem,” Gosavi explained. Ensuring scholarship accessGosavi also highlighted that the move is intended to ease the process of availing government scholarships provided Tribal Welfare and Social Justice departments. “If the caste group is recorded accurately in the school’s general register, it simplifies the process for students to claim these scholarships. Mentioning the caste category on hall tickets helps ensure that any discrepancies can be resolved in time," said Gosavi. The board reiterated that the sole intention behind this decision is to support students and prevent future obstacles. Errors in caste details can create significant issues in higher education and scholarship applications, and this proactive step aims to minimise such challenges, the board stated. Mixed reactionsWhile the education board’s explanation underscores the practical benefits of the move, critics remain skeptical. Opposition parties and some educators argue that mentioning caste categories on hall tickets could lead to unnecessary stigmatization or discrimination among students. Holding the minister of school education responsible for the move, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) leader Sushma Andhare said: "Class 10 and 12 are crucial milestones in a student's academic journey. It is during this formative age that the values of an inclusive and equitable society are expected to be instilled in students. However, if the education board itself is mentioning caste on hall tickets, the onus is on the School Education Minister to clarify whether the board's objective is to promote equality or perpetuate caste-based systems."
18 January,2025 10:09 PM IST | Mumbai | Dipti SinghA 21-km-long underground/undersea tunnel is being constructed between the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train station at Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) and Shilphata in Maharashtra. Of this 21 km, 16 km will be built using tunnel-boring machines (TBM), while the remaining 5 km will be constructed using the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM). This includes a 7-km undersea tunnel at Thane Creek. The construction work for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train has made significant progress across various locations. At ADIT (Additionally Driven Intermediate Tunnel) portal, a 394-metre-long tunnel was completed last May in a record time of six months. This has facilitated two additional NATM faces for excavation, in addition to the Shilphata site. As a result, 1,111 metres of tunnelling work has been achieved so far, with 622 metres completed towards BKC and 489 metres towards Ahmedabad. ADIT, which measures 11x6.4 metres, will provide direct vehicular access to the main tunnel during both construction and operations and could also be used for emergency evacuations if necessary. Shafts Excavation is underway at Shaft 1, located at the Mumbai High-Speed Rail (HSR) station construction site, with a shaft depth of 36 metres. At Shaft 2 in Vikhroli, the shaft has been completed to a depth of 56 metres. This shaft will allow the lowering of two tunnel boring machines, one towards BKC and another towards Ahmedabad. Additionally, excavation work at Shaft 3 in Savli, near Ghansoli, has been completed, with a shaft depth of 39 metres. The tunnel portal at Shilphata, located at the NATM end of the tunnel, has already seen completion of portal work, and 602 metres of tunnel work has been achieved out of the planned 1,628 metres. Precautions undertaken During excavation, several safety precautions are being implemented. Ventilation is ensured within the tunnel to provide a safe and breathable environment for the workforce. Excavated materials are being disposed of according to state government guidelines. Continuous monitoring of structures and buildings around the tunnel sites is in place to detect any potential damage. Geotechnical instruments, such as inclinometers, vibration monitors, ground settlement markers, and tilt meters, have been installed around the construction sites to measure tilt, settlement, vibrations, cracks, and deformation. These instruments play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of both the ongoing underground work and the surrounding structures. A dedicated casting yard for the tunnel lining has been set up in Mahape, Thane district, for the 16-km TBM section. The yard will produce 77,000 segments, which will form 7,700 rings. Each ring consists of nine curved segments and one key segment, with each segment measuring 2 metres in width and 0.5 metres in thickness. High-strength M70-grade concrete is being used for these segments to ensure superior structural integrity and long-term durability. The casting yard spans an area of 11.17 hectares and includes nine sets of moulds, each containing ten pieces. Three batching plants, with a combined capacity of 69 cubic metres per hour, are operational at the yard. After casting, the segments undergo steam curing, followed by final curing with a curing compound. Additionally, steel reinforcement of 4.368 tonnes is used in each ring, and 39.6 cubic metres of concrete are poured into each ring. To control cracking, Glass Fibre Reinforcement Polymer (GFRP) bars are used at the edges of the segments. The yard is equipped with various cranes, gantries, and machines to automate and mechanise the casting operations, ensuring high-quality assurance during the production of the tunnel lining segments. The facility also includes casting sheds, a stacking area, a batching plant, and a steam curing area.
