Independent lawmaker Jignesh Mevani's college cancelled its annual day function Monday after institution's trustees got protest calls against Dalit leader being the chief-guest. Slamming the decision of Brahamchari Vadi Trust, which runs the HK Arts College, principal Hemant Shah resigned from his post. He claimed the trust "compromised on the freedom of expression" and gave in to threats by student leaders of a political-party.

Dalit leader Jignesh Mevani today said the coming together of so many opposition leaders at TMC's opposition rally gives a message for change in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) will ensure the defeat of the RSS and the BJP, Mr Mevani said, addressing the massive opposition rally at Brigade Parade Grounds.

A 30-year-old man has been detained for allegedly slapping Union minister Ramdas Athawale during an event in Maharashtra, police said. Soon after the Republican Party of India (Athawale) chief had finished his speech in Ambernath on Saturday night, a man called Pravin Gosavi walked up to Mr Athawale with a garland and allegedly slapped him, eyewitnesses have told the police.