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“Political Drama Unfolds: Jorgewar Joins BJP”

Chandrapur/Nagpur: In a significant political shift, Independent MLA Kishor Jorgewar is set to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday. His formal induction will take place at a public event in Chandrapur, with cabinet minister Sudhir Mungantiwar overseeing the proceedings, despite their previous rivalry. This development comes after intense negotiations and a backdrop of political maneuvering involving various parties in Maharashtra.

Jorgewar expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to contest elections as a BJP candidate, stating, “I am looking forward to working with the party to serve the people of my constituency.” His decision follows a turbulent few days in Mumbai and Delhi, where internal party dynamics and local sentiments were heavily discussed.

Initially, Mungantiwar had reservations about Jorgewar’s entry into the party, but he has since pivoted to support this decision for the greater good of the BJP. He remarked, “I will be present for the event to mark Jorgewar’s entry into the party,” indicating a consensus among party leaders. Both Devendra Fadnavis and Chandrashekhar Bawankule have reportedly supported this move, with Mungantiwar personally addressing concerns raised by local leaders against Jorgewar’s candidacy.

ALSO READ: “Maharashtra Elections Heat Up: Amit Thackeray’s First Run!”

This shift comes amidst a broader context of political rivalry, particularly between the Congress party and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). The Congress’s reluctance to cede the Chandrapur assembly constituency complicated Jorgewar’s previous intentions to join the NCP, prompting speculation about his alignment with the BJP instead. Despite initial opposition from local BJP officials regarding Jorgewar’s candidacy, discussions led to a reconciliatory stance, emphasizing party unity over individual preferences.

In response to Jorgewar’s new affiliation, Mungantiwar’s confidante, Devrao Bhongle, has reportedly been offered a party ticket from the Rajura constituency, aimed at appeasing dissent within the ranks. This decision is viewed as a strategic move to bolster the BJP’s position in the upcoming elections, given Jorgewar’s previous success in the 2019 elections, where he won by a significant margin.

As Jorgewar prepares to officially join the BJP, the implications of his alignment with one of India’s leading political parties are set to reverberate across the political landscape of Maharashtra. The party hopes to leverage his influence and popularity to strengthen its foothold in the region.

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“Maharashtra Elections Heat Up: Amit Thackeray’s First Run!”

MUMBAI: In a significant development, BJP Mumbai president Ashish Shelar announced plans to discuss potential support for Amit Thackeray, the son of MNS chief Raj Thackeray, who is contesting from the Mahim constituency. This will mark Amit Thackeray’s inaugural entry into electoral politics. Shelar’s statement reflects a strategic alliance, particularly as the MNS prepares to contest the November 20 elections independently after having previously backed the Mahayuti alliance during the Lok Sabha elections earlier this year.

Speaking on the collaboration, Shelar emphasized the need for maintaining good relations with the MNS, especially given Raj Thackeray’s unwavering stance on Hindutva. He stated, “If Raj Thackeray supports us, then we ought to maintain our relations with the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS).” Shelar plans to confer with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar about formalizing this support.

The MNS has already announced candidates for 45 constituencies across Mumbai, Thane, and other regions, signaling its serious intent for the upcoming elections. This marks a crucial moment for the party as it seeks to regain influence in Maharashtra’s political landscape. Amit Thackeray’s candidacy has generated buzz, with supporters rallying behind the younger Thackeray’s potential to reinvigorate the party’s image.

In a related vein, Shelar criticized the Uddhav Thackeray-led UBT (United Bhartiya Thackeray) faction, highlighting the perceived betrayal of allies and asserting that the Congress party’s ambitions to secure over 100 seats have dwindled to approximately 90. “A party that does not think of anyone but themselves is UBT,” Shelar remarked, alluding to the disunity among the opposition.

ALSO READ: “No Compromise: SP Draws Line on Seat-Sharing!”

Moreover, the BJP has positioned itself firmly against Nawab Malik, who is entangled in legal issues related to alleged connections with organized crime. Shelar declared that BJP workers will not support Malik’s candidacy, stating, “Whether or not to announce his candidacy will be up to his party leaders to decide.” This stance underscores the BJP’s commitment to distancing itself from controversial figures.

