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Mahayuti Rift Widens Ahead Of Maharashtra MLC Polls

In Amravati, BJP rebel Dilip Kadu is contesting against Shiv Senas official candidate Kiran Sarnaik.

Deccan Chronicle 17 Oct 2026 12:14 am

300-Bed Wathoda Hospital Construction Enters Final Stages

The Times of India 17 Oct 2026 12:01 am

Value ex-servicemens loyalty: DGR chief at Nagpur job fair

The Times of India 16 Oct 2026 11:57 pm

Railways to stop platform ticket sale to ease festive rush

The Times of India 16 Oct 2026 11:55 pm

Indo Rama Synthetics reports Q2 net profit of Rs55 crore

The Times of India 16 Oct 2026 11:55 pm

CM Fadnavis Meets Slain Sena Leader's Son, Promises Justice

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis met Ram Purnekar, son of murdered Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Pradeep Purnekar, in Thane and assured him that justice would be served. Pradeep Purnekar was killed on September 29, and five arrests have been made in connection with the case.

Rediff 16 Oct 2026 11:51 pm

Only 54% Of 8.6L SIR Notices Delivered In City

Over 2.92L Hearing Dates Lapsed

The Times of India 16 Oct 2026 11:36 pm

20-yr-old student dies in hit-and-run on Ambazari Road

The Times of India 16 Oct 2026 11:35 pm

Illegal Call Centre Busted In Lonavala, 20 Held For International Fraud

Twenty individuals were arrested in Lonavala, Maharashtra, for operating an illegal call centre that defrauded foreign nationals. The accused impersonated representatives of companies like Amazon and Google, threatening victims with fake drug cases to extract banking details and money.

Rediff 16 Oct 2026 11:25 pm

Cockroach Janta Party's Mumbai protest sees lukewarm response

The Cockroach Janta Party organised a protest at Azad Maidan in Mumbai, attracting approximately 50 supporters. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis addressed the gathering, discussing the importance of electoral change. Activists emphasised that the struggle was not against individuals, but focused on safeguarding democracy. Social activist Anjali Damania highlighted the dangers of democratic erosion in India. Authorities in Mumbai had permitted the protest, unlike the situation in Delhi.

The Economic Times 16 Oct 2026 11:17 pm

Maharashtra govt mandates hospitals to display service rates

The Times of India 16 Oct 2026 10:47 pm

Maharashtra health awareness drive reaches over 52,000 college students

Launched at the initiative of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the programme is being conducted during Navratri to raise health awareness among young people and encourage them to adopt healthier habits early in life

Mid Day 16 Oct 2026 10:36 pm

Accused Confesses To Murder In Latur Stabbing Case

A man in Latur, Maharashtra, allegedly stabbed a woman to death with a screwdriver following a dispute. He later surrendered to the police and confessed to the crime. The accused has been arrested, and an investigation is underway.

Rediff 16 Oct 2026 10:19 pm

Tragic Incidents in Maharashtra and Karnataka Claim Two Lives

Two tragic incidents in Maharashtra and Karnataka lead to the deaths of a young man and a farmer, sparking investigations. Tragic Incidents in Maharashtra and Karnataka Claim Two Lives

Daily Kiran 16 Oct 2026 10:03 pm

Indias latest FDI trends: Heres what data reveals

Foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows into India rose 22 per cent year-on-year to $30.66 billion in the first quarter of FY27, even as equity inflows rose only 6 per cent. Tamil Nadu overtook Maharashtra and Karnataka as the top recipient of FDI equity during the quarter, while services attracted the most investments among sectors. Japan emerged as the largest source, overtaking Singapore and the US.

The Hindu Businessline 16 Oct 2026 9:59 pm

Malegaon Child Killer Gets Death Sentence

A fast-track court in Nashik, Maharashtra, has sentenced Vijay Sanjay Khairnar to death for the rape and murder of a four-year-old girl late last year. The court termed the crime arest of the rare and ordered Rs 10 lakh financial assistance for the victim's family. Special Public Prosecutor Ujwal Nikam led the prosecution, which relied on circumstantial evidence and the last seen together theory.

