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West Bengal Shiv Sena (UBT) leader quits party ahead of polls

In a jolt to the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) ahead of the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026, senior state leader Susovan Ganguly on Monday quit the party just weeks before the polls. In his resignation (mid-day has a copy of it), Ganguly cited an alleged internal mismanagement and neglect of the state’s interests as key reasons for his decision. Ganguly said that he had remained loyal to the party during challenging times and had consistently worked to protect the interests of the Hindu community in West Bengal. Opposition to TMC and BJP  He highlighted his opposition to both the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) for alleged autocratic governance and to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for policies he described as “Gujarati-centric” and harmful to India’s global prestige. Criticism of party leadership Ganguly expressed disappointment with the national leadership of Shiv Sena (UBT), particularly All India General Secretary Anil Desai, claiming he seemed intent on dismantling the party across India. He stated that repeated requests for dedicated efforts to support West Bengal’s Hindu community were ignored.

06 April,2026 09:01 PM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev Shivadekar
BJP intensifies Kerala campaign with Shah’s roadshow. PIC/X

Amit Shah holds roadshow in Alappuzha as BJP marks foundation day in Kerala

Union Home Minister and BJP leader Amit Shah on Monday held a roadshow in Alappuzha Assembly ahead of Keralam elections to be held in the state on April 9. Earlier in the day, Shah attended the Bharatiya Janata Party's 47th foundation day event at the party office in Thiruvananthapuram, Keralam. The event marked the celebration of the party's establishment, with BJP leaders and cadres participating. They also sang Vande Mataram and hoisted the BJP flag. Amit Shah's presence underscored the party's focus on strengthening its base in Keralam ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the dedication and sacrifices of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers, saying they endured every hardship--from the Emergency and Congress-era oppression to political violence in states like Bengal--to strengthen the party and serve the nation. Addressing BJP workers via video conference on the party's Foundation Day, PM Modi said, "BJP workers never hesitate when it comes to raising issues connected to the people. Many karyakartas even sacrificed their lives." Reflecting on the 1984 elections, he added, "Congress won a record number of seats, but India also witnessed how they betrayed the people. This increased trust in the BJP, and slowly we began to win seats." He highlighted the ideological contrast shaping Indian politics: "Two ideologies came into existence. One was power-driven politics, and the other was service-driven politics." PM Modi also acknowledged the inspiration the BJP drew from the RSS, saying, "We built a vast cadre of workers dedicated to service, who never compromised on their values." The Prime Minister emphasised the emotional significance of the party's Foundation Day, noting, "BJP is the only political party where we consider the party as our mother. This day gives us an opportunity to express our gratitude to the party for giving us the chance to serve the nation." The Bharatiya Janata Party traces its origin to the Jana Sangh, which merged with the Janata Party after the Emergency in 1977 with the aim of defeating the Congress. Later, questions of dual membership arose between RSS members and the Jana Sangh, with the ask that either the Jana Sangh members should leave the Janata Party or their membership of RSS. The issue led to the Jana Sangh members leaving the Janata Party and officially founding the BJP on April 6, 1980. Since its formation, the BJP has produced two Prime Ministers, Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Narendra Modi.

06 April,2026 04:33 PM IST | Thiruvananthapuram | ANI
Sunetra Pawar pays tribute at Ajit Pawar’s memorial in Baramati before filing her nomination. PIC/X

