Tag: Shiv Sena

  • Maharashtra Election 2024: Amid Seat-Sharing Deadlock, Sena-UBT’s ‘Sacrifice’ Message For Congress |

    With stalemate continuing over seat-sharing in the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance, Shiv Sena-UBT Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut has suggested that parties should make a few sacrifices for the betterment of Maharashtra. Giving an example of the Lok Sabha polls where Congress contested more seats, Raut said that this election is about removing a ‘corrupt’ government from Maharashtra.

    Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said, “We have been in politics for years, every party feels that their workers should be made candidates…Everyone has the right to speak about their role but when it comes to seat sharing, everyone has to make a few sacrifices and take a step back.”

    When asked if Congress is ready to sacrifice and give up a few seats to other allies in Maha Vikas Aghadi, Raut says, “This is not about sacrifice, this is about national interest and Maharashtra’s interest…We had indeed shown big-heartedness (during seat sharing for Lok Sabha elections) because we had to defeat enemies of the Constitution. Today, we have to remove from power, a corrupt Government in Maharashtra.”

    Raut said that the seat-sharing talks will be finalised by this evening. The Congress, Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar) and Shiv Sena-UBT are part of Maha Vikash Aghadi. The assembly elections for the 288 seats will take place on November 20 and the counting of votes will take place on November 23.

    The Congress is keen on contesting around 110 seats while the Sena-UBT is of the view that all three major partners should contest an equal number of seats or at least below 100 to accommodate smaller allies like the Samajwadi Party, Left parties, and the Peasants and Workers Party. 

  • Who Is Mihir Shah? Shiv Sena Leader’s Son Missing After BMW Accident In Worli; Police Deploy 6 Teams |

    Mihir Shah, the 24-year-old son of a Shiv Sena leader and the main suspect in the Worli hit-and-run case, has gone missing a day after the accident that resulted in the death of a 45-year-old woman. Six police teams are currently searching for him as his ‘speeding’ BMW hit the couple’s bike, leaving the woman dead and her husband injured. They were returning home after shopping at Navkha Bazaar when the incident occurred.  

    Accused Drunk, Attempted To Destroy Evidence  

    Reports reveal that Mihir Shah was heavily intoxicated at the time of the accident. The night before, he had been drinking in Juhu and, in his inebriated state, took over the driving from his driver, Rajendra Singh Bijawat, after reaching Worli.  

    The crash occurred around 5:30 a.m. Following the accident, Mihir allegedly attempted to remove a Shiv Sena sticker and the number plate from the BMW to dissociate the vehicle from his father. He then abandoned the car in Bandra Kalanagar and fled the scene.  

    Who is Mihir Shah?  

    Mihir Shah is the son of Rajesh Shah, a Shiv Sena leader in Palghar district. The Shah family is involved in the construction business. Mihir studied up to the 10th grade before joining his father’s business. As per reports, after the incident, the accused tried to contact his father, explained the situation, and then switched off his phone. Police suspect his girlfriend might be aiding him in hiding.  

    Rajesh Shah, the deputy leader of the Shiv Sena in Palghar, is reportedly close to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. He is known for his influence over various communities in Palghar. Shah controls the scrap business in the MIDC area and supplies construction materials. Mihir, however, lives in their Borivali house and is not well-known in Palghar.  

    Mumbai BMW Hit-and-Run Case  

    Worli police have arrested Rajesh Shah and driver Rajendra Singh Bijawat for non-cooperation. They will be presented in court on Monday. The BMW car involved in the accident is registered in Rajesh’s name and has also been confiscated from Bandra. Mihir faces charges of reckless driving, involuntary manslaughter, endangering life, and violations of the Motor Vehicle Act.  

    The incident resembles the high-profile Pune Porsche case, where a 16-year-old accused hit two IT professionals after being intoxicated.

  • Who Benefits From Shinde-Sena Vs Sena-UBT And NCP-Ajit Vs NCP-Sharad Battle In Maharashtra? |

    The Election Commission of India yesterday ruled in favour of the Ajit Pawar faction terming it the real Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). The order came as a setback for Sharad Pawar as his party is set to challenge the order in the Supreme Court. However, it’s the BJP which may emerge as a winner in the battle of Shiv Sena and NCP. The BJP has allied with both the rebel factions – Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde and NCP led by Ajit Pawar. This will boost the party’s prospects in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls 2024. Maharashtra has 48 Lok Sabha seats and it will be crucial in BJP’s mission ‘Abki Bar 400 Paar’.

    With the recent political developments in Bihar, the BJP has already got an upper hand there and now it’s trying to better its poll prospects in Maharashtra. In the 2019 Maharashtra Lok Sabha elections, the BJP won 23 out of the 48 seats. At that time, Shiv Sena was its ally, and it secured 18 seats. Thus the NDA had bagged 40 of the 48 seats. But since Uddhav Thackeray left the NDA and joined the Congress-NCP alliance, the BJP has recalibrated its strategy this time, sidelining Shiv Sena-UBT and Sharad Pawar-led NCP. With the NCP and Shiv Sena already splitting into two factions, the BJP stands to gain the seats where it has been traditionally weak earlier against NCP and Shiv Sena.

    Sharad Pawar, who separated from Congress to form the NCP in 1999, is now at the centre of a political storm. The recent political developments, including Ajit Pawar’s rebellion and NCP’s affiliation with Congress, have created uncertainty about how Sharad Pawar will lead the new party forward. While it is certain that Ajit Pawar’s entry and his leadership may attract the youth, the future remains uncertain.

