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Tag: Maharashtra

  • Maharashtra Secures 52.46% Of India’s Total Foreign Investment In Q1 Of FY 2024-25 | Economy News

    Maharashtra has once again cemented its position as the top destination for foreign investment in India, attracting a staggering 52.46% of the country’s total investments in the first quarter of the 2024-25 financial year. From April to June 2024, the state received a total of Rs 70,795 crore in foreign direct investment (FDI), far surpassing any other state in India.

    This milestone continues Maharashtra’s two-year streak as the leader in attracting FDI. The state’s dominance is evident as its investments exceed the combined total of all other top-ranking states. Karnataka followed with Rs 19,059 crore, Delhi at third with Rs 10,788 crore, and Telangana, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu taking the fourth, fifth, and sixth spots with Rs 9,023 crore, Rs 8,508 crore, and Rs 8,325 crore respectively. The combined investment of these states still falls short of Maharashtra’s achievement.

    Commenting on the development, Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis said, “Congratulations Maharashtra! Very good news! Maharashtra leads in FDI with a staggering 52.46% of India’s total investment! Maharashtra which is consecutively ranked No. 1 for last 2 years in FDI, now has secured maximum investment ie 52.46% of India’s total FDI in the 1st quarter of the financial year 2024-2025.”

    Congratulations Maharashtra! Very good news! Maharashtra leads in FDI with a staggering 52.46% of India’s total investment!

    Maharashtra which is consecutively ranked No. 1 for last 2 years in FDI, now has secured maximum investment ie 52.46% of India’s total FDI in the 1st… pic.twitter.com/IVKjGqzGTI — Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) September 6, 2024

    The total foreign investment in India for the first quarter was Rs 1,34,959 crore, with Maharashtra’s contribution accounting for over half of this at Rs 70,795 crore.

    Successful streak

    This stellar performance builds on Maharashtra’s strong FDI record in the previous financial years. In FY 2022-23, the state attracted Rs 1,18,422 crore in foreign investment—more than Karnataka, Delhi, and Gujarat combined. In FY 2023-24, Maharashtra brought in Rs 1,25,101 crore, surpassing both Gujarat and Karnataka combined once again.

    From 2014 to 2019, during its previous stint in power, Maharashtra had drawn Rs 3,62,161 crore in FDI. Notably, since returning to power, the current administration has attracted an impressive Rs 3,14,318 crore in just two and a half years, approaching the earlier five-year total.

    what lies ahead

    While Maharashtra continues to break investment records, the data for the second quarter is yet to be released. Given its current trajectory, the state is poised to maintain its leadership in attracting foreign capital, further strengthening its position as India’s economic powerhouse.

  • Triple Trouble: BJP Faces Seat Sharing Hurdle For Maharashtra Assembly Polls After Lok Sabha Debacle.

    Maharashtra is one of the four poll-bound states going to the elections in the coming month. After facing a debacle in the Lok Sabha polls, the ruling Mahayuti (NDA) consisting of BJP, Shiv Sena-Shinde and NCP-Ajit Pawar is facing a tough challenge to retain power in the Maharashtra assembly elections. In the Lok Sabha elections, the Mahayti bagged only 17 seats out of the total 48 while the opposition party bagged 30 seats.

    The Maharashtra assembly has 288 members and the majority mark is 145. In the current assembly, the Mahayuti has 201 MLAs while the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) of Congress, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) and the NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) – have 67 MLAs.

    Now, the three parties – BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP – are looking to strike a seat-sharing deal for the upcoming assembly polls. However, the battle for constituencies has intensified as parties gear up for the upcoming elections. Reports indicate that the BJP aims to contest at least 150 seats, leaving 138 seats for the two allies.

    However, the Shiv Sena, led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, is targeting a minimum of 100 seats. Therefore, the NCP could get only 38 seats but the Ajit Pawar-led faction is not willing to settle for less than 80 seats.

    Securing these numbers is crucial, particularly as the coalition is still reeling from its disappointing performance in the recent Lok Sabha elections. In that contest, the coalition won only 17 of the state’s 48 seats, falling short against the Maha Vikas Aghadi, which secured 30 seats.

    Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde are meeting the top BJP leadership including Union Home Minister Amit Shah to discuss the seat-sharing issue and resolve the difference. Finalizing the seats is also important thus to have an early advantage over the MVA which has been in the campaign mode after the Lok Sabha poll boost.

  • DNA Exclusive: Analyzing Why Maharashtra Was Overlooked In This Budget Ahead State Polls |

    New Delhi: After the Finance Minister unveiled the Union Budget’s statement on Tuesday, opposition MPs from Maharashtra launched a scathing attack on the NDA government, accusing it of neglecting the state’s interests. The budget did not allocate additional funds tailored for the upcoming state election in Maharashtra, Haryana, and Jharkhand, which drew sharp criticism from opposition leaders.