Sunetra Pawar files nomination for Baramati Assembly seat bypoll

Deputy Chief Minister (CM) Sunetra Pawar on Monday filed her nomination papers for the Baramati Assembly bypoll and asserted that the contest has been “taken over by the people of Baramati”. Speaking to reporters after filing the nomination, Sunetra Pawar said that for the local people in the region, Ajit Pawar means Baramati and vice versa. “Now that bypolls have been necessitated due to the demise of Ajit Pawar, the contest has been taken over by people of Baramati,” she added. Earlier in the day, Sunetra Pawar paid respects to Ajit Pawar at his memorial in Vidya Pratishthan, Baramati. In an emotional post on X, she described Ajit Pawar as a selfless public leader whose thoughts, work and values continue to inspire her. She said visiting the memorial gave her new energy and strengthened her resolve to walk on the path of public service. बारामतीतील विद्या प्रतिष्ठान येथे आज मा. अजितदादांच्या स्मृतीस्थळाचे दर्शन घेतले. दादा आज आपल्यात नसले, तरी त्यांच्या विचारांची शिदोरी, त्यांच्या कार्याची उंची आणि त्यांनी दिलेली मूल्ये प्रत्येक क्षणी सोबत आहेत. या स्मृती स्थळासमोर उभे राहताच त्यांच्या सहवासातील असंख्य आठवणी मनात… pic.twitter.com/olWnXTG1rK — Sunetra Ajit Pawar (@SunetraA_Pawar) April 6, 2026 Deputy CM Eknath Shinde pledges full support to Sunetra Pawar in Baramati bypoll  Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, who attended a meeting organised by the NCP in Baramati, extended full support to Sunetra Pawar. Addressing the gathering, Shinde said the bypoll is unfortunate following Ajit Pawar’s sudden demise, which shocked the entire state. He appealed to all parties to make the election unopposed as per Maharashtra’s tradition. Shinde added that Sunetra Pawar is efficiently handling the responsibilities of Deputy CM and expressed full confidence that the people of Baramati have not forgotten Ajit Pawar’s work and will stand behind her. He also declared that the Shiv Sena, as a Mahayuti partner, will give her complete support. 📍 बारामती, #पुणे |#बारामती विधानसभा मतदारसंघातील पोटनिवडणुकीच्या निमित्ताने राष्ट्रवादी काँग्रेस पक्षाच्या वतीने आयोजित करण्यात आलेल्या मेळाव्याला उपस्थित राहून माझे मनोगत सादर केले. ही पोटनिवडणूक आपल्याला दुर्दैवाने लढवावी लागत आहे. अजितदादांच्या आकस्मित निधनाने संपूर्ण… pic.twitter.com/ekCdj4u4Kp — Eknath Shinde - एकनाथ शिंदे (@mieknathshinde) April 6, 2026 NCP (SP) legislator Rohit Pawar also appealed to the people of Baramati to elect Sunetra Pawar with a record-breaking majority if the election goes to polls. In a post on X, he said it was the wish of all that the bypoll be unopposed as a tribute to Ajit Dada, but if contested, voters should give Sunetra Pawar a massive victory. The Baramati bye-election was necessitated following the untimely death of senior NCP leader and former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.

06 April,2026 03:47 PM IST | Pune | Sanjeev Shivadekar
PM urges all parties to back women’s reservation bill in special session. File Pic

PM Modi assures no state will lose representation under women’s reservation law

Amid criticism over the special Parliament session called to implement the Women's Reservation Act, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday assured that the move will not affect the representation of any state, noting population control measures in North-Eastern and Southern states. Speaking at a public rally in Barpeta, the Prime Minister emphasised that the legislation would benefit all states and no state would face any disadvantage, urging political leaders across parties to work together to pass the law. "The government has called a special session of Parliament starting April 16th. We have discussed this with all political parties in the country. We have urged everyone to unanimously advance this work related to the rights of the country's sisters and daughters. Some people are trying to spread confusion about this noble cause," PM Modi said. "All states in the country will benefit from this. No state will be harmed by it. Whether it's the Northeast or South India, where population control is prevalent, their representation will not be diminished at all. We are making arrangements to provide additional seats for women. The current number of seats should be further increased. Therefore, I especially urge the sisters of Assam to urge all the leaders of all political parties to pass this law together," he added. Highlighting peace and stability in Assam, PM Modi said that the state had returned to normalcy after years of struggle and sacrifice, stressing the importance of keeping Congress away. He alleged that the party had historically undermined the armed forces, citing issues such as 'One Rank One Pension'. "Peace has returned to Assam after many years of effort and sacrifice. That is why it is very important to keep Congress away from Assam. To target me, Congress has even insulted our armed forces, whether it was after the air strike or the surgical strike. One example of how Congress betrayed the trust of our soldiers is One Rank One Pension," he said. On farmers' welfare, he pointed out that when Congress was in power in 2013, the minimum support price (MSP) for paddy was Rs 1,300 per quintal, which has now increased to Rs 2,370 under the BJP. PM Modi further asserted that Congress has not worked effectively for paddy farmers' welfare. "In the year 2013, when Congress was in power, the MSP for paddy was just Rs 1300 per quintal. Under the BJP, it has increased to Rs 2370 per quintal. Before 2014, paddy farmers received only Rs 4 lakh crore under MSP. After 2014, MSP payments to farmers increased four times to Rs 16 lakh crore. Congress can never truly work for the welfare of paddy farmers," he said. The special Parliamentary session to pass the Women's Reservation Amendment Bill will convene from April 16. The bill was passed by Parliament in 2023. The base for delimitation had originally been set at the 2011 census. The Delimitation Act will be amended accordingly. The Government is currently building consensus as this legislation will need 2/3rd majority to pass this legislation, making it crucial to secure support from opposition parties. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.

