Ranjani / Ramesh Jadhav

The ongoing political controversy surrounding the Dimbhe–Manikdoh interlinking tunnel under the Kukadi Irrigation Project, along with the misinformation being spread over the issue, is misleading the public, according to local observers.

While a credit war has intensified among local leaders in Ahilyanagar district, with political rivals trading allegations for electoral gains, Ambegaon MLA and former minister Dilip Walse Patil has maintained a firm and well-researched position focused on public interest rather than political advantage.

Some local opponents have allegedly attempted to tarnise Walse Patil’s image, and the campaign continues on social media. However, his position was never against providing water to Ahilyanagar district. His primary concern, supporters say, was that while supplying water to the neighbouring district, the water rights of farmers, horticulturists and residents of Ambegaon taluka should not be compromised.

According to the argument put forward by Walse Patil, several government and administrative alternatives were available for supplying water to Ahilyanagar. Imposing a decision to construct the interlinking tunnel in haste, therefore, could have had serious consequences for agriculture and drinking-water availability in the Ambegaon region.

Walse Patil did not merely oppose the Dimbhe–Manikdoh tunnel project. Drawing on his long administrative experience and detailed understanding of the issue, he pursued alternative solutions. When the question of protecting the water rights of his constituents arose, he used his political influence and position to secure a stay on the decision regarding the Dimbhe–Manikdoh tunnel.

The development has also dealt a blow to those accused of practising double-standard politics and attempting to claim credit for the outcome.

Supporters say the decision is of major importance for farmers and residents of the Ambegaon–Shirur region, and could have a long-term bearing on the area's water security. They argue that the episode has once again demonstrated Walse Patil's approach of giving priority to public welfare and protecting every possible drop of water available to the region.

Known for being restrained in his speech and measured in his conduct, Walse Patil has built a reputation for taking firm positions on issues affecting the public. His stated approach has consistently been that political decisions should ultimately serve both the interests of the people and the state.

After the government announced that the tunnel project would go ahead, some groups in the taluka allegedly attempted to corner Walse Patil politically and mislead the public through social media campaigns. Despite the criticism, he continued to pursue the issue without being distracted.

The government's subsequent decision to put the Dimbhe–Manikdoh tunnel project on hold has brought considerable relief to people in Ambegaon, Junnar and Shirur talukas.

For Walse Patil's supporters, the episode is another example of his commitment to his constituents and reinforces his image as a leader who gives action greater importance than rhetoric.

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Sangli, Correspondent

The Central Government has provided major relief to domestic LPG consumers in rural areas by reducing the refill booking interval from 45 days to 25 days. With the revised rule, all domestic LPG consumers, both in urban and rural areas, will be allowed to book a refill after 25 days. The decision has been taken by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, and oil marketing companies have been directed to implement it with immediate effect, Sangli District Collector Mainak Ghosh said.

The 45-day booking interval for rural consumers was introduced in February 2026 as a temporary demand-management measure amid concerns over LPG availability and demand following the conflict in the Middle East. At that time, the refill booking interval was fixed at 25 days for urban consumers and 45 days for those in rural areas.

However, the Ministry has now reviewed the situation in view of the improvement in LPG supplies and a considerable reduction in the refill backlog. Consequently, the Government has decided to prescribe a uniform 25-day inter-refill booking gap for all domestic LPG consumers, including those in rural areas.

Collector Mainak Ghosh, while sharing details of the Centre's decision, said the revision would particularly benefit rural LPG consumers. The new rule will also apply to domestic consumers in rural areas of Sangli district.

Direct Benefit to Rural Consumers

The decision is expected to benefit families in rural areas that rely heavily on LPG for cooking. Under the earlier 45-day rule, consumers had to wait longer to book their next refill after exhausting a cylinder. The revised rule will reduce the waiting period by 20 days, allowing consumers to book their next refill after 25 days.

The uniform rule will also eliminate the difference in refill booking intervals between urban and rural consumers. Families with relatively higher LPG consumption are expected to benefit particularly from the change.

Supply Situation Improves

According to the Ministry's communication, the decision has been taken considering the present LPG supply position and the significant reduction in refill backlogs. As a result, the separate 45-day booking condition for rural consumers will no longer apply.

Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum Corporation and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation have been directed to implement the revised 25-day refill booking interval uniformly across urban and rural areas. The revised arrangement will come into force with immediate effect.

20-Day Reduction in Waiting Period

For rural consumers, the change effectively means a 20-day reduction in the waiting period for booking the next LPG refill. Instead of waiting 45 days, consumers will now be eligible to book a refill after 25 days, bringing rural consumers on par with those in urban areas.

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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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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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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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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, Agency

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis told media persons here on Wednesday that there will be reasons to "worry" if his alliance partner Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde meets "other" leaders in New Delhi, besides the BJP national leadership.

