A day after Raj Thackeray alleged that leading figures from various sectors attended an RSS event out of fear of the Modi government, former Maharashtra governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari on Wednesday said the MNS chief himself was “too scared” of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Several Bollywood celebrities, including Salman Khan, Ranbir Kapoor and Karan Johar, along with serving IAS officers, were present at the interactive session with RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat over the weekend. "I do not think they came out of fear. Raj Thackeray is too scared of Modi," Koshyari told PTI in Nashik when asked about Thackeray's comment. "Like Lord Ram, all citizens are the same to Modi. I respect Raj; he is like a younger brother. He shouldn't be scared of Modi but should instead go closer to him. He should be scared of wrongdoing. You are in the land of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj," the veteran BJP leader said. During the event in Mumbai, Bhagwat, responding to a question on the language row, said the "localised disease" should not spread. Reacting to this, Thackeray said that if Bhagwat felt that love for one's language and state was a disease, then a majority of the states suffered from it, but he does not give "sermons" to other states. Raj Thackeray slams RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat over language remarks Raj Thackeray on Tuesday strongly criticised Mohan Bhagwat over his remarks on language-related protests. The MNS chief asserted that linguistic and regional identities are a legitimate and enduring reality in India. While taking it to social media platform X, Raj Thackeray referred to Bhagwat's statement made at an event in Mumbai on February 8, where the RSS chief reportedly said that being adamant about language and protesting for it is a "disease". ८ फेब्रुवारी २०२६ रोजी मुंबईतल्या एका कार्यक्रमात सरसंघचालक श्री. मोहन भागवत यांनी, भाषेबद्दल आग्रही राहणे, त्यासाठी वेळेस आंदोलन करणे हा एक आजार आहे अशा आशयाचं विधान केलं. या कार्यक्रमाला विविध क्षेत्रातील मान्यवरांना बोलावण्यात आले होते, त्यातले काही हजर देखील होते ! परंतु… — Raj Thackeray (@RajThackeray) February 10, 2026 Questioning the RSS chief’s remarks, Thackeray said love for one's language and region cannot be dismissed in such a manner. While posting on social media platform X, Raj Thackeray wrote, "Various dignitaries from different fields had been invited to this event, and some of them were actually present too! But I want to tell Mohanrao Bhagwat one thing: those people hadn't come out of love for you, but because of the governmental fear of Narendra Modi! Otherwise, why has no one ever shown up for such rambling sermons until now?” Thackeray also added, “So first, come out of the misconception that those folks had come for you! Anyway... at the root of it, the history of why linguistic state reorganisation had to happen in this country – we assume Bhagwat must certainly know about that!" Citing strong linguistic identities across states, Raj also added, "If love for language and love for one's region feel like a disease, then that disease exists in the majority of states in this country." MNS chief further alleged that resentment builds when migrants from other states reject local culture and language, adding that such tensions cannot be brushed aside as a "disease". Thackeray also questioned why similar lessons on harmony were not delivered in states that have witnessed linguistic or regional unrest in the past. (With PTI inputs)
11 February,2026 07:05 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) on Wednesday said that it has launched TISS Global, a new international forum aimed at sharing India’s development journey with the world, an official statement said. It said that the initiative was unveiled as part of TISS’s 90th anniversary celebrations. TISS Global is designed to bring together scholars, practitioners, policymakers, civil society leaders, and students from across the world. It seeks to create a platform for dialogue, collaborative learning and shared knowledge on India’s social, economic and political progress, the statement said. The forum was launched by Prof. Badri Narayan Tiwari, Vice-Chancellor of TISS, in the presence of Prof. Michael Pippenger, Vice President of the University of Notre Dame, Indiana, USA. Prof. Tiwari said that as India becomes a major global actor, it is important to reflect on its development paths and share its experiences for mutual learning. Prof. Pippenger emphasised the value of partnerships between educational institutions to address global challenges together. TISS Global will highlight India’s rapid economic growth and vibrant democracy as valuable perspectives in global discussions. The platform will focus on grassroots experiences, especially from the Global South and the Indian subcontinent, and will explore topics such as governance, sustainability, social transformation and innovation. It aims to show how India’s development model, social movements and policy innovations can offer useful lessons to other regions facing similar challenges. Series of events during the 90th year Throughout its 90th year, TISS Global will host a series of events that explore the social, cultural and political aspects of India’s development. The forum will connect local knowledge with global frameworks and demonstrate how community-driven approaches can support fair and sustainable development worldwide. The initiative aims to create new pathways in global social science research by linking research, policy and practice. It will encourage comparative studies, ethical collaborations and participatory engagement that crosses national boundaries. The forum also seeks to bring Indian perspectives into global knowledge systems and support research rooted in local realities. Cultural exchange and wider engagement Along with academic discussions, TISS Global will also offer opportunities to experience Indian culture and cuisine, providing deeper context to India’s development story and its growing global influence. Acknowledging the Team Behind the Initiative The launch event also included remarks by Prof. Madhushree Sekher, Chairperson, Office for International Affairs, Prof. Sunil Santha, Dean, Academic Affairs, Prof. Bipin Jojo, Dean, School of Social Work, Dr. Narendra Mishra, Registrar, TISS. The institute said the launch reaffirms TISS’s commitment to advancing social science education, research and community engagement.
