BJP chief draws flak
Maharashtra BJP president Raosaheb Danve caused much embarrassment to his party when he abused farmers at a meeting of party workers in Jalna district. A video clip of Danve abusing Tur farmers went viral on social media. Danve promptly issued a clarification claiming he was wrongly quoted. He could never abuse a farmer because he is a farmer himself, Danve claimed, before expressing regret for hurting farmers feelings.
However, much damage has already been done. Even before the BJP could launch any damage control exercise, a Shiv Sena leader from Marathwada announced a prize of Rs 10 lakh for Danve's 'tongue'. He wanted Danve's tongue literally cut to size. Raj Thackeray's MNS also followed suit.
Congress lashed out at Danve. Party president Ashok Chavan said Danve's remarks once again proved that the BJP is anti-farmers. The most clever reaction, however, came from Sharad Pawar. The NCP chief said Danve is doing much service to the cause of opposition and hence, should not be targeted.
Aditya's tete-a-tete with Bieber
Justin Bieber's concert in Navi Mumbai caused much euphoria among his fans. But those who attended the conference were left dejected as it is alleged that the 'Sorry' star was merely 'lip-syncing' his songs and not actually singing.
However, Shiv Sena's young leader Aditya Thackeray will have no complaints. After all, the young Thackeray spent almost two hours chatting with Bieber. Shiv Sena leadership has been always attracted to pop stars. Aditya was just six years old when his uncle Raj organised Michael Jackson's concert in Mumbai in late 1990s. Jackson was a special guest at Matoshree that evening, about two decades ago.
Aditya surely has fond memories of his interaction with Michael Jackson. Hence, it is hardly surprising that he spent time chatting with Bieber.
Civic official beaten up during anti-encroachment drive
A senior civic official from Thane Municipal corporation was beaten up by hawkers a few days ago. Deputy municipal commissioner Sandip Malvi was leading a demolition drive against encroachments and illegal hawkers in Thane when he had an argument with one of the hawkers, whose shop was facing demolition. The shop owner attacked Malvi and other hawkers soon joined in.
Malvi was rescued by a policeman who had accompanied the demolition squad. The corporator was rushed to Jupiter hospital where he is being treated.
City municipal commissioner Sanjeev Jaiswal took this attack on civic demolition squad seriously. Malvi was assaulted when he was implementing the commissioner's order to carry out demolition and anti-encroachment drives within their zones.
And Jaiswal is a no-nonsense IAS officer. He is close to Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and is a great friend of Thane police commissioner Parambir Singh, a tough and hard-working IPS officer.
A day after the assault on Malvi, Jaiswal himself led the anti-encroachment drive and struck a blow to unruly and illegal auto-rickshaw operators near the Thane railway station. Not only did Jaiswal complete the demolition drive that had to be abandoned after the attack on Malvi, but Jaiswal himself exchanged blows with unruly auto-rickshaw operators before letting the police to take care of the trouble.
Parrikar to contest bypoll from Panaji
Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar has made up his mind to contest by-election from Panaji constituency. The decision was taken on Wednesday. Sitting Panaji legislator Sidharth Kuncalienker resigned on May 10 to make way for Parrikar so that a by-election could take place before September.
Parrikar has a tough job ahead since Kuncalienker's victory margin was just over 1,000 votes.
Most likely, Congress will field Antanasio 'Babush' Monserrate against Parrikar. Congress general secretary A. Chellakumar was in Goa on Thursday and had a round of discussions with party leaders and Monserrate. Parrikar's image has taken a beating after he formed the BJP government in Goa. Will Parrikar be able to retain Panaji? The count down has already begun. It will certainly be a contest to watch out for.
