Pote Files Nomination for Legislative Council from BJP Amid Rana Couple's Absence BJP candidate Pravin Pote Patil filed his nomination for the Legislative Council election from the Amravati Local Authorities Constituency on Monday, appearing in the presence of revenue minister and district guardian minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, along with senior officials from Mahayuti allies Shiv Sena and NCP. However, the absence of MLA Ravi Rana and former MP Navneet Rana during the event sparked speculation about internal tensions within the ruling alliance. The Yuva Swabhiman Party, led by the Rana couple, is a key constituent of Mahayuti. Pote’s supporters had anticipated Ravi Rana’s attendance, but sources indicated he left for Delhi after participating in a Shiv Parivar programme, while Navneet Rana is also in Delhi. Their absence fueled rumors that the couple had opposed Pote’s candidature. Responding to the speculation, Bawankule dismissed suggestions of a rift, stating he had spoken to Ravi Rana that morning. He emphasized that both Rana and Navneet Rana were out of town and assured that, despite local differences, they would remain committed to Mahayuti. Bawankule also mentioned he would personally engage with them upon their return. Pote, seeking to project unity within the alliance, claimed there was no discord in Mahayuti and expressed confidence in securing a record victory. Contesting from the constituency for the third time, Pote highlighted his strong support among local body representatives and anticipated backing beyond party lines. His candidature was finalized by the BJP on Sunday night, with the nomination filing initially scheduled for May 29 but deferred to Monday.#chandrashekhar_bawankule #navneet_rana #mahayuti #pravin_pote_patil #ravi_rana
Maha Govt To Recheck ‘Ladki Bahin’ Beneficiaries Amid Eligibility Concerns Revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule announced on Monday that the Maharashtra government would conduct a fresh scrutiny of beneficiaries under the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin scheme following allegations that ineligible applicants had received benefits. Speaking to reporters, Bawankule, a Kamptee MLA, stated that discrepancies had already led to the removal of some beneficiaries during verification. He emphasized that a committee-led review would be initiated to ensure that eligible women were not excluded from the program. The review comes amid reports that approximately 80 lakh women were found ineligible for the scheme after the deadline for e-KYC compliance. Opposition parties have criticized the move, accusing the BJP-led government of reducing the beneficiary base due to financial constraints. Bawankule also addressed criticism from Congress legislature party leader Vijay Wadettiwar, accusing the party of failing to address internal dissent before targeting the government. He referenced unrest among Congress municipal representatives, urging the party to introspect. On the issue of women’s reservation, Bawankule accused the Congress of not fully supporting the Women’s Reservation Bill, arguing that its stance weakened efforts to increase women’s political representation. He also responded to remarks by Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut, who had criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Bawankule defended Modi’s public support, attributing it to his focus on national development and India’s goal of becoming a developed nation. The Ladki Bahin scheme has been a key welfare initiative for the Mahayuti government, which includes the BJP, Shiv Sena, and Ekta Morcha.#bjp #maharashtra_government #shiv_sena #chandrashekhar_bawankule #mukhyamantri_majhi_ladki_bahin
BJP-led Mahayuti Set to Secure All 17 MLC Seats, Says Bawankule Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule expressed confidence that the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance would win all 17 seats in the Maharashtra Legislative Council (MLC) elections. Speaking to reporters in Amravati after accompanying BJP candidate Pravin Pote Patil to file his nomination papers, Bawankule emphasized that the alliance’s seat-sharing arrangement had been finalized unanimously by senior functionaries. The formula, he explained, allocated 11 seats to the BJP, four to the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), and two to the National Congress Party (NCP). Bawankule addressed concerns about the BJP fielding “outsiders” in the election, stating that the party respected long-serving workers while also providing opportunities to capable individuals. He argued that maintaining a balance between experienced members and new entrants was crucial for organizational growth. When asked about the inclusion of former MP Navneet Rana and MLA Ravi Rana in the Mahayuti fold, Bawankule confirmed both would remain with the alliance. He noted that Ravi Rana had been contacted earlier in the day and expressed confidence in their active support for Pote Patil’s candidacy. The minister also highlighted the significance of Pote Patil’s candidature from the Amravati Local Authorities Constituency, citing his contributions to organizational and social work, including healthcare initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic. Bawankule expressed optimism that the BJP would secure a record margin in the election, underscoring the alliance’s strong organizational base and local political equations.#national_congress_party #chandrashekhar_bawankule #navneet_rana #bjp_led_mahayuti #shiv_sena_shinde_faction
