Anniversary of Shivaji”s coronation celebrated at Raigad

Mumbai, Jun 6 (PTI) The 336th anniversary of the coronation ceremony of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was today celebrated at the Raigad Fort in the presence of thousands of his followers. Waving saffron flags, they took out a procession in a tribute to the Maratha warrior this morning.

Water brought from all the rivers of the state was poured on the main idol of Shivaji at the fort along with 108 golden coins, replicating the original coronation which took place on June 6, 1674. Shivaji”s descendant Sambhajiraje, Shiv Sena executive president Uddhav Thackeray, Finance Minister Sunil Tatkare and Transport Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil were present for the ceremony.

Sambhajiraje demanded that the state government declare the day as a national festival. The coronation ceremony was entangled in a controversy as the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) declined permission to hold any function at the fort citing provisions of Archaeological Sites and Remains (Amendment and Validation) Act 2010.

Following this, Shiv Sena Chief Bal Thackeray had said that his party would celebrate the anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj”s coronation at the fort, irrespective of the ASI banning any such function. Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan then intervened and spoke to the Centre.

The permission was granted then to celebrate the coronation ceremony ending all controversies. Uddhav said they don”t need permission from the Centre to mark the coronation ceremony and, henceforth, would not seek any nod.

Uddhav, mayor plan aerial survey of river desilting

Mumbai, May 29 — On Saturday, the city’s mayor and municipal commissioner plan to fly in a helicopter to inspect progress on nullah cleaning at sites across the city. Shiv Sena executive president Uddhav Thackeray, Mayor Shraddha Jadhav, Municipal Commissioner Swadheen Kshatriya and V N Sontakke of MWH India, a private firm, will conduct an aerial survey over four rivers – Mithi, Poisar, Dahisar and Oshiwara.

MWH is a US-based consultancy studying the city’s drainage system, and is tasked with preparing a revised plan for the BMC’s much delayed storm water drain project, Brimstowad. Two rivers will be inspected from 10.30 am to 11.30 am, the second round will be between 2 pm and 3 pm.

Jadhav confirmed the helicopter visit but would not say who is to bear the cost of this exercise. “The programme was finalised on Friday evening and the BMC will bear the cost of the aerial inspection,” a BMC source said on condition of anonymity.

On Wednesday, Thackeray visited eight nullah sites in the western suburbs, where he said progress on the work was not satisfactory. He also said if the city faced a flood-like situation this monsoon because of the Mithi river – which was an important aspect of the 2005 floods – the state government was to be blamed.

Shiv Sena-BJP alliance confident of victory in Maharashtra assembly polls

Mumbai, Sep 19(ANI): Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiv Sena on Saturday expressed confidence about emerging victorious in the forthcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections.

“It is 45 years since Shiv Sena came into being. And this first day of Navaratri happens to be a red-letter day in the history of Shiv Sena that has crusaded for the cause of Samyukta (unified) Maharashtra. Considering all these aspects, I feel it is an auspicious timing (of) declaring the seat arrangement and we are confident of our combine emerging victorious,” said Uddhav Thackeray, Executive President of Shiv Sena party.

Leaders of both the parties confirmed that there was no bargaining for seats between the two allies.

“Today, is the first day of Dussera and we have arrived at the figures of seat sharing. Yes, it is 169 and 119. The 169 in favour of Shiv Sena and 119 for BJP and it will be interesting to note that both the figures end in 9, a lucky number; 169 and 119. And now onwards we will work on joint strategy. There is no clash of interests and now onwards we will devote to the selection of suitable candidates,” said Gopinath Munde, senior BJP leader.

In the 2004 elections, Shiv Sena had contested for 171 seats while BJP had contested for 117 and jointly they had bagged 119 seats in the legislative house of 289 members.

The alliance of Congress and regional National Congress Party (NCP) had emerged victorious in the 2004 polls. (ANI)

Sify Technologies signs up with Cisco to launch managed services in India

Chennai, July 15 (ANI/Business Wire India): Sify Technologies Limited announced today the launch of Managed MPLS Service and Managed Internet Service as part of the Cisco Managed Services Channel Program (MSCP).

