Sharad Pawar is all set to face ED

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September 25, 2019

After hammering Raj Thackeray, now the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) in connection with the Maharashtra State Co-operative (MSC) Bank fraud case against Sharad Pawar and his nephew and former deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar and 70 other officials of MSC Bank. It is alleged that MSC Bank had sanctioned loans in a fraudulent manner to office bearers and directors of local co-operative sugar factories (CSFs), spinning mills and other processing units, and also to the bank’s then top executives. The scam is pegged at Rs 25,000 crore. The second rung of the NCP, mostly those controlling co-operatives and education institutes, sees advantage in being on the ruling side since they not only have to safeguard their own turfs, but also safeguard their own future as many of them have been accused of irregularities and are facing cases at various levels. Added to this, are the financial problems facing the cooperative institutes that they have been running?

From cornering a 23 per cent vote share and 58 seats out of 288 in the 1999 Maharashtra assembly polls, the NCP had a good start. However, excessive reliance on one community– the numerically strong Marathas–became a handicap for the party as the community switched its allegiance to the BJP in 2014. As a result, the NCP did not just lose Marathwada, but also western Maharashtra, its stronghold where the Marathas are in large numbers.

Pawar, who is now old yet active on the ground may once have taken pride in grooming the second rank leadership? These days Sharad Pawar has been underlining one thing categorically. That he is still young and ready to take on the BJP-Sena in the assembly polls. The message is clear – Pawar does not want the cadre to be demoralised further especially after the series of desertions.

At 79, Pawar, who has been Maharashtra’s chief minister for a record four terms, is fighting a lonely battle with some of his senior-most associates and staunch supporters like Vijaysinh Mohite Patil, Padmasinh Patil and Madhukar Pichad, leaving him. If the consecutive defeats, one after another since 2014, have reduced his political power in Delhi to an insignificant level, another drubbing in the forthcoming Maharashtra assembly polls may cast an end for his Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), for which survival without power is difficult. The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), formed by Pawar in 1999 after rebelling in the Congress, has spent 15 out of 20 years of its existence enjoying power. The party that enjoyed fruits of being in government at various levels – starting from major local bodies, state and Centre – is now in uncharted territory. Frankly speaking Sharad Pawar is one of the wisest politicians in India. Now if that wisdom is really being used for the welfare of society or not is a different topic. But he surely has best managerial skills. His political ambitions and his next generation’s marginal contribution made it difficult for him. He is corrupt or not that court has to decide. But Sharad Pawar, once said, “It is wrong on part of banks to demand the return of the loan in 12 months because sometime sugarcane matures in 12 months or sometime in 15 months”.

He is never found or never has been prosecuted for engaging in corruption. Whether he is honest or corrupt, in the absence of the irrefutable evidence, is difficult to be contended. But the fact remains that, while he was working as the Central Cabinet Minister, and being the senior most, always was offered the No. 2 or 3 posts in the cabinet, but he always choose the one that connected him with his roots. His roots always were with the agriculture and farmers. All political leaders in India agree that Pawar is only a tall leader who knows in and out of the agriculture, from crop growing to the crop processing, from prominent farmers in a village to the prominent merchants selling the agricultural produce, many he knows personally. When he travels to remote villages in Maharashtra, he would know at least ten farmers in that village by name. Farmers in Maharashtra call him ‘Jaanta Raja’ a term reserved in Maharashtra for King Shivaji. His contribution to farmers in last five decades has been immense. The farmers need credit; he established thousands of cooperative societies and banks. The farmer needs subsidies to make the cost of production viable he introduced many. The farmers need expertise to guide them on good agricultural practices he established agricultural extension centers. The farmers needed a market for their products he established many. If farmers have milk, he established thousands of dairies and milk processing centers. The farmers needed someone to buy his raw sugarcane; he established hundreds of sugar mills. The farmers needed someone to buy his raw cotton; he established thousands of ginning and pressing units to make the cotton bales for exports. The farmers needed the marketing centers near his reach; he established hundreds of marketing federations.

His political rivals always call him royal enemy, better to be with than with wicked friend. He always lived with principles. He is someone who is hated as well as loved, whether it is Shiv Sena, Congress or the BJP. He is most vocal about himself and that is one of the reasons, which again evokes popularity. Who knows controversies better than me? The controversies always chase people who are active and decision makers.