Maharashtra Unveils India’s First ‘Water 7/12’ System to Track Every Drop Maharashtra is set to become the first state in India to implement a groundbreaking “Water 7/12” system, a comprehensive initiative designed to scientifically record, audit, and regulate water usage. The system, modeled after the traditional land record document known as the Saatbara (7/12) land extract, aims to create structured records of water availability, usage, inflow, outflow, and balance at the gram panchayat and watershed levels. The proposal was reviewed at a high-level meeting chaired by revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule at Mantralaya on Monday, following directives from chief minister Devendra Fadnavis. The meeting brought together senior officials from the revenue, rural development, water conservation, and water supply departments to discuss the framework’s implementation. The initiative seeks to address the long-standing absence of a structured water accounting system in the state. While Maharashtra already maintains an extensive land documentation system through the 7/12 extract, officials noted that no parallel mechanism exists for systematically documenting and monitoring water resources. This gap has made it difficult to regulate consumption, enforce accountability, or accurately assess local water stress. The proposed system will initially be piloted in selected regions before a broader rollout across the state. The concept of a “Water Audit” and “Water Balance Sheet” was developed by AqVerium in collaboration with IIT Bombay water expert Avinash Kadam and economist Uday Nair. The framework outlines an annual classification and auditing process in three stages to generate transparent, data-driven assessments of local water reserves.#maharashtra #iit_bombay #devendra_fadnavis #chandrashekhar_bawankule #aqverium
Bawankule Targets Congress Over 60 Missing Corporators, Claims Mahayuti Will Sweep All 17 MLC Seats Maharashtra revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule launched a pointed critique of the Congress party on Monday, accusing it of failing to account for over 60 missing corporators and councillors from eastern Vidarbha ahead of the local self-governance (MLC) elections scheduled for June 18. Bawankule, representing the Kamptee constituency, dismissed allegations of political disappearances as baseless, stating that the Congress should first locate its own missing officials rather than focus on rivals. "Where Congress corporators have gone has nothing to do with us," he told reporters, responding to reports about the alleged disappearance of a Congress municipal president in the constituency of Congress MLA Vijay Wadettiwar. The minister expressed confidence in the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance’s dominance in Nagpur, asserting that the alliance holds a clear numerical advantage with nearly 600 of the approximately 800 votes available in the city. "The election will be one-sided, and Mahayuti will win all 17 seats," Bawankule claimed. He also hinted at efforts to ensure unopposed elections through discussions with political parties, citing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to reduce election-related expenditures. "If numbers are already clear, then elections should be unopposed," he said, emphasizing the logistical and financial costs of campaigning, including travel, fuel, and campaign expenses. Bawankule further outlined plans for seat-sharing negotiations within the Mahayuti alliance, stating that consensus had been reached on 99% of the 17 seats, with only one remaining undecided.#nagpur #congress_party #mahayuti_alliance #chandrashekhar_bawankule #modi_narendra
Nagpur MLC By-Election Draft Electoral Roll Reveals Over 850 Electors The Nagpur district administration has released the draft electoral roll for the upcoming Maharashtra Legislative Council by-election from the Nagpur Local Authorities' Constituency, which is expected to include over 850 elected representatives from 32 local self-governance bodies across the district. The list, published on May 22, provides details of polling stations and allows eight days for scrutiny, corrections, and objections from stakeholders. The 32 local bodies encompass the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), municipal councils, nagar panchayats, parishads, and cantonment boards. According to the draft, 150 electors are from the NMC city limits, while the majority of the electorate comprises representatives from rural local bodies. The by-election was necessitated after revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule resigned from the Legislative Council following his election to the state assembly. The winning candidate will serve the remainder of the term, which concludes on January 1, 2028. The district administration has made the draft electoral roll and polling station details accessible at designated offices, including the Zilla Parishad, Municipal Corporation, municipal councils, nagar panchayats, and tehsil locations. Additionally, the list is available on the official website of the Nagpur district collectorate. Objections, corrections, and claims must be submitted in writing by May 28 at the office of the Electoral Registration Officer for the Local Authorities' Constituency or the District Collector's office in Nagpur.#nagpur_municipal_corporation #nagpur_district_administration #chandrashekhar_bawankule #nagpur_local_authorities_constituency #nmc_city_limits
