This Sion school would have made education reformists Jyotiba and Savitribai Phule swell with pride as educators continue to preserve the tradition of letting students due to appear in class 10 board examination come to study for 12 hours. The 67-year tradition is held up by D S High School located in Sion where a ‘shibir’ or ‘study camp’ is held ahead of Maharashtra State Board Examinations. Here the students pay only Rs 400 for the textbook and if that is not possible, the school trust steps in and pays on the student’s behalf. This year the shibir is being conducted from December 30 to January 12. The school is known to cater to Marathi speaking students with only Math and English being taught in a non-Marathi language. The students in this school hail from areas such as Dharavi, Pratiksha Nagar, Chunabhatti, and Kurla, among other localities, where finding space to sit in a crammed house, without noise and interruptions is next to impossible. The educators who have help preserve this tradition in a school located in the heart of the city Kalpana Patil, the principal, explains that for 90 per cent of the students attending the Marathi or semi-English medium often find it difficult to concentrate in the cramped homes they reside in. One can gauge the lack of infrastructure back home from Patil’s remark: “They get the Sunday off so they can wash their uniforms.” “When the whole family resides in a 10x10 room, the child may not get the right environment for board preparations. Sometimes it’s the familial environment, living conditions, or other responsibilities of the parents which may hamper the child’s readiness for this milestone exam. We want to help our children up until the last mile,” said Patil. Which is why D S High School’s 10-day study camp, where students spend half of the day — a total of 12 hours — at school, has been a tradition closely guarded by each generation of educators and principals. This year, the school hall is filled with the hum of morning prayers by 176 students at 7 am sharp. Soon after, an hour of revising the syllabus is ticked off as the first task of the day and then students attempt their first mock paper. Shaurya Utekar and Siraj Mulani A timeout from academics is introduced via breakfast and then, the drill repeats. Students end up attempting four exams of different subjects throughout the day and take quick breaks in between and refuel on food. In order to ensure some other form of relief from the continuous study, students are asked to do a brief yoga session and a few eye exercises for visual reprieve. Other than providing them a study discipline, the school is gently shepherding the students to perform under pressure. One of the ways the school does this is by making the students race against time. The student gets one-and-a-half hours to attempt an exam that is otherwise allotted three hours by the Maharashtra State Board. “This helps them improve their writing speed,” said Adesh Arun Patil, the teacher who is co-ordinating the camp this year. “We thoroughly correct two papers and share feedback on the other two. Even when students are attempting the exam in the open-book format, they are able to gauge their weak spots. Additionally we have separate sessions to resolve doubts if any,” he added. The batch of 2026 then logs off from their 12-hour schedule with meditation and pasaydaan and heads back home at 7 pm. Over these 10 days, the students end up attempting 36 question papers which are compiled in a textbook, four for each subject. What might be perceived as gruelling has turned into a fun discipline that takes away the exam jitters from students. It doesn’t feel like a drill but serves as socialisation during one of the most tense and defining exams of a student’s life. Lunch boxes are shared in the school hall, with stolen moments for mischief, all while studying. In a rare display of dedication that might be absent during a time where education has become synonymous with business, all 28 teachers at D S High School, who are responsible for students from Class 5 to Class 10, take turns manning the ‘shibir’. Everyone, including the principal, puts in nearly two extra hours during the camp. When the shibir sees challenges — like it does during every civic election, when many educators are called upon for poll duties — parents come to the rescue and volunteer time and manpower. But in the day of online classes, study music to help you concentrate and the Internet feeding into not just students but even the adults’ know-it-all syndrome, are students even interested in this shibir? The answer is evident when students like