LoP Rahul Gandhi to reach Indore for 'Chhatron Ki Goonj outreach event today (Ld)
Digital Desk | Indore, Sep 19 (IANS) Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, will arrive in Indore on Saturday for the Congress Chhatron Ki Goonj outreach programme, with the party seeking to turn the event into a major platform to raise issues concerning students, education, recruitment and unemployment in Madhya Pradesh. According to the Congress, LoP Gandhi is scheduled to leave Delhi at 12:10 p.m. and reach Indore Airport at around 1:45 p.m. Senior Congress leaders, including Madhya Pradesh in-charge Harish Choudhary, state Congress president Jitu Patwari, Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly Umang Singhar and MLA Arif Masood, will receive him at the airport. After the reception, LoP Gandhi will leave for the Radisson Hotel at around 2:05 p.m. and is scheduled to reach there by 2:30 p.m. Congress workers have planned receptions at five points on the route, including Lavkush Square, MR-10 Square, Vijay Nagar Square and near the Radisson Hotel. He will remain at the hotel until around 5:30 p.m., before leaving for Bharat Jodo Maidan, opposite Regional Park, where the Chhatron Ki Goonj programme will be held. LoP Gandhi is scheduled to spend around two-and-a-half hours at the venue, with his stage programme expected to last about an hour. The Congress has been projecting the programme as a student-focussed initiative and is expected to raise concerns related to examination irregularities, education and employment. The event has also acquired a political edge following the earlier dispute over the venue. The programme was initially proposed at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium but was later shifted to the ground opposite Regional Park after permission for the stadium was not granted. The Congress and BJP have traded allegations over the venue issue, adding to the political significance of LoP Gandhi's visit to Madhya Pradesh. The event is part of Gandhi's wider Chhatron Ki Goonj outreach, with previous editions held in Kota, Dehradun, Prayagraj and Pune. After the programme, LoP Gandhi will leave directly for the airport at around 8 p.m. and is scheduled to depart for Delhi at 9 p.m., reaching the national Capital at around 10:30 p.m. Meanwhile, the Indore Police have made extensive security and traffic arrangements for the visit. The traffic diversion plan will come into effect from 1 p.m. and remain operational until the programme concludes. Indore police have also imposed several security conditions covering crowd management, entry and exit, parking, medical facilities, surveillance and emergency arrangements at the venue. Ahead of LoP Gandhis visit, Madhya Pradesh Congress president Jitu Patwari said the programme would provide a platform for young people to raise their concerns. Today is the day of meaningful dialogue with the voices, questions and dreams of the youth in Indore. Come, witness the questions related to education, opportunities and rights reaching the platform of democracy, Patwari said.
CII Northern Region delegation calls on LG
SRINAGAR: A delegation from the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Northern Region, led by its Chairman Puneet Kaura, called on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday. The delegation, comprised of Iqram Ali Shafiee, Chairman, CII J&K UT Council; Siddhant Choudhary, Vice Chairman, CII J&K UT Council; Rachna Jindal, Regional Director, CII Northern Region, and Khurshid []
Pune Ganeshotsav: Punit Balan confident city will become DJ-free by 2031
Punit Balan, trustee of the Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati Trust, discusses preserving Punes traditional Ganeshotsav culture and celebrations
Delhi-NCR likely to stay mostly dry; air quality remains in satisfactory category
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 19 (IANS) Delhi and most parts of the National Capital Region (NCR) are likely to experience predominantly dry weather on Saturday, with no major spell of heavy rain forecast for New Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Faridabad and several other areas, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The weather agency has forecast partly cloudy skies over Delhi, with the maximum temperature expected to remain between 34 degrees celsius and 36 degrees celsius. The minimum temperature is likely to settle in the range of 22 degrees celsius to 24 degrees celsius. The forecast comes at a time when the Southwest Monsoon is showing signs of retreat