BJP Has Advantage in Nagpur MLC Bypoll Nagpur: The bypoll for the Nagpur local authorities constituency of Maharashtra Legislative Council has become a significant internal contest within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with the Mahayuti alliance—comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena, and National Congress Party (NCP)—holding a clear numerical edge. This has placed the opposition in a disadvantaged position even before the nomination process begins. The seat became vacant after Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule resigned from the Legislative Council following his victory in the Kamptee Assembly constituency in the 2024 elections. The Election Commission announced the bypoll schedule on Monday, sparking intense lobbying within the BJP over who will represent the alliance. Among the names circulating within the party are state spokesperson Dr. Rajiv Potdar, corporator Virendra Kukreja, former mayor Anil Sole, and city president Dayashankar Tiwari, according to BJP officials. However, party insiders suggest that the BJP’s history of making last-minute surprises in Rajya Sabha and Legislative Council selections has led to speculation that an entirely new candidate could emerge at the final moment. According to BJP sources, the electoral arithmetic strongly favors the ruling alliance. Out of the total 896 voters in the constituency, only 826 are effectively eligible due to vacancies in Zilla Parishads and Panchayat Samitis. The BJP alone commands 520 votes, accounting for nearly 63% of the effective strength. Adding the 30 votes from the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and nine members from the Ajit Pawar-led NCP, the Mahayuti tally rises to 559 votes. The nomination process will continue until June 1, with BJP leaders indicating that behind-the-scenes negotiations are still ongoing.#nagpur #bjp #chandrashekhar_bawankule #mahayuti #rajiv_potdar
BJP Eyes Nagpur MLC Seat as Bypoll Announced The Election Commission of India has finalized the schedule for Maharashtra Legislative Council elections, shifting focus to the Nagpur Local Authorities' Constituency, where a bypoll will be held following the vacancy created by revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule’s election to the legislative assembly in 2024. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has expressed confidence in retaining the seat, asserting it has the necessary numbers to secure victory. Party officials indicated that a meeting will be convened shortly to finalize strategic plans and candidate selection. Unlike the 16 other council seats, where winners will serve a full six-year term, the Nagpur bypoll winner will hold office only until January 1, 2028. Party insiders noted that the shorter tenure may deter senior functionaries from contesting unless there is clarity on renomination in 2028. BJP state vice-president Dr Upendra Kothekar stated that the announcement came unexpectedly, adding that the party lacks an immediate strategy. “We did not anticipate the Nagpur poll, so there is no immediate strategy. A meeting this week will address this,” he remarked. Kothekar emphasized that district-level consultations will precede candidate selection for the broader 17-seat election. “Each district unit will submit recommendations before the party finalises names,” he said, clarifying that the party’s numerical strength is not a concern. Instead, the focus is on selecting the right candidate. The bypoll will be held on June 18, with counting scheduled for June 22 and the entire process concluding by June 25. The notification for the election will be issued next Monday, with nominations closing on June 1, scrutiny on June 2, and withdrawal of nominations allowed until June 4.#nagpur #bjp #election_commission_of_india #maharashtra_legislative_council #chandrashekhar_bawankule
NMC Budget Session Under Cloud After MLC Bypoll Announcement The Nagpur Municipal Corporation’s highly anticipated budget session, set to take place on Tuesday at the Suresh Bhat Auditorium, faces uncertainty following the Election Commission’s announcement of a bypoll for a Maharashtra Legislative Council (MLC) seat from the Nagpur Local Authorities’ Constituency. The bypoll, scheduled for June 18, with results expected on June 22, has thrown the civic body’s financial planning into disarray. The election was necessitated after BJP leader Chandrashekhar Bawankule vacated the seat in November 2024 upon his election to the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly. The timing of the bypoll is particularly sensitive as Shivani Dani Wakhare, the NMC standing committee chairperson, is set to present the civic body’s 2026-27 budget—a first for the standing committee in nearly four years. Since March 2022, the NMC has operated under administrator rule, with budgets presented by the municipal administration rather than elected representatives. Wakhare’s budget, which includes public consultations, now risks being delayed due to the Election Commission’s model code of conduct, which prohibits certain activities during election periods. Municipal Commissioner Vipin Itankar has sought permission from the district election officer to proceed with the budget session while the model code is in effect. The request has raised concerns among political observers, who note that the election of corporators in the Nagpur Local Authorities’ Constituency overlaps with the electorate for the MLC bypoll.#election_commission #nagpur_municipal_corporation #vipin_itankar #shivani_dani_wakhare #chandrashekhar_bawankule