Rediff 16 Oct 2026 9:55 pm

Yavatmal records Maharashtra's highest temperature at 37.8 degrees Celsius

In Mumbai, the Colaba observatory recorded a maximum temperature of 35.1 degrees Celsius, 1.9 degrees above normal, and a minimum of 26.5 degrees Celsius, 1.1 degrees above normal. Santacruz recorded a maximum temperature of 36.7 degrees Celsius, 3 degrees above normal

Mid Day 16 Oct 2026 9:53 pm

Family Arrested For Attacking Woman Constable In Police Station

Three members of a family were arrested in Beed district, Maharashtra, for allegedly attempting to murder and molest a woman police constable inside a police station on October 12. The accused reportedly tried to strangle her with a dupatta over a dispute.

Rediff 16 Oct 2026 9:39 pm

Maharashtra announces Best Public Ganeshotsav Mandal Competition 2026 winners

Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar presented the awards and certificates to the winning mandals at a ceremony held at Ravindra Natya Mandir in Prabhadevi on Friday

Mid Day 16 Oct 2026 9:29 pm

Maharashtra to launch special cleanliness drive in all schools from October 18

The drive aims to make school premises cleaner, safer and more welcoming while promoting environmental conservation, dignity of labour, social responsibility and discipline among students

Mid Day 16 Oct 2026 9:01 pm

Maharashtra FDA Suspends Licenses of 25 Food Establishments, Seizes

Maharashtras FDA has suspended licenses of 25 food establishments and seized food stock valued at 1.73 crore for safety violations. Maharashtra FDA Suspends Licenses of 25 Food Establishments, Seizes 1.73 Crore Worth of Food Stock

Daily Kiran 16 Oct 2026 8:48 pm

Tiger Kills Woman In Chandrapur

A 45-year-old woman, Usha Ankush Gurnule, was killed in a tiger attack on Friday while working in her field in Palasgaon, near the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve in Chandrapur, Maharashtra. Forest officials are monitoring the tiger's movement with camera traps and have advised villagers to exercise caution.

Rediff 16 Oct 2026 8:42 pm

Dussehra Melava: Mumbai Traffic Police issues advisory, check details

Thousands of people are expected to travel to the Shivaji Park in central Mumbai from different parts of Maharashtra using buses, cars and other modes of transport, a traffic notification said

Mid Day 16 Oct 2026 8:15 pm

Records Tumble At Indian Open U23 Athletics Meet

Maharashtra's Rushiprasad Desai set a new men's 100m meet record, while Priya from Haryana broke the women's discus throw record at the Indian Open U23 Athletics Competition 2026 in Jaipur. Dev Kumar Meena also bettered his own pole vault record, and Unnathi Bollanda equalled the women's 100m meet record on the opening day.

Rediff 16 Oct 2026 8:13 pm

Maharashtra FDA Crackdown: Domino's Outlets, College Canteen, Hospital Kitchen Face Licence Suspensions

Maharashtra FDA also seized 81,330 kg of food stock worth Rs 1.73 crore across six divisions, with samples sent for laboratory testing and further action pending the results.

NDTV 16 Oct 2026 7:59 pm

Indian Navy commissions Samarthak

The Indian Navy commissioned Samarthak, its first multi-purpose vessel built by a private shipyard, at Karwar in Karnataka. Constructed by L&T, the vessel has over 75% indigenous content and will support weapons trials, maritime surveillance, emergency response and humanitarian missions.

Mid Day 16 Oct 2026 7:53 pm

Jalna Student Suicide: Man Booked For Abetment

A 17-year-old Class XI student in Jalna, Maharashtra, allegedly died by suicide on October 9 after being repeatedly pressured for marriage and stalked by a 21-year-old man. The accused, Dhanraj Lahane, was booked on Friday following a complaint from the deceased's uncle, though no arrest has been made yet.

Rediff 16 Oct 2026 7:36 pm

India urges US to ensure safety of its citizens after plot to target temple

Responding to a question about the incident, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Friday that the alleged plot was a matter of deep concern for India and highlighted the growing cases of hate crimes and racial discrimination against the Indian community in the US

Mid Day 16 Oct 2026 7:25 pm

Honey Singh Appears Before Maharashtra Cyber Cell Over Alleged Remarks

The singer-rapper was seen leaving the Maharashtra Cyber Cell office after recording his statement for two hours. Honey Singh exited the office amid tight security.

