Do you know what the stars hold for you in terms of love life, career, business and personal wellness today? Well, read on to know your astrological predictions as per your zodiac sign for January 7. Aries March 21 – April 20Check if outstanding bills have been paid. Making time for a favourite relative is a joy, not a chore. Singles in a new relationship are walking on air.Cosmic tip: Be aware of thoughts. TaurusApril 21 – May 20Deciding which fund to invest in shouldn’t be such a long drawn out matter, especially if done in consultation with an investment banker. Cosmic tip: Appreciate a person for their qualities. Looks shouldn’t matter. GeminiMay 21 – June 21Being one step ahead of a legal matter is due to having hired a good lawyer. Being prepared with concise and to the point counter arguments is important. Cosmic tip: Take assertive action. Cancer June 22 – July 23A sudden change of plans doesn’t faze you at all; you very calmly, think up another plan of action.Cosmic tip: Don’t try to have the last word with someone who has all the answers. Leo July 24 - Aug 23A lull in being busy comes as a pleasant surprise. Those seeking employment have 3/4 offers in hand.Cosmic tip: Consider the other person’s options before talking about a matter. Virgo Aug 24 – Sept 23A better karmic cycle begins for most Virgos. This also draws in awareness about how to keep the peace, yet maintain an aura of being in charge.Cosmic tip: Make time for yourself often. Libra Sept 24 – Oct 22Wanting to take up a job that doesn’t have long working hours is like a mirage that disappears the moment you approach it. Newly married Librans are happy.Cosmic tip: Maintain this positive outlook. Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 22Helping a sibling/ cousin set goals goes a long way in giving workable options. Making financial plans that create positive karmas are revealed.Cosmic tip: Listen to wise advice given by an elder. Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 22Those wanting to relocate, give the idea serious consideration about whether it’s a good idea. An unhappy feeling fades away.Cosmic tip: Keep plans on hold till a more workable idea emerges. Capricorn Dec 23 – Jan 20Your kindness and concern being taken in a wrong manner is something you plan to set right with a conversation. A friend seeks advice about an emotional matter.Cosmic tip: Be practical, yet empathetic. Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19Though making a trip to a modern looking city; but keep local customs and behaviour in mind when there (you don’t want to unintentionally offend anyone).Cosmic tip: Have a talk with a junior colleague. Pisces Feb 20 – March 20Singles may have met two people they like. Use ingenuity to resolve a matter.Cosmic tip: Be aware of personality aspects; what needs changing and what needs strengthening over time.
07 January,2026 02:22 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirley BoseShiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Tuesday stepped up campaigning for the BMC Election 2025 by visiting party offices, known as shakhas, across Mumbai, reported the PTI. The civic polls will be held on January 15, with counting scheduled for January 16. The two leaders, who have reunited politically after nearly 20 years of estrangement, are choosing shakha visits over large public rallies. Their parties--Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS--are contesting the BMC elections as part of an alliance with the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction). Visits across suburban Mumbai On Tuesday, Raj Thackeray visited several party offices in Malad, appealing to voters to support candidates of the Shiv Sena (UBT)-MNS-NCP (SP) alliance. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray and MNS leader Amit Thackeray toured shakhas in Kalina, interacting with party workers and local residents. Grassroots outreach ahead of voting day Uddhav Thackeray also held similar shakha visits in different parts of the city to mobilise party cadres and seek public support. Party leaders said the focus on shakhas reflects a strategy of direct grassroots engagement rather than mass rallies. The campaign is expected to intensify further as Mumbai heads into the final days before polling. Thackeray cousins polls campaign focus Earlier, the Thackeray cousins had decided to visit party shakhas instead of addressing multiple rallies ahead of the BMC Election 2026. The move is being seen as a strategic recalibration aimed at directly engaging with the maximum number of voters. The two leaders were expected to address three rallies in Mumbai -- one each in the eastern and western suburbs, along with a mega rally at Shivaji Park in Dadar. However, they are now visiting the party offices as part of ground-level campaigning. Grassroots outreach takes priority On Sunday night, Uddhav Thackeray campaigned in ward number 2 in Dahisar, north Mumbai, in support of Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate Dhanashri Kolge. Kolge is contesting against Tejasvi Ghosalkar, a former Sena (UBT) corporator who is now the BJP nominee. Speaking to reporters, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut said that only one public meeting would be held at Shivaji Park. "Instead of expending energy on rallies, when party workers are already campaigning, it is important to reach out directly to the people," Sanjay Raut said, according to the PTI. Get all BMC Election 2026 updates here | Your ward info below Read more: All about BMC Election Read more: Know Your Ward (with PTI inputs)