11 February,2026 06:55 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra will host a major global summit on Artificial Intelligence in agriculture later this month, as part of its ambitious plan to build a data-driven, technology-enabled farming ecosystem. The “Global Conference on Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture and Investment Summit (AI for Agri 2026)” will be held on February 22 and 23 at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharane announced on Wednesday. Addressing a press conference at Mantralaya, Bharane said the summit aims to ensure that farmers in Maharashtra gain access to global AI-driven technologies and innovative agricultural practices under the Maharashtra Agriculture–Artificial Intelligence Policy 2025–2029. Additional Chief Secretary (Agriculture) Vikas Chandra Rastogi and Agriculture Commissioner Suraj Mandhare were also present. Rs 500 crore approved for AI Agriculture Policy The state government has approved Rs 500 crore in the first phase to implement the AI-focused agriculture policy, which seeks to create a robust digital ecosystem in farming and allied sectors. Key digital platforms under development include: MahaAgriX (Maharashtra Agriculture Data Exchange) AI-enabled traceability systems AI-based geospatial intelligence engine Farmer-centric advisory platform MahaVistar An institutional centre for Artificial Intelligence and Agritech Innovation has also been established to drive implementation. Bharane described AI for Agri 2026 as a “significant milestone” in Maharashtra’s agricultural development journey. The policy, he said, was shaped under the guidance of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, drawing inspiration from the late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s emphasis on modernising agriculture. Global Participation and Investment Focus The two-day summit will bring together policymakers, scientists, startups, investors, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), financial institutions, and representatives from farming communities. Global and national partners include the World Economic Forum (WEF), FAO, UNDP, IFAD, World Bank Group, Asian Development Bank (ADB), ICRISAT, IISc, and M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF). Prominent speakers are expected to include: Nandan Nilekani, Co-founder of Infosys and Founding Chairman of UIDAI Dr Soumya Swaminathan, Chairperson of MSSRF J. Satyanarayana, Chief Advisor, C4IR India, World Economic Forum Focus on Women Farmers and Inclusive AI With the United Nations declaring 2026 as the International Year of Women Farmers, special sessions will focus on empowering women farmers through inclusive AI systems, leadership, and equitable access to technology. Panel discussions will cover themes such as: Advanced AI and emerging technologies in agriculture Digital public infrastructure for Agri-AI Responsible AI and global governance Investment and scalable innovation in agritech Global research collaboration Exhibition, MoUs and CEO Roundtable The summit will feature a two-day innovation exhibition with 30 leading agritech startups.
