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Shrinivas Deshpande

Articles by Shrinivas Deshpande

Surge in election-linked violent incidents

Ahead of assembly polls, election-related violence surges in Maharashtra, raising safety concerns as clashes and alleged voter intimidation incidents escalate.

This disturbing trend has raised concerns about the safety and integrity of the electoral process. (REPRESENTATIVE PHOTO)

Pune

Updated on Nov 17, 2024 07:34 AM IST

ByShrinivas Deshpande

Maharashtra polls: Priyanka Gandhi challenges PM Modi on caste census, reservations; invokes Balasaheb Thackeray

Priyanka while addressing a rally in Shirdi on Saturday challenged PM Modi to publicly commit to conducting a caste census and lifting the 50% cap on reservations

She criticised the government for the stalled construction of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj memorial in the Arabian Sea, the removal of his statue outside Parliament. (HT PHOTO)

Pune

Updated on Nov 17, 2024 07:08 AM IST

ByShrinivas Deshpande

Maharashtra polls: Power should not be handed over to Devendra Fadnavis: Sharad Pawar

On Friday Pawar was in Tasgaon and participated in political campaign rallies of Rohit Patil, candidate of NCP (SP). Rohit is the son of former Home Minister of Maharashtra RR Patil. Patil locked horns against NCP leader and former MP from Sangli Sanjay Kaka Patil

The veteran leader expressed doubts over the BJP’s intentions, particularly questioning the party’s approach to India’s Constitution (HT PHOTO)

Pune

Updated on Nov 16, 2024 08:30 AM IST

ByShrinivas Deshpande

Fadnavis defends Yogi Adityanath’s comments

The Batenge to Katenge slogan, which roughly translates to ‘Divided, we will be destroyed’, has stirred a political debate after being adopted by BJP officials in Maharashtra for the current election campaign

Fadnavis said that there was nothing wrong with the slogan given by Yogi Adityanath and stated that it had been the history of the country. (HT PHOTO)

Pune

Updated on Nov 16, 2024 07:04 AM IST

ByShrinivas Deshpande

Maharashtra polls: Sharad Pawar, Devendra Fadnavis indulge in rain drama

Pawar and Fadnavis campaigned in rain-soaked rallies, recalling past victories, emphasizing the importance of voting for change in upcoming elections.

Mumbai

Updated on Nov 16, 2024 09:18 AM IST

ByShrinivas Deshpande

Sharad Pawar, Devendra Fadnavis address rallies amid rain; add drama to election campaign

Pawar was at Ichalkaranji in Kolhapur district for Madan Karande’s campaign and Fadnavis was at Shirala in Sangli district

Whenever we hold rallies in the rain, the candidate ends up winning. It is a sign of good luck, Fadnavis said. (HT PHOTO)

Pune

Updated on Nov 16, 2024 06:24 AM IST

ByShrinivas Deshpande

Rebels disrupt Solapur polls amid tug-of-war over 11 crucial seats in western Maha

While 11-seat Solapur has become a battleground for Mahayuti and MVA, both alliances face unexpected turbulence in the form of record eight rebel candidates who have entered the fray

Pune

Updated on Nov 14, 2024 06:36 AM IST

ByShrinivas Deshpande

Rebels may play spoilsport in 36 of 70 seats in western Maha

While MVA and Mahayuti leaders hold massive rallies across western Maharashtra, rebels may play spoilsport in 36 of 70 seats in this region

Pune

Updated on Nov 13, 2024 07:36 AM IST

ByShrinivas Deshpande

Modi accuses Congress of speaking Pakistan’s language on Article 370

Modi’s rallies in Pune, Solapur, and Chimur were aimed at bolstering support for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Mahayuti alliance

Pune

Updated on Nov 13, 2024 10:04 AM IST

ByAbhay Khairnar, Shrinivas Deshpande

Maharashtra polls: The power of bloodlines

As the state goes to polls, here’s a list of 31 families, a comprehensive but not necessarily complete list of dynasties that dominate Maharashtra politics

The Thackerays are one among several dynasties that define Maharashtra politics. (Photo by Raju Shinde/HT Photo) (Hindustan Times)

Mumbai

Updated on Nov 11, 2024 11:36 AM IST

BySurendra P Gangan, Pradip Kumar Maitra, Yogesh Naik, Swapnasaurabha Kulshreshtha, Shrinivas Deshpande