Anna Hazare had his campaign running successfully. Someday somebody slapped Sharad Pawar. Anna made a public comment “Ek hi gaal pe mara kya!”. Sharad Pawar retorted him with saying “May be that’s what an ideology Anna carries about non-violence.. “. That day hence Anna’s popularity started decreasing. And we all know what happened to his hunger strike on Azad Maidan Mumbai. It was a complete failure. Sharad Pawar has a great presence of mind. During 1993 Bombay blast, Pawar announced on Doordarshan that the Masjid Bunder was the 12th placed where explosion happened. Actually there wasn’t any explosion at Masjid Bunder at all. But after this announcement Hindus and Muslims thought that the blasts were not targeted at any particular community and the government was able to restore normal life fast. On the grounds of riots happened earlier after Babri demolition, this one bomb explosion, which Sharad Pawar exploded, actually saved many lives and public property. I am not a fan of Sharad Pawar and not a follower or member of NCP at all. There are lots of rumours especially in Maharashtra about this person’s personal wealth, his past, his political strategies and games he plays. But I must say one thing. This man really could have made a huge difference to this country if he had acted accordingly.

(Any suggestions, comments or dispute with regards to this article send us on feedback@www.afternoonvoice.com)

PM Modi ends debates over Hindi language at Howdy Modi event

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Web Team

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September 25, 2019

Over a week ago Home Minister Amit Shah pitched for Hindi as One Language of the country on the occasion of Hindi Diwas. Shah stressed on the ability of Hindi as a widely spoken language in uniting the country and said that it is necessary to have one language which could represent India in the world.

“India is a country of different languages and every language has its own importance but it is very important to have a language of the whole country which should become the identity of India in the world. Today, if one language can do the work of tying the country to the door of unity, then it is the most spoken Hindi language,” Shah wrote on Twitter.

भारत विभिन्न भाषाओं का देश है और हर भाषा का अपना महत्व है परन्तु पूरे देश की एक भाषा होना अत्यंत आवश्यक है जो विश्व में भारत की पहचान बने। आज देश को एकता की डोर में बाँधने का काम अगर कोई एक भाषा कर सकती है तो वो सर्वाधिक बोले जाने वाली हिंदी भाषा ही है। pic.twitter.com/hrk1ktpDCn

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) September 14, 2019

His statement created a controversy and evoked howls of protest all over the country as many people have gone against him in his view. In as much as language unities people it can also be a source of strife, Shah never has thought of it. Maharashtra, Assam, and Tamil Nadu have always been among the sites of violent linguistic agitators as there have erupted many conflicts based on Maratha language in Maharashtra.

Opposition parties, particularly from the South, accused Shah of running a divisive agenda and foisting the RSS agenda on the country. Leaders like the DMK‘s Stalin and the Congress MP, Shashi Tharoor, condemned the move to impose Hindi.

Demanding retraction of his statement, DMK president MK Stalin said ‘Shah’s remarks will affect the unity of the country. We have been continuously waging protest against imposition of Hindi. Today’s remarks made by Amit Shah gave us a jolt, it will affect the unity of the country. We demand that he takes his statement back.’

But, above all aforesaid, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized that diversity is the foundation of India’s democracy and the country’s various languages are an important identity of its liberal and democratic society.

Addressing the audience at the historic event ‘Howdy Modi’ in Houston PM Modi said, “India has progressed for centuries with dozens of languages and hundreds of dialects.”

PM Modi won millions of hearts of Indian people when he said, ‘all is well’ in multiple Indian languages from Punjabi to Bengali to Tamil among others. Actually he found the perfect setting at Houston’s NRG stadium to end the controversy generated by his home minister Amit Shah who had called for one nation on language.

India has two official languages – Hindi and English – and 22 scheduled languages but the country does not have any national language. In spite of this, it is fact that multiple languages of India are not the problem for the country rather they encapsulate the beauty of our country. Unity always lies in diversity in India. This is why our constitution clearly respects India’s diversity as it recognizes 22 languages spoken by a large number of people. Although Hindi is spoken by the majority of India but, based on this factor, other languages can’t be ignored as they are also spoken at large such Punjabi, Bengali, Tamil and Urdu. So we also, open heartedly, should respect all the languages.

A language should connect us with each other not to divide us in groups. In a democracy, especially in a knowledge economy like India we must not foster the tendency to discriminate between people based upon their ability or inability to speak a particular language.

