A 13-year-old boy arrested by Kongaon police on Wednesday for allegedly raping his 5-year-old cousin. According to the police report, the minor girl was lighting firecrackers on Diwali night, at that time the accused took her to an isolated place, where he allegedly raped and killed her.
Police said the girl’s parents had lodged a missing complaint on Monday. “On Sunday evening, the girl was playing outside her house and bursting crackers. When the child’s mother came out looking for her, she found that the girl was missing,” the officer added.
On Tuesday night a passerby found the girl’s on-road and alerted police.
After that police have sent the body for postmortem. The officer further continued, “The body found near the pipeline was identified as that of the child. There were several injuries on her body. We immediately sent the body for postmortem, which revealed she was raped and then strangled to death.”
Senior inspector Ramesh Katkar said, “We formed seven teams, including some crime branch officials, to find the accused.”
The boy was produced before the Juvenile Justice Board, which sent him to a remand home. A case of rape and murder and charged him under several sections of the POCSO Act.
Reportedly, the boy said, to police he did not intend to kill her but she died as he held her mouth to prevent her from screaming.
Sitting chief minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis was elected the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislature party leader in a party meeting held in Mumbai. Devendra Fadnavis thanked Uddhav Thackeray for support during Maharashtra Assembly polls. He also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and gave an assurance that a government will be formed soon. But power sharing is yet in debate.
BJP leader Sudhir Mungantiwar told media, “The Assembly election mandate was for the Mahayuti (as the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance is called in Maharashtra) and asserted that BJP too had various options open before it to form government. This was two days after the Shiv Sena’s Sanjay Raut said his party should not be compelled to look for an alternative to form the next government and asserted there are “no saints in politics”.
Shiv Sena spokesperson Dr Manisha Kayande said, “I will not comment on the ongoing tussle between Sena and BJP. Our party has arranged a meeting on Thursday and we will decide on future course of action.”
Devendra Fadnavis said that no 50-50 formula was agreed or discussed with the Shiv Sena, as it has insisted while demanding an equal share of power in Maharashtra. However, after the victory, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray had demanded a 50-50 per cent share of power and had claimed that BJP President Amit Shah had assured him of the same prior to the assembly elections.
BJP spokesperson Suresh Nakhua said, “As per announcement in media the Fadnavis government will take oath on November 3. An official announcement from BJP is expected soon. Devendra Fadnavis has been appointed as leader of the legislature party. We are sure that we will be forming the government.”
Whereas Devendra Fadnavis clarified that there was no formula to split the Chief Minister’s post between the two parties for two-and-a-half years each as claimed by Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray. He said that Amit Shah had never told him about any agreement of seat-sharing and also added that Shiv Sena had made no such demands.
In last week’s Maharashtra election, the BJP won 105 seats and the Shiv Sena scored 56. Together, the two have 161 seats, way past the halfway mark of 144, but with the BJP’s dependence for numbers higher this time, the Sena has set its terms.
Meanwhile, the NCP chief Sharad Pawar openly declared that his party NCP will never align with Shiv Sena. He further said that power comes and goes but commitment is necessary. Moreover, Pawar clarified that those who left NCP to join other parties will not be inducted again.
However, BJP has suffered a setback in this election. In 2014 assembly polls, BJP got 122 seats out of 260 while this assembly election the party only managed to win on 105 seats which are 17 seats less compared to the previous polls.
Shiv Sena has performed satisfactorily and has lost nearly seven seats as compared to the previous assembly polls. On the other hand, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Congress alliance’s performance in the state has improved. Congress managed to get only 44 seats while NCP won on 54 seats.
NCP and Congress along with other allies would jointly decide on the future strategy, Pawar added.