Deccan Chronicle 16 Oct 2026 7:21 pm

India issues fresh advisory for citizens in Saudi Arabia, asks them stay indoors

India on Friday issued a second advisory for its nationals in Saudi Arabia, urging them to follow local authorities instructions, stay indoors in the event of an aerial attack and refrain from sharing photographs or videos related to the ongoing situation

Mid Day 16 Oct 2026 6:57 pm

Raymond Lifestyle Launches The Wedding Atelier, The First Ever Collective for Luxury Wedding Planners

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], October 16: Raymond Lifestyle hosted a one-of-a-kind luxury gathering dedicated to the country's most celebrated bespoke wedding planners and an invitation-only soiree at The Chairman's Collection Flagship store in Bandra. Reckoned for being integral to weddings, this unique event is conceptualised to bring together over 40 of the planners behind India's extraordinary weddings, creating a rare space for collaboration, inspiration, and discovery.

Business Standard 16 Oct 2026 6:40 pm

Months after monsoon closure, Murud Janjira Fort reopens

The fort, located off the coastal village of Murud, was closed to visitors during the monsoon for safety reasons and cleaning. Following the completion of the work, the Archaeology Department has reopened the historic site, marking the beginning of the tourist season in the Murud region

Mid Day 16 Oct 2026 6:39 pm

National Hockey: UP, MP Win 3-2 In Pool Matches

Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh secured narrow 3-2 victories in their respective pool matches in Division A of the senior men's national hockey championship on Friday. Uttar Pradesh overcame a two-goal deficit against Hockey Karnataka, while Madhya Pradesh held off Maharashtra. Other matches saw Haryana defeat Manipur Hockey and Hockey Punjab beat Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu.

Rediff 16 Oct 2026 6:26 pm

ESIC Mulund Recruitment 2026

Maharashtra Employees State Insurance Society Hospital, Mulund (ESIC Mulund) is conducting a Walk-in Interview for 9 vacancies, including Senior Resident - Orthopedics, Contractual Part Time Specialist - Pediatrics, and Medical Officer posts. Candidates meeting the prescribed eligibility criteria can attend the interview on 21 October 2026. Candidates should report at 11:00 AM.

FreeJobAlert 16 Oct 2026 6:21 pm

Maharashtra makes display of treatment rates mandatory for private hospitals

The directive seeks to improve transparency in hospital billing, reduce disputes over treatment costs and ensure patients can access rate information.

The Hindu Businessline 16 Oct 2026 5:10 pm

Gateway of India yacht rides: Per-passenger pontoon fee may drop from Rs 90 to Rs 50

Private yacht operators at the Gateway of India are negotiating to halve the pontoon fee from Rs 90 to Rs 50. The Yacht Operators Welfare Association raised concerns regarding the tariff and management of facilities after the closure of Jetty No 5. Operators are open to paying reasonable charges to ensure tourism remains affordable for everyone involved.

The Times of India 16 Oct 2026 4:59 pm

India's First-Ever 500-Drum Bhakti Jamming Experience Comes to Mumbai with Maha Bhakti Rhythm Yatra

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], October 16: National award-winning, 8th-generation Kathak exponent Dr. Vinod Hasal, who took Kathak to South Africa in the Nelson Mandela era, invites Mumbai to leave all its stress behind at a bhakti jam with 500 drums, a djembe for every seat and loved voices from Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, Bigg Boss and Bollywood, with proceeds going towards ISKCON Kharghar's new auditorium.

Business Standard 16 Oct 2026 4:55 pm

Nanded launches Fodder Friends initiative to tackle livestock feed shortage

The programme aims to strengthen local fodder availability and help livestock owners prepare for a possible shortage in the coming months. The state government has declared drought in 305 talukas across Maharashtra. Of the 16 talukas in Nanded district, 14 have been declared drought-affected

Mid Day 16 Oct 2026 4:30 pm

Maharashtra Class 1 Admission Age Limit 2030-31: New Rules

The Maharashtra government has announced a phased age-based admission policy for children entering pre-primary classes and Class 1. Under the revised rules, children will need to be at least six years old to enter Class 1 from the 2030-31 academic session.

