Maharashtra Govt. To Buy Bullet Proof Jackets

After facing flak from various quarters, the Maharashtra Government has finally decided to buy new bullet proof jackets. It will procure around 2,000 bullet-proof jackets as part of efforts to modernise the police force in the backdrop of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. Home Minister R R Patil has directed the authorities to initiate the process for buying the jackets from an agency certified by the Centre. The agency supplies these jackets to the Border Security Force, Central Reserve Police Force and National Security Guard.

The Department has received flak over the quality of the bullet-proof jackets worn by officers like slain ATS chief Hemant Karkare who took on the terrorists during the attacks. Kavita Karkare, widow of Hemant Karkare, has also flayed Congress-led state government for providing poor-quality jacket to her husband, according to All India Radio.

The drama over the lost jacket worn by Karkare is still in progress. Kavita Karkare has alleged that the government is trying to mislead with some statements from sweepers and others. Her statements have some validity in it.

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BJP Shares Congress Drink

When it comes to money, there are hardly any difference between Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party. The fact was demonstrated today by the statement given by Gopinath Munde, deputy leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha. Talking to PTI, Munde said

BJP was not opposed to the Maharashtra government's move to make wine from rotten grains. Munde was in Aurangabad for the felicitation ceremony on his appointment as deputy opposition leader in the Lok Sabha. PTI quoted him saying, He said, "Neither I nor my party oppose the decision of the state government to prepare wine out of the decayed food grains. The farmers may get an additional income from it. I will, however, oppose the proposal to make wine out of eatable food grains

The government's move to allow making liquor and wine from rotten foodgrain has come under fire from various quarters. Organisations like Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmuan Samiti has opposed the move. Munde's support to government stand has come as a shocker to the organisations. It also marks a shift in the opposition's stand.  

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Puneites To Pray To Stop 'Flight' of Public Money

Puneites are gearing up to stop flights by relatives of the ministers. After the decision to allow even relatives of the ministers to allow free travel in aeroplanes, an organisation in the city is planning an agitation against the decision.

According to Jansamvedana Jagruti Abhiyan, the activists of the organisation along with public pray at the Shaniwar Wada. The people will pray that the planes taking the relatives should remain grounded. Manoj Phatak, chief of the organisation said the bill allowing free air travel to the kins of ministers was passed recently in the Rajya Sabha. The bill is expected to come in Lok Sabha soon. To prevent it from coming in Lok Sabha, we have embarked on this agitation.

The prayer meeting will be held at Shaniwar Wada on January 3.

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Can Doordarshan Regain Its Glory?

Think of it. 66 studio centers spread all over the country, out of these 23 centres are either already digitalised or being digitalized,  39 studio centers, 91 percent area covered all over India. Still Doordarshan is often called poordarshan because of its style of functionning. It seems it likes to work as just another government organ.

Ambika Soni, the minister for information and broadcasting informed the Lok Sabha yesterday through a written reply yesterday that massive plans are on for the modernisation of the national TV channel. "An amount of Rs. 1209 crore has been set aside for digitalization of Doordarshan out of an outlay of Rs. 1369 crore approved for the new schemes in the 11th Plan," she said.

All this information is only a technical one. There is nothing on the content side. The steady decline in the viewership gives a hint of the downward journey of Doordarshan. It is more pathetic considering that this is the golden jubilee year of the channel. Even though today it has 30 channels and a DTH service, Doordarshan does not figure anywhere in the TV map of India. What a pity?

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Storm In the Session! Really?

Before the advent of each session of legislature, it is a kind of ritual now to carry the stories on possible issues testing government. Accordingly, this time the media is saying that Congress-Nationalist Congress Party alliance government is said to be pushed to corner over some issues. These are `leakage' of the Pradhan Committee report on 26/11 terror attacks and farmer suicides. The question is : will it really?

The winter session of Maharashtra is beginning at Nagpur on Tuesday. It is expected to be dominated by above issues. The opposition is grinding its axe to attack the government on leakage of the report and reported allegations by former Police Commissioner Hasan Gafoor. The top official has pointed four top police officers guilty of 'dereliction of duty' during the attacks. Allegations made by slain IPS officer Ashok Kamte's widow, Vinita, against Mumbai Crime Branch chief Rakesh Maria of mishandling the situation on 26/11 would also be raised in the House.

I suspect any furore will be raised over these issues. Was not it just three months ago that the same issues were predicted to bring a fall in government? Was not it that opposition parties, mainly Shiv Sena and Bharatiya Janata Party were betting heavily on farmers' suicides as their main election plank? Is it not futile to think that anything related with 26/11 will create a flutter, let alone a storm even one year after the incident and even when the main alive culprit Ajmal Kasab is yet to receive punishment?

With Maharashtra Navnirman Sena pursuing its own agenda of justice to locals, BJP still basking in the glory of retrieving leader of opposition's post in legislature assembly and Shiv Sena yet to come to terms with its lacklustre performance, who will raise questions and who will create a storm? Hence, even though the seriousness of questions being same, seriousness of any talk regarding serious business in assembly is a distant dream?

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The Magnificance of Shaniwarwada

Although Shaniwarwada bears no sign of royal history, there was a time when the place was non-official capital of India. Peshwas built the palace here. The place is a spectator of many incidents in the history of Maharashtra. The love story of Bajirao I and Mastani unfolded itself here. It was here that Narayan Peshwa was killed by his uncle Raghunath Peshwa on Dec.  13, 1772. For the fact, not Peshwa Raghunath killed himself Narayanrao. Gardis, the security guards attacked the young king. At the time, Narayanrao was just 16 years  old. Today, the palace has no signs of greatness as a single wall is standing there which served tas the outer coat for the security of the palace. The original mansion which was inhabited  by Peshwa fell victim to a fire in fire in 1828. The Maratha Empire was abolished in 1818. When Pune accepted the British rule, it was the beginning of the British Raj.

The Shaniwarwada was originally built as a residing place for the Pehwas. Bajirao I laid the foundation of the palace on Jauary 10, 1730. The actual construction was completed in 1732. The word Shaniar means Saturday in Marathi. The cost of the palace was Rs 16,110 at that time. At one time, the palace was occupied by over thousand people.

Even though the construction is mainly recognised by its imposing gates in the front, there are four other gates in the structure also. One is known as Narayan Darwaja, since it was from here that the dead body of Narayanrao Peshwa was taken out for crematio after he was murdered. The main gate is known as Dilli Darwaja because it is faced towards north, in the direction of Delhi. It was a sign of the ambitions of Peshwa to spread their kingdom. According to one legend, Bajirao chose the place for constructing his palace after he saw one rabbit chasing a hound. •

Yesterday, i was at Shaniwarwada.This was not my first visit to the ruins of the Maratha empire. I think I have visited the place at least two times before. But there is certain charm in the site where nothing extraordinary can be seen for a general person. Many people ask me what is there spectacular in Shaniwarwada. it is not easy for me to explain that the plae has more imaginative and historic value than that of an entertaining value. You should try to imagine the presence of Peshwas and history of the Maratha empire.

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Two Regional Tracks Led To Railway Exmination Decision

The announcement by Union Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee that the railway recruitment examination in Marathi will be conducted soon comes as a boon for the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena. It is nothing less than a victory for the party which was consistently harping on the issue. However, the decision could not have come had Mamata herself was not an avid advocate of regional politics.

Banerjee, who was in Mumbai yesterday to flag off new train services, announced that the Candidates can now give their exams in their regional language mentioned in Schedule I of the Constitution including Marathi. Banerjee, also said the exams will now be held in a single day and also announced concessions in terms of postal orders for the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and economically backward class (EBC) candidates appearing for the recruitment examinations.

