“Eknath Shinde has gone again to perform Mujra in Delhi” say, Uddhav Thackeray on Vedanta-Foxconn semiconductor plant

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September 22, 2022

Uddhav Thackarey, Shiv Sena, Maharashtra CM,CM, Eknath Shinde, Vedanta-Foxconn semiconductor plant — Image : Agencies

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Wednesday made a scathing attack on Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde for not speaking to Prime Minister Modi after the multi-billion Vedanta-Foxconn semiconductor plant deal went to Gujarat.

His remarks come after Vedanta-Foxconn has chosen Gujarat as the destination for their semiconductor plant. Uddhav Thackeray

Thackeray takes a swipe at Shinde, saying, “CM Eknath Shinde has gone again to perform ‘Mujra’ in Delhi today… Why do Maharashtra projects go to other states? Why doesn’t he speak to the PM about this? Doesn’t he have the courage to speak on it?”

A memorandum of understanding was signed with the state government for setting up the semiconductor plant costing around Rs 1.54 lakh crore.

Thackeray, who was addressing party workers, said that the Maharashtra government should bring back the Foxconn-Vedanta semiconductor project rather than hurling allegations adding that both ruling and Opposition should come together for the larger interest of the state and bring back the project.

Thackeray also launched a scathing attack on Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde for not speaking on the issue.

The Shiv Sena chief also challenged Home Minister Amit Shah to conduct Mumbai civic polls and assembly elections within a month.

“I challenge Union HM Amit Shah to hold BMC election along with state assembly elections, we will show Shiv Sena’s strength. Earlier too many Nizams and Shahs tried to capture Mumbai but failed in their nefarious attempt,” he added.

However, Shinde hit back at Thackeray saying that the Vedanta will come to Maharashtra.

“Our government is two months old and we have taken decisions that were not taken in two years. Vedanta will come to Maharashtra. I have spoken with PM Modi and HM Amit Shah and have been assured. A lot of industries went out of the state because of the previous government,” said Maharashtra Chief Minister.

“History gets made! Happy to announce that the new Vedanta-Foxconn semiconductor plant will be set up in #Gujarat. Vedanta’s landmark investment of Rs 1.54 lakh crores will help make India’s #Atmanirbhar Silicon Valley a reality,” Vedanta group chairman Anil Agarwal said in a series of tweets.

This project, which is expected to reduce India’s electronic imports besides providing 1 lakh direct skilled jobs, will help the country’s manufacturing sector, he said in another tweet.

“My deep gratitude to the Gujarat Govt and the Union IT Minister, who have helped Vedanta tie things up so quickly. India’s tech ecosystem will thrive, with every state benefiting via the new electronics manufacturing hubs.”

India’s own Silicon Valley is a step closer now, the Vedanta Chairman tweeted.

“India will fulfil the digital needs of not just her people, but also those from across the seas. The journey from being a Chip Taker to a Chip Maker has officially begun…Jai Hind!,” he tweeted.

UK foreign Secretary Cleverly thanks India for ‘very senior representation’ at Queen funeral

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PTI

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September 22, 2022

UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly has expressed gratitude for the representation by Indian President Droupadi Murmu at the funeral of Queen Elizabeth, saying it was really noticed.

President Murmu attended the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey in London on Monday morning.

“I would like to say a huge thank you for the very very senior representation that India sent to Her Majesty the Queen’s funeral. I had the opportunity to meet President Murmu and it was really noticed,” Cleverly told PTI in an interview here on Wednesday on the margins of the high-level UN General Assembly session.

Cleverly, the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Affairs of the United Kingdom under the new administration of Prime Minister Liz Truss, also met his Indian counterpart External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar late on Wednesday evening at the sidelines of the UNGA.

During her three-day visit to London, Murmu visited Westminster Hall and offered tributes to the late British monarch on behalf of the Indian government and the people of India.

Murmu also attended the reception hosted by UK’s King Charles III at Buckingham Palace.

The Indian head of the State, who arrived in London on Saturday evening, joined around 500 world leaders, including US President Joe Biden, and royals from across the world in a congregation of around 2,000 people at the Abbey for a somber ceremony to bid farewell to Britain’s longest-serving monarch.

The funeral for the late queen, who died aged 96 at her Balmoral estate in Scotland, was held at Westminster Abbey in London in the presence of thousands of guests and millions watching on screens worldwide.

HC to hear today Uddhav led Sena plea seeking nod for Dussehra rally at Shivaji Park

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PTI

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September 22, 2022

Uddhav thackerey, Shivsena, Dussehra rally, Bombay High Court, Shivaji Park — Image: PTI

The Bombay High Court will on Thursday hear a petition filed by the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena seeking permission to hold its annual Dussehra rally at the iconic Shivaji Park in central Mumbai on October 5.

