KALYAN: With the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) drive gaining momentum, Kalyan MP Shrikant Shinde on Thursday held a series of review meetings across three Lok Sabha constituencies in Thane district — Kalyan, Thane and Bhiwandi — to strengthen organisational preparedness and ensure effective implementation of the SIR.Addressing party office-bearers and workers, Shinde stressed the importance of the SIR exercise in ensuring an accurate and inclusive voter list. He directed functionaries to expedite the appointment of Booth Level Agents (BLAs) and instructed that at least two BLAs be appointed in each area. He also emphasised the need for daily review meetings with BLAs to closely monitor progress.Detailed guidance and training were provided to party workers on assisting citizens with voter registration and conducting voter mapping at the grassroots level. Shinde urged workers to take an active role in reaching out to eligible voters and helping them complete the registration process to ensure that no voter is left out.“The focus is on making the voter list transparent, accurate and comprehensive. Every eligible citizen must be included, and it is our responsibility to facilitate that process,” he said.The meetings also reviewed the broader organisational structure in the three constituencies, with instructions to strengthen the network at the booth level. Workers expressed confidence in executing the tasks and assured coordinated efforts on the ground.Speaking to reporters, Shinde said the initiative is being carried out as per the directions of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. “We have trained our key party functionaries on how to appoint BLAs and carry out voter mapping effectively. Further training sessions will be conducted if needed,” he said.He added that strengthening the organisation at the grassroots level will play a crucial role in ensuring smooth execution of the SIR drive and preparing the party for upcoming electoral challenges in future.

ULHASNAGAR: In a move to upgrade public spaces, the Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation (UMC) on Thursday kickstarted the beautification of three important gardens in the city. The project was inaugurated by mayor Ashwini Kamlesh Nikam, who said the initiative aims to enhance green cover and provide improved recreational facilities to residents.The gardens identified for the project include Rajiv Gandhi Garden (popularly known as Sapna Garden), Sai Vasan Shah Garden and Prabhat Garden. Civic officials said the gardens will be developed with a range of modern amenities while ensuring environmental sustainability.Speaking at the inauguration, Nikam said the beautification plan includes plantation of new trees to boost greenery and create a healthier environment. “We are focusing on making these gardens more accessible and citizen-friendly. Facilities such as music systems will be introduced so that people can enjoy devotional songs and soothing tunes during their morning and evening walks,” she said.The project will also include the construction of pink toilets for women, along with the development of a botanical garden and installation of gazebos for visitors. In addition, provisions for rainwater harvesting and solar-powered systems will be incorporated as part of the eco-friendly design.Officials said the initiative is expected to significantly improve the overall appeal of the gardens while promoting sustainable practices.Nikam further said that funds to the tune of Rs 6.9 crore have been made available for the project by MP Shrikant Shinde through government allocation. The civic body has now begun the work and aims to complete it in phases.Residents welcomed the move, stating that the upgraded gardens will offer better spaces for recreation and community activities in the city.

BHIWANDI: The Samajwadi Party’s Bhiwandi city unit has issued a show-cause notice to party MLA Rais Sheikh, accusing him of anti-party activities and indiscipline, triggering fresh signs of internal rift within the party.Bhiwandi city president Anas Ansari, in the notice, alleged that Sheikh had violated the party constitution, discipline and official directives on multiple occasions. The notice claims that the MLA made public statements against the party leadership and engaged in activities that undermined party unity.Referring to the recent Bhiwandi Municipal Corporation elections, the party alleged that Sheikh was seen actively campaigning for candidates of the Indian National Congress, which it termed a serious breach of party discipline. It further stated that multiple complaints were received from party workers and office bearers, claiming his conduct created confusion among cadres and adversely affected the party’s political interests in Bhiwandi.The notice warns that such actions could invite strict disciplinary measures, including suspension or expulsion from the party. Sheikh has been given 14 days to submit a written explanation, failing which the party has said it will initiate appropriate action without further communication.Sheikh, however, denied the allegations. “I haven’t received any such show-cause notice. I only saw it on social media and the allegations made in it are baseless,” he told TOI.Party sources indicated that the development comes amid ongoing differences between Sheikh and state party president Abu Asim Azmi. Sources claimed that during the civic polls, Sheikh stayed away from campaigning for Samajwadi Party candidates and was instead seen supporting candidates from Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party, even appearing on their campaign posters.