CareerIndia 16 Oct 2026 4:29 pm

J&K gets Rs 475.41 crore for upgradation of Jammu, Srinagar ITI clusters under PM-SETU

Srinagar, Oct 16: The National Steering Committee (NSC) of the Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU) has approved investments worth 475.41 crore for upgrading Industrial Training Institute (ITI) clusters in Jammu and Srinagar. The approvals are part of five Strategic Investment Plans (SIPs) worth a cumulative 1,194.92 crore cleared for ITI clusters across Jammu and Kashmir, Maharashtra and Odisha, according to the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. The sixth meeting of the National Steering Committee was held on Friday under the chairpersonship of Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE). Under the approved plans, the Jammu ITI Cluster will receive an investment of 240 crore in partnership with Eagle Infra India Limited, while 235.41 crore has been approved for the Srinagar ITI Cluster in partnership with Inderdeep Infra India. The Jammu cluster comprises Government ITI Jammu as the hub, with Government ITIs at R S Pura, Nowshera, Samba and Kathua as spoke institutions. The Srinagar cluster comprises Government ITI Srinagar as the hub, with Government ITIs at Ganderbal, Kangan, Budgam and Charar-i-Sharief as spoke institutions. The projects aim to modernise infrastructure, introduce industry-aligned courses, strengthen trainer capacity and enhance industry participation to improve employment opportunities for youth. Chairing the meeting, Mukherjee said the approvals would help strengthen ITIs, improve training quality and increase industry participation. She encouraged the clusters to work towards ISO certification and include at least one WorldSkills-aligned trade or competency area in their approved implementation plans. The progress made by Jammu & Kashmir is encouraging and reflects a strong commitment to strengthening skilling and expanding opportunities for youth in the region, she said. The committee also approved 240.50 crore for the Kataka ITI Cluster in Odisha in partnership with Tata Steel Foundation, 241 crore for the Pune ITI Cluster in Maharashtra with BVG India Limited, in consortium with BVG Foundation, and 238.01 crore for the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar ITI Cluster in Maharashtra in partnership with Belrise Industries Limited. With the latest approvals, the cumulative investment sanctioned under PM-SETU has reached 3,687 crore, the ministry said. The committee also reviewed progress under the scheme's Training of Trainers component. As of October 2026, a total of 3,744 trainers had been trained through National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs). The PM-SETU initiative seeks to transform ITIs into modern, industry-aligned skill institutions through partnerships between governments, industry and participating training institutes.

Greater Kashmir 16 Oct 2026 4:29 pm

Maharashtra, Karnataka farmers stage protests seeking revision of cane FRP, sugar MSP

They want minimum selling price to be raised to 60 and the fair and remunerative rate above 4,500/tonne

The Hindu Businessline 16 Oct 2026 3:47 pm

Delhi Police deny permission, serve notice to Dipke ahead of 'Tiranga March'

The CJPs Lehra Do Tiranga march is scheduled to begin at 5 pm at Central Park in Connaught Place. However, police have not granted permission for the event

Mid Day 16 Oct 2026 3:11 pm

Maharashtra drought: Wadettiwar demands immediate release of funds

Maharashtra Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar questioned whether the announced assistance of Rs 5,000 would be sufficient for farmers facing drought, agricultural losses and rising inflation

Mid Day 16 Oct 2026 2:52 pm

Maharashtra Cyber rejects Yo Yo Honey Singhs request to appear on Oct 22

The summons were issued after a person filed a complaint against the rapper over allegedly objectionable remarks he made during a concert, Maharashtra Cyber Cell said

Mid Day 16 Oct 2026 2:32 pm

Sena (UBT) announces financial aid for families of farmers who died by suicide

Sandeep Girhe, the partys district unit chief, told reporters on that party representatives would visit the homes of the deceased farmers to hand over the money to their families

Mid Day 16 Oct 2026 2:18 pm

Influencer Sania Mistry deepfake case: Maharashtra Cyber begins action

The Maharashtra Cyber was working to identify those allegedly responsible for creating, uploading and circulating the manipulated images, officials said

Mid Day 16 Oct 2026 1:52 pm

Gujarat: Amit Shah to lay foundation stone for 81-foot Shiva statue

Union Home Minister Amit Shah will lay the foundation stone for an 81-foot Lord Shiva statue at the Varadayini Mataji Temple in Rupal, Gandhinagar, on Friday. His itinerary also includes visits to Jain spiritual leaders, an evening aarti in Mansa and a Raas Garba programme in Kolvada