Earlier Maharastra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan had urged Railway Minister that people domiciled in the state should be given local employment opportunity first. Against the backdrop of MNS manhandling candidates from North India appearing in railway exams in Maharashtra, this announcement was a surprise gift for MNS. Especially in view of Shiv Sena being in the thick after ransacking IBN-Lokmat, the news could have a music to the MNS.

Banerjee herself is a devout fighter for the cause of Bengalis. The Tata fiasco in Singur notwithstanding, she has projected herself as an advocate of Bengali cause. Kolkata being heavily filled with Bihari workers, it is not a coincidence that the moment for the decision come when she became the railway minister.

The announcement by Union Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee that the railway recruitment examination in Marathi will be conducted soon comes as a boon for the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena. It is nothing less than a victory for the party which was consistently harping on the issue. However, the decision could not have come had Mamata herself was not an avid advocate of regional politics.

Banerjee, who was in Mumbai yesterday to flag off new train services, announced that the Candidates can now give their exams in their regional language mentioned in Schedule I of the Constitution including Marathi. Banerjee, also said the exams will now be held in a single day and also announced concessions in terms of postal orders for the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and economically backward class (EBC) candidates appearing for the recruitment examinations.

Earlier Maharastra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan had urged Railway Minister that people domiciled in the state should be given local employment opportunity first. Against the backdrop of MNS manhandling candidates from North India appearing in railway exams in Maharashtra, this announcement was a surprise gift for MNS. Especially in view of Shiv Sena being in the thick after ransacking IBN-Lokmat, the news could have a music to the MNS.

Banerjee herself is a devout fighter for the cause of Bengalis. The Tata fiasco in Singur notwithstanding, she has projected herself as an advocate of Bengali cause. Kolkata being heavily filled with Bihari workers, it is not a coincidence that the moment for the decision come when she became the railway minister.

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Govt. Wakes Up To Fake Currency

The government seems to have risen to the threat of parallel economy by means of fake currency notes. The central Government has decided to introduce 1 billion pieces of polymer banknotes in Rs. 10/- denomination on trial basis. According to information was given by Minister of State for Finance, Shri Namo Narain Meena in written reply to a question raised in Lok Sabha today, Reserve Bank of India has initiated the process of purchase of polymer notes on trial basis. Polymer notes are being introduced in Rs. 10/- denomination, where the incidence of counterfeiting is negligible. However, the reason attributed by the minister is to increase the life of bank notes.

According to Crime in Maharashtra 2008, the annual report of crimes in the state which is prepared by Criminal Investigation Department (CID), that the cases of counterfeiting of coins and currency notes in the state has increased by a whopping 50 per cent in 2008. The number of fake currency cases registered in 2007 was 270. In 2008, the number has gone up to 405.
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MNS Attracts Strong Reactions

While political analysts and media is engaged in bashing Maharashtra Navnirman Sena over the incident yesterday in assembly house, there is equally strong reactions from the public in favour of the party. Marathi blogs are replete with the praise for the MLAs who staked their position in the incident. Surprisingly, Ramesh Wanjale, MLA from Khadakwasla constituency was also involved in the manhandling of Abu Azmi. Surprisingly, because he was not a genuine MNS member, but has recently switched over to the party from Congress.

MNS MLAs on Monday attacked Samajwadi Party legislator Abu Azmi inside the state assembly for taking oath in Hindi and not in Marathi marking a violent debut for Raj Thackeray's party in the House. The house acted tough and passed a resolution suspending four MNS members from the House for four years within hours after the chaos. The MLAs were also accused of misbehaving with a woman MLA.

The resolution moved by parliamentary affairs minister Harshvardhan Patil to suspend  Shishir Shinde, Ramesh Vanjale, Ram Kadam and Vasant Geete was approved by voice vote.

Chief minister Ashok Chavan also did not rule out action against MNS chief Raj Thackeray saying this will be taken if the video footage of his reported comments outside the Assembly showed he had instigated his party MLAs. On the other hand, people justify MLAs demands. The members have chosen a right target as Azmi has a very bad reputation in Maharashtra and nobody is willing to support him. One of my friend who works in a reputed IT company called me in night. He said he was receiving many mails pointing to the whole incident. So much as I have read yet, nothing was criticizing MNS. Even those who were not hailing Raj or MNS, only chose to remain silent because they are ready to consent through their silence.

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Oath Taking Replaces Incertainty

After 15 days of lingering incertainty, there is a government finally an the state. The 38 members strong council of ministers tookl oath of the secrecy today. The Congress has 18 ministers and NCP 20. NCP ministers are expected to take oath on at once  and Congress ministers would be sworn in two phases.

Pune, including district has got only three ministers in the new cabinet while city will be represented by only one representative. Ramesh Bagve will be the only minister in cabinet. Bagave has been elected from Pune Cantonment constituency. He got 65638 votes to defeat his rival Sadanand Shetty of Shis Sena. Shetty managed to get 28313 votes. He had the biggest winning margin from all eight assembly segments in Pune.

Ajit Pawar and Harshvardhan Patil are other two minister related to the city. Dilip Walse Patil, who managed finance ministry in the last government has been axed this time.

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A Government At Last

Ok. What is the ‘big deal’

Full 15 days after the Congress and Nationalist Congress Party returned to power in Maharashtra, the new government is finally to be instated. After a fortnight-long tough bargaining over portfolio-sharing between two parties, Congress and NCP finalised a deal based on the 1999 formula to form a new government.

Chief Minister-elect Ashok Chavan had indicated on Tuesday that the next government would be in place within two days. NCP leader Praful Patel told reporters in Mumbai that portfolio-sharing will be done on the basis of the 1999 formula. Although media reports indicated that the ministries would be shared in 23-20 ratio with larger chunk going to Congress.

Congress and NCP rode back to power for the third time in a row defeating opposition Shiv Sena-BJP in a mainly four-cornered contest. The Government formation was delayed after declaration of assembly poll results on October 23 due to hard negotiations between Congress and NCP over portfolio-sharing. Irked over the delay, governor S C Jamir had to intervene and urge both the parties to show a sense of urgency to put in place a government.

This is not the first time that this type of delay took place in Maharashtra. In 1999, when the two parties fought separately, there was dilly-dallying by two parties for over a week. In 2004, they fought together but after NCP emerged with more seats, it staken claim to the post of chief minister. Then also the issue was stretched for almost a week before Sharad Pawar finally wrested more and important portfolios from alliance partner Congress. The two parties could so easily take their time because they are sure that opposition parties are in no situation to stake claim to form the government. Meanwhile, various major issues are pending and the new government has an uphill task in the form of load shedding, drought situation and most of all, health situation. Maharashtra is getting some persons to man the ministries, but the million rupees question is: will they deliver?

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H1N1 Worsens in Maharashtra

PIB Press Release

Maharashtra continues to be the hub of Swine Flu activity as the 12 cases are reported in the state today.  The total number of deaths due to H1N1 Flu have touched 204 and Pune is almost on the verge of touching 100 deaths due to the pandemic. Worse, there have been 48 confirmed cases of dengue among 138 suspected cases in the city, still the Pune Municipal Corporation claims the situation is ‘under control’. They feel it’s not a ‘dangerous’ number for a population of 35 lakh people. PMC’s additional medical officer said, “If the temperature of the city settles at a maximum of around 20 degrees centigrade, there will be no problem of mosquitos causing dengue.”  So, we think it’s time to ditch health officers and doctors and pray to the weather gods.

Pune has become the hotbed of the swine flu virus in India, with the most number of people infected by swine flu. But if you thought that the concerned officials would sit up and take decisions to tackle the threat head-on, it didn’t happen. On June 3, 2009, the PMC health department drew a contingency plan to tackle the H1N1 pandemic. But, after that, even as the number of deaths rapidly increased, there have been no changes in the plan.

