Latest news with #Shirsat
News18
2 days ago
- Business
- News18
BMC Scraps Deal To Procure Turkey-Made Lifebuoys Amid Diplomatic Tensions
Last Updated: The BMC has cancelled its plan to procure Turkish-made robotic lifebuoys for Mumbai beaches due to Turkey's support for Pakistan amid recent India-Pakistan tensions. Mumbai's Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has scrapped its plan to procure Turkey-made robotic lifebuoys for deployment across half a dozen beaches, amid India's strained ties with the country over its backing for Pakistan. According to some civic officials, remotely-operated rescue machines, designed to assist lifeguards in saving people from drowning, were to be deployed at Girgaum Chowpatty, Shivaji Park Dadar, Juhu, Versova, Aksa, and Gorai beaches. Officials also said that each unit of the machine was equipped with dual water jets, a 10,000 mAh rechargeable battery, and had the capacity to carry up to 200 kg. It could travel 800 metres into the sea at speeds up to 18 km/h and operate for about an hour. Last month, the BMC had come under fire for reportedly awarding a contract to a Turkish company to supply robotic life-saving equipment for deployment at Mumbai's popular beaches. In a letter to the Mumbai municipal commissioner, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Bhalchandra Shirsat had demanded the immediate cancellation of the tender. In his letter, Shirsat also questioned why Mumbai's civic body would engage in business with a country that has openly supported Pakistan during times of conflict. Turkey extended diplomatic and military support to Islamabad during last month's military confrontation between India and Pakistan, thus triggering broader domestic calls for a boycott of goods made in the Eurasian country. On June 2, Air India CEO Campbell Wilson said Earlier, multiple universities, including the Jawaharlal Nehru University and Jamia Millia Islamia, suspended their Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Inonu University in Turkey, citing national security considerations.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
My son will withdraw from Sambhajinagar hotel deal, says Maharashtra social justice minister Sanjay Shirsat
1 2 3 4 Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Amid mounting controversy over his son's role in the purchase of a hotel in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra's social justice minister Sanjay Shirsat on Monday said his son, Siddhant, would withdraw from the deal to avoid further political mudslinging. The announcement followed intense criticism from opposition figures, notably Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut and Ambadas Danve, the leader of the opposition in the legislative council. Talking to the media, Shirsat said, "For the past 10 days, there has been unnecessary controversy around the hotel deal. My son and his friend submitted a tender to purchase a hotel in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, which saw multiple failed auctions in the past. This was the eighth attempt. They also paid the required amount. Despite the process being transparent, some people started making foolish statements." Shirsat issued a stern warning to those who were personally targeting him by interfering with his son's business transaction. Responding to Raut's allegations about the funding source and the property with a ready reckoner of over Rs 100 crore being sold for Rs 64 crore, Shirsat provided clarification. He said the transaction was legitimate and transparent, with the actual amount being Rs 68 crore. "Let the deal be completed first, then talk. Everything will be clear. Understand the facts before levelling accusations," Shirsat said. Shirsat strongly contested Raut's statements, suggesting he received incorrect information. "Raut was wrongly briefed. He now realises that the allegations made were incorrect. I challenge him... if the hotel is worth Rs 100 crore, then let a fresh tender come out. I was ready to buy it for Rs 68 crore. Let someone else buy it for Rs 90 crore or Rs 100 crore and make a profit," he said. Announcing his son's withdrawal, Shirsat said, "I told my son to step away from this deal. A new tender will be issued. Let someone else bid now." Shirsat directly criticised Raut, saying, "You obstructed a Marathi youth trying to stand on his own feet. If you're going to be personal, I'll have to respond personally too. I have information about your personal life as well. Don't forget, I'm not afraid of setting fire to the house." He concluded by saying that his name was being dragged into the controversy for political purposes. "Just because the name Sanjay Shirsat is involved, Raut started making noises," he said.
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Kolhapur model for the local polls?
