Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar on Sunday launched her campaign for the Baramati bypoll, asserting that her work should not be judged on the basis of gender, reported news agency PTI. She began her campaign by offering prayers at a Hanuman temple in Kanheri village, following a long-standing tradition associated with her late husband Ajit Pawar, who would start his election campaigns from the same location. ‘Faced Initial Doubts, But Found Strength in Public Support’ Addressing supporters after the temple visit, Sunetra Pawar acknowledged that there were initial doubts about her ability to take on political responsibilities as a woman. However, she said the support of the people of Baramati and the blessings of Ajit Pawar gave her the confidence to move forward, reported PTI. She emphasised that leadership and commitment to public service should not be viewed through the lens of gender, urging voters to evaluate her work and dedication instead. Vows to Carry Forward Ajit Pawar’s Legacy Reflecting on the passing of Ajit Pawar in a plane crash earlier this year, Sunetra Pawar said his dedication to public service remained evident until his final moments. She described social service as the core of his political ideology and pledged to continue his work for the people of Baramati, reported PTI. She highlighted his commitment to inclusive governance, stating that he worked to deliver justice without discrimination based on caste, creed, or religion. Focus on Welfare Schemes and Development Sunetra Pawar also pointed to initiatives such as the Ladki Bahin Yojana, which provides financial assistance to women from economically weaker sections, as a key example of Ajit Pawar’s focus on women’s empowerment, reported PTI. She assured voters that ongoing development projects would be continued and expanded. Addressing a major local concern, she promised to tackle water scarcity issues affecting 33 villages in Baramati tehsil, reported PTI. Bypoll Triggered by Ajit Pawar’s Demise The Baramati bypoll, scheduled for April 23, was necessitated following Ajit Pawar’s death in January. He had represented the constituency for eight consecutive terms since 1991, making Baramati a stronghold of his political career. While there were calls to make the election unopposed, the contest remains active. The Congress withdrew its candidate on the final day of nominations, but 22 Independent candidates are still in the fray against Sunetra Pawar. Counting Scheduled for May 4 The results of the Baramati bypoll will be declared on May 4, with the election seen as a significant political test for Sunetra Pawar as she seeks to carry forward her husband’s legacy and establish her own leadership in Maharashtra politics. (With inputs from PTI)
12 April,2026 06:59 PM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik on Sunday paid an emotional tribute to legendary singer Asha Bhosle, describing her passing as an irreparable loss to the Indian music industry. Calling it a moment of “grief beyond words,” Sarnaik said that while her voice has fallen silent, her timeless melodies will continue to resonate with generations. Recalling her visit to Mira-Bhayandar during the inauguration of a theatre, the minister said the pride and joy the city experienced in her presence remain unforgettable. “That moment is still vivid, and today those memories feel even more emotional,” he said. Highlighting her immense contribution, Sarnaik noted that through thousands of songs, she gave expression to emotions and added melody to people’s lives. He added that although she is no longer physically present, her immortal music and legacy will live on forever, continuing to inspire and move listeners. Asha Bhosle to be cremated with full state honours, says Ashish Shelar Maharashtra Minister Ashish Shelar on Sunday announced that legendary singer Asha Bhosle will be cremated with full state honours following her demise at the age of 92. Speaking to reporters, Shelar said the entire country, including Maharashtra, is mourning the end of an era. He added that Bhosle’s contribution to music brought joy not only to India but also to audiences across the world. “Today, the entire country and Maharashtra are mourning the end of an era. Her work and music were a source of joy not only for India but for the entire world,” he said. He further detailed the arrangements for the last rites, stating that the public will be allowed to pay their respects at her residence before the funeral. “Tomorrow, from 11 am to 3 pm, her loved ones will be able to pay their last respects at her home in Lower Parel. Her last rites will be performed at the Shivaji Park crematorium at 4 pm. She will be cremated with full state honours,” Shelar added. The announcement comes amid nationwide grief over the passing of Bhosle, whose decades-long career made her one of the most celebrated voices in Indian music history. The legendary playback singer passed away in Mumbai on Sunday at the age of 92, marking the end of an era in Indian music. She died at Breach Candy Hospital, where she had been admitted on Saturday evening due to extreme exhaustion and a chest infection. Confirming the cause of death, Dr Pratit Samdani said, “Asha Bhosle breathed her last today at Breach Candy Hospital. She passed away due to multi-organ failure.” Born in 1933, Bhosle began her musical journey at a young age and rose to prominence in the 1950s. Over a career spanning decades, she recorded thousands of songs across multiple Indian languages, ranging from classical and ghazals to cabaret, pop and folk. Her passing marks the end of an era in Indian music history.
