Harshwardhan

A brutal rape and murder of a three-year-old girl has sparked outrage in Pune's Bhor-Rajgad belt, leading to a shutdown. The victim's family refuses to meet politicians until the 65-year-old accused, a repeat offender, is sentenced to death. Protests erupted, with the Chief Minister assuring a fast-track trial and pursuit of the death penalty, while cautioning against public execution demands.

Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad faces backlash for a midnight threat to a publisher over a book on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Gaikwad objected to the book's title, demanding the publisher "go where Pansare has gone." An audio clip of the alleged expletive-laden call circulated, prompting a police complaint and protests.

The Congress has withdrawn its candidate from the Baramati by-election, following an advisory from Sharad Pawar to support NCP candidate Sunetra Pawar. Despite the Congress exit, over 30 independent candidates remain, prompting NCP efforts to persuade them to withdraw before the deadline.

Ahead of the nomination withdrawal deadline for the Baramati by-election, NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar urged the Congress to back NCP chief Sunetra Pawar. Pawar suggested the Congress should not contest the seat, citing the vacancy due to Ajit Pawar's departure. NCP (SP) leaders, including Rohit Pawar and Sunetra Pawar, have actively lobbied state Congress leaders to withdraw their candidate.

In a significant political maneuver, the Congress party withdrew its candidate from the Baramati bye-election just before the nomination deadline. This decision, influenced by appeals from the Pawar family and Mahayuti partners, ensures Sunetra Pawar faces no major opposition. The bypoll was necessitated by the tragic passing of Ajit Pawar.

In a significant political move, the Congress withdrew its candidate from Baramati, heeding appeals from the Pawar family and Mahayuti partners. This decision respects the legacy of Ajit Pawar, though the Congress vows to continue opposing the NCP's alliance with the BJP. Despite the withdrawal, 22 independents remain in the electoral contest.

Congress has entered the Baramati assembly bypoll fray, naming Akash More as its candidate, turning the contest into a multi-cornered fight. This move comes despite efforts by NCP and its allies to push for an uncontested election following the death of Ajit Pawar.

Congress has suspended seven corporators in Jalna Municipal Corporation for allegedly colluding with the BJP and jeopardizing the party's chance to nominate its co-opted member. The suspended corporators, including the group leader, openly supported a BJP candidate, leading to disciplinary action for defying the party line.

In a surprising political maneuver, Deputy CM Sunetra Pawar reached out to former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray for his backing in securing a smooth win for the unopposed Baramati byelection.

Pune police are actively searching for a Vasai-based godman, Hrishikesh Vaidya, accused of rape and criminal intimidation. A woman reported being drugged and assaulted in a Pune lodge, and later threatened and raped again in Vasai. Vaidya denies the allegations on social media. Authorities have formed four teams to apprehend him.