06 January,2026 10:54 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Thane unit of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) on Tuesday alleged that the wrongful rejection of nomination papers of opposition candidates led to six Shiv Sena candidates being elected unopposed in the upcoming Maharashtra local body elections. The Shiv Sena candidates belong to the faction led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. MNS leader meets election authorities MNS Thane chief Avinash Jadhav met Thane Municipal Commissioner and Chief Election Officer Saurabh Rao, demanding action against two election officials whom he accused of acting in a partisan manner. Jadhav warned that the party would stage a sit-in protest inside the commissioner’s office if no action was taken against the officials concerned. Allegations of bias and collusion According to Jadhav, the two officers played a “suspicious and biased role” while scrutinising nomination papers and allegedly rejected opposition nominations in collusion with the ruling BJP-Shiv Sena alliance. “If such practices continue, even the mayor could be elected unopposed in the next phase,” Jadhav said in a statement. Civic elections in Maharashtra are scheduled to be held on January 15, though several candidates of the ruling alliance have already been declared elected unopposed after rival candidates withdrew their nominations. Video and complaint submitted earlier Jadhav also referred to a video earlier released by the MNS, which allegedly shows police presence being used to pressure candidates into withdrawing their nomination papers. He said a detailed complaint regarding irregularities in the unopposed election process had already been submitted to the Chief Election Commissioner, but no action had been taken so far. Civic body responds In a statement, the Thane Municipal Corporation said Commissioner Saurabh Rao assured the MNS delegation that the allegations would be examined carefully. The commissioner said a “positive decision” would be taken after verifying records and following due procedures. Shiv Sena (UBT) also raises concerns Meanwhile, leaders of the Shiv Sena (UBT), including MP Rajan Vichare, Kedar Dighe and Anish Gadhave, submitted complaints regarding the functioning of election officers in wards 4, 5, 7, 16, 17 and 18. They alleged that nomination papers of several candidates in polls were declared invalid during scrutiny in a questionable manner. Get all BMC Election 2026 updates here | Your ward info below Read more: All about BMC Election Read more: Know Your Ward (with PTI inputs)
06 January,2026 10:22 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentThe Mumbai Congress on Tuesday released its manifesto for the upcoming BMC Election 2026, promising measures to improve air quality and introduce universal health cards that will provide citizens with free medicines, reported the PTI. The manifesto was unveiled by Mumbai Congress president Varsha Gaikwad and focuses on better civic governance, public services and an improved quality of life for residents across the city. A key promise in the manifesto is the distribution of universal health cards, which will allow citizens to access free medicines. The party also pledged to strengthen municipal hospitals, expand primary health centres and ensure affordable healthcare for poor and middle-income families. The Congress said it plans to set up two new multi-speciality hospitals in Mumbai. Improving air quality and protecting open spaces are highlighted as major environmental priorities, along with steps to strengthen the city’s ability to deal with floods and climate-related challenges. Civic Services and Transparent Governance The manifesto promises transparent and corruption-free governance within the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), with greater accountability in civic works and contracts. The party said it would improve basic civic services such as water supply, sanitation, road maintenance, drainage systems and solid waste management across all areas, including suburbs and slums. Education, Housing and Redevelopment The Congress pledged to upgrade BMC-run schools, improve infrastructure and ensure better access to education for children from economically weaker sections. It also promised fair and transparent redevelopment