Rohit Pawar faces uphill battle in Karjat-Jamkhed as close associates switch sides

The Karjat-Jamkhed constituency, located in Ahmednagar district, holds historical significance in Maharashtra politics

One more angle is the ‘insider versus outsider’ narrative that is playing out with the Ram Shinde camp portraying Rohit Pawar as an outsider, given his Pune district origins. (HT PHOTO)

Pune

Updated on Nov 11, 2024 07:54 AM IST

ByShrinivas Deshpande

Maharashtra polls: BJP’s Dhananjay Mahadik apologises for remarks amid criticism, notice from EC

Mahadik apologised soon after facing a backlash, saying that his statement was not meant to “insult” women

He added that while women fall victim to the false propaganda of the Opposition party during the election campaign. (HT PHOTO)

Pune

Updated on Nov 11, 2024 07:46 AM IST

ByDheeraj Bengrut, Shrinivas Deshpande

BJP refines strategy for Western Maharashtra poll push

Senior BJP leaders gathered in Pune under the direction of general secretary Ajay Jamwal to evaluate each seat and devise targeted plans

The meeting included detailed discussions on booth-level management, outreach programmes, and voter targeting, aiming for a coordinated effort across the region. (HT PHOTO)

Pune

Updated on Nov 11, 2024 07:42 AM IST

ByShrinivas Deshpande

Maharshatra polls: Sunil Tingre denies claim as Supriya Sule says he served notice to Sharad Pawar

Tingre clarified that no notice had been issued to Pawar, although notices had been sent to three opposition parties, urging them not to link him to the case Porsche case

During a rally at Wadgaonsheri on Friday in support of NCP (SP) candidate Bapu Pathare, Sule said, in the last election, the man who received AB forms from our party signed by Sharad Pawar sent a notice to Pawar Saheb, threatening to drag him to court over defamation in the Porsche accident case. (HT FILE)

Pune

Updated on Nov 10, 2024 05:20 AM IST

ByShrinivas Deshpande

Maharashtra assembly polls: Vishwajeet Kadam who backed rebel in LS poll supports MVA nominee Prithviraj Patil

The growing divide within Sangli’s Congress factions, particularly over the endorsement of Jayashree, has created tensions

Congress leader and MLA Vishwajeet Kadam has been campaigning for Prithviraj Patil. (HT PHOTO)

Pune

Updated on Nov 10, 2024 05:16 AM IST

ByShrinivas Deshpande

Over 100 cooperative sugar mills closed down during Pawar’s regime: Shah

Addressing the rally for ruling Mahayuti alliance candidates Sudhir Gadgil and Sanjay Kaka Patil, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader promised further development for Maharashtra under the government

Shah promised healthcare benefits, including an additional <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>5 lakh coverage for senior citizens under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. (HT PHOTO)

Pune

Updated on Nov 09, 2024 06:36 AM IST

ByShrinivas Deshpande

BJP, Congress trade barbs over ‘red’ Constitution carried by Rahul Gandhi

BJP’s Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday criticised Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi for carrying a red-coloured copy of Indian Constitution in the run-up to the state assembly elections

Pune

Updated on Nov 07, 2024 08:04 AM IST

ByShrinivas Deshpande

Maharashtra polls: Mahayuti rides on bountiful rain to woo farmers

Mahayuti leaders are having a field day in promoting the narrative of agricultural recovery and demonstrating tangible improvements in the sector

Maharashtra received an impressive 126% average rainfall in 2024, thereby managing to recover from the drought of 2023-24 that severely impacted the farming community. (HT PHOTO)

Mumbai

Updated on Nov 07, 2024 09:06 AM IST

ByShrinivas Deshpande

Vishal backs rebel and sister-in-law Jayashree over Congress candidate

MP Vishal Patil declared his support for Congress rebel candidate and his sister-in-law Jayashree Patil in the upcoming assembly elections

Pune

Updated on Nov 06, 2024 08:02 AM IST

ByShrinivas Deshpande

843 people held for illegal sale of liquor

Ahead of elections, Pune's excise department has filed 923 cases, arrested 843, and seized illicit liquor worth ₹3,051 crore since Oct 1, 2024.