    Sharad Pawar is still active in politics, but his influence is limited to certain regions. With the departure of prominent leaders like Praful Patel and Chhagan Bhujbal, even his nephews joining politics has left a gap in his leadership. The split in the massive vote bank of the NCP is likely to benefit the BJP-led coalition. Sharad Pawar has mentioned bringing in new faces to the party, but for now, his nephew seems to be dominating the political scene.

    The split between Shiv Sena and NCP has significantly benefited the BJP. Not only did they come to power in the state, but they also weakened the opposition considerably. BJP’s leaders have gained a strong foothold. The impact of this realignment will be evident in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. However, it’s likely that Ajit Pawar’s NCP, if pitched against Sharad Pawar in the latter’s stronghold may not do well in some of those seats. Opposite to that, Eknath Shinde led Shiv Sena is likely to do better against Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena because traditionally the Shiv Sena supporters have been against the Congress.

    The alliance with NCP in Maharashtra is expected to benefit the BJP in various regions, especially in western Maharashtra, where NCP has had a stronghold. The BJP’s strategy, if successful, could lead to achieving its goal of 45 seats and further consolidating its position in the state. The alliances with Shiv Sena and NCP may pave the way for an easier accomplishment of the “Mission 400+” in the upcoming elections.

  • ‘This Is Just A Trailer’: Eknath Shinde After Milind Deora Joins Shiv Sena |

    MUMBAI: In a big setback for Congress, former Union Minister and Congress leader Milind Deora joined Shiv Sena on Sunday, prompting Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to declare that this move is just the beginning.

    Shinde Hits Out At Congress

    During a gathering in Mumbai, Chief Minister Shinde likened the event to a trailer, hinting at more prominent political figures making their way into Shiv Sena’s fold before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Shinde, drawing parallels with his own past, highlighted the critical decisions involved in such transitions.

    “I am not a doctor. Despite not being a doctor, I performed an operation one and a half years before…didn’t even have to make stitches, and the operation was done. I won’t say anything more than this…This is just a trailer, the film is yet to come in,” expressed Shinde.

    Deora’s Emotional Outburst

    Milind Deora, expressing sentiments similar to Shinde’s past, shared his feelings about the decision. The event unfolded as Deora formally joined Shiv Sena in the presence of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and other party leaders in Mumbai.

    Deora Pledges To Strengthen Shinde’s Leadership

    In a ceremony held at Varsha, the official residence of the Chief Minister, Deora reaffirmed his commitment to strengthen Shinde’s leadership. He praised Shinde’s vision for Mumbai and the state, expressing his intention to contribute to the party’s growth.

    “I am joining him to strengthen his hands further. Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah also have a vision for the country. I want to strengthen their hands as well through the Shiv Sena,” stated Deora.

    End Of An Era: Deora Bids Farewell To 55-Year-Old Association With Congress

    With this move, Deora concluded his 55-year association with Congress, a legacy passed down from his father Murli Deora. While emphasizing his commitment to Congress, Deora explained the rationale behind his decision, citing the party’s evolving landscape.

    “I have been receiving a lot of phone calls since morning that why did I sever 55-year-old ties of my family with the Congress party…I was loyal to the party during its most challenging decade,” said Deora.

    Deora’s Reflections On Changes In Congress

    Highlighting the transformation in the Congress party, Deora emphasized the differences between the current scenario and the Congress of the past. He pointed out the importance of constructive suggestions, merit, and capability, suggesting that these factors played a role in his and Shinde’s decision to join Shiv Sena.

    As the political landscape in Maharashtra undergoes a significant shift, the entry of Milind Deora into Shiv Sena sets the stage for more twists and turns in the run-up to the upcoming elections.

  • What Milind Deora Said About Congress From Shiv Sena’s Dias |

    Milind Deora, senior Congress leader, today severed his and his family’s five-decade-old ties with the party and joined Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. After joining Sena, Deora said that the Congress party today opposes everything said by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He also said that the grand old party has lost the path of constructive politics.

    Milind Deora also said that a strong government is needed at the Centre and States in India. “It is a matter of pride for all of us that under the leadership of PM Modi, India is stronger today…I would like to add that in the last 10 years not one terror attack has happened in Mumbai. This is a major achievement for Mumbaikars,” said Deora.

    He further said, “The same party that used to offer constructive suggestions to this country, on how to take the country forward, has now just one goal – speak against whatever PM Modi says and does. Tomorrow, if he says that Congress is a very good party, they will oppose it. I believe in the politics of GAIN – Growth, Aspiration, Inclusivity and Nationalism. I don’t believe in the politics of PAIN – Personal Attacks, Injustice and Negativity.”

    #WATCH | After joining Shiv Sena, Milind Deora says, “I have been receiving a lot of phone calls since morning that why did I sever 55-year-old ties of my family with Congress party…I was loyal to the party during its most challenging decade. Unfortunately, today’s Congress is… pic.twitter.com/PVU6SdibOv
    — ANI (@ANI) January 14, 2024

    Deora further said that the same party that once ushered in economic reforms is today abusing industrialists, and businessmen and calling businessmen ‘anti-nationals’.

    Deora said that he has received many calls over his decision. “I was loyal to the party during its most challenging decade. Unfortunately, today’s Congress is very different from the Congress of 1968 as well as that of 2004. Had Congress and UBT given importance to constructive & positive suggestions and merit & capability, Eknath Shinde and I wouldn’t have been here. Eknath Shinde had to make a major decision, I had to make a major decision,” he said.

    Deora reportedly quit Congress after the grand old party agreed to leave the Mumbai South seat for Sena-UBT. Sena-UBT won the seat in 2019 when it was in alliance with the BJP. Now, it’s likely that Deora may contest the seat on the Shinde-Sena ticket.