असल में बीजेपी का हमेशा से ये प्रयोग रहा है कि महाराष्ट्र में मराठों के मजबूत वर्चस्व को तोड़ने के लिए माधव फार्मूला यानि माली धनगर और वंजारी सारे ओबीसी को एक साथ लाया जाये और मराठा बनाम ओबीसी को तेज किया जाये जिससे मराठा अगर एक तरफ जायें तो पूरा ओबीसी बीजेपी के साथ आ जाये .इसका फायदा बीजेपी को 2014 और 2019 के लोकसभा चुनाव में मिला भी लेकिन अब बीजेपी उससे एक कदम आगे बढ़ गयी है. राजनीतिक विश्लेषक मानते है कि संघ की सलाह पर बीजेपी ने मराठा वोट बैंक को ही अब कई खानों में बांट दिया है. एकनाथ शिंदे के तौर पर मराठा सीएम बनाकर पहले तो शिवसेना का वोट बैंक तोड़ा फिर कुछ दिन बाद अजित पवार को लेकर शरद पवार के मराठा वोट बैंक में सेंध लगा दी.

इतना ही नहीं दूसरी तरफ जब मराठों ने अपने राजनीतिक वजूद की ताकत दिखाने के लिए मराठा आऱक्षण का आंदोलन शुरु किया तो पहले तो मराठों को कुनबी यानि ओबीसी और गैर कुनबी में बांट दिया . इस आंदोलन को लेकर मनोज जरांगे नाम का एक मराठा युवक बहुत लोकप्रिय हुआ उसके पीछे पूरा समाज खड़ा दिखाई दिया लेकिन सरकार ने उसकी कुछ मांगे मानी कुछ नहीं और आखिर में मराठा आरक्षण का केवल प्रस्ताव विधानसभा में पास कर दिया तो अगले ही दिन मनोज जरांगे को भी शब्दजाल में फंसा कर डिसक्रेडिट कर दिया . मजबूरन मनोज जरांगे को अपना आंदोलन बीच में ही छोड़ना पड़ा . इससे पूरा मराठा समाज निऱाश है .
दूसरी तरफ छगन भुजबल की लीडरशिप में ओबीसी ने बिना कुछ हिंसा के अपना अधिकार बचाये ऱखने के लिए जमकर दवाब बनाया और सरकार को मजबूर किया कि वो मराठों को ओबीसी में शामिल करने के बजाय अलग से आरक्षण दे जबकि पचास प्रतिशत की सीमा के चलते जातिगत आधार पर अलग से ये आरक्षण देना कानूनी तौर पर नहीं टिकेगा . अब ओबीसी को संदेश साफ है कि इतना बड़ा आंदोलन करके भी मराठा समाज को कुछ नहीं मिला.

इस सबसे मराठा नेताओं को अपनी राजनीतिक जमीन खिसकती नजर आ रही है इसलिए वो मजबूरी में ही सही लेकिन किसी भी हालत में बीजेपी के साथ जाने तैयार नही है. उनका वोटर इसके लिए तैयार नहीं लेकिन नेताओं को खुद को बचाना है इसलिए वो बीजेपी के साथ जाकर मोदी लहर में ही जीतना चाहते हैं. कांग्रेस के अशोक चव्हाण जैसे दिग्गज नेता भी इस मोह से नहीं बच पाये और बीजेपी चले गये . और भी करीब 15 मराठा नेता एक एक करके बीजेपी का दामन थाम रहे हैं. उधर शरद पवार की ये आखिरी पारी है सो वो कितना मराठा वोट ले पायेंगे ये तो चुनाव में ही पता चल पायेगा लेकिन उनके ही परिवार में फूट पड़ गयी है . बेटी के खिलाफ ही पवार परिवार की बहू लोकसभा चुनाव लड़ना चाहती है.