11 February,2026 06:42 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Mumbai Coastal Road on Wednesday officially got an addition of India's first-ever ‘Melody Road’ that was inaugurated by Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis and in presence of deputy CM Eknath Shinde. Mumbai is reportedly only the fifth city in the world where this technology has been deployed so far. The project was inaugurated on February 11, 2026 by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Member of Parliament Rahul Shewale. Following the inauguration, CM Fadnavis, Shinde and others travelled along the stretch to experience the musical road themselves. As vehicles pass over the specially designed 500-metre stretch at a set speed, the road plays the tune of ‘Jai Ho’, the popular song from the film Slumdog Millionaire. Officials said, "This is the first musical road not only in Mumbai but also in the entire country. The initiative is seen as another innovative addition to the city’s infrastructure." When vehicles travel over these grooves at a speed of around 70 to 80 km/h, the tune of ‘Jai Ho’ from the film Slumdog Millionaire becomes audible inside the vehicle. The sound is produced by the friction between the tyres and the textured road surface. To alert approaching drivers, signboards have been placed inside the tunnel at intervals of 500 metres, 100 metres and 60 metres before the musical stretch. The rumble strips The musical road has been developed using technology from Hungary. Here's all about the 500-metre musical stretch India’s first-ever ‘Melody Road’ on the Coastal Road, officially known as the Dharmaveer Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Marg. The officials said that the grooves, commonly referred to as rumble strips, have been installed at carefully measured and fixed intervals. The musical effect is created by the friction between the tyres and the road surface as vehicles pass over them. To give motorists advance warning, signboards have been placed inside the tunnel at distances of 500 metres, 100 metres and 60 metres before the stretch. Highly innovative After the inauguration, Maharashtra CM Fadnavis said, "After seeing the response from the motorists, further more such innovations will be added." Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde who was present during the unveiling of the newly introduced concept said, "The concept is highly innovative and is expected to inspire a sense of patriotism among citizens. He described the experience of hearing the tune while driving as unique and enjoyable." He added that the project currently covers around 500 metres but may be extended further in the future. Shinde congratulated the Hungarian Consul General present at the event for supporting the initiative. He also thanked MP Rahul Shewale for proposing the idea of introducing a melody road in Mumbai. The state government expressed confidence that similar creative projects would continue to be introduced for the benefit and enjoyment of citizens.
11 February,2026 05:36 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Maharashtra Legislative Council's privileges committee has summoned stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sushma Andhare for a hearing over their alleged insulting remarks against Deputy Chief Minister (CM) Eknath Shinde, news agency PTI reported. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Legislative Council (MLC) Prasad Lad, who is the chairperson of the privileges committee, while speaking to the media on Wednesday, said that the notice was issued to Kamra and Andhare 15 days ago. Lad added that Kamra and Andhare have been asked to appear before the committee for a hearing at 2 pm on Thursday, PTI reported. "If they fail to turn up after two summons, the committee will decide on action against them," the BJP MLC emphasised. In March 2025, Kamra posted his video 'Naya Bharat', in which he sang a parody of 'Bholi Si Surat', a popular song from the Bollywood movie 'Dil To Pagal Hai'. In the parody song, he allegedly targeted the Maharashtra Deputy CM, leading to multiple first information reports (FIRs) against him. Breach of privilege notice moved against Kunal Kamra A breach of privilege motion was moved by BJP MLC Pravin Darekar over "derogatory remarks" against Shinde, whose party is a constituent of the BJP-led Mahayuti. The stand-up comedian, who has often courted controversy for his anti-establishment views, targeted Shinde in a song parody last year, indirectly referring to him as a traitor without naming him. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Andhare had allegedly supported Kamra over his remark on the deputy CM. Kunal Kamra on his return as comedian Although Kunal Kamra has continued engaging audiences through podcasts on his channel, he has not returned to live stand-up performances since the incident. He mentioned this in a statement shared on Instagram in December 2025. Kamra addressed questions about the future of his stand-up career in the post. He requested people not to ask about his return to the stage, saying he himself does not know when that will happen. He also highlighted the exhausting legal process involved before performing a stand-up act. “It’s a question I ask myself. The answer is, I don’t think I’m ready to fight for this anymore. Every venue, every show, permissions from authorities, conditional declarations of what I can say and what I can’t, and the court cases that follow the jokes eventually. There’s no road for wanting to do stand-up in the true sense. There are two options: say what is allowed and adjust to invisible rules and non-existent laws, or just wait and enjoy the waiting,” Kamra wrote in an Instagram story. (With inputs from PTI)
11 February,2026 04:52 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated India's first 'musical road' as part of the Mumbai Coastal Road on the northbound stretch from Marine Drive to Worli on Wednesday morning. As part of the project, motorists will be able to hear musical notes after exiting the northbound tunnel, as special rumble strips or grooves have been laid along the lane next to the median over a 500-metre stretch. When vehicles pass over the grooves at a speed of around 70–80 kmph, ‘Jai Ho’ from the film Slumdog Millionaire can be heard inside the vehicle due to the friction between the tyres and the road. Fadnavis also took a drive on the coastal road as part of the inauguration. Speaking on the occasion, he said the concept was first implemented in Hungary. “This is the first time such a road has been built in India using Hungarian technology.” Signboards have been installed inside the tunnel at distances of 500 metres, 100 metres, and 60 metres to alert motorists approaching the grooves.