12 April,2026 06:27 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentNCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar on Sunday said that, contrary to speculation about efforts to poach Opposition legislators in Maharashtra, a key party within the ruling Mahayuti alliance may instead shift its attention towards its own allies. Warns of possible defections within ruling alliance He said there was credible information that, by the end of next month, a “big party in power” may engineer defections within the ruling alliance. In an apparent swipe at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Pawar cautioned smaller partners to remain vigilant. “While the BJP may currently project a stance of unwavering friendship towards its allies, the situation could change, leading to a sense of betrayal among partners,” Pawar said in a post on X. Mahayuti alliance composition The BJP, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and Sunetra Pawar’s NCP are partners in the Devendra Fadnavis-led Mahayuti government. ‘Operation Tiger’ buzz and Shinde’s response Over the past few days, there has been buzz that the Shiv Sena has secretly launched ‘Operation Tiger’ in a bid to induce defections among leaders of the Opposition Shiv Sena (UBT) led by former CM Uddhav Thackeray. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Friday dismissed these reports as baseless, saying the aim of such rumours was to “create sensation”. Pawar reiterates warning to allies However, Pawar reiterated in his post on X, “The reality is quite different. There is credible information that, by the end of next month, a major party in power will instead target its own allies.” “While the BJP today may display a sentiment of ‘we will never abandon our friends’, tomorrow its allies may well feel ‘you have betrayed us’. Therefore, it would be wise for allies to remain cautious to ensure they do not become targets themselves,” he added. ‘Kharat episode’ sparks fresh controversy The Opposition NCP (SP) leader also alleged that a recent controversy involving a “fraudulent Kharat episode”, which he claimed had brought disrepute to the state, was not accidental but deliberately orchestrated, and described it as “just the beginning”. Godman Ashok Kharat arrest triggers political storm Notably, Nashik-based self-proclaimed godman and astrologer Ashok Kharat was recently arrested and faces nearly a dozen cases, eight of them related to sexual assault. The ‘godman’ heads a temple trust in Sinnar in Nashik district and has met several political leaders over the years. After Kharat’s arrest, his photos with prominent politicians went viral, triggering a political firestorm in the state. (With PTI inputs)
12 April,2026 06:26 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray compared legendary singer Asha Bhosle, who passed away here on Sunday, to High Renaissance icon Michelangelo citing the passion, playfulness and even rebellion in their works. Bhosle's songs embody an intense pull, playfulness, boldness, and the uninhibited, daring spirit that comes naturally with being human, Thackeray said in his tribute. Asha Bhosle and sister Lata Mangeshkar were Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci, respectively, of the Indian film music industry, the MNS chief said. When one looks at da Vinci's work, one senses perfection, an exquisitely precise and defined quality, a profound stillness, and a sudden spiritual experience that lingers, he said. "This is exactly what is felt in Mangeshkar's songs. Everything feels so perfect and ideal," Thackeray opined. "On the other hand, Michelangelo's work is passion, playfulness, and even rebellion. Sometimes, it feels like his sculptures are eager to burst out from the stone. Just like that Bhosle's songs embody an intense pull, playfulness, boldness, and the uninhibited, daring spirit that comes naturally with being human - the fierce desire to give it all," he pointed out. Thackeray said Bhosle endured pain in her personal life but that did not break her, the endurance instead reflecting in her songs. "At nearly every stage of her personal life, Bhosle faced storms. Yet, she never broke, never turned sorrow into a weapon, never allowed bitterness to take root. She had internalised art as the way to handle pain. That's why Mangeshkar always seemed divine, while Bhosle felt