RBI’s Optimistic Growth Forecast Stirs Debate Among Economists Amid Economic Signals

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has maintained its optimistic growth forecast of 7.2% for the fiscal year ending March 2025, despite conflicting signs of economic slowdown. While the RBI points to improving rural spending and private investment, many economists express skepticism, citing stagnating urban consumption and declining exports as significant concerns. Investment banks, including Goldman Sachs, have revised their estimates down to about 6.5%.

Economists argue that the RBI’s projections may not align with recent economic activity, which has shown weakness in various sectors, including manufacturing and vehicle sales. A key indicator, the HSBC Flash India Composite Output Index, did see a slight increase in October, signaling a potential rebound in business activity. However, experts caution that the recovery may be temporary, particularly given the muted consumer demand in urban areas.

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As the festive season approaches, the RBI anticipates a surge in consumer spending, but analysts warn that seasonal spikes may not translate into sustained growth. Concerns about maintaining a tight monetary policy persist, with calls for the RBI to consider cutting interest rates to foster economic activity. The coming months will be critical for assessing whether the RBI’s optimistic outlook can hold amid these mixed economic signals.

“No Compromise: SP Draws Line on Seat-Sharing!”

MUMBAI: Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav has made a strong declaration regarding the party’s position in the ongoing seat-sharing negotiations with the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). Speaking to media, Yadav stated, “There is no place for sacrifice in politics,” emphasizing that the SP will only remain in the alliance if it is accorded a fair share of seats.

The SP has been pressing for five seats in the upcoming elections but has yet to receive a definitive response from the MVA, which includes Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress, and NCP. Yadav noted that if the MVA does not include the SP in their plans, the party will contest in areas where they have significant support, asserting, “We will contest on those seats which will not harm the alliance”.

SP Maharashtra Chief Abu Azmi echoed Yadav’s sentiments, stating that if their demands for seats continue to be ignored, they would be compelled to contest alone. He expressed his disappointment with the MVA’s lack of response, saying, “It looks like they don’t want to give seats to the Samajwadi Party”. Azmi further highlighted that the SP plans to contest at least 20 seats, underscoring the urgency of the situation.

The backdrop to these developments is the strategic importance of the Maharashtra elections, which Yadav described as pivotal not just for the state but for national politics. He stated, “This is a historic election… When the government in Maharashtra goes, the (Union) government in Delhi will also collapse”.

ALSO READ: Election Countdown: BJP Names 22 More Candidates for Maharashtra

Yadav has also taken a proactive step by announcing candidates for the elections, including Irshad Jahagirdar for Dhule city, which marks the party’s fifth nomination. His remarks underline the urgency of resolving the seat-sharing disputes, as the party seeks to solidify its position and influence ahead of the critical elections.

As discussions continue, the MVA coalition faces increasing pressure to finalize arrangements that satisfy all parties involved, particularly the SP, as they navigate the complex landscape of Maharashtra’s political arena.

ALSO READ: MVA Seals Seat-Sharing Deal, Congress Biggest Gainer in Maharashtra

Reliance Shares Surge 1.53% After Initial Plunge

Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) shares opened nearly 50% lower today but bounced back, closing up 1.53% in response to significant corporate announcements. The stock opened at Rs.1,345.40, plummeting from Friday’s close of Rs.2,655.45, primarily due to RIL’s declaration of a 1:1 bonus share issue. This move, one of the largest bonus issues in India, will distribute one additional share for each held by investors, with October 28 set as the record date for eligibility.

Historically, RIL’s last bonus issue was in 2017, during which its share price surged by 266%. Despite today’s volatility, the company continues to be a key player in sectors such as petrochemicals, telecommunications, and retail. Recent financial reports indicate a slight decline in consolidated net profit for the September quarter, dropping to Rs.16,563 crore from Rs.17,394 crore year-over-year. However, operational revenue showed a modest increase of 0.2%.

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Market analysts suggest that while the stock’s technical indicators show a bearish trend, there is potential for recovery as investor sentiment stabilizes post-announcement. The broader market will be closely monitoring RIL’s performance as it navigates these changes.

