Surendra P Gangan

Surendra P Gangan is Senior Assistant Editor with political bureau of Hindustan Times’ Mumbai Edition. He covers state politics and Maharashtra government’s administrative stories. Reports on the developments in finances, agriculture, social sectors among others.

Articles by Surendra P Gangan

8 jail artisans make 1,101 Ganesh idols

Eight prisoners from Nashik central jail and Dhule open jail have made 1,101 Ganesh idols using natural clay, with some inmates serving life imprisonment.

8 jail artisans make 1,101 Ganesh idols
Updated on Sep 21, 2023 01:14 AM IST
By, Mumbai

More liquor shops proposed to mop up more revenue for state

The excise department in Maharashtra has proposed allowing liquor manufacturers to open retail outlets in multiple districts, in an effort to increase revenue for the state. The department also suggests allowing the sale of mild liquor in beer shops and issuing more drinking permits. These proposals could generate additional revenue of up to ₹650 to ₹700 crore annually for the government.

Maharashtra has over 18,000 licenced liquor shops, including restaurants and bars, and 90 liquor-manufacturing units (Satish Bate/HT PHOTO)
Updated on Sep 21, 2023 01:06 AM IST

Verdict in due time but I will not succumb to pressure, says Narwekar after SC remarks

The Supreme Court has directed the assembly speaker to begin hearings on disqualification petitions against Shiv Sena MLAs next week. The speaker had been given two weeks to obtain copies of the Thackeray faction's documents before the hearings, but failed to submit a status report as ordered by the court. The delay prompted the Thackeray faction to file a petition with the Supreme Court. The court recognized the speaker as a constitutional post and emphasized that no other institution can intervene. The hearings will now proceed in a reasonable time.

Mumbai, India - July 20, 2023: Speaker of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Rahul Narwekar, during monsoon assembly session at Vidhan Bavanin Mumbai, India, on Thursday, July 20, 2023. (Photo by Anshuman Poyrekar/ Hindustan Times) (Hindustan Times)
Updated on Sep 19, 2023 12:37 AM IST

Mumbai-Goa Highway: A dream plagued by glitches

The National Highway 66 connecting Mumbai and Goa, touted as a dream thoroughfare, has been plagued with potholes, causing extensive traffic jams and delays.

Mumbai-Goa Highway: A dream plagued by glitches
Updated on Sep 18, 2023 12:42 AM IST

Shinde placates Marathas, Fadnavis pacifies OBCs, Ajit maintains a low profile

Maratha activist Manoj Jarange-Patil called off his 17-day indefinite hunger strike only after CM Shinde visited him on Thursday. The visit of the CM and two deputy CMs was the precondition put forth by the activist for withdrawing his strike, and was scheduled to take place a day earlier. Ajit Pawar was supposed to accompany Shinde to Jalna, but cancelled at the last minute

Jalna, Sept 14 (ANI): Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde meets Manoj Jarange Patil, who is on a hunger strike to protest for the Maratha reservation, at Antarwali-Sarati, in Jalna on Thursday. (ANI Photo) (CMO Maharashtra Twitter)
Published on Sep 18, 2023 12:32 AM IST

The power of non-political players on state leaders

On April 17, 14 people died from heatstroke at an event where the Maharashtra Bhushan award was conferred on the spiritual leader Appasaheb Dharmadhikari in Navi Mumbai. Over 20 lakh followers had turned up at the event. A probe was ordered after the incident, which is progressing at a snail’s pace

Navi Mumbai, Apr 16 (ANI): Union Home Minister Amit Shah with Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and State Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis felicitates the 'Maharashtra Bhushan Award' to social worker Dattatreya Narayan Dharmadhikari alias Appasaheb Dharmadhikari during a ceremony, in Navi Mumbai on Sunday. (ANI Photo) (Amit Shah Twitter)
Published on Sep 17, 2023 12:09 AM IST

GST dept proposes addl tax on liquor to mop up more revenue

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) department in Mumbai has proposed a hike in the tax on liquor served in restaurants and hotels below 3 stars, from 5% to 10-15%. This could help the government increase revenue by ₹300 to ₹600 crore annually. The department has also proposed an increase in tax on gold and gold jewellery, as well as uniformity in tax on fabric and readymade garments. No decision has been made by the government on these proposals.