profoundly human," he said. Music legend Asha Bhosle dies in Mumbai hospital at 92 Asha Bhosle, the legend who refused to be bracketed into any one genre and stepped out of the shadows of her sister's greatness to create her own universe in Hindi playback singing, died in a Mumbai hospital on Sunday. She was 92. Asha, one half of the Mangeshkar duo whose versatility was unmatched even by her sister Lata, was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital on Saturday evening. The singer, who defied convention to add heft, depth and even oomph to women's voices in cinema, be it the lovelorn Meena Kumari in "Hum Intezar Karenge" or the unapologetically seductive Helen in "Piya Tu Ab To Aaja", is survived by her son Anand. The last rites will be held on Monday. (With inputs from Agencies)
12 April,2026 05:44 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentShiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) lawmaker Sanjay Raut on Sunday strongly backed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his allegations that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) pose a threat to the Constitution, even as Maharashtra Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis launched a sharp counter-attack, claiming that an atmosphere is building within the Congress to remove Gandhi from leadership due to repeated electoral defeats. Reacting to Gandhi’s remarks, Raut said the Congress leader was “speaking the truth” and alleged that recent developments in the country reflect a systematic attempt to undermine constitutional values. “We are seeing what is happening in the country. The way the voting rights of lakhs of people in West Bengal have been taken away is a threat to the Constitution. Denying voting rights to specific caste and religious groups who are legitimate citizens of this country is also a threat to the Constitution. You are working against the Constitution,” Raut said while speaking to reporters. Mumbai, Maharashtra: On Rahul Gandhi's statement allegation that the BJP-RSS is trying to destroy the Constitution, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut says, "...Rahul Gandhi is speaking the truth. We are seeing what is happening in the country. The way the voting rights of lakhs of… pic.twitter.com/ZlUdHxUsb3 — IANS (@ians_india) April 12, 2026 His remarks come amid an ongoing political war of words between opposition parties and the ruling establishment over electoral processes and constitutional safeguards. The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader has consistently criticised the BJP-led Centre, accusing it of weakening democratic institutions and targeting opposition-ruled states. Earlier in the day, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on the BJP and RSS, alleging that their core objective is to dismantle the Constitution as they do not believe in equality among citizens. “Without the Constitution, what we call India would not have been there. Today, the people who are of the mindset of RSS-BJP want to finish off the Constitution. Whatever they say, their main objective is to erase the Constitution because they don't want everyone in India to be considered an equal,” Gandhi said. Rahul Gandhi is “fighting for his own existence and to save his leadership”: Fadnavis Responding to these allegations, Fadnavis dismissed Gandhi’s claims and said the Congress leader was attempting to divert attention from internal turmoil within his own party. “An atmosphere is building up in the Congress to remove Rahul Gandhi, as he is unable to ensure election victories for the party,” Fadnavis told reporters on the sidelines of a programme in Nagpur. He alleged that Gandhi is “fighting for his own existence and to save his leadership” amid continuous electoral setbacks faced by the Congress. Fadnavis further claimed that such statements were being made to shift focus away from what he described as organisational and leadership issues within the Congress party. (With PTI and IANS inputs)