महाराष्ट्र के इतिहास पर नजर डालें तो मुगल काल और आदिलशाही में यही हुआ था मराठा अपने घर और वतनदारी को बचाने के लिए अलग अलग खेमें में बंटे हुए थे और बाहरी राज कर रहे थे तब सोलहवी सदी के अंत में मराठा छत्रपति शिवाजी महाराज ने मराठों के मतभेद खत्म कर एक साथ किया और स्वराज्य की बात की लेकिन अब इतिहास फिर से खुद को दोहरा रहा है. मराठा अब तक सत्ता पर हावी रहे हैं .एक या दो बार को छोड़कर मराठा ही मुखयमंत्री बनता है और राज्य की सहकारी चीनी मिलों से लेकर शिक्षण संस्थानों तक पर उनका ही राज रहा है लेकिन अब ये पकड़ छूट रही है . अगर मराठों की राजनीतिक ताकत कम हुयी तो इसका खामियाजा पूरे समाज पर होगा .

-संदीप सोनवलकर

The post मराठा वोट बैंक अब बंट गया कई खानों में फायदा बीजेपी को मिलेगा appeared first on newsmantra.in l Latest news on Politics, World, Bollywood, Sports, Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, Trending news | News Mantra.

In the first phase, 71 seats will go to polls, 94 seats will be in phase-2 and 78 seats will go to polls in the third phase. Addressing the press conference, he said these will be perhaps the largest election anywhere in the world during Covid-19, and listed precautionary measures taken by the poll panel and authorities. Among the precautionary steps taken, Arora said that polling time will be increased by one hour and will now be from 7am to 6pm, except in areas affected by Maoist extremism, due to Covid-19.
BIHAR ASSEMBLY POLLS SCHEDULE:
– 1st Phase: 28 October, 71 Seats
– 2nd Phase: 3 November, 94 Seats
– 3rd Phase: 7 November, 78 Seats
– Counting: 10 November

The social media platforms are expected to make adequate arrangements to safeguard against misuse of their platforms & set up strict protocols to handle such issues as and when they arise,” Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora said.

To further decongest polling stations and allow more free movement of voters, polling time has been increased by 1 hour. It’ll be held from 7 am-6 pm, instead of 7 am-5 pm earlier. However, this will not be applicable to Left-wing affected areas,” CEC Sunil Arora said while addressing a press conference to announce the schedule for Bihar assembly polls.

“Covid-19 patients who’re quarantined will be able to cast their vote on the last day of poll, at their respective polling stations, under the supervision of health authorities. This is beside the option of postal facility already extended to them,” CEC Sunil Arora said.

The post BIHAR ELECTION DATES ANNOUNCED appeared first on newsmantra.in l Latest news on Politics, World, Bollywood, Sports, Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, Trending news | News Mantra.

“Protection of vulnerable persons: Persons above 65 years of age, persons with co-morbidities, pregnant women, and children below the age of 10 years, shall stay at home, except for essential and health purposes.”

Simultaneously, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare prescribed detailed procedure of quarantine (Home/Institutional) for COVID-19 positive/suspect persons vide its instructions dated 05.04.2020 and 18.05.2020.

Considering this extraordinary situation, Commission had recommended extension of optional postal ballot facilities to voters above 65 years in order to minimize their vulnerability and exposure at the Polling stations and to Covid positive voters and voters under quarantine so that they are not deprived of their voting rights. On the recommendation of the Commission, Ministry of Law & Justice notified the amended rules accordingly on 19.06.2020. However, before implementing this enabling provision, due notification is issued by the Commission, under section 60(c) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 at the time of election. Before implementing these enabling provisions, Commission continually assesses the field situation and logistics of operationalization.

Commission has been constantly monitoring the electoral preparedness for the coming by-elections and General elections of Assembly in Bihar, in view of this unprecedented environment. Commission has already limited the number of electors to one thousand for each polling station for ease of voting, especially for elderly and vulnerable sections of electors, in COVID-19 situations. In view of this, the State is creating additional 34,000 (approximately) polling stations (45% more), which will increase the total number of polling stations to around 1,06,000. This would entail formidable logistical challenges of mobilizing 1.8 lakh more polling personnel and other additional resources including requirement of much larger number of vehicles in the State of Bihar. Similar challenges would be there for the coming by-elections also.