Devendra Fadnavis was laud enough in saying that he is going to be the CM once again, where as Sharad Pawar of NCP made it clear that he has no interest in aligning with Shiv Sena. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena stuck on power sharing. Shiv Sena showing old video clips of CM Fadnavis indicating compromise formula of 50/50 but BJP also came up with video clips on social media showing Shiv Sena leaders contradicting their own earlier statements. People might have many speculations after seeing these videos but the reality is that, once this drama is settled, Sena-BJP will form government in alliance. Modi and Amit Shah would never want to create an opposition out of Shiv Sena. That’s why they are still continuing with this alliance in spite all attacks from Sena. Shiv Sena has yielded too much ground to BJP in the state. This time also BJP won more number of seats in Sena bastion of Mumbai. BJP did suffer some loss in Western Maharashtra and Vidarbha but managed to hold its forte. BJP is the only party since 1990 Assembly election that has won more than 100 seats.
Shiv Sena is a career based party and a fierce opposition party. It is known to be street fighter party and its performance in governance has been below par as far as state government and Mumbai Corporation are concerned. It has been agreed between the BJP and the Shiv Sena that they will fight the elections to the Lok Sabha and later to the state assembly together. After the assembly elections, they will share the power together. While this was announced in the press conference by Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra CM Fadnavis, later, Shiv Sena leader Ramdas Kadam said that it was also agreed upon that there should be a Shiv Sena CM for 2.5 years and a BJP CM for the other 2.5 years. Subsequently, an audio clip attributed to Thackeray is going round that whoever has larger numbers will take CM post. Both will share seats equally, as has been agreed upon. Looks like they have deferred a potentially niggling dispute to be resolved at a later date.
Shiv Sena doesn’t have any option other than going with BJP. It would be difficult for Sena leaders to convince their voters to support for Congress and NCP. That’s why they oppose BJP but always keened a window open for reconciliation. This is an alliance of necessity rather than ideology. BJP could have gone alone in the election and perhaps have performed better. But they don’t want to create an extra opposition in states like Maharashtra and Bihar. Shiv Sena cannot go with Congress and NCP, which are contrast to their political ideology. If Shiv Sena forms an alliance with Congress/NCP it would end of the road for itself.
Shiv Sena with Congress+NCP is not a natural partner. Such an alliance cannot be sustainable and will be short lived like Karnataka like Kumaraswamy government. The experiment in Karnataka is an example where it failed miserably. Shiv Sena does not want to revive a fading political party. Congress for all practical purposes is losing. The only option remains in front of Sena is to bargain for more powers and for more accommodations within the NDA, rather than going with the strange Congress alliance. Shiv Sena has a pre-election alliance with BJP. Much notable is that Shiv Sena and BJP both contested election against Congress. If they embrace Congress now Shiv Sena will be targeted as having any moralities in politics. Shiv Sena indicated that it plans to play hardball with big brother BJP, they also indicated that it would insist on the 50:50 formulas during government formation.
Sena is insisting on dividing the 5-year tenure of the government, and occupy the Chief Minister’s office for two-and-a-half years. Whereas BJP shown no interest in sharing CM chair by dividing it in two tenures. But the BJP had not allowed the 50:50 seat share formula, which the Sena had wanted. Allowing it to contest only on 124 seats, the party had kept the lion’s share of 150 seats for itself after a grueling, and sometimes bitter, negotiation. As a sweetener, Shiv Sena was also offered the post of Deputy Chief Minister.
Shiv Sena is like tiger without claws. If Sena withdraws support to state government, BJP has alternatives, or is ready for election as well. Also Shiv Sena will divide vertically, further marginalising the party. It loses power in the Mumbai Municipal Corporation, the only one where Shiv Sena is in power.
Shiv Sena has been contesting elections with BJP since last 30 years. The party is doing fairly well. Most of the assembly elections till 2009, it has been securing more seats than BJP because it is contesting more seats. However, when the two contested separately Shiv Sena could get only half the seats of BJP. In the local body elections it could not get any municipal corporation except Thane. In Mumbai it became the largest party and that too just two seats more than BJP. Hence Shiv Sena is no more a power in Maharashtra and its reach is limited to parts of Mumbai.
Uddhav, is not a mass leader or a pan India leader like Fadnavis. His political gamble of taking on BJP and Modi has backfired him. Amit Shah is at his best when such situation arises. He definitely will play an important part in forming Maharashtra government. Neither BJP nor Sena can form Government without each other’s support and they know this fact. And voters too are sure that Shiv Sena will never join hands with NCP or Congress. So, this drama is just eyewash for time being.
