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By:

Quaid Najmi

4 January 2025 at 3:26:24 pm

Four MLAs miss Thackeray’s meeting

Mumbai: As the rebel six MPs were proudly showcased before the media in a grand event by Shiv Sena President and Deputy Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde, ex-CM and Shiv Sena (UBT) supremo Uddhav Thackeray summoned his entire flock of lawmakers for a headcount – and discovered that four were allegedly ‘missing’, on Monday. The development came after a similar meeting last week of its nine Lok Sabha MPs saw only three in attendance and the six prospective turncoats proclaimed loyalty in the...

Four MLAs miss Thackeray’s meeting

Mumbai: As the rebel six MPs were proudly showcased before the media in a grand event by Shiv Sena President and Deputy Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde, ex-CM and Shiv Sena (UBT) supremo Uddhav Thackeray summoned his entire flock of lawmakers for a headcount – and discovered that four were allegedly ‘missing’, on Monday. The development came after a similar meeting last week of its nine Lok Sabha MPs saw only three in attendance and the six prospective turncoats proclaimed loyalty in the names of their parents and children or Shirdi Saibaba and Goddess Tulja Bhavani – all came to nought as the subsequent dramatic events that unfolded confirmed. Against the backdrop of that ugly butcher-cut, Thackeray had convened a meeting of all SS (UBT) MLAs and MLCs this afternoon. Out of 20 MLAs, 16 were present on Monday, besides five MLCs, as the party fortified itself to keep the hunting wolf away from its pen. A senior party leader assured that the four MLAs who stayed away had given valid reasons for their absence to the top SS (UBT) brass, which is strategising on how to prevent another assault on its strength – the second brazen one in four years. This time, the SS (UBT) leaders are even more nervous as Shiv Sena leader Ramdas Kadam claimed today that “another MP” is veering towards them. Earlier, other Shiv Sena leaders made the SS (UBT) even more jumpy with dark predictions that “at least 14-15 MLAs” would soon join their camp. In Monday’s meeting, Thackeray and other leaders urged the remaining MLAs and MLCs to put up a united show of strength, fan out into their respective constituencies, connect with their party cadres and public outreach, remain aggressive and try to put the government on the mat with burning issues like farmers distress, unemployment, inflation, water scarcity, etc. While reiterating that those who wanted to leave would not be stopped, the Thackeray father-son duo alleged that the Mahayuti was diverting public funds to ‘buy MPs’ while discarding actual governance or implementing public oriented schemes. SS(UBT) lawmakers’ roll-call The MLAs present at meeting: Aaditya Thackeray, Ajay Chaudhari, Bhaskar Jadhav, Babaji Kale, Bala Nar, Dilip Sopal, Gajanan Lavte, Harun Khan, Kailas Patil, Manoj Jamsutkar, Nitin Deshmukh, Pravin Swami, Sunil Raut, Siddharth Kharat, Sunil Prabhu and Varun Sardesai. The MLCs who attended: Anil Parab, Sachin Ahir, Milind Narvekar, Ambadas Danve and Jagannath Abhyankar. The legislators conspicuous by their absence: Rahul Patil (tied up in the Legislative Council counting); Sanjay Derkar and Sunil Shinde (both in their native places); and Sanjay Potnis whose reasons for keeping away were not immediately clear.

Exploring Denver's Parks, Landmarks, and Wildlife

Updated: Jan 9, 2025

Part Four

From marvellous parks to iconic landmarks, our journey through Denver and Colorado Springs was a captivating blend of nature, culture, and unforgettable experiences.

Denver and Colorado Springs

We arrived in the United States of America during the last week of September 2022, and our return to India was scheduled for the third week of November. I honestly can't comprehend how nearly one and a half to two months flew by so quickly. We had a marvellous time with the children, travelled extensively, celebrated both Dussehra and Diwali together, and truly enjoyed ourselves. The days seemed to slip away in the blink of an eye.


As the final week approached, we realised there was still so much more to see and do. Among the highlights of this week was our visit to the premises of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), where Shubhankar works. Naturally, as it is a federal facility, prior permission is required to enter. Since we hadn’t secured it, we admired the beautiful and meticulously maintained establishment from the outside.


The laboratory conducts a significant amount of fundamental and advanced research on unconventional energy. It’s a hub of innovation, employing around four to five thousand scientists and other staff members, and Shubhankar is proud to be one of them.


After visiting the NREL campus, we made a stop at the well-known IKEA store, exploring its vast range of furniture and home essentials. From there, we headed to the centrally located and beautiful Washington Park in Denver, which turned out to be a delightful experience.


The park exudes tranquillity, with a serene lake at its centre, surrounded by sprawling green gardens that are impeccably maintained. It’s a peaceful retreat where many families and individuals come to relax and enjoy their holidays.


We saw people picnicking on the lawns, jogging along the pathways, and children happily playing in the open spaces. The park’s charm and lively atmosphere make it a truly wonderful place to explore and spend quality time.

Apart from this, our tour of Denver remains incomplete without visiting Downtown Denver, the Red Rocks Museum, the Arsenal Wildlife Reserve Park, and more.


The downtown area is similar to Mumbai’s Fort area, with extremely grand buildings, the magnificent University of Colorado Denver, the university campus, Union Railway Station, clean and grand roads, and the crowds due to its central location are characteristic of this Downtown.


The Red Rocks Museum, dedicated to the celebration of music, is truly a marvel of the world. Situated near the iconic Rocky Mountains, this music museum has become a major attraction for tourists from across the globe, and it’s easy to see why.


One of its most remarkable features is the magnificent amphitheatre, which was constructed in the 1920s. This open-air venue is capable of accommodating nearly 10,000 spectators and is renowned for its unique setting. Nestled amidst towering red rock formations, the amphitheatre offers a breathtaking backdrop that enhances the experience of every performance held there. The striking contrast between the natural red rocks on either side and the theatre in the middle creates a visual spectacle that is simply unparalleled.


The venue has hosted some of the best music bands and performers, not only from America but from around the world. For any artist, performing at Red Rocks is considered a dream come true, a milestone that holds immense prestige. The combination of its stunning location and its reputation for showcasing exceptional talent makes it an unforgettable destination for both artists and audiences alike.


The airport area and Downtown Denver, particularly the impressive Rocky Arsenal Reserve Wildlife area, are well worth a visit. Located close to the city, this 100-200 acre reserve offers a chance to stroll and observe free-roaming wildlife like bison, deer, and prairie dogs in their natural habitat.

For a more immersive experience, a one-hour safari in a covered vehicle takes you through this open wilderness, providing a glimpse into a world far removed from city life. It’s a serene and memorable way to connect with nature.


Another notable city in the state of Colorado is Colorado Springs, which is situated approximately an hour and a half to the south of Denver. This charming city exudes a distinctly European vibe, enhanced by its proximity to the majestic Rocky Mountains.


Colorado Springs has earned its reputation as one of the most scenic destinations in the region, and it consistently ranks second on the prestigious Best Places to Stay list. Its breathtaking beauty is unmatched, drawing visitors from near and far.


One of the city’s most iconic attractions is the Garden of the Gods, a stunning collection of both small and large red-hued rock formations that stand in stark contrast to the surrounding natural landscape. These unique geological features, combined with the city's picturesque setting, make Colorado Springs an unforgettable place to visit.


(The author is a director of a company. He has travelled extensively across India and overseas.)

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