A Malad East-based gas agency owner was allegedly extorted of nearly Rs 99 lakh over more than a year by a gang that impersonated senior Mumbai Police officers, police said. The Dindoshi police station has arrested a 39-year-old accused, who is part of the gang, and is investigating the full extent of the racket. According to the police, the case began in September 2024 when the complainant was approached by a man identified as Pravin Khedekar, who had been collecting subscriptions for a Ganpati festival group known to the victim. The man sought financial help, citing personal difficulties, and the complainant initially transferred small amounts via Google Pay and PhonePe. How scam began Police said the request for help was part of a larger plan. Soon after the transfers, the complainant began receiving threatening calls from unknown numbers, with callers posing as senior officers of the Mumbai Police. The callers falsely claimed that Khedekar had committed a murder using the money given to him and alleged that the complainant had funded the crime. Police said the gang maintained constant pressure on the victim for over a year. Representation pic/istock The impostors threatened the victim with arrest, fake police encounters, and harm to his family, and demanded money to “settle” the case. Fearing serious consequences, the complainant initially paid Rs 50,000 in cash, followed by Rs 2 lakh. The cash was handed over at a BMC garden in Dahanjewadi, Malad East, to an elderly man, who police say was also part of the gang and acted as a courier. Long game Police said the gang maintained constant pressure on the victim for over a year, repeatedly calling him from different mobile numbers and impersonating various police officers. At different stages, the accused allegedly posed under multiple identities, including that of a fake officer named Avinash Shinde, to keep the victim intimidated and confused. The extortion amounts steadily escalated, with money collected both in cash and through multiple UPI IDs. At one point, the gang allegedly collected Rs 7 lakh in cash from the complainant’s father as well. Investigations revealed that between September 2024 and December 14, 2025, the victim paid a total of Rs 99.16 lakh, including Rs 80 lakh in cash and Rs 19.16 lakh through online transfers. The complainant told police that he was forced to take loans worth Rs 95 lakh from financial institutions, mortgaging his gas agency to meet the repeated demands. Terrible fear Unable to bear the pressure and fresh threats demanding another Rs 20 lakh, the complainant left his home on December 15, 2025, fearing for his life. His wife subsequently lodged a missing person’s complaint at the Dindoshi police station. Police traced the complainant to Palghar last week and brought him back for questioning. During the inquiry, the full extent of the extortion racket came to light. One accused held Based on the complainant’s detailed statement, the Dindoshi police registered an extortion case against members of the gang for impersonating senior police officials. A 39-year-old accused, identified as Pravin Prakash Kate, has been arrested. Police said the arrested accused, Pravin Khedekar, and the elderly courier were all part of the gang, though their individual roles in the extortion racket are still being ascertained. Further investigation is underway to identify other gang members, trace the money trail and recover the extorted amount, police said.