(Any suggestions, comments or dispute with regards to this article send us on feedback@www.afternoonvoice.com)
Amid the ongoing tussle between the BJP and Shiv Sena over power sharing in Maharashtra, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday asserted that the alliance partners will soon form government in the state.
He dubbed the rumours of ‘alternate formulae’ being worked out to form the state government as “entertainment”.
Fadnavis was on Wednesday re-elected leader of the state BJP legislature party, amid demand by ally Shiv Sena for the chief minister’s post on rotational basis.
“The mandate of voters of Maharashtra is for the ‘Mahayuti‘ (BJP-Sena alliance). Hence the ‘Mahayuti’ is going to form its government soon in the state,” Fadnavis said while addressing the newly-elected BJP MLAs at the state legislature party meeting.
“Though there are several rumours floating around in the state about alternate formulae being worked out to form the government, it is more of an entertainment,” he quipped.
Fadnavis pointed out that after 1995, no party in the state won more than 75 seats in polls to the 288-member Assembly, but the BJP bagged 122 seats in 2014 and 105 in the just concluded elections.
While moving the motion to elect Fadnavis as leader of the House, BJP state president Chandrakant Patil said, “In the last five years, no faction in the BJP ever went to Delhi and requested to replace Fadnavis.”
“There were protests and agitations (in the state) in last five years, but no one said Fadnavis should resign. This indicates his skills and acceptability across the state,” Patil said.
Ever since results of the October 21 Assembly polls were out, Shiv Sena president Thackeray has been claiming that the 50:50 formula on sharing of power was “agreed upon” between himself, BJP president Amit Shah and Fadnavis ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.
However, Fadnavis on Tuesday denied that the Sena was ever assured the chief minister’s post for two-and-a-half years as part of the power sharing “formula”.
In the recent state polls, the BJP won 105 seats, a loss of 17 seats compared to its 2014 tally.
The Sena’s tally also came down to 56 seats from 63 in 2014. A resurgent NCP won 54 and the Congress bagged 44 seats.
After the International Cricket Council (ICC) banned all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan for two years, one year of it suspended, for breaching its Anti-Corruption Code, teammate Mustafizur Rahman on Wednesday said he can’t believe that the side has to play without him.
“Don’t know what should I say. Still I can’t able to believe that we have to play without you. But I know and believe one thing that you will be definitely comeback strongly. We will be waiting for the day @Sah75official bhai. #WeAreWithShakib,” Rahman tweeted.
Don’t know what should I say. Still I can’t able to believe that we have to play without you. But I know and believe one thing that you will be definitely comeback strongly. We will be waiting for the day @Sah75official bhai. #WeAreWithShakibpic.twitter.com/Obk4IosNgc
The all-rounder accepted the charges and agreed to the sanction with the ICC in lieu of an Anti-Corruption Tribunal hearing.
Shakib will be able to resume international cricket from October 29, 2020, however, it is subject to him satisfying the conditions of the sanction.
After being banned by the ICC, Shakib said: “I am obviously extremely sad to have been banned from the game I love, but I completely accept my sanction for not reporting the approaches. The ICC ACU is reliant on players to play a central part in the fight against corruption and I didn’t do my duty in this instance.”
“Like the majority of players and fans around the world, I want cricket to be a corruption-free sport and I am looking forward to working with the ICC ACU team to support their education programme and ensure young players don’t make the same mistake I did,” he added.
Shakib also decided to step down from the Marylebone Cricket Club‘s Cricket Committee after being banned.
“We are sorry to lose Shakib from the committee, where he has made a great contribution over the last couple of years. As guardians of the spirit of cricket we support his resignation and believe this was the right decision,” Mike Gatting, Chairman of the World Cricket committee said.
