Union Minister Nitin Gadkari fainted while addressing an election rally in Maharashtra’s Yavatmal district on Wednesday. However, he later recovered and completed his speech. Gadkari attributed his fainting spell to the heat and thanked his supporters for their concern.
As elections approach in Karnataka and Maharashtra, several districts in both states are facing severe drought, with villagers in Baramati, Maharashtra, relying on tankers for water. Meanwhile, Alia Bhatt made a stunning appearance at the premiere of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Heeramandi,’ alongside Mrunal Thakur and her family. Political economy, inheritance tax, and wealth surveys were the focus of ‘Newstrack,’ while ‘To The Point’ addressed the controversy surrounding PM Modi’s ‘mangalsutra’ remark. Additionally, India Today’s Milan Sharma explores the political landscape in Uttar Pradesh’s Baghpat ahead of the second phase of Lok Sabha polls.
This breaking news reports that Ajit Pawar’s wife, Sunetra, has been cleared of any involvement in the alleged Rs 25,000 crore bank scam. The developing story will be updated as more information becomes available.
Former Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan, who recently joined the BJP after a long association with the Congress, is vigorously campaigning for the BJP candidate in the Nanded Lok Sabha seat. In an interview, Chavan said he was not afraid of any investigation agencies and faced many challenges in the Congress.
The fourth phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections will take place on May 13 in various states across India, including Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh. A total of 10 states and Union Territories will participate in this phase of voting, covering 176 constituencies. The counting of votes will be held on June 4 for all 545 constituencies. Key constituencies to watch in this phase include Chittoor, Guntur, Visakhapatnam, Begusarai, Darbhanga, Srinagar, Dewas, Indore, Ahmednagar, Aurangabad, Berhampur, Adilabad, Hyderabad, Etawah, Hardoi, Asansol, and Bardhaman Durgapur. Prominent candidates in the fray include Y S Sharmila, Giriraj Singh, Mirza Sajad Hussain Beigh, Anil Firojiya, Sujay Vikhe Patil, and Shatrughan Sinha. The Election Commission of India has made elaborate arrangements to ensure smooth conduct of the elections, and voters are encouraged to exercise their franchise to strengthen democracy.
In Maharashtra, seven individuals have been arrested for killing a 38-year-old man due to an ongoing feud. The incident occurred as the victim was riding his two-wheeler when he was pursued and shot by the accused. A separate case has led to the arrest of a 61-year-old murder accused who had been evading apprehension for 34 years. The accused in this case had been involved in a stabbing and killing that took place in 1990.
The second phase of Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra is scheduled for April 26, with voting in eight constituencies: Buldhana, Akola, Amravati, Wardha, Yavatmal – Washim, Hingoli, Nanded, and Parbhani. Nanded, traditionally a Congress stronghold, will be keenly watched, especially with former Congress leader Ashok Chavan now aligning with the BJP. Amravati will also be a key battleground, with the BJP and the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) fielding strong candidates against the Congress.
In preparation for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Maharashtra authorities have prohibited the broadcast of election-related content by local All India Radio (AIR) centers and other radio channels within 48 hours of polling. Candidates in the Latur Lok Sabha constituency have also been instructed to refrain from inflammatory speeches and personal attacks during their campaigns. These measures aim to ensure a fair and peaceful electoral process.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heatwave alert for Thane, Raigad districts of Maharashtra and parts of Mumbai from April 27 to 29. The IMD also warned of severe heat wave conditions in parts of West Bengal, Karnataka, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand for the next five days. The ongoing heat wave spell, the second this month, is scorching parts of East India and is expected to continue for another five days. The IMD has advised people to take precautions to avoid exposure to extreme heat, including staying hydrated, wearing loose-fitting clothing, and seeking shelter during the hottest hours of the day.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heatwave alert for Maharashtra’s Thane, Raigad districts, and parts of Mumbai from April 27 to 29. This is the second heatwave alert issued for the region this month, with the first one being issued on April 15 and 16. Temperatures are expected to peak on April 27 and 28 due to an anti-cyclonic circulation over the affected areas. The IMD advises people to take precautions such as avoiding prolonged heat exposure, drinking plenty of water, staying hydrated, wearing light-colored, loose clothing, covering their heads or using wet cloths or hats when going out, and scheduling strenuous activities during cooler times of the day.