    The INDIA bloc leaders alleged that Mumbai, which pays the highest taxes, has its right taken away and given to Bihar. Uddhav Thackeray also criticized the NDA government of Maharashtra and centre.

    In today’s DNA, Anant Tyagi analyzed why Maharashtra has not been favored this time especially with the election approaching in the state.

    Watch today’s full episode

    How much will your income tax decrease after tax slab?

    Watch #DNA LIVE with @Anant_Tyagii #ZeeLive #ZeeNews #KanwarYatra #NamePlateRow #Budget2024 #BudgetOnZee https://t.co/cFkWM9XkkO

    — Zee News (@ZeeNews) July 23, 2024


    However, the government has invested in ongoing schemes in Maharashtra. As elections approach in the state this year and this a challenge for the NDA government to secure its position in the state specifically after facing a loss in the recent Lok Sabha election.

  • Congress promises action after crossvoting in MLC polls

    Mumbai: It’s deja vu again for the Congress unit in Maharashtra as at least 78 party MLAs cross voted during the Friday’s MLC polls leading to the defeat of a candidate supported by the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance (MVA).

    Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole claimed the Congress MLAs who cross voted in favour of the ruling alliance candidates have fallen in a ‘trap’ laid by the party.

    Notwithstanding Patole’s claims of a trap laid for the MLAs, there are plenty of red faces in the Congress leadership in the state as this was the second occasion where the Congress MLAs cross voted. In 2022 there was cross voting for the MLC polls that precipitated the fall of the MVA government and led to a fullfledged inquiry by the Congress top brass that indicated that almost a dozen MLAs had cross voted.”The official candidate of our alliance is defeated, what kind of trap is this that has hurt us more than the offending MLAs.” said a Congress MLA and party leader.

  • View: Election Wheel Starts Rolling, Surprise factor, Minimum guarantee

    The countdown for yearend assembly elections has begun. Deputy election commissioners have already started heading to states to assess preparedness. Maharashtra is the first stop. An election panel team is already in the pollbound state and other teams will soon visit Haryana, Jharkhand and Jammu and Kashmir. CECled ECI brass is also likely to conduct field checks in August or September.

    After becoming Lok Sabha Speaker for the second time, Om Birla visited his Lok Sabha constituency KotaBundi. A huge roadshow was carried out and the skyline of the twintown of KotaBundi was dotted with BJP posters welcoming Birla. Besides BJP national leaders, Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s face was prominently displayed on these posters. A BJP leader pointed out that this region has a substantial population of Kirars, Chouhan’s caste.

    Karnataka Dy CM DK Shivakumar has demanded an explanation from BJP for alleged distribution of liquor at an event near Bengaluru — organised to celebrate a BJP leader’s victory in the Lok Sabha polls. Looking at the pictures of people waiting patiently in long queues to collect their bottles of booze, chief minister Siddaramaiah must be secretly smiling. The event at least ‘guaranteed’ inflow of taxes to his cashstrapped regime.

  • Third eye: Smoking out the plot, difficult to fathom, and bamboo business

    Smoking out the plotThe management of an educational institution in Maharashtra’s Saswad was stunned when it invited former Shiv Sena MLA and exminister Vijay Shivtare to address students. He began by saying that in his childhood he wanted to be like Dhirubhai Ambani but was “very mischievous” and used to “steal money to smoke beedis till he collapsed” and all that was when he was in the “fourth standard”. Shivtare’s speech has raised a lot of eyebrows and it joins a long list of gaffes by Shiv Sena leaders. Difficult to fathomOpposition leader R Ashoka has claimed that CM Siddaramaiah engineered the defeat of Congress candidate DK Suresh in Bengaluru Rural to cut his brother and deputy CM DK Shivakumar to size. But the claim has not gone down well within sections of BJP leaders because CN Manjunath won by an impressive margin of 2.69 lakh votes riding what they believe is a Modi wave. So, now they are scratching their heads, unable to understand Ashoka’s analysis.Bamboo businessDuring a recent event, Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde spoke about the importance of planting trees and said that some are planting bamboo, which too is good for the environment as it gives a a lot of oxygen. Then, with a wink, he said that some people should also be given this bamboo (stick treatment). Shinde did not name anyone, but he indicated that he was referring to Sanjay Raut, member of Parliament representing the Uddhav Thackerayled party.

