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Maharashtra plans River Rejuvenation Authority to tackle pollution crisis

Stressing that restoring river health must take precedence over cosmetic upgrades, Maharashtra Minister of Environment and Climate Change Pankaja Munde said, “Even if river beautification is delayed, ensuring pollution-free rivers is non-negotiable.” She also announced that the state government is in the final stages of establishing an independent River Rejuvenation Authority to exclusively focus on restoring polluted rivers. Munde was speaking at a high-level review meeting held at the Pimpri-Chinchwad Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) headquarters in Akurdi. Prior to the meeting, she inspected the raw water pumping station at Talawade and assessed pollution levels in the Indrayani River, followed by a visit to the Ravet pumping station to review conditions in the Pavana River. Munde also inspected the Nigdi and Nighoje barrages on the Indrayani River. During the meeting, officials from PMRDA and the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) presented ongoing and proposed measures to curb pollution in the Indrayani, Pavana, and Mula-Mutha rivers. The meeting was attended by several senior officials and public representatives, and senior administrative officers from PMRDA, PCMC, and the Pollution Control Board. Notably, mid-day had earlier highlighted the worsening river pollution issue, drawing attention to the urgent need for corrective measures. Sewage entering rivers Munde pointed out that untreated sewage from local bodies, private establishments, and industries is being directly discharged into rivers, worsening water quality. “Many industries have installed Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs), but due to poor maintenance, these systems remain non-functional. Henceforth, strict action — not just notices — will be taken against violators,” she warned.Munde also directed civic bodies to immediately remove encroachments along riverbanks and mandated the installation of STPs in all housing societies. She asked authorities to ensure that every drainage channel is connected to STPs so that only treated water enters rivers. Curbing air pollution Munde highlighted that uncovered construction sites significantly increase airborne dust levels and instructed authorities to issue immediate notices to enforce compliance with environmental norms.  Rising health concerns Growing pollution in Pavana and Indrayani rivers — lifelines for Pimpri-Chinchwad — has raised serious public health concerns. Untreated urban and industrial wastewater has severely degraded water quality, with reports indicating the presence of hazardous elements that could increase the risk of serious diseases, including cancer. Around 35 lakh-4 lakh residents depend on these rivers, making immediate intervention critical. MLA Mahesh Landge had earlier raised the issue in the Legislative Assembly, prompting assurances from Munde that on-ground inspections and concrete measures would follow.  Proposed measures •         Immediate construction of STPs in newly-merged villages along Pavana river•         Fast-tracking government approval for the 20 million litres per day STP project at Kiwale•         Installation of advanced aerators at Ravet and Nighoje barrages on the Indrayani River•         Commissioning of STPs at pollution “hotspots” within a year•         Floating tenders via PMRDA for removal of water hyacinth  Demands made •         Halt direct water supply from polluted rivers and implement a dedicated pipeline system•         Install tertiary treatment and ozonation units at Nigdi and Chikhali water treatment plants•         Expand river improvement projects to include more STPs•         Promote biodiversity parks, afforestation, and eco-friendly urban development•         Oversee river restoration efforts and expedite approvals from the National River Conservation Directorate (demand made by special committee under Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis)

10 April,2026 10:25 PM IST | Mumbai | Archana Dahiwal
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Mumbai: 55-yr-old worker dies after marble slabs fall at Sion construction site

A 55-year-old carpenter died on Friday evening after sustaining severe injuries at a redevelopment site in Sion. The deceased, identified as Kalim Shaikh, was working at TransIndia’s ongoing project in CGS Colony, GTB Nagar, when the incident occurred. Marble slabs collapse inside sales office According to preliminary information, Shaikh was inside the site’s sales office at the time of the accident when a stack of marble slabs reportedly toppled over, trapping him underneath. Co-workers rushed to his aid and immediately transported him to Sion Hospital for emergency treatment. Succumbs to critical head and spine injuries Despite efforts by doctors, Shaikh succumbed to his injuries later in the evening. Hospital authorities stated that he had suffered critical trauma to his head and spine, which proved fatal during treatment. Probe underway; post-mortem pending Police officials said that further details regarding the exact sequence of events are under investigation. A post-mortem examination is yet to be conducted to determine the precise cause of death. Meanwhile, legal formalities have been initiated at Antop Hill Police Station.