By Faheem Usmani Qasmi

(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)

Letters to the Editor: 25 September, 2019

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Web Team

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September 25, 2019

Hope Modi’s visit attracts investments

Ab Ki Bar Trump Sarkar’ sounded Prime Minister Modi in Houston as Indo-US relations were further strengthened at the ‘Howdy Modi‘ event which was watched by billions across the globe. PM Modi is making all the right noises and today certainly is the most popular political figure in the world. India under Modi’s leadership is being heard at global platform on every parameter and eliminating terrorism as well as corruption are right on top of that list which is the reason for his growing popularity as these subjects are global phenomenon that affects all countries.

However, Modi has a constituency back home and hope his friendship with global leaders also attracts investments from foreign countries into India. Our economy is in the doldrums which should be revived at the earliest and Modi seems to be the only leader who can transform India’s fortunes in the days to come. Hope Modi’s US visit culminates into a lot of deals that are beneficial for our country not just on defence pacts but economic business deals as well. Citizens are hopeful of better days in the coming years and let’s keep our fingers crossed that it happens sooner than we expect!

S.N. Kabra.

Citizens must follow traffic rules

The hefty fines imposed by the traffic department to motorists and to those driving two-wheelers across the country have triggered several debates. Sometimes, we think that the rules are just useless. The attitude is that if everyone can break rules, why can’t I? Most people do not carry or do not have a driving licence. They must always carry a driving licence with them while travelling. Those who break the law, must be booked and fined heavily so as to discourage them from repeating the act again. Another case is haste. People try to cross the road while the signal is still red. They argue that there was no one on the road and chose to cross it because they were in a hurry to reach their destination. But they should know that rules are rules and everyone has to follow them. Those driving a car must always wear a seat belt and those driving a two-wheeler must always wear a helmet. It is for their safety and it reduces the chances of death.

Jubel D’Cruz

NN Vohra report on politicians-criminals nexus should be made public

Enforcement Directorate under present Central Government is acting freely in right direction by boldly acting against top-ranking politicians of the country to expose open secret of their ultra-richness which till now was hided by investigating agencies because of their hi-fi status.

It is high time that Central Government approaches Supreme Court for lifting stay on making public annexures to report submitted by NN Vohra Committee set up to probe nexus of criminals and politicians. Presently only final report but only with recommendations has been published. But annexures which contains names of several hi-fi politicians was not done by the then Central Government. Subsequently a stay-order was obtained from Supreme Court on publication of the annexures under the changed era of transparency and good governance.

It is noteworthy that once CIC ordered publication of annexures of NN Vohra Committee Report, but officials of Union Home Ministry were even not aware of any such annexures, what to talk about their knowledge about stay-order on its publication. Spokesperson of a particular political party was visibly uncomfortable in TV debates on the said CIC-verdict, whose founder was supposed to be figuring in the said annexures.

Subhash Chandra Agrawal

Monorail mid-air miseries

Monorail services were disrupted, leaving passengers stranded between Mysore Colony and Bharat Petroleum stations. Finally, passengers were safely evacuated by the Mumbai Fire Brigade, with the help of a ladder. The snag was reported after one of the monorail lost power. Although the monorail technical team tried to ensure that Phase 1 operations resume early, it was a futile exercise. Frequent failures in Monorail is such a pathetic experience. It spoils your travelling plans and sheer waste of time. When will monorail technical safety and quality be ensured. After experiments and live experiences we could not correct the snag and make the passage risk free. This is not the first time that the passengers are having mid-air problem and it is high time the snag is rectified without frequent breakdowns.

Nikhil Mani

(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)

Chinmayanand case: Arrested law student sent to 14-day judicial custody for extortion

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Web Team

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September 25, 2019

Swami chinmayanand shahajahanpur rape case,chinmayanand,swami,shahajahanpur,sit,rape case — Image Courtesy: PTI

The law student from Shahjahanpur, who accused BJP leader Swami Chinmayanand of rape, was arrested on Wednesday on charges of extortion, police sources said.

The 23-year-old law student was arrested from her house by the Special Investigation Team of the Uttar Pradesh Police around 9.15 am, the sources said. She was then taken for medical examination. After this, she was produced before a court. Arrested law student has been sent to 14-day judicial custody in extortion case against her.

According to reports, the law student’s brother and father were present when she was taken by the police on Wednesday. Her arrest comes two days after she was denied anticipatory bail by a Division Bench of the Allahabad High Court. The court had asked her to approach an appropriate court after which the student’s lawyer approached the additional district and sessions court which accepted the plea and directed that all records related to the case be summoned before it on September 26.

