Politics
PAAS members level graft allegations against Hardik Patel, misuse of platform
Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) convener and former Gujarat Congress working president, Hardik Patel is under attack from his one time associates and fan followers. They have also accused him of indulging in corruption. Hardik is not reachable for comment.
The latest allegation has been made by Hardik Patel’s one time associate Bhavesh Somani from Bhavnagar, who said that he had hurled ‘Chappal’ on Hardik Patel’s instruction on the then Union Minister of State Mansukh Mandaviya.
Somani has also levelled serious allegations of corruption against Hardik Patel. He said that Hardik took Rs 23 lakh bribe to give ticket for the Gariyadhar assembly constituency election in 2017. “Rs 10 lakh cash was delivered to his father Bharatbhai at his Ahmedabad flat and the rest was paid through Angadia services in two instalments,” Somani said.
Hardik Patel is tight-lipped on the issue. When IANS contacted him over phone and through text message, he did not respond.
While Hardik is cornered with various allegations, his one time associate Vandana Patel has come out in his support. She has appealed Patidars and PAAS workers to stop making allegations against Hardik Patel in public. She cited the unwritten rule of the tribal community, where no one makes allegations against their leaders if they switch sides. She said Ashwin Kotawal and Keval Joshiyara joined BJP, but the tribal community did not criticise them.
“These allegations can’t be termed baseless,” said Rajendrasinh Gohil, president of the Bhavnagar District Congress Committee. Gohil said, “I know Bhavesh Somani was one of the trustworthy and confidant of Hardik Patel in Bhavnagar. I have heard about him demanding money to organise Hardik’s public meeting in Bhavnagar district, in the run up to the elections. Gariadhar Congress candidate Paresh Kheni was a party worker as well as the PAAS worker too.”
People will question and make such allegations, argues Dhanji Patidar, PAAS worker from Unava in the Mehsana district, and said, “why is Hardik Patel not disclosing his family’s annual income before and after he headed PAAS movement. What is his source of income? Does he do a job anywhere? Does he have investment in any industry? How is he meeting his expenses and living a lavish lifestyle?”
“Once a Patidar leader joins politics, such allegations will keep cropping up,” said Varun Patel, PAAS convener and now BJP leader, on specific corruption allegations against Hardik Patel. He said, “It is difficult to either call it baseless or true, but one thing is sure, where there is a smoke, there is a fire.”
Maharashtra
UAE Restricts Entry and Transit for Iranian Passport Holders Amid Rising Regional Tensions

The United Arab Emirates has introduced new travel restrictions affecting Iranian passport holders, barring them from entering the country or transiting through its airports. The move comes amid heightened regional tensions and evolving security concerns in the Middle East.
According to the latest directives reflected across airline systems, Iranian citizens are currently unable to book flights to the UAE or use major transit hubs such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi for onward international travel. The restriction has been implemented through airline policies and visa controls, effectively limiting access for most travelers holding Iranian passports.
While the measure appears broad, certain exceptions are believed to be in place. Individuals holding long-term residency permits, special visas, or those with specific professional or familial ties to the UAE may still be permitted entry, subject to additional scrutiny and approvals.
Authorities have not officially described the restriction as permanent, suggesting it may be a temporary response to ongoing geopolitical developments in the region. Analysts view the move as part of a broader pattern of precautionary steps being taken by Gulf countries in light of shifting security dynamics.
The decision is expected to impact travel plans for many Iranian nationals, particularly those who rely on the UAE as a major international transit hub. Airlines are advising affected passengers to review their travel eligibility and consider alternative routes until further notice.
As the situation continues to evolve, travelers are urged to stay informed about the latest updates before making any arrangements involving transit through the UAE.
Maharashtra
Mumbai Traffic Police takes action against self-styled VIP, seizes lights and sirens of 8 vehicles, recommends cancellation of registration by Traffic Department

Mumbai: Traffic Police has cracked down on self-styled VIPs and taken action against vehicles using VIP cultural flash lights and sirens without any permission. In this, action was taken against such vehicles and lights that were used to install lights on vehicles to prove themselves as VIPs. Under a special campaign, on April 1 and 2, the police took action against those who forcibly installed red, blue, yellow and yellow dim light flash lights on vehicles in the city. During this, action was taken against 8 vehicles, several lights were seized and fines were also taken under the Motor Vehicle Act. In this action, it has been made clear that if someone installs dim light on private vehicles, his vehicle will be deregistered and an additional fine will be imposed and the traffic department will recommend the deregistration of the vehicle to the RTO. The traffic police have appealed to the citizens that if they see a private vehicle with a red light only a flashlight, they can complain about it to the traffic police or the X Twitter handle. These vehicles create disruption in traffic, after which the traffic department has taken this action. This action will now continue in Mumbai city.
Maharashtra
Mayor Ritu Tawde: The burden of patient services on Rajawadi Hospital in Ghatkopar is high, delays in the reconstruction work of the hospital will not be tolerated

Mumbai: The Seth V.C. Gandhi and M.A. Vora Municipal Corporation General Hospital i.e. Rajawadi Hospital in Ghatkopar (East) is undergoing reconstruction. Under this, a building with a capacity of about 600 beds is proposed to be constructed in the first phase. In this regard, Mayor Ritu Tawde visited the project site today (April 2, 2026) and inspected it.
Corporator Dharmesh Giri, Medical Superintendent of Rajwadi Hospital Dr. Bharti Rajulwala, Deputy Chief Engineer, Hospital Infrastructure Cell Mr. Manoj Rane, Assistant Commissioner (Additional Charge) of N Department Maruti Pawar and all the concerned officers were present on the occasion.
Giving preliminary information, Deputy Chief Engineer Rane said that the building to be constructed under Rajwadi Hospital Redevelopment Phase-I will have a lower basement, basement, ground floor and 10 floors. This building with a capacity of 600 beds will have all the latest medical facilities. A construction area of about 33,179 square meters will be available for this. The foundation stone of the Phase-I building was laid in December 2025. He said that the construction work will start immediately after getting the permission regarding minor minerals and radar. He clarified that after the completion of the first phase of the building, the entire hospital will be shifted to it and the second building will be constructed in the next phase. Mayor Ritu Tawde expressed displeasure that even after four months of laying the foundation stone, the actual construction work has not started. Wherever the administration is facing difficulties, the matters should be brought to the notice of the seniors. Also, such problems can be resolved with the cooperation of public representatives. The Mayor strongly advised that it is the contractor’s job to obtain all the necessary permits and no delay in the actual work will be tolerated. The construction work of the building should start next week. While the construction work is in progress, appropriate measures should be taken to ensure that patients in the neighboring hospital are not disturbed by construction noise, dust, etc. Mayor Tawde also directed that a detailed presentation be made about the redevelopment of the hospital in a joint meeting to be held at the Mumbai Municipal Corporation headquarters.
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