Big Rs 603cr Push to Modernise City’s Power Grid, Curb Outages The Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) is set to launch a 602.98-crore infrastructure upgrade project aimed at modernising Nagpur district’s power supply system. The initiative, which will receive financial support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), is designed to reduce frequent tripping incidents, voltage fluctuations, and unscheduled power cuts. The plan was reviewed during a meeting chaired by revenue minister and guardian minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, who highlighted the need for large-scale investment due to urban expansion, industrial growth, and rising summer temperatures. According to senior MSEDCL officials, the project will address the growing demand for electricity and improve reliability across the district. TOI has previously reported on the increasing frequency of power outages caused by the strain on the existing distribution network. CE Dilip Dodke provided a detailed overview of the current infrastructure, which includes 190 operational 33 KV substations, a sanctioned manpower strength of 3,827 employees, and a sprawling network of 564 feeders of 33 KV capacity spanning 2,213 km. Additionally, the system features 564 feeders of 11 KV capacity covering nearly 12,778 km, along with 319 power transformers, 34,770 distribution transformers, and over 32,184 km of low-tension lines. These lines supply electricity to approximately 1,840 villages across the district. The modernisation plan includes the establishment of 21 new extra high-voltage 33/11 KV substations, with 9 located within the city and 12 in rural areas. To enhance power quality and ensure uninterrupted supply, MSEDCL will install 405 new distribution transformers.#nagpur_district #mSEDCL #chandrashekhar_bawankule #asian_development_bank
Nagpur Minister Calls for Stubble Burning Law, Announces Housing Aid and Immediate Relief Nagpur: Nagpur guardian minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Sunday called for a dedicated legal framework to curb stubble burning, following a visit to the fire-ravaged Dhamangaon village. Speaking at a press conference, Bawankule emphasized the urgent need for stricter regulations, stating, "Stubble burning must be legally prohibited." He highlighted the environmental and health risks posed by the practice, particularly during winter months when air pollution levels in the National Capital Region (NCR) spike. Bawankule noted that while northern states like Punjab and Haryana have already implemented bans, gaps in the existing policy framework remain. The minister pointed out that the Centre’s disaster management norms provide compensation for fire-related losses, but similar provisions are absent in state-level policies. To address immediate needs, Bawankule announced a package of relief measures for affected families. Affected households will receive an immediate assistance of ₹23,000 from the state government, along with a month’s supply of food grains and free sand for rebuilding homes. Additionally, ₹20 lakh from the Koradi Mahalakshmi Jagdamba Sansthan will be distributed as part of the aid. The funds will be allocated as follows: ₹1 lakh for fully damaged houses, ₹75,000 for 75% damage, ₹50,000 for 50% loss, and ₹25,000 for partially affected households. Bawankule also announced that ₹2.5 lakh will be provided to each affected family from mining funds to support house construction. A proposal for further assistance under the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund will be submitted on Monday and placed before the Cabinet the following day.#national_capital_region #chandrashekhar_bawankule #dhamangaon_village #nagpur_guardian_minister #koradi_mahalakshmi_jagdamba_sansthan