Mid Day 16 Oct 2026 1:37 pm

Maharashtra BJP targets Sanjay Raut over SC remarks and SIR row

BJP chief spokesperson Navnath Ban targeted Raut over the court proceedings, comparing him with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and accusing both opposition leaders of misleading the public

Mid Day 16 Oct 2026 1:36 pm

'Conspiracy to seize power': Piyush Goyal targets Cong over regime change remark

Piyush Goyal said the opposition was using the controversy surrounding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to pursue a broader political objective

Mid Day 16 Oct 2026 1:20 pm

Abhijeet Dipke slams Delhi curbs, says peaceful protests do not hurt businesses

Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke defended peaceful protests, saying demanding accountability from the government is not anarchy. He criticised administrative restrictions in Delhi ahead of the CJPs Lehra Do Tiranga march

Mid Day 16 Oct 2026 1:10 pm

Russia: NCS and NOAA report magnitude 7.0, no tsunami threat

A magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck Russias Kamchatka Peninsula at a depth of 152 km, according to the NCS. The EMSC recorded a preliminary magnitude of 6.9, while NOAA reported no tsunami threat. Further details on the earthquakes impact are awaited

Mid Day 16 Oct 2026 1:10 pm

'Bangladesh-like regime change': Rajnath Singh targets Congress and its allies

Rajnath Singh said democratic rights did not give political parties the licence to create disorder or undermine public confidence in institutions

Mid Day 16 Oct 2026 1:00 pm

Rs 142 Crore For Mumbai Suburban, Rs 68 Crore For Pune: Who Tops MahaRERA Recovery List?

Across Maharashtra, 1,675 warrants have been issued across 632 projects, covering dues of Rs 1,199.97 crore.

NDTV 16 Oct 2026 12:49 pm

Air India cancels flights to Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah until October 20

Air India has cancelled all flights to and from Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah in Saudi Arabia until October 20, 2026, citing the evolving geopolitical situation in the region. The airline said affected passengers would receive full refunds and advised travellers to check flight status for updates

Mid Day 16 Oct 2026 12:37 pm

Supreme Court refuses urgent hearing on plea against Central Park closure

The Supreme Court on Friday declined an urgent hearing on a plea challenging the NDMCs decision to shut Central Park at Connaught Place ahead of the Cockroach Janta Partys proposed protest. The bench hoped better sense will prevail and said it could intervene if businesses suffer losses

Mid Day 16 Oct 2026 12:35 pm

Aniket Nikam Reaches 5,000+ Citizens Through Legal Aid

Nyay Vishwas Foundation reports reaching over 5,000 citizens through legal-aid camps in rural Maharashtra.

The Quint 16 Oct 2026 12:28 pm

US school shooting in Oregon leaves four dead, two critically injured

A 16-year-old gunman killed three children aged 5, 8 and 11, and a teacher at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon. Two others were critically injured. The suspect was found dead inside the school after a civilian intervened, police said

Mid Day 16 Oct 2026 12:19 pm

Conspiracy to seize power: Piyush Goyal attacks Congress over regime change remark

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 16 (IANS) Union Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday accused the Congress party of conspiring to seize power by creating anarchy in the country, saying the use of the term regime change made it clear that the opposition's fight was not about electoral reforms, the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) or Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The use of terms like Regime Change makes it clear that their fight is not for electoral reform, not for SIR, not for Gyanesh Kumar, not for the bright future of the country's youth. Rather, this is their conspiracy to seize power by creating Anarchy in the country, Goyal posted on X. The remarks came amid a political row over the regime change statement made by senior advocate Prashant Bhushan at a press conference on Thursday. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, addressing a press conference in Lucknow, also launched a scathing attack on Congress, alleging that its objective was to capture power by creating anarchy rather than address concerns relating to the Election Commission and the electoral process. Goyal also shared Rajnath Singh's remarks referring to the situation in Bangladesh. Singh accused the opposition of drawing inspiration from the neighbouring country and seeking to bring down the government. They want to change the regime like in Bangladesh and openly mention in their press conference that they are motivated by Bangladesh and talk about bringing down the government. It clearly shows that their sole agenda is to destroy democratic institutions. They are using words such as 'regime change', which clearly shows that their fight is neither for the Election Commission nor for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), nor against Gyanesh Kumar, nor for the bright future of the youth. They simply want power by creating anarchy in the nation. When political selfishness is placed above truth or the nation's interests, democratic discourse, instead of being guided by facts, becomes a victim of obstinacy and malicious propaganda, Singh said. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also targeted the opposition over the remarks, saying the reference to regime change had exposed the alleged objective behind the protests. Its done bro, everything is exposed!! After all, it was all about Regime Change... In the end, the secret hidden in the heart came to the lips! The whole game is about grabbing the seat of power... and for that, why not provoke students and farmers, spread hatred in the name of caste and language, or tarnish the image of the countrys esteemed institutions? Spreading anarchy under the guise of a movement is precisely their objective, CM Fadnavis posted on X. CM Fadnavis also shared a video of Prashant Bhushan's press conference. At the press conference on Thursday, Bhushan openly acknowledged the demand for regime change, stating, Yes, we want regime change.