from northwest India. According to the IMD, atmospheric conditions are becoming favourable for the withdrawal of the monsoon from some parts of West Rajasthan on Saturday. However, Delhi is expected to continue witnessing largely dry conditions in the immediate forecast period. For New Delhi, the IMD has predicted partly cloudy skies and has issued no weather warning. The wider Delhi region is also expected to remain free of significant rainfall, with temperatures staying within the forecast range. Some parts of the NCR could, however, see isolated changes in weather. Gurugram is likely to remain partly cloudy, with the possibility of one or two spells of rain or thundershowers during the day. No warning has been issued for the city. Meanwhile, several districts of Maharashtra, including Pune, Nashik, Ahmednagar, Solapur, Kolhapur, Sangli, Satara, Dhule, Jalgaon and Nandurbar, are expected to receive rainfall on Saturday. Rain is also likely in areas including Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Nanded, Latur, Parbhani, Beed, Hingoli, Jalna and Osmanabad. The IMD has forecast scattered monsoon showers and thunderstorms over Haryana, Chandigarh, Punjab and West Rajasthan on Saturday. East Uttar Pradesh may also experience similar conditions on Saturday and Sunday. Himachal Pradesh is likely to receive isolated rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms through September 24. Central India is also expected to remain active weather-wise. West Madhya Pradesh and East Madhya Pradesh may witness fairly widespread to widespread rainfall along with thunderstorms on Saturday. Chhattisgarh could also receive fairly widespread rainfall, with thunderstorms and lightning in several areas. In southern and coastal regions, Kerala, Mahe and Lakshadweep are likely to experience fairly widespread rainfall through September 24. Parts of Karnataka may also see similar conditions during the period. North Interior Karnataka, South Interior Karnataka and Telangana are likely to receive rainfall on Saturday . Coastal Andhra Pradesh may witness isolated to scattered rainfall between Saturday and Sunday. Meanwhile, the air quality of Delhi remained in the satisfactory category. CRRI Mathura Road (131), Burari Crossing (99), North Campus DU (125), IGI Airport (T3) (102), Pusa (89), Aya Nagar (75), Shadipur (79), ITO (88), DTU (94), R K Puram (128), Ashok Vihar (91), Dwarka-Sector 8 (116), Narela (120), Rohini (107), Chandni Chowk (98), and IIT Delhi (131).
Rahul Gandhi to visit Indore today for 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' event
Digital Desk | Indore, Sep 19 (IANS) Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, will visit Indore on Saturday to interact with students as part of his 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' initiative, which seeks to raise issues concerning education, recruitment and unemployment. Confirming his visit, earlier this week, Rahul Gandhi posted on social media platform X: I'm coming to Indore on September 19 -- to meet students, to hear you, to talk to you. If you or your loved ones are tormented by the education system and want these conditions to change, you know -- 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' is your collective voice, an opportunity to start the change. He urged students to register through the link shared in his social media post and participate in the event. We will discuss in detail every aspect of education and your struggles in Indore, Rahul Gandhi said in the post. The 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' campaign has been used by Rahul Gandhi to engage with students and highlight issues such as question paper leaks, expensive education, alleged irregularities in government recruitment and unemployment. Four editions of the programme have so far been held in Kota, Dehradun, Prayagraj and Pune. The Pune edition, held on August 22, was organised for female students. The Indore programme has also drawn attention after the Congress was denied permission to use the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium as the venue. The Madhya Pradesh Congress unit has subsequently taken around 12,000 square metres of land in front of the Regional Park on temporary lease from September 17 to 19. As Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to arrive in Indore, politics in the state has intensified. Earlier, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has criticised Rahul Gandhi ahead of his Indore visit and described the proposed programme as Jhooth Ki Goonj.
