IPL set to expand to 12 teams with two new franchises in 2028: Reports
Pune and Vadodara have emerged as potential destinations for the proposed teams, although discussions remain at an early stage and the final choice of cities has not been confirmed
Maharashtra School Holiday Alert: Is Your Child
Are schools open in Maharashtra today? Get the latest updates on Diwali Padwa and Bhaubeej school closures, plus city-specific reopening dates for Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur students. Plan your post-holiday schedule now.
IPL Eyes Two New Teams From 2028, Pune And Vadodara Emerge As Frontrunners: Check Full details
The proposed expansion could coincide with the IPL's 2028-2032 media rights cycle, with each new franchise potentially valued at more than $1 billion.
Two widowed Pune mothers become drivers; programme helps 75 women find jobs
In Pune, women like Jyoti and Sulochana have embraced professional driving as a means to overcome personal adversities. After losing her husband, Jyoti now relies on this job to provide for her daughters. Similarly, Sulochana turned to driving to fulfill her aspirations amidst challenges. The Nirman initiative has made a significant impact, training hundreds of women for driving careers and offering essential skill development and job placement assistance.
Maharashtra Board SSC, HSC Time Table 2027 Out - Class 10, 12 Subject-Wise Exam Dates and PDF
Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE), Pune, has released the final subject-wise SSC and HSC examination timetables for 2027. Class 10 written examinations will begin on 15 February 2027 and continue through 15 March, while Class 12 examinations will begin on 8 February and include papers scheduled through 18 March 2027.
Pune's National Centre for Radio Astrophysics staff booked for exam paper leak
85 pc of Maharashtra gripped by drought as rural belt struggles during Diwali: Shiv Sena(UBT) in
Mumbai The Shiv Sena Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray on Tuesday said that while major metropolitan cities like Mumbai and Pune witness The post 85 pc of Maharashtra gripped by drought as rural belt struggles during Diwali: Shiv Sena(UBT) in Samaana appeared first on Bilkul Online .
Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad report 170 fire incidents on Diwali as AQI hits 432
Pune records 94 fires and Pimpri-Chinchwad 76, while post-Diwali pollution pushes citys AQI to 432
Teen killed in firecracker shop blaze in Mumbai's Malvani
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Nov 10 (IANS) A 16-year-old boy died after a fire broke out at a firecracker shop in Mumbai's Malvani area late Monday night, triggering an explosion that led to the collapse of the shop's slab, officials said. The incident took place at around 9.56 p.m. on November 9 at a ground-floor shop near Gate No. 8 on Abdul Hamid Marg in Malad West. Six fire brigade vehicles were rushed to the spot after information about the blaze was received, and firefighting operations were launched. According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB), the fire was confined to firecrackers, electrical wiring and electrical installations inside the shop, which measured approximately 20 feet by 30 feet. The situation worsened following an explosion of firecrackers, which caused the slab of the shop to collapse. During the incident, a 16-year-old boy, who had initially been reported missing, was subsequently found dead inside the shop. His body was severely charred due to the fire. The deceased was identified as Shanwaz Niyaz Khan, aged 16. He was taken to BMC's Shatabdi Hospital in an ambulance. According to information received from the concerned Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of BDBA Hospital, Kandivali, he had suffered 100 per cent burns and was declared brought dead. The fire was successfully extinguished at 10.36 p.m. on November 9, according to the fire brigade's incident update issued at 1.22 a.m. on Tuesday. Teams from the Mumbai Fire Brigade, police, the concerned electricity distribution company, 108 ambulance services and BMC ward staff were mobilised to manage the situation and carry out the necessary operations. The incident comes amid heightened concerns over fire safety during the festive season, particularly in areas where firecrackers are stored and sold. Earlier, fire services in Pune and Mumbai were stretched during Diwali celebrations, with both cities reporting a large number of fire incidents. Pune recorded 94 fire incidents during Laxmipujan, while Mumbai reported 142 blazes during Diwali, of which 137 were attributed to firecrackers, according to figures released by the respective fire departments. In Pune, fires were reported from several locations, including Satara Road, Mangalwar Peth and Range Hills. A major fire broke out at a printing shop on Satara Road, while a godown caught fire in Mangalwar Peth. Another fire was reported in a residential flat in Range Hills, prompting a response from fire brigade teams and police personnel. Meanwhile, Mumbai's 142 fire incidents were reported from different parts of the city during Diwali. Despite the large number of fire-related emergency calls, no injuries were reported in those incidents, according to the Mumbai Fire Brigade.