Power Demand Hits All-Time High 873MW, Raises Outages Concerns Nagpur: Electricity demand in the city surged to an all-time high of 873 megawatts (MW) on April 27, straining the already overburdened power distribution network amid a severe heatwave. The spike in demand has raised alarms about potential power outages in the coming weeks as summer intensifies. Officials from Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd (MSEDCL) noted that a 20% annual rise in demand is typical, but this year’s figure is unprecedented. The peak demand recorded last year was 753MW in May, while the city’s average winter demand hovers around 500MW. "The demand has crossed 800MW multiple times this season, putting immense pressure on the system," said a senior MSEDCL official. Recent data showed the city recorded 853MW on April 25 and 816MW on April 26, with peak demand typically occurring between 6pm and 9pm. The rising load has already begun to impact residents, with frequent tripping and short-duration outages reported in several areas. Many households have experienced prolonged power cuts, exacerbating the discomfort during extreme temperatures. Despite earlier assurances from MSEDCL that tripping incidents would decline after May 1, citizens remain skeptical. Shishir Kalbande, a resident of Manewada, expressed concern: "If this is the situation now, it’s worrying to even think what will happen during peak summer next month." MSEDCL has urged residents to use electricity cautiously, particularly during peak hours between 6am and 9am and 6pm and 9pm, to ease the strain on the grid. However, the issue has drawn political scrutiny. Chandrashekhar Bawankule, the state revenue minister and former energy minister, criticized MSEDCL for failing to manage the increased load despite the state having surplus power.#nagpur #mSEDCL #chandrashekhar_bawankule #shishir_kalbande
Bawankule Slams MSEDCL for Power Cuts Amid Nagpur Outages Nagpur: Revenue and former energy minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule has launched a sharp critique of Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd (MSEDCL), accusing the utility of systemic failures that have led to frequent power outages and voltage fluctuations across the city. Speaking on Monday, Bawankule emphasized that the state does not face an electricity shortage but is grappling with unreliable distribution, which he attributed to lapses at multiple levels within the organization. The minister highlighted that the root of the problem lies in administrative inefficiencies, pointing to shortcomings among wiremen, technical staff, deputy engineers, and executive engineers. He described the current situation as "unacceptable," stressing that the fault for repeated disruptions lies with the system rather than a lack of generation capacity. Bawankule noted that while the state has sufficient power generation, the distribution network is failing to deliver electricity reliably to consumers. The criticism comes amid heightened demand during the peak summer season, which has placed immense pressure on an already strained infrastructure. Reports of recurring outages and voltage fluctuations have emerged from several regions, including Nagpur, exacerbating the challenges faced by residents. The Times of India has previously flagged the growing strain on aging infrastructure, which has exposed vulnerabilities in MSEDCL’s network and triggered frequent tripping incidents. Bawankule, who also serves as the guardian minister for Nagpur and Amravati, announced that a high-level meeting of power utility officials and engineers has been convened to address the crisis.#nagpur #times_of_india #devendra_fadnavis #chandrashekhar_bawankule
State Machinery Put on High Alert for Potential Drought-Like Situation The Maharashtra government has activated its administrative machinery to prepare for a potential drought scenario, following concerns over the anticipated impact of El Niño. Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule announced the initiative on Monday, stating that the state government had begun planning measures to address the crisis. The decision came after a cabinet meeting where all guardian ministers were directed to take necessary steps, and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reviewed the situation with district collectors across the state. A detailed meeting on drought preparedness is scheduled to assess various aspects and finalize the response strategy. Bawankule emphasized the need for vigilance, noting that the El Niño phenomenon could exacerbate water shortages and disrupt agricultural activities. The minister also highlighted the importance of coordinating with local authorities to ensure timely action. While the focus remains on drought mitigation, the minister launched a political attack on the Congress party, accusing it of undermining women's reservation policies. He claimed that while Prime Minister Narendra Modi expanded opportunities for women in Parliament, the Congress worked to prevent marginalized groups, including Scheduled Castes, Other Backward Classes, and women, from advancing. The minister also addressed the issue of missing tribal girls in Yavatmal district, stating that the home department is handling the matter under the direct attention of Fadnavis. He described the situation as a serious concern for Vidarbha and mentioned that tribal development minister Ashok Uike is closely monitoring the case.#maharashtra_government #devendra_fadnavis #el_nino #yavatmal_district #chandrashekhar_bawankule
