Latest news with #Raut


Time of India
2 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Bhandara farmers adopt natural farming for sustainable yields
1 2 Bhandara: Over 75 farmers from Bhandara taluka adopted natural farming techniques to boost sustainable crop production, following a field-level Kisan Goshti programme held at Pahela village on July 14. Ajaykumar Raut, Deputy Project Director of Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), Bhandara, informed attendees during the event. The initiative, organised by the Maharashtra agriculture department under ATMA, aimed to promote eco-friendly farming practices. Raut, addressing the gathering at the taluka seed multiplication farm, emphasised that natural and integrated farming methods could ensure sustainable yields while minimising costs. "Farmers must study integrated pest and disease management, use sticky traps, and monitor pest intensity to reduce chemical inputs. Keeping records of production costs and yields will help maintain a balanced budget," he said. The programme began with a tribute to Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh, with attendees garlanding his portrait. Dr. Prashant Umbarkar, an entomologist at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Sakoli, guided farmers on rice nursery management, pest control measures, and the use of bio-pesticides. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like South Australia Residents Born 1945-1985 With No Life Insurance Could Be Eligible For This Golden Insurance Undo He stressed the importance of technical know-how in reducing chemical dependency. Vrushali Deshmukh, district soil survey officer, highlighted soil as the "soul of the land" and urged farmers to use compost and green manure to enhance soil health. "Balanced fertiliser use based on soil health cards will improve soil properties," she said. Progressive farmer Tanaji Gopal Gaydhane, a Krishi Bhushan awardee, shared his experience with organic farming. He advised farmers to diversify into vegetables, orchards, and poultry, alongside minimising chemical fertilisers. "Using sticky traps and biological pest control methods ensures sustainable production," he said. Another Krishi Bhushan awardee, Prakash Gopichand Maske from Mau Dawa, explained the benefits of soil solarisation and lunar cycle-based pest management for crops like bitter gourd and brinjal. Padmakar Chakole, Director of Aarogya Jyoti Farmer Producer Company, Parsodi, encouraged farmers to use natural inputs like humic acid, trichoderma, dashparni extract, and saptadhanya slurry to cut costs and achieve sustainable yields. Dadabhai Wahane, a progressive farmer with an agriculture degree, provided insights on integrated pest and nutrient management for crops like cucumber and okra. The event, attended by 75 to 90 farmers, including women and representatives of farmer producer organisations, was chaired by Pahela sarpanch Mangalatai Thavkar. Key attendees included panchayat samiti member Achaltatai Chavle, Krishi Bhushan farmer Devanand Chaudhary, and Congress Vice-President Subhash Bhau Ajabale. Taluka agriculture officer Namdev Kashid delivered the introductory remarks, while Satish Vairagade moderated the event. Mandal agriculture officers Ashok Jibhkate, Arun Harode, and others ensured smooth coordination. The programme underscored Bhandara's push towards sustainable agriculture, aligning with the state's Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Organic Farming Mission, which supports 8,991 farmers across 37,702 acres for organic certification.


The Hindu
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Vidhan Bhavan clash: People with criminal background being inducted into BJP, says Sanjay Raut
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Friday (July 18, 2025) criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the clash in the Maharashtra Vidhan Bhavan, alleging that people with serious criminal records were being inducted into the party. In midnight drama, police drag aside NCP(SP) MLA protesting detention of supporter Speaking to reporters, Mr. Raut said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis should dissolve his government, and the President's rule must be imposed in the State. Supporters of BJP MLA Gopichand Padalkar and Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar)[NCP(SP)] legislator Jitendra Awhad came to blows inside the Maharashtra legislature complex on Thursday (July 17, 2025.) Maharashtra clears Bill to include drug peddling and narcotics-related offences Shocking videos of the two groups pummelling each other and having to be dragged back by security personnel are doing the rounds on social media. Mr. Raut said, "This was a gang war in Vidhan Bhavan. People with serious criminal offences such as murder, dacoity, or facing charges under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) were present there." He further alleged that people with a criminal background were being inducted into the BJP daily. Hindi as third language in Maharashtra schools receives flak, Opposition calls it 'betrayal' "Is this the culture of RSS and the BJP? Does it suit the party's culture to induct people with criminal background?" he asked. "Shiv Sena (UBT) feels that the President's rule must be imposed in the State. It is not only unfortunate, painful or shocking, but shameful for Maharashtra's political culture," he said The Rajya Sabha MP criticised Mr. Fadnavis, reminding him of his promise of maintaining the dignity of the State's political culture. "Every day, there is a new blot to Maharashtra's image. Be it corruption, unethical behaviour or honeytrap, assault by an MLA or videos of Ministers," he said. Maharashtra govt orders Mumbai's civic body to immediately shut down 'kabootar khanas' He claimed, "If any other party had been in power in Maharashtra, Mr. Fadnavis would have demanded dissolving the State Government. If he introspects, he will realise that his government needs to be dissolved. I demand that the Governor, if he is truly the custodian of law, seek a report from the Home Department and recommend the President's rule in the State," he said. He further said the ruling alliance does not want a Leader of the Opposition post in the Legislative Assembly so that questions are not raised about crucial issues. Mr. Raut also alleged that weapons were brought in vehicles to the Vidhan Bhavan and that there was a conspiracy to attack NCP(SP) MLA Jitendra Awhad.