Pune recruitment exam paper allegedly leaked on WhatsApp a day before test
Pune police have booked an NCRA employee under the Official Secrets Act after a Work Assistant recruitment exam paper was allegedly shared on WhatsApp a day before the May 24, 2025, test. The alleged leak came to light through a confidential source in June 2026
Pune experienced a notable rise in air pollution levels during the recent Diwali celebrations. The peak PM2.5 concentration reached around 1,000 g/m, exceeding national standards. Noise levels also increased at various monitored locations, highlighting violations of existing norms. Residents and activists have called for stricter regulations regarding firecracker usage after witnessing these pollution levels. Effective implementation of current policies remains a pressing concern for the community.
Pune couple's doorstep book venture sells 1 lakh books, earns Rs 1.5 crore
Pustakwale began its journey in 2020 by organizing book exhibitions in housing societies in Pune. The venture quickly gained popularity by selling books directly to families and schools. Over time, it expanded its reach to over 1,000 communities and numerous schools and corporates. The founders aim to promote reading habits through their initiatives and partnerships. They envision expanding their model across India while maintaining a focus on community engagement.
Pune gets 94 fire calls; PCMC reports 76 on Laxmi Pujan dayS
IIIT-Pune students develop voice-guided payment app for visually impaired
Youth, car driver killed in collision on Pune-Solapur highway; sister critical
15-minute airport drop-off, pick-up rule for vehicles; Rs500 fine from Dec for norm violators
Construction worker falls to death at Ravet site
Merger speculations script confusion within NCP, MLAs seek clarity from top leadership
Curbs on firecrackers missing on Diwali night, residents face breathing problem
Case against six for assaulting man following dispute over spitting
Doctors warn of severe health toll on vulnerable lungs amid post-Diwali smog in Pune
Night-time noise levels show an increase across city areas during Diwali this year
75-yr-old woman duped of 32 lakh in monthlong digital arrest
Shaniwar Wadas spectacular diya display beats Chandrapurs Guinness world record
Digital Desk | Pune, Nov 9 (IANS) A case of question paper leakage has come to light in connection with a recruitment examination conducted by the National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA) in Pune city of Maharashtra. The Chaturshringi Police have registered a case against NCRA employee Vivek Baban Hadwale (40) under the Official Secrets Act after the paper was allegedly circulated on WhatsApp a day before the exam. A written test for the post of Work Assistant was held on May 24, 2025, at the NCRA centre located on the Savitribai Phule Pune University campus. Information about the leak reached the vigilance department of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) in Mumbai through a confidential source in June 2026 nearly 13 months after the examination. According to the complaint filed by Vaibhav Pandurang Sherkar (35), a vigilance officer at TIFR, he met the confidential source on July 31, 2026. During the meeting, the source claimed that on May 23, 2025, at around 7:15 am one day before the exam he had received the complete question paper on WhatsApp from the mobile phone of Vivek Hadwale. The source handed over a printed copy of the question paper along with screenshots of the WhatsApp conversation. Sherkar also took photographs of the sources mobile screen using his own phone. These images clearly showed the pattern and content of the question paper. In a subsequent interaction, the source reiterated that it was Hadwale who had sent the paper. The vigilance department compared the leaked question paper with the original official paper and found them to be identical. Following this verification, Sherkar lodged a formal complaint with the police. Acting on the complaint, the Chaturshringi Police have registered a case against Vivek Baban Hadwale under Section 5 of the Official Secrets Act, 1923, and Sections 316(2) and 316(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Police are currently investigating the matter further to determine the full extent of the leakage and any other persons who may have been involved.
Man Found Murdered In Pune, Police Probe Begins
The body of an unidentified man, with his legs tied and head smashed, was discovered near the Manjari river in Pune district, leading to a murder investigation. Police are working to identify the victim and examine CCTV footage.
