Amid buzz of differences, BJP minister Ganesh Naik holds 'janata darbar' in Shinde stronghold Thane
Thane: BJP leader and Forest Minister Ganesh Naik on Monday held a janta darbar in Thane, the home turf of Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, rejecting speculation of one-upmanship in the Mahayuti alliance.
Naik, however, added that no one holds permanent dominance in politics and leadership changes over time, based on public acceptance.
He said the next public hearing would be held in Thane next month.
There has been talk of unease in the ties between the BJP and Shiv Sena for the past few weeks, which once again came to the fore with Eknath Shinde's "do not take me lightly" warning on Friday.
Thane BJP leader Sanjay Waghule told reporters that more than 400 tokens were distributed to citizens at the janta darbar (public hearing) venue at 8 am.
Speaking to reporters, Naik, an MLA from neighbouring Navi Mumbai, dismissed speculation about political rivalries.
He said the purpose of organising a Janta Darbar was to resolve citizens' issues without making them travel long distances.
"The Mahayuti government is committed to progressive alliance under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and DCMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar," he said, adding that there is no competition among the allies or politics of one-upmanship.
Naik further said that the BJP also gained support from voters in Thane.
"There are ups and downs in politics and what matters is one's public image and acceptance by people," he added.
The event was attended by Nationalist Congress Party MLA Sanjay Kelkar and MLC Niranjan Davkhare.
Naik, the guardian minister of Palghar district, supported his cabinet colleague and Shiv Sena leader Pratap Sarnaik's announcement to hold a janta darbar in Palghar.
Naik said he would visit every taluka in both districts to address citizens' concerns.
Naik's son and former MP Sanjeev Naik said the janta darbar initiative was held on the directions of Fadnavis, who is keen to resolve citizens' problems at their doorsteps rather than making them visit Mantralaya.
Ganesh Naik had initiated the 'janata darbar' (public hearing) concept in Maharashtra in the 1990s, connecting people with the administration to address grievances.
He was the guardian minister of Thane for 15 years.
On February 3, the Naik senior addressed a 'janata darbar' at Vashi in Navi Mumbai and on February 21 in Palghar district.
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Speaker Khader dismisses BJP's charges of 'delay' in swearing-in of Jeevaraj as MLA
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Assembly Speaker U T Khader on Wednesday rejected opposition BJP's allegations of delaying the swearing-in of D N Jeevaraj as MLA, asserting that the process was being handled strictly in accordance with constitutional provisions and rules.
BJP candidate Jeevaraj, who had lost the 2023 Sringeri Assembly election to Congress leader T D Raje Gowda, was declared elected late Sunday night after reverification and recounting of postal ballots in compliance with a High Court order.
The recount reduced 255 votes from Gowda's tally, overturning his earlier victory margin of 201 votes and reversing the result.
The recount followed an election petition filed by Jeevaraj.
Addressing reporters, Khader maintained that there was no delay in administering the oath to Jeevaraj, who was declared elected from the Sringeri Assembly constituency after a High Court-ordered recount of postal ballots.
“Where have we delayed? The application was submitted at 11 am. If an application is given in the morning and by evening someone says it’s delayed — how is that a delay?” he said, dismissing the allegations.
The Speaker said the matter involved 'technical issues' that required examination before fixing a date for oath-taking.
“When such a matter comes, we also need to examine it and take a decision as per rules. If an application is given in the morning, at least 24 hours must be given,” he said.
Khader stressed that his role was bound by the Constitution and not influenced by political considerations.
“When an elected MLA asks for time, we must give it under the Constitution and law. Can we refuse? No, we have to give it,” he said, rejecting suggestions that he was acting under party pressure.
He also underlined the need for trust in democratic institutions amid the controversy.
“A democracy and parliamentary system must function on trust. Without that, how can democracy be strengthened? Trust is essential,” he said, cautioning against creating suspicion around constitutional positions.
On claims that the delay was linked to the ongoing political and legal dispute over the recount, Khader said the issue did not fall within his purview.
“My responsibility is to act as per the Constitution and rules. I will ensure that whatever is due to them is done as soon as possible,” the Speaker explained.
He said he had already communicated his position when contacted and would formally inform the concerned parties. “There is no delay, nor any intention to delay. I will discharge my duties as per the Constitution,” he said.
Khader also pointed to possible legal complications in hastily administering the oath.
“If I give the oath to one person and tomorrow the court declares someone else the winner, what happens then? Will it automatically cancel? Will confusion arise?” he asked, indicating the need for due diligence.
On concerns that Jeevaraj had lost over two years of tenure, the Speaker said representation was linked to that constituency rather than an individual.
“Whoever becomes the MLA represents the constituency. Benefits are not given to an individual,” he said, adding that issues of alleged irregularities should be examined by the Election Commission.
The remarks come after the Leader of Opposition BJP in the Karnataka Assembly, R Ashoka on Wednesday accused the Speaker of 'deliberately' delaying the oath and approached Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot seeking intervention, even suggesting that the Governor administer the oath if required.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah termed the process 'Vote Dacoity' by Jeevaraj and said an FIR has been registered against the newly elected Sringeri MLA.
Defending the recount process, Jeevaraj denied allegations of tampering, while the High Court has stayed an FIR filed against him in connection with the postal ballot issue.
