Civic polls: Two BJP women candidates emerge unopposed in Thane district
Thane (PTI): Even before the first ballot is cast for the Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) elections in Maharashtra’s Thane district, two BJP women candidates have secured victory in the absence of a contest.
Rekha Chaudhary, who had been a corporator for over a decade, and Asawari Kedar Navare have been declared winners unopposed from Ward No. 18 (Kachore) and Ward No. 26(A), which covers the Savarkar Road area, respectively, said officials.
State BJP chief Ravindra Chavan described the victories as the “ultimate civilian award” from the people. “It is the recognition of ten years of solving problems on the ground, of being there for every citizen in Kachore. People have spoken by staying silent. They knew their leader had already won their hearts,” he said.
Navare, who comes from a family with RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) roots, is a new face in the municipal arena.
Chavan made a video call to Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis to convey the development.
“A victory is a victory. But an unopposed victory is a message of trust. Let this energy fuel our journey towards a better Kalyan-Dombivli,” said Fadnavis during the video call.
Elections to 29 municipal corporations across the state, including the KDMC, are scheduled for January 15, and votes will be counted the next day.
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Experience comes when you play bigger teams in bilateral series: Rashid Khan
Chennai (PTI): Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan called for more bilateral series against stronger cricketing nations after his team signed off from the T20 World Cup on a high, defeating Canada in their final group match here on Thursday.
Afghanistan played some exhilarating cricket, going down to South Africa in a gripping second Super Over after the scores were tied, a humdinger that provided one of the early thrills of the World Cup.
However, the spin-bowling stalwart said Afghanistan could make significant strides if they get regular opportunities to compete against stronger cricketing nations.
"Couple of areas to improve, with the batting, the middle order got a bit stuck against the big teams, and then with the bowling the death overs. That comes when you play the bigger teams in bilateral series," said Rashid after his team defeat Canada by 82 runs, with him returning excellent figures of 2 for 19.
The stalwart said the side had arrived well prepared for the tournament and produced some breathtaking cricket, but admitted the narrow defeat to South Africa proved costly and remained a painful setback.
"We were well-prepared (for the tournament), we played some unbelievable cricket. The game against South Africa, that really hurt everyone. We had to win one of those (first two) games and see how the tournament unfolded. We'll take some positive things from this World Cup and look forward," he said.
With head coach Jonathan Trott set to part ways with the team, Rashid described the departure as an "emotional" moment for the side.
"I think we had some wonderful times with him. Where we are now, he played a main role. It's emotional to see him leave us, but that's how life is. We wish him all the best and somewhere down the line we see him again."
Ibrahim Zadran, who was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 95 off 56 balls, said it was satisfying to finally register a substantial score after two below-par outings.
"I enjoyed it, didn't play better cricket in first two innings, which I expect. Wanted to back my skills, really enjoyed it. Pressure was there, it's there all the time. I want to put myself in pressure situations and enjoy it," said Zadran.
"Wanted to play positive cricket, rotate strike and punish bad ball, create partnerships and this is what I have done."