12 April,2026 04:02 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTension gripped Charkop in Kandivali West, Mumbai, on Tuesday after a tragic road accident claimed the life of a seven-year-old girl, sparking protests and a road blockade by angry residents demanding strict action against those responsible. Fatal accident while crossing road The victim, identified as Ritika Chauhan, was a Class 2 student at a BMC school near Oscar Hospital. According to police, she was run over by a speeding dumper while attempting to cross the road. Officers from Charkop Police Station said Ritika lived with her parents in the Ganesh Nagar locality. The incident occurred in the afternoon when she was returning home accompanied by a neighbour. When she trying to cross the road, she came under the wheels of a dumper. The impact was severe, resulting in fatal head injuries. She was declared dead at the scene. Eyewitnesses described the accident as horrific, leaving residents and passersby in shock. Locals stage protest, block road Soon after the incident, enraged locals gathered at the spot and staged a road blockade, demanding immediate action against the driver and stricter traffic regulation in the area. The protest escalated briefly, with tensions running high. Police teams were deployed to the site to control the situation and restore order. Driver arrested, case registered The dumper driver, who was apprehended by locals immediately after the accident, was later handed over to the police. He has been arrested and booked under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), a police officer confirmed. Family in distress Ritika was the eldest of three siblings. Her family is already facing a difficult time, as her mother had delivered a baby just a few weeks ago and is reportedly unwell. Demand for compensation, probe underway Local political leaders and party workers also reached Charkop Police Station, demanding compensation for the bereaved family and strict punitive action against those responsible. Police said further investigation into the incident is ongoing.
12 April,2026 03:02 PM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanA man and his three-year-old daughter were injured after a portion of ceiling plaster along with a ceiling fan collapsed in a ground-plus-one chawl in the Mumbra area of Thane district on Sunday afternoon. The incident occurred around 3.31 am at Tambewadi Chawl (also known as Devripada), near the toll naka on the Mumbra Bypass Road. The collapse took place in a room on the ground floor of the old structure, the ownership of which is yet to be ascertained. According to information received by the Thane Municipal Corporation’s Disaster Management Cell, the injured were immediately rushed to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Hospital in Kalwa for treatment. The hospital’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr Yogesh More, informed the control room about the incident. The injured have been identified as Asif Khan (32), who sustained head injuries, and his three-year-old daughter Asma Khan, who suffered minor injuries to her leg. Officials said both the injured are in stable condition after receiving medical attention. The Thane Municipal Corporation has been alerted and necessary instructions have been issued to the concerned departments for further action, including inspection of the building and assessment of required repairs or safety measures.
12 April,2026 02:47 PM IST | ThaneMaharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev Varma expressed profound grief over the passing of Padma Vibhushan awardee and iconic playback singer Asha Bhosle, who died on Sunday at the age of 92 due to multi-organ failure following multiple medical complications. Describing Asha Bhosle as a highly accomplished and talented playback singer who ruled over several generations of music lovers, he said her nearly eight-decade-long career enriched India’s cultural heritage. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed deep sorrow, calling the news “extremely sad”. He said, “After Lata didi, another star from the Mangeshkar family has faded away. The beautiful garden of music has become desolate today.” Recalling a recent programme, he said Asha Bhosle had affectionately made him sing ‘Abhi Na Jao Chhodkar’, remembering her lively spirit and versatility. तीन वर्षांपूर्वी धडाक्यात नव्वदी साजरी करणार्या ज्येष्ठ गायिका, पद्मविभूषण, महाराष्ट्र भूषण आशाताई भोसले यांच्या निधनाचे वृत्त अतिशय दु:खद आहे. त्यांच्या निधनाने मंगेशकर घराण्यातील लतादिदींनंतर आणखी एक तारा निखळला आहे. सुरांची सुंदर बाग आज उजाड झाली.