The SIT had on Tuesday also taken two other accused — Sachin and Vikram — on remand for further investigation in the case. The SIT had earlier booked three of her friends after questioning them in connection to a video clip in which they were purportedly discussing extortion. According to SIT chief Naveen Arora, the three had accepted their involvement in the extortion case filed against them, although the law student had denied the charges.

“I do not know if the people who helped me escape from Chinmayanand were using me. I have nothing to do with the extortion case. I think all this drama is being done to dilute my charges of rape,” the law student had said.

Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh court had on Tuesday rejected the bail application of BJP leader Swami Chinmayanand, who was arrested in a sexual-assault case. He had during the interrogation on Friday confessed to having called the law student for “massages” while saying that he was ashamed of his act.

RBI Curbs on PMC Bank, Panic in account holders

By

Rajesh Choudhary

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September 24, 2019

After detection of alleged irregularities in Mumbai-based Punjab and Maharashtra Co-operative (PMC) Bank, the Reserve Bank of India has placed restrictions on business of the bank for six months. RBI has barred it from allowing withdrawals of more than Rs 1,000 per account. Curbs imposed by RBI triggered panic in depositors and account holders of the bank. Customers and depositors of PMC Bank stormed social media to register their dissent over action taken by RBI. Some customers have sought the intervention of PM Narendra Modi into this matter. In addition to this, suicide warnings were also given by customers. Meanwhile, very soon the Andhra Bank and Union Bank would be merging and many bank employees will be laid off. The RBI is giving signal to all banks, since this is a tip of iceberg, now the bank employees too fear the loss of jobs.

It is worth mentioning that PMC Bank had business of Rs 20,000 crore comprising deposits of Rs 11,617 crore and advances to the tune of Rs 8,383 crore at the end of March 2019. It has 137 branches across India. The multi-state cooperative bank had 3.76 per cent gross non-performing assets (NPAs) and net 2.19 per cent NPAs as at the end of March 2019.

Teesta Setalvad tweeted, “Is this how ordinary Indians are going to be treated? Some fainted! Some shocked! RBI dicates! Depositors can’t access their own hard earned money. Shame.”

Is this how ordinary Indians are going to be treated? Some fainted! Some shocked! RBI dicates! Depositors cant access their own hard earned money. Shame #pmbsurvivors @YashwantSinha @SitaramYechury @RahulGandhi https://t.co/CRjGhct959

— Teesta Setalvad (@TeestaSetalvad) September 24, 2019

As per reports, on September 23, RBI issued an order under sub-section 1 of Section 35-A of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949. RBI has said depositors would be allowed to withdraw a sum not exceeding Rs 1,000 of the total balance in every savings bank account or current account or any other deposit account. The bank could not grant or renew any loan, advances and make investments without prior approval of the RBI. These directions would remain in force for six months from the close of business of the bank on September 23, 2019, RBI said in a statement.

Praful Shah tweeted, “It’s nothing but bankruptcy. My Rs 25 lakhs, saved for daughters’ marriages, are now trapped. My lifetime saving getting washed out overnight. Feeling sad.”

#PMCBank
Its nothing but bankruptcy. My 25 lakhs, saved for daughters’ marriages, are now trapped. My lifetime saving getting washed out overnite. Feeling sad.

— Praful Shah (@PrafulS98568293) September 24, 2019

A senior executive of PMC Bank said in course of inspection RBI had found some gaps in treatment of loans. He said that the bank was working to resolve the issue. Meanwhile, a message is being circulated in the name of Joy Thomas, the MD of PMC Bank, asking customers to exercise restraint. He claims in this message that objections raised by the RBI would be resolved within the six-month period, and the PMC Bank would soon revert to normal functioning. But the authenticity of his statement could not be confirmed.

Dipti Joshi, an account holder of PMC Bank said, “I was shocked when I got to know that RBI barred PMC Bank from carrying out any kind of business transactions for six months on Tuesday. How can a family survive with just Rs 1000 for 6 months, it’s not possible .You forced us to become digital and now we are not getting access to our own hard earned money. At least you should inform us so that we can do something, it’s ridiculous.”

Amruta Lokhande tweeted, “And what should the account holder do on receiving this https://message.Rs 1k is all that we can withdraw over 6 months. We stopped keeping cash at home because you encouraged online transaction and now we can’t even withdraw our own hard earned money.”

