A Political Landscape Unfolds in Nagpur

Nagpur: In a surprising turn of events, former chief minister Ashok Chavan’s decision to join the BJP has sent ripples through the political waters, leaving many questioning the stability of the Congress party. However, the leader of the opposition, Vijay Wadettiwar, remains steadfast in his commitment to the party.

One Departure, Many Questions

Expressing his shock at Chavan’s move, Wadettiwar dismissed concerns about the impact on Congress. He emphasized that the departure of one leader should not be perceived as a severe blow to the party’s foundation. “People joining and leaving is a natural occurrence in every political party. It’s not a reason to be overly perturbed,” stated Wadettiwar.

Congress’ Resilience and Ideological Strength

Reiterating his faith in Congress’ resilience, Vijay Wadettiwar asserted that the party would bounce back strongly. He firmly believes that the public supports Congress’ ideology and will continue to do so. Wadettiwar accused the BJP of luring away leaders due to the fear of losing upcoming polls, citing recent surveys to support his claim. “The BJP’s motive is clear – they want to break the MVA,” he added.

A Leader’s Loyalty

Addressing speculations about his own allegiance, Wadettiwar categorically stated that he would remain with Congress until his last breath. He highlighted the opportunities and positions the party has bestowed upon him, including contesting and winning four assembly elections, serving as a cabinet minister, and twice being appointed as the leader of the opposition.

Defying Speculations and Building Trust

Wadettiwar took a swipe at MLA Ravi Rana, who had speculated about following Chavan’s path. He cautioned against those who frequently switch loyalties, urging them not to mislead the public. “Chavan’s departure will not adversely impact us. The public believes in Congress, and we will stand strong,” he declared.

A Political Landscape in Flux

As the political landscape in Nagpur experiences a shift with Chavan’s move, Vijay Wadettiwar’s unwavering commitment to Congress stands as a symbol of stability. The leader of opposition remains confident that Congress will weather this storm, emphasizing the party’s deep-rooted ideology and the continued support of the public. In the face of uncertainty, Wadettiwar’s words echo – “I will work with Congress till my last breath.”

In a surprising turn of events on Monday, Former Maharashtra Chief Minister and Congress stalwart Ashok Chavan announced his resignation from the Congress party, sparking widespread speculation about his imminent move to the BJP. The political grapevine suggests a shift towards the ruling party, although Chavan himself maintains that the final decision is still pending, with an announcement expected in the coming days.

Chavan’s Political Journey: A Tale of Leadership and Legacy

Ashok Chavan, with a political journey marked by significant ministerial roles and a two-year stint as Chief Minister, stands in the shadow of his father, Shankar Rao Chavan, who also held the coveted position twice. Their rare father-son return to power in Maharashtra adds a unique chapter to the state’s political history.

Unraveling the Decision: Chavan’s Discontent and Political Maneuvering

Chavan vs. Patole: The Presidency Saga

The rift between Chavan and Congress deepened when the coveted position of President of Maharashtra Pradesh Congress went to Nana Patole instead. Tensions simmered over the past months, reaching a boiling point after the resignation of Uddhav Thackeray and the subsequent collapse of the Maha Vikas Aghadi government.

Quest for a New Role: Shiv Sena, NCP, and the BJP Connection

Initially eyeing roles in Shiv Sena and later in the NCP, Chavan found himself adrift after the Shiv Sena-NCP split. His dissatisfaction further intensified over the allocation of Lok Sabha seats, where the Congress seemingly got the short end of the stick compared to the regional parties.

Fadnavis Factor: BJP’s Pursuit of Chavan

Speculations about Chavan’s potential move to the BJP gained traction, courtesy of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Numerous meetings between Chavan and Fadnavis over the past year have fueled rumors, with senior BJP leaders publicly endorsing Chavan’s possible inclusion in the saffron party.

The Political Chessboard: Why Ashok Chavan Matters

2019 Elections Recap: Congress in Coalition

The strategic decision of Uddhav Thackeray to form a coalition government with the NCP and Congress in 2019 reshaped Maharashtra’s political landscape. Fast forward to 2024, and internal dissent within the Congress adds complexity to the situation.