HT Image
Updated on Sep 16, 2023 12:35 AM IST

Jarange-Patil calls off hunger strike after CM pays a visit

Maratha activist Manoj Jarange-Patil ended his 17-day hunger strike after meeting with Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who assured him of reservations for the Maratha community. The hunger strike was in protest against the lack of quotas for the community. The government has promised to fulfill most of Jarange-Patil's demands, but some will take time to implement. The Maratha community has been demanding reservations for decades, and while the government granted 16% reservation in 2018, it was later slashed by the court. The current crisis began after protests demanding OBC status for Marathas were lathicharged by the police.

HT Image
Updated on Sep 15, 2023 01:05 AM IST

Maratha reservation row: Activist ends hunger strike after meeting with Shinde

The state government has already conceded his other demands, including the withdrawal of cases registered against protesters.

Jarange-Patil sipped orange juice at the hands of the chief minister to end the hunger strike that has been going on since August 29 for the reservation (Twitter/@CMOMaharashtra)
Updated on Sep 15, 2023 04:56 AM IST

CM Shinde defers plan to visit Maratha reservation activist

The proposed visit was cancelled as the government does not want to bow before any pressure tactic, a leader from Shinde-led Shiv Sena said

Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde said his government was making efforts to fulfil the Maratha reservation demand (ANI)
Published on Sep 14, 2023 12:38 AM IST
By, Mumbai

CM defers plan to visit Jarange-Patil

Shinde and a few other state ministers are expected to meet Jarange-Patil on September 16, when they are scheduled to visit Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar [formerly Aurangabad], barely 70 km from Jalna, for a cabinet meeting, an official from CMO said, requesting anonymity

On Tuesday afternoon, Jarange-Patil said he would call off his strike only if Shinde, deputy chief ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar as well as two descendants of Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Udayanraje Bhosale and Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati met him in person. (HT PHOTO)
Published on Sep 14, 2023 12:13 AM IST

Maratha activist to end fast, quota stir to go on

Manoj Jarange said he was giving one month’s time to the Maharashtra government so that a state-appointed committee could prepare its report on the reservation.

The state government on Tuesday issued orders suspending additional superintendent of police Rahul Khade and sub-divisional police officer Mukund Aghav — both of whom were involved in the baton charge on the pro-Maratha quota protesters at Artarwali Sarthi village. Besides the two officers, the government has already sent Jalan SP Tushar Doshi on compulsory leave. (Vijay Bate/HT Photo)
Updated on Sep 13, 2023 04:52 AM IST

Bhide visits activist, praises CM and Dy CMs for their resolve on reservation for Marathas

On Tuesday, Bhide urged the Maratha activist to call off his hunger strike and praised chief minister Eknath Shinde, and deputy chief ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar for their resolve to give reservation to a section of the community. He said that he would stand by Jarange-Patil and ensure the government sticks to its word

(FILE PHOTO)Sangli, India - Dec. 15, 2013:Sambhaji Bhide ( Guruji) in Sangli.(PHOTO BY UDAY DEOLEKAR/HT PHOTO) (Hindustan Times)
Published on Sep 13, 2023 12:30 AM IST

Maratha quota agitation leader seeks treatment, likely to end hunger strike

Manoj Jarange Patil has been on an indefinite hunger strike in Jalna since August 29 demanding blanket reservation for Marathas and the inclusion of the Kunbi community in the OBC category

Manoj Jarange Patil. (Hindustan Times)
Published on Sep 12, 2023 12:43 PM IST

Decoding the Maratha-Kunbi reservation row

Three panels had already studied the issue and offered specific steps to confirm the backwardness of the Maratha community. Yet, the agitation continues

Maratha Kranti Morcha members burn tires on Pune-Solapur Highway while staging 'Rasta Roko' protest(PTI)
Published on Sep 12, 2023 09:34 AM IST

Maharashtra to withdraw all Maratha quota cases, suspend officers

Chief minister Eknath Shinde reiterated his commitment to grant reservation to the Maratha community.

