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By:

Dr. Abhilash Dawre

19 March 2025 at 5:18:41 pm

Don claims MLA behind plot to kill developer

Kisan Kathore Ambernath : A major controversy has erupted in the Ambernath–Badlapur region of Thane district after jailed gangster Ejaz Lakdawala alleged that BJP Murbad MLA Kisan Kathore was linked to a contract killing plot targeting businessman Vishwanath Panvelkar. In a letter sent from Mumbai’s Arthur Road Jail on March 30 to Thane–Badlapur police, Lakdawala claimed he was approached to carry out a murder, triggering a massive political and criminal uproar across the district.  ...

Don claims MLA behind plot to kill developer

Kisan Kathore Ambernath : A major controversy has erupted in the Ambernath–Badlapur region of Thane district after jailed gangster Ejaz Lakdawala alleged that BJP Murbad MLA Kisan Kathore was linked to a contract killing plot targeting businessman Vishwanath Panvelkar. In a letter sent from Mumbai’s Arthur Road Jail on March 30 to Thane–Badlapur police, Lakdawala claimed he was approached to carry out a murder, triggering a massive political and criminal uproar across the district.   According to the letter, the incident dates back to late 2023, when Lakdawala was produced before a Mumbai Sessions Court. During that time, two individuals identified as Anil Ghodvinde and Mirkute allegedly met him, claiming to be associates of MLA Kathore. They reportedly offered him a contract to eliminate Panvelkar over a land dispute near Badlapur railway station.   Lakdawala further alleged that during this meeting, he was connected to MLA Kathore via a video call, where he was promised substantial financial compensation in exchange for carrying out the killing. He also claimed that repeated attempts were made later to pressure him into accepting the contract.   However, Lakdawala stated in his letter that he clearly refused to undertake such an act. He has also expressed willingness to record an official statement, subject to court permission.   Meanwhile, a separate incident on April 21, 2025, has added another layer of suspicion. Unknown assailants had opened fire outside Panvelkar’s residence near Hutatma Chowk in Ambernath. Though no injuries were reported, questions are now being raised about a possible connection between the firing and the alleged contract killing plot.   Speaking at a press conference, Vishwanath Panvelkar claimed that his life is under serious threat. He stated that he was unaware of Lakdawala’s identity until police showed him the letter and informed him about the gangster. He accused authorities of acting under political pressure, stating that while influential leaders receive high-level security, he was not even assigned a single constable.   Panvelkar also expressed fear for his life, saying he is unable to step out of his house and that his construction business is on the verge of collapse due to ongoing threats and stress. He asserted that he possesses evidence against MLA Kathore, which he intends to submit during the investigation. Additionally, he alleged that the Assistant Commissioner of Police is submitting misleading reports and diverting the investigation, despite repeated complaints to higher authorities, including the Director General of Police, who has reportedly assured an inquiry.   While speaking to The Perfect Voice , BJP MLA Kisan Kathore stated that he has never given space to criminal activities in his political career. He said he has no connection with the said gangster and does not know any gangster personally. He further added that all the allegations are baseless and are a deliberate attempt to tarnish his political image.   The case has now turned into a serious matter of allegations and counter-allegations. The truth behind these claims will only be established after a thorough police investigation and judicial process. With Lakdawala indicating readiness to give an official statement, the entire district remains on edge as developments unfold.

Clever seat selection helped BJP to secure historic win

The party won 65 seats against Congress, 37 against NCP (SP) and 29 against Shiv Sena (UBT)

Clever seat selection

Mumbai: The BJP’s strategic seat sharing with the allies has proved beneficial for the party. An analysis of the Assembly election results show that the BJP has scored over its main rival, the Congress, in a big way because of the direct fights.


The analysis shows that BJP defeated all three constituents of the Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) – Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (SP) – in the direct fights. This is attributed as one of the reasons for the BJP’s historic poll success.


The BJP contested 147 out of 288 seats. In 76 constituencies, it faced Congress. BJP secured victory in 65 seats and lost only 11 seats, making it a whopping 86 per cent of the total direct fights. This was followed by an even stronger performance against NCP (SP). Of the total 39 fights with Sharad Pawar’s party, BJP captured 37 seats making it 95 per cent of the total fights with NCP (SP). BJP and Shiv Sena (UBT) were head-to-head in 32 constituencies, of which BJP emerged victorious in 29 seats, making this 91 per cent of the total direct contests.


According to a BJP strategist the party had bargained hard with its allies, Shiv Sena and NCP to get the desired constituencies in the seat sharing formula. “We had studied to potential candidates of the MVA. That helped us in choosing the seats where we can register comfortable victories,” the strategist said.


BJP spokesperson Niranjan Shetty attributed the success to all the party workers who worked hard to boost development, infrastructure in the state. He gave credit to Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for his contribution to the party’s success.


Shetty pointed out that in 2019, Uddhav Thackeray had stalled all the “novel” and “legendary” projects that Fadnavis had started when he had taken over as CM, making it very easy for the people of Maharashtra to strike a comparison between both the leaders and the potential they had for serving the people. “Devendra Fadnavis gave up his post very easily for the larger good. There are many such examples like Venkaiah Naidu who was BJP National President and later worked as the Vice President of India because that was the need of the hour. We seldom care about our posts,” Shetty told The Perfect Voice.


Congress spokesperson Atul Londhe refused to call the election results as the people’s mandate. “This is not at all a Janata mandate. Despite Maharashtra struggling with so many basic social issues, how can BJP acquire such a huge mandate is the question. If a student copies and fails with just passing marks, it can go unnoticed, but if a student copies and bags the number one position, something is fishy. Why is the BJP scared of ballot papers?” he said.

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