10 April,2026 10:06 PM IST | Mumbai | Ritika Gondhalekar
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Mumbai: BSNL, MTNL land in Borivali cleared for PMAY housing project

In a move aimed at boosting affordable housing in Mumbai’s western suburbs, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has approved the acquisition of reserved land owned by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) in Borivali. The land will be utilised for constructing affordable homes under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY). Decision Taken at High-Level Housing Authority Meeting The approval was granted during a meeting of the Maharashtra Housing Development Authority held at the Sahyadri Guest House in Mumbai, chaired by the Chief Minister. The meeting brought together key senior officials from the housing and urban development departments to deliberate on the proposal. Among those present were Additional Chief Secretary (Housing) Aseem Kumar Gupta, Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) Chief Executive Officer Praveen Pardeshi, Housing Authority Managing Director and CEO Tryambak Kasar, Director (Administration) Praveen Koli, Technical Director Abhijit Londhe, and Assistant Officer Shirtej Rasal. Officials discussed the feasibility, cost implications, and implementation roadmap of the project, with a focus on accelerating affordable housing supply in the city. 28.84 Acres Identified Across Gorai and Shimpoli The land identified for acquisition comprises reserved plots belonging to BSNL in Gorai and MTNL in Shimpoli, both located in Borivali. The combined area of these parcels stands at 28.84 acres, making it a significant land bank for urban housing development in Mumbai. According to the proposal placed before the authority, the land will be acquired at ready reckoner rates, with the total estimated cost pegged at Rs 729 crore. The acquisition is expected to unlock underutilised public sector land for residential use, aligning with broader urban planning goals. Over 1,000 Affordable Homes Planned The state government has approved the development of affordable housing on the acquired land under PMAY, one of the Centre’s flagship schemes aimed at providing “Housing for All.” Officials indicated that the project is expected to deliver more than 1,000 housing units upon completion. In addition to the primary housing component, the remaining portion of the reserved land will also be integrated into the overall development plan, potentially accommodating supporting infrastructure and amenities. The initiative is seen as a key step in addressing Mumbai’s persistent housing shortage, particularly for economically weaker sections and lower-income groups. By repurposing land owned by public sector telecom companies, the government aims to optimise available resources while expanding access to affordable housing in high-demand urban areas.

10 April,2026 09:52 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Vehicular traffic near the roads leading towards Chaityabhoomi were likely to be affected, the advisory said. Representational Pic/File

Ambedkar Jayanti: Mumbai Police issues traffic advisory, check details here

Mumbai Police on Friday issued a traffic advisory for motorists travelling to or from Dadar and shared details of alternate routes ahead of Ambedkar Jayanti 2026 on April 14. In a traffic notification, Mumbai Police said, 135th Jayanti of Bharat Ratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar will be observed on 14th April, 2026, his followers in large number are expected to visit Chaityabhoomi in Dadar area of Mumbai between April 13 and April 14.  The police said, as huge crowds are expected to visit the Chaityabhoomi, vehicular traffic near the roads leading towards Chaityabhoomi were likely to be affected. Hence the traffic arrangement were being made. Traffic advisory The traffic advisory further said that in order to prevent danger, obstructions and inconveniences to the public, traffic regulation and controlling shall come into effect from 12.00 hrs. dated 13/04/2026 till 24.00 hrs. dated 14/04/2026 on following roads leading towards Chaityabhoomi. One way and roads closed for traffic movement- - S. K. Bole road shall be one way from Siddhivinayak Junction upto Portugues Church i.e there shall be no-entry from Portugues Church to Siddhivinayak Junction. - S.V.S. Road from Siddhivinayak Junction to Yes Bank Junction shall be closed for all types of Vehicular Traffic (Local residents can proceed through Road No 5 i.e. Pandurang Naik Marg). - Ranade Road shall be closed for all types of vehicular traffic. - Dnyaneshwar Mandir Road shall be closed for all types of vehicular traffic from its junction at S.V.S.Road upto Dadar Chowpatty. - All heavy vehicles, goods vehicles including tempos (except BEST buses) shall be diverted from Mahim Junction via L. J. Road. Traffic movements South-Bound Traffic: The vehicular traffic from Western Express Highway proceeding towards Mumbai shall take left turn from Kalanagar Junction, and shall proceed through Dharavi T Junction towards Sion Railway Station or through 60 ft Road Dharavi via Kumbharwada then take a right turn at Sion Hospital, and proceed through Dr. B. A. Road, or they can use Bandra-Worli Sea Link via Bandra to proceed towards South Mumbai. North-Bound Traffic: Vehicles from Colaba or CSMT through North-bound Shall proceed through P D'mello Road, Barrister Nath Pai Road, Zakeria Bunder Road, R.A.K. Road shall take a right turn under Matunga Arora bridge then shall proceed along Sion Hospital or shall use Worli-Bandra Sea Link towards north Mumbai. North-bound vehicular traffic coming from Mahalaxmi Railway Station via Dr. E. Moses Road shall take right turn at Rakhangi Chowk and proceed through coming from Mahalaxmi Senapati Bapat Road for their further journey.  Vehicles coming from Eastern Express Highway towards South Mumbai shall use Wadala Bridge, Barkat Ali Naka, BPT Colony and shall proceed by Eastern freeway for their further journey. No Parking At Veer Savarkar Road-Babasaheb Worlikar Junction (Century Junction) to Yes Bank Junction,  Ranade Road, Danyneshwar Mandir Road, Keluskar Road (South) and (North), Parking Arrangements Senapati Bapat Road, from Mahim and Dadar India Bulls Finance Center, Elphinstone, Mumbai (PPL) Kohinoor Squar, Kohinoor Mill Compound, Shivaji Park, Dadar (PPL) Kamagar Stadium (Senapati Bapat Road) India Bulls Center, Jupiter Mill Compound, Elphinstone (PPL) Five Garden RAK 4th Road