Every year we observe Vigilance Awareness week in the last week of October. Do we know why we observe Vigilance Awareness week every year in the last week of October? This week is inspired by the outstanding achievements of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel the first Dy. Prime Minister of India and Home Minister of India who was a great political and social leader of India who played a major role in the country’s struggle for Independence and was known as “Iron Man of India”. The beginning of Vigilance Awareness Week corresponds with the birthday of this great leader, Statesman and Administrator. This year the theme is “Integrity – A way of Life”.
You all would be thinking that after all what is Integrity? The sad thing is that if you ask some people what integrity means to them, they will probably tell you that it doesn’t mean much and some may not even know what integrity is. Integrity is how somebody lives their life. In this life we live, we face choices every day that only we can answer.
Certain people feel that in order to get ahead in life they need to break certain rules. Integrity means moral soundness, honesty, and freedom from corrupting influence. Thus integrity goes closely to the honesty. Our personal integrity can only be formed by ourselves. The ones who value their integrity highly are the good people in this world, and the opposite is true for those who do not value their integrity. We live in a world where integrity isn’t talked about nearly enough. We live in a world where “the end justifies the means” has become an acceptable school of thought for far too many. Honesty is very important in the development of people`s conscience. It is a path to many things such as knowledge, academic goal`s truth and understanding. Every one person who trusts you will spread the word of that trust to at least a few of their associates, and word of your character will spread like wildfire.
Today integrity is the most agreeable and demanding quality. People who have this are in high demand. Through integrity one can make great achievements. Integrity is the miracle lamp of Aladdin, with which one can achieve anything one want. Integrity means fruit on the tree of industry, dedication to perseverance and excellence. Integrity is how someone lives their lives.
(This is the first part of the article and remaining portion will continue tomorrow)
(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)
It refers to election-results for assembly-elections of Haryana and Maharashtra where all opinion-polls forecasting absolute majority for BJP at its own were proved to be wrong. Congress could drastically revive its existence in Indian politics despite dynastic rule in the party and big scams had almost finished the party in most parts of the country. Now BJP will have to dance to tune of Shiv Sena in Maharashtra and Jannayak Janta Party in Haryana for forming state-governments.
Undoubtedly ruling BJP-government had done remarkably well for nationalism and Kashmir issue which had rewarded the party in 2019-elections to Lok Sabha. Another big achievement is likely in near future when all probabilities hint at most-desired construction of grand Ram Temple at birth-place of Lord Ram in Ayodhya.
But economic policies have caused unrest amongst people causing low voter-turnout and increasing vote-share of NOTA because there is practically no big challenge from opposition. Some non-political financial-expert of BJP-ideology may be entrusted as Union Finance Minister by giving him free hand for drastical and radical change in fiscal-system and tax-structure (both direct and indirect) to prevent revival of opportunist opposition. Post of Deputy Prime Minister can also be created to look after internal issues to share extra-ordinary responsibilities and work-load of Prime Minister who may concentrate even more vigorously on international issues and defence-matters to restore ancient glory of India as a world-leader.
Subhash Chandra Agrawal
Sena eyeing CM’s post
Dream of a Chief Ministers post after winning just 56 seats is wishful thinking by Shiv Sena. Politics can be dirty as well as unpredictable and Shiv Sena can still have their man as CM but such an alliance would be too good to last and such government would be a disaster for the State. Congress, NCP, Shiv Sena ‘Khichadi’ if ever it materialises will be against the verdict of the people and I don’t think such government would last for more than a year.
Sharad Pawar who is a seasoned politician and also a respected national leader should refrain fron ‘Jod-Tod’ (Opportunistic) politics. He should respect the verdict of the people and his party should act as a responsible opposition to keep a watch on the state government’s policies than trying to be King Maker and destabilising state politics!
S.N. Kabra
Assam government’s two-child norm should be extended for entire country
Assam government has rightly decided to ban government-jobs for those having third child from the year 2021, thus joining states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttarakhand, Karnataka and Odisha. But such welcome feature with even more steps should be for complete country wherein a ban on contesting elections for Parliament and state-legislatures may also be imposed. Any such decision at central level will auto-provide many other advantages also mainly fast changing demography in the country where a particular religious group is fast increasing percentage-share in population.