Disruptors Maharashtras internet has fallen in love with
Maharashtra weather update: Dahanu sizzles at 37.4 deg C, Pune AQI nears 300
Dahanu in Konkan emerged as the hottest location, recording a maximum temperature of 37.4 degrees Celsius, while Jalgaon in Madhya Maharashtra registered the lowest minimum temperature at 13.6 degrees Celsius, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD)
Bengaluru mass murder case: Police search Shiradi Ghat forest for two more bodies
Digital Desk | Bengaluru, Nov 9 (IANS) Police teams have launched a search operation in the dense forest region of Shiradi Ghat spread across Karnataka's Hassan and Mangaluru districts for the bodies of two more victims in the alleged seven-member family murder case, based on the information provided by the accused, Indushekar. The police team, accompanied by the accused, reached Shiradi Ghat on Monday and began searching for the bodies of his brother-in-law Shankar and sister-in-law Nalini. Police have so far recovered five bodies, including that of a 10-year-old boy, while the search for the remaining two victims is continuing. According to the police, the bodies of Indushekar's wife Sunitha and mother-in-law Roopavathi were traced near Tamil Nadu's Salem. The bodies of his brother-in-law Shivakumar and sister-in-law Divya were recovered from two locations in the gorges beside the road at Chamundi Hills in Mysuru. The body of 10-year-old Puneeth was found near Nandi Hills on the outskirts of Bengaluru. At Chamundi Hills, one body was found close to the roadside, while the other had fallen into a deep gorge. Both bodies were retrieved and sent for a post-mortem examination. Police said the accused had selected a viewpoint along the road to dispose of the bodies. The stretch witnesses heavy two-way traffic every day, and parking is prohibited there. However, space is provided for vehicles during emergencies. Warning boards have been installed, stating that a fine of up to Rs 1,000 would be imposed for unauthorised parking and entering the forest area. Meanwhile, investigators have found that Indushekar allegedly planned the murders in advance and procured materials required for carrying them out from shops in the surrounding areas. He had purchased packing materials, adhesive tape, chemicals, and plastic gunny bags from shops at the Yeshwanthpur RMC Yard. The chemicals were allegedly used to remove bloodstains after the murders. Police have collected CCTV footage from the shops and other locations as part of the investigation. They have examined around 200 CCTV recordings and are now focusing on footage between October 14 and November 3 to establish the accused's movements and the sequence of events. Indushekar, also known as Indu Shekar or Sekar, was arrested by the Rajajinagar police for the alleged murders of seven members of his wife's family. The victims include his wife Sunitha, mother-in-law Roopavathi, brothers-in-law Shivakumar and Shankar, sisters-in-law Divya and Nalini, and Puneeth, the son of Shankar. The murders are suspected to have taken place over a period of around 20 days, between October 14 and November 3. Investigators suspect that the accused brought his relatives to his house in the Rajajinagar-Bhashyam Circle area on the pretext of family gatherings before allegedly killing them and transporting their bodies to different locations. Police are also investigating the alleged role of the accused's 17-year-old daughter in the case. A 10-year-old boy reportedly survived the incident. The investigation is continuing, with police teams searching for the remaining two bodies at Shiradi Ghat and examining CCTV footage and other evidence to establish the sequence of the alleged murders.
Delhi, Pune And Lucknow AQI Surge: 5 Simple Ways To Protect Your Health
Delhi, Pune and Lucknow are experiencing poor air quality, with rising AQI and hazy conditions raising health concerns. Here are five simple ways to reduce exposure to air pollution.