  • Beed protests: Want OBCs and Marathas to get separate reservation, says NCP’s Chhagan Bhujbal

    On protests in Beed, Maharashtra Minister Chhagan Bhujbal on June 22 said that the demand was raised to get a separate reservation for the OBCs and Maratha people. “We just want to say that we are not against the Maratha people, we want OBCs and Maratha people to get a separate reservation. There should not be enmity between anyone. We should discuss things peacefully…Yesterday CM Eknath Shinde had a meeting with ministers and several people where it was decided that actions will be taken on the people who have taken a form for OBC certificates through false means. All the political parties will sit and take a decision on this. Devendra Fadnavis has also shown his support for caste based census,” said Chhagan Bhujbal.

  • Third Eye: Caught on wrong foot, handson minister & balance and flexibility

    Caught on wrong footMaharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole was in the news recently after a footage showed a party worker washing his dirty feet with his hands. Later, BJP leader Keshav Upadhyaye claimed that Patole might be floating in the air after Congress demonstration in the state and added that a famous dialogue might be going in Patole’s head: “Kabhi kabhi aisa lagta hain ke apunich bhagwan hai” (sometimes it feels like I am God).Handson ministerAs he took charge of the ministry of housing and urban affairs last week, former Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal left no doubt that he will be a handson minister. In his first meeting with officers, Lal remarked he used to come to New Delhi and the ministry to get his state’s work done but now he would be expected to do the work. The next three days were spent in taking detailed presentations from all officers.Balance and flexibilityPreparations for International Yoga Day on June 21 is keeping the government and Union ministers on tenterhooks. Some ministers have even postponed routine meetings and felicitations to ensure everything is in order in districts/state capitals they will be present to participate in the morning session. First time ministers are especially enthusiastic. Even though all eyes will be on the PM’s Srinagar session, the big worry for others is that they should not be in the news for any faux pas or shortcoming.

  • Big Jolt To Sharad Pawar As EC Says Ajit Pawar-Led Faction Is ‘Real’ NCP |

    NEW DELHI: The Election Commission (EC) on Tuesday dealt a major blow to the faction helmed by veteran Maharashtra leader Sharad Pawar by settling the dispute within the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in favor of the faction led by his nephew and state’s deputy chief. minister Ajit Pawar. According to the sources, the poll panel has given the Nationalist Congress Party name and symbol to the faction led by Ajit Pawar in a significant decision that is likely to have a bearing on the upcoming polls. The Election Commission also provided the Sharad Pawar faction with a one-time option to choose a name for its new political entity and provide three preferences to the poll body. The concession is to be utilized by 3 pm on February 7, 2024, the poll body said.

    EC settles the dispute in the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), rules in favor of the faction led by Ajit Pawar, after more than 10 hearings spread over more than 6 months.

    Election Commission of India provides a one-time option to claim a name for its new political formation… pic.twitter.com/1BU5jW3tcR — ANI (@ANI) February 6, 2024


    Welcoming the EC decision, Ajit Pawar faction leader Praful Patel said, “We welcome the ruling of the Election Commission…We live in a democracy and any decision can be challenged. Maybe attempts will be made to challenge this at the Supreme Court or High Court…All I would like to say is that the decision we made was correct and through EC, our decision has been proven correct.”

    Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis also congratulated NCP leader Ajit Pawar after ECI ruled the NCP name and symbol matter in favor of his faction.

    However, Sharad Pawar’s daughter and MP Supriya Sule said, “…Our documents were fine. The founder member and founder leader of this party is only Sharad Pawar…But now the atmosphere is something else right now. There is an ‘ adrishya shakti’ in the country which is doing all this. We will fight…We will definitely go to Supreme Court…”

    She went on to add, ”…I think what happened with Shiv Sena is what is happening with us today. So, this is not a new order. Just the names have been changed but the content is the same…”

    Celebrations At Ajit Pawar’s Mumbai Office

    Celebrations began outside Ajit Pawar’s office in Mumbai soon after the EC ruled in favor of their faction.

    EC Decision Shakes Up NCP Dynamics

    The decision, announced on Tuesday, not only grants legitimacy to the Ajit Pawar faction but also bestows upon it the coveted NCP name and symbol, setting the stage for upcoming electoral contests. Facing a tight deadline, the Sharad Pawar-led faction has been offered a one-time opportunity to christen its new political entity and submit three preferred names to the Commission by February 7, 2024, by 3 pm.

    EC Verdict After More Than 10 Hearings

    Following an exhaustive process spanning over six months and encompassing more than ten hearings, the EC meticulously weighed the merits of both factions’ contentions.

    Prolonged Legal Battle In Court

    The legal battle witnessed formidable representation from luminaries such as Mukul Rohatgi, Neeraj Kishan Kaul, and Maninder Singh for the petitioner, countered by the expertise of Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Devdatt Kamat from the respondent camp.