18 January,2025 09:51 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarIn a move aimed at revolutionising urban mobility in India’s financial capital, plans are underway to introduce ‘Mitra,’ a Unified Ticketing System that will integrate all modes of transport in Mumbai. The initiative, spearheaded by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, promises to simplify commuting for the city’s 1.2 crore passengers travelling across Mumbai. The proposed system, named ‘Mitra,’ will serve as a one-stop urban mobility payment gateway, allowing commuters to book tickets for local trains, Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) buses, Metro rail, and even app-based cabs through a single platform. The initiative is based on the Open Network for Digital Commerce in Commuter Convenience (ONDCC) platform, an innovation modelled after the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). Vaishnaw emphasised that the system aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to enhance ease of living for citizens. The system will offer single-click payments and multimodal journey planning, streamlining travel across various public transport systems in Mumbai. "The ONDCC platform will transform the way Mumbaikars travel by aligning local train timings with Metro and BEST bus schedules, enabling more efficient and convenient journeys," Vaishnaw said. Users will be able to book tickets for local trains, Metro rail, BEST buses, and first and last-mile connectivity through a single app as it will integrate Indian Railways, Mumbai Metro, BEST, app-based taxis, and state-run buses, ensuring seamless travel. By simplifying the ticketing process, the initiative aims to increase the use of public transport, reduce dependency on private vehicles, and promote sustainable urban transport, authorities said. CM Fadnavis and the Railway Minister met in Mumbai on Saturday, during which they discussed on the roadmap for the phased rollout of ‘Mitra'. Both Fadnavis and Vaishnaw reaffirmed their commitment to prioritising this project. Vaishnaw assured full support from the Ministry of Railways and praised the Maharashtra Government’s proactive steps toward implementing the system. The meeting concluded with the leaders expressing confidence in the transformative potential of the Unified Ticketing System. Once implemented, ‘Mitra’ is expected to redefine Mumbai’s urban travel experience, making it more efficient, sustainable, and commuter-friendly. Fadnavis Saturday that the project aims to provide fast and convenient transportation services connecting distant areas.
18 January,2025 09:08 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarIn yet another incident involving the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking, a bus operated by the wet lease company Mateshwari Urban Transport Solutions Limited, collided head-on with a vehicle belonging to Worli Member of Legislative Council (MLC) Sunil Shinde. The bus on route No 151 was going from Wadala Depot to J Mehta Marg in Worli when it hit the Tata Fortuner belonging to the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) MLC at Khedgalli on Kakasaheb Gadgil Marg in South Mumbai at 12.15 pm on Saturday. No one was injured in the incident but the fiber-made front bumper of the MLC's car was damaged. The wetlease bus driver and conductor were called to Dadar Police Station to record a statement for further paperwork and released at 5.15 pm.
18 January,2025 08:09 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarThe Maharashtra Environment and Climate Change Department has clarified concerns regarding recent air quality data reported by Awaaz Foundation in the lead-up to the TATA Mumbai Marathon 2025. A press note issued by Principal Secretary Vinita Singal highlighted the discrepancies in the monitoring methods used by the non-governmental organisation (NGO) and assured the public of accurate, regulatory-grade air quality monitoring during the event. Awaaz Foundation had conducted air quality monitoring on Friday at eight locations along the marathon route using Atmos sensor-based monitors. According to Singal, these monitors do not comply with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) standards, which are mandatory for regulatory-grade air quality assessments. She has highlighted some key issues with the data presented by the NGO. According to Singal, the Atmos sensor-based monitors do not align with CPCB-approved methodologies, rendering the data non-comparable with regulatory air quality measurements. She also stated that Friday's weather conditions, including wind speed, temperature, and humidity, may differ significantly from those expected on the day of Mumbai Marathon 2025, making the data unrepresentative. Besides, emissions and activities recorded on the monitoring day may not reflect the actual scenario during the marathon due to variations in traffic, construction, and local pollution sources, she stated. The state also informed that during the Mumbai Marathon 2025, air quality will be monitored using CPCB-compliant standards to ensure accurate and actionable data tailored to the event's conditions. The government has assured participants and attendees that the health and safety of all stakeholders remain a top priority. Regulatory-grade air quality monitoring, including eight mobile vans deployed by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), will track air quality in real time from 6 pm on Saturday. Singal also informed that the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has been instructed to ensure clean roads along the Mumbai Marathon 2025 route, suspend sweeping activities from Saturday evening onwards, and enforce compliance at construction sites along the route. "Continuous efforts to mitigate air pollution in Mumbai, including strict monitoring and enforcement of air quality standards, are in place," a press release issued by her office stated. The Maharashtra government has urged the public to rely on verified data from approved sources for assessing air quality and to avoid conclusions based on non-standard methodologies, the press release further read. Following alarming findings by the Awaaz Foundation on Friday, which reported unsafe levels of particulate matter (PM2.5) along the marathon route, MPCB deployed mobile air quality monitoring vans to assess the situation firsthand. “Following yesterday’s air pollution readings by Awaaz Foundation, MPCB has joined us to conduct air pollution mapping along the Mumbai Marathon route for the first time. Monitoring vans are currently stationed at Worli Naka, with more arriving at other key locations,” said Sumaira Abdulali, Convenor of Awaaz Foundation. “Our goal is to highlight the health impact of air pollution on marathon participants, especially those with pre existing health conditions,” she added. The TATA Mumbai Marathon is scheduled to take place on Sunday.