And what should the account holder do on receiving this https://t.co/Ir8x9kxP2Q 1k is all that we can withdraw over 6 months. We stopped keeping cash at home because you encouraged online transaction and now we can’t even withdraw our own hard earned money. @nsitharaman #pmcbank pic.twitter.com/WwlTEi6mNU

— Amruta Lokhande (@amrutaloki) September 24, 2019

The statement said that PMC Bank has been put on regulatory restriction under 35-A of RBI act for 6 months for irregularities. It further said, “I, Mr. Joy Thomas, M.D., regret to inform you that your PMC Bank has been put under regulatory restriction under Section 35-A of B.R. Act by RBI for a period of 6 months due to irregularities disclosed to RBI. As the M.D. of the Bank, I take the responsibility and assure all the depositors that these irregularities will be rectified before the expiry of 6 months. All efforts are made to remove the restrictions by rectifying the irregularities. I know it is a difficult time for all of you and any apology may not restore the pain you are undergoing. Please co-operate with us.” We assure that we will definitely overcome this situation and stand strong, he added.

Vijay Talreja tweeted,“#pmcbank news is heart breaking. This morning I witnessed many sr citizens and women crying in the bank. Withdrawal of Rs1000 over 6 mnths will push them below poverty line. Not enough to even buy peanuts for that duration. Pls help them urgently.”

@nsitharaman @nsitharamanoffc #pmcbank news is heart breaking. This morning I witnessed many sr citizens and women crying in the bank. Withdrawal of Rs1000 over 6 mnths will push them below poverty line. Not enough to even buy peanuts for that duration. Pls help them urgently.

— Vijay Talreja (@vjtrocks) September 24, 2019

Apart from putting a restriction of only Rs 1,000 withdrawal per account, the RBI has also barred the PMC Bank from renewing or granting new loans, making investments, accepting fresh deposits or discharging any payments under its liabilities except for the salaries of its employees, electricity bills and other office expenses.

Navin Jethmalani tweeted, “Whatever is reason, It is working of bankers not citizens. Only few accounts should be freezed. Citizens are scared now. What about their hard earned money. One citizen fainted outside.”

Whatever is reason,
It is working of bankers not citizens.

Only few accounts should be freezed.
Citizens are scared now.
What about their hard earned money.
One citizen fainted out side #pmcbank #ulhasnagar @TOIIndiaNews @toi @MumbaiMirror pic.twitter.com/Biev2tyCoj

— Navin Jethmalani (@Navu_Rockz) September 24, 2019

However, RBI has clarified that the issuance of directions should not, per se, be construed as a cancellation of a banking license by it. ”The bank will continue to undertake banking business with restrictions till further notice and instructions. The Reserve Bank may consider modifications of these directions depending upon circumstances,” it said.

Karan Thakkar tweeted, “There are election in Maharashtra in one month and if modi government will not take action to retrieve people’s money back from Punjab and Maharashtra bank then there will be affect on election result it’s clear.”

#pmcbank shutdown
There are election in Maharashtra in one month and if modi government will not take action to retrieve people’s money back from punjab and Maharashtra bank then there will be affect on election result its clear

— Karan thakkar (@Kthakkar_97) September 24, 2019

Howdy Indian Banks?

By

Vaidehi Taman

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September 24, 2019

The Reserve Bank of India has put limitations on the withdrawal of amount by account-holders of the Mumbai-based Punjab and Maharashtra Co-operative Bank (PMC Bank). The Reserve Bank of India also restricted PMC Bank from making any advances or loans to its customers. People are in panic, the investors are clueless, and banks would have informed the customers well in advance. This could not have been an overnight decision. Why does the RBI not warn the depositors in Advance? At least, the customers would have not ventured to keep their hard earned money in such co-operative banks all for the sake of a per cent or more of higher interest. As always, it is the common man who is the victim of nefarious activities of the bank directors. Can we expect a change here from the present all-powerful government?

