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By:

Dr. Abhilash Dawre

19 March 2025 at 5:18:41 pm

Ambernath polls marred by cash-for-votes allegations

Ambernath: As polling took place on Saturday for 23 municipal councils and nagar panchayats across Maharashtra, the election to the Ambernath Municipal Council in Thane district drew statewide attention — but for all the wrong reasons. A series of serious incidents reported on the eve of voting raised questions over the transparency and fairness of the entire electoral process, casting a shadow over the civic polls in Ambernath.   While voting was underway peacefully in the city, a major...

Ambernath polls marred by cash-for-votes allegations

Ambernath: As polling took place on Saturday for 23 municipal councils and nagar panchayats across Maharashtra, the election to the Ambernath Municipal Council in Thane district drew statewide attention — but for all the wrong reasons. A series of serious incidents reported on the eve of voting raised questions over the transparency and fairness of the entire electoral process, casting a shadow over the civic polls in Ambernath.   While voting was underway peacefully in the city, a major controversy erupted late Friday night after allegations surfaced that voters were being bribed with cash. The Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) claimed that its workers caught two individuals red-handed in Ward No. 28 while allegedly distributing money to voters. According to the claim, bundles of currency notes and a receipt bearing the name of BJP candidate Poonam Patil were seized from the accused.   Following the incident, the Election Commission’s flying squad rushed to the spot and initiated an inquiry. Sources said that during the investigation, lists containing names of voters from a residential building along with cash were found in possession of the two individuals. Based on these developments, allegations of violation of the Model Code of Conduct were levelled against the BJP.   Meanwhile, the Ambernath civic election has turned into a battleground within the ruling Mahayuti alliance itself, with the BJP, Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) and the NCP locked in a war of accusations, further intensifying the political atmosphere.   In another significant development, a large gathering of women was found assembled in a hall in the Kohujgaon area. Suspecting that these women were bogus voters, workers from both the Congress and the BJP rushed to the location. The Congress alleged that the women had been brought for bogus voting at the behest of the Shiv Sena (Shinde group). Police are currently investigating where the women came from and who instructed them to assemble at the venue.   Tampering With EVMs Tensions escalated further after the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) alleged tampering with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). The party claimed that EVM manipulation had taken place at the South Indian School polling booth in Ward No. 5 of Ambernath. Shiv Sena candidate Shailesh Bhoir accused Tushar Telange, brother of a BJP candidate, of involvement in the alleged tampering. Following the allegation, a large number of Shiv Sena workers gathered at the polling centre, leading to a tense situation.   With allegations of cash distribution, suspicions of bogus voters and claims of EVM tampering surfacing within a short span, the Ambernath Municipal Council election has become embroiled in controversy. Notably, parties within the ruling alliance itself are accusing one another, creating confusion and mistrust among voters.   According to the Election Commission, voter turnout in the Ambernath Municipal Council election was recorded between 55% to 60%.   While Speaking to The Perfect Voice, Deputy Commissioner of Police Sachin Gore stated that barring minor disputes, polling in Ambernath was conducted peacefully. He revealed that at around 2 am on Friday night, Ambernath Police Station received information about nearly 200 people arriving from outside and gathering at a particular location. After verifying the information, police registered an offence under the Representation of the People Act against those present at the spot for unlawful assembly without valid reason. Further investigation in the matter is currently underway, DCP Gore said.   Raut meets Raj amid alliance talks Mumbai: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Saturday met Maharashtra Navnirman Sena president Raj Thackeray as the two parties are discussing seat-sharing for the January 15 civic elections in Mumbai. This was Raut's second visit to ‘Shivtirth’, Raj Thackeray's residence in Dadar, in the last three days. Elections to 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra are slated to take place on January 15. On Friday, MNS leader Nitin Sardesai had said that the alliance talks between the two parties, led by cousins Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray, were in final stages, but it was difficult to say when the alliance would be officially announced. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anil Parab had met Raj Thackeray on Friday. BJP-Shiv Sena Tie The BJP and Shiv Sena are treading cautiously before committing to contest the upcoming elections to the Thane Municipal Corporation in an alliance, with a decision expected in the next two days. Thane is considered the home turf of Shiv Sena leader and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. A political dispute had erupted recently after some Shiv Sena workers crossed over to the BJP in Thane district. Senior leaders in both parties will take a final decision on the alliance as well as on a seat-sharing formula, said Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske on Saturday, a day after BJP and Shiv Sena leaders met in Thane to discuss the contours of the electoral contest. BJP MLA Sanjay Kelkar said the meeting was aimed at directing the Mahayuti's election strategy. It was attended by senior leaders, public representatives, office-bearers, and grassroots workers of both parties. Kelkar said the leaders expressed determination to contest the elections with a focus on public interest, development, and decisive victory, under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Shinde. Cong Gears Up Mumbai Congress president Varsha Gaikwad on Saturday said the BJP's "religious politics and double standards" would be rejected by the voters of the metropolis who will focus on core civic issues. Polls to 29 municipal corporations, including Mumbai, will take place on January 15, while votes will be counted on the next day. "Whenever elections come, the BJP starts playing religious politics," Gaikwad said in a statement. She said while BJP's Mumbai unit chief Ameet Satam claims NCP's Nawab Malik is unacceptable, the Ajit Pawar-led party's state president Sunil Tatkare holds discussions with senior BJP leader Ashish Shelar. "The BJP says Nawab Malik is unwanted, yet his (MLA) daughter Sana Malik votes in favour of the BJP government. This clearly exposes the party's double standards," she said. Gaikwad said the BJP's approach of seeking to remain in power, enjoying its benefits, and resorting to religious politics during elections is evident to the people of Mumbai. "Mumbaikars will not be misled by this. They will vote on real civic issues such as roads, traffic congestion, clean drinking water and air quality," the Lok Sabha MP added.