18 January,2025 07:39 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe operation to capture the tiger that travelled from Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary in Yavatmal to Solapur has commenced. The team is attempting to track the tiger on foot since it has not been detected on camera traps for over a week, and there have been no recent reports of cattle kills. A forest department official involved in the operation said, “More than 20 camera traps have been installed in the area of its last sighting. However, there have been no images of the tiger for a week, suggesting it might have moved. The Rapid Response Team (RRT) and forest staff are currently searching for indirect evidence, such as pugmarks, to determine its current location.” TATR RRT Team at Dharashiv Footage of the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve Rapid Response Team searching for tiger signs at Dharashiv as part of an operation to capture a tiger that traveled from Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary in Yavatmal to Solapur. VC: @ranjeetnature#SolapurNews #Wildlife #Tiger pic.twitter.com/28oWUFClS8 — Mid Day (@mid_day) January 18, 2025 Officials confirmed that the tiger was last spotted at Yedshi Ramling Ghat Sanctuary in Dharashiv (formerly Osmanabad) and noted no recent instances of cattle kills in the vicinity. The department has enlisted Dr Khobragade, who has extensive experience in wildlife rescue and conflict management. He has successfully conducted operations involving tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and elephants, particularly in Maharashtra’s Vidarbha region and neighbouring states. Dr Khobragade said, “Our RRT, along with the local forest staff, has begun efforts to safely capture the tiger. We are focusing on locating its latest position, and once we have precise information, we will formulate a strategy to dart and relocate the animal.” Dr Ravikant Khobragade The RRT from Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve includes members such as Ajay C. Marathe (police constable and shooter), Vikas Tajne, Yogesh Lakde, Praful Wadghure, Gunanak Dhore, Dipesh Tumhare, Wasim Sheikh, and driver Amol Korpe, along with Akshay Dandekar. The operation is being monitored by Kushagra Pathak, deputy conservator of forest (Solapur), and B A Pol, deputy conservator of forest (Dharashiv), along with their respective teams. The young male tiger, believed to be a cub of tigress T22 from Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary and born in 2022, has travelled approximately 500 kilometres to Solapur in search of new territory. Researchers estimate the tiger is about 2.5 years old.