The petition, seeking urgent hearing, was mentioned before a division bench of Justices R D Dhanuka and Kamal Khata on Wednesday.

The bench posted it for hearing on Thursday.

The plea said the party was constrained to approach the HC as the Mumbai civic body was yet to take a decision on their applications submitted in August seeking permission for the rally.

The petition sought directions to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to forthwith grant permission for the Sena’s Dussehra rally at the Shivaji Park.

The Sena in its plea also said the party was holding the Dussehra rally every year at the Shivaji Park since 1966 and the civic body had always permitted it.

Addressing party workers in suburban Goregaon on Wednesday evening, former chief minister Uddhav Thackeray asserted that his party’s annual Dussehra rally will take place at the Shivaji Park.

The Thackeray-led Maha Vikas Aghadi government, which comprised the Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress, collapsed in June this year after a revolt led by Eknath Shinde against the Sena leadership.

Shinde was later sworn in as the chief minister with BJP’s Devendra Fadnavis as his deputy.

Both the Thackeray-led Sena and the rival group led by Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde had sought permission to hold their Dusshera rallies at the Shivaji Park.

The BMC has not taken any decision on the issue so far.

Both the factions, as an alternative, had also applied for permission to hold the rally at the MMRDA ground at the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) in Mumbai.

Last week, the Shinde faction got the nod for holding a rally at the BKC.

Biden, Liz Truss commit to continue coordination on global challenges

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ANI

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September 22, 2022

US President Biden meets UK PM Liz Truss

US President Joe Biden on Wednesday met with the newly elected UK Prime Minister Liz Truss on the sidelines of the 77th United Nations General Assembly and committed to continue close coordination between both the countries on global challenges, including support for Ukraine.

“The leaders committed to continuing their governments’ close coordination on global challenges, including support for Ukraine as it defends itself against Russian aggression, addressing challenges posed by China, and securing sustainable and affordable energy supplies,” the White House said in a statement about the meeting.

US President, who is in New York to attend the UNGA session, expressed his condolences for the loss of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and his appreciation for the opportunity to pay his respects at the State Funeral.

“The leaders discussed the importance of continued support for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. They also affirmed their shared commitment to protecting the gains of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement,” the statement reads. Ahead of the meeting with UK PM, Biden said, “we both are committed to protecting the gains of the Good Friday Agreement in Northern Ireland.

And I’m looking forward to hearing what’s on your mind and how we can continue to cooperate.” Truss responded, “And, of course, I’m looking forward to discussing the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement and how we make sure that’s upheld into the future.” Truss also thanked US first lady Jill Biden for coming to the UK for the funeral of Queen Elizabeth-II, who took her last breath on September 8.

“She was the rock on which modern Britain was built. And I have seen a huge outpouring of affection for her in the United Kingdom but also here in the United States,” Truss added. “And as you say, President, we are steadfast allies. And I’ve enjoyed working with Tony Blinken very closely in our response on Russia’s appalling war in Ukraine and making sure that we are supporting the Ukrainians in their fight for freedom.

But we face huge challenges as autocracies seek to cement and increase their assertiveness around the world,” UK PM said. Earlier in the day, Biden met UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and discussed several issues including the Ukraine war and the Black Sea grain deal. “President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. met today with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres during the UN General Assembly in New York. The leaders reaffirmed the strong partnership between the United States and the United Nations,” according to the White House statement.

NIA, ED arrest over 100 Popular Front leaders in raids across 10 states

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ANI

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September 22, 2022

nia agencies — NIA, ED arrest over 100 Popular Front leaders in raids across 10 states 6

In a first-ever largest action, a joint team of the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Enforcement Directorate (ED) and state police forces have arrested over 100 Popular Front of India (PFI) leaders during raids across 10 states, said sources on Thursday.

The searches are being conducted at multiple locations in the largest ever investigation process till date. These searches are being conducted at the residential and official premises of persons involved in “funding terrorism, organising training camps and radicalising people to join proscribed organisations”.

“In a major action across 10 states, NIA, ED and state police have arrested more than 100 cadres of PFI,” sources told ANI. The raids were conducted in Telangana, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and many more states, said sources.

NIA earlier this month also raided 40 places in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh in a PFI case and detained four persons. The agency had then conducted searches at 38 locations in Telangana (23 in Nizamabad, four in Hyderabad, seven in Jagityal, two in Nirmal, one each in Adilabad and Karimnagar districts) and at two locations in Andhra Pradesh (one each in Kurnool and Nellore districts) in the case relating to Abdul Khader of Nizamabad district in Telangana and 26 other persons. In the operation, NIA had seized incriminating materials, including digital devices, documents, two daggers and Rs 8,31,500 cash.