23 December,2025 08:13 AM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanThe Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is set to begin commercial operations on December 25, offering a major connectivity boost to the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. While the airport is planned as a multi-modal hub with future rail, Metro, road and waterway links, only limited transport options will be available to the public in the initial phase. At present, access to the airport will be primarily through roads, suburban rail and buses. Road connectivity Passengers travelling from Mumbai to NMIA currently have two main road options: the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, also known as Atal Setu, and the Vashi Bridge. While both routes attract toll charges, Atal Setu is more expensive than the Vashi Bridge. However, both are expected to be preferred by flyers, particularly those travelling to the airport occasionally. Officials indicated that toll charges may be revised once airport operations scale up. Streetlights yet to be installed on the approach road leading to the Navi Mumbai International Airport The distance between the Vashi Bridge and NMIA is approximately 16 km and can take around 24 minutes during low traffic conditions. The distance between Atal Setu and NMIA is about 13 km and can take roughly 17 minutes with minimal traffic. Rail connectivity Until early December, CBD Belapur was the closest railway station to NMIA. With the recent opening of Targhar railway station, it has now become the nearest rail access point, located around 10 to 15 minutes away from the airport using last-mile transport. However, train frequency at Targhar remains limited. At present, only around 12 trains operate daily between Targhar and Nerul, with gaps of nearly an hour. Services towards Belapur are also limited, with 13 trains running daily at intervals of over 30 minutes. Trains on the Targhar to Uran route are relatively more frequent, with about 25 services daily. During peak morning and evening hours, trains run every 30 minutes, while afternoon services are spaced an hour apart. Commuters planning to use the railway option will need to plan carefully, as train schedules for Targhar are not yet visible on popular apps such as M-Indicator, which many daily commuters rely on. An unlit stretch of the airport approach road. Pics/Madhulika Ram Kavattur While passenger footfall from flyers is currently low, railway officials expect increased usage from airport staff. A CIDCO official stationed at Targhar railway station said that most commuters currently using the station are employees working at the airport site. “During morning hours and around 5 pm, we see more than 200 people at the station. At other times, it is relatively quiet,” the official said. Ticketing staff at the station said train frequency is likely to improve once passenger numbers increase after December 25. “Once railway authorities see higher demand, the frequency will be increased. This will become a viable daily transport option for locals who may not want to rely on autos or cabs,” a staff member said. Auto driver Anil Sonawane said passengers currently avoid Targhar due to long waiting times. “People only come if their timing matches the train. Otherwise, they have to wait nearly an hour, which discourages them,” he said. Cab, auto, and bus stands Signage for taxi, auto-rickshaw and bus stands has been installed along the airport’s approach roads. However, local drivers said they are still unclear about the exact locations of these stands inside the airport premises. “We will only know on December 25. Till then, we will be going in blind,” Sonawne said. “We understand that access is restricted before operations begin, but we are hopeful that passenger movement will increase from day one.” The Navi Mumbai Municipal Transport (NMMT) is in advanced discussions with airport authorities to roll out electric buses. An official said the initial plan is to deploy around 50 electric buses to cater to passengers and airport staff travelling from Navi Mumbai and adjoining areas. “This is just the beginning. As passenger footfall at NMIA increases, additional buses will be inducted in a phased manner,” an official said. Sources further said that after January 26, NMMT will closely monitor ridership trends and deploy more electric buses accordingly to service the airport. The move is aimed at positioning public transport as the primary mode of access to NMIA from the outset. Officials added that the initiative also supports sustainability goals and seeks to reduce dependence on private vehicles as airport operations scale up. Streetlights still missing As reported earlier by mid-day, streetlights along the airport’s approach roads are yet to be installed. Local vendors say the absence of lighting is a safety concern.
23 December,2025 07:52 AM IST | Mumbai | Madhulika Ram KavatturPreparations for the highly anticipated Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) election have had an unintended impact on staff and students at Wilson College, which overlooks Girgaon Chowpatty. Seven spaces on the college’s ground floor, including the assembly hall, lecture, audio-visual, and common rooms, have been put to use for election duty, taking a toll on academic and extracurricular activities. Three of these spaces, as per college officials, have been utilised since February 2024. “Officials first started using them ahead of the Assembly election and have continued to utilise them nearly two years on,” stated Dr Jamson Masih, principal-in-charge. The other four spaces have been used for poll duty since mid-December. Election officials set up tables in front of the entrance to the college Meanwhile, college officials expressed concerns about conducting