10 April,2026 09:00 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
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Bombay High Court orders HDFC Bank to refund Rs 38 lakh in fraud case

The Bombay High Court has ordered HDFC Bank to refund Rs 38 lakh to a Pune-based businessman, who lost the amount to digital fraud, observing that the account holder was not at fault. As reported by news agency PTI, a bench of Justices Bharti Dangre and Manjusha Deshpande, while passing the order of April 6, held that account holder Subodh Korde was entitled to zero liability under guidelines issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) as the online transactions transferring money from his account to beneficiaries added unauthorizedly were not initiated by him. As per the petition filed in the Bombay High Court, Korde lost the amount through eight unauthorised online transactions executed within just 40 minutes on July 15, 2021.  The fraud was preceded by the addition of three unknown beneficiaries and a sudden increase in his transaction limit from Rs 4 lakh to Rs 40 lakh a day earlier. Korde further claimed he had not authorised the transactions, nor had he received OTPs. However, the bank denied liability, claiming it had sent OTPs and intimation messages to the account holder. The High Court, while passing the order, relied on a police investigation report which clearly stated that Korde had not received any messages from the bank, as per PTI.  Furthermore, the man had claimed that he was facing network issues on his SIM card at the time. Interestingly, BSNL, the petitioner's network provider, confirmed that Korde's SIM card had been swapped fraudulently multiple times between July 12 and July 15, 2021. Furthermore, the court also noted that it was a "clear case of SIM swapping", where fraudsters gain access to OTPs by duplicating a user's mobile number. The court further ordered, "This is precisely the methodology adopted. The petitioner did not receive any OTP as the SIM card was cloned," as per PTI. Bombay High Court orders in favour of customer Relying on the RBI's July 6, 2017 circular on 'Customer Protection - Limiting Liability of Customers in Unauthorised Electronic Banking Transactions'.  The Bombay High Court further said, "The burden to prove customer negligence lies on the bank. If a customer is not at fault and reports promptly, the liability is zero," as per PTI.  The court also pointed out that Korde had acted swiftly after learning about fraudulent transactions from his account. The Bombay High Court further directed HDFC Bank to refund Rs 38.04 lakh within eight weeks with 6 per cent annual interest, which would increase to 8 per cent in case of delay.  (With inputs from PTI)

10 April,2026 08:23 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
The Mumbai Traffic Police alerted the motorists regarding traffic disruptions on the busy Bandra road. Pic/Atul Kamble