CII Northern Region delegation meets Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha
A delegation of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Northern Region, led by its Chairman Puneet Kaura, called on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha here on Thursday. The delegation comprised Iqram Ali Shafiee, Chairman, CII J&K UT Council; Siddhant Choudhary, Vice Chairman, CII J&K UT Council; Rachna Jindal, Regional Director, CII Northern Region; and Khurshid Dar, Director, CII J&K UT Council. The delegation shared CIIs perspectives on strengthening industry participation in skill development initiatives, enhancing employment opportunities and promoting industrial development in J&K. The discussions also covered industry policy reforms and measures to further strengthen engagement between the industry and the government.
AI brings creative twist to Ganapati reels this festive season
Maha fuel dealers to take call on halting UPI payments on Sept 27
Thieves break into sari showroom, eatery in Pune; flee with Rs1 lakh
Family out to visit Ganapati mandals ends up in tragedy; elder brother killed in crash
Man held for bludgeoning grandmother to death in Charholi
Cops detain Bangladeshi woman staying illegally in Dehu Road
SPPU students protest Rs10 hike in mess meal rates
CMs no drought in future promise met with oppns provide relief now cry
Oppn wants hearing dates during Ganeshotsav put off, 15 days to submit documents
Bar-cum-restaurant owner shot dead in Shirur 3 months after tiff over liquor bill
Declare drought, dont wait for criteria to be met: Pawar to CM
Two injured as metal shed collapses in Kondhwa
Parking space shortage in Pune hampers pandal-hopping ahead of visarjan
FOB from Civil Court Metro station to Shivajinagar-Hinjewadi line to open soon
MNGL upgrades CNG supply infra; Motorists to get quick refill at stations
11 PGs, hostels sealed in Lohegaon over fire safety violations
Fire Dept HQ traces 170-year history alongside the Ganeshotsav display
SEMICON India 2026 records 25 key tie-ups across semiconductor value chain
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 18 (IANS) Day 2 of SEMICON India 2026 witnessed 25 key announcements and collaborations covering various segments of the semiconductor value chain, including semiconductor manufacturing, materials, logistics, chip design, advanced packaging, power electronics and workforce development, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Electronics and IT on Friday. Indias Tata Electronics and L&T Semiconductor Technologies signed MoUs and partnership agreements with various overseas technology companies aimed at strengthening India's semiconductor ecosystem, spanning supply chain localisation, advanced packaging, skilling, and deep-tech investment. Tata Electronics signed agreements with INOX Air Products Ltd for collaboration to strengthen the local supply chain for high-purity gases critical to semiconductor manufacturing. The company also announced a partnership with Sumitomo Chemical Ltd to localise production of high-purity wet chemicals and advanced materials for front-end semiconductor manufacturing. Tata Electronics & Kelington Engineering Pte Ltd agreed on a collaboration to accelerate fab readiness via gas distribution systems, high-purity piping, and process tool hook-up. The collaboration includes training local partners in specialised semiconductor manufacturing skills. Tata Electronics & Enomoto Co. Ltd have formed a partnership to strengthen advanced semiconductor packaging capabilities through joint R&D and localisation of Lead-frame manufacturing. C-MET, Pune & Hindalco Industries Limited signed an MoU to scale up critical raw materials essential to the semiconductor ecosystem, strengthening indigenous material capabilities and supply chain resilience. MeitY, Ministry of Power & POWERGRID: Collaboration to support indigenisation of Silicon Carbide Power Modules for Voltage Source Converter (VSC) based HVDC transmission systems, to be piloted at POWERGRID's 1,000 MW Pusauli project, Bihar. L&T Semiconductor Technologies Ltd & Virtual Forest Pvt Ltd have reached an agreement on co-development of power electronics solutions for air conditioning and solar-powered systems. The Indian company has also forged a partnership with Newen Systems Pvt Ltd for the development of Silicon Carbide Power Modules for next-gen renewable energy systems and AI data centres. L&T Semiconductor Technologies Ltd & Fimer India Pvt Ltd: Development of Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors for renewable energy systems. India Deep Tech Alliance reported