policies, protection of the rights of slum dwellers and the creation of affordable housing for low-income and middle-income groups. Transport and Inclusive Development Improving public transport, reducing traffic congestion and creating safer, pedestrian-friendly infrastructure are also part of the party’s agenda. Special welfare schemes have been promised for women, senior citizens, youth and marginalised communities. The manifesto states that five per cent each of the BMC budget will be reserved for the welfare of Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) communities. Elections to 29 municipal corporations, including the cash-rich BMC, will be held on January 15, with results to be declared the following day. The Congress had initially announced it would contest all 227 BMC wards on its own but later formed an alliance with the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) led by Prakash Ambedkar, allotting it 62 seats. The VBA later returned around 20 seats, citing a lack of candidates. Get all BMC Election 2026 updates here | Your ward info below Read more: All about BMC Election Read more: Know Your Ward (with PTI inputs)
06 January,2026 09:58 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday released its section of the Mahayuti manifesto for the upcoming Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) elections scheduled for January 15. The document promises round-the-clock water supply, corruption-free governance and a digitally transparent civic administration, reported the PTI. Titled 'Thane Nirdharnama' (Resolution Paper), the manifesto was unveiled at the Thane BJP headquarters, a day after the Shiv Sena (UBT)-Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) alliance released its own manifesto for the city. Focus on water security A key promise in the BJP manifesto is the construction of a dedicated dam to ensure 24/7 water supply to every household in Thane. BJP MLA Sanjay Kelkar said water security was the party’s top priority and special funds would be allocated to replace old and leaking pipelines across the city, according to the PTI. Slogan and electoral target The BJP and its ally, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, are contesting the TMC polls together and have given the slogan “Abki Bar Sau Par” (This time, over 100), aiming to win more than 100 seats in the 131-member civic body, as per the PTI. Shiv Sena state secretary Ram Repale said the Sena’s detailed portion of the Mahayuti manifesto would be released shortly. Roads, infrastructure and encroachment The manifesto promises to complete the concretisation of 197 kilometres of roads within municipal limits. It also proposes a permanent ducting policy for utilities such as water, gas and mobile services to prevent repeated digging of roads, the news agency reported. Kelkar said the alliance was committed to making Thane free from corruption and encroachments. Push for digital transparency Under the “Smart Thane” vision, the BJP has promised a technology-driven civic administration. The manifesto proposes launching an integrated municipal mobile application, similar to the Centre’s UMANG app, to provide easy access to civic services, reported the PTI. Digital expenditure boards will be installed in every ward to show real-time spending of public funds. The party also promised mandatory Ward Sabhas every three months and a ‘MyGov’-style platform to allow citizens to directly participate in policy-making. Healthcare and education plans The document promises an AIIMS-level grand hospital in coordination with the central government, along with a dedicated cancer hospital for the city. On education, the manifesto proposes introducing semi-English medium instruction, STEM education and coding in municipal schools, supported by compulsory annual training for teachers. Women’s safety, culture and environment For women’s welfare, the party promised creches for children of working mothers and dedicated hostels for working women. The manifesto also aims to develop Thane as a cultural and sports hub by creating six to eight new theme parks, modernising playgrounds and building an international-standard stadium capable of hosting IPL matches. On environmental issues, the document pledges to rejuvenate silted lakes and wells and use CSR funds for their beautification and tourism development. Promise would be implemented: CM In a message included in the manifesto, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis described the document as an 'emotional bond' and a 'sincere contract' with the people of Thane, assuring that every promise would be implemented, the news agency reported. Get all BMC Election 2026 updates here | Your ward info below Read more: All about BMC Election Read more: Know Your Ward (with PTI inputs)