06 April,2026 03:37 PM IST | Barpeta (Assam) | PTI
Sharad Pawar (left) and Ramdas Athawale. File Pic

Sharad Pawar, Ramdas Athawale among 19 Rajya Sabha members to take oath

Nineteen newly elected and re-elected members of the Rajya Sabha took oath in Parliament on Monday, marking an important moment for the Upper House.Among those sworn in are five members from Maharasthra, including Ramdas Bandu Athawale, Maya Chintaman Ivnate, Sharadchandra Pawar, Ramrao Sakharam Wadkute and Jyoti Nagnath Waghmare, reported ANI.Christopher Manickam, Anbumani Ramadoss, Constandine Ravindran, LK Sudhish, M Thambidurai and Tiruchi Siva are from Tamil Nadu. Five members from West Bengal include Babul Supriyo, Menaka Guruswamy, Rajeev Kumar, Rukmini Mallik, and Biswajit Sinha, while three members Santrupt Mishra, Dilip Kumar Ray and Manmohan Samal are from Odisha. New MPs pledge focus on development after oath Speaking after taking the oath, Santrupt Misra the BJD MP expressed his commitment to addressing key issues in Odisha. As a first-time Member of Parliament, he said he would return to the state to consult with party leadership, including Naveen Patnaik, along with MLAs and intellectuals, to shape future programmes for both the state and the country."I have become a Member of Parliament for the first time. From here, I will return to Odisha and, along with the President of the Naveen Patnaik and the leadership of the Biju Janata Dal, we will hold discussions with our MLAs. We will also consult intellectuals from Odisha and then decide how to move forward with our future programs for both the country and the state. There are many issues in the state of Odisha that need to be addressed," said Misra.Meanwhile, Congress MP Christopher Manickam emphasised his focus on safeguarding the interests of Tamil Nadu. He stated that his priority would be to ensure the state is not overlooked by the central government."I am a member from Tamil Nadu, and my priority will be to ensure that Tamil Nadu is not sidelined by the Central Government," he said, reported ANI. Kiren Rijiju congratulates new Rajya Sabha MPs, urges meaningful contributions Union Minister Kiren Rijiju also extended his congratulations to the newly sworn-in members. He highlighted the significance of the occasion, noting that the oath-taking took place even though Parliament was not in session, and expressed hope that the new MPs would contribute meaningfully to the functioning of the Rajya Sabha."It is a special occasion that the new Rajya Sabha MPs got the opportunity to take oath in the House despite the House not being in session. I congratulate the newly elected MPs and wish them success and good performance in the House. I hope they will help improve the proceedings of the Rajya Sabha by making their valuable contributions," he said, reported ANI.On a special parliament session on Women's Reservation Amendment Bill, Rijiju called for unity across political parties. He said the matter should rise above politics, stressing that women's empowerment is a collective national responsibility. He added that while several opposition parties have supported the initiative, the Congress and some others have yet to fully engage, though he expressed optimism that they would not oppose the measure."Congress isn't coming forward. Many other opposition parties have also praised the government's efforts. Women's reservation isn't a matter of any one party. It's a matter of the entire political parties and the country. Women's power, women's empowerment. This should be a collective effort. There shouldn't be any politics in this. We spoke to all the parties. Congress and a few other parties didn't come, but they won't portray themselves as anti-women. I hope they will not oppose it," said Rijiju.The special Parliamentary session to pass the Women's Reservation Amendment Bill will convene from April 16, reported ANI.The bill was passed by Parliament in 2023. The base for delimitation had originally been set at the 2011 census. The Delimitation Act will be amended accordingly. The Government is currently building consensus as this legislation will need 2/3rd majority to pass this legislation, making it crucial to secure support from opposition parties.  (Inputs from ANI)