board examinations and unit tests, implementing the National Education Policy, and organising cultural activities, such as the annual college fest, held annually in January. The college has been corresponding with multiple officials from the election office, but has received no clarity thus far. The civic election will be held on January 15, and counting of votes will take place the following day. “The Std XI exams will be conducted for 950 students on January 17. We will be accommodating 800 students for the HSC board examinations from February 10. Students with disabilities who may appear for board exams this year need to be accommodated on the ground floor, which is why we hope that the officials will be prompt in vacating the campus after counting day,” Dr Masih told this newspaper. Dr Jamson Masih, principal-in-charge, Wilson College Wilson College, founded in 1832, is a Grade-II B heritage building that accommodates nearly 5000 students across junior and senior colleges. Given its heritage statues, the scope for renovating the campus is limited. All indoor sports and activities related to BVoc subjects, such as theatre and crafts, and the National Service Scheme, among other things, are to be conducted on the existing campus grounds. “With the increased footfall, our students have to share their common spaces, such as canteens, washrooms, common rooms, and college gates. While election work is crucial, this cannot be the status quo for an educational body,” said Masih. Authority speaks Balasaheb Wakchaure, returning officer, municipal wards C&D, and electoral registration officer, ward 185, Malabar Hill constituency, said, “These allocations are done by ward officers. The work done by all officials here is vital to the governmental bodies and is not a private task. We work with the intention to keep student wellness intact, while making the most out of the space we have been allotted. We have separated the college gates for the entrance of vehicles. As for BMC election spaces, we vacate them shortly after counting day. In fact, once our original office at the Grant Medical College Gymkhana is restored, we will be happy to move out altogether.” Students’ voices A TYBA student, on the condition of anonymity, told mid-day, “We did not see this coming, since we had booked these spaces in our college months in advance. Nearly 620 students have been working for months to plan the annual college fest. Our academic calendars, sponsors, and participants will be thrown off if the dates keep changing. We hope that the officials help us get the classrooms soon after the election.” The campus of Wilson College, whose founding precedes that of the University of Mumbai by a quarter century. FILE PICS A TYBMS student added that oftentimes, it becomes difficult to coexist with election officials. “We were conducting a pre-event in one of the classrooms when a man came in and asked us to keep it down lest he’d call the police. Since many officials are not in uniform, we can’t tell who is genuine and who isn’t. We have also been seeing gutka stains around the campus,” the student said.
23 December,2025 07:41 AM IST | Mumbai | Aditi AlurkarDo 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 December 23. Aries March 21 – April 20Being completely involved in the project at hand makes you wish this focus remains for other assignments as well. Cosmic tip: Be generous and large hearted towards those you care for. TaurusApril 21 – May 20Finances improve in such a wonderful manner; you are glad for the investments chosen. Do cut down on fried foods.Cosmic tip: Know when to be bluntly honest and when to be a little diplomatic. GeminiMay 21 – June 21Suddenly meeting a person you were fond of makes you stumble for words. Do get enough sleep.Cosmic tip: Back off from taxing situations for the moment till understanding of the issue is clear. Cancer June 22 – July 23The slight dip in income (for self-employed Cancereans) starts inching up again. A business trip is rescheduled. Cosmic tip: Don’t allow yourself to be emotionally blackmailed. Leo July 24 - Aug 23Looking forward to relatives/friends from out of town visiting for a few days is something to look forward to. Singles can look forward to a new friendship. Cosmic tip: Wait patiently for good news. Virgo Aug 24 – Sept 23Maintaining this positive mood that looks ahead to more sunrises is so you. Cosmic tip: Don’t allow negative comments to upset you (the person is full of negativity and has nothing to do with you). Libra Sept 24 – Oct 22Investing for the future now is wise of you. Relationships at the office are professional, but pleasant and helpful. Cosmic tip: Work to maintain this emotional happiness. Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 22Try to remember dreams you have at night as they carry powerful messages. A relationship is as strong as ever. Remain devoted. Cosmic tip: Keep focus on career fulfillment. Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 22Having to reach office at all odd times is why the morning routine needs to be clipped down. A day of messages going back and forth begins. Cosmic tip: Let go of morning time-consuming rituals. Capricorn Dec 23 – Jan 20You have no issues with travel plans being changed, since there’s no urgency to get to the destination. Cosmic tip: Focus on a goal with care, working towards it in a methodical style. Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19A partnership that began with trepidation settles down, with there being profits in the first three months. Consider career counseling. Cosmic tip: Get enough sleep. Pisces Feb 20 – March 20The relationship with elders is loving and communicative. Acknowledge the truth, with no whitewashing. Find unusual ways to resolve issues.Cosmic tip: Let go of situations causing you stress.