Many co-operative banks have always been involved in misconducts. It is sad that genuine customers also suffer from such punishments. The RRBs were opened to serve the customers of rural areas and ensuring development of rural areas. These co-operative banks were established under RRB Act .The central government and state government and sponsor banks are share holders .To reduce cost operations lower pay scales were fixed for staff and not pensionable. But these have been revised and RRB staff gets all facilities of PSB staff. Many RRBs were found not viable and loss making. Some of them were merged. As performance of RRBs was not satisfactory, a committee on RRBs was established. The Committee on Rural Banks suggested merger of RRBs with concerned Sponsor Banks. The suggestion on RRBs was accepted by RBI and suggested the same to Govt of India. The GOI is yet to take a decision in the matter. Mostly in coming years RRBs are likely to be merged with sponsored Public Sector Bank.

Now, the mergers of the banks are common. But the overnight shocks to account holders, such restrictions are new. RBI has put restrictions on Punjab and Maharashtra Co-operative Bank (PMC Bank).Depositors can withdraw from their accounts in the urban co-operative bank.

According to the Directions, depositors will be allowed to withdraw a sum not exceeding ₹1,000 of the total balance in every savings bank account or current account or any other deposit account by whatever name called, subject to conditions stipulated in the RBI Directions. PMC Bank can continue to undertake banking business with restrictions till further notice/instructions from RBI. The Reserve Bank may consider modifications of these directions depending upon circumstances. The restriction will remain in force for a period of six months from the close of business of the bank on September 23. Further, according to the RBI’s restrictions on the urban cooperative bank, PMC Bank will also not be able to grant or renew any loans and advances, make any investment, incur any liability including borrowable of funds and accept fresh deposits, disburse or agree to disburse any payment whether in discharge of its liabilities and obligations, without prior approval in writing from the central bank.

There were 27 public sector banks in India. Government of India owns all these banks with some public participation. Banks are commercial institutions. In this competitive market only strong institution can survive. In spite of having so many banks only SBI has global reach. Government is trying to consolidate banking industry. You must have seen multiple banks in the same locality or same building and all owned by the govt. By merging banks, they will become strong. With efficient management of resources, banks can focus on upgrading services and revenues, optimum staff utilisation, cost efficiencies and reduced NPAs. Extra space and premises will be desired. Extra branches will be closed. A large bank has a lower risk profile since overall institutional risk is decreased by larger number of similar-risk, complimentary loans. Recently, SBI has closed more than 3000 branches after merger, which is big, cost saving.

Bank’s capacity will increase by merging of balance sheet. Capital and profit will increase. There will be more synergy. Mergers and amalgamations are normal business phenomena across different industries. Banking is no exception. Mergers take place between weak banks with a stronger Bank to improve it’s functioning and widen its capital base. Similarly, two equally strong Banks come together to improve their market share. In India, consolidation and mergers have taken place earlier in United Bank of India, when RBI directed a few non-viable banks in Eastern India to merge into a single entity. Similarly, New Bank of India merged with PNB, when its NPAs became large. Some private Bank like Sri Krishna Bank Ltd merged with Canara Bank. Vyasa Bank became ING Vyasa and now merged with Kotak Mahindra Bank. This is a process of consolidation. Soon Andhra Bank is going to be merged with Union Bank. RBI controls all Indian Banks in same yardsticks without differentiating between Private and Nationalised banks. You can keep money in any of the banks but also be prepared for unexpected blocks.

(Any suggestions, comments or dispute with regards to this article send us on feedback@www.afternoonvoice.com)

RIP Madhavrao Apte

By

C K Subramaniam

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September 24, 2019

Madhavrao Apte, Madhav Apte,RIP Madhavrao Laxmanrao Apte was an Indian cricketer who played in seven Tests from 1952 to 1953. He was elected to the office of the president of the Cricket Club of India in 1989. He has since served as the president of the Club’s Legend’s Club and was the chairman of his family’s company, Apte Group.

Indian opener for seven Test matches in the early 1950s Madhav Apte passed away at the Breach Candy Hospital on Monday morning. He was 86 and would have turned 87 on October 5. He lived a full life, Apte scored 542 runs, that included an unbeaten 163 against the likes of Frank King, Gerry Gomez, Frank Worrell, Alf Valentine and Sonny Ramadin in the Queens Park Oval Test of 1953. He played 67 first class matches (46 Ranji Trophy for Bombay and three for Bengal) scored 3336 runs, with six centuries and 16 half centuries. He was converted into an opening batsman by the legendary Vinoo Mankad. Apte was for many years the President of the Cricket Club of India and the Legends Club.