11 February,2026 04:49 PM IST | Mumbai | Eshanpriya MSMaharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday said that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is conducting a critical probe into the plane crash that claimed Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s life, and urged that no conclusions be drawn until the investigation is complete. He also confirmed that the aircraft's black box has been recovered and that investigations are underway on multiple fronts. Pawar and four others were killed when the Learjet aircraft crashed near the Baramati airstrip in Pune district on January 28. Describing the DGCA inquiry into the incident as "very important," Fadnavis stressed the need to wait for its findings. The CM was speaking to reporters in response to questions about Ajit Pawar's nephew and MLA Rohit Pawar's claims and concerns regarding the plane crash. Rohit Pawar on Tuesday had raised several questions regarding the sequence of events leading up to the crash. He alleged that there was reason to suspect sabotage in the tragic incident that killed his uncle, and demanded a comprehensive probe by multiple expert agencies. Fadnavis said, "I have not personally seen what Rohit Pawar said. I am somewhat aware of it. I believe that if anyone has any doubts, they should be addressed. From this perspective, the investigative agencies available under Indian law have already begun the kind of investigation expected in such cases." The chief minister added that he was the first to write to the Union aviation ministry seeking a detailed probe into the accident that claimed the lives of Pawar, the pilot, the co-pilot, and two others. "If we can learn from the errors or shortcomings in our civil aviation sector, we can fix them and make it safer for civilians and leaders as well," he said. NCP MLA Rohit Pawar questions official cause, says Ajit Pawar’s plane crash not due to visibility Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) MLA Rohit Pawar on Wednesday expressed renewed doubts about the circumstances of his uncle Ajit Pawar's plane crash, suggesting the possibility of a conspiracy. According to the news agency ANI, while speaking at a press conference, he questioned the role of the aviation company. Citing statements from Manoj Pawar, the handler of Arrow company, the NCP (SP) leader indicated that poor visibility in Baramati may not have caused the crash. "Ajit Pawar was a prominent political leader in Maharashtra. People have doubts about his plane crash. We have compiled some information over the last 13 days based on our sources. We are emotional about this matter. The most important point here is that Manoj Pawar is the handler of the Arrow company," Rohit Pawar said, reported ANI. (With PTI and ANI)
11 February,2026 04:48 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA fire broke out on a moving Thane Municipal Transport (TMT) bus on Wednesday afternoon, civic officials said, adding that the passengers on board the bus were evacuated and no injuries were reported in the incident. According to the Regional Disaster Management Cell (RDMC) of Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC), the incident was reported at around 1:06 pm. The information regarding the blaze was received from the Rabodi Traffic Police Office, officials said. The fire took place near the Rabodi Traffic Police post, opposite the new Kalwa bridge on Saket Road in Rabodi, Thane (West), they said. The bus was travelling from CIDCO Bus Depot towards Kalher via Saket Road when its silencer overheated, leading to a minor fire. "At the time of the incident the driver and conductor of the bus were present in the vehicle along with around 20-25 passengers on board at the time of the incident," an official said. Passengers evacuated With the help of traffic police officers, the driver and the conductor, all passengers were safely evacuated from the bus. No one was injured in the incident. Personnel from the Disaster Management Cell arrived at the scene with one pick-up vehicle. Fire brigade teams also reached the spot with one jeep and one fire engine. The fire was completely extinguished with the joint efforts of the bus staff, disaster management officials and fire brigade personnel. Authorities said the situation was later brought fully under control. Fire breaks out at printing shop in Jai Bhavani Nagar Meanwhile, In an another incident, a fire broke out at a printing shop in Thane West during the early hours of Wednesday. The incident prompted a swift response from the fire brigade and disaster management teams. As per the officials, no injuries were reported in the incident. According to information received by the Thane Municipal Corporation’s Disaster Management Cell at around 12:41 am on February 11, 2026, a laser machine caught fire at Happy Prints, located near Jari Mari Ai Mandir in Jai Bhavani Nagar, Thane (West). The incident was reported to authorities by Nanda Patil. Whereas, the printing shop is owned by Arvind Halwai. As soon as the authorities received the information about the fire, personnel from the Gokulnagar Police Station, the Disaster Management Cell with one pickup vehicle, and the Fire Department with one fire engine and one rescue vehicle rushed to the spot. Fire brigade officials managed to completely extinguish the fire at around 12:50 am. The exact cause of the fire was yet to be ascertained.