Operation Lotus Resonates: BJP’s Play for Vidarbha

As the BJP eyes the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the incorporation of Ashok Chavan and his supporters is seen as crucial for securing challenging seats in the Vidarbha region. The move could potentially tip the scales in constituencies like Nanded, Solapur, and Latur.

BJP’s Pre-Election Strategy: Vidarbha Review

Surveying the Battlefield: Maharashtra’s 48 Seats

Ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP conducted an extensive review, identifying Vidarbha’s 6 seats as potential challenges. The strategic inclusion of leaders from Ashok Chavan’s circle and the Congress cadre could significantly influence the outcome.

The Maratha Card: Strengthening BJP in Vidarbha

Chavan’s potential shift to the BJP brings not only political prowess but also a prominent Maratha face, strengthening the party’s influence in the Vidarbha region.

The Waiting Game: Legislators’ Dilemma

Chavan’s Supporters: A Strategic Delay

While indications suggest that 12-14 legislators aligned with Chavan might switch sides, the timing remains uncertain. Rajya Sabha elections in Maharashtra could play a pivotal role, as supporters may opt to join the BJP post these elections to maximize their impact.

Rajya Sabha Chess: A Political Maneuver

The Congress, part of the MVA coalition, might field former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan for the Rajya Sabha elections. However, the potential cross-voting scenario could see Chavan’s supporters influencing BJP’s prospects in the upper house.

FAQs about Ashok Chavan’s Political Shift

1. Why did Ashok Chavan resign from the Congress?
   • Ashok Chavan’s dissatisfaction stemmed from not being appointed the President of Maharashtra Pradesh Congress, leading to heightened tensions with party leadership.
2. Was Chavan’s move to the BJP anticipated?
   • Speculations about Chavan joining the BJP had been circulating for nearly a year, intensifying after the collapse of the Maha Vikas Aghadi government.
3. What role does Devendra Fadnavis play in Chavan’s potential move?
   • Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has been a key figure in the talks between Chavan and the BJP, signaling the party’s interest in his inclusion.
4. How does Chavan’s political shift impact the Congress?
   • Chavan’s departure could lead to a significant exodus of legislators and supporters, potentially weakening the Congress in Maharashtra.
5. Why is Vidarbha crucial for the BJP in the upcoming elections?
   • The BJP’s strategic review identified Vidarbha’s seats as challenging, and Chavan’s inclusion is seen as instrumental in securing victory in this region.
6. When can we expect Chavan’s formal announcement of joining the BJP?
   • Chavan has hinted at making a decision in the next couple of days, keeping the political landscape in suspense.

Conclusion: The Unfolding Drama in Maharashtra Politics

As the curtains rise on this political drama, Ashok Chavan’s resignation from the Congress and the anticipated move to the BJP reshape Maharashtra’s political chessboard. The impact on the Congress, the BJP’s pre-election strategy, and the intricate dynamics within the MVA coalition all contribute to an unfolding narrative that will undoubtedly echo through the corridors of power in the state. Only time will reveal the full extent of this pivotal moment in Maharashtra politics.

In a political twist, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance, comprising Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT), is yet to finalize its candidate for the crucial Ramtek constituency of Lok Sabha. While the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) led by Sharad Pawar has resolved to field former MLC Prakash Gajbhiye, the other allies maintain that the decision is not binding for the entire alliance.

Mixed Signals and Political Maneuvering

The Ramtek seat has become a focal point of contention between the BJP-led Mahayuti and the MVA coalition, raising tensions as parties jockey for position. Despite NCP (Sharad Pawar) declaring Gajbhiye as their choice, Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) assert that the MVA, as a collective, has not yet settled on a candidate.

Alliance Dynamics and Internal Processes

Rajendra Mulak, President of Nagpur District (Rural) Congress Committee, clarified the party’s stance, stating that the INDI Alliance would determine seat-sharing for its constituent parties. He emphasized that the Congress party follows a meticulous process, involving candidate applications, interviews, shortlisting, parliamentary board approval, and then finalizing candidates.