06 January,2026 09:38 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has shut down four ready-mix concrete (RMC) plants in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) after they were found violating environmental norms during inspections, reported the PTI. The action comes as part of an intensified drive to improve air quality in Mumbai and nearby areas. According to officials, flying squads formed on the directions of the Bombay High Court inspected RMC facilities across the MMR over the past eight days. A total of 163 RMC plants were inspected during this period. Four units located in Navi Mumbai and Bhiwandi in Thane district were ordered to shut down for failing to comply with pollution control guidelines, according to the PTI. Notices issued to several plants The MPCB issued proposed directions to 59 RMC plants, while 34 units received interim directions asking them to take corrective measures. In addition, penalties amounting to Rs 1.89 crore were recovered from 35 RMC plants found violating environmental norms. These included 24 plants in Mumbai city, one in Kalyan, and 10 in Navi Mumbai, as per the PTI. Action against construction projects The board also inspected 108 large construction sites where building work is underway. Penalties of Rs 10 lakh were imposed on two projects for violating air pollution control rules. Officials said strict checks are being carried out on construction dust, material storage and pollution control measures at sites, the news agency reported. Enforcement drive ongoing Since December 2025, the MPCB has inspected 196 RMC plants across the MMR and recovered a total of Rs 3.59 crore in penalties. A special enforcement drive is currently underway, and strict action is being taken against units that fail to follow environmental regulations. At the same time, the board is offering technical guidance to erring units to help them comply with pollution control norms. Air quality improvement measures MPCB Chairman Siddhesh Kadam said the board is making all-out efforts to improve air quality in Mumbai through flying squads and enforcement teams, reported the PTI. He added that additional teams would be formed if required, in coordination with municipal corporations. Member Secretary M Devender Singh said four special inspection teams were set up for Mumbai city and two for Navi Mumbai following a review meeting chaired by Kadam. Wider crackdown across Mumbai The enforcement drive follows recent action by civic authorities. A few days ago, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) suspended work related to the Bullet Train project at the Bandra-Kurla Complex for violating air pollution norms. The MPCB also noted that the MMR has 32 continuous air quality monitoring stations, including 14 in Mumbai city, along with 22 mobile monitoring vans deployed to check air quality in problem areas. (with PTI inputs)
06 January,2026 09:37 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Western Railway on Tuesday announced that over 220 suburban Mumbai local trains will be cancelled due to a major block for the ongoing sixth line work on January 7 to 9. The Western Railway stated that a night block on the Kandivali-Borivali section as part of the ongoing work to construct the sixth railway line. The block, which is part of a 30-day programme that began on the night of December 20-21, 2025, will continue until January 18, 2026. The block will affect suburban, mail and express train services on the Western Railway network, officials said. Details of night block According to Western Railway, a major block will be undertaken during the night of January 7-8, 2026, for the insertion of Point No. 102 on the Up Fast Line at Kandivali. Block timings are- - Up Fast Line: 12.00 midnight to 5.30 am - Down Fast Line: 1.00 am to 4.30 am Another major block has been planned during the night of January 8-9, 2026, for insertion and dismantling of points at Kandivali. During this period, the Up Fast Line will be blocked from 11.15 pm to 3.15 am, while the Down Fast Line will remain blocked from 1.00 am to 4.30 am. Train services to be affected Due to the blocks, suspension of the fifth line and speed restrictions, several suburban services will be cancelled. Some mail and express trains will be regulated en route, Western Railway said. Express trains to be short terminated and originated The following trains will be affected on January 7, 2026: Short Termination- - Train No. 19426 Nandurbar-Borivali Express will terminate at Vasai Road. - Train No. 19418 Ahmedabad-Borivali Express will terminate at Vasai Road. Short Origination- - Train No. 19417 Borivali-Ahmedabad Express will originate from Vasai Road. - Train No. 19425 Borivali-Nandurbar Express will originate from Vasai Road. Suburban train cancellations A large number of suburban trains will be cancelled due to the block: January 8, 2026: 63 Up and 59 Down trains (total 122) January 9, 2026: 50 Up and 51 Down trains (total 101) Advisory to passengers Western Railway has advised passengers to check with station masters for detailed information and to plan their journeys in advance to avoid inconvenience.