Shaurya Utekar, who steps out with his father to distribute newspapers to doorsteps, rushes back to make it in time for the morning prayers. “I wake up at 5 am to help out my father,” said Utekar. “I distribute newspapers around our locality in Takiya Ward, Kurla, and show up at school by 7 am,” he added. The 16-year-old fell out of the habit of studying on his own after the lockdown and the camp has helped him get back in the zone. Siraj Mulani, Shaurya’s friend, wakes up at 4 am too. But for wrestling practice, in order to achieve his dream of becoming a sportsman. Mulani is a member of Lal Bahadur Shastri Vyayamsahala near Matunga’s Z-bridge. “I practise kushti from 4.30 am to 6 am, have food, and show up for study camp. After returning by 8 pm, I practise again till 10 pm and fall asleep instantly,” he told Sunday mid-day. The routine was tough at first, says Mulani, who now has got the hang of things. The camp closes with a ceremony, where students are to share their feedback and pupils who worked the hardest get felicitated. The classroom doors will remain open for them until February 17, two days before the SSC board exams commence. “What helps is that most of our teachers and trustees from Shiv Shikshan today are our alumni, which is why our Marathi school is given as much importance as the schools following other boards, languages,” Principal Patil added. Parents Speak Nisha Koli, Parent, Dharavi resident‘Owing to the camp, my daughter has gotten better at writing and learning. She now feels more responsible about her academics. We’ll know the full effect of this activity once we get their papers back’ The tradition Students at the shibir solving an exam paper on a timer The Sion-based school has been running a study camp for Class 10 students for the past 67 years. Up until 1995, the camp was residential. Owing to preferences of parents and space crunches, students now only spend the daytime at school. While they bring their own tiffins for lunch, the school manages to get tea and pav for their other breaks on their own buck. Ripple Effect . After class 10, the school has also involved 44 students from Class 8 to prepare them for the scholarship exams.. 40 students from Class 5 also attend the camp, but only for 7 hours. Alumni Speak ‘I came from a modest household in Kurla. Money was always tight, and there were times when even basic necessities felt like luxuries. When competitive exam fees were due, my teachers would quietly pay them for me and my friends. The education camp pushed us far beyond what we thought were our limits — not just academically, but mentally. The rigorous schedule, the focused environment, and the shared sense of purpose among students built a mental toughness that proved invaluable during the board exams. When exam day arrived, we weren’t nervous; we were prepared. The shibir had already tested us in ways that made the actual exams feel manageable. It gave us the confidence that comes from knowing you’ve put in the work.’ School alumnus, Rohit Mandage, who now resides in California
11 January,2026 10:34 AM IST | Mumbai | Aditi AlurkarA fire in Goregaon claimed the lives of three members of a family in the early hours of Saturday. According to the Mumbai Fire Brigade, the incident was reported at 3.06 am from Bhagatsingh Nagar, Rajaram Lane, near Janata Stores in Goregaon West. The fire broke out in a ground-plus-one-floor residential structure, triggering panic among residents in the densely populated locality. Fire officials said the blaze was confined to electric wiring and household articles on the ground floor, while on the first floor apparel belonging to three occupants — two males and one female — caught fire. Locals acted swiftly and attempted to control the flames using water buckets even before the fire brigade reached the spot. Firemen, on arrival, disconnected the electricity supply and continued firefighting operations using water buckets. The fire was completely extinguished by 3.16 am, barely 10 minutes after it was reported. Despite the quick response, three people were trapped inside. They were rescued and rushed to HBT Trauma Care Hospital, but doctors declared all three brought dead. The deceased have been identified as Harshada Pawaskar, 19, her younger brother Kushal Pawaskar, 12, and their father Sanjog Pawaskar, 48. They are survived by Sanjog’s wife and their third child, a 17-year-old daughter, both of whom were not at home, said police officers. “While the father died due to 60 per cent burns, the daughter’s and son’s cause of death was smoke inhalation,” said Dr Meenakshi Khandode, who conducted the autopsy.