Dushyant Chaturvedi, Contact Head for Shiv Sena (UBT), echoed the uncertainty, expressing lack of awareness regarding NCP’s decision to nominate Gajbhiye. He mentioned Uddhavji’s commitment to retaining Ramtek for MVA constituents but acknowledged that internal decisions may have been made in a recent meeting.

NCP’s Assertive Move and Internal Support

Salil Deshmukh, a leader of NCP (Sharad Pawar) and Zilla Parishad member, defended the decision to endorse Gajbhiye’s name, citing internal support and demands from party members. He hoped that other MVA constituents would rally behind the chosen candidate.

Probable Contenders and Opposition Strategies

MVA Candidate Ramtek: Speculation abounds regarding potential candidates for the Ramtek constituency. Kunal Raut is a notable mention from the Congress party, while Shiv Sena (Shinde) eyes Krupal Tumane for his third term as an MP. Meanwhile, the BJP hinted at staking a claim during Mahayuti seat-sharing discussions.

Gajbhiye’s Sudden Limelight

The unexpected emergence of Prakash Gajbhiye as a prominent candidate followed NCP’s resolution in his favor. However, questions linger about whether the NCP’s Nagpur unit sought Sharad Pawar’s approval for their decision.

In the midst of political maneuvering and alliance dynamics, the MVA’s uncertainty over the Ramtek constituency candidate continues to be a focal point, adding intrigue to Maharashtra’s upcoming electoral landscape.

In a resolute statement on Saturday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah assured the nation that the long-anticipated Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), instituted in 2019, is poised for implementation ahead of the imminent Lok Sabha elections. Shah expressed this commitment after the issuance of crucial rules integral to the CAA’s enforcement.

Clarifying Misconceptions: CAA and Its Intentions

Shah, addressing concerns during the ET NOW Global Business Summit 2024, emphasized that the CAA’s primary objective is extending citizenship to those who sought refuge in India after enduring persecution in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh. Contrary to misconceptions, he affirmed, “It is not for snatching anyone’s Indian citizenship.”

Unveiling the Timeline: When Can We Expect CAA Implementation?

Curious about the timeline for the CAA rollout? Here’s a breakdown:

1. Issuance of Rules: Shah confirmed that the rules integral to CAA implementation will be disseminated promptly, fostering transparency in the entire process.
2. Before Lok Sabha Polls: The Home Minister’s categorical statement assures that the CAA will see the light of day before the Lok Sabha elections. This proactive move aims to dispel uncertainties and provide a clear roadmap.

Amit Shah’s Address to Concerns: CAA and the Muslim Community

In an effort to address prevailing concerns, Shah touched upon the misinformation circulating among the Muslim community:

“Our Muslim brothers are being misled and instigated (against the CAA).”

To tackle this, Shah is set to initiate an outreach campaign, emphasizing the act’s inclusive nature and its distinct purpose.

The Road Ahead: Challenges and Resolutions

Navigating through the intricacies of CAA implementation, Shah acknowledges challenges and lays out resolutions:

• Communication Strategy: A robust communication strategy will be employed to ensure that citizens, especially the Muslim community, are accurately informed about the CAA’s essence.
• Legal Safeguards: Shah assures the incorporation of legal safeguards to prevent any misuse of the CAA provisions, reinforcing its commitment to protecting individual rights.

FAQs: Demystifying Common Queries

1. What is the CAA, and why is it essential?

The Citizenship (Amendment) Act aims to grant citizenship to those persecuted in neighboring countries, fostering a humanitarian approach.

2. Is the CAA discriminatory?

No, the CAA is not discriminatory. Its focus is solely on providing refuge to those facing persecution based on religion in specific nations.

3. How will the CAA impact existing citizens?

The CAA does not infringe upon the citizenship of current residents. Its purpose is distinct—to offer a new home to the persecuted.

4. Will the CAA be implemented before the elections?

Yes, Amit Shah has confirmed that the CAA will be in effect before the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

5. What steps are being taken to address concerns within the Muslim community?

A comprehensive outreach campaign is planned to dispel misconceptions and ensure accurate understanding of the CAA’s intent.