What happened at the election of the chairperson of Kolhapur District Milk Producers Federation, popularly known by its milk brand, Gokul, has grabbed attention in political circles. The federation is a major cooperative of milk producer farmers in Kolhapur district of western Maharashtra, with an annual turnover of over ₹3,000 crore. The control over Gokul comes with significant political influence in the region. For two decades, it was controlled by local political heavyweight Mahadev Mahadik. His son Dhananjay is BJP Rajya Sabha MP and another son Amal is an BJP MLA. The anti-Mahadik front of local politicians, comprising mainly of Congress leader Satej Patil and NCP minister Hasan Mushrif, wrested power from him four years ago. The election for Gokul's chairperson was due again and Mahayuti leaders at the instance of Mahadiks used their influence to get a pro-Mahayuti candidate elected at the helm. The outgoing chairman Arun Dengle rallied his strength behind Shiv Sena. The leaders of the front sprang a surprise by getting Mushrif's son Navid elected unopposed for the post. Though Mushrif is now with Mahayuti, Patil's aides say he chose to throw his weight behind Mushrif's son to keep the Mahadiks away from the control of Gokul. The development surprised many in political circles but also underlined the fact that local calculations matter in local level politics—whether it is in cooperative units or local self-government bodies. It is an indication of what may happen in the elections to Zilla Parishads or district councils to be held after the monsoon. When it comes to the local politics in rural Maharashtra, party lines often blur and local calculations prevail. Social justice minister Shirsat's trouble Social justice minister and Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Shirsat is also in the news because of his son but for the wrong reasons. First, Shirsat's son Siddhant was accused of harassment and threats by a woman who claimed that she had married him. After sending a legal notice to Siddhant, the woman backtracked and said she had no complaints against the former. Just as Shirsat was heaving a sigh of relief, Opposition leader in the legislative council Ambadas Danve questioned the process of auctioning a hotel in Aurangabad. Siddhant's company won the auction to buy the property for ₹67 crore. On Saturday, Danve said Siddhant had declared ₹59 lakh annual income in his tax return and asked how could he mobilise ₹67 crore to buy the hotel. He also demanded that Shirsat disclose the names of Siddhant's four partners. An irked Shirsat insisted that Siddhant took a loan for the deal and also wondered aloud, in Shiv Sena style, 'Shouldn't Marathi manoos get into business?' Raut's message to Eknath Shinde Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut surely knows how to keep his recently published book, Narkatla Swarg (heaven in hell) in focus. The book is based on his 100-day stay in Arthur Road prison because of an Enforcement Directorate case against him. He sent copies of his book to chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde and MNS chief Raj Thackeray along with personal letters that he posted on his social media handles. 'I know you love reading so I am sending this book,' he wrote to Fadnavis and Thackeray. For Shinde, though, his message was different. 'You will definitely like my attempt to tell the people that you can retain your self-respect without bowing down to the excesses of BJP sponsored agencies such as ED and CBI,' Raut has written in the letter sent to Shinde alongwith the book. He has also caustically pointed out that Shinde was a witness to his struggle against BJP and central government agencies. Whether Shinde took a peek at the book or not is anybody's guess. Munde finds solace in Vipassana Former minister and NCP leader Dhananjay Munde who was in the eye of a storm following the brutal murder of Beed sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh, which led to him losing his ministerial berth, is attending a Vipassana meditation course in Igatpuri. The chances of Munde returning to the state cabinet are slim, with the recent inclusion of Chhagan Bhujbal in his place. He is also suffering from Bell's Palsy, a neurological disorder that affects facial muscles. 'He has done the right thing. He will get some peace of mind,' remarked Dhananjay's cousin and environment minister Pankaja Munde when she was asked about the meditation course. Helping hand A video of Pragati, a teenager who was wondering how her father could pay her school fees after their onion crop was damaged in the rains, went viral last week. The Darekar family was in tears as their crop was completely destroyed due to the rains. Shiv Sena (UBT) legislator Milind Narvekar reached out to the family and sent a cheque of ₹1 lakh to the family in Beed for Pragati's education. He also told the family to reach out to him if they needed anything more.