11 January,2026 10:08 AM IST | Mumbai | Ritika GondhalekarUS against the world Youngsters enjoy a moment at Versova beach. Hark, it’s the park Take a look at this nook The Shivaji Park (SP) maidan is in focus with the estranged cousins and now partners Raj and Udhav Thackeray set to hold their pre- poll BMC rally today (Sunday, January 11). Yet, it is not politicking that we are worried about. Just the general state of a corner of the Maidan, tucked away next to the aaji-aajoba park which in English is grandparents park in Ingliss-Vingliss. That corner, which was in good condition with local gym equipment, sees infra in disrepair, seats broken and generally unusable. While there is good infra inside the grandparents park, this older equipment in the earlier much frequented corner needs attention an uplift. Rally and recently becoming “pally” is all very well, but this Maidan needs constant “third eye” like they say in cricket which looks at upgradation (keep the space open though) and maintenance. The king of funny is back! Don’t chase the algorithm, keep it real, says YouTuber KSI KSI is returning to Mumbai with a little more time, a little less rush and a brand-new reason — Try Not To Laugh IRL: India Edition. The British YouTuber says the city’s “mad energy” is what makes it the perfect playground for the format. “India is naturally funny,” he explains, pointing to the chaos, quick reactions and unfiltered humour that thrive on the streets. Doing it IRL keeps things raw and unpredictable — exactly how he likes it. This visit, he feels more settled. The crowds and pace don’t throw him off anymore, though he’s still cautiously negotiating his spice limits. “Meeting Indian fans offline,” he adds, “hits harder than online noise ever could.” And for creators, his advice is simple. “Don’t chase algorithms. Build something real, and the world will follow.” For Pete’s sake… look! Colin Miller, Shane Warne in 1993 and Peter Siddle There were no frills about Peter Siddle when he ran in and bowled fast for Australia. He went about his job quietly and efficiently to collect 221 wickets in 67 Tests. Indian fans will remember Siddle for hitting current Team India coach Gautam Gambhir on the head in Mohali, where the Victorian made his Test debut in 2008. He followed that up by claiming the wicket of Sachin Tendulkar. Only the other day we discovered that Siddle, 41, has now a new colour to his hair while parading his skills for the Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League. The light shade to his hair reminds this diarist of two of Siddle’s fellow Australians – the late Shane Warne and all-rounder Colin Miller, who even coloured his hair blue in the 2000-01 season. Colourful Warne would have surely approved Siddle’s hair statement! Queer eye Akshay Jha Akshay Jha, 35, creative head of Intimacy Project, is producing Iktsuarpok (English title: The Weight of Longing), a queer feature film that will have its festival premiere at the 22nd Third Eye Asian Film Festival. The screening will take place on January 13 at the PL Deshpande Maharashtra Kala Academy under the Indian Competition section. Directed and written by Dr Omkar Bhatkar, Jha explains, “It [the film] explores the magical space created when the right mix of people meet at the right place at the right time and everything held within them gets expressed.” Coining our history The book recounts history from the lens of indigenous coins The Hinduja Foundation has unveiled Early North India and Its Coinage, a new book that traces the region’s history through its ancient currency, documenting coins from 300 BCE to 300 CE and featuring over 850 specimens. Launched in Lucknow, the book by historian Dr Devendra Handa offers insights into the political, cultural, and religious life of early North India. “This publication marks an important step in introducing a significant part of North India’s glorious heritage to the public,” said CEO Raman Kalyanakrishnan. Dr Handa added, “Years of close study, verification and engagement with rare collections turned this research into a personal scholarly pursuit rather than a purely academic exercise.”
11 January,2026 09:48 AM IST | Mumbai | Team SMDWith the municipal corporation elections nearing, citizen groups and ALMs (Advanced Locality Managements) have begun placing their demands before political parties and candidates. The Gulmohar Area Societies Welfare Group (GASWG) from the upscale Juhu locality has sought a complete ban on the parking of commercial vehicles, including autorickshaws, on the lanes of Gulmohar and JVPD. The group has also demanded the eviction of unlicensed hawkers from both areas, along with several other civic-related demands. Filmmaker and chairman of GASWG, Ashok Pandit told Sunday mid-day that they are giving a copy of their citizens charter of demands to the poll candidates contesting from this ward (Ward 67). The demands include stricter enforcement of civic and planning norms to improve liveability in the neighbourhood. “This is a city-wide problem — residential lanes in Gulmohar and JVPD have been taken over by trucks, tempos, taxis and hawkers, leaving residents with no space to park and roads in chaos,” said Pandit, “Despite repeated complaints to the BMC and traffic police, there is no action, which is why we have raised this as a key issue with election candidates. We are also demanding that Mumbai have two municipal commissioners to ensure better governance.” The residents have demanded proper implementation of hawking zones for licensed vendors, a complete ban on cooking on footpaths and roads, and the removal of illegal nurseries and garages encroaching on public roads. In order to ensure that Gulmohar and JVPD are developed as safe, pedestrian-friendly walking areas, citizens have also sought firm action against unchecked advertisements and hoardings put up in public spaces by private firms and political parties, along with measures to protect all open spaces from encroachment. It may be noted that the groups have further flagged serious concerns over pollution, infrastructure and sanitation. They have demanded that construction sites strictly adhere to pollution control, timing and noise norms, and that developers comply with Development Control (DC) rules, particularly those related to footpaths, parking and mandatory open spaces. In their letter, highlighting health hazards, residents pointed to garbage generated by roadside eateries and the poor condition of the Irla nullah flowing through the area, calling for urgent intervention.