Atal Setu-Mumbai-Pune Expressway connector reaches 67 pc completion
The project is being developed through the Chirle and Palaspe sections, with construction progressing on foundations, piers, elevated structures and road infrastructure
Beyond kennels: pet parents seek personalised care for Diwali getaways
Festive splurges fuel borrowing as buyers turn to EMIs, instant credit
Designer looks without the price tag: Rental wear gains traction
Pune Woman Loses Rs 28.77 Lakh In Fake Hotel Review Job Scam
Pune: A 34-year-old woman working in the private sector has allegedly lost 28.77 lakh after falling victim to an online work-from-home scam promising payments for reviewing hotels. The woman, who lives in Wakad, was approached through a social media advertisement offering easy earnings through online assignments. The Wakad police have registered a case and launched []
SMVDU holds 5-day training programme on energy efficiency, renewable energy
Katra, Nov 8: The School of Electrical Engineering, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU), organised a five-day Short-Term Training Programme (STTP) on Building Energy Efficiency, Power Electronics, Renewable Energy and Electric Mobility. The offline programme aimed at enhancing technical knowledge and professional competencies, besides providing practical exposure to emerging technologies in electrical engineering and sustainable energy systems. The first two days of the programme featured industrial visits to Electricfield Company and Sudhir Gen Set in Jammu, where participants gained exposure to industrial practices, electrical technologies, generator-set operations and power generation systems. The technical sessions were delivered by Dr Pankaj Kumar, Assistant Professor, NIT Srinagar, and Prof Sachin Shelar, Head, Power Quality Cell, AISSMS Institute of Technology, Pune. The lectures covered emerging developments in electrical engineering, power quality and modern energy technologies. Dr Kumud Ranjan Jha, Head, School of Electrical Engineering and Dean, Faculty of Engineering, SMVDU, extended support and encouragement for the programme. Vice-Chancellor Prof Pragati Kumar appreciated the initiative and congratulated the organising team for promoting technical learning and professional development. Faculty members, staff and students of the School of Electrical Engineering participated in the programme, which provided a platform for interaction and exchange of knowledge on emerging technological applications in teaching, research and industry. The programme was coordinated by Dr Jatinkumar Soni and Dr Prabhu Omer. Mr Shubham Chib was the Co-coordinator, while Mr Akash Deep served as Organising Secretary. The university said the initiative reaffirmed its commitment to technical education, industry-academia collaboration and capacity building in electrical engineering, renewable energy and sustainable mobility.
Pune police find decomposed body in Mula-Mutha river
Two arrested for hacking man to death at Sutardara in Kothrud
Jewellery store owner detained for cheating about 50 customers of Rs8.7 lakh
Pune AQI slips to poor by Diwali evening, likely to be very poor in morning
Parth meets Sharad Pawar twice in 2 days, NCP leaders seek to revive merger talks
Delay in moving garbage depot from Kothrud raises a stink
PMC revives Peshwe Park-Parvati ropeway proposal as citizens flag traffic, environmental concerns
Pedestrian dies, another seriously injured as PMPML bus hits them in Punes Katraj
Woman among 4 injured after man throws acid-like liquid; arrested
Pune pedals away from cycling legacy with 42% decline in cycling over 4 decades
Yajurvendra Mahajan sold the house and farm his father had left him and took in 10 underprivileged students and taught them from a rented place. The next year, all 10 cleared the MPSC exam and became Class I and II officers
Woman loses 29 lakh in online task fraud
Cybercrooks dupe Chinchwad firm of 34 lakh by blocking SIM cards
Womens panel vacancies slow down plaint redressal
Case against five for duping transport operator of 99 lakh
Thai PM Anutin inaugurates 27-day Amazing Thailand Grand Diwali Festival in Bangkok
Digital Desk | Bangkok, Nov 8 (IANS) Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has inaugurated the Amazing Thailand Grand Diwali Festival 2026, the longest Diwali celebration outside India, spanning 27 days across the month of November, the Indian Embassy in Thailand said. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul inaugurated the Amazing Thailand Grand Diwali Festival 2026 today in the presence of Ambassador Puneet Agrawal, Minister of Tourism and Sports Surasak Phancharoenworakul, Governor of Bangkok Chadchart Sittipunt and Governor of Tourism Authority of Thailand Thapanee Kiatphaibool at ICONSIAM Bangkok, the Embassy said on social media platform X. The Indian classical dance form Kuchipudi was presented at the inauguration. A cultural troupe from India, Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), presented the vibrant Indian classical dance form Kuchipudi at the event, the Embassy said. The festival is being celebrated across Thailand in collaboration with the Indian Embassy, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and Indian diaspora associations. The longest Diwali celebration outside India, spanning 27 days across the month of November, the Amazing Thailand Grand Diwali Festival is being celebrated across Thailand in collaboration with the Embassy of India, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, and Indian diaspora associations and is an opportunity for visitors from all faiths & walks of life to experience and cherish India's rich cultural diversity in its full splendour, it said. The Embassy described the celebrations as a reflection of the close ties between the two nations. The enthusiastic celebration of Diwali across Thailand is a symbol of the deep and ever growing cultural and people-to-people connect between India and Thailand, it added. Meanwhile, Diwali was also celebrated with great enthusiasm in San Antonio in the US, jointly organised by the City of San Antonio and Anuja SA San AntonioChennai Sister City Alliance. Consul General D.C. Manjunath joined San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones, city Council members and community leaders for the festivities, celebrating the spirit of friendship and cultural connections between India and the United States, the Consulate General of India in Houston said on X. The celebrations featured the Diwali River Parade, with colourful floats representing various Indian states, traditional cultural performances, music and Indian cuisine, with thousands of visitors enjoying the festivities along San Antonio's River Walk. The event highlighted the growing cultural ties between India and San Antonio and the important role of the Indian-American community in fostering people-to-people connections, the Consulate said.