Considering all these issues, challenges and constraints and in view of the decision to limit the number of electors at each polling station to 1000, Commission has decided not to issue the notification to extend the facility of postal ballot to the electors above 65 years of age in the coming General Elections in Bihar and by- elections due in the near future. However, facility of optional postal ballot to electors who are above 80 years of age, PwD Voters, the electors engaged in essential services and voters who are COVID-19 positive/ suspect in quarantine (home/institutional) will be extended in these elections.

The post NO postal ballot above 65 yrs appeared first on newsmantra.in l Latest news on Politics, World, Bollywood, Sports, Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, Trending news | News Mantra.

चिराग ही नहीं कांग्रेस और आर जे डी भी चुनाव की तारीखों को आगे बढाने की बात कह चुके है. राजनीतिक विश्लेषक सर्वेश तिवारी कहते है कि लोगों की जान बचाना ज्यादा जरुरी है पहले कोरोना का संकट सबसे बड़ा है .राजनीती और सत्ता का मकसद लोगों का भला होना चाहिये . चुनाव से खतरा और बढ सकता है .पहली प्राथमिकता कोरोना को काबू पाना हो बाद में कुछ और ख्याल किया जाये.

रविवार को पहली बार बिहार में एक दिन में सबसे अधिक नए कोरोना मरीजों का रिकार्ड सामने आया। बिहार स्वास्थ्य विभाग के अनुसार एक दिन में 1266 नये मरीज आए हैं , जो अब तक का रिकार्ड है। नीतीश कुमार ने कम जांच कराने के आरोप के बीच राज्य में प्रति दिन 15 हजार टेस्ट कराने का निर्देश दिया है। जानकारों ने आशंका जताई है कि अधिक जांच होने से और मरीज सामने आ सकते हैं। इसी आशंका के मद्देनजर बिहार के अधिकतर जिलों में फिर से लॉक डाउन को लागू कर दिया गया है। वहीं, चुनाव आयोग के सूत्रों के अनुसार उसकी तैयारी पूरी है और 15 अगस्त के बाद हालात की समीक्षा होगी, जिसके बाद चुनाव के डेट के बारे में अंतिम फैसला होगा। तय समय के अनुसार राज्य में अक्टूबर-नवंबर में विधानसभा चुनाव होने वाले हैं।

The post बिहार चुनाव की तारीखों पर खींचतान appeared first on newsmantra.in l Latest news on Politics, World, Bollywood, Sports, Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, Trending news | News Mantra.

Elections were to be held for 18 Upper House across seven assemblies — Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya and Gujarat — in the latest round of indirect elections for the 245-member council of states. Of the 55 seats that feel vacant, 37 members were elected unopposed.
The decision was taken at a meeting attended by election commissioners Ashok Lavasa and Sushil Chandra.

“The situation because of Covid-19 mandates that we shouldn’t put MLAs in a congregation. The decision has been taken independently by the commission and will be up for review once the situation improves,” said a senior EC official who asked not to be named.

“We have decided to defer the polls as the situation is not conducive for them,” a second senior EC official told Hindustan Times. “We will review the decision after March 31,” he added.

The first official said that this round of elections will be conducted separately from the next round of Rajya Sabha polls due in June. “The two will not be clubbed together,” he said.

In a press release issued by ECI, it said the decision was being taken in view of the health risks posed by Covid-19.

“Commission has reviewed in detail the matter. The prevailing unforeseen situation of public health emergency indicates the need for avoidance of possibilities of gatherings of any nature, which expose all concerned to possible health hazard,” the release said.

“The poll process in the above said elections would necessarily include the gathering of polling officials, agents of political parties, support officials and members of respective Legislative Assemblies on the poll day, which may not be suitable in view of the prevailing unforeseen situation and related advisories in the country,” it added.

The Commission has invoked Article 153 of the Representation of People’s Act, 1951, under which the commission “for reasons which it considers sufficient, may extend the time for the completion of any election by making necessary amendments”. In accordance with its provisions, EC has “deferred the poll and extended the period of said election under the provisions of Section 153 of the Act”.

