Sangli, Correspondent

No concessions will be given to Ganeshotsav mandals using DJs, dols and other sound systems to cause noise pollution during the upcoming Ganesh festival. If the prescribed noise limits are violated, criminal cases will be registered directly against the organisers, warned Sangli Superintendent of Police Tushar Doshi.

A meeting of Ganeshotsav mandal office-bearers was held under the chairmanship of District Collector Dr. Mainak Ghosh to discuss preparations for Ganeshotsav 2026. District Collector Dr. Ghosh, Superintendent of Police Tushar Doshi, Municipal Commissioner Sanjita Mahapatra, officials from various departments and representatives of Ganeshotsav mandals were present.

SP Tushar Doshi made it clear that “DJ is not a part of Hindu culture” and said the administration would adopt a strict approach towards noise pollution during Ganeshotsav. He appealed to mandals to celebrate the festival with enthusiasm while maintaining discipline and ensuring that citizens are not inconvenienced.

Strict action if machines are modified

The police administration has decided to keep a close watch on sound systems used during the festival. If sound systems are modified to increase their capacity beyond permissible limits, action will be taken against those responsible. Police will also monitor modified sound systems and, if necessary, take them into custody.

The police warned that merely obtaining permission for a procession or programme would not permit mandals to exceed the legally prescribed noise limits. No leniency will be shown in cases of violation, SP Doshi said.

District Collector Dr. Mainak Ghosh also directed Ganeshotsav mandals to strictly follow the prescribed rules. He appealed to organisers to celebrate the festival enthusiastically but not turn the celebrations into a nuisance for citizens or disturb public peace.

Collector asks officials to remain vigilant

During the meeting, officials discussed measures to control noise pollution and ensure peaceful Ganeshotsav celebrations. The administration has indicated that sound levels will be monitored and violations will be dealt with strictly.

The administration has also made it clear that mandals promoting or encouraging objectionable or indecent dances and performances during processions will face action.

Officials conduct spot inspection

Meanwhile, officials carried out a spot inspection during a procession to check the actual noise levels of the sound systems. District Collector Dr. Mainak Ghosh, SP Tushar Doshi and Municipal Commissioner Sanjita Mahapatra personally inspected the sound levels.

The inspection highlighted the issue of noise pollution and the need for strict enforcement of the prescribed limits during Ganeshotsav celebrations.

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New Delhi, Agency

HarperCollins India has announced the publication of Sonia Gandhi’s much-anticipated memoir, Belonging: A Journey of Love, which will hit bookstores across India on November 10, 2026.

Described as a deeply personal account of love, identity, duty and belonging, the memoir offers an insider’s perspective on Sonia Gandhi’s extraordinary journey from a small village in Italy to the centre of Indian politics, while also chronicling five decades of India’s political and social transformation.

The book begins in Cambridge, England, in 1965, when 19-year-old Sonia Maino met Rajiv Gandhi, grandson of India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. Their relationship eventually brought her to India, where she married Rajiv Gandhi in 1968 and began a new life in a country vastly different from her childhood home in post-war Italy.

In Belonging, Sonia Gandhi reportedly writes candidly about her early years in India, her relationship with her mother-in-law, former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, and her efforts to adapt to Indian life—including learning Hindi, wearing saris and embracing Indian food and culture.

The memoir also recounts the tragedies that transformed the Gandhi family and altered the course of Indian politics. The death of Rajiv Gandhi’s younger brother Sanjay in an aircraft crash, followed by the assassination of Indira Gandhi in 1984, brought Rajiv into national politics and eventually to the Prime Minister’s Office.

Sonia Gandhi offers a personal account of the years that followed, including Rajiv Gandhi’s tenure as Prime Minister, the family’s travels across India and abroad, and the devastating assassination of Rajiv Gandhi in 1991 while he was campaigning for the Lok Sabha elections.

Following Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination, Sonia Gandhi chose to remain in India despite advice from her family in Italy to return home. Her subsequent entry into politics ultimately saw her become the longest-serving president of the Indian National Congress.

The memoir also revisits one of the most consequential decisions of her political career. After the Congress-led alliance emerged victorious in a key national election, Sonia Gandhi declined the opportunity to become Prime Minister of India and instead chose to lead the Congress and its alliance, which went on to govern the country for a decade.