Family Evacuates Safely After Fire, Labourer Dies in Cylinder Blast While Saving Belongings A 46-year-old labourer, Atul Pantawane, died after an LPG cylinder exploded while he was attempting to retrieve his family’s belongings following a fire at his home in Gandhinagar, Kamptee, on Sunday. The incident occurred in Nagpur, where Pantawane lived with his wife, elderly mother, and three children. According to police sources, the fire broke out due to a leaking LPG pipe that had become old and worn out. Despite the rapid spread of flames, the family managed to escape to safety. Pantawane returned to the house to salvage household items but was fatally injured when the cylinder exploded, leaving him charred. A neighbor, who is also Pantawane’s cousin, sustained minor injuries while trying to assist the family. Firefighters faced challenges in containing the blaze due to the intensity of the flames and the cramped layout of the house. An accident death was registered at Old Kamptee police station. Authorities stated that a detailed inspection will be conducted to determine the exact cause of the fire and identify any safety lapses. Revenue minister and Kamptee MLA Chandrashekhar Bawankule expressed condolences, stating that the local administration had been directed to carry out a thorough inquiry. The incident highlights the dangers of outdated gas infrastructure and the risks associated with neglecting safety protocols in residential areas. A second incident occurred later the same day at a vada pav shop in Gittikhadan on Gittikhadan-Borgaon road. Local sources reported that gas had been leaking from the cylinder for some time, and the fire may have been ignited by an electric spark.#nagpur #kamptee #chandrashekhar_bawankule #gittikhadan #atul_pantawane
₹1.5 Crore Skill Development Centre Planned in Besa Nagpur: The Public Works Department (PWD) is set to establish a skill development centre in Besa with an estimated cost of ₹1.5 crore, aiming to enhance employment opportunities and strengthen the local MSME ecosystem. The initiative, backed by revenue minister and local MLA Chandrashekhar Bawankule, will focus on providing vocational and industry-relevant training to local youth and women, enabling them to pursue self-employment and small-scale entrepreneurship. A senior PWD official told The Times of India that the centre will prioritize practical, livelihood-oriented training. "The facility is being developed specifically to promote self-employment. There are several women-led self-help groups (bachat gats) in the area, and this centre will help them scale up their activities," the official said. Training modules are expected to include skills such as tailoring, incense stick making, and other small-scale business activities. Officials emphasized that the centre will also provide space and basic infrastructure for individuals lacking the resources to start or operate their businesses independently. "If someone has the skill but not the space to work, this centre will support them," the official added. Civic authorities believe the project will play a crucial role in nurturing grassroots entrepreneurship and generating sustainable livelihoods in Besa and surrounding areas. The chief officer of the Besa Nagar Panchayat, Bharat Nandanwar, highlighted the complementary role of the National Urban Livelihood Mission (NULM) initiatives in the region. "The skill development centre will host multiple training programmes and work in tandem with NULM schemes, which will soon be rolled out.#times_of_india #public_works_department #chandrashekhar_bawankule #besa_nagar_panchayat #national_urban_livelihood_mission
Amravati sex abuse: 15-year-old Nagpur survivor breaks taboo, travels 250km to record statement before SIT A 15-year-old survivor from Nagpur made headlines by traveling 250 kilometers to submit a statement to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) in Amravati, marking a significant breakthrough in a case that had stalled due to the reluctance of survivors to come forward. The case involves the arrest of Ayaan and seven others, but the absence of formal complaints from survivors posed a major legal obstacle. Despite identifying eight survivors through Ayaan’s interrogation, none initially stepped forward, fearing social stigma and backlash. Amravati police, in collaboration with the State Minorities Commission, Child Welfare Committee, and counselors, launched a concerted effort to encourage survivors to share their accounts. Their persistence paid off when the 15-year-old girl agreed to provide her statement to the SIT. The development was confirmed by Guardian Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, who highlighted the girl’s courage and urged other survivors to come forward. Bawankule also assured the public that the government would provide full support and promised to trace any accused individuals, regardless of their location. The minister emphasized the importance of breaking societal taboos to ensure justice for victims. He called on the public to report any evidence or information related to the case, stating that no accused would escape accountability. The incident underscores the challenges faced by survivors in reporting crimes, particularly in cases involving sexual abuse, where cultural stigma often deters victims from seeking help. The case highlights the critical role of community engagement and legal safeguards in overcoming barriers to justice.#nagpur #amravati #special_investigation_team #chandrashekhar_bawankule #ayaan