आशाताईंचा आवाज म्हणजे… pic.twitter.com/pAcDLxeXqo — Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) April 12, 2026 Meanwhile, Union Minister Piyush Goyal described her as the embodiment of sweet voice and unparalleled singing and said, “Her voice was not just a confluence of notes but an unspoken bond of emotions that will remain alive in every heart. Her songs will continue to echo for generations to come.” He extended deep condolences to the family, the music fraternity, and millions of fans across the world. मधुर वाणी और अद्वितीय गायकी की प्रतिमूर्ति दीदी आशा भोसले जी ने दशकों तक भारतीय संगीत को नई ऊँचाइयों तक पहुँचाया। उनकी आवाज़ केवल सुरों का संगम नहीं, बल्कि भावनाओं का ऐसा अनकहा रिश्ता है जिसे शब्दों में बाँध पाना संभव नहीं है। एक ऐसा जुड़ाव जो हर दिल में सदा जीवित रहेगा। उनके गाए… pic.twitter.com/DEj58KaBZA — Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) April 12, 2026 Deputy CM Eknath Shinde said the passing of Asha Bhosle marks the loss of a great musical empress, calling her a bright star of Indian music whose melodies captivated the world. He said, “The ‘saptak’ of music has been orphaned; ‘Abhi Na Jao Chhodkar’ is echoing in every heart today.” A vibrant source of musical energy: Eknath Shinde Shinde added that the end of Asha Bhosle’s journey marks the end of a golden era of music. He further stated that the void left by her passing is deeply felt in every household, as if a member of the family has been lost. The Shiv Sena chief described her as not just a singer but a vibrant source of musical energy, whose versatility across bhajans, lavanis, film songs, and western-style music left an indelible mark. He also noted her Guinness World Record for the highest number of recorded songs, calling her life journey an inspiration born out of determination and resilience. गानसम्राज्ञी आशा भोसले यांच्या दुःखद निधनाने गेल्या चार पिढ्यांची मने संगीताच्या बहरात चिंबचिंब करणारा, आणि मनामनांना एका चंदेरी दुनियेच्या सफरीचा आनंद देणारा दैवी आवाज शांत झाला आहे. आशाताईंचा स्वर कानावर पडला नाही, असा दिवस गेल्या अनेक दशकांत उजाडला नाही, आणि मावळलाही नाही. या… pic.twitter.com/Y0lQV89HcU — Eknath Shinde - एकनाथ शिंदे (@mieknathshinde) April 12, 2026 Deputy CM Sunetra Ajit Pawar also paid rich tributes, stating that with Asha Bhosle’s demise, a golden era of music has ended. “The Queen of Sur (melody) has gone behind the curtain of time,” she stated in her condolence message. Pawar highlighted the legendary singer’s exceptional sweetness, versatility, and emotional depth, noting how her voice enthralled audiences for decades through thousands of songs in Hindi, Marathi, and several other Indian languages. She specially mentioned evergreen hits such as ‘Piya Tu Ab To Aaja’, ‘Dum Maro Dum’, ‘In Aankhon Ki Masti’, and ‘Chura Liya Hai Tumne’, describing Asha Bhosle's style as a beautiful blend of modernity and tradition. ज्येष्ठ गायिका आशाताई भोसले यांच्या निधनाने संगीत क्षेत्रातील एका सुवर्णयुगाचा अंत झाला असून सुरांची ‘सम्राज्ञी’ काळाच्या पडद्याआड गेली आहे. मी आशाताईंना भावपूर्ण श्रद्धांजली अर्पण करते.आशाताई भोसले यांच्या आवाजात विलक्षण माधुर्य, विविधता आणि भावनांची अप्रतिम अभिव्यक्ती होती.… pic.twitter.com/oA9TxrIM6t — Sunetra Ajit Pawar (@SunetraA_Pawar) April 12, 2026 According to official information, all medical formalities will be completed on Sunday. The public will be able to pay their last respects on April 13, Monday, from 11 am to 3 pm. Her last rites will be performed at 4 pm at Shivaji Park Crematorium with full state honours. Meanwhile, Maharashtra Cabinet Minister for Information Technology and Cultural Affairs, Ashish Shelar, called it “a sad day for the entire country and the state, marking the end of an era with the passing of Asha Bhosle.” In a deeply personal tribute, Ashish Shelar said, “Today I have lost my beloved sister. The veena of Goddess Saraswati has fallen silent. Ashatai overcame every sorrow in her life with a smile and gave immense love to me as a brother. The richness of my life has diminished today.” जगण्यातील श्रीमंती गमावली !भोगल्या दु:खाचे आनंदी गाणे गाण्याची ताकद असलेल्या... जय शारदे.. वागेश्वरी ची प्रार्थना गाणाऱ्या... कॅब्रे, लावणी, भक्ती गीत, ओवी आणि अभंगासह भावगीत, चित्रपट गीत ही विलक्षण ताकदीने गाणाऱ्या... भाषेची बंधने तोडून २० पेक्षा जास्त भाषेत गाणाऱ्या...