The post EC defers Rajya Sabha polls appeared first on newsmantra.in l Latest news on Politics, World, Bollywood, Sports, Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, Trending news | News Mantra.

Both AAP heavyweights Manish Sisodia and Atishi have won their respective seats after initial scare. The biggest AAP heavyweight trailing at the moment is Speaker Ram Niwas Goel.

Exit polls had predicted another term for Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party, the BJP, which powered its campaign on the anti-Citizenship (Amendment) Act protests at Shaheen Bagh, is likely to win right seats.

The campaign for the Delhi Election 2020 has been bitter and polarised, the political discourse bogged down by threatening slogans and foul language.

The ruling AAP has sought to retain power on the work done in the field of education, health, and in providing cheap electricity and water, while the main opposition BJP conducted a massive campaign, roping in most of its 70 union ministers, 270 MPs and leaders and Chief Ministers from various states, to deliver it’s campaign message on anti-CAA protests and nationalism.

Delhi election 2020 was held on Saturday, with 62.59 per cent of the city’s voters coming out to exercise their democratic right. The voter turnout in the previous assembly election in 2015 stood at 67.5 per cent.

Party Total

AAP- 63

BJP- 7

INC- 0

JD(U)- 0 0 0

The post Arvind Kejriwal Wins appeared first on newsmantra.in l Latest news on Politics, World, Bollywood, Sports, Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, Trending news | News Mantra.

Exit polls have predicted another term for Arvind Kejriwal, who came to power in 2015 with a massive mandate – forgiven after his apology for the 49-day government of 2014.

The campaign has been bitter and polarised, the political discourse bogged down by hate speeches. A last-minute controversy arose after the voting, over the Election Commission’s delay in announcing the final polling figures.

The Chief Minister has given Delhi what he called a “10-point guarantee card”, which includes free power, 24-hour drinking water on tap, a clean Yamuna and a world-class education to every child. In its manifesto, AAP has also promised round-the-clock markets in the model of Mumbai and expanding the metro network into the “world’s largest”.

The BJP confident that its seven-out-of-seven-score in last year’s Lok Sabha polls in Delhi augurs better fortune. In the run-up to the polls, the party pushed in its 270 MPs, 70 union ministers and state leaders to seek votes. Union minister Amit Shah contributed to the final push with a door-to-door campaign.

Election Held in the shadow of the protests over the contentious Citizenship Amendment Act, the National Population Register and the National Register of Citizens, the two-month campaign has been divisive, with the rhetoric on a downward spiral. “Goli maaro” slogans were raised at the meetings of several BJP leaders and the Chief Minister was publicly called a “terrorist” by a union minister.

-BJP’s Kapil Mishra leading from Model Town by a margin of 98 votes.

-AAP’s Manish Sisodia leading from Patparganj by a margin of 112 votes.

-Official EC trends: Aam Aadmi Party leading on 32 seats and Bharatiya Janata Party leading on 16 seats.

-Official EC trends: Aam Aadmi Party leading on 27 seats and Bharatiya Janata Party leading on 16 seats.

The post AAP GETS MAJORITY IN TRENDS appeared first on newsmantra.in l Latest news on Politics, World, Bollywood, Sports, Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, Trending news | News Mantra.

The term of the Legislative Assembly of NCT of Delhi 2019 is due to expire on 22.02.2020. The term and strength of the assembly is indicated as below Name of State/UT Territory Term of Assembly No. of Assembly Seats NCT of Delhi 23.02.2015 to 22.02.2020 70 81 The Election Commission of India (hereinafter ECI) is committed to hold free, fair and transparent election to the Legislative Assembly of NCT of Delhi before the cessation of its term, in exercise of the authority and powers conferred upon under Article 324 read with Article 172 (1) of the Constitution of India and Section 15 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

The Commission firmly believes that pure and updated electoral rolls are the foundation of free, fair and credible election and intensive and sustained focus is laid on improving their quality, health and fidelity. The Commission had directed the National Capital Territory election machinery to ensure a smooth, effective, inclusive and time-bound completion of Special Summary Revision of Electoral Rolls with reference to 01.01.2020 as the qualifying date, so as to ensure that all eligible but un-enrolled citizens in the Union Territory are duly registered in the Electoral Rolls. Special efforts were made to identify the critical gaps in the electoral rolls and targeted SVEEP activities were carried out to address them. Further, with a view to providing further opportunity eligible persons to get their names registered in the electoral roll so that they are not deprived of voting in elections and to improve the health of the electoral roll at the same time, the Commission ordered Special Summary Revision of Photo Electoral Rolls w.r.t. 01.01.2020 as qualifying date in the Union Territory of NCT of Delhi. The final publication of electoral roll has been done on 06.01.2020 in NCT of Delhi.