The statement by Fadnavis came exactly a day after Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde flew to New Delhi on Tuesday, supposedly to meet the BJP national leadership.

Fadnavis did not explain or elaborate about what he meant by "other leaders" or the exact nature of his "worry".

During an interaction with media persons, Fadnavis said, "Eknath Shinde goes to Delhi. There, sometimes he meets Prime Minister Narendra Modi and sometimes union Home Minister Amit Shah. This is a matter of joy for us.

"As long as Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde goes to Delhi and meets our leaders, there is no reason to worry. But when Shinde starts meeting leaders of other parties in Delhi, there will be a reason to worry".

Fadnavis said that the country is ruled by a BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena is a major constituent of the NDA.

"Eknath Shinde is the head of this party. Various meetings are constantly held in Delhi among NDA parties. Leaders of NDA's constituent parties are invited to New Delhi for discussions. Many times, I too do not get invited to such meetings, because such meetings are meant for the heads of the NDA's constituent parties. That is how Eknath Shinde is invited for such meetings in New Delhi," Chief Minister Fadnavis said.

"I would be happy if Eknath Shinde went to Delhi to meet our leaders," Fadnavis said.

When Fadnavis was asked about who is his favourite Hindutva leader among BJP leaders as well as Maharashtra Fisheries & Ports Minister Nitesh Rane, Sangram Jagtap and Mahesh Landge, the Maharashtra CM replied, "All three leaders work for Hindutva. All three of them are heroes of Hindutva".

However, Fadnavis clarified that first of all, it is necessary to understand the basic thoughts while working for Hindutva. "Tolerance holds an important place in Hindutva. Tolerance is the core of Hindutva and it is important to understand this first," Fadnavis said.

Stating that Hindutva is inclusive, Fadnavis also clarified that it should not be misinterpreted. "Inclusiveness does not mean that if someone wrongs us or attacks us, we should not react in any way. It means that we should not attack anyone first. A Hindu is tolerant and should remain tolerant. Tolerance is the jewel of Hindutva".

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Kolhapur/ Satara, Correspondent

A breathtaking display of bloooms was opened to the public as this year's flower season began at the Kaas Plateau in Satara district, renowned as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site.

A newly-built souvenir shop, tourist shelter shed, and various development works for tourists on the Kaas Plateau were inaugurated by MP Shrimant Chhatrapati Udayanraje Bhosale on Tuesday.

Various facilities have been developed through the Forest Department with the aim of providing better quality and convenient tourism experience to visitors at the Kaas Plateau, as well as promoting eco-friendly tourism. After inspecting the development works, MP Udayanraje appreciated the initiatives of the Forest Department.

On this occasion, officers and employees of the Forest Department, members of the Kaas Plateau Forest Committee, as well as villagers from six villages in the vicinity of the Kaas Plateau were present.

For the first time, the 'Hirkani' initiative has been started by the tourism management of Kaas Plateau. This initiative was inaugurated by Sitaram Badapure, Chairman of Kaas Plateau Forest Committee. This initiative will be important in terms of convenience and safety of tourists. Although the season has begun, the flower bowls are not yet in bloom on the main plateau. Forest officials informed that the flower bowls will bloom on the main plateau after 15 days.

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New Delhi/Mumbai, Agency

In a political intervention that has set off ripples across New Delhi and Mumbai, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut has claimed that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is strongly backing a major transition, pushing to summon Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to the national capital to take on the mantle of Deputy Prime Minister.

Speaking to the media, Raut alleged that the saffron parivar is laying the groundwork to position a prominent leader from outside Delhi as Prime Minister Narendra Modi's political successor, with Fadnavis emerging as the frontrunner for the high-profile post.

According to Raut, the RSS and core national leadership are orchestrating a move to bring Fadnavis to Delhi.
The design reportedly involves grooming Modi's ultimate successor and vesting them with the Deputy Prime Minister's office.

Launching a direct salvo at union Home Minister Amit Shah, Raut claimed that history dictates no former Home Minister has ever successfully ascended to the prime ministership.
He alleged that while Shah harbours intense ambitions for the top job, severe internal pushback is underway, with several senior ruling-party ministers reportedly issuing an ultimatum to the leadership over potential cabinet reshuffles.

Raut launched a scathing attack on the Centre's economic narrative, questioning the authenticity of soaring GDP figures.
He cynically remarked that distributing free rations to millions and handing out direct cash transfers to women cannot mask deep-rooted inflation, rampant unemployment, and economic distress.

Condemning the recent registration of a sedition-like case against MNS leader Amit Thackeray merely for displaying a photograph of PM Modi, Raut questioned the deteriorating state of democratic accountability and civil liberties.

Lashing out at the ruling faction led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Raut asserted that the core legal question remains whether the anti-defection law was brazenly violated.
He noted the irony of leaders who owe their political survival entirely to the original Shiv Sena constitution now turning around to challenge its legality.

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