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The Question of National Character

When I read that France is embarking on a debate of nationalism, I was surprised. We the Indians are always accustomed to living with differences and the voices of rebels against the nationalism are always dominant in the country, even as the reverence for nationalist activists have never receded. Having said so, we have never defined the national character of an Indian. Living with 3000 ethnicities and 21 scheduled languages, we never can. That is why the announcement by Eric Besson appears ambitious. The country which gave the world three basic words of democracy-Liberty, Equality and Fraternity-is going to redefine its national characters.

According to the the Reuters story, the French government has opened a website for the discussion and it will take place in overseas territories also. It will take place till January 31, 2010. In India, the issue has haunted the country since time memorial. Because of so many diverse communities and so many languages, a homogeneous public following a single code of law has remained a dream till now. Even speaking in terms of French perspective, Pondicherry has more affinity with the French culture than the Indian one. Also, there are regional aspirations what with agitations like Maharashtra Navnirman Sena and others. People living in North-Eastern states have never really felt close to the other parts of India.

Can India do away with the dissenting voices by redefining the character? I think so. Even if there is no consensus about the character, at least it will open up a dialogue for the people.

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Power Game in Maharashtra

Even ten days after the election results are out, there is no government in the state. The power sharing talks between Congress and NCP are still continuing and each side is testing the patience of other. Congress and NCP have got the mandate of the people of Maharashtra but they are yet to win over the confidence of their allies.

The bargaining between both the parties over major portfolios and numbers of ministers from each party is creating a hurdle in the ministry formation. Chief minister-elect Ashok Chavan has said that both the parties are trying to reach a consensus before November 3, which is the deadline for ministry formation. In an event of a further delay, Mr Chavan and Mr Bhujbal would be sworn in along with some senior leaders and the alliance might go in for a ministerial expansion after a session of the legislature on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Shiv Sena has demanded that presidential rule should be imposed in the state. It is unlikely that the demand will be accepted. Meanwhile, each party is entertaining the public and giving the TV channels a run for their money. Chief Minister Ashok Chavan chose to worship Sathya Sai Baba in the hope of returning to the chair rather than busying himself with the parleys of seat sharing. He is adamant on Congress getting  plum posts, in view of the ten years that the party had to remain without those posts. He has got some gunpowder with the fact that Congress has got 20 seats more than NCP. Latter is more worried about the rebellious posture adopted by Ajit Pawar than the prospect of the party in power sharing. In case all major portfolios go to Congress, many NCP leaders will have to part their departments, prominent among them will be Ajit Pawar. In such a scenario, he can anytime chose to exit from the party to form next government. Shiv sena and BJP have shown more than readiness to support him in such a venture. He is helped by the large number of independents who are mainly his supporters.

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Where have the birds gone?

The Flight in the Air, originally uploaded by deshpande.devidas.

In the winter, the birds flock to India and Pune, with its cool climate attracts lot of them. But in recent time the number of birds coming to city is fast dwindling. They were seen in hundreds at the riverside but both Mula and Mutha rivers of Pune have turned into little more than a nallah. So these creatures have no place to go now. This time, even winter has not showed its presence in the sorrounding.

The environment status report of Pune Municipal Corporation has stated that the number of birds on trees is reduced because most of the trees in PMC's gardens are foreign. They do not fit in in the natural habitat of the environment. Birds coming from other countries go to Veer or Bhigwan dam besides city. But these sites have also noted less birds in the last few years.

According to observations made by bird watchers, number of crows, kites and Black wings Stilt has gone up in recent years pointing to the increasing filth at riverside. The environmentalist say this is a bad sign for the ecological balance of the city.

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Uddhav’s Brave Front: Too Late, Too Lame

That Uddhav Thackarey, executive president of Shiv Sena spoke over his party’s defeat after full four days after election results were out in itself speaks volume about his preparedness to tackle the situation head on. He might have taken this much time to come out of the shock he received at the hands of his cousin Raj Thackarey. Maharashtra Nanirman Sena has truly emerged as the party to watch during this election with its 13 elected members. Shiv Sena has received the worst drubbing in the sense that it has been relegated to fourth position in terms of number of seats. And worse is that BJP has come out with more seats than Shiv Sena, its alliance partner, even though the situation was other way round since 1984 when the alliance was formed.

What Uddhav has said shows that he is not ready to read the situation in its true sense. It was never a characteristic of Thackarey family, be it Balasaheb or Raj or Uddhav, to acknowledge own follies. The latest rhetoric from Uddhav goes on the same line. He is saying that MNS factor, which was key in losses suffered by Shiv Sena will be washed  out within two years. On the contrary, political analysts and observers, majority of whom constitute the detractors of MNS, are unanimous that it is MNS which is sure to play the role of main opposition party in next elections, unless some drastic measures are adopted by Shiv Sena.

Those measures are still to be seen. Uddhav missed to be a brave man in facing the loss generously. Instead, he hid himself and came out when his statement mattered too little. His analysis also did not show any hard hitting retrospection which could have helped the sinking fortunes of the party. It was a lacklustre statement and going by the common Shiv Sainik’s natural instincts, it was a lame excuse for the defeat.

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Congrats, CM Ashok Chavan

It was the replay of the developments for Ashok Chavan. First of all, I would like to congratulate him for the success to his party as well as his becoming chief minister again. Chavan was chosen on Saturday night to head the Congress Legislature Party in Maharashtra. He will be the chief minister for the second time, nine months after taking over the affairs of the state.

Chavan, who was selected as the CLP leader by Congress president Sonia Gandhi, owes his selection to his non-controversial brief tenure as the chief minister of the state. To his credit, it must be said that during his brief tenure as CM, there was no major controversy affecting the reputation of the Congress party. He was elected to the post following resignation of Vilasrao Deshmukh in the wake of Mumbai terror attack in November last year. Since then, he has steered clear of any shortcomings. He had some big rivals in the form of Narayan Rane and Vilasrao Deshmukh, but ultimately his close relations with Gandhi family prevailed. He deserved to be rewarded and indeed was rewarded.

Like I mentioned in my post immediately after he became CM for first time, Chavan also hails from Nanded like me. I have observed he initiated so many projects and works in Nanded, that if they are truly realized, the city could soon surpass Aurangabad.

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End of an epoch in Maharashtra politics?

With Diwali over, every politician, journalist and gossip mongers were behind the results of the assembly elections. While all major surveys and exit polls had gone in favour of the ruling Congress and Nationalist Congress Party alliance, they are still seen with a suspect given the impeccable track record of such surveys in the past. Opinion and exit polls are considered fickle next only to the forecasts by meteorology department in India. With large numbers of rebels, new enfant terrible like Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, Jan Surajya Party and Republican Left Democratic Front, the fight was sure to be most difficult of all times. but even than that, this election will go down in the history of Maharashtra as one bringing an epoch to close.

That epoch of course being the political rivalry and influence of two personalities who have influenced the politics of state for over three to four decades. Yes, you guessed it right. After the result, Bal Thackerey, the Shiv Sena chief and Sharad Pawar, the NCP chief will not hold the sway like before in this election. Thackerey, who founded Shiv Sena in 1966 and headed single handedly since then is now an old tiger. He is credited with bringing the first non-Congress government in state which worked its full term. That this government was formed in alliance with Bharatiya Janata Party does not make any dent in his contribution. On the contrary, he was the only acceptable mascot of the alliance in state.