News18
24-05-2025
- Business
- News18
BMC Faces The Heat For Alleged Nod To Beach Rescue Robots From Turkey Amid Tensions With India
Last Updated: In a strongly worded letter to the Mumbai municipal commissioner, BJP leader Bhalchandra Shirsat questioned the need to engage in business with a country that supports Pakistan The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has come under fire for reportedly awarding a contract to a Turkish company to supply robotic life-saving equipment for deployment at Mumbai's popular beaches. BJP leader Bhalchandra Shirsat has written a strongly worded letter to the Mumbai municipal commissioner, demanding the immediate cancellation of the tender. He questioned why Mumbai's civic body would engage in business with a country that has openly supported Pakistan during times of conflict. The letter follows reports in media which revealed that BMC had floated a tender for robotic rescue systems that look like surfing boards and that a Turkish firm had qualified and received the work order. Shirsat's letter stated, 'When the entire country is boycotting Turkish products, what world is the BMC living in?" He also warned of widespread public protests if the civic body fails to cancel the contract. Speaking to News18, Shirsat said: 'We will not tolerate such a thing by BMC. We warn the authorities to respect public sentiment about the issue and immediately withdraw the tender given to the Turkish company." The protest taps into growing public sentiment against Turkey, which has been building over the past few weeks. The tension stems from Turkey's vocal support for Pakistan after India's Operation Sindoor. In response, many Indian citizens have called for a boycott of Turkish goods and tourism. Tour operators have reported cancellations of trips to Turkey, and several business groups have reduced or stopped importing Turkish-made products. For many Mumbaikars, the concern isn't merely about the equipment but about national sentiment. 'It's not about the robots. It's about principle," said a senior resident from Girgaon. While the BMC has not officially responded to the controversy, the issue is rapidly gaining traction on social media and among citizen groups. Although the civic body's move may have been intended to upgrade beach safety with modern technology, the political undertones have now taken centre stage. First Published: May 24, 2025, 10:15 IST
Indian Express
21-05-2025
- Indian Express
Chikhli demolitions: PCMC official denies allegations of taking bribes to allow constructions
FOUR days after demolitions of 36 structures in Chikhli area of Pimpri-Chinchwad, Santosh Shirsat, junior engineer of the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, has denied allegations levelled by the affected residents that he took upwards of Rs one lakh from the residents to allow the constructions to take place. 'I have not taken any money from any residents. The allegations levelled against me are false,' Shirsat told The Indian Express on Wednesday. On May 17, the PCMC had flattened as many as 36 structures which fell within the blue floodline of the Indrayani river. First the National Green Tribunal had termed them as illegal and later the Supreme Court also upheld the NGT ruling. Armed with the SC order, the PCMC demolished all the structures on the same day itself. The action triggered angry reactions from citizens and activists who said the PCMC could have waited till the monsoon got over. Activists said the Supreme Court had not given the PCMC 6 months to remove the structures, and they need not have razed them before the end of monsoons. The PCMC also drew flak as the affected residents wanted to file a curative petition in the Supreme Court, however, PCMC razed the structures. The day the structures were razed, residents told the media that they had carried on with their construction as PCMC officials gave them the green signal after taking money from them. Shirsat was specifically named as one who took Rs one lakh or more from them. The residents said they paid the money in cash. And after they paid the money, they were allowed to continue with the construction. Shirsat said that the residents were targeting him as he had served them notices as the beat inspector and told them that they could not continue with the construction. 'As the beat marshal, I had served notices to them. I had told them that they should stop the construction activity. Maybe because of this, they were against me and are targeting me,' he said. 'Now I am a junior engineer but in 2022 I was the beat marshal of the area. I worked there for 18 months,' he said. Shirsat said he had informed his senior officials about the illegal construction activity near the Indrayani river. 'It was the duty of the senior officials to act…I have no clue why they did not act,' he said. Shirsat said when he took charge as the beat inspector, 22 flats had already been constructed. 'If 22 flats had already been constructed, how can they accuse me of taking money from each one of them…There is no truth in what they are saying. They are trying to target PCMC and me so that they could get some sympathy,' he said. When contacted, Asif Shaikh, one of the affected residents of Chikhli, said,'Shirsat is lying. We all paid him money. He insisted that we should pay him or else he would not allow construction to go ahead. We have also learnt that he bought a piece of land from the money collected from us. The PCMC should conduct a probe against him. Despite his name cropping up, why is the PCMC commissioner silent? Why is he not taking any action?' When he was asked about the allegations made by residents, Municipal Commissioner Shekhar Singh said,'The residents should submit to me the names of the officials who took the money. This is a very serious matter. I will initiate strict action against those responsible. I will suspend them, order a departmental probe and even arrest them if they are found guilty. I will not tolerate this kind of behaviour by our officials.' Shirsat is currently under suspension by the PCMC as the civic administration is investigating allegations of him selling seized machines. 'I was suspended 18 months back. The probe against me just got over. I have submitted all proof that I was not involved in any illegal activity of selling the seized equipment,' he said. Activist Avinash Chilekar said,'The issue that PCMC officials take money for allowing illegal construction to carry on has come forward for the first time. The municipal commissioner should initiate a probe into this. He will come to know how the illegal structures are coming up everywhere in the city. If he sends a few officials to jail, the issue of illegal constructions will permanently end in Pimpri-Chinchwad. But I doubt the PCMC chief will take strict action…They only took strict action against the hapless residents when the system had actually failed them.' Meanwhile, the residents said the developer, Manoj Jare, has approached them and told them that he would compensate for the loss suffered by the residents. 'We have held a couple of meetings with the builder. He said those who owned two gunthas of land will get 2 bhk flat in his new scheme and those who owned one guntha land will get one bhk flat. So far, we have not agreed to anything. The discussions are still going on. We are going to make him sign an affidavit if we reach an agreement,' said Asif Shaikh.