06 April,2026 03:31 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
With the PSR removed, trains can now run faster. Representational Pic

Maharashtra: Central Railway removes speed restriction on Asvali-Padli section

Central Railway (CR) has successfully removed the long-standing Permanent Speed Restriction (PSR) of 75 kmph on the Up line of the Asvali, Padli section in Bhusaval Division, marking a major improvement in train operations.  The stretch, spanning 800 meters between Kms 160.57 and 160.13, had required careful monitoring, especially during the monsoon season, CR said. The challenging Through Formation Treatment (TFTR) work was carried out in a semi-ghat area with limited accessibility, where the track formation rises approximately 9 meters and includes a curve of 2.26 degrees, a release stated.  The project was strategically executed after the 2025 monsoon season to ensure smooth and safe operations. Using the Cut and Cover method, the team deployed 4 excavators, 2 JCBs, 3 Hydra cranes, 1 vibratory roller, and water tankers. The operation was completed over 33 traffic blocks, each lasting around 2 hours and 30 minutes. A dedicated team of CR senior officers and engineers, along with 35 personnel, including 10 departmental staff and 25 contractual workers, worked to complete the project in record time, CR stated.  With the PSR removed, trains can now run faster, improving efficiency while maintaining high safety standards on this key section of the Bhusaval Division. Mega infra push for Mumbai: CM Devendra Fadnavis to inaugurate Metro Lines 9 and 2B, launch twin tunnel and pod taxi Mumbai's infrastructure projects are set to get a major boost as Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis, along with Deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar, is set to inaugurate and launch four key projects on Tuesday.  Schedule At 10 am, the leaders will inaugurate Phase-1 of Metro Line-9 (Dahisar to Mira Road) at Dahisar East Metro Station. It will be followed by the launch of Thane–Borivali twin tunnel project using a tunnel boring machine (TBM) at 11.30 am in Manpada, Thane. An hour later at 12.30 pm, the leaders will head to the Diamond Garden Metro Station in Chembur, where they will inaugurate the first phase of Mumbai Metro Line-2B (DN Nagar to Mandale) and perform an e-groundbreaking ceremony of the pod taxi project. Metro Line-9 (Phase-1) Metro Line-9, connecting Dahisar East to Mira Bhayandar, is set to become operational soon. The corridor has been a long-pending demand of residents in the area. Pending works, including final touches at stations and escalators, are nearing completion after the line received the necessary safety clearance. The corridor was set for inauguration on Monday. However, it will now be inaugurated a day later. Once operational, it is expected to greatly relieve commuters in the Dahisar-Mira Bhayandar belt. Metro Line-2B (Phase-1) This elevated corridor is expected to improve north-south connectivity in Mumbai and reduce pressure on existing road networks by offering a faster and more reliable public transport option to daily commuters. Thane–Borivali Twin Tunnel Project The twin tunnels aim to enhance connectivity between Thane and Borivali, ease heavy traffic congestion on this busy stretch, and support smoother movement of vehicles and metro services in the future. Pod taxi project This modern, automated, and eco-friendly system is being introduced as a pilot project to provide efficient last-mile connectivity and help reduce road congestion in high-density areas. These initiatives are expected to significantly boost public transport in Mumbai and its suburbs, ease chronic traffic problems, and offer better commuting options to lakhs of residents.