Maharashtra government decides to withdraw all cases filed against Maratha quota protestors. (Bhushan Koyande)
Updated on Sep 12, 2023 04:43 AM IST
By, Mumbai

Shinde Committee meets to frame action-plan for reservation of Marathas as Kunbis in Maha

The Devara Committee has handed over data on Marathas as Kunbis from the Nizam era to the Shinde Committee, which will issue Kunbi certificates. The Shinde Committee is expected to submit its report in three to four weeks.

HT Image
Updated on Sep 12, 2023 12:24 AM IST

3 cops involved in lathicharge suspended, cases against protestors withdrawn

An all-party meeting in Mumbai led by CM Eknath Shinde agreed to suspend three senior police officers involved in a lathicharge on Maratha protesters in Jalna. The government also urged activist Manoj Jarange-Patil to end his hunger strike and offered him a position in the committee on issuing Kunbi certificates to Marathas, but he refused. The government is concerned about Jarange-Patil's health and the law and order situation in the state. The CM assured OBCs that their reservation would not be affected.

HT Image
Updated on Sep 12, 2023 12:22 AM IST

Maratha quota stir simmers as talks with Shinde govt fail again

Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange-Patil has demanded that Marathas from the Marathwada region be extended reservation under the OBC

A Maratha group blocks Pune-Solapur highway against Jalna administration on September 3 over alleged lathicharge on protesters demanding Maratha reservation. (PTI)
Updated on Sep 10, 2023 04:46 AM IST

Jarange-Patil refuses to call off hunger strike, demands amended GR

The government has now decided to await a response from the Marathas and to not negotiate for two days since Jarange-Patil’s further demands are difficult to accept due to legal constraints

On Saturday in Jalna, the Maratha activist, in the presence of the delegation, government mediator Arjun Khotkar and hundreds of community members, announced that the government had been holding talks but had not accepted any of their demands. “It should first issue a GR, announcing blanket reservation to us as Kunbis or the implementation of the June 2004 GR in letter and spirit,” he said. “Until then I will not call off my indefinite hunger strike.” (Anshuman Poyrekar/ HT PHOTO)
Updated on Sep 10, 2023 12:11 AM IST

CM-Maratha delegation hold talks in late-night meeting

Jarange-Patil’s contention is that Kunbis in eight districts of central Maharashtra or Marathwada were listed as Kunbis during the rule of the Nizam in pre-independence India, and thus should be entitled to reservation benefits in the OBC quota

On Wednesday, CM Shinde announced that those Marathas who could produce documents that listed them as Kunbis in the pre-Nizam era would be given Kunbi certificates, paving the way for them to get reservation in the OBC category. He also announced the appointment of a committee under retired judge Sandeep Shinde to verify the documents submitted for this and to fix the procedure to issue these Maratha-Kunbi or Kunbi-Maratha certificates. (Anshuman Poyrekar/HT PHOTO)
Updated on Sep 09, 2023 12:34 AM IST

State accepts demand of Maratha agitators

The Maharashtra government has announced that Marathas in central Maharashtra will be issued Kunbi caste certificates to enable them to receive reservation benefits under the OBC category. This comes after protests erupted following a lathi charge on Maratha demonstrators. A committee has been formed to verify records and issue the certificates. The decision may lead to demands for blanket issuance of Kunbi certification to all Marathas, potentially causing problems for the ruling alliance. The government is also working to restore the reservation that was quashed by the Supreme Court in 2021.

Mumbai, India – Sept 03, 2023: Sakal Martha Samaj activists stage a protest opp plaza in Dadar against the Jalna administration over the alleged lathi charge on protestor’s, at Dadar, in Mumbai, India, on Sunday, Sept 03, 2023. (Photo by Bhushan Koyande/HT Photo)
Updated on Sep 07, 2023 12:27 AM IST

Govt overturns its own decision, stands guarantee for sugar factory loans again

The Shinde government in Mumbai has reversed its decision and will now provide a bank guarantee for loans taken by sick sugar factories controlled by political leaders. The loans amount to about ₹1,100 crore and will be given to 13 sugar factories under politicians from ruling and opposition parties. If the factories fail to repay the loans, the state government will be responsible for repayment. The government has already paid ₹1,220 crore in the last five years towards bank guarantees for defaulter factories.