Pune: Man throws acidat friend after argument, six-year-old among four injured
Police registered a case against the suspect for causing hurt using acid, acts endangering human life and other offences. The accused has been arrested and is currently in judicial custody, the police official said
Man throws acid on friend after row in Pune; friend's mother, passerby and 6-year-old girl injured
Man Arrested For Throwing Acid On Friend In Pune, Four Injured
Friend's mother, passerby and six-year-old girl among those injured in Yerawada attack
BFSI segment gains ground in flexible office space market, emerges as second-largest occupier
Police inspector, allegedly drunk, assaults complainant on Sahakarnagar police station premises
Maharashtra SSC, HSC exams to begin in Feb 2027
Pune petrol dealers flag supply disruptions at BPCL, HPCL pumps
Bomb attack on Pune airport: One booked
AITA EO rejects objections, HC keeps polls subject to final order
Two-wheeler sales tank by up to 41% in most parched districts in Maharashtra
Pune pockets may see poor to severe AQI, Mumbai likely to slip into poor to very poor category
Activists seek SIR deadline extension to add excluded voters to final roll
Thermocol disposal remains major concern across PMC areas as dedicated project lags behind
Demand rises for premium gadgets & home appliances
Agniveers urge Maharashtra govt to honour 10% quota assurance amid extended service tenure
Severed legs in sack: A discarded SIM card stray helps Sangvi police crack case
From pottery wheels to hand-pressed moulds: How Diwali trade is changing in Punes Kumbharwada
Town planning dept proposes 142 changes to DP for 9 merged areas in Pune municipal limits
Pune doctor pleads guilty, sentenced to six years in jail for active involvement with IS
Drunk Man Kills Friend In Pune, Chops Off His Legs, Dumps Them In Trash
The incident took place in the city's Pimple Gurav area on Friday. The accused, identified as Pintya alias Vishnu Tanaji Kumbhar, has been arrested, police said.
Pune Man Defrauded Of Rs 3.49 Lakh In Traffic Fine Scam
A 37-year-old man in Pune was defrauded of Rs 3.49 lakh after clicking on a fake link for a traffic violation fine. The incident, which occurred between October 16 and 26, involved unauthorised withdrawals from his bank account. Police have registered a case under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Information Technology Act, with investigations ongoing.
Pune Police Register Case In Rs 1.2 Lakh Scholarship Fraud
Pune police have registered a case against multiple individuals for allegedly committing fraud under the Centre's Merit-cum-Means scholarship scheme for minority students. The accused reportedly obtained Rs 1.2 lakh by using fake documents, creating fake user IDs on the National Scholarship Portal, and posing as institutional heads to submit applications for fictitious students during the academic years 2021-22 and 2022-23.
False Bomb Threat At Pune Airport: Man Booked
An unidentified man has been booked by Pune police for making a false bomb threat call to emergency helpline 112 regarding the Pune international airport on November 5. A probe confirmed the information was false, and a case has been registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for endangering public safety and disturbing peace.