HarperCollins describes Belonging as both an intimate family story and a wider political narrative, offering Sonia Gandhi’s perspective on India’s post-Independence history, its political struggles and its economic and social changes over five decades.

At its heart, the book is presented as the story of a woman who found a new home in India, experienced profound personal loss and ultimately entered public life in a country that had become her adopted home.

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Mumbai, Correspondent

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has condemned the alleged assault on social activist Vidyanand Bapat, who was reportedly attacked while speaking to the media in Pune about his opposition to loud DJ music during Ganeshotsav celebrations.

Fadnavis said everyone has the right to express their views and that violence cannot be justified in response to an opinion.

Bapat, who has consistently opposed the use of high-volume DJs during Pune's Ganeshotsav celebrations, was speaking to the media on Tilak Road when a young man allegedly slapped him.  Bystanders intervened and restrained the alleged attacker. The incident has prompted reactions from political and social circles.

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Kolkata, Agency

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari criticised previous governments over the state's education system, alleging that opportunities to learn English were severely curtailed during the Left Front era and that the situation deteriorated further during the final decade of the subsequent TMC government.

Speaking at an annual programme of an RSS-affiliated organisation in Kolkata's Golpark on Thursday, Adhikari said the state's education system had been pushed to a point where major reforms were necessary to prevent further deterioration.

Referring to Bengal's political history, the Chief Minister said people in the state had traditionally given sufficient time to the governments and had provided opportunities for change.

Alleging language terrorism by the previous government, he said, "The previous TMC government has introduced certain words which have no relation with the Bengali language. They have polluted the language and a correction is inevitable."

Adhikari said his government had aligned the state with the National Education Policy after coming to power.

He also reiterated the government's position on singing the full version of *Vande Mataram*, warning that institutions that did not comply would lose access to government grants and assistance.

The Chief Minister further accused previous governments of damaging the curriculum and undermining the dignity of the teaching profession by allegedly making appointments through blank appointment letters.

He also alleged that discrimination between Hindus and Muslims had been encouraged in educational institutions and that the National Cadet Corps (NCC) had been banned.

"We will not allow these kinds of things to happen in the state. There should be no discrimination," the Chief Minister said.

Speaking about the history of Bengal's freedom struggle, Adhikari said, "It is unbelievable that the contributions of revolutionaries such as Matangini Hazra and Khudiram Bose had been inadequately represented in school textbooks and instead some unimportant things have been given prominence."

He alleged that distortions had been introduced into history syllabi for Classes V to VIII.

The Chief Minister said protecting Bengal's heritage, reforming the education system and fostering patriotism among young people were among the government's key priorities.

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Pune, Agency

A sharp rise in swine flu cases in Pimpri-Chinchwad has raised concern among residents ahead of the festive season, with 31 cases reported in August alone, civic health officials said.

According to the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), the city reported one swine flu case in January, followed by five cases in July and a significant jump to 31 cases in August. However, all affected patients are currently stable, and there is no need for residents to panic, officials said.
The civic administration said the recent rise needs to be closely monitored. In 2022, Pimpri-Chinchwad recorded 58 swine flu cases, including 34 in August. In 2024, the city reported 15 cases in total.

With large crowds expected during Ganeshotsav, health officials have urged citizens to take basic precautions, including avoiding crowded places as far as possible, wearing masks when necessary and maintaining proper hand hygiene.

Residents experiencing symptoms such as cold, cough or fever have been advised to consult doctors at municipal hospitals and avoid self-medication.

Swine flu, commonly associated with the H1N1 strain of Influenza A, primarily spreads through respiratory droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can also spread when a person touches contaminated surfaces and then touches their nose, mouth or nearby areas.

Common symptoms include fever, cold, sore throat, persistent cough, runny nose, headache, watery eyes and extreme fatigue. In some cases, the infection can cause breathing difficulties and pneumonia. Gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhoea may also occur.

Civic health officials have advised senior citizens, pregnant women and people with underlying conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, and heart, kidney, liver and respiratory ailments, to take extra precautions.

Anyone experiencing symptoms suggestive of H1N1 infection should avoid close contact with others, stay home or isolate themselves where appropriate, and seek medical advice promptly. Officials have also cautioned citizens against taking medicines without consulting a doctor.