Madhav Apte, former Test cricketer, former Sheriff of Bombay, an industrialist and a man who wore many, many hearts, is no more. He was the fourth oldest living Indian Test cricketer after DK Gaekwad, CD Gopinath and Chandu Patankar. A great character of the game says goodbye. Madhav Apte was as genial as they come. Not playing Test cricket after scoring 460 runs in an away series surprised him, probably cut him deep, but he never showed it.

A Mumbai khadoos who never got bitter Madhav Apte was an aberration in Indian cricket in the true sense of the term. The right-handed opener, who died after suffering a cardiac arrest in Mumbai on Monday, averaged nearly 50 in Test cricket in seven games but didn’t go as far as one would have expected. Madhav Apte was an aberration in Indian cricket in the true sense of the term. Apte’s passion for the game stood as he played till he was past 70. He was one of the loved cricket personalities from the city. In his autobiography ‘As Luck Would Have It’ , Apte has spoken of how after his run in the West Indies, his father was approached by the then chief selector Lala Amarnath for a cloth distributorship for one of their flagship mills in New Delhi. His father declined. Apte was never picked to play for India after that.

To listen to him was rewinding cricket history. Dignified affable yet accessible as a senior. Simple man with simple tastes he loved his scrambled eggs and toast at the All rounder CCI; Passing Peddar Road and Woodland Apartments each time will bring back memories with a smile!. RIP

(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)

Letters to the Editor: 24 September, 2019

By

Web Team

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September 24, 2019

PM Modi more popular in US than President Donald Trump

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s reception and popularity in Houston, US has even given a nightmare to US President Donald Trump who hitherto thought he was the most powerful political leader in the world. Trump may be the US President but American’s call him a joker and were actually surprised when he was voted to power. He actually happens to be a businessmen but Modi actually works for a social cause and nation building.

Every top political leader including Trump wants to be in Modi’s good books and to be his friend except perhaps Pakistan PM Imran Khan. Modiji may not be academically very qualified but has grass rooted ideas that practically work in nation building. His model of governance is different but affective. He draws inspiration from hard work and honesty which are qualities that don’t fail but succeed in the long run. Indian economy may be on a difficult pitch to bat at the moment but most Indians have faith in their PM to bail them out in the days to come with an match winning knock that should knockout his opponents.

S.N. Kabra.

Onions bring tears to the common man

The price of onions has seen a steep rise in the last few months. Very soon it will reach to Rs 100 a kilo. This will result in kitchen grievances for the households, as the prices are too high for most of the middle-class families to afford. Onions are needed daily for cooking. Without it, we are unable to cook our daily meals.
The government must control inflation and must do something to bring down the price of onions as a relief to the common man.

Jubel D’Cruz

Super-costly cars for ex-Chief Ministers in Uttar Pradesh

After exposure of government-bungalows given to ex Chief Ministers of Uttar Pradesh (since got vacated following Supreme Court order), another shocking report about ex-Chief Ministers of the state enjoying yet other luxury of super-costly cars at public-expense has appeared when the state-government is reported to cut down budget for a car to be used by ex-Chief Minister from 1.5 crores to now 1 crore. Bitter aspect of unholy luxury came in media when Mercedes car costing more than rupees 1 crore allotted to Mulayam Singh Yadav was to be replaced now with Toyata Prado because state-government reduced entitled car to be valued at maximum rupees 1 crore from earlier rupees 1.5 crore.

But big question is why ex-Chief Ministers are given such undesired luxury at cost of public-exchequer. Even in USA, former President gets half of last-drawn salary as only post-retirement benefit. Better is if Yogi Adityanath government withdraws luxury of cars to ex-Chief Ministers of state to further ease out burden on public-exchequer funded by hard-earned money of tax-payers. Till such luxury is withdrawn, system may be formulated whereby any car purchased by government or any other public-authority may not exceed say rupees 10 lakhs as ex-showroom price so that political rulers and bureaucrats may learn to live in parity with commoners. However exemption may be for Governor and Chief Minister, where also upper limit may be rupees 20 lakh ex-showroom price.

Madhu Agrawal

(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)

Police cannot attach immovable properties during investigation of criminal case: SC

By

Web Team

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September 24, 2019

The Supreme Court on Tuesday held that police cannot attach immovable properties during investigation of a criminal case. The apex court upheld the Bombay High Court order.

A Bench of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices Deepak Gupta and Sanjiv Khanna held that Section 102 of CrPC does not include the power of police to seize and attach immovable properties.

Justice Khanna, who read the judgment for the Bench, said it is a concurring judgment but Justice Gupta has given some additional reasons.

