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Yogesh Joshi

Yogesh Joshi is Assistant Editor at Hindustan Times. He covers politics, security, development and human rights from Western Maharashtra.

Articles by Yogesh Joshi

Monday Musings: BJP’s problem of plenty is NCP (SP)’s gain

Several leaders from the BJP and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP faction are now contemplating or actively pursuing a return to Sharad Pawar’s NCP

Sharad Pawar will be on three-day Kolhapur tour where he will interact with leaders from his and other parties and explore possible defections. (HT FILE)

Pune

Updated on Sep 02, 2024 08:02 AM IST

ByYogesh Joshi

Monday musings: MPCB’s track record raises more questions than answers

In theory, the MPCB’s mandate is clear: to prevent and control pollution, ensuring the protection of Maharashtra’s environment

The surprise inspection at the Mercedes-Benz plant, followed by a PR blitz and the hasty deletion of social media posts, raises concerns about the board’s operational methods and its ability to enforce its regulations effectively. (HT PHOTO)

Pune

Updated on Aug 26, 2024 10:51 AM IST

ByYogesh Joshi

Monday Musings: Maharashtra’s competitive populism

The Ladki Bahin scheme, seen as fiscally unsustainable to win votes in state elections, is modelled after a similar one introduced by the BJP in Madhya Pradesh, which played a crucial role in securing its re-election

On Saturday, when the Mahayuti government in Maharashtra officially rolled out the scheme, chief minister Eknath Shinde said the monthly financial assistance to eligible women could be doubled from <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>1,500 to <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>3,000 if the alliance is re-elected. (HT FILE PHOTO)

Pune

Updated on Aug 19, 2024 09:16 AM IST

ByYogesh Joshi

FIR filed against Mahajan under pressure: CBI

CBI's closure report in MCOCA court states case against BJP leader Girish Mahajan couldn't be proven. Allegations of framing by ex-home minister Deshmukh mentioned.

Anil Deshmukh ‘pressured’ police to file FIR against Girish Mahajan (in pic): CBI closure report. (HT FILE)

Pune

Updated on Aug 06, 2024 09:04 AM IST

ByYogesh Joshi

Deshmukh ‘pressured’ police to file FIR against Mahajan: CBI closure report

CBI closure report in Pune states case against BJP leader Girish Mahajan couldn't be substantiated, alleging political pressure to frame him.

Mumbai

Updated on Aug 06, 2024 08:04 AM IST

ByYogesh Joshi

Can Ajit Pawar’s pink strategy turn around NCP’s fortunes?

NCP in Maharashtra uses pink as a strategic move to appeal to women voters, revamp image, and enhance prospects for upcoming assembly polls.

Women power: Pawar wore an onion-pink jacket at NCP’s Jan-Sanman rally in Baramati, on July 14. (ht photo)

Mumbai

Updated on Jul 21, 2024 07:24 AM IST

ByYogesh Joshi

Puja Khedkar faked her identity to appear in IAS exam; FIR filed: UPSC

UPSC’s move came days after the Centre’s training academy in Mussoorie put her district training on hold and ordered her to return to LBSNAA

UPSC said it has filed a FIR against Puja Khedkar, provisionally recommended candidate of the Civil Services Examination-2022. (ANI)

India News

Updated on Jul 19, 2024 03:48 PM IST

ByYogesh Joshi, Shrinivas Deshpande

Puja Khedkar’s IAS training put on hold amid furore over abuse of power

Maharashtra govt recalls controversial officer Puja Khedkar from probation, amid allegations of abusing power, misrepresentation, and misuse of quotas

IAS trainee Puja Khedkar speaks to the media regarding the police interrogation at her residence, in Washim on Tuesday. (ANI)

India News

Updated on Jul 17, 2024 08:54 AM IST

ByYogesh Joshi, Pune

NCP sounds poll bugle from Baramati, intends to take welfare schemes to people

NCP leaders in Maharashtra rally supporters for upcoming assembly polls, highlighting welfare schemes from budget, dismissing opponents' "fake narratives."