investments of $263 million across 56 Indian deep-tech companies. The event received an encouraging response, with nearly 12,000 visitors on the first day, most of whom were industry participants, and featured more than 600 exhibitors, including around 300 international exhibitors. Addressing the media, Minister of Electronics and IT Ashwini Vaishnaw said participation was even higher on the second day, with strong business-to-business engagement, several agreements being concluded during business meetings and a good response to sessions. Country roundtables also received a positive response, with more than 30 companies each from Japan and Singapore participating in their respective pavilions, alongside participation from South Korea and several European countries, including Belgium, the Netherlands and Sweden. He said the growing participation reflected increasing global interest in expanding semiconductor-related activities in India, with industry leaders indicating their willingness to scale up investment based on their execution ability. The minister highlighted the MoU between India Semiconductor Mission and Nippon Express, under which the company will provide expertise in logistics, warehousing, customs and related supply-chain requirements as Indias semiconductor ecosystem expands. He also underlined opportunities for Indian entrepreneurs and emphasised that semiconductor companies must compete globally on cost and quality, while taking into account manufacturability, product life cycle and power consumption. On sustainability, the minister highlighted the use of extensive water recycling in semiconductor fabs and closed-loop cooling systems in data centres, underlining the importance of resource-efficient technologies as these sectors expand.
V-P Radhakrishnan inaugurates Pune Fesitval, says nation must never forget its history
Digital Desk | Pune, Sep 18 (IANS) Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Friday inaugurated the 38th Pune Festival at Shri Ganesh Kala Krida Rangmanch, Pune, reminding the nation must never forget its history and the great sacrifices made by its heroes. The Vice President said the vision of Viksit Bharat encompasses not only economic growth and infrastructure but also an inclusive and equitable society rooted in its civilisational heritage. He noted that events such as the Pune Festival can promote cultural exchange, tourism, local talent and national integration. Emphasising the need to remain rooted in Indias civilisational heritage, Radhakrishnan said that development must go hand in hand with preservation of heritage. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modis vision of Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi, he said modernity and technological advancement need not come at the cost of traditions and cultural values. Recalling the enduring legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, he said that his contribution to the preservation of Hindu Dharma and Indias civilisational heritage must always be remembered. He also highlighted the deep historical and cultural bonds between Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, noting that Tamil literary works have been preserved at the Saraswathi Mahal Library in Thanjavur because of Maratha leaders. He also paid tribute to Lokmanya Tilak, Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, Krantijyoti Savitribai Phule and Babasaheb B.R. Ambedkar. Appreciating Punes growing global character, the Vice President lauded the performance of international students at the inauguration session. He noted that students from around 20 countries participated in the Traditional Ganesh Worship programme, describing it as a beautiful manifestation of the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. He said Pune has emerged as a major centre of education, industry, sports, information technology, automobile manufacturing, tourism and horticulture, while retaining its cultural identity. He credited the Pune Festival with contributing significantly to Punes emergence as a City of Festivals and appreciated the vision of its founder, late Suresh Kalmadi.
35,000 Women Chant Atharvashirsha At Pune Ganpati Temple
A powerful display of faith and devotion as around 35,000 women came together to chant the Atharvashirsha at Punes iconic Dagdusheth Ganpati temple.
School Holiday Alert: Are Schools Closed Today in Mumbai, Pune, and Thane?
Are schools closed today, September 18, 2026, in Mumbai, Pune, and Thane? Check the latest updates on BMC orders, private school holiday lists, and traffic advisories for Gauri Pujan to plan your day.