Pipeline burst damages road at Bandra's Lucky Junction again, affects traffic

A water pipeline burst in Mumbai's Bandra has once again damaged the road near Lucky Junction, affecting the traffic movement on SV Road. A section of road at Lucky Junction was damaged on Friday after a leaking water pipeline burst, leading to flooding in the area. The pipeline had been replaced just two weeks ago, according to sources. Mid-day had earlier reported about the incidents that took place at the same spot and BMC had placed metal-sheets at the affected stretches. Following a series of reports on the risky patch, the civic officials had repaired the caved-in parts on the busy street.  Read more: BMC removes metal sheets at Bandra’s Lucky junction, pipeline work now in full swing Videos of water spill Videos of the incident showed that it caused water to spill onto the road, resulting in heavy waterlogging and disruption to traffic movement.  Some locals also took to social media to report the incident. Junction in Mumbai damaged a stretch of SV Road, disrupting traffic and flooding the area on Friday after leakage worsened suddenly.Despite being replaced just two weeks ago, the pipeline failed again. Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation had earlier repaired the patch with metal… pic.twitter.com/kFQSFKGlRW — Mid Day (@mid_day) April 10, 2026 Traffic movement disrupted Meanwhile, the Mumbai Traffic Police also alerted the motorists regarding traffic disruptions on the busy Bandra road. पाइपलाइन तुटल्यामुळे लकी जंक्शन (वांद्रे) येथील दक्षिणेकडे जाणारी वाहतूक संथ गतीने सुरु आहे.Traffic Movement Is Slow At Lucky Junction (Bandra) South Bound Due To Pipeline Broke #MTPTrafficUpdate — Mumbai Traffic Police (@MTPHereToHelp) April 10, 2026 In a post on X, the police said that the traffic movement has slowed down at Lucky Junction in Bandra on the southbound stretch after a water pipeline burst in the area. Read more: Dangerous lid near Bandra station sparks accidents; act before a death Impact  Earlier, after a series of reports on the risky metal sheets at the spot, the skid trap opposite Lucky Restaurant in Bandra West, where SV Road meets GR Varasakar Road, was removed. Traffic cops in the area had previously told mid-day that accidents were also taking place daily due to the metal lids, which were placed to cover an underground water chamber plagued by multiple leakage issues. Following extensive coverage by mid-day that brought the issue to the notice of authorities, the civic body had taken action and removed the metal lids.  Read more: Drivers warned as Mumbai civic body welds metal strips, yet road hazards persist at Lucky Junction

10 April,2026 08:16 PM IST | Mumbai | Madhulika Ram Kavattur
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Mumbai: One dead after fire breaks out in Kamathipura area

A fire broke out in the Kamathipura area of south Mumbai on Friday afternoon, claiming the life of one person, officials said. According to information provided by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s Mumbai Fire Brigade, the incident was reported at around 3:40 pm at a location in 9th Lane near Shankar Mandir in Kamathipura. Fire confined to household electrical items Fire officials said the blaze was limited to electrical wiring, installations, air conditioning units, fans, clothes and other household materials within the premises. The cause of the fire has not yet been ascertained. Emergency teams rushed to the spot and managed to bring the situation under control swiftly. The fire was completely extinguished by 4:10 pm, within approximately 30 minutes of being reported. One casualty reported An injured man, believed to be around 32 years old, was rescued from the site and taken to Sir J. J. Hospital for treatment. However, hospital authorities later confirmed that he was declared brought dead. The identity of the deceased is yet to be established. Further investigation into the incident is underway. Fire breaks out at Mumbai airport Terminal 1 due to short circuit In another case, a fire broke out at Terminal 1 of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) in Mumbai on Thursday evening due to a short circuit, but no casualties were reported in the blaze, officials said. The airport operations remained unaffected, said the CSMIA spokesperson. The flames were extinguished by 9.20 pm. Sources, however, claimed that as a precautionary measure the systems were shut down to prevent any damage. This resulted in operations getting impacted for a while as the systems were restored gradually. A short circuit caused the fire which was reported at 6.10 pm, and it was bought under control by the emergency response teams, the CSMIA spokesperson said. He described the fire as "minor". Some videos circulating on social media showed thick black smoke emanating from the fire-hit site. Smoke could also be seen inside the airport terminal.