Pawar said the Ladki Bahin scheme (for financial assistance to women), and measures like three free LPG cylinders, free college education for girls, free electricity for farmers. (HT PHOTO)

Pune

Updated on Jul 15, 2024 08:30 AM IST

ByYogesh Joshi

Bhujbal accuses Sharad Pawar of intending to set Maha on fire over reservation

Bhujbal said on a sensitive issue like reservation, it was expected that Sharad Pawar would attend the meeting called by the state government last week

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde had convened an all-party meeting on July 9 to discuss the OBC-Maratha reservation to maintain social harmony. (HT PHOTO)

Pune

Updated on Jul 15, 2024 04:59 AM IST

ByYogesh Joshi

PMO seeks report on Puja Khedkar from Pune collector

After being shunted from Pune to Washim for high-handedness, reports of alleged misuse of OBC, PWBD categories surface

Pune

Updated on Jul 11, 2024 07:18 AM IST

ByYogesh Joshi, Nadeem Inamdar, Yogesh Naik

First time MP from Pune Murlidhar Mohol sworn in as Minister of State

He is the only Maratha leader from BJP in Maharashtra to have had ministerial birth especially when Maratha agitation has once again resumed in the state

Another factor that went in his favour was age as Mohol at 50 is among the youngest members in the Modi government. (HT PHOTO)

Pune

Updated on Jun 10, 2024 07:08 AM IST

ByYogesh Joshi

First time MP from Pune Murlidhar Mohol to take oath as minister in Modi 3.0

Mohol, fielded as a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate, defeated Congress’ Ravindra Dhangekar from Pune by a margin of 1.25 lakh votes

First time member of parliament (MP) from Pune Murlidhar Mohol (Twitter Photo)

Mumbai

Published on Jun 09, 2024 01:59 PM IST

ByYogesh Joshi

Sharad Pawar's back where he belongs, on Maharashtra’s centrestage

As the results streamed in, Sharad Pawar told the media, “I hope today’s results will prompt many to seriously think what they have done (in the past)

Mumbai

Updated on Jun 05, 2024 09:06 AM IST

ByYogesh Joshi

In Ajit’s loss, Baramati has declared who will carry forward Pawar’s legacy

On Tuesday, the electorate showed where their sentiments lay, as 54-year-old Supriya Sule, Sharad Pawar’s daughter, won the Baramati Lok Sabha seat for the fourth time

Three months before the Lok Sabha polls, when Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar hinted that the Nationalist Congress Party led by him, would field his wife Sunetra as the candidate from Baramati. (HT PHOTO)

Pune

Updated on Jun 05, 2024 05:36 AM IST

ByYogesh Joshi

Factors that would determine Baramati poll results

From the beginning, sympathy for Sharad Pawar was visible on the ground, particularly in rural areas of the constituency after Ajit Pawar rebelled.

The contest also saw most members of the Pawar clan campaigning for Sule while Ajit Pawar appeared lonely in the battle. (HT PHOTO)

Pune

Updated on Jun 04, 2024 07:01 AM IST

ByYogesh Joshi, Abhay Khairnar

Despite her success at Cannes, Payal Kapadia faces challenges back home

Payal, a former film direction student at FTII from 2015 to 2018, became the first Indian filmmaker to win the Grand Prix award

Director Payal Kapadia, Grand Prix award winner for the film

Pune

Updated on May 27, 2024 09:51 AM IST

ByYogesh Joshi

Grandfather of Pune accident accused paid Chhota Rajan to kill corporator

As per the CBI, which has charge-sheeted the boy’s grandfather, the senior citizen allegedly contracted the gangster in 2009 to kill Shiv Sena's Ajay Bhosale.

Pune

Updated on May 23, 2024 08:06 AM IST

ByYogesh Joshi, Pune

Stage set for polling in 3 Pune constituencies

Pune seat will be a fight between the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) Murlidhar Mohol, a former mayor and four times corporator and Ravindra Dhangekar, a Congress MLA from Kasba Peth and five-term corporator

Pune

Updated on May 13, 2024 06:42 AM IST

ByYogesh Joshi

Narendra Dabholkar murder case: CBI, police ‘failed to unearth masterminds’, says court

In its 170-page order, the special court for UAPA cases observed that Dabholkar’s murder was not an exclusive act of Sachin Andure and Sharad Kalaskar, the two convicted shooters, and there is pre-plan by the masterminds, which the prosecution has failed to unmask

This undated photograph shows Indian activist Narendra Dabholkar who was gunned down by two motorcycle-riding attackers on Tuesday, Aug. 20 as he was taking a morning walk in Pune, India. The 67-year-old doctor-turned-activist had been receiving death threats for years since he began traveling by public buses to hundreds of villages around Maharashtra state to lecture against superstitions, religious extremism, black magic and animal or human sacrifice, according to his friend and fellow activist, Deepak Girme. (AP Photo) (AP FILE)

Pune

Updated on May 11, 2024 04:14 PM IST

ByYogesh Joshi, Nadeem Inamdar

Narendra Dabholkar murder: Two accused get life imprisonment, three acquitted

Sachin Andure and Sharad Kalaskar, who allegedly shot rationalist Narendra Dabholkar in Pune in August 2013, were sentenced to life imprisonment. The three other accused, Virendrasinh Tawade, Sanjiv Punalekar and Vikram Bhave, were acquitted for lack of evidence

Mumbai

Updated on May 11, 2024 06:40 AM IST

ByYogesh Joshi, Nadeem Inamdar

Dabholkar murder: 2 get life term, 3 let off

Special court convicts 2 for rationalist Dabholkar's murder in Pune, sentences them to life. 3 acquitted. Verdict deals blow to wider conspiracy probe.