06 January,2026 09:19 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIn view of the BMC Election 2026, the Mumbai Traffic Police on Tuesday announced temporary traffic restrictions on Veera Desai Road. The diversions have been made to ensure the smooth conduct of the election process and maintain public safety. According to an official statement issued by Mumbai Traffic Police, Western Suburbs, the movement of vehicles, other than those engaged in election-related duties, will be temporarily prohibited on both carriageways of Veera Desai Road, from JP Road Junction to Mogra Nala, near JP Road, Azad Nagar, and close to the Metro Station in Andheri West. The affected stretch falls under ward No 59 to ward No 71 within the jurisdiction of the Oshiwara Traffic Division. In view of @mybmc elections, in order to reduce inconvenience for commuters, following traffic arrangements will be in place in Oshiwara Traffic division from 7.00 hrs on 14th January to 24.00 hrs on 16th January.Citizens are requested to plan commute accordingly. https://t.co/A0f3nbg17p pic.twitter.com/osuBPCg2P4 — Mumbai Traffic Police (@MTPHereToHelp) January 5, 2026 In a post on X, Mumbai Traffic Police wrote, “The restrictions will be in force from 7:00 am on January 14, 2026, till 10:00 pm on January 16. During this period, entry of all non-election duty vehicles on Veera Desai Road—both from J.P. Road Junction to Mogra Nala and vice versa—will remain strictly prohibited.” Alternate route for Mumbai motorists To facilitate smooth traffic movement across the city during BMC Election 2026, the police have announced alternate routes. Vehicles approaching via the southbound carriageway of Veera Desai Road will be diverted to take a right or left turn at Courtyard Junction and proceed via Chitrakut Junction and New Link Road. Vehicles coming from the westbound carriageway of JP Road will be asked to take a right turn and continue via New Link Road. The Mumbai Traffic Police, while issuing the advisory, also urged the commuters and residents to cooperate by following the temporary restrictions and using alternate routes. The police stressed that the measures are essential to ensure public safety and uninterrupted election-related operations. Flyover construction forces temporary closure of the CD Barfiwala Road The Mumbai Traffic Police on Tuesday also announced a temporary closure of the northbound carriageway on CD Barfiwala Road between Tipu Sultan Junction and Gulmohar Junction. Mumbai Traffic Police said that the closure has been carried out due to the ongoing flyover construction work. According to an official release issued by the office of the deputy commissioner of police (traffic), western suburbs, the work of installing flyover pillars is currently underway under the jurisdiction of the DN Nagar Traffic Division. Get all BMC Election 2026 updates here | Your ward info here
06 January,2026 08:26 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Santosh Dhuri on Tuesday joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing the Raj Thackeray-led party of ignoring its loyal workers during seat-sharing for the upcoming BMC Election 2026. Dhuri said that he was a strong aspirant for the MNS ticket from Ward No. 194 in the Mahim Assembly constituency. However, the seat was allotted to Shiv Sena (UBT) as part of the alliance between the two parties for the January 15 Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. Mumbai BJP president Ameet Satam formally welcomed Dhuri into the party. MNS given those wards where Shiv Sena (UBT) faced difficulties Speaking to reporters, Dhuri claimed that the MNS was given only those wards where Shiv Sena (UBT) faced difficulties in winning. He said that in Marathi-speaking areas such as Mahim, Dadar, Sewri, Worli and Bhandup, the MNS had demanded at least two wards but received only one, according to the PTI. Dhuri also alleged that senior MNS leader Sandeep Deshpande was not involved in the seat-sharing discussions. He further criticised the alliance with Shiv Sena (UBT), claiming that MNS workers had earlier faced police cases and political pressure during the Maha Vikas Aghadi government. “Six corporators were taken from us after the 2017 civic elections, yet we ignored it,” Dhuri said, as per the PTI. Accusing Raj Thackeray of compromising the party’s independence, Dhuri said the MNS had been 'surrendered' to Shiv Sena (UBT). Rane contacted Dhuri Dhuri added that BJP minister Nitesh Rane contacted him and arranged a meeting with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, following which he decided to join the BJP, the news agency reported. Former MNS MLA Nitin Bhosale joins Shiv Sena along with other leaders With the Maharashtra civic polls 2026 just around the corner, Nashik on Tuesday witnessed a significant political development as former Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) MLA Nitin Bhosale officially joined the Shiv Sena. Nitin Bhosale was accompanied by a large number of supporters while joining the Shiv Sena. Bhosale was formally inducted into the party by taking the saffron flag, marking a major boost for Shiv Sena’s organisational strength in the Nashik district. MLA Nitin Bhosale’s entry to the Shiv Sena is being seen as politically important ahead of the upcoming civic and local body elections in the region. Get all BMC Election 2026 updates here | Your ward info below Read more: All about BMC Election Read more: Know Your Ward (with PTI inputs)