Bal Thackerey was the chief pioneer of Marathi son of soil agitations. An entire party was built on this issue but he had to relegate the issue to give it a broader ambit, that of Hindutva. But such was his clout that not a finger was raised towards him for navigating to other waters. He had built a dedicated supporter base and those supporters were ready to follow him wherever he lead. No questions asked, no questions permitted either. For years on years, media watched him addressing rallies at Shivaji Park in Mumbai . People thronged in hordes, growing in numbers each year. Media used all sorts of words to downplay his cult following, ranging from rhetoric to venom. But he grew in clout. He grew manifolds. Soon, Shiv Sena was seen ruling in the Mumbai Municipal Corporation , next only perhaps to legislature assembly in terms of political and administrative importance. The power in the MMC also gave access to immense resources to the party. Within 25 years from the formation of the party, Shiv Sena was seriously challenging the hegemony of Congress rule. In 1990 assembly elections, the SS-BJP alliance missed political power by whiskers. Within a year, it got its biggest shock till then.

Chhagan Bhujbal left Shiv Sena in December 1991 since he was miffed after being ignored for the post of leader of opposition in state assembly. His expectation was justified as he was party’s lone knight in the assembly since 1985. Still, Thackerey, who was now called Balasaheb with an appreciative accent by even his detractors, did not mend his fences. He still kept his hold on the party, dictated his terms and reigned over Mumbai. With some favorable developments and vigorous campaigning, he managed to what he called, “Furl the saffron flag on assembly.” Even though SS-BJP combine suffered losses in later years, in terms of seats and human capital also, that Bal Thackerey is a catchword in the Maharashtra’s political scene is a foregone conclusion. From trade unions to Bollywood, from students to the average middle class person, from women to activists, there is no as mesmerizing thing as a call  from the octogenarian leader.

On his part, Thackerey has seldom missed a chance to show that he is a truckload of fire in his belly. For a party constantly harping on Chhatrapati Shivaji’s name for its livelihood, it is nothing less than a blasphemy to denounce the project of Shivaji memorial which is coming up in Arabian sea off Mumbai coast. It was not without nothing that the party telecasted a long interview of the Old Tiger recently on all major Marathi channels. It is a last ditch effort to encash its most successful brand in an era when the party is desperately missing the aggressive frontmen. This interview also proved that for Marathi audience, there is nothing as entertaining, as enthralling a presentation as a direct speech oratory of Thackerey.

Now with Shiv Sena losing the election, then it is over for Thackerey who pledged last time that he will not remove the beard unless the party is voted back in power. With his frail health and lost hopes, he is not expected to guide the party in next elections, let alone lead it. His struggles against the Congress will be recorded as a crusader who showed that David can fight the Goliath while becoming Goliath himself. We should see his latest outbursts against his nephew Raj for betraying the Marathi cause. At this age after so many decades, it is always hard to digest the bitter truth.

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Diwali issues in Marathi culture

As the Diwali approaches, so are the Diwali issue of Marathi magazines. Diwali issues are the hallmark of the festival for the Marathi people and Maharashtra. Many houses in the state get a hint of the festival's arrival by thick issues of magazines stacked on the news stands. Its cultural standing is matched only by the Durga Puja issues brought out by Bengali newspapers and magazines. Many writers in Marathi owe their career to the existence of the Diwali issues only. In north India, Diwali means gifts and present full of mithai boxes. In Maharashtra, mithai is accompanied by Diwali issues.

It was exactly hundred years ago, that the first Diwali issue of Manoranjan, a popular magazine of that time saw light of the day. Since then, the tradition has only grown to encompass in it all types of print as well as new medium publication. Some years ago, there came audio Diwali issues, then with advent of time they changed into video ones. Now, more than five web portals in Marathi bring their own issues. In one such issue last year, I wrote about the advent of web technology in indigenous languages. Diwali issue is a thing of status in Marathi media and no publication is complete unless it has one. Actually this will be a statement as there are more brands of Diwali issues in Marathi than the reqgular magazines. Some like Awaz, Ravivarchi Jatra, Maharashtra Times and Loksatta have a tradition of almost five decades and they require no marketing. Some like Dhanurdhari come only in Diwali issue form but are always looked forward to.

Even though known for their entertainment value, the Diwali issues have contributed to the exchange and growth of thought in Maharashtra. Prior to arrival of TV and web media, it offered a platform for discussion or debate an many controversial topics. Much of today's contemporary Marathi literature owe its existence to the Diwali issues. Not limiting to that, they have also helped put new thoughts. It is not surprising to find Diwali issue dedicated to women's issues or philosophy, medical issues or astrology lined up for sale. It is also not a novelty for the Marathi readers to find these issues selling like hot cakes. Even though one can find older people grudging about the decreasing habit of reading, the sale of the Diwali issue do not stand witness to that. The business of publishing Diwali issues have stood test of time. Even advertisers do not shy away from putting their money in it.

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Load Shedding Still Haunts Maharashtra

I have just arrived in Nanded. The temperature is already touching 30 degrees celsius at about 10 AM. This is strange for normally in October, it is already one month into the winter season. But there is no sign of a cold weather welcoming this old boy from the town who has in more ways than one unable to severe ties with the town, however he might try. I do not know what exactly is going on here but it is very quiet what with assembly elections being over only four days ago.

Meanwhile, the electricity production in the state is set to be hit by the shortfall in the water. Irai dam, which provides water to the power generation plant at Chandrapur, is reportedly lying dry. The management has closed two big gensets in the plants under the garb of tube leakage which will result in the reduction of 1000 MW power generation.

Irai dam now has water which can last only three months. The water level in the dams stands at 202.25 meters.while the capacity of the dam is 19 Million Cubic Meters, it has about 15 MCM water in store. As per state policy, the first priority to provide water is drinking supply, then industries and then comes irrigation.

MahaGenco, responsible arm for the generation of electricity of power companies in Maharashtra, has requested to avail water from the Chargaon dam, which is 35 kms. from Chandrapur. It is expected that the request might be approved but still, it can only last for one month. Why it makes sense to write on this subject?

because as I come here, I found there was no electricity supply in the house. It is what people call load shedding. It is what I call the helplessness of the public. Living in Pune gives some advantages among which one is load shedding free life. You tend to take it as granted but its real worth is only understood when you come to a place like this.

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It is the Diwali time, the biggest festival in India. It is matched only to Christmas in the European countries in the proportion of celebration as well as trade. In view of the movement of the people, almost all mode of transport fail to provide adequate service. The private bus operators literally make hay during this time. There seem to be no body to control the scandalous malpractices of the trade.

The private tour operators have increased the bus fare for cities like Nagpur, Latur, Nanded and Solapur, where most of the people move during the Diwali vacations. Most of the young people residing in Pune, because of study or service, come from far places in Maharashtra. People coming from other state constitute less in the number compared to Maharashtrians. These people flock to bus stands to catch a vehicle to their respective village or town. But state road transport corporation (MSRTC) fail to provide adequate number of buses. This year, it is also handicapped by the large number of buses deployes in the service of election commission. Railways have limited trips and it does not have as wide reach as the road travel service have.

This lefts the traveller with little option but go for the private operators. These operators do not lose a chance to make profit during this time. A common ticket for seating chair bus costs Rs 250-300 in normal times. Just last week, I found it was being sold at Rs 500. Sleeper class bus ticket is normally available at Rs 300-350. It is now available at Rs 600. Compare this to the ticket fare charged by MSRTC which stands at Rs 330.

Regional Transport Office official make it clear each year that RTO does not have any control over the fare structure. It is upto these operators to decide the amount. RTO comes in picture only when the bus has more passengers than capacity or if any passenger complains. With short span of time in hand and too much confusing procedures, hardly anybody dares to do that. This leaves the road open to private operators.

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Police Personnel to build Megacity

The police personnel from the city have come together to form a housing society and build a housing colony for them. This Megacity of police will come up near Lohgaona and will provide shelter to police personnel from all over the state. The project has been started with the initiative of Pune police.