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Nashik, Agency

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray today voiced his support for the ongoing protest by tribal students in Nashik, alleging that the Maharashtra government has failed to address their demands and has responded with delays and evasive assurances.

Speaking to the media here, he said the tribal students were on a hunger strike despite their demands not being difficult to resolve. He said Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had extended support to the protesters a day earlier and alleged that the government had previously made false promises to persuade protesters so they could withdraw their agitation.

He also raised concerns over the poor condition of highways and said the government appeared insensitive to people being forced to sit on hunger strikes.

Commenting on the arrest of social activist Pandit, Thackeray Junior questioned the timing of his arrest and the number of agencies the government is planning to send to his residence.

On the issue of the alleged assault involving Bapat, he said the reasons behind the incident should be examined.
He also raised concerns about highway robberies on the Samruddhi Mahamarg and referred to the alleged abduction of a former IAS officer in Delhi.

The Sena UBT leader alleged that the rules regarding loudspeaker were being applied selectively in certain constituencies and accused the Mahayuti government of using the police machinery for political purposes.

Questioning the change of the CEO of the Ram Temple, he asked why such a change had become necessary and alleged that questions were being raised about alleged irregularities and donation-related issues at the Ram Temple.

Responding to the Hindi language agitation, Thackeray Junior said the Deputy Chief Minister (Eknath Shinde) should clarify the government's stand on the issue.

Thackeray said that members of the Maratha, Dhangar and tribal communities were all staging protests across Maharashtra.

"Protests are taking place in every district because the government is unwilling to resolve people's issues," he said, alleging that consequently, the administrative system had collapsed and that the Chief Minister was not addressing major public concerns.

He further alleged that several farmers were yet to receive the benefits of the promised farm loan waiver.

Thackeray Junior also claimed that the Chief Minister was not in the mood to seek anyone's resignation and was more concerned about political developments in Delhi.
To a query on reopening of Disha Salian death case, he said he had no connection with the Disha Salian case and questioned the purpose of repeatedly commenting on the matter.

He also questioned why Hindu-Muslim disputes and controversies over vegetarian and non-vegetarian issues frequently emerged under BJP-led governments. He claimed that there was currently growing public sentiment against BJP.

Taking a swipe at the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), Thackeray Junior quipped, "SIR means saying 'Yes Sir, Yes Sir' to the BJP."

On potholes in Nashik, he said his party was closely monitoring the pothole situation and would continue to keep track of how long newly constructed roads lasted. He also highlighted the poor condition and numerous potholes on the Mumbai-Goa Highway.

Commenting on a case registered against his cousin and MNS youth leader Amit Thackeray for alleged trespassing, Thackeray Junior questioned why photographs of political leaders were placed alongside images of Maharashtra's revered social reformers and great personalities.

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Chennai, Agency

Amid reports of growing tensions between the ruling TVK and its new found ally, the Congress, over Vijay as  PM face narratives, Tamil Nadu Food and Civil Supplier Minister and TVK Treasurer P.Venkataramanan on Thursday sought to downplay it saying, it was only the wish of some party MLAs and that it was not the official stand of the party.

The tension was palpable as the PM narrative gained momentum, with some TVK Ministers, MLAs and party functionaries pitching for Vijay as the potential PM candidate for the 2029 Lok Sabha polls, the Congress, which was kept in tenterhooks after theTVK Founder and Chief Minister's silence, has been asserting that Rahul Gandhi would be its choice.

Queering the pitch was Tourism Minister and Congress leader Rajesh Kumar, who had warned that both the Ministers--he and Higher Education Minister P.Viswanathan--would resign their posts and wak out of the Vijay Cabinet if TVK did not support Rahul as PM face in 2029.

In this backdrop,TNCC President and Lok Sabha MP Manickam Tagore and party Rajya Sabha MP Praveen Chakravarty, considered the architects of the Congress-TVK alliance, had called on Vijay at the Secretariat in a bid to put an end to the verbal spat between the two parties on the question of PM face.

Amid these developments, in what could be seen as an apparent damage control exercise, the remarks of Minister Venkataramanan assumed significance and could soothen the ruffled feathers of the Congress.

Talking to reporters after launch sale of Onion at Rs 35 kg in a PDS shop as part of lessening the burden of the common man from soaring prices, the Minister said "Only our MLAs are expressing their wish and willingness (that PM is the potential PM face.. Anyone can express their wishes. There is time. In the future, the government led by Vijay will decide and take the right decision when we approach 2029,"
he added.