'What have you SHIPPED in the last 90 days?' | Puneet Chandok, President, Microsoft India
'What have you SHIPPED in the last 90 days?' | Puneet Chandok, President, Microsoft India
India, Thailand discuss strengthening trade and investment ties
Digital Desk | Bangkok, Sep 18 (IANS) India and Thailand have held discussions on further strengthening trade and investment ties, identifying areas of complementarity, resolving tariff and non-tariff barriers, and achieving balanced trade for mutual benefit. The discussions took place during a meeting between India's Ambassador to Thailand, Puneet Agrawal and Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister Suphajee Suthumpun. Ambassador Puneet Agrawal paid a courtesy call on H.E. Mrs. Suphajee Suthumpun, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce of Thailand, on 17 September 2026. During the meeting, views were exchanged on further strengthening trade and investment ties between India and Thailand by identifying areas of complementarities, resolving tariff and non-tariff barriers and having a balanced trade for mutual benefit, the Indian Embassy in Thailand posted on X. Last week, Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow was on an official visit to India to attend the 18th BRICS Summit held in New Delhi on September 12-13. On September 9, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal held a meeting with a Thai delegation led by Deputy PM Suthumpun, where they discussed ways to further strengthen economic ties and deepen cooperation across trade, investment, tourism, logistics, pharmaceuticals, food processing, clean energy, automobiles, and space. Following the meeting, Goyal, in a post on X, wrote: Held a productive meeting with the Thai delegation led by H.E. Ms. Suphajee Suthumpun, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce of Thailand. Discussed ways to further strengthen IndiaThailand economic relations and deepen cooperation across trade, investment, tourism, logistics, pharmaceuticals, food processing, clean energy, automobiles, and space. Look forward to continued engagement and stronger partnerships between India and Thailand, creating greater opportunities for businesses and people of both countries. On September 7, the Indian envoy called on Thailand's Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Vijavat Isarabhakdi, with discussions held on further strengthening the strategic partnership between the two nations, including in trade, investment, defence and security, and cultural exchanges, according to the statement released by the Indian Embassy in Thailand. Diplomatic ties between India and Thailand were established in 1947, and both nations celebrated the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2022. The bilateral ties are multifaceted and cover various sectors, including trade and investment; defence and security; connectivity; culture and tourism; education; science and technology; and people-to-people exchanges, according to the Indian Embassy in Thailand. The Act West policy of Thailand complements India's Act East policy, and Thailand is also Indias maritime neighbour.
India attracts more than 100 global capability centres in just 8 months of 2026
Hyderabad has emerged as the most attractive destination with 40 GCCs being set up in the city this year, followed by Bengaluru with 30, and Pune with 18
Maharashtra FDA Suspends Licences of Nair Hospital Canteen, Olympia in Colaba
The FDA also suspended licences of four restaurants in Pune and two in Nagpur
Directed by Gurmmeet Singh and written by Puneet Krishna, Mirzapur The Movie brings the cult franchise to the big screen
Vice President Radhakrishnan Arrives in Mumbai for Cultural and Educational Events
Vice President Radhakrishnan visits Mumbai for various cultural and educational programs, including the Pune Festival. Vice President Radhakrishnan Arrives in Mumbai for Cultural and Educational Events
New poison mixed in Delhi's air, shocking revelation made
According to the shocking Pune Environment Status Report, the level of deadly PM2.5 particles in the air from vehicles and construction has increased dangerously, which has now become a serious crisis here too, like in Delhi.Delhi air pollutionFor the people living in the national capita...
13-Foot Ganesha Idol Made With 21,000 Pani Puris
Pune has added a unique twist to Ganeshotsav with a striking 13-foot-tall Lord Ganesha idol. Artists associated with Ganesh Bhel on FC Road created the idol using more than 21,000 pani puris. The post 13-Foot Ganesha Idol Made With 21,000 Pani Puris appeared first on Fusion - WeRIndia .