11 January,2026 08:29 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavDo you know what the stars hold for you in terms of love life, career, business and personal wellness? Well, read on to know your astrological predictions as per your zodiac sign. AriesMarch 21 – April 19Hard work will pay off, but be realistic about your expectations. Those in a committed relationship may take it to the next level.Life tip: Move forward with confidence and do not let self doubt get the better of you This is a good time to make necessary changes in your life. TaurusApril 20 – May 20Be wary about your expectations from the people close to you. Look at investments from a long-term perspective.Life tip: Find the inner core of balance that you need to handle situations. This will bring you more peace. GeminiMay 21 – June 20Take care of valuables while travelling. Those who like to juggle investments need to avoid overcomplicating their finances.Life tip: Pay attention to close relationships and give others the love and respect you want from them Be willing to see the other persons’ point of view. CancerJune 21 – July 22Make well thought out career choices, keeping your long term goals in mind. Go to your doctor if you fell unwell instead of self medicating.Life tip: Look at all the options you have before making any important decisions. Ask for help, and pay attention to advice from someone you trust. LeoJuly 23 – Aug 22 This is a positive time for meetings and negotiations. Double check your tickets and hotel bookings if you need to travel.Life tip: Adjust to situations as you move forward towards your goals. Lessons learnt from the past should not be forgotten. VirgoAug 23 – Sept 22Take a little extra care of your health and make sure you get enough sleep. Avoid making impulsive financial decisions.Life tip: Life will get easier if you listen to your intuition whenever you need to make important decisions. LibraSept 23 – Oct 22A family situation may need attention, and you would be able to sort the matter out to the best of your ability. This is a positive time for self employed businesspersons.Life tip: Pay attention to good advice when you hear it, and work on any changes you need to make. Trust that you are in the right place at the right time. ScorpioOct 23 – Nov 21Deal with circumstances as they are, even if you feel restricted . Be very careful during conversations with colleagues, as you could say something you should not.Life tip: Make time for your family and prioritize clear communication. Any underlying issues will not just magically go away.need to make. SagittariusNov 22 – Dec 21Work smart if you seem to have more to do than usual. Ask for help from your network if you need it, and be willing to learn from others.Life tip: Be the difference you want to make, and don’t allow yourself to get disappointed by negative people. You know what you are capable of. CapricornDec 22 – Jan 19Have clear communication if there is a challenging situation. Any restrictions can be worked through if you handle them correctly.Life Tip: It is right for you to be in your power as long as you use it correctly. Don’t be afraid to step up to new responsibilities. AquariusJan 20 – Feb 18Put in your best and be willing to change direction if needed. Be mindful about whom you trust with any personal information, even if it something positive.Life tip: Looking at the other person’s point of view will help you understand situations better and make appropriate choices and decisions. PiscesFeb 19 – March 21Handle any situation from the past with maturity, even if any other people involved react in a childish manner. Focus on what you need to do without getting distracted.Life tip: Use the innate talents you have, and don’t take them for granted. You are capable of much more than you think .
11 January,2026 02:51 AM IST | Mumbai | Aparna BoseA 45-year-old man was found dead at a Jain temple in Mumbai’s Sakinaka area on Friday, police said. The death is suspected to be a case of suicide. Mumbai Police sources told mid-day.com that the man had been residing in the Four Bungalows area of Andheri West. He was originally a resident of Nashik and was engaged in the garment business. The man is survived by his wife and two children, but was living separately from his spouse. No suicide note recovered so far, say Mumbai Police Police said the man was a frequent visitor to the Jain Mandir. On Friday morning, he came to the temple and went to the upper portion of the premises, which is currently under construction, where he is suspected to have ended his life. No suicide note has been recovered from the spot so far. Speaking to mid-day.com, Senior Police Inspector Sunil Yadav from Sakinaka Police Station said, “An ADR (Accidental Death Report) has been registered and further probe in the matter is underway.”