In response to the election season, the state excise department has formed teams to track, monitor illegal sale and illicit liquor trade since October 1. (HT PHOTO)

Pune

Updated on Nov 06, 2024 07:50 AM IST

ByShrinivas Deshpande

Cousin brother of Harshvardhan Patil extends support to Pravin Mane

The Indapur Agricultural Produce Market Committee former chairman’s offer of support to Mane on Tuesday is a setback for Harshvardhan ahead of the assembly polls

Comparing the political developments with NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar, Harshvardhan said, “In the past 50 years, Pawar made many leaders, but they left him at regular intervals. (HT PHOTO)

Pune

Updated on Nov 06, 2024 07:40 AM IST

ByShrinivas Deshpande

Uttamrao Jankar’s supporters worked against Dhairyasheel Mohite-Patil: Jaisingh Mohite-Patil

Jankar is contesting from Solapur district’s Malshiras constituency on a Nationalist Congress Party/NCP (SP) ticket

During the rally, Jaisingh Mohite-Patil assured that they will stick to their words. (HT PHOTO)

Pune

Updated on Nov 06, 2024 07:38 AM IST

ByShrinivas Deshpande

Rebels withdraw or maintain independent bids as parties struggle to maintain unity

Several candidates have either withdrawn or maintained their independent bids, creating a complicated situation in western Maharashtra for the upcoming polls on November 20

Pune

Updated on Nov 05, 2024 07:32 AM IST

ByShrinivas Deshpande

Maharashtra polls: Two booked for violation of model code of conduct in Sangli

A non-cognizable offence has been registered against Sachin alias Babaji Ganpatrao Patil and Babasaheb alias Khandu Nivrutti Kadam under Section 172 of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita

Pune

Updated on Nov 05, 2024 07:26 AM IST

ByShrinivas Deshpande

Maharashtra polls: Bhokar constituency records highest nominations

Poll body officials said that of the nominations received, 140 have been accepted, 10 rejected and 17 withdrawn

While the last date for withdrawal of nominations is November 4, political observers said that many constituents from Marathwada like Bhokar will witness higher candidates than other places putting pressure on administration for smooth polling process. (REPRESENTATIVE PHOTO)

Pune

Updated on Nov 02, 2024 05:14 AM IST

ByShrinivas Deshpande

Rohit Patil may face challenge in Kavthe Mahankal, says Sanjay Raut

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut warned that NCP (SP) candidate Rohit Patil may encounter ‘Sangli pattern’ challenge in his Kavthe Mahankal constituency

Pune

Updated on Oct 31, 2024 08:48 AM IST

ByShrinivas Deshpande

Maharashtra polls: NCP factions clash across 41 seats

Most of these contests — 21 seats — will be held in western Maharashtra, the traditional stronghold of NCP, with both factions vying for dominance

Significant face-offs include Ajit Pawar against his nephew, Yugendra Pawar, in Baramati. After his wife’s Lok Sabha defeat, Ajit is aiming to reclaim his influence. (REPRESENTATIVE PHOTO)

Pune

Updated on Oct 31, 2024 07:48 AM IST

ByShrinivas Deshpande

Maharashtra polls: Shiv Sena (UBT) to decide on Sangola seat amid friction with PWP

Sangola is naturally a Shiv Sena seat but we are open to further discussions. The PWP is our alliance partner, and talks with Jayant Rao Patil from the PWP are underway, said Raut

Sangola is a very important assembly constituency and has traditionally been a PWP stronghold with its leader Ganpatrao Deshmukh winning nearly 11 terms. (REPRESENTATIVE PHOTO)

Pune

Updated on Oct 31, 2024 07:42 AM IST

ByShrinivas Deshpande

Maharashtra polls: Parties rope in royals for Satara, Kolhapur battle

As Maharashtra's elections near, parties like Congress and BJP are leveraging royal ties, fielding candidates with heritage to attract traditional voters.

On Tuesday, Congress nominated Madhurimaraje Chhatrapati, daughter-in-law of MP Shahu Maharaj, for the Kolhapur North constituency. (HT PHOTO)

Pune

Updated on Oct 31, 2024 07:20 AM IST

ByShrinivas Deshpande

More than one candidate in fray from both alliances in western Maharashtra, Marathwada and Vidarbha

As elections approach, constituencies like South Solapur, Shrirampur, Paranda, Morshi, Bhandara, and Digras are poised for internal showdowns, with multiple candidates from allied parties gearing up to the assembly contest

Pune

Updated on Oct 30, 2024 09:00 AM IST

ByShrinivas Deshpande

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Shrinivas Deshpande

Ahead of assembly polls, election-related violence surges in Maharashtra, raising safety concerns as clashes and alleged voter intimidation incidents escalate.