06 April,2026 03:19 PM IST | | mid-day online correspondent
The Luthra brothers. File Pic

Goa court reserves order on Luthra brothers’ bail in nightclub forgery case

A Goa court on Monday reserved its order till April 8 on the bail application filed by siblings Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra, held in the nightclub fire tragedy, in a forgery case. The Luthra brothers are owners of Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub, where a fire on December 6 last year killed 25 persons and injured several others. They had fled to Thailand after the incident, but were placed under arrest in the fire tragedy case after being deported from the South East Asian nation. The siblings were also charged in another case related to forging of documents, including a fake no-objection certificate (NOC), to obtain permissions and an excise licence for operating the ill-fated nightclub in Arpora village of North Goa. As per police, the alleged forged NOC was purportedly issued from Candolim Primary Health Centre and was later used for regulatory clearances. "The arguments in the matter have concluded. Judicial Magistrate First Class Jude Sequeira will pronounce the order on April 8," Advocate Parag Rao, appearing for both the accused, told reporters outside court. While the Luthras were recently granted bail in the fire case by a sessions court in Mapusa, they continue to remain in custody because of the forgery FIR. Last week, the court had rejected their anticipatory bail plea in the forgery case. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.

06 April,2026 03:18 PM IST | Panaji | PTI
PM Narendra Modi. File Pic

PM Modi highlights UCC and 'One Nation, One Election' as key future goals

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently addressed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers on the occasion of the party’s foundation day. In his speech, he pointed out that some important goals are still unfinished. Among these, he highlighted the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and the ‘One Nation, One Election’ system as key priorities for the future. He mentioned that serious and constructive discussions are currently taking place across the country on both issues. According to him, the government is moving in a positive direction to make progress on these reforms. What exactly is UCC and ‘One Nation, One Election'? The idea of ‘One Nation, One Election’ refers to holding elections for the Lok Sabha and all state assemblies at the same time. This system aims to reduce the frequency of elections and improve governance efficiency. On the other hand, The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) is a proposal to have one common set of personal laws for all citizens in India, regardless of religion. It would replace different religious laws governing marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption with a single, uniform law for everyone.  The aim is to ensure equality and consistency in personal laws across different communities. Reflecting on BJP’s journey During his address, PM Modi also spoke about the challenges faced by BJP workers over the years. He mentioned that many workers endured hardships, especially during difficult political periods like the Emergency.  He also referred to instances of political violence in states such as West Bengal and Kerala. Despite these struggles, he said, the party has remained committed to its mission and values. Highlighting key achievements The Prime Minister listed several major achievements of the BJP government. These include removing outdated colonial-era laws, building a new Parliament building, introducing a 10 per cent reservation for economically weaker sections, banning triple talaq, implementing the Citizenship Amendment Act, and constructing the Ram temple in Ayodhya. "The end of hundreds of black laws from the British era, the construction of a new Parliament building for democracy, 10 percent reservation for the poor in the general category, a law to ban triple talaq, Citizenship Amendment Act, the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya... there are countless such works that are the result of the BJP's honest efforts" he said, reported ANI. He stated that these steps reflect the party’s dedication to fulfilling its promises. 'BJP,' not just a party but a 'mother' Modi emphasized that the BJP is more than just a political organization for its members. He described the party as a “mother” for its workers, making the foundation day an emotional occasion rather than just a formal event.  "That is why the party's foundation day is not just a political event. It is an emotional occasion for every workers. This day gives us an opportunity to express our gratitude to the party for giving us the chance to serve the nation," he said, reported the news agency. He concluded by expressing gratitude to the workers and acknowledging their role in serving the nation through the party. Overall, the speech combined a vision for future reforms with a reflection on the party’s past efforts and achievements, reinforcing the BJP’s ongoing mission. (With ANI Inputs)