Bengaluru Serial Murder Case: Wife, Mother-In-Laws Bodies Found In Tamil Nadu
The body of seven-year-old Puneeth, son of Shankar, one of the victims, was recovered near Nandi Hills
Tukaram Mundhe-led FDA seizes 17,824 kg of kaju katli, khoya, farsan and more
The action was taken on Friday and Saturday, following inspections at 73 establishments across the Greater Mumbai, Konkan, Nashik, Pune, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Nagpur and Amravati divisions. The department also recovered penalties amounting to Rs 70,000 in five cases under Section 69 of the Food Safety and Standards Act
MPTC, ZPTC vote counting peaceful in Guntur district, says Andhra Pradesh SEC
A decision on polls to 13,000 panchayats and 23 pending municipalities will be conducted shortly in accordance with Andhra Pradesh High Court's directions, says Punetha
MPTC, ZPTC vote counting peaceful in Guntur district, says Andhra Pradesh SEC
A decision on polls to 13,000 panchayats and 23 pending municipalities will be conducted shortly in accordance with Andhra Pradesh High Court's directions, says Punetha
NCP-SP chief Sharad Pawar discharged from Mumbai hospital in stable condition
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Nov 7 (IANS) NCP-SP Chief Sharad Pawar was discharged on Saturday from Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital in a stable condition after receiving treatment for a chest infection and a bronchitis attack. Pratit Samdani, the doctor treating the NCP-SP Chief, confirmed that Pawar is recovering well and will continue his medication and recovery at his Silver Oak residence in Mumbai. Given his age, Pawar has been advised to follow essential precautions and rest. Sharad Pawar has been discharged in a stable condition . He will continue his treatment at home... He had suffered from a bronchitis attack and a chest infection, which are now improving... He has been asked to continue his treatment at home and to take standard precautions that every citizen of the country should take... Given his age, a few additional instructions have been provided. He is very compliant, and I am very sure that he will take care of himself, Samdani said. Pawar was on Wednesday discharged from Ruby Hall Clinic in Pune on following treatment. His health condition is stable and has shown improvement. He will be going straight to his Mumbai residence from the hospital, according to an official statement issued by Parvez K Grant, Chief Cardiologist, and Chairman and Managing Trustee of Ruby Hall Clinic. Pawar was admitted to Ruby Hall Clinic on Monday after experiencing a cough and chest discomfort. He had embarked on a tour of rural areas to assess the drought situation in Maharashtra. During this tour, he was interacting with farmers in drought-affected regions to understand issues such as water scarcity, crop conditions, and agricultural challenges. However, after feeling uneasy during the tour, Pawar cut his trip short and was subsequently hospitalised for a medical check-up. Upon complaining of chest pain while coughing and breathing, he was evaluated by doctors. He received treatment under the supervision of Parvez Grant and was kept under observation as a precautionary measure. After two days of treatment, Pawar's condition improved. Grant clarified in the statement that Pawar was discharged on Wednesday, his health is stable, and he is doing fine. On Wednesday, the NCP-SP Chief was admitted to the Breach Candy hospital and kept under medical observation. This was the third time Sharad Pawar was admitted to the hospital this year. Earlier, on February 9, he was admitted to Ruby Hall Clinic due to a chest infection and cough, after which he was discharged on February 14. Later, on February 22, he was hospitalised again due to mild dehydration and discharged on February 25. In November, he had to be hospitalised once again due to ill-health. On Sharad Pawar's discharge from the hospital, Union Minister Ramdas Athawale said, Sharad Pawar ji is a senior leader of Maharashtra and the country. Political parties may be different, but Pawar Saheb was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital two or three days ago. I was in Delhi, so I had decided to meet him today. However, the news that he has been discharged from the hospital and that his health is fine is good news. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Sharad Pawar and warmly requested the veteran politician to prioritise his health and rest. The Prime Minister told Sharad Pawar that Supriya Sule (daughter of Sharad Pawar) and we will handle the country; you take care of your health and rest. Let your blessings remain with us. The hospital stay gained political traction following a phone call from PM Modi who reached out early on Friday morning to inquire about Pawar's well-being. Pawar thanked the Prime Minister for his call, reassuring him that he was taking rest and added, With all of you around, I have no worries about the country. Thereafter, NCP Working President Praful Patel met Sharad Pawar on Thursday night that sparked the political buzz of merger between the NCP factions. Veteran NCP leader and Maharashtra Minister Chhagan Bhujbal and former Minister and Congress leader Vishwajeet Kadam met Sharad Pawar and inquired about his health. On Friday, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar, Deputy Chairperson of Maharashtra Legislative Council Sachin Ahir, former Minister Balasaheb Thorat and Shiv Sena-UBT leader Sanjay Raut also visited Sharad Pawar.