This service is the first of a series of Managed Services that Sify Technologies plans to launch over the next two years.

The Managed MPLS Service will provide world-class solutions with end-to-end service assurance to enterprises for their business critical networks.

The services are a part of Sify’s strategy to migrate from TDM to IP based network services and introduce a full suite of Managed Services for Indian enterprises.

“As an industry leader, Sify has always set new benchmarks in communication service offerings and delivery for our customers. Our aim is to move beyond network management to offer and provide converged application services on business critical networks as an end to end managed services provider for Indian enterprises. The Cisco Tier 1 certification is a step in that direction, for it reinforces our world class MPLS network and service offerings capabilities to our customers. It also enables us to provide a host of new industry defining managed service offerings that will help our customers transform their businesses,” said PJ Nath, Executive President, Enterprise Services, Sify Technologies Ltd.

Nath added, “Our customers will now have access to world class services using the latest technologies on a leasing model, on an OPEX model as opposed to investing in CAPEX, offering competitive advantage at low risk. They will be able to manage their internal IT resources and investments better and can focus on IT strategy and not have to invest in IT integration.”

Recognizing Sify’s achievement, Rajesh Chainani, Operations Director of service provider for Cisco India and SAARC said, “We would like to congratulate Sify on achieving the Tier 1 certification for Cisco’s MSCP program. By providing world class services and globally consistent terms they have continually pioneered managed infrastructure services. We are confident that Sify will be able to extend the benefits of this program to their enterprise customers while delivering a quality managed service experience.”

The launch of these services follows the Tier 1 MSCP certification for Sify Technologies from Cisco for their network and service capabilities. The certification places it in a league of select global operators that are endorsed for carrier-class MPLS networks and enterprise-class MPLS service capabilities.

The Cisco Tier 1 MSCP certification is based on rigorous third party audit that covers various aspects of the MPLS Service, including network architecture, network engineering capabilities, the security on network and service providing capabilities and processes.

Over the next two years, Sify will start offering a wide range of managed IP based services in a phased manner. These services will enable enterprises to outsource some of their most important IP communication services with complete investment protection and scalability. (ANI)

Shiv Sena wants houses in Mumbai for only for locals

Mumbai, July 14 (ANI): In turf battle ahead of state polls in Maharashtra, Shiv Sena has promised houses in Mumbai to state’s bona-fide residents.

Having lost ground to its faction, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, over hardline political posturing, Shiv Sena executive president Uddhav Thackeray led a bunch of party activists and supporters to the Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Development Authority (MMRDA) head office demanding that non-Maharashtrians should be barred in that allotment of shelters.

“In another two to three months, Shiv Sena is confident of coming to power and then our government will provide 500 square feet area houses to Marathi ‘manoos’ (bona-fide residents of Maharashtra) to ensure that they need not go out of Mumbai to reside.

Marathi manoos is entitled to shelter and none else. This is our stand,” said Thackeray.

“In Mumbai, the houses are built by the MMRDA for the poor. These houses are also grabbed by builders. Immigrants from Bihar and Bangladesh are begging for accommodation whereas what we are demanding is proper accommodation from government which is our right,” he added.

The MMRDA last month announced that it would provide 43,000 homes at a rent starting as low as Rupees 800 per month.

The project is aimed at reducing the number of slums in Mumbai.

Shiv Sena members feel that the housing scheme doesn’t give preference to Maharashtrians and would encourage outsiders to settle in Mumbai.

Maharashtra will hold elections to state assembly by October and the migrants’ issue could swing votes. (ANI)

MNS has not taken votes of Shiv Sena, claims Raj Thackeray

Mumbai, May 23 (ANI) The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has said that MNS did not steal anybody’s votes.

He said while addressing his party workers here on Friday in the wake of the comments by Shiv Sena’s Executive President Uddhav Thackeray that due to presence of MNS, the votes were split in the recent elections to Lok Sabha.