Satypal Singh, police commissioner of Pune has provided the guidance to the project while Anant Rokade, deputy commissioner has taken the lead. All serving and retired police department employees can be a part of the venture. In the project, flats ranging from one room kitchen to 3 BHK will be built by the B. E. Billimoria company from Mumbai. They will be priced from Rs 5.35 lakh to 17.47 lakh.

The officers have already started selling the applications for the flats which will be available till Oct. 20. The project will start once at least 5000 applications are received.

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In Italy, newspaper Comes as a Protest

it is impossible in India

In this age of cyber media and online journalism, it is heartening to see that even today old form of print media are being used for protest. In Italy, a new newspaper has been launched against what is termed as the oppression of expression by Sylvio Berlusconi government. Il Fatto, meaning the fact was launched in the last week by some leftist journalists.

Relation between Berlusconi and the media soured from the day he came to power for first time. The media mogul of Italy, who controls almost all TV channels attracted bad attention few months ago because of his reported relations with commercial sex workers. In June, he publicly appealed not to give publicity to his opposition parties and leaders. The new joural is owned by some entrepreneurs who control 70 percent of the company and 30 percent is owned by the journalists. Public at large is also invited to be a part of the venture. The paper has already received 27000 subscribers which the founders say are a good number to start with.

Expectedly, the paper wants to focus on the sexual activity of the Italian prime minister and also probe his source of wealth. This is bound to bring some problem therefore the company has already hired two best advocates of country who are expert in the information rights law.

On the face of it, this is a grand experiment. Even though the paper is chiefly printed, it is available on net also. In India, the penetration of internet is still so low. Therefore the print way is still the best way. Problem with the print media is it is absolutely impossible in the country to run a paper without advertising. Il Fatto claims to run independently, without the influence of economic or political power of Berlusconi. But that kind of thing can not be done in India. Here the media is chiefly influenced by the conventional centre of power. Like I wrote in an earlier post, Indian media will never probe the antics of the Gandhi family. Last time it was done in 1988 but the flash point of that episode, Bofors scandal, was given by Swedish radio. It was not a handiwork of Indian organization.

However, an independent and alert newspaper is the need of the hour.

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Raj Charges Up the Scene-2

Spreading the Foothold


Shiv Sena started to spread its wing in the late 1980s. At that time, Raj was heading the Bharatiya Vidyarthi Sena (BVS), student wing of the party. He was also looking after Marmik, the weekly mouthpiece of party, chiefly drawing cover cartoons for the same. His grooming was done clearly by Balasaheb himself which was evident by the fashion in which he talked, spoke. His body language and mannerisms were just a replica of the original leader. Millions of party workers saw in him the next avatar of their beloved leader.

But the original leader thought in different ways. After the party shared power with BJP in 1995 to 99, he started promoting his own son Uddhav, who preferred his artistic hobbies over politics. A man of reclusive habits, he was seldom found in gatherings which was a hallmark of SS. This anchored a split in the party with Raj having no other option but to found his own. He waited for almost 10 years before giving birth to MNS.

That Raj opting for Son-of-the-Soil politics was less a choice than a logical conclusion. After following the same line for almost 20 years, he could have done little otherwise. A U-Turn over the policies was out of question. He bid his time before plunging into full stream. Also, by opting to pursue a hard agenda over the Marathi Manoos issue, he also took the game in the Shiv Sena’s court itself. This is the reason why Uddhav is targeting Raj more during the campaigning instead of ruling alliance in the state, which is his natural political enemy. He is well aware that in terms of oratory, pull and dedicated workers, he is no match to Raj. While Uddhav has given a new, sophisticated and mellowed image to SS, a vacuum was left for a party with stern activism. SS workers were fed on this mentality and they could not shed their aggression in trade of a corporate politics, which was never their cup of tea. SS was no longer a party of rioters and hoodlums. Raj capitalized on these elements.

To be fair to Raj, he did not chose violence as his primary recourse. Before the infamous agitation in early 2008 against North Indians, MNS had organized several programs encouraging Marathi literature and culture. Many instances can be given like organizing a book exhibition in Mumbai, drama festival in Pune. When MNS was in incubation mode, he personally visited all Ganesh Mandals all over the state. MNS had even sent letters to many government departments as a form of protest. Very few of those activities actually were reported by the media. Raj entered on first pages of print media and prime time of electronic media only when he raised his voice against Abu Azmi, whose credentials as a cultured politician is always in question. Before that period, even local periodicals thought it unnecessary to give enough space to the man. Whatever came related to Raj was either making a mockery of his activities or criticism.

By the time that agitation had come to an end, media had carved out a new Hitler and general Marathi public had got a redeemer. Polarization followed day by day, MNS was persecuted with each passing day. No stone was left unturned in demonizing the man and with each attempt, MNS and its leader become dearer to the public.

It came to such a passé that no Marathi channel could afford to bypass a rally addressed by Raj. No channel could throw a press release of MNS in the dustbin. There was a race between them to telecast the developments live to garner more and more TRP. OB vans from all channels waited outside Krishnakunj, Raj’s residence in Dadar area whenever there was a significant developments. Press conferences by Raj began to turn out into a houseful shows. Even then, he was seen someone who filled the need of a superstar in a entertainment deficient state. “yes, t’here is a crowd for him. But can he fight an election,” was a popular refrain from media quarters who in this age think it a kind of status symbol to keep their ears away from the ground.

The jolt came in parliamentary elections five months ago. MNS had put 12 candidates out of 48 in the state. Each candidate of the party, barring one in Pune, pulled up more than one lakh (0.1 million) votes. This was an eye opener for every player. In an era when the winning margin of a candidate does not generally crosses 25,000, the number of votes received by MNS was nothing less than a thunderbolt. It upset the ambitions of SS-BJP alliance in the state whose tally of seats remained just 21. These statistics are the basic foundation on which the duel between Thackerey cousin is going on currently in the state.

(To be Continued)

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Notice to Facebook Over Tobacco Content

The Facebook is facing its first major challenge in India. The social networking site is just served a notice for failure in removing content related to tobacco products. The failure of the social networking website “Facebook” to remove pages and groups relating to various tobacco products, brands and articles is now likely to land the company in legal trouble.

A social activist and crusader for public health causes, Hemant Goswami from Chandigarh has issued a legal notice to Facebook to remove all pages and groups relating to promotion of any kind of tobacco product or which promotes its consumption. Hemant who is also a notified member of the “National Steering Committee on Tobacco Control” formed by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said, “Apparently Facebook claims to have a policy of not advertising tobacco products through paid advertisement on its website; however this claim remains ineffective as it allows all brands and tobacco products to be promoted through member pages and groups. Not only this; contrary to the claims, Facebook allows promotion of smoking culture through advertisements. We have sent a copy of links of such examples which are considered an offence under the Indian law to M/s Facebook.”

In the notice, served to Facebook Inc. and Facebook Ireland Limited, faxed to its California office, Hemant has alleged that, “many pages on www.facebook.com promote various cigarette brands and the concept of smoking. All such pages are visible on all computers, and all terminals installed in India through which the site Facebook.com is accessed. Such pages are also advertised through Facebook and are displayed on the pages of facebook users.” The notice warns the owners and managers of Facebook of their legal liabilities and reads, “The advertisers M/s Facebook and owners of the company are also equally liable and responsible for any such advertisements.”

The Indian law on tobacco control, “Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003” provides for imprisonment up to five years for violating the provisions relating to prohibition of promotion or advertisement of tobacco products and brands.

“We are very serious in our pursuit to end this kind of promotion of tobacco brands and tobacco products on social networking site like Facebook. To achieve this we will do everything possible. Governments across the globe are spending billions to end tobacco and have joined hands by way of the international treaty called “Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)” to end the menace, but it is unfortunate that small opportunistic companies allow promotion of tobacco products for petty gains. Such companies need to punished and civil damages too should be claimed from them to offset any profits these people might be making.” Hemant Goswami emphasised.

