Latest news with #Sapkal
Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Unity in Calamity: Assembly poll defeat is the glue, says Maha Cong prez Sapkal
Nagpur: Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal stated that factionalism within the party is a closed chapter and the cadre and leadership are united ahead of the crucial local body polls. During a visit to the TOI office on Monday, Sapkal stated, "There is unity in calamity," highlighting that the 2024 assembly poll debacle brought everyone on the same page as it was a question of survival. Sapkal added that Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) delegated powers to district-level units on local body poll alliances, and therefore there won't be a uniform statewide alliance formula. Following the massive defeat in last year's polls, where Congress bagged just 16 seats, various factions now recognise the wisdom of joining hands. Sapkal responded to a specific question on infighting within the Nagpur unit, stating, "We recently organised a Sadbhavna rally in Nagpur, which was led by Vikas Thakre. Sunil Kedar delivered a speech there and even Nitin Raut was present. So, everyone is together and working for the party. There are differences in every party, even BJP has that." Regarding his role in uniting the party, Sapkal stated, "I played a minor part. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Seniors Born 1939-1969 Receive 11 Benefits This Month If They Ask Super Saving Online Undo I think the assembly poll defeat served as a glue. Also, I am a non-controversial neta and enjoy good relations with everyone. This helps in getting your point across to different people in the party." Sapkal said, adding state-rung leaders should have done more during the 2024 campaign. As Maharashtra prepares for upcoming local body polls, the primary question concerns alliances. Sapkal stated, "We have already delegated power to local units to decide on tie-ups. This means that there could be an alliance in Mumbai and not in Nagpur. Local units are the best judge of the political equation and grassroots necessity." Media reports abound about a proposed alliance between Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), as both Uddhav and Raj Thackeray have not denied it yet. If the two-cousins join hands, Sapkal stated it would not impact Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). He added, "MVA was formed to ensure BJP is kept out of power. Hence the objective of keeping BJP at bay remains the same, so another party coming into the MVA fold does not matter. " Sapkal outlined a blueprint for rejuvenating the party in Maharashtra. He stated, "We are receiving reports from observers and are filling posts at all levels. There will be fresh appointments to block-level based on interviews. The focus is to usher a change from the grassroots." Regarding Lok Sabha leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi's allegations of rigged polls in Maharashtra, Sapkal stated, "Election Commission of India must provide details of voters who came to the booths during the last one hour. We requested CCTV footage so that voters and their identities can be verified." Sapkal mentioned they are preparing for the 'mashaal rally' in Gadchiroli on June 12. He said, "The rally is being held to raise questions on social, political and agrarian issues."
Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Govt orders probe into track deaths, oppn seeks rly min Vishnaw's sacking
Mumbai: While CM Devendra Fadnavis described the incident where eight passengers fell off a local train as "unfortunate" and said Railways has begun an investigation into the cause, minister Girish Mahajan said the state govt would give Rs 5 lakh each to the kin of the deceased. State Cong press chief Harshwardhan Sapkal, however, demanded the resignation of railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for the accident in which four people lost their lives in Thane district. Sapkal also demanded a compensation of Rs 25 lakh for the families of the deceased. Sapkal accused Vaishnaw of being ignorant about improving facilities. In a post on X, he said that for the last 11 years, the people of Maharashtra and Mumbai have been listening to empty talk about infrastructure and ease of travel for Mumbaikars. MNS president Raj Thackeray blamed the influx of migrants from other states to Mumbai for the "collapse" of the railway system. Raj also questioned the rationale for demanding the installation of automatic door closure mechanisms in local trains, considering the rush of commuters. NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar has appealed to the Central Railway administration to implement measures like AC locals and installing automatic doors in suburban trains in view of overcrowding. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo "A flood of people coming to Mumbai from outside led to the collapse of the railway system," Pawar said. Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray said the incident is extremely heartbreaking. "The unfortunate death of some passengers was caused by an express train coming from the opposite direction," Aaditya said in a post on X. "I am very disturbed by a terrible accident An inquiry into the accident has been launched by the railway," said DCM Eknath Shinde. Shinde said hospitals in Thane and Kalwa were directed to provide immediate treatment. DCM Ajit Pawar said the incident highlights the urgent need to address overcrowding in Mumbai's suburban system. Rahul Gandhi also expressed grief, stating, "Indian Railways has become a symbol of congestion and chaos." Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde and NCP (SP) MLA Jitendra Awhad pushed for more Diva locals to ease the load.
Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Oppn seeks rly min's sacking, blames influx of migrants for overcrowding
Mumbai: While CM Devendra Fadnavis described the incident where eight passengers fell off a local train as unfortunate, minister Girish Mahajan said the state govt would give Rs 5 lakh each to the kin of the deceased. State Cong press chief Harshwardhan Sapkal demanded the resignation of railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for the local train accident in which four people lost their lives in Thane district. Sapkal also demanded a compensation of Rs 25 lakh for the families of the deceased. He claimed that the Central and state govts were responsible for the local train accident. Sapkal accused the railway minister of being ignorant about improving facilities and demanded his resignation. In a post on X, he condoled the deaths and said that for the last 11 years, the people of Maharashtra and Mumbai have been listening to empty talk about infrastructure and ease of travel for Mumbaikars. MNS president Raj Thackeray blamed the influx of migrants from other states to Mumbai for the "collapse" of the railway system. Raj also questioned the rationale for demanding the installation of automatic door closure mechanisms in local trains, considering the rush of commuters. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2025 Top Trending local enterprise accounting software [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar has appealed to the Central Railway administration to implement measures like installing automatic doors in suburban trains in view of overcrowding. "A flood of people coming to Mumbai from outside led to the collapse of the railway system. But everyone is busy campaigning for elections," Pawar said. "It is very unfortunate that a total of eight passengers fell from a local train between Diva-Mumbra station and some of them lost their lives. The railway administration is probing the cause of the accident," CM Fadnavis said. Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray said the incident is extremely heartbreaking. "The unfortunate death of some passengers who were standing at the door of a local train heading towards Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus between Diva-Mumbra station was caused by an express train coming from the opposite direction. This incident is extremely heartbreaking. Emotional tribute to the deceased passengers," Aaditya said in a post on X. "I am very disturbed by a terrible accident this morning near the Mumbra station. Thousands of travellers come from this route every morning. I am involved in the misery of the family of the deceased. Instructions have been directed to the hospitals in Thane and Kalwa. I have also talked to the doctor myself. It is an unfortunate incident that an inquiry into the accident has been launched by the railway and it will immediately be confronted by the inquiry," said DCM Eknath Shinde.
The Hindu
a day ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Congress challenges Centre to present development record on global indices
Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee president Harshvardhan Sapkal on Monday (June 9, 2025) called upon the Narendra Modi-led Central government to present a detailed and globally benchmarked account of its development record over the past 11 years. Speaking at a press conference in Nagpur, Mr. Sapkal criticised the recent publicity campaign launched by the Union government highlighting its achievements and urged that any such account be evaluated through international metrics such as the Human Development Index, the Happiness Index, and the Global Hunger Index, as compiled by institutions like UNICEF, the World Bank, and the World Health Organization. 'The Modi government must answer why it failed to deliver on key promises - including two crore jobs annually, doubling farmers' income, implementing the Swaminathan Commission report, and developing smart cities,' Mr. Sapkal said. Alleging that India's developmental momentum had slowed under the Bharatiya Janata Party-led regime, the Congress leader said, 'Under former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the country was on a growth trajectory. But in the last 11 years, we have regressed on multiple fronts.' Responding to questions on the possibility of reunification among factions of the Nationalist Congress Party, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, and the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), Mr. Sapkal said such decisions rested with the respective parties. 'As the Maha Vikas Aghadi, we contested the last two elections together. Similarly, the INDIA bloc stands united against forces undermining democracy and the Constitution. Our alliances will strengthen with those committed to safeguarding these values,' he said. Mr. Sapkal added that alliance-related decisions for the upcoming municipal elections would be taken at the local level in consultation with other coalition partners.
Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Local train accident: Congress slams govt, demands Railway Minister Vaishnaw's resignation
Maharashtra Congress State chief Harshwardhan Sapkal on Monday demanded the resignation of Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for the local train accident in which four people lost their lives in Thane district. The Congress leader also demanded a compensation of Rs 25 lakh for the families of the deceased. At least four commuters, including a GRP constable, died, and six were injured after falling off a moving and overcrowded local train during the office rush hour on Monday morning. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like War Thunder - Register now for free and play against over 75 Million real Players War Thunder Play Now Undo Talking to reporters in Nagpur, Sapkal claimed that the Central and state governments were responsible for the local train accident. He accused the railway minister of being ignorant about improving facilities and demanded his resignation. Live Events In a post on X, Sapkal condoled the deaths and said for the last 11 years, the people of Maharashtra and Mumbai have been listening to empty talk about infrastructure and ease of travel for Mumbaikars. He said in the name of providing facilities and development, Maharashtra is witnessing a game of awarding tenders and taking commissions. Citizens have had to pay the price for this corruption with their lives, Sapkal said. The government should wake up, stop organising events and take immediate steps to ensure Mumbaikars do not lose their lives in local train travel, he said.
