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Rebels Rise in North Maharashtra: Alliances on Edge

Nashik: In Northern Maharashtra, political rifts within major alliances—the ruling Mahayuti and opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA)—are threatening to disrupt both coalitions’ election strategies. As the November 20 Assembly elections draw closer, candidates from both alliances who felt overlooked for official tickets have filed nominations as independents, creating additional challenges for their parties.

In Nashik, for instance, tensions have surfaced between Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT). Congress workers in Igatpuri have refused to support Laki Jadhav, the official Congress candidate, citing that he is an outsider from Sangamner. According to local Congress worker Gopal Lahange, “We wanted a local candidate who understands our issues,” underscoring the sentiment among party members unwilling to campaign for Jadhav. Additionally, in Nashik Central, Shiv Sena (UBT) fielded former MLA Vasant Gite, which led Congress’s Hemlata Patil to contest independently. Congress’s local representative Suresh Maru stated, “We tried to secure the official AB form for Patil, but it was denied,” a move that left Congress’s grassroots supporters alienated.

ALSO READ: Mahayuti and Mahavikas Aghadi Brace for a Contest Amidst Multiple Rebel Candidacies

This pattern of dissent is not limited to Nashik. In Nandgaon, former NCP president Sameer Bhujbal resigned to run as an independent against Shiv Sena’s Suhas Kande. Similarly, in Chandwad, BJP’s Keda Aher filed independently after the BJP favored the sitting MLA Rahul Aher. Jalgaon and Shahada constituencies have also seen rebel candidates emerge.

Even prominent figures have turned against their parties. In Mumbai, former BJP MLA Gopal Shetty filed as an independent against the BJP’s Sanjay Upadhyay in Borivali, while Shiv Sena’s Kishanchand Tanwani withdrew in favor of a candidate from Chief Minister Shinde’s faction. Observers suggest this surge in independents may realign political dynamics as the elections approach. According to political analyst Abhay Deshpande, “The complex alliance arrangements between the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP have created frustrations among loyalists.” This rebellion reflects dissatisfaction within Maharashtra’s major coalitions, potentially reshaping power in a few key constituencies.

ALSO READ: Wayanad Battle: BJP Attacks Priyanka Gandhi While She Connects with Voters

Mahakumbh 2025: Yogi Adityanath Promises a Historic, Spiritual Gathering

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has unveiled ambitious plans for the upcoming Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, set to take place in 2025. The event is anticipated to surpass previous Kumbhs in scale and spiritual significance, with preparations meticulously underway to honor the rich cultural heritage of India’s “Sanatan” traditions. Adityanath emphasized that the Mahakumbh 2025 will not only be grander but also more accessible and environmentally conscious, setting new benchmarks for cleanliness and organization.

To ensure a transformative experience for pilgrims, the state government is investing over ₹5,600 crore to expand and enhance the festival’s infrastructure. This budget includes modern sanitation facilities and heightened security protocols that will leverage AI-driven technology. An added focus on sustainability promises a “Zero Plastic” policy and environmentally friendly transportation, with over 700 electric shuttle vehicles planned to facilitate movement around the venue. The expansion of the Mahakumbh area will also help ease the flow of millions of attendees, reducing travel distance for pilgrims within the festival grounds to under 1 kilometer.

In a symbolic gesture to the sacredness of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers, the government has pledged that no untreated waste will enter the waters, an effort that aligns with the broader “Clean Ganga” mission. Adityanath highlighted that the riverfronts will be safeguarded, while thousands of CCTV cameras will provide security, supplemented by volunteers and police trained specifically for the festival’s needs. The logo for the Mahakumbh 2025, featuring iconic Hindu symbols, has been designed to represent the confluence of nature, spirituality, and tradition, underscoring the event’s motto, Sarvasiddhipradah Kumbhah, meaning “Kumbh bestows all spiritual powers”

The Mahakumbh 2025 is anticipated to be a global spectacle, celebrating India’s spiritual legacy with unprecedented grandeur and inclusivity.