Annasaheb Patil: A Lifelong Advocate for Workers’ Rights

Updated: Oct 21, 2024

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Annasaheb Patil

Annasaheb Pandurang Patil, a member of the Maharashtra Legislative Council, made significant contributions to the uplifting of scattered workers in Mumbai. For this reason, he is regarded as the architect of the progress of the Maratha and Mathadi workers in Maharashtra. Annasaheb Patil proposed a simple yet broad definition of a `Maratha,’ stating that every person residing in Maharashtra and standing for its defence is a Maratha. With this ideology, he established the Mathadi Workers Union and the All India Maratha Federation.

When Annasaheb Patil arrived in Mumbai from his native village, Mandrulkole in Patan Taluka, he began his career as a worker. At that time, workers in Mumbai were facing dire conditions, and a majority of them were Marathas. Annasaheb Patil believed that workers needed to experience both economic and social progress. He deeply studied their issues and began organising them, forming the Mathadi Workers Union, formally known as the Maharashtra State Mathadi Transport and General Workers Union. This became one of the largest labour unions in the state.

At the time, most labour unions were led by communists, but Annasaheb Patil rejected their ideologies, instead building a union based on Indigenous principles. He organised protests and movements, putting forward workers’ demands for better wages, healthcare, and basic rights for workers before the government. His relentless work eventually bore fruit, and he became the guiding force for workers.

Annasaheb Patil’s efforts resonated with the government. The then-Chief Minister, Yashwantrao Chavan, addressed the demands put forth by Patil, and on June 5, 1969, the Mathadi Workers Act was enacted in Maharashtra. This legislation brought joy and relief to the workers, improving their quality of life. Due to this act, facilities such as hospitals, consumer societies, housing through CIDCO, and educational and medical services were made available to Mathadi workers. Patil’s contribution to their welfare was pivotal.

Today, the issue of Maratha reservation is a significant topic in Maharashtra. Annasaheb Patil, the father of the Maratha reservation movement, made sure that his demands were reasonable and did not disturb social unity. His image is revered across Maharashtra for this reason.

Annasaheb Patil worked tirelessly for the welfare of Mathadi workers, most of whom were Marathas. He united the 12 Balutedars and 18 Pagadi communities, forming various organisations under the All India Maratha Federation. His leadership earned him widespread respect, and on July 8, 1980, he became a member of the Legislative Council.

During this time, the demand for Maratha reservations based on economic criteria was gaining traction. Annasaheb Patil toured Maharashtra while advocating for this cause. He resolved to lead a protest march to the Legislative Assembly. As an MLA in the Congress government, Patil, along with Advocate Shashikant Pawar, led a massive procession from Azad Maidan, Mumbai, on March 22, 1982. The sight of the marchers carrying Shivaji Maharaj’s saffron flag caught the attention of the citizens of Mumbai.

Annasaheb Patil submitted a list of nine demands to the then Chief Minister, Babasaheb Bhosale. Realising that the demand for reservation would not be considered, he declared that if justice were not served to the Maratha community, he would not live to see the next sunrise. True to his word, he ended his life on March 23, 1982, leaving an indelible mark on the state.

Annasaheb Patil devoted his life to the progress of Mathadi workers, raising their issues before the government and improving their living conditions. His efforts for the Maratha reservation and social justice brought attention to the problems faced by the community. His life was a testament to the struggle for the welfare of society. Rightfully, he is remembered as the father of the Maratha reservation movement and the architect of Maratha upliftment.

On his birth anniversary, we humbly pay tribute to the sacred memory of Annasaheb Patil.

(The writer is a BJP member of Maharashtra Legislative Council. Views personal.)

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