6. Are legal safeguards in place to prevent misuse?

Absolutely. Legal measures are being incorporated to safeguard against any potential misuse of the CAA, reinforcing its fairness and impartiality.

In a recent legal development, Kunal Raut, the president of the state Youth Congress, has been granted bail in the case involving the defacement of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s poster. The judicial magistrate first class-6 in Nagpur made a decisive decision on Wednesday, rejecting the Sadar police’s plea to extend the custody remand of Raut.

Denied Custody Extension

The Sadar police had requested an extension of the custody remand until Friday, citing the need to investigate further aspects of the case. However, their plea was dismissed, with the court emphasizing the lack of new grounds for seeking an extension.

Defence Stance

Raut’s defense counsel, comprising advocates Kamal Satuja, Kailash Dodani, and Deepen Jagyasi, argued that there was no valid reason to prolong the custody. They asserted that there was nothing substantial to be recovered or seized from the accused.

Swift Bail Application

Following the rejection of the custody extension, Kunal Raut | Nagpur’s legal team promptly submitted a bail application. They contended that their client had been wrongly implicated in a false case, and as the investigation was nearing completion, further detention was unnecessary.

Prosecution’s Opposition

In response, the prosecution opposed the bail application, expressing concerns that Kunal Raut | Nagpur, if released, might tamper with prosecution witnesses or engage in similar criminal activities.

केंद्रीय रस्ते वाहतूक आणि महामार्ग मंत्री नितीन गडकरी हे त्यांच्या मंत्रालयाच्या वेगामुळे चर्चेत राहतात, तसंच सोशल मीडियावर त्यांच्या वक्तव्यांचा बोलबाला असतो. नितीन गडकरी पुन्हा एकदा अशाच एका विधानामुळे चर्चेत आले आहेत, ज्यात त्यांनी म्हटले आहे की, निवडणुका जिंकण्यासाठी लोकांमध्ये प्रेम आणि विश्वास निर्माण करावा लागतो, मटण पार्टी करून किंवा होर्डिंग लावून निवडणुका जिंकल्या जात नाहीत.

नितीन गडकरी रविवारी नागपुरात महाराष्ट्र राज्य शिक्षक परिषदेच्या एका कार्यक्रमात पोहोचले होते, तिथे त्यांनी हे वक्तव्य केले आणि त्यांच्या वक्तव्यासोबतच एक किस्साही शेअर केला.

ते म्हणाले, ‘काही लोक अनेकदा पोस्टर लावून आणि लोकांमध्ये निवडणुकीचे डोल वाटून निवडणुका जिंकतात. पण माझा तसा विश्वास नाही आणि माझे मत यापेक्षा पूर्णपणे वेगळे आहे. मात्र, मीही एकदा असे केले आणि प्रत्येकी एक किलो साओजी मटण मतदारांना वाटले. पण, मतदार अतिशय हुशार असल्यामुळे आम्ही निवडणूक हरलो.

नितीन गडकरी पुढे म्हणाले, ‘मतदार खूप हुशार आहेत, त्यांच्यासाठी योग्य उमेदवार कोण आहे हे त्यांना माहीत आहे. कोणताही उमेदवार निवडणुकीची खैरात वाटून घेतो, मतदार प्रत्येकाकडून ते घेतात, पण ते त्यांचे मत त्या उमेदवाराला देतात, जो त्यांना त्यांच्यासाठी योग्य वाटतो. नेत्यांनी लोकांमध्ये प्रेम आणि विश्वास निर्माण केला तर पोस्टर्स आणि बॅनरवर खर्च न करताही ते निवडणूक जिंकू शकतात. त्यामुळे निवडणुकीच्या वेळी लोकांना आमिष दाखवण्यापेक्षा त्यांच्यात स्वतःबद्दल विश्वास निर्माण करा.