18 January,2025 07:08 PM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavMeteorologists have issued warnings about a significant rise in temperatures over the weekend, with the maximum temperatures in the city expected to surge to 35 degrees Celsius and beyond. The interior regions of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) could experience even hotter conditions, with temperatures potentially hitting 35-36 degrees Celsius. Weather enthusiasts and experts are urging residents to stay hydrated and limit outdoor activities during the peak heat hours. On Friday, the India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) Colaba observatory recorded a maximum temperature of 33.4 degrees Celsius, which is 3.3 degrees Celsius above normal, while the Santacruz observatory reported a sweltering 35.5 degrees Celsius, which is 4.6 degrees Celsius above normal. The relative humidity levels were also high, standing at 72 per cent in Colaba and 80 per cent in Santacruz, adding to the discomfort of Mumbaikars. According to IMD’s seven-day forecast ending on January 24, the suburban areas are likely to see maximum temperatures ranging from 34-35 degrees Celsius over the weekend, with a slight dip to 32 degrees Celsius expected later in the week. In the city, which is monitored by the Colaba observatory, the maximum temperatures are predicted to hover around 33 degrees Celsius and 34 degrees Celsius during the same period, eventually dropping to 31 degrees Celsius. The minimum night-time temperatures, currently between 18 degrees Celsius and 20 degrees Celsius, are anticipated to rise to 21 degrees Celsius–22 degrees Celsius from January 21 onwards. The readings by Colaba observatory The readings by Santacruz observatory Rajesh Kapadia, a climatologist from private weather blog 'Vagaries of Weather', also forecasted a sharp rise in the temperatures for Mumbai and the Konkan region. “Hot easterly winds during the day will push maximum temperatures to around 34 degrees Celsius–35 degrees Celsius, while night-time temperatures will remain warmer than normal, around 20 degrees Celsius. Some places in MMR could reach 36 degrees Celsius,” he stated. Independent weather enthusiast Rushikesh Agre, known as 'Mumbai Rains' on X, issued a heat alert. "Mumbai to see a sharp rise of 7 degrees in the next 48 hours, 37 degrees Celsius on January 18 to January 19, 2024. Latest forecasts indicate a potential spike in maximum temperatures over Mumbai and adjoining Konkan regions. This is due to late sea breeze activity, and thus will result in enhanced wind convergence in these areas. Areas in interior MMR will be 36°C+ in noon hours. Advisable for Mumbaikars amid sharp weather fluctuations, take precautions. Stay hydrated," he wrote on X.
18 January,2025 06:25 PM IST | Mumbai | Dipti SinghThe Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply And Transport (BEST) on Saturday announced diversions due to road closure in South Mumbai for Tata Mumbai Marathon 2025 on Sunday. The complete list of diversions can be seen below: List of bus routes affected on January 19 for the Tata Mumbai Marathon.Via: @rajtoday #TataMumbaiMarathon #BusServices pic.twitter.com/e5upBC1T6S — Mid Day (@mid_day) January 18, 2025 On Thursday, BEST had announced additional bus services for the Tata Mumbai Marathon 2025. In an official statement, BEST said that the Mumbai Marathon route will cover areas including Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), Hutatma Chowk, Churchgate, Marine Drive, Pedder Road, Haji Ali, Bandra-Worli Sea Link, Mahim, Prabhadevi, and return to CSMT. The marathon will be held from 5 am to 1.30 pm. Due to the event, the Mumbai Traffic Police will implement traffic restrictions along the marathon route. As a result, public bus routes that usually run along this path will be rerouted. Buses will travel via Sion, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Road, JJ Hospital, Wadi Bunder, P. D'Mello Road, and other alternative routes, it said. Additionally, bus services for routes A-78, A-89, A-105, A-106, A-108, A-112, A-123, A-132, and A-155 will be temporarily suspended during the marathon. Mumbai Marathon: Police issues list of traffic diversions and restrictions on January 19 Meanwhile, Mumbai Police on Tuesday issued a complete list of traffic diversions and road closures ahead of the Mumbai Marathon on January 19. In a traffic notification, the police said, on January 19, 2025 Tata Mumbai Marathon 2025 is being organised in Mumbai for which several routes were being diverted in parts of the city. There are seven different categories in the Marathon that includes Full Marathon (Amateurs), Half Marathon, 10K Run, Full Marathon Elite, Champion with Disability Run, Senior Citizens Run and Dream Run. The Marathon route goes through south and central Mumbai from MRA, Azad Maidan, Kalbadevi, D.B. Marg, Malbar Hill, Worli, Bandra, Dadar and Mahim Traffic Divisions, the police said. It said, in order to provide a free way for Marathon runners, traffic on the Marathon route is being diverted on January 19, 2025 between 03:00 hrs to 14:00 hrs by making an alternate arrangement of traffic. During Marathon, the below mentioned roads would be closed between 03:00 hrs. to 14.00 hrs. However, emergency and essential service vehicles shall be free access to go through. In south zone, the police said that from South Mumbai to North Mumbai, Airport and Suburbs should use alternative route as below. Shaheed Bhagat Singh Marg- P.D'Mello road- Dockyard Station Road- B. Nath Pai Marg- R.A. Kidwai Marg- Dr. B.A. Road- Sulochana Shetty Marg- 60-feet Road- T- Junction- Sion Bandra Link Road- Kalanagar Junction- W.E.H.- to Airport.