State govt to hold 31 employment camps in Pune district
Elderly man loses 29L in digital arrest scam
Declaration of drought in state imminent: Agriculture minister Bharne
Erratic streetlights turn night travel into a hazard
Indian sailors head to Asian Games with waves of optimism
Metro services till 2am, traffic curbs kick in for Ganeshotsav rush
Main accused in Mulshi murder case held from Delhi, search on for his accomplice
Water tankers in monsoon? Pimpri Chinchwad housing societies flag inadequate & low-pressure supply
Fed up with steep cab & auto charges at Pune airport, passengers demand feeder bus service back
Police, PCMC demolish 18 stalls facilitating public drinking in Bhosari
FIR against four Ganesh mandals for violating sound norms in Pimpri Chinchwad
Woman from Ahilyanagar forces 6-year-old cousin to beg near Ganapati pandal in Pune, booked
Gauri puja brings Pune homes together with rituals, food and haldi-kumkum
Army sepoy posted at NDA security post succumbs to gunshot injury
Gurgaon businessman relives ordeal with cabbies over meter fare
Dead fish in rivers: Activists flag official inaction, seek probe
New UPI fee casts shadow on festive shopping season
Vice President Radhakrishnan to Visit Mumbai, Lonavala, and Pune on September 18
Vice President Radhakrishnan will visit Mumbai, Lonavala, and Pune for cultural and religious events on September 18. Vice President Radhakrishnan to Visit Mumbai, Lonavala, and Pune on September 18
Vice-President CP Radhakrishnan to visit Mumbai, Lonavala and Pune on Friday
During his visit, Radhakrishnan will pay darshan at Lalbaugcha Raja in Mumbai on Friday morning. In the afternoon, he will travel to Lonavala to attend the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of Gordhandas Seksaria College of Yoga and Cultural Synthesis at Kaivalyadhama
Maharashtra HSC exams 2027 from February 8 and SSC from February 15, says MSBSHS
The timetable will apply to all nine divisional boards of the Maharashtra State Board. These include Pune, Mumbai, Nagpur, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Kolhapur, Amravati, Nashik, Latur and Konkan
Sunetra Pawar flags off Beed-Pune train, says Ajit Pawar kept his promise
The train was flagged off from Beed railway station on September 17, observed as Marathwada Liberation Day. The inaugural service marks the beginning of direct rail connectivity between Beed and Pune
Retired scorers urge BCCI to reward decades of service, seek welfare cover
TCS Walk-in Drive 2026: Urgent Hiring for AI, GenAI, and MLOps Roles This Saturday
Ready for a career shift? TCS is hosting a massive multi-city walk-in drive on September 19, 2026, for experienced AI, GenAI, MLOps, and Data professionals. Check the venues, reporting times, and required documents to secure your spot at this major hiring event in Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Pune.
Pankaj Tripathi has spoken about the way the success of Mirzapur: The Movie has been handled by its makers, particularly producer Ritesh Sidhwani. The actor appreciated Sidhwani for not putting pressure on the cast to regularly share box office figures on social media following the films theatrical release. Mirzapur: The Movie, based on the popular web series, opened in theatres to a strong response. The film crossed the Rs 100 crore mark worldwide during its opening weekend and has continued to add to its global collections. Despite the box office milestones, the makers did not make collection updates a constant part of the casts social media activity. Speaking about Sidhwanis approach after the films release, Pankaj Tripathi said, Once the film was released in theatres and the daily numbers started coming in, Riteshs approach was remarkable. Even as we crossed milestones, there was zero pressure from his end to project or showcase numbers across social media. Box office figures have increasingly become a part of film promotions, with actors and production houses often sharing daily or milestone collections online. According to Tripathi, Sidhwani chose a different approach with Mirzapur: The Movie, allowing the audience response and word of mouth to play a larger role in the films theatrical journey. Elaborating on the decision, Pankaj added, It was entirely his decision to let the films success spread organically through word of mouth instead of attempting to constantly project numbers. That mindset was really impressive and says a lot about him as a producer. The film continued its theatrical run after its