(Original Press Release: India PRWire)

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Raj Charges Up The Scene

He enters the place where a grand stage is erected. As he put his foot on the ground towards the direction of the stage, whole atmosphere comes alive with the sound of crackers and bursting of fires in the sky. To top this lighting, a cumulative voice soars new height with each passing moment hailing the young leader. As he comes to the microphone, there is a pin drop silence. Next one hours, the crowd of at least over 50 thousands hears to the leader. He minces no words in deriding his opponents and steals the show by hitting a cord with each member of the crowd.

This is Raj Thackerey for you.

The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief has taken centrestage in the ensuing assembly elections in the state. He is the clear winner of this political game, at least for now, even before the assembly elections are over. Every party leader is on his backfoot while coping with the popularity of Raj. This has led them to go into denial mode. Surprisingly, each one expects that MNS will eat away share of other party?s votes. After affecting the election results in the parliamentary elections just six months ago, nobody is ready to undermine MNS as far as electioneering is concerned. His party is seen as a potential Shiv Sena in the making

It is ironic that foremost among Raj?s opponents turned out to be Shiv Sena of which he was a prominent leader just three years ago. After being sidelined in SS by his uncle and SS chief Balasaheb Thackerey, who favoured his own son over Raj, he chose to trade his own path. He formed MNS in May 2006 and chose Marathi pride as its main plank. This was the same agenda on which SS worked on for four decades. It did not afford to lose his issue. Adding fuel to fire, Uddhav, the heir apparent of SS did not have the charisma or following which Raj inherited from Balasaheb.

Just yesterday, there were three rallies in Pune: that of Rahul Gandhi, Sharad Pawar and Raj Thackerey. Political analysts unanimously agreed that the most lively and most crowded of all these meeting was addressed by Raj. This when he held three successive rallies in the city on a single day. How many candidates of MNS can be elected is not that important. What is important is the relation he establishes with the youths-his core voters. No other leader in the state is able to charm the youths like Raj does. This is the reason why Ajit Pawar today said that NCP will not shy away a government with the help from MNS. Since he knows that the clout Raj enjoys is surely going to tore apart political equations, made by Congress-NCP as well as Sena-BJP.

(To be continued)

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A Bad Advice

It is too late too odd

Do Indian leaders have to follow every act by their American counterparts? Why I am asking this? Because latest missive from Salman Khurshid, minister of company affairs smacks of nothing less than following the US steps. It is in a way bizarre way to propagate the austerity drive, pursued by the Congress party, even when its fruitlessness has been pointed out by media.

Khurshid has directed that CEOs of big corporates should not take the salaries which might appear as shameless. His obvious reference might be Anil Ambani, who just last week emerged as the most earning person in India. The reason why Khurshid did not take Anil's name publicly perhaps was Anil has not taken any salary at all this year. It was his arrears from year 2007 which made him the highest salaries person in India. Taking into consideration Anil's connection with Samajwadi Party, bête noire of Congress in Uttar Pradesh, it is hardly surprising that Khurshid has targeted the CEOs.

Why his act appears misplaced is that situation in India and US are quite different. When Barack Obama appealed to bosses of big companies not to take high salaries, the US economy was really in bad shape. It still is. Relatively speaking, corporates in India made more noise about recession that the actual losses. Government of India announced two big packages for corporates which largely eased the state of affairs. Profit margin of companies never went so low as to initiate a damage control exercise. Luckily enough, during the onslaught of melt down, political scenario in the country was hotted up by general elections at central level. Those who are familiar with Indian election system, know very well how much it ignites the economy. In Maharashtra alone, it is estimated that at least Rs 500 Crores (50 million) changed hands during the elections.

The elections for state assembly are currently underway in Maharashtra. A policeman on election duty told me each corporator is asking for Rs 50 lakh to the candidates for campaigning. There are 288 constituencies in the state and more than 250 serious candidates. If each of them spends at least Rs one crore (10 million) there will be exchange of Rs 250 Crores. Isn't this sufficient to infuse running spirit in the economy which is already going fit, if not strong.

Therefore, the statement by Khurshid appears more through the 'loyal than king' syndrome. Without really taking course to austerity, he wants to become messiah of poor and labourers at the cost of corporate culture.

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Party time for rebels-2

State in a In-fighting state

Apart from Pune, the scene at the state level is also dismal. The biggest news of rivalry this time is that in the Amravati constituency. Sunil Deshmukh, a Congress minister in the state cabinet has accused President Pratibha Patil of misusing her position to get a ticket for her son Raosaheb Shekhawat. The party has denied a ticket to Deshmukh in favour of Shekhawat. Deshmukh has solace in the fact that various non-partisan organisations, including Vanrai have supported him. But he had little option to jump in the fray as a rebel candidate which he did.

In fact, Congress-NCP combine deliberately delayed announcement of candidates' list so as to avoid rebellion. Dilip Sopal, former NCP minister has filed his nomination from Barshi in Solapur distric against the official nominee. Another former NCP minister, Digvijay Khanvilkar is also standing in Kolhapur as an independent candidate. He was defeated in Kolhapur (South) by Satej Patil, then an independent candidate. In a twist of fate, Satej aka Bunty Patil is now official Congress nominee while Khanvilkar is his independent rival.

Most bizarre incident of rebellion occurred in Jamkhed in Ahmednagar district. Sharad Lokhande, sitting MLA from BJP was again given a ticket from the same constituency. But he rejected the ticket and made headed towards Maharashtra Navnirman Sena. The two time MLA is a MNS candidate now from Kurla. In a new low of part politics, chief minister Ashok Chavan's cavalcade faced footwear just yesterday. Chavan was at Loha near Nanded to address a rally in support of NCP candidate Shankar Dhongde. It is suspected that supporters of Pratap Patil Chikhlikar, sitting independent MLA from Loha did throw the footwear at CM. Chikhlikar is a supporter of Vilasrao Deshmukh, former chief minister and now union minister of heavy industries. He has supported the Congress-NCP government for last five years but does not have cordial relations with Chavan.

In Shiv Sena, the number of rebel is equally high. Sada Sarvankar, sitting legislator member of party has joined Congress. To top it, he has alleged that Uddhav Thackerey, executive president of Shiv Sena was behind the attack on Manohar Joshi's house which happened last week. That attack itself was indicative how widespread the discontent was in the party. For NCP, Udayanraje Bhosale, the descendant of Chhatrapati SHivaji is busy giving NCP a run for its money. He has already declared that he will field his own candidates in Satara district. The NCP MP from Satara has made enough statements to damage to standing of party in Western Maharashtra.

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Party time for rebels-1

Rebels Having a Feast on Official Candidates

Maharashtra, let alone Pune, is facing highest number of rebel candidates in the assembly elections. The state is especially known for its fighting spirit. But never in the history of electoral democracy was such a frenzy of candidates soliciting the votes from the electorates. What's worse, it is not limited to one party.

I have already written about the rebellion of Anna Joshi from Kothrud constituency. Chandrakant Chhajed, sitting MLA from now defunct Bopodi constituency, followed Joshi's suit by by fielding himself from two constituencies – Shivajinagar and Vadgaonsheri against the official Congress nominees. The three time Congress MLA could not gulp down the fact that he was denied ticket by his party. While Vinayak Nimhan, a rebel MLA of Shiv Sena is the official candidate from Shivajinagar, Vadgaon Sheri was given to Nationalist Congress Party, alliance partner of Congress.