The top court interpreted Section 102 of the Criminal Procedure Code, which gives power to police for seizure of any property during criminal investigation of any case.

The Bombay High Court, in its majority verdict, had held that police has no power to seize property during the course of investigation. The Maharashtra government had challenged the said verdict of the High Court before the top court. The Supreme Court’s verdict in this case came almost after nine years.

Will AAP get any vote in Maharashtra?

By

Vaidehi Taman

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September 23, 2019

We cannot rule out anyone completely, I believe AAP needs to do massive damage control to win any kind of election in near future. The ground reality is that AAP has done almost nothing here in Maharashtra and in Mumbai; earlier at least there were people like Anjali Damania and Mayank Gandhi who kept party in news. There were activities; there was talk and dialogue but these days only Preeti Sharma Menon who is National Executive Member and spokesperson of Aam Aadmi Party is doing her possible best but that is not enough to create a ground to win elections. She joined the India Against Corruption movement in 2011 and later on took party reins in hand here. AAP is almost a forgotten party in Mumbai and in Maharashtra it hardly has any existence. On top of that the controversial statements and baseless attacks on central government and Modi only made things worse for them. The party lost its narrative. To reach rest of India, AAP has to show some concrete work as an example just like Modi sold Gujarat model. AAP too had huge opportunity in Delhi and Mumbai with their anti corruption stand but they missed horribly.

The Aam Aadmi Party announced that it would contest the upcoming Maharashtra Legislative Assembly election due in October 2019. Durgesh Pathak, state in-charge of AAP in Maharashtra, claimed that the Maharashtra government has failed on all fronts. AAP is aiming to provide a viable alternative to the people

of Mumbai. They believe that the Maharashtra state, once known to be to a progressive state, is today plagued with large-scale drought, floods, farmer suicides, agrarian distress, rising unemployment, failing law and order, rising crime, widespread corruption, bureaucratic inertia, lack of service delivery, economic slowdown and the near-collapse of public education. People are aware that the BJP has failed to deliver its promises; Devendra Fadnavis during his election campaign promised pothole free Mumbai. Arresting NCP’s corrupt ministers who were involved in irrigation scams. Rather he shielded corrupts but did not act against any NCP leader, especially Pawars. AAP came into existence because of anti-corruption movement using India against corruption platform.

Due to multiple scams that took place during UPA 2 regime people started to look for credible political alternative and Congress went into fast decline. During the same time far left also lost the credibility as national alternative. With the presence of right wing BJP that had a solid organisation base occupying the political space getting created by decline of Congress, the AAP too was keen to occupy the space, which was getting vacant and created for central party and leftists. However, the AAP lost the steam because of multiple reasons. Some of the factors were not in their control but others because of their own house was not in order.

As of now the regional parties rule states in India are Tamil Nadu (AAP has no appeal and leadership and supporter base here) Seema- Andhra Pradesh (AAP has no appeal and leadership and supporter base here) Telangana (AAP has no appeal and leadership and supporter base here too) Orissa, AAP has no trace. BJP is already taking a position here to be main opposition party and AAP has no appeal and leadership and supporter base here. So in summary AAP is left with only Delhi. They have some chance to be here only in Delhi politics. But New Delhi being Capital of India is a unique state as there is no complete statehood and lot of authority and power will continue in the hand of Central government.

With their fulfillment of promises in Delhi and radical change they provided in work administration of New Delhi has made them strong contenders to the 7 seats in Delhi. Though they didn’t win single seat in 2014 in Delhi, they had a vote share of 32.94 %. This shows their strong presence in the Capital even before their devastating 67/70 in Assembly election 2015. This year with increased manpower, experience and a good team 4–5 seats can be expected by AAP. Other than this party’s increasing fame in Punjab is astonishing. This change and a successful turnout in 2017 Vidhan Sabha elections with 23.80 % vote share can increase the expectations from AAP. Hence 4 or 5 seats can be expected from the Aam Aadmi Party in assembly elections.

If AAP fails this time, then they might end up having the dubious distinction of being one of the shortest-lived political parties in India, to gain and lose people’s mandate so quickly. Arvind Kejriwal, its charismatic leader cleverly exploited the popularity of honest people and sincere organizations to climb up the political ladder only to kick them in the teeth after achieving his objectives. This would be perhaps a last chance for AAP, if they win they would remain in power and if they lose they will not have any near future to return.

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