… pic.twitter.com/lo7Tw60BjB — Adv. Ashish Shelar - ॲड. आशिष शेलार (@ShelarAshish) April 12, 2026 West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee also expressed profound sadness, remembering Asha Bhosle as a great musical genius who reigned over hearts for generations. She noted the singer’s immense popularity in Bengal and recalled that the state had conferred its highest civilian award, Bangabibhushan, on her in 2018. Nationalist Congress Party (SP) leader Rohit Pawar described Asha Bhosle’s voice as magical and mesmerising that ruled Indian music for over six decades. Maharashtra Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule also offered an emotional tribute, calling her an extraordinary personality whose contribution to music was like a university of melody. Asha Bhosle was known worldwide for her versatility — rendering everything from cabaret numbers and lavanis to bhakti geet, ovis, abhangs, and film songs in more than 20 languages. Her iconic Bhai-Beej ovi “Soniyacha Tati Ujalya Jyoti…” continues to resonate in Maharashtrian households.
12 April,2026 02:36 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) in Maharashtra’s Thane has awarded compensation of Rs 29.79 lakh to a 35-year-old man who sustained grievous injuries after a speeding private bus rammed into him in Mumbai in 2022, news agency PTI reported. In an order dated April 6, a copy of which was made available on Wednesday, MACT Member RV Mohite held that the accident occurred due to the rash and negligent driving of the bus driver and fixed joint and several liability on the vehicle owner and insurer. Accident details According to the tribunal, Mayuresh Ramesh Punekar was standing with his motorcycle in Mumbai’s Kanjurmarg area on July 8, 2022, when a private bus approached “at high and excessive speed in a rash and negligent manner” and hit him from behind. “The driver of the offending vehicle was the person who had the last opportunity to avoid the accident. There is nothing on record to show any contributory negligence on the part of the claimant,” the tribunal said. 50-lakh compensation sought Punekar had sought compensation of Rs 50 lakh. The tribunal held that the claimant had suffered 46 per cent permanent partial disability but clarified that it could not be directly equated with loss of earning capacity. The tribunal awarded a total compensation of Rs 29.79 lakh to Punekar under various heads, including loss of income, future loss, medical expenses, pain and suffering, conveyance, and special diet. The amount is to be paid with interest at the rate of 9 per cent per annum from the date of filing the petition until the deposit of the amount, the tribunal ordered. Thane MACT awards Rs 20.52 lakh compensation to family of deceased businessman killed in accident A Thane Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) in has awarded Rs 20.52 lakh in compensation to the family of a 74-year-old businessman who died in a car accident in Maharashtra’s Palghar district. The fatal car crash took place in 2022. The victim who was identified as Ganesh Gopal Chaudhari had sustained severe injuries after a collision and later died while undergoing treatment at a hospital on the same day, the news agency reported. The accident occurred on November 22, 2022, when Chaudhari was travelling by car from Vikramgad towards Nashik. A speeding four-wheeler reportedly lost control on a bend in the ghat section and crashed into his vehicle, according to the PTI. The tribunal observed that the driver of the offending vehicle was driving at an excessive speed and failed to properly judge the turn, leading to the fatal collision. Thane MACT member RV Mohite directed the vehicle owner and the insurer, Universal Sompo General Insurance Co Ltd, to jointly and severally pay the compensation. The tribunal also ordered that the amount should carry 9 per cent annual interest from the date the petition was filed. The tribunal calculated the deceased’s annual income at Rs 5.9 lakh, based on his income tax returns, before arriving at the total compensation amount. Of the awarded sum: - Rs 13.52 lakh will be paid to his wife - Rs 7 lakh will be given to his son The tribunal dismissed the insurance company’s argument that the driver did not possess a valid driving licence, holding it liable along with the vehicle owner, the news agency reported. (With PTI inputs)