Chhajed is known to be close to Suresh Kalmadi, member of parliament from Pune. He was instrumental in ensuring success for Kalmadi just five months ago.
While Anna Joshi switched over to NCP to contest election from Kothrud seat, Ujjwal Keskar, another prominent person from BJP stable is fighting it alone. He will also contest from the Kothrud constituency. He had made no bones about his wish to contest the election but the seat fell into Shiv Sena's lap during seat sharing bargaining. On the other hand, he seemed not ready to wait for another five years before diving into the state politics. This constituency seemed to have more rebel candidates than those of parties. Dipak Mankar, who was recently in a soup over the land grabbing cases was out of race in Congress for the candidacy. But he managed to get bail just on the eve of elections. He also filed his nomination from Kothrud making it difficult for Joshi.

Ramesh Vanjale, another notable figure in the district politics of Pune has switched over to two parties in the same league. The former member of Zilla Parishad has his origins in the Congress but was in talks with Shiv Sena for a ticket from Khadakwasla constituency. Later, when he realised it is not possible, he managed to get going in the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena. 

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Anna Leaves BJP! What is the difference?

 Will  desertion by Anna Joshi be a jolt to Bharatiya Janata Party ahead of Maharashtra Assembly polls? The answer is no, it is relatively a minor set back. It is nothing extra-ordinary what with large scale desertions and defection in all political parties in the state.
Even though Anna Joshi is a a senior leader of the party and former MP of BJP. Yesterday, he announced that he is quitting the party and joining  NCP. He will be a candidate from Kothrud assembly constituency on NCP ticket.

Joshi, was MP from Pune in 1989 and 1991. his candidacy from Kothrud was declared by Nationalist Congress Party spokesman
Ankush Kakde yesterday. He will take on Chandrakant Mokate of Shiv Sena, alliance partner of BJP.

Joshi, who had also held the post of Deputy Speaker of Maharashtra Assembly, was licking his wounds for many days in BJP after he was sidelined twice. He was denied ticket in the last Lok Sabha polls and again for the Assembly elections from Pune. Joshi was known for his rivalry with late Viththal Gadgil, congress party veteran from Pune. He was helped by Sharad Pawar, who was in Congress at that time but was heading rival faction against Gadgil. Interestingly, Pawar had a man friday in Suresh Kalmadi at that time. The equations have changed a lot since then.

Born on April 3, 1935 at Varangaon, Jalgaon, Joshi has done a lot of work for Pune. He was a corporator in Pune Municipal Corporation during 1968 to 1979 and went on to become deputy mayor of city during 78-79. He was responsible to give BJP three consecutive wins in the Lok Sabha elections. He comes from the Brahmin community and started his career in Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. The voter base of the BJP came mainly from these two sectors. People of these sectors have significantly reduced in numbers. Therefore Joshi is hardly a winning candidate anymore for the party. Still to be fair, Joshi deserves honour as he stuck to his party even 13 years after losing his position. But Pawar's friendship with him has earned him the candidacy.

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Austerity! At what cost?

At the time when recession is officially lingering at receding line, the ministers and leaders of Congress party are having austerity drive. From the public elected 'heir-apparent' of country Rahul Gandhi to the non-committal Shashi Tharoor, everybody is coping with the cost cutting in his own ways. Media is untiringly picking up each and every piece of information disseminated from New Delhi. However, considering the wild card given by media to Gandhi dynasty, some facts will not be probed ever.

The celebrations were just short of fire crackers when Rahul Gandhi announced to travel by Rajdhani Express. The statement of Louis XV, that punctuality is the courtesy of the king, was given a twist to say that AC travel by one of the most expensive train was the nobility of this young man. After his voyage, some things were never asked:

• were other passengers allowed to seat in the same compartment in which Rahul was seated?
• How much cost was incurred on the travel taking into consideration the security arrangements including security personnel? 
• How did the security at each station managed?
  

 The wide coverage given to the pelting of stones on the train in which Rahul was travelling was also not surprising. It is on the same lines which was adopted while reporting on the famed speech by Rahul, wherein he referred to a woman in Vidarbha region of Maharashtra. He portrayed, in moving words, the poor condition in which the woman lived and how he spent one night in the woman's hut. In the latest incident, print and electronic media alike expressed concern over the stone pelting. Surprisingly, the culprits are not caught yet. One national newspaper went on to say that the risk taken by Rahul was unnecessary and he staked country's future in his act. As if something happening to Rahul is directly culmination of India's prospects. The old slogan of Indira is India is resurfacing again. 

 

What is true of Rahul is true for other ministers also. The ministers who have shown readiness to give one month's salary for the drought affected areas in the country will not part with the perks and allowances they get. It is a common knowledge that salaries of these ministers and MPs constitute a fraction of their income. Even actual contribution of that salaries is also not known. Pranv Mukherjee is saying he flies by economy class. Other ministers are expected to follow the suit. But the question is not of flying class but of flying unnecessarily. Why should the ministers and other functionaries fly by air to attend the foundation laying ceremony of projects which take at least a decade to complete? Can't these men work sitting in their offices? While opposing to economy class flying, Sharad Pawar said ministers have confidential files and working in planed with people around causes problem. I don't think passengers in a plane go to the minister's seat and lean over to see what file he is working on. Pawar himself will face much less problem if he cuts his trips to Pune or Baramati from New Delhi over petty issues. But he won't. And he is not alone. Almost each minister in the cabinet is doing the same.

In this scenario, the Congress will do a favour to public if it stops this austerity drama. The country is best prepared to be relieved of public money for minister's expenses. That's what is the norm for last six decades. Once this drama stops, there will be hope that someone will have time and inquisitiveness as to what happened to that woman whom Rahul referred in his speech. Did her life improved after the party won vote of confidence?

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The Talks for The Seats

Poltical parties in Maharashtra are entangled in the parleys for seat sharing. Can this be a reason for the deadlock?

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Nanasaheb Peshwa and Parvati

Today, September 17^th marks the death anniversary according to Hindu calendar of Nanasaheb Peshwe, the third Peshwa in Maratha empire. Word Peshwe simply means the prime minister or head of minister council. Balaji Vishwanath was the first Peshwa was first Peshwa appointed by Shahu Maharaj, the grandson of Chhatrpati Shivaji and son of Chhatrapati Sambhaji. Balaji was succeeded by Bajirao I. Bajirao's son was Nanasaheb Peshwa. Most of the magnificence of today's Pune is either created by Peshwas or stemmed from the Peshwa era creations.

Nanasaheb Peshwa is not remembered for the valour and romanticism like Bajirao I. Nor is he known for the political acumen like Madhavrao Peshwa. But he was instrumental in giving Pune some of the most memorable edifices and systmes. Prominent among them is Parvati temple which is a hallmark of Pune's cultural activism and aestheticism. Parvati hill situated near Swargate today is dotted, or rather dominated by the slums, but at the time of its creation, it was one of the architectural beauties of the Deccan.

Born on December 16, 1721, Nanasaheb was named Balaji Bajirao. He became Peshwa on June 25, 1740 and died on June 23, 1761. In his last days, he was much disturbed by the great defeat of Marathas at the battle of Panipat. He lost his brother Sadashiv and niece Vishwas at the battle. To add insult to injury, there was an impersonator claiming to be Sadashivrao Peshwa who came some time later after the battle. The case took many days and caused much upheaval in the ruling family as well as elite class in then Pune. Later, the impersonator was found to be a Brahmin from Kanauj and was killed. But till then, he was placed at Parvati.

Barring Raghunath Peshwa, whose ambitious politics caused much disorder during Peshwa rule, all Peshwas lived very short. On an average, they were only 40 years of age. Nanasaheb was no exception. He was 39 when he died of Tuberculosis. He did not take much part in the battles but more than that, he is known for his administrative skills. His predecessors had laid a solid foundation what with even Mogul rulers at Delhi consenting to their claims without much fuss. Nanasaheb built an artful and systematic rule on that foundation. It was during his rule that first water system in Pune was laid down. He managed to bring water from Katraj lake to Pune about 250 years ago. During his reign, he either created or rehabilitated Raviwar Peth, Budhwar Peth, Shukrwar Peth, Vetal (Guruwar Peth), Nagesh Peth, Ganesh Peth and Ganj Peth which even today are burstling with activities. 
 