    Central to the EC’s decision was the determination of the faction holding sway over the party’s legislative wing, which ultimately favored the Ajit Pawar-led contingent. Serious discrepancies in the Sharad Pawar faction’s claims, particularly regarding organizational majority and adherence to the party constitution, undermined the credibility of their assertions. Given the imminent Rajya Sabha elections in Maharashtra, the EC has extended a special allowance to the Sharad Pawar faction, urging compliance with electoral regulations.

    EC Seeks Transparency In Political Processes

    In a broader admonition, the Commission urged political entities to embrace transparency in their internal affairs, emphasizing the need for comprehensive disclosures regarding organizational elections and democratic procedures.

    Call For Public Disclosure

    Proposing voluntary public disclosures, including party constitutions, electoral procedures, and office-bearer lists on party websites, the EC seeks to empower the electorate with crucial information, thereby enriching the democratic process.

  • 132 Lok Sabha Seats, Four States: PM Modi’s Spiritual Outreach -Unveiling Strategy Behind BJP’s Southern Quest |

    Lord Ram is worshiped across the country and in many foreign countries as well. Ram Lalla’s consecration ceremony on January 22 will mark his return to Ayodhya after a gap of around 450 years. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the consecration ceremony, he is visiting several temples in the south which has strong connections with Lord Ram. Starting from Maharashtra, PM Modi has so far visited Andhra Pradesh and Kerala as well.

    Now, he will be visiting various significant temples in Tamil Nadu on 20-21 January. On 20th January, he will participate in a program at Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu. He will also listen to various scholars reciting verses from the Kamba Ramayanam in this temple. Thereafter, he will reach Rameswaram and perform Darshan and Pooja in Sri Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple. On 21st January, the Prime Minister will perform Darshan and Pooja at Kothandaramaswamy Temple, Dhanushkodi. Near Dhanushkodi, Prime Minister Modi will also visit Arichal Munai, which is said to be the place from where the Ram Setu was built.

    Maharashtra – 48 Lok Sabha Seats

    Nashik holds significant connections to the Aranya Kand of the Ramayana, the epic where Lord Ram, Sita, and Lakshman resided along the banks of the Godavari River. Notably, it is the locale where Lakshman cut off Surpanakha’s nose. The revered Shree Kala Ram Mandir which PM Modi visited, stands in the Panchavati Area of ​​Nashik, a place deeply intertwined with the events of the Ramayana. Panchavati holds a special significance as it witnessed key episodes of the epic. Lord Ram, accompanied by Sita and Lakshman, spent a considerable time in the Dandakaranya forest, which encompasses the Panchavati region. The legend has it that Lord Ram chose this region for his abode due to the auspicious presence of these five significant trees – Panchvati – five banyan trees. Now, by visiting the temple, PM Modi sent a message to the people of Maharashtra that the Ram Temple is ready for devotees. Maharashtra has 48 Lok Sabha seats and BJP is facing tough competition there due to the NCP-Sena UBT-Congress alliance.

    Andhra Pradesh – 25 Seats

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi performed darshan and puja at Veerbhadra Temple in Lepakshi, Puttaparthi, in Andhra Pradesh on January 16. PM Modi heard verses from the Ranganatha Ramayan in Telugu and witnessed the tale of Jatayu visually presented through the traditional shadow puppetry art form from Andhra Pradesh. Pradesh known as Tholu Bommalata. Lepakshi’s historical significance is rooted in the Ramayana, as it is believed that the injured bird Jatayu, wounded by Ravana during the abduction of Goddess Sita, descended at this location after an intense battle and attended Mokhsa. Even if the BJP manages to win three to five seats out of 25 in the state, it will be a boost for the saffron party.

    Kerala – 20 Lok Sabha Seats

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi performed darshan and puja at Guruvayur Temple in Guruvayur, Kerala on January 17. PM Modi appealed to people to light Ram Jyoti on January 22 to mark the Ram Temple consecration ceremony. The BJP has significantly increased its vote share in some of the seats including Thiruvananthapuram, Pathanamthitta, Thrissur and Attingal seats. Of the 20 seats, the BJP is trying to win at least 3-5 seats with the help of Hindu and Christian voters.

    Tamil Nadu – 39 Lok Sabha Seats

    The BJP has gained significant popularity in the state under state unit chief K Annamalai. Now, with PM Modi’s regular visits and temple darshans, the BJP is trying to carve a niche among the Hindu voters. PM Modi’s popularity clubbed with the dynamism of Annamalai is likely to increase BJP’s vote share. And if this translates into victory, it would mark the saffron party’s south expansion. There are 39 Lok Sabha seats in Tamil Nadu.

    With the Lok Sabha elections just three months away, the BJP is working round the clock to increase its vote share in the southern states.