Also government-facilities including all types of subsidies like on LPG and ration, reservation-benefits, should be abolished on having a third child in the family. It should be mandatory for every hospital, private or government, to compulsorily sterilize the woman on birth of third child, where husband or wife have more than three children. It is also time to follow other Islamic countries where only one wife may be permissible for a man. Central government should intervene to support PIL at Supreme Court filed by an BJP supporter advocate seeking urgent steps to check serious problem of population-explosion. Later even voting-rights may be snatched from people having more than two-children.
Madhu Agrawal
Action speaks louder than words
Kudos to All India Majlis Ittehadul Muslimeen and party workers on its memorable victory in Bihar and Maharashtra Assembly Election. No doubt it was not a piece of cake for a small party to get victory in the localities which were considered as the stronghold of big parties like Congress in Bihar and Shiv Sena in Maharashtra. It means AIMIM and it’s workers worked hard with positive strategies for winning trust of people; but at the same it is big responsibility on the shoulder of AIMIM to keep people’s trusts by working for the welfare of people keeping all promises which are said publicly irrespective of any difference because action speaks louder than words.
Md Azim
(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)
A 27-year-old man was killed when a state transport bus hit his two-wheeler in Thane district, police said on Wednesday.
According to police, the mishap took place on Tuesday night in Murbad area when the victim was going to Vidhe village from Gorha. The deceased identified as Suraj.
One of the officer of Murbad police station said, the speeding Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) bus hit the bike, the victim fell on the road and got crushed under the wheels of the bus.
The bus driver was detained and a case was registered under Indian Penal Code Section (IPC) 304-A (causing death by negligence) and provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act. Police have sent the body for post-mortem to a government hospital.
Amid bickering between the BJP and Shiv Sena over sharing of power in the next Maharashtra government, an NCP leader has come out with a cartoon taking a dig at the current state of affairs between the two ruling parties.
In the cartoon, released by NCP spokesperson Clyde Crasto on Tuesday, the Shiv Sena‘s poll symbol ‘bow and arrow’ is seen hanging over the BJP’s symbol ‘lotus’. The arrow is directed at the lotus in the cartoon. “There is a saying, hanging over the head…,” the cartoon caption reads in Marathi.
In Marathi, there is a saying “dokyavarati tangati talwar”, which is equivalent to the English phrase – ‘sword of Damocles hangs over head’, implying that something bad is in the offing or one is faced with a threat. Prior to this, Sena leader Sanjay Raut had posted cartoons on his Twitter account targeting the BJP.
The Shiv Sena on Tuesday cancelled its meeting with the BJP on government formation, hours after Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis denied that the Uddhav Thackeray-led party was assured the CM’s post for two-and-half years as part of a power sharing formula.
Ever since results of the October 21 Assembly polls were out, Thackeray has been claiming that the 50:50 formula on sharing of power was “agreed upon” between himself, BJP president Amit Shah and Fadnavis ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.
However, according to sources in the BJP, the discussion and agreement reached with the Sena on formalising the alliance ahead of the Lok Sabha polls was on “equitable distribution of power and not on the post of the chief minister.”
The BJP emerged as the single largest party in the recently-concluded Maharashtra Assembly polls by winning 105 seats, much below the 145 halfway mark in the 288-member House. The Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress bagged 56, 54 and 44 seats, respectively.
With the Sena-BJP alliance Maharashtra is all set to see its new government, Shiv Sena’s Aaditya Thackeray may become the state’s youngest Chief Minister if BJP agrees to the formula of 50-50. Thackeray scion who is 29 years of age, made his electoral debut from Worli. While the Shiv Sena has time and again demanded that the young Thackeray be made the CM, where as Aaditya himself has always maintained silence on whether he has been aiming at the top position in the State. If we look at Maharashtra politics and BJP strategies, it is very difficult for him to become the CM of Maharashtra. As of today, BJP is very much penetrated deep in the state than Shiv Sena which holds Mumbai and few other small cities and town. Moreover, Fadnavis firmed up his position and eliminated potential CM candidates. He is having a fine relationship with Modi and Shah.