Priyanka while addressing a rally in Shirdi on Saturday challenged PM Modi to publicly commit to conducting a caste census and lifting the 50% cap on reservations

On Friday Pawar was in Tasgaon and participated in political campaign rallies of Rohit Patil, candidate of NCP (SP). Rohit is the son of former Home Minister of Maharashtra RR Patil. Patil locked horns against NCP leader and former MP from Sangli Sanjay Kaka Patil

The Batenge to Katenge slogan, which roughly translates to ‘Divided, we will be destroyed’, has stirred a political debate after being adopted by BJP officials in Maharashtra for the current election campaign

Pawar and Fadnavis campaigned in rain-soaked rallies, recalling past victories, emphasizing the importance of voting for change in upcoming elections.

Pawar was at Ichalkaranji in Kolhapur district for Madan Karande’s campaign and Fadnavis was at Shirala in Sangli district

While 11-seat Solapur has become a battleground for Mahayuti and MVA, both alliances face unexpected turbulence in the form of record eight rebel candidates who have entered the fray

While MVA and Mahayuti leaders hold massive rallies across western Maharashtra, rebels may play spoilsport in 36 of 70 seats in this region

Modi’s rallies in Pune, Solapur, and Chimur were aimed at bolstering support for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Mahayuti alliance

As the state goes to polls, here’s a list of 31 families, a comprehensive but not necessarily complete list of dynasties that dominate Maharashtra politics

The Karjat-Jamkhed constituency, located in Ahmednagar district, holds historical significance in Maharashtra politics

Mahadik apologised soon after facing a backlash, saying that his statement was not meant to “insult” women

Senior BJP leaders gathered in Pune under the direction of general secretary Ajay Jamwal to evaluate each seat and devise targeted plans

Tingre clarified that no notice had been issued to Pawar, although notices had been sent to three opposition parties, urging them not to link him to the case Porsche case

The growing divide within Sangli’s Congress factions, particularly over the endorsement of Jayashree, has created tensions

Addressing the rally for ruling Mahayuti alliance candidates Sudhir Gadgil and Sanjay Kaka Patil, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader promised further development for Maharashtra under the government

BJP’s Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday criticised Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi for carrying a red-coloured copy of Indian Constitution in the run-up to the state assembly elections

Mahayuti leaders are having a field day in promoting the narrative of agricultural recovery and demonstrating tangible improvements in the sector

MP Vishal Patil declared his support for Congress rebel candidate and his sister-in-law Jayashree Patil in the upcoming assembly elections

Ahead of elections, Pune's excise department has filed 923 cases, arrested 843, and seized illicit liquor worth ₹3,051 crore since Oct 1, 2024.

The Indapur Agricultural Produce Market Committee former chairman’s offer of support to Mane on Tuesday is a setback for Harshvardhan ahead of the assembly polls

Jankar is contesting from Solapur district’s Malshiras constituency on a Nationalist Congress Party/NCP (SP) ticket

Several candidates have either withdrawn or maintained their independent bids, creating a complicated situation in western Maharashtra for the upcoming polls on November 20

A non-cognizable offence has been registered against Sachin alias Babaji Ganpatrao Patil and Babasaheb alias Khandu Nivrutti Kadam under Section 172 of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita

Poll body officials said that of the nominations received, 140 have been accepted, 10 rejected and 17 withdrawn

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut warned that NCP (SP) candidate Rohit Patil may encounter ‘Sangli pattern’ challenge in his Kavthe Mahankal constituency

Most of these contests — 21 seats — will be held in western Maharashtra, the traditional stronghold of NCP, with both factions vying for dominance

Sangola is naturally a Shiv Sena seat but we are open to further discussions. The PWP is our alliance partner, and talks with Jayant Rao Patil from the PWP are underway, said Raut

As Maharashtra's elections near, parties like Congress and BJP are leveraging royal ties, fielding candidates with heritage to attract traditional voters.

As elections approach, constituencies like South Solapur, Shrirampur, Paranda, Morshi, Bhandara, and Digras are poised for internal showdowns, with multiple candidates from allied parties gearing up to the assembly contest

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