 

नागपुर: शिवसेना (UBT) प्रमुख उद्धव ठाकरे ने सोमवार को कहा कि चुनाव आयोग (EC) को उनसे पार्टी का नाम ‘शिवसेना’ छीनने का कोई अधिकार नहीं है क्योंकि पार्टी को यह नाम उनके दादा (केशव ठाकरे) ने दिया था। उन्होंने अमरावती में पत्रकारों को संबोधित करते हुए यह टिप्पणी की।

उद्धव ने कहा, ”चुनाव आयोग के पास किसी पार्टी का नाम बदलने का कोई अधिकार नहीं है. यह किसी पार्टी को चुनावी चिन्ह आवंटित कर सकता है। शिवसेना नाम मेरे दादा (केशव ठाकरे) ने दिया था, चुनाव आयोग इसे कैसे बदल सकता है? मैं किसी को भी पार्टी का नाम चुराने की इजाजत नहीं दूंगा.’ फरवरी में, चुनाव आयोग ने महाराष्ट्र के सीएम एकनाथ शिंदे के नेतृत्व वाले समूह को शिवसेना नाम और उसका चुनाव चिन्ह धनुष और तीर आवंटित किया। अपने वैचारिक प्रतिद्वंद्वी राकांपा के साथ हाथ मिलाने के लिए भाजपा का नाम बदलकर “भ्रष्ट जनता पार्टी” करने की मांग करते हुए, ठाकरे ने बाद में नागपुर में कहा कि यदि मतदाताओं को लगता है कि निर्वाचित प्रतिनिधि उनकी अपेक्षाओं को पूरा नहीं कर रहे हैं, तो उन्हें वापस बुलाने का अधिकार का विकल्प दिया जाना चाहिए।

उन्होंने RSS से भी सवाल किया, जिसका मुख्यालय नागपुर में है, क्या वह “बीजेपी द्वारा अपनाए गए हिंदुत्व” को मंजूरी देता है और बीजेपी के उस गठबंधन के बारे में पूछा जिसे पीएम नरेंद्र मोदी ने एक बार ‘प्राकृतिक रूप से भ्रष्ट पार्टी’ कहा था। उप मुख्यमंत्री देवेन्द्र फड़णवीस और भाजपा के प्रदेश अध्यक्ष चन्द्रशेखर बावनकुले पर हमला बोलते हुए, ठाकरे ने कहा कि फड़नवीस “नागपुर शहर के लिए एक कलंक” थे, बावनकुले एक भ्रमित आत्मा थे, जिन्हें 2019 के चुनावों में पार्टी ने टिकट देने से इनकार कर दिया था।

आगे उन्होंने बीजेपी पर हमला बोलते हुए कहा, ‘अब, मैंने सुना है कि पीएम के मन की बात का उर्दू में अनुवाद किया जा रहा है और मदरसों में इसका प्रसारण किया जाएगा। RSS प्रमुख मोहन भागवत भी मस्जिदों का दौरा करते हैं। मैं सिर्फ यह पूछना चाहता हूं कि क्या संघ जल्द ही अपनी शताब्दी पूरी कर रहा है, ऐसे हिंदुत्व (तुष्टिकरण के) को मंजूरी देता है। मुझे नहीं पता कि वे ऐसा व्यवहार क्यों कर रहे हैं.’ पार्टी के लिए अपना जीवन समर्पित करने और परिवार का बलिदान देने वाले पुराने बीजेपी कार्यकर्ता अब उनके साथ नजर नहीं आते. ”

महाराष्ट्रात सध्या राजकीय उलथापालथ सुरू आहे. या राजकीय उलथापालथीनंतर पहिल्यांदाच केंद्रीय रस्ते आणि वाहतूक मंत्री नितीन गडकरी यांनी एका बैठकीत आपली प्रतिक्रिया व्यक्त केली आहे. नितीन गडकरी म्हणाले की, आपल्या देशातील जनता दु:खाच्या सागरात बुडाली आहे. नगरसेवक आमदार न झाल्यामुळे दु:खी, आमदार मंत्री न झाल्याने दु:खी, मंत्री चांगले खाते न मिळाल्याने दुःखी दिसत आहेत. जे आहे त्यात समाधान मानणे चांगले, असे ते म्हणाले.