Raj Thackeray brushed aside the allegations that his outfit has cut into the votes of an alliance of Shiv Sena and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the state in the recently concluded general polls,

“…I have not stolen the votes of anybody, its the people who have supported us… Balasaheb Thackeray has all the right to say anything about me and I will not debate against him… I will also ask Uddhav Thackeray as to whom did he vote in this election. If it’s Mahesh Jethmalani , then is he a Marathi and if not then how can they allege that I have stolen the votes of Marathi?” said Raj Thackeray.

MNS, a splinter group of the Shiv Sena has played a spoilsport for the National Democratic Alliance in their strongholds Mumbai and Thane.

Out of its 12 nominees, three candidates of MNS had come up second while the remaining bagged the third spot in the election.

While Shiv Sena bagged 11 seats, the BJP managed just nine of the total 48 constituencies in Maharashtra. (ANI)

Taiwan stocks fall more than 4 per cent due to profit-taking

Taipei – Taiwan stocks plunged more than 4 per cent Friday due to profit-taking and expectation of negative corporate reports due out next week.

The TAIEX weighted index fell 241.79 points, or 4.03 per cent, to close at 5,755.38.

“The main reasons for the fall are profit-taking and investors’ expectation of next week’s corporate reports for the first quarter, which won’t be so good,” said Chiu Hsin-ling, executive president of the Industry Bank of Taiwan Securities. (dpa)

SHILPA SHETTY UNVEILS NEW CRICKET GEAR FOR RAJASTHAN ROYALS

Mumbai, Apr 8 (ANI): Bollywood actor and owner of Rajasthan Royals Shilpa Shetty unveiled new cricket gear for her team here last evening.

Designed by Puma, the new cricket gear of last year’s IPL winner was sponsored by Ultratech Cement.

She wished her squad best and hoped that her team would defend the title.

“I like to say and wish my team the very best. It is only that their performance and consistency that brought them to the level they have reached to and they are the defending champions. I hope the history repeats itself this time again,” said Shilpa.

Her fiancé and business partner Raj Kundra accompanied Shilpa.

Shashank Awasthi, Joint Executive President of Ultratech Cement, was also present.

The IPL, which involves many of the world’s leading players, was a huge success in its inaugural edition in cricket-crazy India last year, primarily because it was structured around city-based franchises with a fan base in home and away matches.

The eight-team league would be staged in South Africa from April 18 due to security reasons and would return to India next season. (ANI)

BJP-Sena urge Maharashtra to vote for ‘decisive Advani’

Mumbai, April 5 (IANS) A galaxy of leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party-Shiv Sena alliance here Sunday urged the people of Maharashtra to ‘oust’ the Congress-led government at the centre and bring the BJP-led NDA to power under the decisive leadership of L.K. Advani.

Speaking at a rally, Shiv Sena executive president Uddhav Thackeray, glancing at the massive turnout at the Shivaji Park in central Mumbai, said ‘seeing the enthusiastic gathering here, there is little doubt’ which alliance would be voted to power in the elections.

Urging the people of Mumbai and the state to vote for the alliance, Thackeray – turning to address veteran BJP leader Advani – said, ‘At the next rally after May 16, we want you to come here as the prime minister of Hindustan. Even Sena chief Bal Thackeray shall be there to welcome you.’ The crowd cheered its approval.

Discussing the issue of terrorism unleashed from across the border, Thackeray called upon the people of the country to unite. ‘If we are united, nobody will dare to look at us with an evil eye, if they do, we shall gouge their eyes,’ he declared.

During his brief speech, Thackeray trained his guns on both Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress president Sonia Gandhi. ‘A foreigner woman has grabbed the control of the country. What is the prime minister doing about it?’ he remarked.

Demanding a ‘decisive’ government headed by a firm leader, he said: ‘Today, there is no better leader in the country than Advani. We must ensure that the saffron flag flutter in New Delhi after the next elections.’

In a brief videographed speech that was played before the rally, Bal Thackeray demanded that nobody should vote for the Congress until Mohammed Ajmal Amir alias Kasab, the captured Pakistani terrorist after the Nov 26 attacks here, is hanged.