Maharashtra Elections: Mahayuti coalition fighting over 12 seats

Mumbai: The Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra has made significant progress by approving 276 constituencies ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections. However, negotiations are still ongoing for 12 critical seats, with each of the three coalition partners—the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Eknath Shinde faction of Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar faction of the NCP—asserting their claims.

The situation was more complex prior to a late-night meeting at Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s residence in Delhi on Thursday. Reports indicate that around 37 seats were under dispute before the meeting. By the end of the discussions, Shah successfully resolved 25 of these contentious seats, bringing some level of satisfaction to the coalition partners. However, 12 seats continue to be a sticking point. The coalition are at odds over key constituency likes Boisar, Palghar, Nallasopara, Vasai.

Also Read: Election Countdown: BJP Names 22 More Candidates for Maharashtra

Sources said that possibilities of rebellion for these seats is growing with each passing day. The option to announce candidates just before the last day of nomination was also explored. It may reduce the speculations of rebellion within the alliance, otherwise the opposition could use it to its benefits.

Earlier in the week, another round of discussions took place in Delhi, featuring Amit Shah alongside Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Ministers Ajit Pawar and Devendra Fadnavis. During this meeting, the coalition reached a preliminary agreement on seat sharing, with the BJP expected to contest around 156 seats in the state.

As the deadline for nominations lurks around, the urgency to resolve these disputes intensifies. The outcome of these negotiations will be pivotal not only for the Mahayuti alliance’s electoral strategy but also for maintaining unity among its diverse factions.

Also Read: MVA Seals Seat-Sharing Deal, Congress Biggest Gainer in Maharashtra

Political Tensions Escalate in Jharkhand as Allegations Fly Amid Election Season

Jharkhand Minister Irfan Ansari is under intense scrutiny following allegations of making derogatory remarks about Sita Soren, the BJP candidate and estranged sister-in-law of Chief Minister Hemant Soren. Ansari, who represents the Congress party in Jamtara, has denied the claims, stating that the video used against him was edited to misrepresent his words.

The controversy erupted after Sita Soren filed her nomination papers and accused Ansari of targeting her since her candidacy was announced. “The derogatory remarks he made are unacceptable and an insult to the tribal community. The tribal community will never forgive him,” she asserted, visibly emotional. Sita Soren is the widow of Durga Soren, son of JMM chief Shibu Soren, who died in 2009. She recently joined the BJP after a fallout with her family amid political turmoil surrounding the chief minister’s office.

In response to the allegations, the BJP has ramped up its criticism of Ansari, submitting a formal complaint to Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar. The complaint condemns Ansari’s remarks as disrespectful to tribal women, emphasizing that such behavior undermines the dignity of a community that Jharkhand was established to uplift. Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the BJP’s election in-charge for the state, stated, “If Hemant Soren has any shame or self-respect, he should resign immediately. A person who cannot honor his sister-in-law has no right to hold office.”

Irfan Ansari, defending himself, told The Indian Express, “The entire video has been edited. I consider Sita Soren my sister-in-law and never named anyone specifically. This is a tactic by the BJP’s IT Cell to manipulate the narrative.” He maintained that his comments were not aimed at any individual, but were intended in a colloquial context.

The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes has demanded an action report on the matter, while Jamtara Police have registered an FIR against Ansari under the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, 2023, citing disobedience to public orders. The unfolding situation highlights ongoing political tensions in Jharkhand as parties gear up for upcoming elections.

(Input from the Agencies)

Election Countdown: BJP Names 22 More Candidates for Maharashtra

Mumbai: As the Maharashtra Assembly elections approach, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has released its second list of candidates, featuring 22 nominees. This follows their earlier announcement of 99 candidates on October 20, 2024, ahead of the polls scheduled for November 20.

The second list includes notable candidates such as Ram Bhadane from Dhule Rural, Chainsukh Sancheti from Malkapur, and Prakash Bharsakale from Akot, among others. This strategic selection aims to strengthen the BJP’s foothold in various constituencies across the state, including Shyam Khode (Washim), Kewalram Kale (Melghat), and Bhimrao Tapkir (Khadakwasla).