Tragic Loss in Malayalam Cinema: Film Editor Nishadh Yusuf Found Dead in Kochi

Renowned Malayalam and Tamil film editor Nishadh Yusuf was found dead in his apartment in Panampilly Nagar, Kochi, early on October 30, 2024. Known for his work on acclaimed projects like Thallumaala and the upcoming Kanguva, Yusuf’s unexpected passing has sent shockwaves through the industry.

The Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) Directors’ Union expressed condolences, acknowledging his significant contributions to contemporary Malayalam cinema. While the police are investigating, preliminary information hints at possible suicide, though no official cause has been confirmed yet. His death has left an indelible void among peers and fans alike, especially given his recent achievements and active presence in the industry.

Mahayuti and Mahavikas Aghadi Brace for a Contest Amidst Multiple Rebel Candidacies

Mumbai: With the nomination window closed for Maharashtra’s highly anticipated 2024 Assembly elections, both Mahayuti (BJP-Shiv Sena alliance) and Mahavikas Aghadi (MVA) face a competitive scenario marked by intra-party conflicts and rebel candidates. The race, already intense, now sees significant internal discord as prominent leaders and aspiring candidates across both alliances break ranks to contest independently.

The BJP-led Mahayuti has announced a robust candidate list featuring political heavyweights like Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde, and Ajit Pawar from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). Their influence across their constituencies strengthens Mahayuti’s standing, yet internal disagreements and limited seat allocations have spurred discontent within ranks. Similarly, Mahavikas Aghadi’s coalition—comprising Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress, and NCP factions—is contending with its own share of rebel candidates in key constituencies.

Reports indicate an increase in independent nominations by disgruntled candidates. As Mahayuti allocated seats after intense negotiations, party loyalists dissatisfied with the candidate selections, including former MLAs and district leaders, have opted to contest as independents or under smaller party banners. Some prominent areas witnessing these rebel filings include Pune, Nagpur, Kalyan and Kolhapur. On the MVA side, Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena faction has faced pushback from long-time supporters who opposed seat distribution arrangements with the Congress and Sharad Pawar’s faction of the NCP.

Three notable leaders in this dynamic are Devendra Fadnavis, whose stronghold in Nagpur ensures a solid support base for Mahayuti, Sharad Pawar of the NCP, a pivotal player in the alliance’s rural outreach, and Uddhav Thackeray, whose faction maintains a dedicated base despite past setbacks. Fadnavis, as a central BJP figure in Maharashtra, has aimed for strategic deployments to keep rebel influences at bay. Similarly, Jayant Patil Present of NCP-SP Maharashtra unit is seen active trying to convince  NCP dissenters and securing his party’s positioning in Maharashtra. Thackeray, however, is balancing inter-factional demands within the MVA, facing critiques over alliance strategies.

Maharashtra’s electoral landscape is shaped not only by party lines but by internal dynamics. As Mahayuti and MVA vie for dominance, they face a difficult task to address the issues raised by rebelling candidates to prevent vote splits that could impact tight races. Although both alliances claim they can mitigate these challenges, local leaders who command significant grassroots support could affect final vote tallies if they continue their campaigns independently.

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Jharkhand at a Crossroads: Sarma Sounds Alarm Over Infiltration and Cultural Erosion

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has raised alarm over alleged infiltration in the state, warning that it could transform into a “mini-Bangladesh.” According to the Sources, Sarma criticized the Hemant Soren-led government for what he described as a failure to protect Jharkhand’s tribal culture and “Adivasi asmita.”

Sarma emphasized that the increasing presence of what he termed “infiltrators” threatens the state’s demographic balance, particularly in the Santhal Pargana region. He claimed that the tribal population is dwindling while the Muslim population is growing, linking this trend to illegal immigration. “If this continues, Jharkhand will see a demographic change,” he asserted, urging voters to prioritize the removal of infiltrators.

Highlighting BJP’s electoral promises, Sarma stated that the party plans to implement the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Jharkhand to identify and expel undocumented immigrants. He added that children of immigrants who marry tribal women would not receive Scheduled Tribe benefits, and such marriages would disqualify tribal women from contesting tribal leadership elections.

Sarma also targeted Congress candidate Irfan Ansari, alleging that his remarks against BJP’s Sita Soren were derogatory and hinted at legal action against him. “People like Irfan Ansari are influential in Santhal Pargana and the government is protecting them,” Sarma stated.