केंद्रीय रस्ते व वाहतूक मंत्री नितीन गडकरी म्हणाले की, आपला देश आणि हा समाज दुःखी आत्म्यांचा महासागर आहे. ते म्हणाले की, मंत्रीपदासाठी इच्छुक असलेले आता संधी गमावल्याने दु:खी झाले आहेत. हे सर्व इच्छुक आपले सूट-बूट बनवून तयार झाले होते, आपला क्रमांक जाहीर होण्याची वाट पाहत होते.

आता सूट तसाच राहिला आहे, सूटचे काय करायचे हा त्यांचा प्रश्न आहे. कोणत्याही विधानसभेप्रमाणे मंत्रिमंडळाची क्षमताही वाढू शकत नाही. हे वक्तव्य नितीन गडकरी यांनी काल नागपुरात राष्ट्रसंत टुकड़ोंजी महाराज नागपूर विश्व विद्यालय शिक्षण मंचच्या वतीने आयोजित गुरु वंदना कार्यक्रमात केले.

 

पुतणे अजित पवार बंडखोरी करत 40 आमदारांसह शिंदे-फडणवीस सरकारमध्ये सहभागी झाले आहेत. यानंतर अजित पवार गटाने पक्ष आणि निवडणूक चिन्हावर दावा केला आहे. अजित गटाने निवडणूक आयोगाला पत्र लिहून शरद पवार यांना राष्ट्रवादी काँग्रेस पक्षातून काढून अजित पवार यांना पक्षाचे अध्यक्ष बनवण्याचा दावा केला आहे. पुतण्याच्या या दाव्यावर काकांनी पलटवार करत ना तो पक्ष जाऊ देणार ना निवडणूक चिन्ह.

अजित पवारांच्या बंडखोरीनंतर पक्षात दोन गट पडले आहेत. आपली ताकद दाखवण्यासाठी आज दोन्ही गटांनी पक्षाची बैठक बोलावली. शरद पवार यांनी वाय बी चौहान केंद्रात ही बैठक बोलावली होती. यावेळी बोलताना राष्ट्रवादी काँग्रेसचे सुप्रिमो म्हणाले, “चिन्ह कुठेही जाणार नाही. चिन्ह कुठलीही निवडणूक ठरवत नाही.

हा माझा अनुभव आहे. आम्ही गायीचे वासरू, बैलजोडी, चरखा, पंजा यांवर निवडणूक लढवली आहे. लढत घड्याळात झाली. काही फरक पडला नाही. आम्ही मार्क घेऊ, असं कुणी म्हटलं तर मार्क जाऊ देणार नाही. निवडणूक चिन्ह जाणार नाही. जोपर्यंत पक्ष सामान्य माणसाच्या हृदयात आहे. तोपर्यंत काळजी करण्याचे कारण नाही, असे शरद पवार म्हणाले.

केंद्रीय मंत्री नितीन गडकरी जे देशातील रस्ते विकास आणि विस्तारीकरणाला गती देण्यात गुंतलेले आहेत. त्यांनी विक्रमी वेळेत अनेक रस्ते बांधले. यासोबतच, ते देशातील इलेक्ट्रॉनिक वाहनांच्या जलद प्रचारासाठी आणि सामान्य लोकांपर्यंत पोहोचण्यासाठी मनापासून काम करत आहेत. नितीन गडकरी यांनी महाराष्ट्रातील नागपूरमध्ये मोठी घोषणा केली आहे. नितीन गडकरी म्हणाले की, आता पेट्रोल-डिझेलच्या गाडीत बसणार नाही.

केंद्रीय मंत्री गडकरी नागपुरातील एका कार्यक्रमात म्हणाले की, ‘ते पेट्रोल-डिझेल च्या गाडीत बसणार नाहीत. केंद्रीय मंत्री गडकरी म्हणाले की, ‘मी दिल्लीत हायड्रोजन कार वापरतो. मी नागपुरात इलेक्ट्रिक कार वापरतो. पण पोलीस आणि सुरक्षा मला बुलेटप्रुफ कारशिवाय इतर कोणत्याही कारमध्ये बसू देत नाहीत.