He admitted his body was weak and he could not address rallies like in the past. ‘In this country, if (H.D.) Deve Gowda could become PM, anybody can become PM. I am satisfied with only becoming the Shiv Sena chief,’ he said.

Addressing the rally, senior BJP leader Gopinath Munde said Advani was a tough leader like Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

Accusing the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government of failing to tackle the issue of terrorism, he urged people to vote for the tough and decisive BJP leader, Advani.

Former Lok Sabha speaker and senior Sena leader Manohar Joshi expressed confidence that the alliance would come to power after the next elections.

‘Advani shall become the next PM of India with the blessings of Chhatrapati Shivaji. It is important for the saffron flag to flutter in New Delhi for the security of the country,’ Joshi said.

In his speech, Advani said some states shall throw up surprising results in the next elections – Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, and a couple of states from the south.

Regretting that two top alliance leaders – former prime minister A.B. Vajpayee and Bal Thackeray – both ailing, were not present, Advani said: ‘It is our loss that they are not amongst us here.

‘We miss them. At the same time, it is also a challenge for us to succeeed in the next elections with their blessings. We must not let them down,’ he said.

Earlier, other alliance leaders like Sena’s Subhash Desai and Ramdas Kadam, opposition leader in Maharashtra, and BJP state general secretary Vinod Tawde addressed the gathering.

National security will be NDA’s priority: Advani

Mumbai, Apr 6 (ANI): Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader L K Advani has promised that his government would give top priority to national security, if voted to power.

Addressing a joint rally with Shiv Sena executive president Uddhav Thackeray at Shivaji Park in Central Mumbai last night, Advani said that identity cards would be mandatory for all citizens of the country in view of the continuous illegal immigration from Bangladesh.

Advani further said that the failure of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) to prevent the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks would cost the alliance dearly.

Taking example of the investigations conducted by the US government following the 9/11 attacks and by the NDA-government after the Kargil intrusion, Advani demanded a judicial inquiry into the Mumbai attacks and emphasised the need to fix responsibility for it.

“We should have a proper inquiry into the attacks and those responsible for lapses should be brought to book… Even in the US the homeland security department was set up after recommendations made by the inquiry committee,” he said.

Highlighting the salient points of the BJP election manifesto, Advani said, “The agenda for governance will be finalised by the BJP in consultation with its allies for good and sensitive governance.”

The BJP leader also assured that if elected to power, Mumbai would get its due in terms of development.

Expressing confidence on succeeding in the coming elections, Advani said, “Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Chhatisgarh and also some states from the South will spring a happy surprise in the elections. Our opponents are lagging behind and poll results will be very good for the NDA.” (ANI)

26 held for racing in Mumbai

TWENTY-SIX bikers were arrested for racing on the streets of Bandra early on Monday. The arrests were made as part of a special drive launched by the police after a biker brushed the car carrying Shiv Sena Executive President Uddhav Thackeray early this month.

“After the incident we decided to carry out a special drive against youngsters who participated in these late-night races,” said Police Inspector Ghanshyam Patil of the Bandra police. “They are putting their own lives as well as those of other motorists and pedestrians at stake.

” The accused were later presented in the Bandra metropolitan court, which let them out on a bail of Rs 10,000 each. On March 3, a group of bikers was racing near Bandra’s Carter Road when one of them, who is still untraceable, lost balance, and his motorcycle brushed the car carrying Thackeray, the police said.

Thackeray’s office complained about this to the Bandra police. Thackeray’s personal assistant Milind Narvekar, however, refused to comment on the issue.

The 26 youngsters, mostly in the age group of 18 to 25, were booked for rash driving under various sections of Indian Penal Code and Motor Vehicles Act. The police said that they first received an alert from the control room about bikers zooming along the Bandra Reclamation.

Most of the youngsters were from middle and lower-middle class families and three were riding without a licence, the police said. In an earlier case, six motorcyclists were arrested on March 15.

They too were released on a bail of Rs 10,000 each.