In response to the criticisms leveled against the BJP, party MP Nishikant Dubey accused Congress and the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha of neglecting tribal interests for vote bank politics, attributing a reported 11 percent rise in the Muslim population in Santhal Pargana to Bangladeshi infiltrators.

With elections scheduled for November 13 and 20, and results to be declared on November 23, the BJP aims to galvanize support around these contentious issues, framing the narrative around cultural preservation and demographic integrity as central themes of their campaign.

(Input from the Agencies)

Cultural Exchange: Diwali Festivities Unite Students

Mumbai: Mumbai University Celebrates Diwali with International Students Amid Record Enrolment. Mumbai University recently hosted a vibrant Diwali celebration for its international students, highlighting the institution’s commitment to cultural exchange and inclusivity. This year’s event was particularly significant, as the university reported a record enrolment of 166 foreign students, marking a significant increase from just 90 last year.

The Diwali festivities commenced with a cozy gathering on Friday, designed to help international students feel at home while immersing them in the rich tapestry of Indian culture. This initiative comes at a time when the university is seeing a surge in admissions from various countries, including Fiji, South Africa, Mauritius, and the Philippines.

According to the university’s records, this year’s enrolment includes 45 students who received fully funded scholarships from the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). The majority of the foreign students come from Indian-origin families or are Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), with many others exploring higher education opportunities in India. Courses chosen by these students span a range of disciplines, from conventional studies like commerce and economics to professional programs such as B.Sc. in Computer Science.

Andriantsivahiny Antsanahary Yvannah from Madagascar expressed her excitement about pursuing a Master’s in Commerce at Mumbai University. “Choosing India was an easy decision for me due to its robust educational framework,” she shared. Yvannah noted that the Diwali gathering allowed her to connect with students from diverse backgrounds, enriching her understanding of different cultures while learning about the significance of Diwali in India.

Lavone Sisouvanh from Laos, who is pursuing a Master’s in International Relations, echoed this sentiment. “India and Laos share deep cultural ties, and I see this as an opportunity to enhance my understanding of Indian culture,” he said. Having completed his education in Buddhist schools in Laos, Lavone, who works in the foreign affairs department, sees this experience as crucial for his career growth.

A senior official from Mumbai University highlighted the importance of international enrolment, attributing it to the university’s focus on Transnational Higher Education, which aims to globalize teaching and learning practices. “The growing number of international students at Mumbai University strengthens our commitment to Global Citizenship Education (GCE), as envisioned in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020,” they stated.

The Diwali celebration not only marked a festive occasion but also served as a platform for international students to engage with Indian traditions. The university plans to host another formal event later this week, further deepening these cultural exchanges. With the increasing influx of foreign students, Mumbai University continues to solidify its position as a hub for international education in India.

(By Sumit Singh, Web Team at C6N)

Transformers & Rectifiers Secures Rs.270 Crore in Orders from Adani, Siemens, and More

New Delhi – Transformers and Rectifiers India Ltd (TRIL) has announced new orders totaling ₹270 crore from prominent companies, including Adani Energy Solutions, Siemens Ltd, AMNS India, and the Jindal Group. These orders mark a significant expansion in TRIL’s project portfolio, strengthening its role in India’s growing power infrastructure sector.

According to TRIL’s exchange filing, Siemens awarded contracts valued at ₹117.03 crore for the production of high-capacity transformers. Meanwhile, Adani Energy Solutions commissioned orders worth ₹102.78 crore as part of their ongoing infrastructure expansion. Smaller, yet notable contracts from AMNS India and Jindal Group were valued at ₹6 crore and ₹44.4 crore, respectively. TRIL aims to complete delivery by the next fiscal year, underlining the company’s commitment to quality and timely execution in the sector.

This latest round of orders further consolidates TRIL’s position as one of India’s leading transformer manufacturers, particularly in high-voltage equipment for both domestic and international markets. Recently, TRIL was also awarded a significant ₹565 crore contract from Power Grid Corporation of India for producing transformers and reactors of up to 500 MVA, adding to its robust pipeline of projects scheduled for completion by FY 2025-2026. These contracts underscore TRIL’s strategic role in supporting India’s energy transition and meeting rising electricity demands.