opening, recording steady collections during the weekdays. It has reportedly crossed Rs 195 crore net in India and has also continued its run in overseas markets. Presented by Amazon MGM Studios and Excel Entertainment, Mirzapur: The Movie is directed by Gurmeet Singh and written by Puneet Krishna. The film is produced by Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar, with Kassim Jagmagia and Vishal Ramchandani serving as co-producers. The cast includes Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal, Divyenndu, Jitendra Kumar, Ravi Kishan, Abhishek Banerjee and Rasika Dugal, among others. Also Read : BREAKING: Government of India reconstitutes CBFC; Suniel Shetty, Preity Zinta, Priyadarshan, Pankaj Tripathi among 18 members
Maharashtra: Beed Gets Direct Rail Link To Pune After Decades-Long Wait, Beed-Panvel Service Next
CM Fadnavis welcomes Jarange Patil ending hunger strike, says 12 out of his 13 demands accepted
Digital Desk | Sambhajinagar, Sep 17 (IANS) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday expressed relief and satisfaction after Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil ended his hunger strike on its 20th day. Addressing media, he welcomed the development, noting that the government had proactively engaged with the activist to resolve the standoff peacefully. We are glad that Manoj Jarange Patil has called off his hunger strike. We had urged him to do so. Out of his 13 demands, 12 have been accepted by the government. One demand could not be fulfilled due to legal constraints, which was duly communicated to him, he stated. The Chief Minister assured that the commitments made by the cabinet sub-committee would be strictly fulfilled. The state government will hold necessary meetings and take required administrative steps to implement these promises. Reaffirming the states commitment to Maratha community, Fadnavis emphasized that our doors remain open and claimed that no previous administration has taken as many concrete decisions for the welfare of the Maratha community as the current government. Extending appreciation to key leaders including Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil and legislator Prasad Lad for their mediation, CM Fadnavis highlighted that the agitation concluded peacefully without disturbing upcoming festive celebrations. Earlier, Jarange Patil on Thursday at Patoda in Beed district announced the suspension of his 20-day hunger strike following his discussion with a government delegation comprising Ministers Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil and Dadaji Bhuse, MLAs Prasad Lad and Suresh Dhas, and the Beed District Collector. Following the talks, Jarange Patil granted the government a 90-day deadline, demanding the implementation of the Satara Gazette within three months. He warned that if the government betrays them, he will march to Mumbai. Announcing the suspension of his hunger strike, he clarified that the agitation would continue, asserting that the battle would not stop until it succeeded. Giving a three-month ultimatum for the Satara Gazette implementation, he stated that antagonising the Maratha community is unacceptable. He remarked that despite any mistakes by Minister Vikhe Patil, people should treat him with affection, and expressed similar sentiments toward DCM Eknath Shinde. He added that he would not stay silent if ministers criticised them and noted that officials who previously avoided talks had finally come to negotiate, emphasising that the community's dignity is more important than reservations. The government delegation gave him assurances including implementation of the Satara, Kolhapur, Pune, and Aundh Gazettes within three months by issuing a Government Resolution (GR), issuance of a revised GR to grant Kunbi certificates in accordance with the Hyderabad Gazette, continued validation of certificates issued per the Hyderabad Gazette, no reduction in the 58 lakh Kunbi records found by the Shinde Committee and validation of the revoked Kunbi certificates of four elected representatives from Marathwada.
Juniper Hotels shares rise 2% on proposed Rs 248 crore acquisition of Novotel Imagicaa
Juniper Hotels shares rose on Thursday after the company proposed acquiring the operating Novotel Imagicaa hotel in Maharashtra for Rs 248 crore. The 287-key property, located in Khopoli, spans around 11 acres and includes restaurants, banquet and meeting facilities. The acquisition is aimed at expanding Junipers presence in the Mumbai-Pune corridor.