Dabholkar, who was 67 when he was killed, dedicated almost 30 years of his life towards working to eradicate superstition in Maharashtra. (HT Photo)

India News

Updated on May 11, 2024 05:44 AM IST

ByYogesh Joshi, Nadeem Inamdar, Pune

2 convicted of rationalist Narendra Dabholkar’s murder

The killing of Narendra Dabholkar was the first in a series of assassinations targeting rationalist thought

Rationalist Narendra Dabholkar. (HT PHOTO)

India News

Updated on May 10, 2024 08:24 PM IST

ByYogesh Joshi

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Contenders bank on support of alliance parties

Two key candidates from Pune - BJP’s Murlidhar Mohol and Congress’ Ravindra Dhangekar spoke with Hindustan Times on various issues

(left) Congress’ Ravindra Dhangekar and BJP’s Murlidhar Mohol. (GANESH GAMARE)

Pune

Updated on May 10, 2024 07:56 AM IST

ByYogesh Joshi

Baramati polls 56.07%, less than 2019 turnout; advantage who?

The less than 2019 Lok Sabha election turnout during Tuesday’s polling in Baramati parliamentary seat has made contest even more close amid claims of victory from Supriya Sule and Sunetra Pawar

On Tuesday, Supriya Sule (third from left) cast her vote along with her family members in Baramati. The less than 2019 Lok Sabha election turnout during Tuesday’s polling in Baramati parliamentary seat has made contest even more close amid claims of victory from Supriya Sule and Sunetra Pawar. (HT)

Pune

Updated on May 08, 2024 08:16 AM IST

ByYogesh Joshi

Monday Musings: No central theme to campaigns at halfway mark

The polls are an acid test for Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and his deputy and NCP chief Ajit Pawar as they have cast their lots with the BJP by splitting their respective parties

LS polls are important for Uddhav Thackeray (R), Sharad Pawar as they fight for their political survival. (HT FILE)

Pune

Updated on May 06, 2024 07:16 AM IST

ByYogesh Joshi

Congress promise of caste census implies redistribution of wealth: Sitharaman

Earlier on Friday, Gandhi while addressing a public meeting in the city stressed that his party, if voted to power, will conduct a caste census to know each community’s share in jobs in various sectors with a promise to increase the 50 per cent cap on quota

Sitharaman also claimed that the Congress government in Karnataka did not take action against JD(S) leader Prajwal Revanna, accused of sexually abusing women, for fear of losing Vokkaliga votes. (HT FILE)

Pune

Updated on May 05, 2024 07:32 AM IST

ByYogesh Joshi

Rahul Gandhi should apologise for politicising Rohith Vemula’s death, says Sitharaman

The Telangana police on Friday filed a closure report on the death of Vemula, a University of Hyderabad student who died by suicide in 2016

Nirmala Sitharaman (C) was speaking at an event in city. Also seen are BJP MP Medha Kulkarni (R) and leader Shaina NC. (HT PHOTO)

Pune

Updated on May 05, 2024 07:04 AM IST

ByYogesh Joshi

Rahul Gandhi should apologise for politicising Rohith Vemula’s death: Sitharaman

Amid row, Telangana police, who filed closure report in Vemula’s death, say they will re-investigate the matter.

Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman spoke at the Decan college in Pune on Saturday.

India News

Updated on May 05, 2024 03:26 AM IST

ByYogesh Joshi

‘Wandering soul’ has been bringing political instability in Maharashtra: Modi targets Sharad Pawar

The soul is not just content in destabilising only Maharashtra. Attempts are being made to create political instability in the country, said the prime minister, adding that the country today needs to be saved from such wandering souls to provide stable and strong government.

Pune

Updated on Apr 30, 2024 06:20 AM IST

ByYogesh Joshi

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Yogesh Joshi

Yogesh Joshi is Assistant Editor at Hindustan Times. He covers politics, security, development and human rights from Western Maharashtra.