06 April,2026 03:09 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
IMD cites chances of light rain or drizzle in the city and suburbs. Representational pic

Light rain forecast for Mumbai; Vidarbha to receive rainfall till April 10

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday issued weather alerts across Maharashtra, forecasting rainfall in several regions. The unseasonal rains that began in March have caused a notable shift in the state’s weather, with some areas experiencing hot, dry, or humid conditions, while others face thundershowers and hailstorms. Mumbai and surrounding regions Mumbai is likely to see a partly cloudy sky over the next 24 hours, with chances of light rain or drizzle in the city and suburbs. Daytime temperatures are expected to hover around 31 degrees Celsius, while minimum temperatures may settle near 23 degrees Celsius, keeping conditions humid. LOCAL FORECAST FOR MUMBAI CITY & NEIGHBORHOOD:For 24 hours:Partly cloudy sky with possibility of drizzle / light rain in city and suburbs. Maximum & Minimum temperatures likely to be around 31 deg. C. and 23 deg. C. pic.twitter.com/GJzkYNxN7p — Regional Meteorological Center,Mumbai (@RMC_Mumbai) April 6, 2026 Thane and Palghar have also been issued rain alerts, with the IMD citing the possibility of light showers. Meanwhile, the further Konkan region, including Sindhudurg, Raigad, and Ratnagiri, is expected to remain dry today. In northern Maharashtra, districts such as Dhule, Nandurbar, Nashik, and the ghats of Nashik may witness light rain on Monday. Vidarbha outlook and warnings The IMD has issued a five-day rainfall forecast for Vidarbha, valid until April 10, predicting light to moderate rain across parts of the region. Residents have been advised to stay alert for sudden weather changes, including thunderstorms or brief spells of rain at isolated locations. Next 5 days rainfall forecast and weather warning for Vidarbha Dated 06.04.2026#WeatherForecast #imdnagpur #IMDhttps://t.co/i92bcFAP1W@ChandrapurZilla @collectorchanda @KrishiCicr @InfoWashim @Indiametdept @ngpnmc @collectbhandara @CollectorNagpur @CollectorYavatm pic.twitter.com/XeuyCEo9NA — Regional Meteorological Centre, Nagpur (@imdnagpur) April 6, 2026 Districts under a yellow alert include Bhandara, Chandrapur, Gadchiroli, Gondia, Nagpur, and Wardha. The IMD has warned of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, light to moderate rainfall, and gusty winds reaching 30-40 kilometres per hour at isolated places. Maharashtra weather update: Cooler-than-normal temperatures across state; humidity high along coast Maharashtra continued to experience relatively cooler conditions on Monday, with most regions recording temperatures below normal levels, according to the latest meteorological data reported at 8.30 am. Konkan coast sees humid conditions Coastal regions remained warm and humid. Mumbai recorded a maximum temperature of 32.2 degrees Celsius at Colaba and 31.3 degrees Celsius at Santacruz, both slightly below normal. Minimum temperatures hovered around 23-24 degrees Celsius, with high morning humidity levels of up to 84 per cent. Ratnagiri recorded a slightly above-normal maximum temperature of 33.0 degrees Celsius, while Dahanu and Harnai remained milder at 31.8 degrees Celsius and 30.1 degrees Celsius, respectively, with humidity levels ranging between 60 per cent and 73 per cent. Western Maharashtra records moderate temperatures Cities like Kolhapur (35.0 degrees Celsius), Sangli (36.4 degrees Celsius), and Satara (34.6 degrees Celsius) reported below-normal maximum temperatures. Mahabaleshwar remained the coolest in the region at 27.5 degrees Celsius, nearly 4.4 degrees below normal, with a minimum of 13.9 degrees Celsius. Marathwada stays relatively warm but below normal Aurangabad (35.0 degrees Celsius), Beed (35.5 degrees Celsius), and Parbhani (36.6 degrees Celsius) recorded maximum temperatures below seasonal averages. Minimum temperatures in the region ranged between 19 degrees Celsius and 20 degrees Celsius, also slightly below normal. North Maharashtra and interior regions see cooler trends Nashik recorded a maximum temperature of 31.5 degrees Celsius, significantly below normal by 5.3 degrees, with a minimum of 17.9 degrees Celsius. Jalgaon reported a minimum temperature of 21.7 degrees Celsius. Vidarbha-like heat in parts of central Maharashtra Sholapur (37.9 degrees Celsius) and Malegaon (37.0 degrees Celsius) were among the hotter locations, though still marginally below normal. Jeur recorded 36.5 degrees Celsius, marking a notable drop of 4.3 degrees from usual levels. Across Maharashtra, maximum temperatures largely remained below normal, indicating a mild phase for early April. Coastal humidity remained high, while interior regions experienced relatively cooler mornings and nights.

