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
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
Authorities Urge Community Leaders to Support Survivors in Sexual Exploitation Case Nagpur/Amravati: The Child Welfare Committee (CWC) and District Child Protection Unit have launched outreach initiatives in Paratwada and Achalpur to engage community leaders and encourage survivors of a sexual exploitation case to come forward and file complaints. Authorities are emphasizing the importance of recording statements from affected families while assuring them of support and confidentiality during the investigation. A breakthrough has been achieved as one minor girl has already provided a statement. A team member revealed that efforts are ongoing to connect with local community leaders, social workers, and religious heads to gather more testimonies from families and their daughters. State Minority Commission Chairman Pyare Khan clarified that all eight survivors involved in the case are from the Muslim community. Addressing a press conference, Khan criticized BJP leader and former MP Navneet Rana for making misleading claims that all survivors were Hindu and none wore burqas. Khan warned that such statements risk inciting communal tensions and called for accountability. Religious leaders in Achalpur-Paratwada have also condemned the scandal, with City Qazi Syed Gaisoddin emphasizing that the case must be viewed as a criminal act rather than a religious issue. Gaisoddin, a 78-year-old cleric, stated that the actions of the accused have damaged the social fabric of the town. He urged strict legal action against the perpetrators, stressing that justice must be delivered swiftly. He also called for police intervention against anyone spreading hatred under the guise of religion.#pyare_khan #navneet_rana #child_welfare_committee #district_child_protection_unit #syed_gaisoddin
State Minorities Commission Investigates BJP Leader Over Alleged Communal Remarks The State Minorities Commission (SMC) has escalated its probe into a high-profile sexual exploitation case involving minor girls in Paratwada, Amravati district, by demanding legal action against BJP leader and former Lok Sabha MP Navneet Rana. The commission, led by chairman Pyare Khan, alleges that Rana violated the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act by publicly disclosing the identities of minor victims and casting the incident in a communal light. The SMC claims eight Muslim girls are among the victims, rejecting claims that only Hindu girls were involved in the case. Khan’s letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlights Rana’s alleged inflammatory remarks, including statements suggesting Muslims should “go to Pakistan.” He accused Rana of undermining social harmony and violating constitutional principles of equality and fraternity. The commission’s team of seven to eight members visited the affected area to verify the allegations and assess the situation firsthand. Khan emphasized that reports of a large number of Hindu girls being involved were “baseless rumours” aimed at inciting communal tensions. According to Khan, four of the victims are from Paratwada, three from Amravati, and one from Nagpur, all belonging to the Muslim community. He stated that Rana’s media claims about “180 Hindu girls being exploited” and labeling the incident as “jihad” were misleading and not based on verified information. The police later clarified that these assertions were false, though the investigation into the case remains ongoing. The SMC chairman argued that Rana’s unverified statements have exacerbated social tensions and called for urgent legal measures to prevent such provocations.#amravati_district #pyare_khan #paratwada #state_minorities_commission #navneet_rana
