MLC polls expose cracks in Mahayuti, MVA

AI Generated Image Mumbai: The upcoming Maharashtra Legislative Council (MLC) elections for the graduate and teacher constituencies have laid bare the deep-seated fissures within both the ruling Mahayuti and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliances. In a significant development that could have far-reaching political implications, multiple rebel candidates, including prominent figures with strong party affiliations, have defied alliance dictates to file their nominations as...

min read

MLC polls expose cracks in Mahayuti, MVA

AI Generated Image Mumbai: The upcoming Maharashtra Legislative Council (MLC) elections for the graduate and teacher constituencies have laid bare the deep-seated fissures within both the ruling Mahayuti and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliances. In a significant development that could have far-reaching political implications, multiple rebel candidates, including prominent figures with strong party affiliations, have defied alliance dictates to file their nominations as independents, setting the stage for high-stakes, multi-cornered contests. Mahayuti Turmoil The Mahayuti alliance, comprising the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), is grappling with rebellion on multiple fronts. In the critical Nagpur Graduates constituency, a traditional BJP stronghold, former BJP MLC and Nagpur Mayor Anil Sole has thrown a spanner in the works by filing his nomination as an independent candidate. This move directly challenges the official BJP candidate, Sudhakar Kohale. While the BJP leadership, including state president Ravindra Chavan, has attempted to downplay the situation, asserting that Sole has been "pacified," the former MLC's actions tell a different story. Sole's decision to contest independently is particularly significant given his long-standing association with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and his previous stint as a BJP MLC from the very same constituency. The situation is equally complicated in the Amravati Teachers constituency. The Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) has officially fielded Kiran Sarnaik. However, adding to the confusion, Sangita Shinde, sister of BJP MP Anil Bonde, has also entered the fray, potentially splitting the Mahayuti vote. The opposition MVA is also facing its share of internal discord here. While the Congress has nominated Aditi Pohre, daughter of former minister Harshvardhan Deshmukh, the Shiv Sena (UBT) has fielded Dattatray Lahane. The presence of numerous candidates representing various teachers' organizations further complicates the electoral arithmetic in this constituency. Opposition Rebellion The Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar Graduates constituency has witnessed another surprise development. While the NCP's sitting MLC, Satish Chavan, was widely considered the frontrunner, the BJP's M.K. Deshmukh has unexpectedly filed his nomination as a rebel candidate, catching the Mahayuti leadership completely off guard. The MVA, too, is facing rebellion in this constituency. Although the seat was officially allocated to the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), Shiv Sena (UBT)'s Dilip Ghuge has also filed his nomination, causing significant heartburn within the opposition alliance. The Pune constituencies present a microcosm of the larger alliance troubles. In the Pune Graduates constituency, the BJP has fielded Dr. Smita Jadhav, the daughter-in-law of Pratap Singh Jadhav, owner of the 'Pudhari' news group and niece of Congress leader Satej Patil. Adding intrigue to this contest is the fact that she is contesting against Harshada Deshmukh-Jadhav, the official candidate of the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction). However, the real drama is unfolding in the Pune Teachers constituency. The BJP's official candidate, Koustubh Gawde, is facing a formidable challenge from Mangesh Chiwate, a close confidant of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Chiwate, a former journalist who handled the CM's medical aid cell while Shinde was the CM, has claimed that his party leadership has provided him with the crucial 'AB' form, signaling official backing. Commenting on the chaotic situation, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis acknowledged that seat-sharing talks remained inconclusive in some areas but expressed hope that the alliance partners would eventually reach an agreement. The true picture of the electoral battlefield will only emerge after Friday, October 9th, the last date for the withdrawal of nominations. Until then, both alliances will be working overtime to contain the rebellions and present a united front, but the deep cracks exposed by these developments suggest that the upcoming MLC elections will be fiercely contested and highly unpredictable.

Sports Ministry lifts WFI suspension, clearing path for wrestling events

Correspondent

Mar 11, 2025

2 min read

Months of uncertainty end as ministry revokes Wrestling Federation of India's suspension

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has regained its official status after the Sports Ministry revoked its suspension, bringing relief to athletes and officials. This decision paves the way for the resumption of competitions, including selection trials for the upcoming Asian Championship in Amman.

The WFI had been suspended on December 24, 2023, following governance and procedural lapses by the newly elected body, which took charge just three days earlier. A key concern was the announcement of Under-15 and Under-20 National Championships at Nandini Nagar, Gonda—an area associated with former WFI president Brijbhushan Sharan Singh, who is facing sexual harassment allegations. The government's objection to this venue contributed to the suspension.

Ministry’s Conditions for Reinstatement

In its order lifting the suspension, the Sports Ministry stated that WFI had addressed its compliance issues. However, it set conditions, including ensuring a fair balance of power among elected office bearers and distancing itself from suspended or terminated officials. The WFI executive committee must submit an official undertaking within four weeks, with violations risking further legal action under the Sports Code.

Sanjay Singh, the WFI president, welcomed the ministry’s decision. “I thank the government for this step. It allows us to function smoothly, and most importantly, it’s a relief for our athletes who have been missing competitions,” he said.

Impact of the Suspension

Indian wrestlers were unable to participate in key international Ranking Series events in Zagreb and Albania due to the suspension. Legal battles involving top wrestlers, including Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia, and Satyawart Kadian, further complicated the situation.

The court had instructed the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to reinstate an ad-hoc panel to manage WFI affairs. However, the IOA declined, citing that United World Wrestling (UWW), the sport’s global governing body, only recognizes the WFI as the official authority for Indian wrestling.

With the suspension lifted, normalcy is expected to return to Indian wrestling, allowing athletes to focus on upcoming competitions.

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