11 February,2026 04:37 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentFor many travelling to the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), the most turbulent part of the journey is not the flight but getting to the terminal. Across the region’s key transit points, commuters are complaining of steep and erratic fares charged by app-based cab aggregators, prompting a shift towards local autos, shared taxis and low-cost platforms. A visit across Vashi, Nerul, CBD Belapur, Khandeshwar, and Ulwe found widespread frustration among airport-bound passengers over surge pricing by Uber and Ola, even during normal traffic hours. Screenshots accessed by mid-day show that a 16-18 km ride to NMIA is being priced anywhere between R400 and R800, depending on the app, vehicle, location, and time of booking. Sachin Dahake, a Vashi resident, said, “After seeing the price of Uber from Sector-17 to NMIA, I cancelled the cab bookings and negotiated directly with auto drivers. The fare keeps changing every time you refresh. Prices for an Uber ride from Andheri West and Mulund West to NMIA on Tuesday evening There’s no rain, no jam, but the price suddenly jumps.” Kamothe resident Nirmala Arote experienced what many commuters now describe as a routine shock. She said, “While my local autowallahs agree to the drop at Rs 300, Uber was charging Rs 800,” labelling the “exponentially high” Friday fares as unacceptable. The incident underscores a growing trend where passengers are abandoning traditional cab aggregators in favour of local transport and low-cost alternatives like Rapido, which continue to undercut surge-heavy platforms by nearly Rs 350 per trip. Uber fare last week was way higher than expected. It’s a 17km ride lasting barely 20 minutes, which normally wouldn’t cost more than Rs 400 on a heavy traffic day.” Similar complaints surfaced at Nerul and CBD Belapur. Ola fares from Vashi to NMIA ranged between R427 and R537, while Prime SUV options touched R685 for the same distance. From Khandeshwar railway station — a major feeder point for airport traffic — fares climbed to R625, despite similar travel time and traffic conditions. At Ulwe, one of the closest residential pockets to the airport, proximity offered little relief. From housing societies such as Tejas Narmada Apartments, Uber Auto fares fluctuated between Rs 130 and Rs 180 within minutes, while those of Uber Go rose close to Rs 300. In contrast, Rapido bike taxis were available for under R100, and auto rides were nearly Rs 150 to Rs 200 cheaper than Uber and Ola. The problem becomes starker for longer airport drops. International motor racer Rustom Patel, a resident of Byculla, said he was stunned by the fares quoted while returning from NMIA. “A private travel operator asked for Rs 3200 to ferry me from NMIA to Byculla, while Ola and Uber’s prices were around R2200 in the afternoon. That’s not surge pricing — that’s daylight robbery,” Patel said. The site of the recently inaugurated Navi Mumbai International Airport. FILE PIC/ATUL KAMBLE “People are abandoning these apps,” said a Belapur-based consultant who travels weekly. “When Rapido undercuts Ola and Uber by R350 per trip, the decision is obvious.” A transport analyst stated that affordable and predictable ground transport is crucial for an airport’s success, saying, “If passengers associate NMIA with expensive and unreliable connectivity, it could affect public confidence.” Drivers speak A cab driver at Belapur railway station said, “Airport trips mean long waiting times and often no return passengers. Many drivers reject airport rides, so the app automatically increases the fare.” Another driver blamed demand clustering. “When flights arrive or depart around the same time, demand spikes instantly. The algorithm reacts even if traffic is normal,” he said. Long road back home On January 13, this reporter and others landed at NMIA from Bengaluru at 6 pm. With no mobile network available, we had to depend on the unreliable airport Wi-Fi, though staff were present to assist. Charges for travelling to Vile Parle via app-based cabs were as high as R2000 to R2500. On exiting the airport, an auto driver offered to drop the writer to Khandeshwar railway station, where she could take a train terminating at Goregaon and get off at Vile Parle, for R200. Travelling by train involved a 17-minute auto ride to the station, and a 40-minute wait at the station for the delayed train. Price comparison These were the rates mentioned on cab aggregator apps when mid-day booked rides to and from the NMIA between 6 pm and 8 pm Input by Phorum Pandya