23 December,2025 02:34 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirley BoseMaharashtra has recorded a decline in deaths caused by road accidents in 2025 compared to the previous year, according to data released by the state transport department. Officials said that the reduction reflects the positive impact of continuous road safety measures implemented across the state. Overall fall in accident deaths across state As per figures for the period from January to November 2025, the total number of deaths due to road accidents in Maharashtra fell by 119, marking a 0.83 per cent decline compared to the same period in 2024, an official statement said on Monday. Comparative Data: Maharashtra (January-November) Year Total Accidents Accident Deaths Change in Deaths Percentage Change 2024 32,784 14,185 - - 2025 33,002 14,066 -119 -0.83 per cent Officials said that while the number of accidents showed a marginal increase, fatalities declined, indicating improved emergency response and safety enforcement. Mumbai-Pune Expressway sees decline The Mumbai-Pune Expressway recorded a sharper reduction in fatalities during the same period. Comparative Data: Mumbai-Pune Expressway (January-November) Year Accidents Accident Deaths Change in Deaths Percentage Change 2024 66 82 – – 2025 54 61 -21 -26 per cent The Maharashtra Transport Department attributed this improvement to stricter monitoring, better road engineering measures and enforcement of traffic rules. Several districts reported a significant fall in road accident deaths between January and November 2025 compared to last year, the official statement said. These include- - Nagpur city - 21 per cent reduction - Palghar - 20 per cent reduction - Amravati - 17 per cent reduction - Pune - 15 per cent reduction - Dhule - 14 per cent reduction - Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar - 12 per cent reduction Officials said the data shows a positive shift due to focused road safety initiatives. Target to cut accidents by 50 per cent by 2030 An official statement said that the Maharashtra Transport Department reiterated its commitment to reducing road accidents in the state by 50 per cent by 2030. Authorities said efforts to strengthen road safety measures will continue. Citizens, drivers and pedestrians have been urged to strictly follow traffic rules to help sustain and improve road safety across Maharashtra.
22 December,2025 10:29 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Congress party on Monday announced key points from its manifesto ahead of the BMC Elections 2026, promising measures ranging from permanent immersion ponds for Chhath Puja to protection of the dignity and livelihood of North Indians, and a transparent hawker policy, reported the PTI. A document was released by the party’s North Indian cell in the presence of Mumbai Congress president Varsha Gaikwad and other office-bearers. The Congress promised a transparent hawker policy, including the establishment of smart vending zones, issuance of digital licences for eligible vendors, and fair elections to town vending committee, according to the PTI. Protection and support for North Indians The party assured political and social protection for North Indian residents in Mumbai. It also promised better facilities for auto and taxi drivers, such as rest centres and free health check-ups. Varsha Gaikwad stated that the Congress had consistently supported North Indians by ensuring their representation as MLAs, MPs, ministers, corporators, and mayors, contrasting this with what she described as the BJP’s failure to address the community’s core issues, as per the PTI. Infrastructure for cultural and religious events The party also stated that it plans for permanent immersion ponds and ghats at beaches for Chhath Puja, as well as improved lighting, changing rooms, and lifeguard facilities for women devotees. It also promises the construction of a large travellers’ facility to host cultural programmes and weddings at affordable rates. Other commitments include affordable waiting halls near railway stations during Diwali and Chhath Puja, in coordination with the BMC and Indian Railways, and a transparent licensing policy for stables with subsidised water tariffs. Elections to 29 civic bodies, including the high-stakes Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), are scheduled for 15 January, with counting of votes on 16 January. Congress wins 41 municipal presidents, 1,006 councillors in Maharashtra local body elections Meanwhile, Congress has secured a notable victory in the elections to 288 municipal councils and nagar panchayats across Maharashtra, winning 41 municipal presidents and 1,006 councillors statewide, reported the IANS. State Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal said that on Monday that the party fought the elections on the strength of its ideology despite facing extremely challenging circumstances. Sapkal said that the Congress contested the elections without financial backing and relied solely on its commitment to democratic values to take on the ruling dispensation. “With no financial support and depending entirely on our belief in democracy, the Congress challenged the money power of the ruling parties. On the strength of the tireless efforts of our workers, voters delivered this mandate. These results prove once again that trust is greater than money and ideas matter more than power,” he said, according to the IANS. (with PTI and IANS inputs)