Most of Nanasaheb's life was spent at Parvati. His existence was so attached to the place that he breathed his last at the site. Later, it was a place associated with many incidents of importance. After British rule firmly established itself on the land, the religious connotation of the place gave way to cultural one. Many citizens from old parts of the city were obsessive visitors to the place. Marathi literature is full of references of how old and young people alike had daily routine of climbing up and down the hill. Even as the city was birthplace of many movements and citadel of activists of all sort, the meeting spot for all of them was mainly Parvati. Converging at eateries and hotels is a very recent phenomenon for Pune. 
 

Paravati temple was established in year 1749 by Nanasaheb Peshwa. He started a trust to manage the temple. Opinions differ on the exact date of establishment of the temple-some say it is April 11 and some say it is April 7. But the foundation day of the temple is celebrated according to Hindu calendar. Nanasaheb was a devotee of Mahadev so he made an idol of Mahadev and Parvati with Ganesh sitting on their laps from gold! Along with Mahdev, four other temples dedicated to Goddess Parvatai, Ganesh, Vishnu and Sun were created here. The idol of Mahadev was made from 6337 tolas, Parvati 1245 tolas and Ganesh 686 tolas! Even five epitomes of the temples were also made from gold which weighed 1079 tolas. These idols were put in tight security cover and they were taken to Sinhgad many times during the enemy attack on Pune. On July 15, 1932 these idols were stolen. The perpetrators were never caught neither the idols were recovered. The present idols in the temple are made from silver and gold plated.

Nanasheb built a wada as his residence just beside the temple. Now his memorial is built in the room where he breathed his last.

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Voices of Dissent in Congress

Are They Serious Enough?

The voices of dissent have started to rise from the Congress party in Maharashtra. One of the first leader to raise the tone is Shivajirao Patil Nilangekar, who is enraged over non-inclusion in the candidates selection committee. Nilangekar is the former chief minister of Maharashtra and comes from Nilanga in the Latur district.

PTI quotes him as saying : I met Congress president Sonia Gandhi recently and apprised her of the situation. I pointed out that neither myself nor former MPCC president N M Kamble were appointed to the panel, which has several less deserving people on board.

Nilangekar is one of those old breeds in Congress who still avow Indira Gandhi's name. He was the chief minister of Maharashtra in 1985-86. He had to resign after a scam in which he was accused of influencing the results of MBBS examination in which his daughter was a candidate. Since then, he was relegated to oblivion and could never make a comeback in the state politics. In the new age of professional politics, he is a rare type of leader. In the 2004 Lok Sabha election, he fought against his daughter-in-law, who was contesting from a BJP ticket. And he lost it! So it is surprising that he is returning and even more surprising is the fact that media is taking him seriously!

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Confusion Party of Maharashtra

Even as the assembly elections fever is yet to catch up with public, political parties are finding it difficult to manage the unbearable tension. On the one hand, no party is sure as to whom it should align to. Secondly, the political atmosphere is so divided and obscure that no one has any idea of clicking it big this time. This is the most confusion times in Maharashtra.

Congress and Nationalist Congress Party, ruling for almost ten years in the state, are still entangled in the seat sharing war. Congress wants NCP to blink first and it has justification for its demand. It has garnered most seats in the recently held Lok Sabha elections. At the same time, NCP has suffered huge losses due to various factors. One of the major failures of NCP is in Satara district. Sharad Pawar, national chief of NCP chose Udayanraje Bhosale, 13th descendent of Chhatrapati Shivaji as party's candidate to consolidate Maratha votes. Even though Bhosale was elected, and he was destined to be as his leadership is unchallenged in the Satara constituency, he refused to align himself with the party's stand. Right from the campaigning, Udayanraje acquired a posture which more or less eroded party's position in Satara and eventually Western Maharashtra.

Unable to bargain for more seats, NCP is now trying its hard to hold on to existing seat sharing formula. But it is unlikely that it will get 124 seats. Congress leadership in the state was forced to eat many bitter pills in last ten years due to NCP's better position. Now, all the side effects of those pills are spilling out. Even if the sharing takes place, there will be much internal manoeuvring for the detriment of each other. A meeting of both parties is to take place at Varsha, the official residence of Chief Minister Ashok Chavan.

Opposition parties do not have a much unenviable position. While Shiv Sena has suffered losses in the urban belts in Lok Sabha elections, Bharatiya Janata Party has to put its own house in order before plunging in elections. The only solace these parties have is that they have an alliance in place and their seat sharing formula is almost finalised. Shiv Sena even though accepted to give same number of seats to BJP, but is yet to be convinced that its ally will be able to stand on its feet what with recent drama in the party. There was talk in the inner circle of BJP that Lal Krishna Advani will not be invited for the campaigning in the state. Neither will be Narendra Modi. This puts the onus on Gopinath Mundhe only.

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, the new enfant terrible on Maharashtra's political scene is in the eye of discussion over the period. But it is still unclear whether the party will go it alone or will fight the election with others' help. Raj Thackerey, party's chief has made it clear that the party will not field candidates in all constituencies in the state. Besides, in some recent interviews to local newspapers and news channels, he has made it clear that his party will not share power with anyone. “My plan is to assume full power and never until then,” he has said. This effectively takes wind out of MNS' ship. The only thing now the party will achieve is eating in of the votes of Shiv Sena. Since both parties claim to address the same voter base.

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Aurangabad to Go dry on

measure aimed to avert Dengue menace

The current rage in Maharashtra is H1N1 flu which is still called swine flu even though the World Health Organisation has recommended not to do so. With the casualties on account of this disease touching 100, it is hardly surprising that the media and people alike are obsessed with it. But then there are other diseases also which are claiming lives of citizens. These killer diseases are here each year but this year they are being relegated to the oblivion.

One such disease is dengue. The killer fever has already plagued Maharashtra with many patients in Pimpri Chinchwad. The municipal corporation there is fighting hard against the disease. Fortunately, Pune is not so much troubled by it. However, other cities in the state are not so lucky. One of the prominent cities in Marathwada, Aurangabad, is finding it hard to cope with the problem in addition to Swine Flu. To find a solution, the municipal corporation of Aurangabad has decided to observe a Dry Day in city.

The municipal corporation of Aurangabad has appealed to the citizens to keep their house dry on September …... the measures to be followed on the day include, throwing out all the water stored in house for more than five days. It is also advised to keep all the utensils in house dry at least for four to five hours. The civic body aims to keep the breeding of mosquitoes to minimum through these measures. It is one of the bold attempts in recent history and goes beyond the usual measures of spraying insecticides etc.

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Could milk adulteration racket averted?

Western Maharashtra was shocked in the first week of August when a major racket of milk adulteration was unearthed. A combined raid by district food and adulteration administrations of Pune and Satara was carried out in Baramati and Phaltan. According to latest report, all eight samples of milk collected during the raids have been tested positive for adulteration. The question is: can this racket be avoided? And answer is: yes.

According to preliminary estimates, the milk which was prepared in the collection centres in above two talukas was supplied to Pune, Sangli, Satara, Ahmednagar and Solapur. The milk in those collection centres was prepared by mixing chemicals with water. Officials are still unsure what this chemical really is. Its lab test report is yet to be received. The culprits are suspected to have amassed crores of rupees through this mean.

Now we go back to 2004-05 when Ajit Pawar, city's guardian minister had warned against the milk adulteration. He had said then that state government will enact a law providing strict punishment for milk adulteration. Five years have gone by and nothing sort of the thing has come by. Had the government acted on the matter, the racket could have been easily avoided.

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