10 January,2026 10:57 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA 37-year-old man was killed on Saturday afternoon after coming under the rear wheel of a dumper truck near the Mulund Colony vegetable and fish market on Guru Gobind Singh Marg, off LBS Marg in Mumbai. The victim has been identified as Suresh Babu Rajput. According to the police, the incident appears to involve negligence by the dumper driver, identified as Brijesh Somnath Yadav (26), who is currently in custody. Local autorickshaw drivers suggested that Rajput may have jumped in front of the vehicle, indicating a possible suicide. However, police said the circumstances remain unclear. “If the victim had come directly in front of the dumper, he would have been hit by the front bumper, not the rear wheel. Bloodstains on the back wheel indicate possible negligence by the driver,” said a police officer. Police also stated that Rajput was allegedly under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident. Mulund dumper death: Accident spot narrow, highly congested, say locals Rajput, a resident of Khindipada in Bhandup, lived with his two brothers, Vijay (50) and Amit (35). Vijay, who works as a bodyguard, said he had met his brother in the morning before leaving for work and was informed of the accident around 1 pm. Rajput was rushed to Agarwal Hospital, where doctors declared him dead. His body was handed over to the family following a post-mortem examination. Following the accident, angry family members and locals reportedly pelted stones at dumpers in the area, damaging several windshields and prompting police to deploy personnel to control the situation. Locals said the spot where the accident occurred is a narrow, highly congested lane surrounded by a vegetable market, fish stalls, and shops. Heavy dumpers and trucks reportedly pass through the stretch frequently, posing risks to pedestrians.
10 January,2026 09:18 PM IST | Mumbai | Aishwarya IyerBharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator Mihir Kotecha has demanded the suspension of Navnath Ghadge, a deputy chief engineer of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC’s) Water Supply Projects (WSP) following the death of a Mulund resident who was hit by a dumper. The victim, identified as Suresh Rajput, became the latest casualty in a series of accidents involving dumpers in Mulund. Earlier incidents include a dumper overturning in the first week of December and the death of a girl in Amar Nagar, Mulund, four months ago after being hit by a dumper. "Today in Mulund, an unfortunate incident occurred for the third time. A dumper hit our resident Suresh Rajput, who died on the spot. More than the dumper driver, I hold Navnath Ghadge, deputy chief engineer of the BMC’s WSP, responsible for this death. He is a corrupt and arrogant officer. I have demanded his suspension from the municipal commissioner and the additional municipal commissioner," Kotecha said. The legislator added that he had previously raised the issue in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly through a calling attention motion, warning against the movement of overloaded dumpers through densely populated residential areas of Mulund. Dumpers continue to ply Mulund Colony despite alternative route, MLA says "There is an alternative route available, but instead of developing it, 300 to 400 dumpers pass through Mulund Colony every day, posing a serious risk to residents. The government had directed that dumper movement should not be allowed through this stretch and that work should begin only after an alternative road was developed," he said. Despite these directions, MLA Kotecha claimed, the movement of dumpers continues. "If anyone is responsible for these incidents, it is the deputy chief engineer concerned. I will not keep quiet until he is suspended," he added. Ghadge is yet to respond to the allegations made by the MLA.