As per NIA, the accused were “organizing camps for imparting training to commit terrorist acts and to promote enmity between different groups on the basis of religion”. The PFI was launched in Kerala in 2006 after merging three Muslim organizations floated after the Babri Masjid demolition in 1992 – the National Development Front of Kerala, Karnataka Forum for Dignity and Manitha Neethi Pasari of Tamil Nadu.

After the demolition of the Babri mosque, many fringe outfits had surfaced in south India and PFI was formed after merging some of them. Now the PFI claims it has units in 22 states. Its growth is phenomenal, admit intelligence agencies, saying it successfully exploited a growing vacuum in the community by donning the role of a saviour.

The successful portrayal of the image helps PFI to mobilise funds, especially from the rich middle-eastern countries. The PFI had its headquarters in Kozhikode earlier, but after broadening of its base, it was shifted to Delhi. PFI’s state president Nasaruddin Elamarom is one of the founding leaders of the outfit. Its all-India president E Abubaker also hails from Kerala.

Maha CM Eknath Shinde attacks Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray in Delhi labelled as ‘Betrayer’

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PTI

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September 21, 2022

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Wednesday attacked Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray, and claimed himself to be the real torchbearer of Balasaheb Thackeray’s ideals.

Shinde, who is in Delhi with some of his cabinet colleagues, said the Shiv Sena faction loyal to him is being labelled as “betrayers” by those who “shortchanged” the ideals of Balasaheb Thackeray.

The Uddhav Thackeray-led Maha Vikas Aghadi government, which comprised the Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress, collapsed in June after a revolt led by Shinde against the Sena leadership. Shinde was later sworn in as the chief minister with BJP’s Devendra Fadnavis as his deputy.

The two factions have engaged in bitter war of words claiming they are the “real” Shiv Sena and the torchbearer Balasaheb Thackeray’s legacy.

Maharashtra govt said new 18 reserve forests will be there in the state

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PTI

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September 21, 2022

The Maharashtra government on Wednesday approved the creation of 18 new reserve forests in the state besides seven proposed reserve forest areas, an official release said here. It will take the number of protected sanctuaries in the state to 52.

The decision, taken at a state cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, would enhance the reserved forest cover in the state to 13,000 sq km. Shinde also directed officials to ensure that villagers in the areas around reserved forests do not face problems while the wildlife is conserved.

The new reserve forests are: Velhe Mulshi (87.41 sq km) in Pune and Raigad districts, Lonavla (121.20 sq km), Naneghat (98.87 sq km) in Pune-Thane districts, Bhorgirigad (37.64 sq km) in Pune, Dindori (62.10 sq km), Surgana (86.28 sq km) and Taharabad (122.45 sq km) in Nashik district, Kareghat (97.45 sq km) and Chinchpada (93.91 sq km) in Nandurbar, Ghera Manikgad (53.25 sq km) and Alibaug (60.03 sq km) in Raigad district, Rajmachi, Gumtara (125.50 sq km) in Thane, Jawhar (118.28 sq km), Dhamni (49.15 sq km), Asherigad (80.95 sq km) in Palghar, Atpadi (9.48 sq km) in Sangli and Ekara (102.99 sq km) in Chandrapur district, it said. In another decision, the state cabinet decided to form an asset reconstruction company on the lines of the Centre.

It also decided that the Bharatratna Lata Dinanath Mangeshkar International Music College will be started from the Pu La Deshpande Academy here for the time being

Andhra Pradesh: Legislative Assembly passes nine bills, includes Labour Welfare Fund Bill

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ANI

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September 21, 2022

The Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly on Wednesday passed nine bills, including the Andhra Pradesh Labour Welfare Fund (Second Amendment) Bill, by voice vote.

The Andhra Pradesh Labour Welfare Fund (Second Amendment) Bill 2022 was moved by Minister for Labour Employment, Training and Factories G Jayaram.

The bills include Andhra Pradesh Shops and Establishments (Amendment) Bill 2022, Andhra Pradesh Payment of Salaries and Pension and Removal of Disqualifications (Amendment) Bill 2002, Andhra Pradesh Land Titling Bill 2022, Andhra Pradesh Regulation of Appointments to Public Services and Rationalization of Staff Pattern and Pay Structure (Amendment) Bill 2022.

