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Shiv Sena’s Dussehra rally and rivalry

By
Vaidehi Taman
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thackeray, shinde, eknath shinde, uddhav thackeray, uddhav, shivaji park, dussehra melawa, dussehra, cm, thackeray-shinde
Shiv Sena's Dussehra rally and rivalry 2

I was born in Mumbai and the Dussehra rally at Shivaji Park was a prime attraction. People used to gather in lakhs to hear and see Balasaheb Thackeray. Mumbai Shiv Sena’s Dussehra rally has been organized for the last 40 years. Shiv Sainiks wait for the speech of the party chief in this rally in the same way as the countrymen wait for the speech to be delivered by the Prime Minister from the Red Fort on 15th August. Every year, except for two years of the Corona period, a Shiv Sena rally in Dussehra has happened. But this time there is tug-of-war among those Shiv Sainiks who belong to the Uddhav Thackrey faction and those who rebelled with Eknath Shinde.

Both the groups have sent their application to the Mumbai Municipal Corporation for the booking of Shivaji Park ground. But it has been made clear from the office of G-North Department of BMC in Dadar that the decision on this will be taken only after Ganesh Utsav. But who will decide who is the real Shiv Sena? Shinde faction or Thackeray faction? The hearing in the court has not been completed yet, nor has the Election Commission taken any decision so far as to whose real Shiv Sena is? Then who can decide which faction has the right to call a rally of Shiv Sena in Shivaji Park?

Uddhav Thackeray, former Maharashtra Chief Minister and Eknath Shinde, present Maharashtra Chief Minister will hold a parallel rally on Dussehra in October this year. The Dussehra rally is a major event in the annual calendar of Shiv Sena where the party leader lays bare his thoughts on key political developments in the presence of the cadre. Shinde and Uddhav both called for a meeting of their respective office-bearers, MLAs and MPs of his faction today to review the preparations for this rally. They will also decide whether leaders from other parties should be invited to this event.

There are strong chances that the administration may reject applications of both sides and ask them to hold their respective rallies at some other public places. While the BMC has been ruled by the Uddhav Thackeray-led party for nearly three decades, it is currently being run by Administrator Iqbal Chahal after the expiry of the term of the civic body. The faceoff over the Dussehra rally assumes significance in the run-up to the BMC polls where both Shiv Sena factions are seeking to prove their strength.

On June 30, Eknath Shinde, who handled the Urban Development and Public Works (including Public Undertakings) portfolios in the MVA government took oath as the new Chief Minister of Maharashtra. This came a day after Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray resigned. Shinde was instrumental in the dismantling of the state government as 38 other Sena MLAs joined him outside the state in protest against the continuation of the alliance with NCP and Congress. Devendra Fadnavis who was pipped to be the CM was inducted into the Cabinet as his Deputy even as he initially declined to be a part of the government.

The Eknath Shinde-led government received a big boost on July 3 as BJP’s Rahul Narwekar was elected as the Speaker of the Maharashtra Assembly. While he polled 164 votes, only 107 MLAs voted in favour of MVA’s candidate Rajan Salvi. The government won the vote of confidence a day later with a 164-99 margin. However, the fate of the government will be decided by the Supreme Court’s verdict on the pleas filed by the Thackeray camp seeking the disqualification of rebels and challenging the Governor’s decision to swear in Shinde as the CM.

Shiv Sena has moved Bombay high court urging direction to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to forthwith grant permission for its annual Dussehra rally at Shivaji Park. The party’s petition said Shiv Sena was formed as a political party in 1966 and registered on October 19, 1989. In October 2015 the HC granted it permission to hold the rally. Thereafter till 2019, it was granted permission every year.

During 2020 and 2021 the rally was not held due to Covid-19 pandemic, It made an application to the BMC on August 22 and “However although more than 20 days have elapsed the respondents (BMC) have not responded and granted the usual permission,” the petition said.

The petition said in 1966 the party’s founder “Bal Thackeray thought it fit that a public meeting or a rally should be organised for informing the people of Maharashtra about the future goals and party policies.” Accordingly on October 20, 1966, the Shiv Sena’s first Dussehra Melawa was held on the auspicious day of Dussehra/Vijayadashimi at Shivaji Park, DadarThe petition said the party has conducted the Dussehra Melawa every year since 1966 and the BMC has granted it permission.

It referred to a January 20, 2016 notification that “specifically provides that the park may be used for Dussehra Melava and that the municipal commissioner should permit the same on the application being made to him.” The petition informed that for the rally party workers and leaders throughout the State arrive at Shivaji Park “without any invitation and without any formal invitation”. It is interesting to see who gets what. Who proves the strength.

Karnataka assembly passes anti-conversion bill

By
PTI
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Karnataka Assembly
Image: PTI

Amid opposition Congress’ protest and walkout, Karnataka Legislative Assembly on Wednesday passed the “anti-conversion bill”, passed by the Legislative Council last week with minor amendments, seeking to replace the ordinance that was in place to give effect to the bill.