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The party’s first list saw significant retention, with 71 sitting MLAs continuing to contest. Prominent figures from this list included Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, state BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule, and Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar, underscoring the party’s reliance on experienced leaders. Notably, BJP has also nominated kin of some regional leaders, signaling its intent to leverage established political connections.

In addition to candidates, the BJP announced a star-studded list of campaigners, featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and several other senior party leaders, which aims to energize the voter base and solidify support across Maharashtra.

As the election date draws near, political analysts are watching closely to see how the BJP’s strategies, including its candidate selections and campaign tactics, will unfold in the face of growing competition from opposition alliances.

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Bigg Boss 18 : Salman Khan Schools Avinash Mishra and Karan Veer Mehra

Mumbai: In the latest “Weekend Ka Vaar” episode of Bigg Boss 18, Salman Khan returned to host in his trademark no-nonsense style, taking contestants Avinash Mishra and Karan Veer Mehra to task for their recent behavior in the house. Fans saw Salman reprimand Avinash, calling him “Vinash” due to his aggressive actions and self-destructive tendencies, especially his interactions with fellow contestant Chahat Pandey. Avinash’s mother, who joined the episode, defended her son, sparking a tense exchange with Chahat’s mother, who advised her daughter to stay resilient against disrespect.

Karan Veer Mehra, meanwhile, faced a different critique. Salman criticized him for his passive and ambiguous gameplay, comparing him to a “ghar ki nanad” and encouraging him to take a stronger stance if he hopes to gain traction among viewers. Salman’s commentary highlighted a brewing rivalry between Avinash and Karan Veer, which had escalated with recent disagreements and confrontations.

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Viewers have expressed mixed reactions, with some calling Avinash a “sasta Asim Riaz” on social media, comparing his tactics to the Bigg Boss 13 contestant known for his intense gameplay. This season has also seen frequent altercations between contestants, with Avinash recently clashing with Karan Veer, leading him to assert dominance by saying, “Tera baap hu main.” Such dramatic interactions have been trending among fans online, making these contestants some of the most-discussed of Bigg Boss 18.

With Salman’s strong remarks and the unresolved tension among contestants, viewers are keen to see how Avinash and Karan Veer adapt to the mounting pressure inside the house.

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“Nine Injured in Bandra Station Stampede Amid Festive Travel Surge”

Mumbai: In a tragic turn of events, a stampede at Mumbai’s Bandra Terminus early Sunday morning left nine people injured as a crowd surged to board the Bandra-Gorakhpur Express. The incident occurred around 5:56 a.m. on Platform 1, where commuters had gathered to catch the northbound train amidst heightened travel for Diwali and Chhath Puja. Two individuals suffered critical injuries, while others sustained minor wounds; all injured parties were taken to Bhabha Hospital for treatment.

The stampede reportedly began when passengers eagerly moved towards the train, which was still being maneuvered onto the platform from the yard with its doors locked. Witnesses indicated that passengers fell in the chaos, leading to panic among the crowd. Despite efforts by the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and local volunteers to control the situation, some passengers were injured while attempting to squeeze into the locked train. The Railways had stationed additional general compartments on the train due to increased demand, which added to the rush.

Local authorities and rail officials have voiced their concerns over the issue, promising a thorough investigation. A senior official from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) stated, “We are looking into crowd management protocols, especially during peak festive seasons, to ensure that passengers’ safety is not compromised.” Meanwhile, Western Railway officials are conducting an internal review to strengthen safety measures during peak travel times, particularly on major festival days.

This unfortunate event highlights ongoing concerns about crowd control and infrastructure at Mumbai’s busiest railway stations, especially during festive seasons. Safety experts have called for improved crowd management practices, more visible signage, and clearer announcements. This incident comes on the heels of an ongoing demand for better infrastructure at Mumbai stations, where high foot traffic and outdated protocols continue to challenge safety measures.

With the holiday season in full swing, officials have urged travelers to exercise caution and follow crowd control protocols. They have advised passengers to avoid crowding and to wait for clear signals from railway authorities to board trains. This incident serves as a grim reminder of the importance of efficient crowd management, particularly in major cities like Mumbai where festival seasons see a spike in travel across the railway network.