Several leaders from the BJP and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP faction are now contemplating or actively pursuing a return to Sharad Pawar’s NCP

In theory, the MPCB’s mandate is clear: to prevent and control pollution, ensuring the protection of Maharashtra’s environment

The Ladki Bahin scheme, seen as fiscally unsustainable to win votes in state elections, is modelled after a similar one introduced by the BJP in Madhya Pradesh, which played a crucial role in securing its re-election

CBI's closure report in MCOCA court states case against BJP leader Girish Mahajan couldn't be proven. Allegations of framing by ex-home minister Deshmukh mentioned.

CBI closure report in Pune states case against BJP leader Girish Mahajan couldn't be substantiated, alleging political pressure to frame him.

NCP in Maharashtra uses pink as a strategic move to appeal to women voters, revamp image, and enhance prospects for upcoming assembly polls.

UPSC’s move came days after the Centre’s training academy in Mussoorie put her district training on hold and ordered her to return to LBSNAA

Maharashtra govt recalls controversial officer Puja Khedkar from probation, amid allegations of abusing power, misrepresentation, and misuse of quotas

NCP leaders in Maharashtra rally supporters for upcoming assembly polls, highlighting welfare schemes from budget, dismissing opponents' "fake narratives."

Bhujbal said on a sensitive issue like reservation, it was expected that Sharad Pawar would attend the meeting called by the state government last week

After being shunted from Pune to Washim for high-handedness, reports of alleged misuse of OBC, PWBD categories surface

He is the only Maratha leader from BJP in Maharashtra to have had ministerial birth especially when Maratha agitation has once again resumed in the state

Mohol, fielded as a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate, defeated Congress’ Ravindra Dhangekar from Pune by a margin of 1.25 lakh votes

As the results streamed in, Sharad Pawar told the media, “I hope today’s results will prompt many to seriously think what they have done (in the past)

On Tuesday, the electorate showed where their sentiments lay, as 54-year-old Supriya Sule, Sharad Pawar’s daughter, won the Baramati Lok Sabha seat for the fourth time

From the beginning, sympathy for Sharad Pawar was visible on the ground, particularly in rural areas of the constituency after Ajit Pawar rebelled.

Payal, a former film direction student at FTII from 2015 to 2018, became the first Indian filmmaker to win the Grand Prix award

As per the CBI, which has charge-sheeted the boy’s grandfather, the senior citizen allegedly contracted the gangster in 2009 to kill Shiv Sena's Ajay Bhosale.

Pune seat will be a fight between the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) Murlidhar Mohol, a former mayor and four times corporator and Ravindra Dhangekar, a Congress MLA from Kasba Peth and five-term corporator

In its 170-page order, the special court for UAPA cases observed that Dabholkar’s murder was not an exclusive act of Sachin Andure and Sharad Kalaskar, the two convicted shooters, and there is pre-plan by the masterminds, which the prosecution has failed to unmask

Sachin Andure and Sharad Kalaskar, who allegedly shot rationalist Narendra Dabholkar in Pune in August 2013, were sentenced to life imprisonment. The three other accused, Virendrasinh Tawade, Sanjiv Punalekar and Vikram Bhave, were acquitted for lack of evidence

Special court convicts 2 for rationalist Dabholkar's murder in Pune, sentences them to life. 3 acquitted. Verdict deals blow to wider conspiracy probe.

The killing of Narendra Dabholkar was the first in a series of assassinations targeting rationalist thought

Two key candidates from Pune - BJP’s Murlidhar Mohol and Congress’ Ravindra Dhangekar spoke with Hindustan Times on various issues

The less than 2019 Lok Sabha election turnout during Tuesday’s polling in Baramati parliamentary seat has made contest even more close amid claims of victory from Supriya Sule and Sunetra Pawar

The polls are an acid test for Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and his deputy and NCP chief Ajit Pawar as they have cast their lots with the BJP by splitting their respective parties

Earlier on Friday, Gandhi while addressing a public meeting in the city stressed that his party, if voted to power, will conduct a caste census to know each community’s share in jobs in various sectors with a promise to increase the 50 per cent cap on quota

The Telangana police on Friday filed a closure report on the death of Vemula, a University of Hyderabad student who died by suicide in 2016

Amid row, Telangana police, who filed closure report in Vemula’s death, say they will re-investigate the matter.

The soul is not just content in destabilising only Maharashtra. Attempts are being made to create political instability in the country, said the prime minister, adding that the country today needs to be saved from such wandering souls to provide stable and strong government.

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