The ‘Karnataka Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Bill’ was earlier passed by the Legislative Assembly in December last.

As the bill was pending for passage in the Legislative Council, where the ruling BJP was short of majority then, the government had subsequently promulgated an ordinance in May this year to give effect to the bill.

The bill was finally passed by the Legislative Council on September 15.

Home Minister Araga Jnanendra on Wednesday moved the ‘Karnataka Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Bill, 2022 (As passed by the Legislative Assembly and as passed by the Legislative Council with amendments) for its reconsideration and passage.

Piloting the bill, he said, “the bill was passed by the assembly during the Belagavi session (in December), it was pending in the council, so an ordinance was promulgated, to replace the ordinance, this bill is being introduced with a minor amendment that the law will come into effect from May 17, 2022; the bill after getting passed with amendment in the council, has come back to the assembly.

After the assent from the Governor, the law will come into effect from May 17, 2022, the date on which the ordinance was promulgated.

However, Congress Deputy Leader in the Assembly U T Khader stating that every one is opposed to forced conversion said, “the intention of this bill is not right, it is politically motivated, illegal and is unconstitutional. It will be challenged in the Courts and the Courts may give stay or strike it down.” Congress MLA Shivanand Patil said the bill provides for the blood relative of the person who has been converted to file a complaint and there are all chances of it being misused and may even lead to harassment.

Minister Jananendra defending the bill said there is no scope for misuse or confusion in the bill and it is in no way against religious freedom.

Noting that the bill is as per the constitution, he said the anti conversion bill was brought in after the Law Commission studied various such legislations.

During the passage of the bill in the Legislative Assembly in December, Jnanendra had said that eight states have passed or were implementing such a law, and Karnataka would become the ninth one.

The bill, opposed by a section of Christian community leaders among others, provides for protection of right to freedom of religion and prohibition of unlawful conversion from one religion to another by misrepresentation, force, undue influence, coercion, allurement or by any fraudulent means.

It proposes an imprisonment from three to five years with a fine of Rs 25,000, while for violation of provisions with respect to minors, women, SC/ST, the offenders will face imprisonment from three to ten years and a fine of not less than Rs 50,000.

The bill also makes provisions for the accused to pay up to Rs five lakh as compensation to those who were made to convert, and with regards to cases of mass conversion there shall be a 3 to 10 year jail term and a fine of up to Rs one lakh.

It also states that any marriage which has happened for the sole purpose of unlawful conversion or vice-versa by the man of one religion with the woman of another, either by converting himself before or after marriage or by converting the woman before or after marriage, shall be declared as null and void by the family court.

Wherever the family court is not established, the court having jurisdiction can try such a case, on a petition presented by either party thereto against the other party of the marriage.

The offence under this bill is non-bailable and cognisable.

The bill mandates that persons who wish to convert to another faith shall give a declaration in a prescribed format at least 30 days in advance to the District Magistrate or the Additional District Magistrate specially authorised by the District Magistrate in this regard of his residing district or place of birth within the state.

Also the religious converter who performs the conversion shall give 30 days advance notice in a format, to the District Magistrate or the Additional District Magistrate.

Minister Jnanendra further said, the person who wishes to convert will lose the religion of his or her origin and facilities or benefits attached with it, including reservations; however, one is likely to receive the benefits entitled to, in the religion, he or she converts to.

Ashok Gehlot met Sonia hinting he could enter cong presidential poll fray

By
PTI
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Ashok Gehlot
Image: PTI

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot met Congress chief Sonia Gandhi here on Wednesday, hours after he indicated that he may enter the AICC presidential poll fray.

Sources said the Congress presidential poll was on the agenda during the discussions between Gehlot and Sonia Gandhi.

The Rajasthan chief minister met Sonia Gandhi at her 10, Janpath residence and is expected to fly to Mumbai later in the day. He is expected to reach Kochi on Thursday and make a last-ditch effort to convince Rahul Gandhi to take over the reins of the party.

Talking to reporters after landing here from Jaipur, Gehlot, in a clear indication that he could throw his hat in the ring for the Congress presidential poll, said he will file his nomination if the party people wish so and fulfil any responsibility given to him.

However, he also said he will make a last-ditch effort to convince Rahul Gandhi to take up the party president’s post.

Gehlot said he will take decisions with which the Congress is strengthened.

“The party and the high-command have given me everything. I have been on posts for 40-50 years. For me, no post is important, I will fulfil any responsibility given to me,” he said.

On Tuesday, Gehlot had told the Congress MLAs in Rajasthan that they will be asked to come to New Delhi if he decides to file his nomination for the party’s presidential election.

The meeting between Gehlot and Sonia Gandhi comes just a day before the Congress’s central election authority would issue a notification for the All India Congress Committee (AICC) presidential poll.