Income Tax Pune has announced the Recruitment 2026 notification for 85 vacancies, including Tax Assistant, MTS and Steno posts. The online application process will be conducted from August 15 2026 and has been extended up to 30 September 2026. Eligible candidates can apply through the official website, incometaxindia.gov.in
Jarange Patil suspends fast after Maha govt delegation gives assurances; issues 90-day ultimatum
Digital Desk | Patoda/Beed, Sep 17 (IANS) Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil on Thursday announced the suspension of his 20-day hunger strike following his discussion with a government delegation comprising Ministers Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil and Dadaji Bhuse, MLAs Prasad Lad and Suresh Dhas, and the Beed District Collector. Following the talks, Jarange Patil granted the government a 90-day deadline, demanding the implementation of the Satara Gazette within three months. He warned that if the government betrays them, he will march to Mumbai. Announcing the suspension of his hunger strike, he clarified that the agitation itself would continue. Jarange Patil demanded assurances that the 58 lakh identified Kunbi records would not be reduced, offering to provide people to help search for records. He criticised the Shinde Committee for not working and the government for being inattentive, asserting that the battle would not stop until it succeeded. Giving a three-month ultimatum for the Satara Gazette implementation, he stated that antagonising the Maratha community is unacceptable. He remarked that despite any mistakes by Minister Vikhe Patil, people should treat him with affection, and expressed similar sentiments towards Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, though not at the present moment. He added that he would not stay silent if ministers criticised them and noted that officials who previously avoided talks had finally come to negotiate, emphasising that the community's dignity is more important than reservations. The government delegation gave him assurances including implementation of the Satara, Kolhapur, Pune, and Aundh Gazettes within three months by issuing a Government Resolution (GR), issuance of a revised GR to grant Kunbi certificates in accordance with the Hyderabad Gazette, continued validation of certificates issued per the Hyderabad Gazette, no reduction in the 58 lakh Kunbi records found by the Shinde Committee and revalidation of the revoked Kunbi certificates of four elected representatives from Marathwada. Jarange Patil clarified that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde are not his enemies, but asked what choice he has when attacked. He requested that good officers be assigned to locate Kunbi records, warning that if the government intends to buy time, the protest will continue. He specifically demanded the validation of the four revoked Kunbi certificates of Marathwada representatives and urged CM Fadnavis to address his key points publicly through a press conference or video statement. During discussions with the delegation, Minister Vikhe-Patil explained that the Satara Gazette involves a 1,100-page report requiring three to four months of study before taking action. Regarding the Hyderabad Gazette GR, which is currently pending in court, Vikhe-Patil assured that care would be taken to ensure it faces no stay order. In response, Jarange Patil asked why the Maratha community continues to be overlooked and demanded the immediate implementation of the Satara, Kolhapur, Pune, and Aundh Gazettes via GR. Pointing to a recent government resolution stating that Hindu Wani, Hindu Vaishya, and Vaishya Wani are the same community, Jarange Patil demanded a similar GR stating that Maratha and Kunbi are one and the same. He requested that the GR explicitly mention -- just as it did for other communities -- that Marathas were historically Kunbi during the pre-independence era and were left out of reservations due to an oversight. He said that the commitments regarding 58 Kunbi records must carry the signature of Chief Minister Fadnavis or be publicly assured by him via the media. BJP MLA Prasad Lad stated that Jarange Patil ended his 20-day hunger strike following requests from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar. Lad affirmed that the government committed to fulfilling the promises made to Jarange within the next 90 days. Jarange Patil had previously set off for Mumbai to begin an agitation at Azad Maidan on September 19. However, police denied permission due to security concerns and potential operational strain during the Ganesh festival. As Jarange Patil marched toward Mumbai, his health deteriorated after he stopped consuming water and IV fluids. The successful outreach by the government delegation in Beed persuaded him to halt the fast. Speaking to his supporters, Jarange Patil extended greetings on Marathwada Liberation Day, marking the end of Nizam rule in the region. He assured the community that he would never abandon them and would not back down without securing the Gazette. Addressing Minister Dadaji Bhuse and MLA Prasad Lad, he emphasised that the government must implement the GR for the Satara, Aundh, and Bombay Gazettes, noting the widespread public support across Western Maharashtra. He concluded by reiterating that the government must provide written guarantees that not a single Kunbi record out of the 58 lakh records will be removed, and that certificates must be granted in accordance with the Hyderabad Gazette.
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