22 December,2025 08:32 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA fire broke out at a private hospital in Mumbai’s Grant Road area on Monday afternoon, prompting the temporary evacuation of around 250 people, including patients, doctors and hospital staff, officials said, reported the PTI. No injuries were reported in the incident, and the cause of the fire was not immediately known. According to civic officials, the fire started at around 1.35 pm in the CT-MRI scan unit of Bhatia Hospital. The Mumbai Fire Brigade said the blaze was confined to electrical wiring and installations within the CT-MRI unit of the medical facility. As a precaution, approximately 250 people, including patients, doctors and other staff members, were evacuated from the hospital premises to ensure their safety. Firefighters brought the situation under control, and the fire was completely extinguished by 3 pm, officials said. Further details area awaited. Two injured in fire at south Mumbai hotel Meanwhile, in an another incident, a fire broke out in the kitchen area of a hotel located on Boman Beharam Marg in Colaba, south Mumbai, on Sunday afternoon, officials said. According to the Mumbai Fire Brigade, the incident was reported at 4.36 pm following which multiple teams rushed to the spot and launched a firefighting operation. The fire broke out in the kitchen of the Social Service Hotel, a ground-plus-four-storey establishment. Firefighters rushed to the spot and extinguished the blaze by 4.56 pm, the officials said. 35-year-old undergoing treatment in hospital for burn injuries Multiple agencies, including the fire brigade, police, Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) officials, ward staff and a 108 ambulance, were mobilised as part of the emergency response, they said. Two persons sustained burn injuries in the incident, officials said. As per an update from St George Hospital, Sunil Singh (28) suffered around five per cent burn injuries and was given discharge against medical advice (DAMA), while Subrat Barai (35) sustained approximately 15 per cent burns and has been admitted for treatment. His condition is stated to be stable, an official said. According to the information, the fire broke out due to a short circuit in the kitchen chimney, police said. Further investigation is underway. (with PTI inputs)
22 December,2025 06:25 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Congress has secured a notable victory in the elections to 288 municipal councils and nagar panchayats across Maharashtra, winning 41 municipal presidents and 1,006 councillors statewide, reported the IANS. State Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal said that on Monday that the party fought the elections on the strength of its ideology despite facing extremely challenging circumstances. Sapkal said that the Congress contested the elections without financial backing and relied solely on its commitment to democratic values to take on the ruling dispensation. “With no financial support and depending entirely on our belief in democracy, the Congress challenged the money power of the ruling parties. On the strength of the tireless efforts of our workers, voters delivered this mandate. These results prove once again that trust is greater than money and ideas matter more than power,” he said, according to the IANS. Workers’ determination reflected in results Acknowledging both victories and setbacks, Sapkal said that the Congress has endured many political cycles and continues to draw strength from its cadre. “Rather than being demoralised by defeat, Congress workers have the energy, resolve and determination to fight with even greater enthusiasm. The faith of our workers in the organisation is vital, and it has clearly been reflected in these results,” he added. Region-wise performance According to party figures, the Congress won- - Nagpur division: 14 municipal presidents and 340 councillors - Amravati division: 9 municipal presidents and 236 councillors - Marathwada: 5 municipal presidents and 156 councillors - Western Maharashtra: 3 municipal presidents and 47 councillors - Northern Maharashtra: 2 municipal presidents and 47 councillors - Konkan division: 1 municipal president and 26 councillors In addition, candidates supported by Congress-led local alliances won 7 municipal presidents and 154 councillors. ‘Congress far from finished’: Sapkal Sapkal said the election outcome was a clear response to those claiming the Congress was politically irrelevant. “The people have rejected attempts to disrupt