10 January,2026 08:55 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarAhead of Uddhav and Raj Thackeray‘s joint rally at Shivaji Park in Dadar, Mumbai Police on Saturday issued a traffic advisory for motorists, saying that large crowds were expected at the Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS public rally for BMC Election 2026. Mumbai Traffic Police have announced major traffic restrictions in the Dadar area on Sunday, January 11, in view of the 'Jahir Sabha’ (public meeting) organised by the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). "The rally is part of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Election 2026 campaign," said an official. A large number of supporters are expected to arrive from different parts of Maharashtra, many in private vehicles and buses, the official said. The police have warned of heavy traffic congestion on nearby roads, including the western and eastern express highways. Traffic restriction timings The traffic regulations will be in force from: 10 am on January 11, 2026, until midnight No-parking zones in Dadar and around Shivaji Park. A notification issued by Mumbai Traffic Police said that the parking will be strictly prohibited on the following roads: - Swatantryaveer Savarkar Marg (Century Junction to Hari Om Junction) - Entire Keluskar Road (north and south) - MB Raut Marg - Pandurang Naik Marg (Shivaji Park Road No 5) - Dadasaheb Rege Marg - Dilip Gupte Marg (Shivaji Park Gate No 4 to Shitaladevi Road) - LJ Marg (Gadkari Junction to Shobha Hotel) - NC Kelkar Marg (Hanuman Temple Junction to Gadkari Junction) - TH Kataria Marg (Ganga Vihar Junction to Asawari Junction) - Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Marg (Maheshwari Circle to Kohinoor Junction) - Tilak Road (Kotwal Garden Circle to RA Kidwai Road) - Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan Road (Sealink Road to Bindu Madhav Thackeray Chowk) - Thadani Marg - Dr Annie Besant Road (Poddar Hospital Junction to Hardikar Junction) Roads closed and traffic diversions - Swatantryaveer Savarkar Marg (northbound) Closed from Siddhivinayak Temple Junction to Yes Bank Junction Alternate routes: SK Bole Road, Agar Bazaar, Portuguese Church Road, Gokhale Road - Swatantryaveer Savarkar Marg (Southbound)** Closed from Yes Bank Junction to Siddhivinayak Temple Junction Alternate routes: Pandurang Naik Road, LJ Road, Gokhale Road, NC Kelkar Road Instructions for rally participants Vehicles bringing participants must drop them at designated alighting points and then move to approved parking areas. From western and northern suburbs Drop-off near Mahim Railway Station Parking at- - Reti Bandar, Mahim - Senapati Bapat Road - Kohinoor Public Parking - India Bulls Finance Centre Parking - Kamgar Maidan - India Bull One Centre (light vehicles) From eastern suburbs (Thane and Navi Mumbai) - Drop-off near Dadar TT Circle Parking towards Five Gardens, Matunga and RAK 4 Roads. From South Mumbai - Vehicles will drop passengers near Five Gardens, Matunga or RAK 4 Roads - Parking will be arranged at designated locations near Dadar TT Circle and Worli Designated Parking Locations - Buses on Senapati Bapat Marg (Mahim Station to Tilak Bridge) - Buses at Reti Bandar, Mahim - Buses on Lady Jamshedji Road and Nathalal Parikh Road, Matunga -Buses on RAK 4 Road and Pandurang Budhkar Marg - Cars at Kamgar Stadium, Kohinoor Parking, India Bulls Finance Centre, Raheja Parking - Additional bus and car parking at Worli, Sasmira Road, and Sudam Kalu Ahire Road Public Advisory Mumbai Traffic Police have urged citizens to avoid the Shivaji Park and Dadar area during the event hours and to use public transport where possible. Motorists are requested to follow traffic police instructions to avoid inconvenience.
10 January,2026 05:12 PM IST | Mumbai | Asif RizviA joint manifesto of the NCP and NCP (SP) meant both factions have effectively come together, Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar said on Saturday, and referred to speculation about possible induction of NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule in the Central government, reported news agency PTI. ‘Reunion driven by power, not ideology,’ alleges Wadettiwar However, the “reunion” appeared to be driven by the lure of power rather than ideological convergence or concern for party workers, he alleged. Wadettiwar was reacting to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) working president Sule releasing a joint manifesto for the Pune civic polls at a press conference, signalling growing proximity between the two factions after their bitter split in July 2023. Background of NCP split and EC recognition Ajit Pawar had revolted against his uncle Sharad Pawar and walked out with loyalist MLAs to join the then Shiv Sena-led government. The group was later recognised as the real NCP by the Election Commission and was allotted the ‘clock’ poll symbol. The break-up was followed by the NCP and NCP (SP) fielding candidates against each other in the 2024 Lok Sabha and Maharashtra Assembly elections. Ideology or power is real question, says Congress leader Responding to speculation about reunification, the Congress Legislature Party leader said the real question was whether the move was for ideology, party workers, or merely