06 April,2026 02:05 PM IST | Mumbai
Baramati Lok Sabha MP Supriya Sule. FILE PIC

Supriya Sule seeks urgent help for 41 Maharashtra travellers stranded in Riyadh

Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) MP Supriya Sule on Monday urged the government and the Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia to provide urgent repatriation support to 41 Indians from Maharashtra’s Bhokardan who are stranded in Riyadh after their flight to Mumbai was cancelled, news agency IANS reported. Sule, the NCP (SP) Working President and Lok Sabha Member of Parliament (MP) from Baramati, said that 41 Indians from Bhokardan were stranded in Riyadh after Akasa Air abruptly cancelled their flight to Mumbai. She also listed all the passenger names. “41 Indian citizens from Bhokardan, Maharashtra, are currently stranded in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, after their Akasa Air flight from Riyadh to Mumbai was suddenly cancelled,” Sule said in a post on X, while sharing all the names. She requested the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar, and the Indian Embassy in Riyadh to extend “urgent assistance and facilitate their return to India at the earliest”. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh responded promptly, saying it is coordinating with Akasa Air and will extend all required assistance to facilitate the passengers’ return. “We are checking with the Akasa Air, Madam. We will extend all support needed,” it said in a statement. 41 Indian citizens from Bhokardan, Maharashtra are currently stranded in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia after their @AkasaAir flight from Riyadh to Mumbai was suddenly cancelled.Sharing the list of affected passengers below:1) MRS AFREEN BEGUM SHEIKH NISAR SHEIKH2) MR SHAIKH TALEB… — Supriya Sule (@supriya_sule) April 6, 2026 Akasa Air suspends flights to Riyadh, Doha, and Kuwait Earlier on Sunday, Akasa Air suspended operations to Riyadh, Doha, and Kuwait until April 12, 2026, as part of ongoing safety reviews tied to the West Asia situation. The airline has offered a waiver on cancellation and rescheduling fees to affected passengers. In a statement, the airline said, “Flights to/from Doha, Riyadh and Kuwait are suspended until April 12, 2026. We continue to monitor and assess the situation with respect to these destinations on a real-time basis, and changes, if any, to the flight status for such destinations will be notified accordingly.” “Akasa Air has extended its cancellation/rescheduling charges waiver policy for passengers booked to or from these cities until April 12, 2026. Passengers may opt for a full refund, credited to the original source of payment within 7 days, or reschedule their travel at no additional cost. If your booking was made through a travel partner, please check directly with them for assistance,” it added. (With IANS inputs)

06 April,2026 12:23 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
LoP in the Lok Sabha and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. File pic

Rahul Gandhi hails Zubeen Garg, calls Assam CM Sarma the most corrupt

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday said the philosophy of his party is that of the celebrated musician Zubeen Garg, who worked his entire life to unite Assam. Addressing election rallies, he alleged that Himanta Biswa Sarma is the “most corrupt CM” in India, and action will be taken against him after the Congress forms a government in the state. “Zubeen Garg worked his entire life to unite people of Assam; he never misbehaved with anyone. The Congress philosophy is also like that, to spread love against hatred,” Gandhi said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

06 April,2026 11:25 AM IST | Golaghat | Agencies
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