18 January,2025 05:41 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the centenary year celebrations of the Seth Gordhandas Sunderdas Medical College and King Edward Memorial Hospital (KEM) in Parel, Mumbai, on Saturday. The event marked a significant milestone for one of the country's leading medical institutions. Speaking at the inauguration, CM Fadnavis expressed his pride in the hospital's achievements over the past 100 years and wished that the centenary year would be more beneficial to society. "KEM is an important medical institution, not only in Mumbai but across the country. It is a matter of pride for any institution in the health sector to celebrate its golden jubilee or centenary. KEM has been a leading name in the health sector of Mumbai," he said. The Chief Minister was joined at the ceremony by Dr Sangeeta Ravat, the dean of the hospital, and other distinguished guests. During his address, Fadnavis acknowledged the dedication of those who have contributed to the hospital’s success over the years, highlighting the pivotal role of modern technology in transforming the health sector. He also noted the Maharashtra government’s ongoing efforts to provide quality healthcare, including the Mahatma Phule Jan Arogya Yojana, which provides free treatment up to Rs 5 lakh for every citizen. CM Fadnavis further mentioned that the state government has made significant strides in expanding medical education, with the establishment of 10 new government medical colleges across Maharashtra in the last year. He also praised the work of government hospitals during the Covid-19 pandemic, noting that many lives were saved due to the dedicated efforts of medical staff. "KEM is a family, and it is a matter of pride for this institution that every person is taken care of," the CM added. In a bid to further enhance the hospital's infrastructure, Fadnavis also laid the foundation stone for a new 21-storey building for the doctors and staff of KEM Hospital. A video showcasing the progress of KEM Hospital was also presented during the event. The inauguration was attended by a large number of students, professors, and staff of KEM Hospital. The centenary celebrations of KEM Hospital are expected to include a series of activities throughout the year.
18 January,2025 05:24 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Congress President Nana Patole on Saturday attacked the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led state government, accusing it of turning the state into "jungle raj". Speaking at a press conference in Nagpur, Patole criticised the government for its failure to maintain law and order, stating that both celebrities in Mumbai and sarpanches in villages are no longer safe. "Needless to say, a jungle raj has been created in Maharashtra. It is unfortunate that today Maharashtra is being discussed as a jungle raj in Delhi. The BJP government has tarnished the image of Maharashtra. It should stop creating terror for power. The law and order in the state has completely collapsed; celebrities are not safe in Mumbai and sarpanches are not safe in villages,” Patole said. Citing the recent attack on Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan, Beed sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh's murder and the custodial death of Somnath Suryavanshi in Parbhani, Patole emphasised that these incidents underscore a growing sense of lawlessness among criminals. He said, "The situation in the state has gone out of hand and criminals have no fear of the police. Criminals have believe that no one can harm them. The Home Minister is responsible for the law and order in the state. However, 65 per cent of the ministers in the cabinet are tainted... this situation will have to change. The attack on actor Saif Ali Khan should not be seen from the perspective of caste and religion. There is no place for caste discrimination in Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's Maharashtra; people of all caste and religion should be safe in this state." Patole also criticised BJP of intensifying caste tensions in the state, particularly between Marathas and Other Backward Classes (OBCs). "The Maratha-OBC dispute has been created by the BJP government, which has sidelined the basic issues of the people. Farmers are committing suicide, they are in debt; the youth is facing unemployment, and inflation is skyrocketing," he said, urging citizens to "voice against the government without getting into the dispute of caste and religion." The Congress leader further raised concerns over the BJP's handling of the 'Ladki Bahin' welfare scheme. The programme, which has allegedly been a major draw for female voters during the elections, is now being scrutinised for alleged irregularities. "In the assembly elections, all the sisters were given the benefit of the Ladki Bahin scheme because they wanted the votes of the beloved sisters. They came to power on the votes of these sisters and now the BJP coalition government is finding flaws in the Ladki Bahin scheme. Why does the government need to investigate [the scheme]? The minister is threatening to take back the money from the bogus beneficiary sisters, which has exposed the real face of the BJP alliance. But as announced by the BJP coalition government, every beloved sister should be given a total of Rs 2,100, "he said. Patole also attacked Deputy Chief Minister (CM) Eknath Shinde and CM Devendra Fadnavis for their participation in the Davos World Economic Forum. He alleged that such visits are a waste of public funds under the disguise of attracting investments. "Eknath Shinde had also visited Davos, which Devendra Fadnavis should not repeat. The BJP government is claiming that Maharashtra is number one in the industrial sector, but the reality is different. Don't go to Davos and siphon off public money in the name of investment," he said.
18 January,2025 05:01 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