He clarified that neither the TVK leadership nor its Ministers had announced Vijay as a PM candidate. "None from the TVK top brass
has said anything like that. Portraying Vijay as the PM candidate is the individual views of our Legislators and It is not the official stand of our party," he said.

The Minister said the legislators were projecting CM Vijay with the objective of extending transparent and corruption-free governance across the country. "Our MLAs want this transparent, corruption-free governance to be expanded pan-India and that is why they are projecting CM Vijay as PM".

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Mumbai, Agency

Maharashtra Revenue Minister and Maratha Reservation Cabinet Sub-Committee chairman Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil on Wednesday said the state government was ready to make necessary changes to its draft proposal concerning the demands raised by Maratha activist Manoj Jarange Patil.

Addressing a press conference at Sambhajinagar against the backdrop of Jarange Patil's indefinite hunger strike at Antarwali Sarati, Vikhe Patil said the government had already prepared and forwarded a draft addressing the demands.

He urged Jarange to point out any shortcomings or discrepancies in the proposal so that appropriate amendments could be considered.

Vikhe Patil said the government was keen to resolve the issue through dialogue and expressed concern over Jarange Patil's deteriorating health due to the ongoing fast.

He maintained that the government was making every effort to find a solution to the demands raised by the Maratha community.

The government had earlier indicated its willingness to address several issues, including the implementation of available Kunbi records, facilitating the process of issuing Kunbi certificates, speeding up caste verification, examining the Hyderabad and Satara Gazette-related demands from a legal perspective, and strengthening the administrative mechanism dealing with Maratha reservation.

Meanwhile, government officials, including the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district administration and police officials, attempted to meet Jarange Patil at Antarwali Sarati.

However, Jarange reportedly maintained that he would not hold discussions with officials and insisted that a delegation of ministers representing the state government should visit the protest site.

The standoff has kept the dialogue process at a critical juncture.

While the government has sought feedback on its draft and indicated that it is open to modifications, Jarange Patil has insisted on direct talks with the government's representatives.

With the agitation continuing and Jarange Patil's health becoming a matter of concern, pressure is mounting on both sides to reach an acceptable settlement at the earliest.

The next move by the state government and Jarange Patil's response to the draft are expected to determine the course of the agitation.

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Mumbai/Pune, Agency

"A bullet train corridor between Mumbai and Pune will be developed soon," union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said, highlighting plans to significantly reduce travel time between the two major Maharashtra cities.
Speaking to the media, Vaishnaw stated, "The proposed corridor will make it possible for people to travel between Mumbai and Pune even twice a day, quipping that one could go to Mumbai for vada pav and Pune for bakharwadi."

He added, "The government has been working towards creating faster and more convenient rail connectivity between the two cities."

Vaishnaw also said that, "The government has been expanding railway services during the Ganesh festival."

He recalled that he had promised more than 300 special trains during the elections and said that "350 special trains would be operated this year. If required, another 20 services will be introduced to meet the additional rush."

The Railway Minister highlighted that, "The railway projects worth around Rs 18,000 crore are currently underway in Mumbai and its adjoining areas."

Taking a swipe at the previous Maharashtra government, Vaishnaw alleged that the bullet train project has earlier faced obstruction under the then state Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. Further, he said, "Work on the project has subsequently gathered pace.

Vaishnaw also announced plans to strengthen connectivity between Mumbai and Hyderabad, saying, "The proposed rail connectivity will eventually enable the journey to be completed in around three-and-a-quarter hours."

On suburban railway services, the minister said, "Work is underway to modernise Mumbai's signalling system. The installation of automatic doors in suburban trains are among the government's priorities."

"The Railway Board has approved 238 new AC local trains for Mumbai," Vaishnaw stated. The first of these trains is expected to arrive in 2027, while the entire fleet is planned to be operational by 2030.

"Mumbai currently has around 3,200 local train services every day. The number will be increased to 3,500," he said. The Railways is also planning to increase the number of 15-car local trains to improve passenger convenience and help ease overcrowding on the city's suburban network.

Furthermore, the proposed expansion of suburban services, modern signalling and introduction of additional AC locals are aimed at making daily travel more comfortable for millions of Mumbai commuters.

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