HT Image
Updated on Sep 07, 2023 12:14 AM IST

Talks fail, Jarange-Patil gives govt four more days to issue notification

Talks between the government and Maratha protestors over the reservation issue failed, as the government was given four more days to issue a Government Resolution. The Maratha activist on hunger strike since August 29 has requested the government to declare Marathas as kunbis and extend reservation benefits to them in the OBC category. The government delegation requested the activist to withdraw the protest, citing the need for more time, but the activist granted four more days. The government is working on formulating a foolproof reservation policy.

Thane, India - September , 04, 2023: Activists of the Maratha community in Thane staged a protest outside the Thane Collector office on Monday to protest against the police lathicharge (beating ) on the protestors protesting for Maratha reservation in Jalna Maharashtra ,in Thane, in Mumbai, India, on,Monday, September, 04, 2023. ( Praful Gangurde / HT Photo )
Updated on Sep 06, 2023 12:48 AM IST
By, Mumbai

Existing OBCs strongly oppose OBC status to Marathas

The Maharashtra government is considering including Marathas in the Other Backward Class (OBC) category to restore their reservation, which was struck down by the Supreme Court. However, this move could face opposition from castes in the existing OBC category. The government has appointed a committee to collect records to support the inclusion of Marathas in the OBC category. The inclusion of Marathas in the OBC category is likely to face legal battles and agitations, as it could disturb the existing OBC quota. Marathas are demanding reservation without disturbing the OBC quota.

HT Image
Updated on Sep 05, 2023 12:41 AM IST

Maha acts against cops after Maratha quota stir violence

The opposition, meanwhile, reiterated its demand that Fadnavis should resign, saying that he was behind the baton charge

CM Eknath Shinde said his government was “committed” to restoring quotas for Marathas, which he said would “remain forever” (HT)
Updated on Sep 04, 2023 12:23 AM IST
By, Mumbai

Govt scrambles to placate Maratha protesters, shunts out senior police officers from Jalna district

Holding Superintendent of Police Tushar Doshi responsible for the lathi charge, the Shinde government sent him on compulsory leave while additional SP Rahul Khade and deputy SP Mukund Aghav were transferred out of the district. IPS officer Shailesh Balkawade, along with some other officers, has been appointed instead

Mumbai, India – Sept 03, 2023: Sakal Martha Samaj activists stage a protest opp plaza in Dadar against the Jalna administration over the alleged lathi charge on protestor’s, at Dadar, in Mumbai, India, on Sunday, Sept 03, 2023. (Photo by Bhushan Koyande/HT Photo)
Updated on Sep 04, 2023 12:24 AM IST

Shinde initiates action against senior officers over lathi charge incident in Jalna

A group of activists led by Maratha Marcha coordinator Manoj Jarange Patil have been protesting since August 29 in Antarvali-Sarati village demanding reservations in education and government jobs for the Maratha community

Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde (File Photo)
Updated on Sep 03, 2023 04:58 PM IST

Adjust, sacrifice: Ruling alliance members told

he ruling alliance of over eight parties in their joint rally at NSCI dome in Worli, resolved to win all the 48 Lok Sabha seats from Maharashtra.The leaders also criticised the INDIA alliance saying they have come together to save their own parties and leadership.

Mumbai, India - Sept. 1, 2023: Dy CM Ajit Pawar, CM Eknath Shinde, Dy CM Devendra Fadnavis, during
Updated on Sep 02, 2023 12:39 AM IST

TRP case against Arnab Goswami: Crime branch finds flaws in Waze’s probe

Flaws found in the investigation of alleged TRP manipulation by Arnab Goswami; case may be withdrawn.

Republic TV editor-in-chief Arnab Goswami. (HT archive)
Updated on Sep 02, 2023 04:10 PM IST
ByVinay Dalvi,
SHARE
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • ...
Story Saved
Live Score
×
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
My Offers
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Sunday, September 24, 2023
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Register Free and get Exciting Deals