BJP Accuses Congress of Insulting Women by Opposing Reservation Bill The BJP escalated its political critique on Saturday, accusing the Congress party of undermining women's rights by opposing the proposed Women's Reservation Bill, which aims to secure 33% representation for women in legislative bodies. Revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule framed the legislation as a "historic" step essential for India's development, emphasizing its role in achieving a developed nation by 2047. He condemned the Congress's resistance to the bill, calling it an "insult to women" and a betrayal of their dignity. Bawankule alleged that the Congress had consistently opposed similar initiatives since 1996, denying millions of women opportunities for political participation. The minister argued that the bill's provisions would not only empower women but also benefit marginalized groups such as Other Backward Classes, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes. He accused opposition parties of misleading the public about the bill's implications, urging restraint on sensitive issues like ongoing criminal investigations and water scarcity. Bawankule highlighted the need for a 50% reduction in water usage amid below-average rainfall, framing it as a critical challenge for the state. State BJP president Ravindra Chavan echoed Bawankule's criticism, labeling the Congress's opposition to the bill a "grave mistake" that would not be forgiven by voters. During a party event in Akola, Chavan asserted that the electorate would respond decisively to the Congress's stance, which he claimed exposed the party's "true face." BJP MLA Krishna Khopde further questioned the inconsistency of regional Congress leaders, accusing them of hypocrisy for claiming credit for the bill while opposing it in Parliament.#congress #bjp #devendra_fadnavis #chandrashekhar_bawankule #ravindra_chavan
Cab stir Day 2: On CM’s Home Turf, Airport Agony Continues Nagpur: For the second consecutive day, travelers at Nagpur’s airport faced severe disruptions as app-based cab drivers continued their strike, halting pick-up and drop services. Passengers were forced to walk nearly a kilometre through scorching heat to reach rides, with fares inflated beyond normal levels. Despite the city being represented by prominent leaders such as Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Union minister Nitin Gadkari, and state revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, the last-mile connectivity at the airport collapsed, leaving stranded flyers with limited options. Stranded travelers described the ordeal as a test of endurance. A harrowed passenger recounted walking from Dr Hedgewar Memorial Square to the terminal, arriving drenched in sweat and exhausted. “I had a flight to catch and had no choice but to walk,” said Priya Mehta, traveling to Mumbai. Similarly, Rajesh Tiwari, another flyer, criticized the situation as “preposterous,” stating, “We pay for convenience, not to walk in this heat with luggage.” By evening, some passengers opted for alternative arrangements, but fares remained significantly higher than usual. The strike, which began on the first day, has exposed systemic gaps in urban transport coordination and administrative response. Cab union leader Deepak Sane, who met with airport authorities on Wednesday, accused officials of apathy, claiming repeated attempts to initiate dialogue had failed. “Officials say they are busy with VIP movements. What about the common public?” he questioned. Sane also alleged that security personnel were filming protesting drivers, adding, “We are being pressured to withdraw the strike for minimal assurances. It is nothing short of blackmail.#nitin_gadkari #devendra_fadnavis #chandrashekhar_bawankule #nagpur_airport #priya_mehta
Ramtek Tourism Circuit: State Ministers Inspect Bird Park and Recreation Centre Nagpur: State revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule and minister of state (MoS) Ashish Jaiswal conducted an inspection of a bird park and a recreation centre near Khindsi Lake on Saturday, marking a renewed push for the development of the Ramtek-Khindsi-Mansar tourism circuit. The visit followed discussions on expanding the region’s appeal as a tourist destination, with officials emphasizing the integration of natural attractions, cultural landmarks, and modern infrastructure to sustain visitor interest. Jaiswal highlighted the broader vision for Ramtek’s tourism sector, which includes linking multiple attractions such as the Film City, seaplane connectivity, and recreational sites. He stated that these initiatives aim to create a cohesive experience for tourists, ensuring steady footfalls and long-term economic benefits. The minister also reiterated the importance of the seaplane project, which has received approval under the central government’s Udaan scheme, as a key component of the region’s growth strategy. Bawankule praised the bird park for offering a unique experience, noting its diverse collection of rare and beautiful bird species and the natural surroundings that enhance its appeal as a tourist spot. He emphasized the role of such projects in promoting eco-tourism and creating opportunities for local businesses. Chandrapal Chouksey, director of the projects, underscored the significance of tourism as a driver of economic activity, stating that it generates revenue across various sectors, including hospitality, transportation, and retail.#chandrashekhar_bawankule #ashish_jaiswal #udaan_scheme #ramtek_khindsi_mansar #seaplane_project