The House also passed the Dr NTR University of Health Sciences (Amendment) Bill 2022, Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority and Andhra Pradesh Metropolitan Region, Urban Development Authorities (Amendment) Bill, 2022 and Andhra Pradesh Municipal Laws (Amendment) Bill 2022 and Andhra Pradesh Municipal Laws (Amendment) Bill 2022 Bill.

The House also passed the Andhra Pradesh Appropriation (No.3) Bill, 2022. Notably, all the Bills were passed by voice vote.

After survey of madrassas, UP govt to conduct survey of Waqf properties

By

ANI

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September 21, 2022

Amid the ongoing survey of unrecognized madrassas, the Uttar Pradesh government is geared up to conduct a survey of the Waqf properties in the state.

The Yogi Adityanath government has revoked the 1989 order that enabled the transfer of barren or non-agricultural land or a piece of land being used by a shrine or an Eidgah to the Waqf Board.

The state government has directed all district magistrates and divisional commissioners to re-examine the records of all properties registered under Waqf since April 7, 1989.

Instructions have been given to rectify the revenue records as per the prescribed procedure after re-examination.

According to the state government, the order for re-examination has been issued in the wake of complaints that many properties which were “Usar, Banjar and Bhita” in the revenue records and were declared as Waqf properties under the 1989 mandate.

The Union Ministry of Minority Affairs had in February this year written to states regarding issues relating to the Waqf properties and had called for necessary directions to State Waqf Boards.

“Various waqf properties have been illegally sold in collusion with the officials of the revenue department, Muttawalli and land grabbers. Most of the waqf properties have not been registered as “Waqf” in the revenues records and Muttawaiii in collusion with the officials of revenue department have registered such waqf properties in their name and become the owner of waqf properties,” the letter said.

“You are kindly requested to look into the matter and issue necessary directions to the State Waqf Boards, Revenue Departments and other concerned authorities to make efforts that all the waqf properties in your state must be recorded as a ‘Waqf’ in the revenue records,” it added.

The Uttar Pradesh government started the process of conducting a survey of unrecognized madrassas earlier this month. The state government decided to conduct a survey in unrecognized madrassas to ascertain information on the number of students, teachers, curriculum and affiliation with any non-government organization. The survey is being conducted to ensure the basic facilities of the students of madrassas.

All the district magistrates (DMs) in Uttar Pradesh were issued instructions regarding the survey. The government had given instructions for holding survey of unrecognised madrassas by October 5.

The teams include officials of the sub divisional magistrate (SDM), basic shiksha adhikaris (BSA) and district minority officers. Once the survey is conducted, the report is to be given to the additional district magistrate (ADM) who will present the consolidated statements to the DMs.

Adivasi community protests for recruitment of teachers under PESA act

By

Vivek Gaikwad

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September 21, 2022

The Adivasi D.T.Ed., B.Ed. Kruti Samiti, Palghar (ADBTCKS) has organized a massive protest for the recruitment of teachers under the PESA act at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan for past 3-days.

The group of teachers have come to Azad Maidan from various Adivasi Padas of Maharashtra e.g., Thane, Palghar, Nashik etc.

According to ADBTCKS, “Posts of teachers in the vocational sector of Scheduled Tribe (ST) category in the state have been approved by the School Education Department and General Administration Department, but currently the file is waiting for approval of the Finance Department. But due to error made by Finance Department, the School Education Department has sought additional information from the Commissioner, Education Pune on July 22, 2022, it has not yet been submitted to the government.”

“Regarding the said errors, the first error and the recruitment of teachers in the profession sector are not related, the error has been made knowingly,” alleges to ADBTCKS.

“Regarding the second error, when all the information is mentioned in the recruitment proposal of the Commissioner of Education, we believe that making this error means avoiding the recruitment of the tribal. Therefore, the approval of the Finance Department regarding the recruitment has not yet been received,” ADBTCKS further added.

“Also, the School Education Department has issued an order to the Commissioner, Examination Council Pune on 03 August, 2022 regarding the organization of Teacher Aptitude and Intelligence Test (TAIT) 2022, but the tender process, company selection and the date of the examination have not yet been announced,” informed ADBTCKS.

Mokhada tehsil representative of ADBTCKS, Hemant Patil told Afternoon Voice, “Earlier, we did protest for 17 days at the District Magistrate office, the government announced recruitment of teachers. But due to error made by Finance Department our recruitment has been stopped. That’s why, now we are doing an indefinite protest here at Azad Maidan.”

Varsha Gaikar, Dy President of ADBTCKS told us, “TAIT exam should be done as soon as possible. Also, the errors made by Finance department should be removed, we will only get justice after the recruitments are done.”