With an expanding capacity and a focus on delivering high-quality, reliable power solutions, TRIL’s recent successes reflect the growing demand for advanced electrical infrastructure as India continues its renewable energy push.

C6N Web Team, New Delhi

Luxury Living Awaits: Supreme Universal Launches 70 Villas Near Lonavala

Mumbai: Mumbai-based real estate developer Supreme Universal has launched a new phase of its luxury villa project, Supreme Villagio, near the popular hill station of Lonavala. This latest phase features 70 villas, each priced at approximately ₹2.65 crore, targeting a total revenue potential of ₹200 crore. The demand for these properties is largely driven by tech professionals based in Pune seeking second homes or end-use residences.

Vishal Jumani, Joint Managing Director of Supreme Universal, highlighted the project’s appeal, stating, “We are constructing a total of 225 villas in our project, of which 100 were launched last year, and we are excited to introduce the remaining 70 during this festive season. The proximity to Pune, particularly to the Hinjewadi IT hub, makes it a lucrative option for first-time homebuyers and investors alike.”

The project, spanning approximately 16 acres, is strategically located near Gahunje Cricket Stadium, close to the Pune-Mumbai Expressway. This prime location offers excellent connectivity, particularly with the upcoming 105 km eastern ring road set to alleviate traffic congestion in Talegaon and surrounding areas. The MahaRERA completion deadline for this ambitious project is December 2027.

Jumani noted a growing interest from various buyers, stating, “Several first-time homebuyers are purchasing villas for end-use, given the location’s accessibility. We have also seen significant interest from investors based in the US, Dubai, and Singapore who are looking for weekend homes.” He added that buyers from areas like Baner, Wakad, and Hinjewadi are particularly drawn to the project based on positive experiences from the earlier launch.

While Lonavala remains a popular destination for second homes, real estate brokers indicate that the area is becoming congested due to increased tourism. Buyers are now looking for properties within a 10 to 30 km radius of Lonavala to escape the growing crowds. The per square foot rate for villas in Lonavala can reach up to ₹15,000, with 3-4 BHK villas and serviced apartments priced between ₹2 crore and ₹5 crore. Local brokers report a rental yield ranging from 5% to 10%, depending on various market factors.

In conclusion, the launch of Supreme Villagio reflects the ongoing demand for luxury properties in the Pune-Lonavala corridor, driven by its strategic location and the burgeoning tech industry in Pune. As Supreme Universal continues to develop its presence in the luxury real estate market, the company aims to meet the needs of discerning buyers seeking both investment opportunities and serene retreats.

(Sumit Singh, Web Team at C6N)

 “Diwali with a Twist: Mumbai Limits Firecracker Time”

Mumbai: Mumbai’s Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued guidelines limiting firecracker use for Diwali 2024, restricting the allowed hours to 7 PM – 10 PM to curb air and noise pollution. Following a Bombay High Court order, these restrictions aim to reduce pollution levels and encourage environmentally responsible celebrations. This year, BMC has also urged citizens to opt for noiseless crackers, especially given concerns over the city’s worsening air quality.

The Bombay High Court bench, led by Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya, emphasized that while Diwali should be celebrated, it is crucial to consider health and environmental impacts. “We need a balance; citizens must decide if they want a healthy environment or continued firecracker use,” stated Chief Justice Upadhyaya. The court also referenced previous issues, such as fires caused by sky lanterns, prompting additional bans on selling or using them during the festival period.

In line with these measures, BMC has enforced specific rules for vehicles transporting construction materials, another significant contributor to air pollution, requiring these vehicles to be covered to reduce dust in the air. Authorities have noted the importance of these steps given the elevated air pollution levels that frequently spike during the festival season.

This year’s measures reflect broader efforts by municipal and legal bodies in Maharashtra to address urban air quality and public health concerns during festive times. The court continues to monitor the air quality impact and plans further hearings in November, assessing whether additional regulations may be necessary to keep Mumbai’s air cleaner.

(By Sumit Singh, Web Team at C6N)