11 February,2026 03:53 PM IST | Mumbai | Amarjeet SinghMaharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday said a crucial probe by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is underway into the plane crash that killed Deputy CM Ajit Pawar. The Maharashtra Chief Minister further urged that conclusions be drawn only after the investigation ends. Fadnavis further said that the aircraft's black box had already been recovered and that investigations on all fronts had commenced, as reported by news agency PTI. Deputy CM Ajit Pawar and four others were killed when the Learjet aircraft crashed near the Baramati airstrip in Pune district on January 28. Describing the DGCA inquiry into the incident as "very important", Fadnavis stressed the need to wait for its findings. The CM while responding to the question about Ajit Pawar's nephew and MLA Rohit Pawar's claims and concerns regarding the plane crash. Rohit Pawar raises question over plane crash investigation Earlier on Tuesday, Rohit Pawar raised several questions regarding the sequence of events leading up to the plane crash. Rohit alleged that there was a reason to suspect sabotage in the tragic incident that killed his uncle Ajit Pawar, and demanded a comprehensive probe by multiple expert agencies, as reported by PTI. Ajit Pawar’s nephew, Rohit who is also an MLA claimed that like many citizens, he, too, suspected the possibility of foul play. “I am not doubting the CID’s intentions, but in such cases, they are not competent enough, as officials are not even allowed full access to airport premises,” Rohit said. He alleged that the CID was only collecting CCTV footage and that the probe had not progressed. “This investigation needs to be expedited, or there is scope for manipulation of evidence,” he warned, urging that expert agencies be roped in immediately. The Chief Minister in reply said, "I have not personally seen what Rohit Pawar said. I am somewhat aware of it. I believe that if anyone has any doubts, they should be addressed. From this perspective, the investigative agencies available under Indian law have already begun the kind of investigation expected in such cases." Fadnavis also said that he was the first to write to the Union aviation ministry seeking a detailed probe into the accident that claimed the lives of Pawar, the pilot, the co-pilot and two others. Rohit Pawar emphasised, "If we can learn from the errors or shortcomings in our civil aviation sector, we can fix them and make it safer for civilians and leaders as well," as cited by PTI. (With inputs from PTI)
11 February,2026 03:53 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSixty-five corporators of Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) staged a dramatic walkout from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC's) first general body meeting (House) on Wednesday afternoon, tearing up the speech of Deputy Mayor Sanjay Ghadi and flinging the pieces of paper in the air. The corporators walked out right after the Mumbai’s new mayor, Ritu Tawde, finished her address before the House, and Ghadi was about to begin his speech. Earlier in the day, Shiv Sena (UBT) corporators were miffed as the senior-most member of the house, Shraddha Jadhav, who is a seven time corporator from Shiv Sena (UBT), was not given the chance to preside over the first session, as is the tradition in BMC. The House was instead presided over by Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, who as per protocol, also announced the names of the city’s new mayor and deputy mayor. Shiv Sena (UBT) Corporator and former Mumbai Mayor Kishori Pednekar raised a point of objection in the House over the issue and said, "It is BMC's tradition that the senior most corporator presides over the first session to elect the mayor of Mumbai, and then the floor is handed over to the mayor, regardless of the political party they belong to. We want to know why was this tradition not followed. This raises doubts over how we will all work for the benefit of Mumbai together." Pednekar also questioned the "haste" with which a government circular was issued on January 23, 2026, by the urban development department against a government notification of January 22, appointing Gagrani as the presiding officer for the mayor and deputy mayor’s election. In response, referring to the government notification and the circular, Gagrani dismissed the point of objection in capacity of his position as presiding officer. Mumbai Mayor Election 2026: Ritu Tawde says opposition walkout compromised House’s dignity The opposition was also miffed as Tawde did not pay homage to or mention Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray in her speech. Tawde paid homage to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, and mentioned 11 other leaders in the opening address. Meanwhile, addressing the issue of the opposition staging a walkout, Tawde said, "We all saw today how the opposition tore papers and flung them in the air, littering the House. The House's dignity was compromised. They [opposition] are left with no issues on Mumbai’s development because they did not do the work during their tenure. So only this can be expected now." "As the mayor of Mumbai, my aim is to ensure that I preside over the House in a neutral way, without causing and tolerating with commotion, respecting the opposition and taking their views into consideration as well," she added.
11 February,2026 03:52 PM IST | Mumbai | Eeshanpriya MSADVERTISEMENT