12 April,2026 01:14 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentNCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar on Thursday met Maharashtra Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal, urging the party to withdraw its candidate from the Baramati bypoll to enable the unopposed election of his aunt, NCP president Sunetra Pawar. A day earlier, Sunetra Pawar had spoken to Sapkal, requesting him to ensure that the party’s candidate withdraws his nomination against her in the April 23 bypoll, PTI reported, quoting sources. The Congress had said it would withdraw from the contest only if an FIR was registered in connection with then Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s death in a plane crash in January, which necessitated the Baramati by-election. Parth Pawar predicts Congress ‘downfall’, row escalates However, the run-up to the contest turned acrimonious after Sunetra Pawar’s son Parth Pawar recently criticised the Congress for fielding a candidate and predicted the party’s “downfall”. Rohit Pawar told PTI on Thursday that he had expressed regret over his cousin Parth Pawar’s remarks. “I am confident the Congress will take an appropriate and positive decision after consulting its leadership,” he said, reported PTI. 53 candidates file nominations for Baramati bypoll A total of 53 candidates, including Sunetra Pawar and Congress’s Akash More, have filed their nominations. The last date for withdrawal of nominations is April 9. The NCP (SP) leader said the Congress has sent the right message that justice should be delivered in the plane crash case and that an FIR should be registered in Maharashtra. “I hope Sunetra Pawar, who is in Delhi today, will meet Union minister Amit Shah and seek a CBI probe into the case,” Rohit Pawar said, adding that he has repeatedly demanded a high-level investigation into the Baramati crash. The Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) has announced that it will not field any candidate against Sunetra Pawar. Row over Congress fielding candidate for Baramati bypoll unnecessary: Harshwardhan Sapkal Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal on Tuesday described as unnecessary the controversy surrounding the Congress decision to field a candidate in the Baramati assembly by-election. Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, Sapkal said there was no need to politicise the issue or create friction over electoral choices. He emphasised that every political party has the right to take independent decisions regarding participation in elections. Baramati bypoll becomes focal point of political debate The by-election, scheduled for April 23, has drawn significant political attention. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar is contesting the seat, which fell vacant after the death of her husband Ajit Pawar earlier this year. The ruling alliance had appealed for an uncontested election as a mark of respect. While parties such as the NCP (SP) and Shiv Sena (UBT), part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi, chose not to field candidates, the Congress announced Akash More as its nominee, triggering political reactions. Response to criticism from Parth Pawar The Congress decision faced criticism from Parth Pawar, who remarked that the party was facing a decline in Maharashtra and would suffer consequences for contesting against his mother. His statement sparked reactions from multiple political leaders across parties. Responding indirectly to such criticism, Sapkal reiterated that elections should be conducted with dignity and mutual respect. He stressed that democratic processes should not be overshadowed by unnecessary disputes or personal remarks. Call for maintaining democratic values and decorum Sapkal highlighted that differences of opinion among political leaders are a natural part of democracy. However, he said the focus should remain on ensuring a fair and smooth electoral process rather than engaging in avoidable controversies. He added that the Congress would soon clarify its official stance in detail regarding the by-election, indicating that further communication from the party leadership is expected. Encourages voter participation, praises civic responsibility Apart from addressing the bypoll issue, Sapkal also praised voters from Kerala residing in Mumbai who are travelling back to their home state to cast their votes. He described their efforts as a commendable example of democratic responsibility. According to him, such participation reflects the true spirit of elections as a celebration of democracy. He urged citizens to actively participate in the electoral process and contribute to higher voter turnout. The Baramati by-election continues to remain politically significant, with developments around party strategies and alliances shaping the broader discourse in Maharashtra politics. (With inputs from PTI)