New Indian Express
2 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
People with criminal backgrounds being inducted into BJP: Sanjay Raut on Vidhan Bhavan clash
MUMBAI: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Friday criticised the BJP over the clash in the Maharashtra Vidhan Bhavan, alleging that people with serious criminal records were being inducted into the party. Speaking to reporters, Raut said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis should dissolve his government, and the President's rule must be imposed in the state. Supporters of BJP MLA Gopichand Padalkar and NCP (SP) legislator Jitendra Awhad came to blows inside the Maharashtra legislature complex on Thursday. Shocking videos of the two groups pummelling each other and having to be dragged back by security personnel are doing the rounds on social media. Raut said, "This was a gang war in Vidhan Bhavan. People with serious criminal offences like murder, dacoity, or facing charges under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) were present there." He further alleged that people with a criminal background were being inducted into the BJP daily. "Is this the culture of RSS and the BJP? Does it suit the party's culture to induct people with criminal backgrounds?" he asked. "Shiv Sena (UBT) feels that the President's rule must be imposed in the state. It is not only unfortunate, painful or shocking, but shameful for Maharashtra's political culture," he said The Rajya Sabha MP criticised Fadnavis, reminding him of his promise of maintaining the dignity of the state's political culture. "Every day, there is a new blot to Maharashtra's image. Be it corruption, unethical behaviour or honeytrap, assault by an MLA or videos of ministers," he said.


Indian Express
3 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
‘Direct attack on credibility': Mumbai court on BJP leader Narayan Rane's statements about Shiv Sena (UBT)'s Sanjay Raut
In a detailed order, a Special Court in Mumbai has rejected BJP leader Narayan Rane's revision appeal challenging the summons to him in a defamation case filed by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut, and said the statements made cannot be part of a political discourse or dissenting views. The court passed the order on Wednesday, and the detailed order was made available on Thursday. Raut had filed a defamation suit against Rane after the latter allegedly claimed at the Konkan Festival in Mumbai's Bhandup in 2023 that Raut's name was not on the voters' list in 2004, when the Sena leader was elected as a Member of Rajya Sabha. Special Judge S R Navander said, '…the statement that the complainant (Raut) had committed fraud and would have to go to jail is vague, unsubstantiated, and cannot be said to have been made in good faith or with due care and attention. The statements were made without supporting material, thereby indicating malice and an intent to tarnish the complainant's reputation.' Rane had also claimed that it was at his behest that Raut got nominated, and he had extended help, including spending money, for the Sena leader to get elected. In April 2025, a magistrate court said that there was a prima facie case of defamation and issued a summons to Rane. Rane had sought that the order be set aside, stating that the comments resulted from political discourse and differing views, as they are long-standing political rivals. He also said that no proof was given on how it had caused any damage to Raut's reputation. Appearing for Raut, lawyer Sarthak Shetty had submitted that the statements made about the Sena (UBT) leader's name not being included in the voters' list were false, and produced the list from 2004. While Rane had cited orders of the Supreme Court which had quashed multiple complaints made over opinion-based statements, the special court said Rane's remarks directly attacked Raut's 'honesty and credibility' in public life.


Indian Express
4 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Special court rejects plea by Narayan Rane questioning summons in defamation case filed by Sanjay Raut
A special court on Wednesday dismissed a plea filed by former Union Minister and BJP leader Narayan Rane, challenging summons issued to him in a defamation case filed by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut. While Rane sought dismissal of the summons stating that Raut's complaint was filed with the sole objective of harassing him and 'silencing political dissent', the court upheld the magistrate court's order. The detailed order of the special court designated for trials of criminal cases involving MPs and MLAs is yet to be made available. The case is related to comments allegedly made by Rane at the Konkan festival in Bhandup area of Mumbai on January 15, 2023. Raut had filed a complaint stating that the comments about his political career were defamatory. On April 23, 2025, a magistrate court issued summons against Rane, stating that there is a prima facie case showing that the comments which were published in the media had caused harm to the reputation of Raut. Challenging this order, Rane had argued that the magistrate court order was illegal and passed without application of judicial mind. It said the allegations against him are vague and no proof was given about any damage caused by his alleged statements. It was also submitted that no evidence is present to show that he intended to defame Raut. He further said the two are well-known political personalities, with a long-standing political rivalry, having publicly criticised each other on multiple occasions in the past. He further said the remarks were part of an ongoing political discourse and were made in good faith. Mere hurt feelings or political criticism or personal annoyance are not sufficient in law, Rane's plea seeking dismissal of the case, said. Raut through his lawyers Prakash Shetty and Sarthak Shetty had submitted that there was proof that the remarks were defamatory and the magistrate court order had considered it while passing the order. Special Judge S R Navander dismissed the plea.