After more than two decades, the Congress is likely to see a contest for the post of its chief, with Shashi Tharoor looking set to enter the fray after his meeting with Sonia Gandhi and Gehlot indicating that he will throw his hat in the ring if Rahul Gandhi does not agree to take on the party’s reins.

The process of filing nominations for the election will be held from September 24 to September 30.

The date for a scrutiny of the nomination papers would be October 1, while the last date for withdrawal of nominations would be October 8.

The election, if there is more than one candidate, will be held on October 17, while the counting of votes, if necessary, and the declaration of results would be on October 19.

22 tonnes of licorice coated with heroin seized at Mumbai’s Nava Sheva Port

By
ANI
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Mumbais Nava Sheva Port
Image: ANI

A container with approximately 22 tonnes of licorice coated with heroin was seized at Nava Sheva Port, Mumbai, said the Delhi Police special cell on Wednesday.

According to the police, this is one of the biggest seizures of heroin with a value of Rs 1,725 crore in the international market.

“The value of heroin seized was approximately Rs 1,725 crores. The container was transported to Delhi. This seizure indicates how narco terror is impacting our country and international players are using different methodologies to push drugs into our country,” said HGS Dhaliwal, Special CP.

Further details into the matter are awaited.

6 people killed in 2 road accidents on Mumbai-Ahmedabad highway in 2 days

By
Web Team
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Accident, Maharashtra, Raigad, Mumbai-Goa Highway
Image for representative purpose

Six people were killed in two road accidents on the busy Mumbai-Ahmedabad highway in Maharashtra’s Palghar district in the last two days, police said on Wednesday.

The driver of a car heading from Mumbai to Gujarat lost control over the wheels, following which the vehicle hit a road divider and rammed into a tempo in Amgaon village of Talasari tehsil late Monday night.

Three occupants of the car and the tempo driver died on the spot, an official from Talasari police station said.In a similar accident near the same spot, a car rammed into a tempo on Tuesday afternoon, he said.

UK High Commissioner states – India will overtake UK to become 3rd largest economy by end of decade

By
Web Team
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Alex Ellis
Image: PTI

India will overtake the United Kingdom to become the third largest economy by the end of the decade and thus New Delhi and London need to work together, British High Commissioner to India, Alex Ellis said on Tuesday.

“For two economies roughly the same size, India will grow fast overtaking the UK to become the third largest economy by end of the decade, thus both need to work together,” Ellis said at the India-UK business outreach trade and investment alliances program in New Delhi.

Mithali Raj meets Home Minister Amit Shah

By
Web Team
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Amit Shah, Union Minister, Home minister, Mithali Raj
Image: Twitter / Amit Shah

Former India women’s team skipper Mithali Raj met Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday.

“Had a lively interaction with one of the greatest female batter and the former skipper, Mithali Raj. Her two decades-long successful career bought laurels to the nation on several occasions. She is an inspiration to every budding sportsperson across the globe. @M_Raj03, ” tweeted Amit Shah.

China trying to ‘reunification’ with Taiwan

By
Web Team
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China and Taiwan
Image: AP | (In this photo released by China’s Xinhua News Agency, Chinese President Xi Jinping (center) and Politburo Standing Committee members attend the fourth plenary session of the 19th Central Committee of China’s ruling Communist Party in Beijing)

China is willing to make the utmost effort to strive for a peaceful “reunification” with Taiwan, a Chinese government spokesperson said on Wednesday, following weeks of military manoeuvres and war games by Beijing near the island.

China claims democratically-governed Taiwan as its own territory. Taiwan’s government rejects China’s sovereignty claims and says only the island’s people can decide their future.

Student dies by suicide at private university in Punjab

By
Web Team
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Punjab student protest
Image: PTI

A first-year student studying at a private university in Punjab’s Jalandhar has died by suicide, said the Punjab Police.

The incident took place on September 20 in the evening. The police have recovered a suicide note from the spot which cited “personal reasons” for the act.

“We received info at around 5:30 pm on September 20 that a first-year student of B. Design at Lovely Professional University died by suicide. We reached the spot and recovered a suicide note which cited personal reasons,” said the Kapurthala Police.

Auto Rickshaw  driver  arrested for raping women vendor in Thane 

By
Web Team
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arrest, Jammu and Kashmir
Image for representative purpose

An  auto rickshaw driver held for raping women vendor near a  railway station in Thane disrict . This incident happened when a woman was selling cigarettes near an auto stand  located near Bhayander railway station  from the Mira Bhayander-Vasai Virar (MBVV) police commissionerate said.

The 28 year old driver approached her  and agreed to buy all her stock. He then took her in an isolated place and alladgely raped  her inside the vehicle official said.

The woman later complained to police, who worked on various leads including the CCTV footage of the area.

The police arrested the driver on Monday and registered a case against him under relevant provisions, the official said. 

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