12 April,2026 12:39 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAfter a brief spell of clean and breathable air, Mumbai’s air quality deteriorated on Sunday, slipping back into the moderate category with a light layer of haze visible across the city in the morning. According to the Central Pollution Control Board’s SAMEER app, the city recorded an air quality index (AQI) of 111, placing it in the moderate category. At this level, the air may cause breathing discomfort for people with lung and heart conditions, and those with asthma. Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted maximum and minimum temperatures of around 35 degrees Celsius and 24 degrees Celsius, respectively for Mumbai, indicating warm conditions alongside the decline in air quality. AQI across Mumbai AQI levels varied across different parts of Mumbai, with some areas recording higher pollution levels. Deonar reported the highest AQI at 179, followed by Bandra Kurla Complex at 165, and Andheri at 153. Borivali East recorded an AQI of 126, Byculla 115, and Chembur 107, all falling under the moderate category. Colaba remained relatively better with an AQI of 70, classified as satisfactory. In the neighbouring regions, Thane recorded an AQI of 82, while Navi Mumbai stood at 116, and Kalyan at 71, indicating mostly satisfactory to moderate air quality levels in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Experts advise vulnerable groups to limit prolonged outdoor exposure and take necessary precautions as pollution levels rise again. Maharashtra weather update: Heat intensifies across state; Jalgaon, Malegaon record 41 degrees Celsius Several parts of Maharashtra continue to reel under rising temperatures, with multiple districts recording above-normal heat levels, according to the Meteorological Department’s latest weather report issued at 8.30 am. Jalgaon and Malegaon emerged among the hottest locations in the state, both recording maximum temperatures of 41 degrees Celsius on Sunday. Solapur closely followed at 41.4 degrees Celsius, while Sangli (40.3 degrees Celsius), and Jeur (40 degrees Celsius) also experienced intense heat conditions. Temperatures in Marathwada In the Marathwada region, Aurangabad and Parbhani recorded highs of 39.4 degrees Celsius, while Osmanabad touched 39.6 degrees Celsius, indicating persistently warm conditions across the belt. Mumbai remained relatively cooler compared to the interior districts but continued to witness warm and humid weather. Colaba recorded a maximum temperature of 34 degrees Celsius, while Santacruz reported 34.6 degrees Celsius. Minimum temperatures stood at 27.4 degrees Celsius and 23.4 degrees Celsius, respectively, both slightly above normal, reflecting uncomfortable humidity levels in the city. Coastal weather In coastal areas, Dahanu recorded a high of 35 degrees Celsius, while Ratnagiri saw a maximum of 33 degrees Celsius. Harnai in Ratnagiri reported relatively high humidity levels, with morning relative humidity at 75 per cent and rising further in the evening. Meanwhile, the famous hill station, Mahabaleshwar, recorded a comparatively lower maximum temperature of 33.7 degrees Celsius, offering mild relief from the heat, while Pune division areas such as Nashik reported temperatures nearing 39 degrees Celsius. Minimum temperatures across the state showed mixed trends, with some regions like Jalgaon (20 degrees Celsius) and Malegaon (19 degrees Celsius) recording below-normal night temperatures, while cities such as Mumbai and Solapur experienced warmer nights. The IMD data also indicated varying humidity levels across Maharashtra, with coastal regions witnessing higher moisture content, while interior districts recorded relatively drier conditions. With temperatures remaining above normal in several districts, residents are likely to continue experiencing hot weather conditions, especially during the afternoon hours.
12 April,2026 12:21 PM IST | MumbaiADVERTISEMENT