bhaskarlive 16 Oct 2026 12:17 pm

Friction in Mahayuti ahead of Pune Teachers Constituency polls: Eknath Shinde backs Independent candidate

Digital Desk | Pune, Oct 16 (IANS) Rifts within the ruling Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra have surfaced ahead of the Teachers Constituency election. While Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis recently claimed that all five Teacher and Graduate constituencies would be contested jointly under the Mahayuti umbrella, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde signalled that all is not well within the coalition by backing Independent candidate Sachin Sanap in the Pune Teachers Constituency. The voting is slated for October 23 and counting on October 27. Dy CM Shinde on Thursday evening announced Shiv Sena's support for Sanap. Although we are contesting elections as Mahayuti, a 'friendly contest' may take place in certain places as an exception, he stated. The decision has set up a high-stakes political contest between Independent candidate Sachin Sanap and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Kaustubh Gawade, turning the spotlight of political circles onto the constituency. Further, Jayant Asgaonkar (Congress) is backed once again by the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). Asgaonkar enters the fray as the incumbent holding the stronghold. In the 2020 elections, held under the erstwhile MVA government, Asgaonkar secured a decisive victory on first-preference votes. Having launched his campaign with high hopes of securing the BJP ticketsymbolically commencing from the courtyard of Pandharpur's Vitthal TempleDattatray Sawant missed out on the official nomination. However, the former MLA, who finished a strong second in the previous election cycle, is locked in the race as an independent contender. Incidentally, the Shiv Sena is deploying its full organisational power to secure a victory for Sanap. Senior party leaders will actively hit the ground starting tomorrow, to bolster his campaign. Shindes remarks on friendly fights have highlighted local-level disagreements among the ruling parties, raising questions about alliance coordination. Sanaps candidacybacked heavily by Shiv Senas machinerytransforms this contest into a significant test of political coordination and unity within the Mahayuti coalition. The announcement comes just days after CM Fadnavis expressed strong confidence during a visit to Pune, asserting that the Mahayuti would win all five seats in the election. Fadnavis had previously stated that Shiv Sena would work to ensure the success of BJP candidate Kaustubh Gawade, ruling out any involvement of the party in supporting Independent candidate Sachin Sanap. However, Shiv Sena's formal endorsement of Sanap creates a distinct divergence between the coalition partners in the Pune Teachers' constituency, setting the stage for an intense fight. The battleground for the Pune Teachers' Legislative Council (MLC) seat is shaping up into a fierce contest, with the race likely culminating in a multi-cornered showdown. Addressing swirling rumours of a friendly fight and potential unilateral backing for Sachin Sanap, Minister Shambhuraj Desai clarified that the ruling alliance intends to uphold coalition ethics. Emphasising that every political outfit holds the democratic right to expand its organisational footprint, Minister Desai maintained that there is no active discord within the coalition. However, political analysts note that underlying frictions persist across multiple MLC segments. Strategic friction across Pune, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and Amravati belts has exposed minor cross-currents within the Mahayuti framework. BJP rebels have surfaced in Amravati, complicating local equations. Reports of tactical cross-support manoeuvres between constituents in Amravati and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar have amplified pressure on party leadership. To douse rebellious flames and tightly manage coalition alignment, high-profile leaders, including Chandrashekhar Bawankule and Minister Uday Samant, rushed to the Amravati division to manage local dissent.

bhaskarlive 16 Oct 2026 12:14 pm