10 April,2026 08:06 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Devendra Fadnavis. File Pic

Create robust system for affordable rental housing in Mumbai: Devendra Fadnavis

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday ordered setting up an effective mechanism for affordable rental housing in Mumbai, besides developing a dedicated portal to facilitate access for citizens, reported news agency PTI. Noting that a large number of people migrate to Mumbai for jobs and businesses, Fadnavis said there was a significant demand for housing and the government must ensure availability of rental homes at affordable rates. He stressed that supply should match demand and that a coordinated system should be put in place so that both landlords and tenants do not face difficulties, an official release issued said, reported PTI. According to the CM, all procedures related to rental housing should be carried out strictly as per agreements and with proper oversight by the authorities. On strengthening the implementation of the Maharashtra Rent Control Act, 1999, he directed that deputy commissioners of police be designated as competent authorities under the Act. A notification should be issued to include these responsibilities in their official duties and ensure that the number of such authorities increases in line with expansion of police jurisdictions, he said, reported PTI. To speed up disposal of rent-related disputes, Fadnavis called for setting up 100 special courts and appointing retired judges for the purpose. He also suggested starting evening courts, with the court's permission, to clear long-pending cases, even if premises need to be hired, the release said, reported PTI. Despite facing attacks for hundreds of years, Warkari sect did not stop: Fadnavis Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday hailed the Warkari sect in Maharashtra, whose followers worship Lord Vitthal, saying this religious order did not stop even after facing attacks for hundreds of years, reported PTI. He was addressing a gathering at the valedictory ceremony of the 94th 'Narali Saptaha' (week-long event) held at Mhasobawadi in Ashti tehsil of Beed district. Referring to the annual 'wari' or pilgrimage undertaken by the devotees, Fadnavis said, "The Warkari sect is very important. It did not stop even after facing attacks for 800 to 1000 years. People go to (the temple town of) Pandharpur despite facing several obstacles," reported PTI. "During the annual pilgrimage, very few (pilgrims) get the actual darshan of Lord Vitthal (idol) and lakhs of people return home after only seeing the temple's pinnacle. Nevertheless, members of this sect undertake the pilgrimage every year," he said, reported PTI. He also said that his government was committed to the comprehensive development of Shri Kshetra Gahininath Gad, a prominent religious site of the Nath sect in Beed district. (With inputs from PTI)

10 April,2026 07:56 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
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Helmet rule violation by police to invite strict action in Maharashtra

The Office of the Additional Director General of Police (Traffic), Maharashtra, has instructed all police personnel across the state to strictly comply with helmet usage while riding two-wheelers. The order follows directions issued by the Director General of Police during a meeting held at the Nagpur Police Commissionerate earlier in April.  As per the official statement, the data from the past decade shows that two-wheeler riders account for nearly 35 per cent to 40 per cent of fatalities and serious injuries in road accidents across Maharashtra.  The official statement also added that while wearing helmets significantly reduces the risk of death and severe injury, it has been observed that police personnel themselves have not been consistently adhering to the rule. The findings, supported by the Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety, highlight that helmet compliance exceeds 80 per cent in Mumbai and Nagpur but remains below 20 per cent in several other districts. Strict orders for police personnel to use helmets Authorities have now directed senior officers to ensure strict enforcement of helmet rules among police staff. Under Section 129 of the Motor Vehicles Act, wearing a helmet is mandatory for all two-wheeler riders. The department has also warned that any police personnel found violating the rule will face legal and departmental action. Also, the instances of officers riding without helmets, especially if captured and circulated on social media, will attract fines and could be recorded in their service records as intentional misconduct. The official statement further added that the move is aimed not only at safeguarding the lives of police personnel but also at reinforcing public compliance with traffic laws across the state.

10 April,2026 07:43 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
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Maharashtra launches free Ambedkar tour circuit across Mumbai, Nashik, Nagpur