Polling stations managed by women As part of its firm commitment towards gender equality and greater constructive participation of women in the electoral process, the Commission has also directed that, to the extent possible, at least one polling station managed exclusively by women shall be set up in every Assembly Constituency in NCT of Delhi. In such stations all election staff, including police and security personnel, must be women.

The post Delhi Polling to be held on 8th February appeared first on newsmantra.in l Latest news on Politics, World, Bollywood, Sports, Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, Trending news | News Mantra.

IMP points of court decision

-Maharashtra majority test tomorrow

-Take the majority test by 5pm tomorrow

-Don’t want secret ballot

– Live telecast will take place.

Meanwhile, General Counsel Tushar Mehta yesterday launched a debate on behalf of the Governor. He had made a preliminary objection to the court’s review of the governor’s decision.

Tushar Mehta gave the letter of 54 MLAs as the leader of the NCP . he said Ajit Pawar’s is CLP on November 22

Ajit Pawar says in a letter to Fadnavis that he does not want President’s rule -. But ‘I am the NCP. We will resolve the dispute in the party – Ajit Pawar’s lawyer in court. Don’t make any interim decisions like Karnataka

Sc tell that it is necessary to have a floor test to avoid horse trading, the apex court on Tuesday also asked Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari to appoint a pro-tem speaker and ensure that all elected members of the House are sworn in on Wednesday itself.

The entire exercise will be telecast live and has to be completed by 5 pm, said a bench comprising Justices N V Ramana, Ashok Bhushan and Sanjiv Khanna.

“In the present case, oath has not been administered to the newly elected MLAs…In the present scenario to avoid horse trading it is necessary to have a floor test to determine the majority in the house,” the bench said.

“We are of the considered opinion that the governor should ensure a floor test,” it said.

The apex court concluded the brief proceeding by saying that replies to the main petition filed by the Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress combine against the governor’s decision to swear Fadnavis as chief minister will be done in eight weeks.

The court said it was necessary to pass an interim order for a floor test to uphold democratic values and the citizens’ rights to good governance.

It was imperative for the court to be cognisant of the prevailing circumstances, the bench added.

The post SC HAS GIVEN JUST ONE DAY TO FADNAVIS appeared first on newsmantra.in l Latest news on Politics, World, Bollywood, Sports, Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, Trending news | News Mantra.

Negotiations on government formation have dragged on for the 13th day since the election results were announced. At a meeting held this morning, Sena MLAs passed a resolution, authorising Uddhav Thackeray to take a “final decision” on government formation in Maharashtra.

Earlier in the morning, Raut said there have been no talks yet between RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and Uddhav Thackeray on government formation in the state. He also expressed confidence that MLAs of the Sena, and the opposition Congress and NCP “would not cross sides”.

The BJP should show it has 145 MLAs in its support and form the government, he said. “When you say the mandate is for ‘Mahayuti’, the mandate is also for what was agreed upon when the alliance was formalised. The mandate is for having a Shiv Sena chief minister,” he said.

Raut criticised state minister and BJP leader Sudhir Mungantiwar for saying that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is “like a Shiv Sainik”. “If you think you are from the Shiv Sena, behave like one. For the Shiv Sena, the given word is very important. For us it is like ‘pran jaaye par vachan na jaaye’ (promise has greater value than life),” he said.

The post UDDHAV TO TAKE CALL ON GOVERNMENT FORMATION appeared first on newsmantra.in l Latest news on Politics, World, Bollywood, Sports, Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, Trending news | News Mantra.