06 January,2026 07:44 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal on Tuesday said that the next mayor of Mumbai would be 'Bharatiya, Maharashtrian and a Mumbaikar', in an apparent response to recent remarks by CM Devendra Fadnavis on the linguistic identity of the city’s mayor, reported the PTI. Sapkal made the statement while releasing the Congress manifesto for the Nagpur Municipal Corporation elections. The manifesto outlines the party’s vision of a 'Clean and Smart Nagpur' and sets a target of winning 100 corporator seats. Political parties focusing on language and identity Addressing the press, Sapkal said that political parties were focusing on language and identity instead of development. “A race for polarisation is underway. India’s idea of unity in diversity is being weakened. There is talk about whether the mayor should belong to a particular language group, but no discussion on development,” he said, according to the PTI. He questioned the status of the Centre’s promise of 100 smart cities, alleging that such identity-based debates were being used to divert attention from real public issues. Mayor should represent all citizens of Mumbai Reacting to claims by different parties that the BMC mayor would belong to a specific linguistic group -- Marathi, Hindi or Urdu-speaking -- Sapkal reiterated that Congress believes the mayor should represent all citizens of Mumbai. NOTA option in wards On the issue of uncontested victories in civic wards, Sapkal said the Congress had written to the State Election Commission seeking fresh elections in wards where Mahayuti candidates were elected unopposed. He also repeated the demand for allowing the NOTA option in such wards. BJP indulging in arrogant and uncultured politics: Sapkal Commenting on Maharashtra BJP chief Ravindra Chavan’s remarks about former Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, Sapkal strongly criticised the statement, calling Deshmukh a towering leader whose contribution to the state was immense. He accused the BJP leadership of indulging in arrogant and uncultured politics under Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Congress performed well in recent civic polls, says Sapkal Sapkal said the Congress had performed well in recent Municipal Council and Nagar Panchayat elections and expressed confidence that the party would regain the mayor’s post in Nagpur. He added that the Congress had completed its ticket distribution process across Maharashtra in a disciplined and dispute-free manner, the news agency reported. Elections to 29 municipal corporations, including Mumbai, will be held on January 15, with vote counting scheduled for the next day. Get all BMC Election 2026 updates here | Your ward info below Read more: All about BMC Election Read more: Know Your Ward (with PTI inputs)
06 January,2026 07:44 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday dismissed criticism by Opposition parties over the ruling Mahayuti’s candidates being elected unopposed in 68 civic wards across the state in Maharashtra local body election, reported the PTI. Addressing a rally in Dhule district of Maharashtra ahead of the January 15 municipal corporation elections, CM Fadnavis said the Opposition was overreacting to the issue. “If you feel offended, what can I do about it?” he remarked, using a popular Hindi phrase to underline his point. The Chief Minister thanked voters in Dhule for electing four BJP corporators unopposed. “We accept this support wholeheartedly,” he said while addressing party workers and supporters. Past examples cited Countering allegations that unopposed victories threaten democracy, CM Fadnavis pointed out that 35 Members of Parliament (MPs) have been elected unopposed in the past, 33 of them during Congress-led governments, according to the PTI. He questioned the Opposition’s stand, saying, “When unopposed elections happened during your rule, democracy was not in danger. When it happens now, you claim democracy is under threat.” Development pitch for Dhule Describing Dhule as the gateway to Maharashtra, with Gujarat on one side and Madhya Pradesh on the other, Fadnavis said the city had seen little development before the BJP came to power after the civic body was formed in 2003, as per the PTI. He claimed that major development work began only after the BJP took charge. Legal and political row continues The controversy over unopposed victories reached the Bombay High Court on Monday, where an MNS leader sought a stay on the declaration of results in 68 wards and demanded a court-monitored inquiry into alleged forced withdrawals. Earlier, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray urged the State Election Commission to cancel the results in these wards, claiming that uncontested wins deny Gen Z and first-time voters their right to vote. Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal also criticised the ruling alliance, accusing the BJP-led Mahayuti of undermining democracy due to its “greed for power”. MNS moves court challenging unopposed election of 66 candidates Months after alleged anomalies in electoral rolls were challenged in court by the Opposition, now unopposed wins in municipal elections have reached the judiciary. The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has moved the court challenging the unopposed election of 66 candidates in the upcoming municipal corporation polls. On Monday, MNS leader Avinash Jadhav met State Election Commission (SEC) officials and also filed a petition in the Bombay High Court, questioning and challenging the unopposed future victory. Get all BMC Election 2026 updates here | Your ward info below Read more: All about BMC Election Read more: Know Your Ward (with PTI inputs)
06 January,2026 07:43 PM IST | Dhule | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