However, the “alliance politics” may tilt the scales in this way…may be for Dy CMs’ post, but BJP will certainly not remove Fadnavis as a CM face. Ultimately, Aaditya is just another kid of strongest political family of state. BJP will never agree on Aaditya Thackeray as CM candidate for Maharashtra. Presently, in Maharashtra BJP is much bigger and stronger party than Shiv Sena. Aaditya Thackeray is not having that much maturity to become CM. He has to work hard at ground level for 10 years to achieve that kind of maturity. Aaditya don’t have any achievements in politics. Instead he has only legacy of Balasaheb Thackeray, which is not sufficient in present scenario. Aaditya needs to grow in politics before taking up any sorts of ministry.
Moreover, what is agreed between BJP and Shiv Sena is never implemented in spirit. They have history of disputing their own agreements. While forming an alliance for the Lok Sabha elections three months back, both had agreed that they would rotate the post of CM for 2.5 years each. They overcame the issue and won massive mandate for Lok Sabha election of 2019. With Maharashtra assembly elections, Shiv Sena appears to be the first breaker of the agreement as toured in all 288 assembly constituencies spread over to 4000 Kms projecting Aaditya Thackeray as future CM. In last December, it had also snatched Hindutva platform by visiting Ayodhya. If they both had agreed to leave for each other 135 seats each and 18 to NDA allies, what is logic in Shiv Sena alone visiting all 288 constituencies? The message was clear in that Shiv Sena wants to emerge as elder brother and pocket the CM post for full five years. Even if both agree on 2.5 formula, they will soon be fighting with each other on as to who first should be CM for 2.5 years. Modi-Shah duo wouldn’t want them in first term of two and half years because if allowed, they wouldn’t quit and put BJP in dock as 2024 election nears. But since both of them are power hungry parties, they would find some via media to stick together amidst dramas.
If there is even an element of truth in what Aaditya claims about Amit Shah’s promise to make him CM, that could have been a bait to get the Sena contest the Lok Sabha elections together. Now the BJP has gauged its strength, it could indulge in tough bargaining during seats negotiations. Ultimately, the parties could contest separately as they did last time. The difference this time could be that the BJP might win a majority on its own and not need the Sena’s support. Once this happens, statehood for Vidarbha could turn into a reality. Shiv Sena is not even a pan-Maharashtra party. They are strong in Mumbai, Thane and Konkan region while BJP is now strong in entire Maharashtra. Meanwhile, Amit Shah and Narendra Modi are no Vajpayee. Uddhav Thackeray may give laud message to BJP, but he has to tame down his own leaders who are creating anxiety to make Aaditya as CM. His party was ruling in Maharashtra with BJP since 2014. During this era, not only it ruled as ruler but also as opposition within the government. Their ministers in government always boasted that they all carry the resignation letters in their pockets to be hurled at BJP. This tradition tamed BJP who had to seek support of Sharad Pawar. In light of this traditions, it is worth guessing whether Aaditya Thackeray will also carry own resignation as CM in his pocket. Obviously, if he did that, it will be presumed entire Ministry of his party is following suit.
Climbing up from the rungs, the soft-spoken and fresh graduate was catapulted as the chief of the party’s Yuva Sena in 2010 and in 2018 promoted as a Shiv Sena leader. A typical Mumbaikar, the son of Rashmi and Uddhav Thackeray did his schooling from the reputed Bombay Scottish School, Mahim, later went to the hallowed portals of St. Xaviers College for his BA (History) and subsequently completed his law degree from the prestigious Government Law College. Let’s see, what is written in his political fate.
(Any suggestions, comments or dispute with regards to this article send us on feedback@www.afternoonvoice.com)
A 13-year-old boy arrested by Kongaon police on Wednesday for allegedly raping his 5-year-old cousin. According to the police report, the minor girl was lighting firecrackers on Diwali night, at that time the accused took her to an isolated place, where he allegedly raped and killed her.
After the 
A 27-year-old man was killed when a state transport bus hit his two-wheeler in 