Mumbai, May 2: The Shiv Sena Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray, in a scathing critique of the current political climate in Maharashtra, on Saturday, highlighted the “living samadhi” (ritual renunciation) of Bacchu Kadu, a long-time MLA and former minister from the Amravati division.

It characterised Kadu’s recent merger with the Eknath Shinde faction as a theatrical display of political opportunism disguised as social service.

The Thackeray camp in a hard-hitting editorial in the party mouthpiece Saamana said that the “Samadhi ceremony” was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and his followers of him and Kadu. Following this symbolic surrender, Kadu’s “new Guru,” Shinde, rewarded him with a nomination to the Legislative Council (MLC). Kadu, who had been gasping like a “fish out of water” since losing his Assembly seat, suddenly “saw God” once his political future was secured through this appointment.

The editorial traces Kadu’s journey from a social activist to a career politician. Originally a Shiv Sainik, he left the party and Hindutva when denied a candidacy, opting to run as an independent. He served as a minister in Uddhav Thackeray’s cabinet but switched sides during the rebellion, participating in the “pilgrimage” to Surat, Guwahati, and Goa. After failing to secure a ministerial berth in the new government, he resumed protesting against them, only to eventually join the Shinde faction once his legislative status was at stake.

The editorial highlights the irony in Kadu’s recent actions. Just days prior to joining, Kadu had publicly stated, “We are not so worthless as to go with Shinde just for an MLA post.” However, that promise was quickly forgotten.

The editorial says today, Kadu has become a “Shinde-dweller.” It further adds, “In Amravati, there is a conflict between ‘Bachchu Kadu vs Ravi Rana.’ This conflict between two “performers” is merely a business of fooling the public. When the BJP supported the nomination of Ravi Rana, an independent, in the state Assembly elections, Kadu criticised it as “helplessness.” So, at what level of helplessness should Kadu Maharaj’s Samadhi be measured?” it asks.

“Kadu’s samadhi is the hypocrisy of ‘Mambaji’—a vivid picture of the fallen state of our politics,” claims the editorial.

The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena argues that the BJP plans to contest future elections “on its own.” Their vehicle is full. They intend to move forward by discarding Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde’s parties. Preparations are ready to swallow Ajit Pawar’s party, and tomorrow, Shinde’s MLAs will also go to the BJP.

“When Shinde is empty, people like Kadu will leave his current Samadhi and join the BJP’s celebration. Kadu will try to hang onto the BJP’s vehicle for the justice of the disabled while praising CM Fadnavis and PM Modi. Kadu’s Samadhi is a sham; it represents the decline of political levels. While Kadu heads toward political salvation via the Legislative Council, the farmers, widows, and disabled citizens he claims to represent remain exactly where they were—neglected,” concludes the editorial.

Mumbai: Three sewer workers were seriously injured in a hit-and-run incident in Powai after a speeding tempo rammed into them and fled the spot, police confirmed on Saturday. The accident reportedly took place in Morarji Nagar, where a team of labourers had been deployed for sewer cleaning work by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation.

According to preliminary information, the workers were engaged in cleaning operations when the tempo, allegedly moving at high speed, crashed into them. The driver fled immediately without stopping to assist the injured, raising serious concerns over road safety and accountability.

The Powai Police have registered a case against an unidentified driver and launched a search operation to trace the accused. In connection with the incident, the contractor responsible for deploying the workers has been detained for questioning.

Police are also examining whether adequate safety measures were in place at the work site. All three injured workers were rushed to a nearby hospital and are reported to be in serious condition. Further investigation is underway.

In another hit-and-run case, a five-year-old girl was killed in Nashik after a reckless two-wheeler rider caused a crash at Pathardi Phata in the CIDCO area.

The victim, Khushi Ramesh Gavit, was travelling with her family when the accused rider allegedly made a sudden and dangerous cut, causing their vehicle to skid. The child sustained critical injuries and died before she could receive medical treatment.

Police have registered a case and launched a manhunt for the accused, with CCTV footage of the incident aiding the investigation.

New Delhi, Gold prices dipped 0.81 per cent during the week as negotiations between the United States and Iran stalled, denting hopes for near‑term interest‑rate cuts.

On Friday, MCX gold June futures gained 0.01 per cent while MCX silver May futures inched up 0.49 per cent. Currently, gold futures stand at Rs 1,51,363, while silver futures stand at Rs 2,47,500 per kg.

The price of 10 grams of 24-carat gold was at Rs 1,50,263 on Thursday, down from Rs 1,51,495 seen on Monday market opening, according to data published by the India Bullion and Jewellers Association (IBJA).

In international markets, bullion dropped as much as 1.2 per cent on Friday after gaining 1.5 per cent in the previous session, weighed down by rising energy costs and firmer Treasury yields. Gold has fallen nearly 14 per cent since the US-Iran conflict began on February 28, 2026, traders said.

The Iranian administration maintained that the US blockade would have to end before the Strait of Hormuz could be reopened, according to multiple media reports. Iranian state media said that Tehran had delivered a fresh proposal for talks to Pakistani mediators, but both sides signalled they were waiting for the other to make the first move.

“While diplomatic engagements remained active, the absence of a decisive breakthrough kept the geopolitical risk premium firmly embedded in prices,” an analyst said.

US inflation data showed the headline PCE price index at 3.5 per cent in March, at its highest level in nearly three years, reinforcing the view that policy rates may stay higher for longer.

Analysts said that rising energy prices could lead to central banks maintaining interest rates higher for longer, which would pressure non-yielding assets like gold.

Crude oil traded with heightened volatility through the week but retained a firm undertone, holding near elevated levels as concerns around potential supply disruptions persisted. The market continues to price in risks to global oil flows, limiting meaningful downside and providing support on dips.

Precious metals entered a phase of corrective consolidation following their recent safe-haven rally, analysts said.

Gold and silver witnessed intermittent profit booking at higher levels through the week, while selective buying interest emerged near key support zones. Safe-haven demand has eased marginally but continues to lend support on declines amid lingering uncertainty.

COMEX gold traded near the $4,620–$4,650 zone, and a major resistance is seen at the $4,700–$4,760 levels. Overall, the trend remains constructive with a cautious near-term bias, with strength dependent on a breakout above resistance.

COMEX Silver is currently trading above $76, and the broader trend remains constructive but with a cautious near-term bias, market participants said.