power. Notably, the NCP and NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) have allied for the elections to the Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporations. ‘If manifestos are together, factions are together’ “If their manifestos have come together, then it can be said they have come together,” Wadettiwar said, reported PTI. According to him, the potential induction of NCP (SP) leaders Rohit Pawar in the Maharashtra cabinet and Baramati MP Sule in the Union government is being widely discussed. NCP (SP) part of Maha Vikas Aghadi The NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) is an ally of the Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress in the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi. “Traditionally, the NCP keeps changing its stand because it cannot survive without power. If it remains out of power, the party will collapse,” Wadettiwar alleged, reported PTI. Congress fighting to protect Constitution, says leader The Congress, on the other hand, is not fighting for power but for safeguarding the Constitution and democracy under Rahul Gandhi’s leadership, he said. On the political situation in the Ambernath municipal council involving allies Shiv Sena and BJP, Wadettiwar termed it a “sham fight”. ‘Allies quarrel briefly, reunite for power’ “They quarrel today, but will they walk out of power tomorrow? This is all temporary. Later, they will come together again to enjoy the fruits of power,” he said, reported PTI. After the December 20 local body polls, the local unit of the BJP joined hands with its arch-rival Congress under the banner of ‘Ambernath Vikas Aghadi’ (AVA) to gain power in the municipal council, sidelining ally Shiv Sena. Congress suspends councillors after backlash Left red-faced after the unforeseen tie-up, the Congress on Wednesday suspended its 12 councillors and a block president. On Friday, the Shiv Sena and the NCP headed by Ajit Pawar, along with one independent member, formed a group to stake claim to rule the Ambernath local body by keeping the BJP away from power. Shinde, Ajit Pawar accused of dividing voters Wadettiwar alleged that Deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar were being used to divide Marathi votes and progressive voters, respectively. “This is aimed at weakening the Thackeray faction and the Congress. Alliances during elections are temporary, but power-sharing happens later,” he claimed, reported PTI. ‘Save BJP from rebels’ jibe Mocking the BJP amid reports of police being asked to warn rebels, Wadettiwar said, “‘Save the BJP from rebels’ should be the new slogan in Maharashtra.” “If the police are being asked to issue warnings to BJP rebels, it reflects the BJP’s declining authority. The BJP has lost so much credibility that it has to seek police help to control its own rebels,” he added, reported PTI. (With inputs from PTI)
10 January,2026 02:51 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe BJP's ideology teaches its followers to work for everyone irrespective of caste and creed, and it is not against Muslims, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has said, reported news agency PTI. Full majority will fulfil people’s aspirations, says minister The people's hopes and dreams will be fulfilled if the BJP–Shiv Sena alliance wins the January 15 election to the Nagpur Municipal Corporation with a full majority, and he will himself guarantee the candidates' performance, Gadkari said while campaigning in the city on Friday. Senior BJP leader campaigns across Nagpur The senior BJP leader, who held three public meetings, sought to dispel misconceptions about his party. ‘Not against Muslims, but against terrorism,’ says Gadkari “We are not against Muslims, but we are against terrorists and Pakistan. The Muslims who commit sacrifices for this country are as dear to us as are the Hindus. One may go to a mosque, gurdwara, or Buddh vihar. But we say that our blood is the same, we are Bharatiya, and we work for all,” the Union minister added, reported PTI. Assurance of governance and development “All your hopes, desires, and dreams will be fulfilled if the BJP–Shiv Sena alliance is elected with a full majority,” he said. ‘I will be guarantor for BJP candidates’ “I will be a guarantor on behalf of the BJP candidates,” Gadkari said, while listing infrastructure projects carried out by him and the Maharashtra government, reported PTI. Addressing a meeting in North Nagpur, he said some opposition leaders were spreading misinformation that violence would occur if the BJP came to power. BJP ideology based on inclusive governance But the BJP's ideology teaches its workers to work for everyone without any bias, the Nagpur MP said. Represents all citizens, not just voters He said he is a staunch BJP worker and believes in its ideology, but as an elected representative, he works for those who voted for him as well as those who did not, irrespective of caste, religion, or language, reported PTI. Gadkari dismisses claims of constitutional change He also sought to debunk “misinformation” that the saffron party wanted to change the Constitution, saying it was the Congress that tried to amend the Constitution 80 times. (With inputs from PTI)
10 January,2026 02:16 PM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