To mark the birth anniversary of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, the Maharashtra Tourism Department will organise a two-day “Ambedkar Tour Circuit” across Mumbai, Nashik, and Nagpur on April 13 and 14, 2026. The initiative will be open to tourists, citizens, students, and followers, with participation offered free of cost on a first-come, first-served basis. The programme is aimed at creating wider awareness about Ambedkar’s life, work, and ideology, particularly among younger generations, while also promoting heritage tourism linked to sites associated with his legacy. Tour routes to cover key Ambedkar-linked sites In Mumbai, the circuit will include visits to prominent locations such as Chaityabhoomi, Rajgruha, B.I.T. Chawl in Parel, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar College in Wadala, and Siddharth College in Fort. The Nashik leg will cover sites including Muktidham (Muktibhoomi), Trirashmi Caves, and Kalaram Temple. In Nagpur, participants will visit Deekshabhoomi, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Museum in Chincholi, and Dragon Palace. The tours in all three cities will begin at 10:00 am on both days. Starting points include Chaityabhoomi in Mumbai, Gadkari Chowk in Nashik, and Deekshabhoomi in Nagpur. Free transport, guides and refreshments for participants The Tourism Department will deploy special buses—two in each city—to facilitate the tours. Participants will be provided with guided tours, refreshments, and drinking water. Officials said logistical planning has been undertaken to ensure smooth operations and a structured experience across all locations. Inauguration scheduled on April 13 The tour circuit will be formally inaugurated on the morning of April 13, 2026, in the presence of government officials and dignitaries. Officials highlight social and cultural significance Tourism Minister Shambhuraj Desai said that visiting sites associated with Ambedkar offers an opportunity to understand his legacy and contributions beyond textbooks, while also strengthening cultural tourism in the state. Principal Secretary (Tourism) Sanjay Khandare noted that locations such as Chaityabhoomi, Muktibhoomi, and Deekshabhoomi hold deep social relevance, reflecting Ambedkar’s message of equality and social justice. Tourism Director Dr. B.N. Patil added that the initiative has been carefully planned to help participants gain a deeper understanding of Ambedkar’s vision and enduring influence. Tour Circuit Snapshot The tour will be conducted across Mumbai, Nashik, and Nagpur on April 13 and 14, 2026, with activities beginning at 10:00 am each day. Participants will be provided free bus travel, guided tours, refreshments, and drinking water, with entry granted on a first-come, first-served basis.

10 April,2026 07:41 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Vijay Wadettiwar. File Pic

Unease within ruling Shiv Sena, ‘Operation Tiger’ buzz dismissed by Opposition

Senior Opposition leaders in Maharashtra on Friday claimed there is a growing “sense of discomfort” within the ruling Shiv Sena despite being in power. However, they dismissed as speculative reports suggesting that a faction of Shiv Sena (UBT) may split and join the camp led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, reported news agency PTI. The leaders asserted that there is no indication of any major political upheaval in the state in the near future, even as rumours continue to circulate in political circles. ‘Operation Tiger’ Rumours Spark Political Buzz In recent days, speculation has grown around a purported strategy dubbed ‘Operation Tiger’, allegedly aimed at engineering defections from the Shiv Sena (UBT) into the ruling Sena faction. The reports have triggered widespread discussion, though no concrete evidence has emerged to support the claims, reported PTI. Responding to these rumours, Eknath Shinde termed them “baseless” and accused those spreading such narratives of attempting to create unnecessary sensation in the political landscape. Congress Leader Downplays Possibility of Realignment Speaking to reporters in Nagpur, senior Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar said that while there may be internal unease within the ruling party, it does not necessarily point towards any imminent political shift, reported PTI. “Despite being in power, there appears to be some discomfort within the Shiv Sena, including among senior leaders and ministers,” he said, reported PTI. Addressing reports of a supposed meeting between Shinde and Members of Parliament from the Uddhav Thackeray faction, Wadettiwar said such interactions should not be overinterpreted. He noted that MPs often meet ruling leaders for constituency-related development work, and such meetings do not automatically signal political realignment, reported PTI. NCP (SP) Questions Credibility of ‘Operation Tiger’ Echoing similar sentiments, NCP (SP) leader and former home minister Anil Deshmukh dismissed the very existence of ‘Operation Tiger’, calling it speculative, reported PTI. He asserted that MPs belonging to the Shiv Sena (UBT) remain united and continue to firmly support Uddhav Thackeray. Given this unity, Deshmukh said, the chances of any major split or political upheaval appear minimal at present. Background: 2022 Split Still Shapes State Politics The political backdrop of Maharashtra continues to be influenced by the 2022 rebellion led by Eknath Shinde, which resulted in a split within the Shiv Sena. Shinde, along with a group of MLAs, broke away from Uddhav Thackeray’s leadership and later secured control over the party name and its iconic bow-and-arrow symbol. Currently, the Shiv Sena (UBT) holds 10 Members of Parliament, including nine in the Lok Sabha and one in the Rajya Sabha. Despite ongoing speculation, Opposition leaders maintain that the political situation remains stable for now, with no immediate signs of large-scale defections or realignments. (With inputs from PTI)

10 April,2026 07:30 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
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