social harmony in the name of caste and religion for political gain, as well as the belief that elections can be won purely through money power. These results reaffirm that Congress ideology alone can protect the nation,” he said, as per the IANS. Attack on BJP-led Mahayuti While acknowledging that the BJP and the Eknath Shinde-led party secured victories in some areas, Sapkal alleged that these wins were achieved through excessive use of money and with the backing of the administration and the Election Commission. “Despite this, the Congress continues to live in the hearts of the people and will remain there,” he said, the news agency reported. Describing the contest as a “battle of ideas”, Sapkal said the party has remained steadfast in its ideology and thanked party workers and voters across Maharashtra for their support. Sapkal said the results would energise the party ahead of forthcoming municipal corporation and zilla parishad elections, adding that the Congress would continue its fight against what he described as the "massively corrupt BJP-led Mahayuti government". (with IANS inputs)
22 December,2025 06:08 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentUddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Anand Dubey on Monday launched a sharp attack on the Congress, describing it as a 'tourist party' with little relevance in Mumbai’s civic politics, as party's preparations intensify for the upcoming BMC Elections 2026, reported the IANS. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections are scheduled for next month. Dubey's remarks came shortly after the Congress announced its decision to contest the BMC polls independently. Congress free to decide, but should remember past support: Dubey Dubey said that while the Congress is entitled to take its own decisions regarding alliances, it should not overlook the role played by the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena in supporting it in previous elections. Speaking to IANS, Dubey said, “Congress is an independent party and has every right to decide whether to contest elections alone or with allies. Congress contested 61 seats in Bihar, and everyone has seen the outcome.” He further claimed that the Congress has remained politically insignificant in several states, including Maharashtra, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, for the past three to four decades, and has been out of power in states such as West Bengal, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu for many years. ‘We helped congress, but it turned arrogant’ Dubey alleged that Shiv Sena played a crucial role in reviving the Congress politically in 2019. “Despite its weak position, we brought Congress into our fold in 2019 and helped it cross midstream to reach the shore. But once it reached the shore, Congress leaders became arrogant,” he said. Reiterating his criticism, Dubey added, “In Mumbai, Congress has no real presence. Here, it is merely a tourist party,” as per the IANS. Sena (UBT) confident of continuing BMC dominance Expressing confidence in his party’s electoral strength, Dubey asserted that Shiv Sena (UBT) would maintain its long-standing dominance over Mumbai’s civic body. “For the past 30 years, Shiv Sena has consistently won the BMC elections. When the results are declared on 16 January 2025, they will be shocking. Once again, a Hindu Mayor from Shiv Sena (UBT) will be seated in the BMC,” he said. The BMC elections are scheduled to be held on 15 January, with counting set for the following day. Seat-sharing talks with MNS underway Dubey also said that discussions on a possible seat-sharing arrangement with the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) are ongoing and nearing conclusion. “Sanjay Raut is in constant touch with Raj Thackeray. Seat-sharing can be finalised at any time. Details regarding who will contest, from where and how will be announced soon,” he said, according to the IANS. He added that the nomination process will begin on Tuesday and continue for a week, during which several Shiv Sena (UBT) candidates are expected to file their nomination papers. (with IANS inputs)
22 December,2025 05:02 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentLast-minute discussions between Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) continued on Monday as both parties attempted to finalise an alliance for the upcoming BMC Elections 2026, reported the PTI. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections in Mumbai are scheduled for next month. Despite repeated claims from leaders on both sides that talks had concluded, no formal announcement regarding a pre-poll alliance has been made so far. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut met MNS president Raj Thackeray on Monday. Separately, senior MNS leader Bala Nandgaonkar visited Matoshri, the residence of Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, for further discussions. Both Raut and Nandgaonkar are regarded as close confidants of their respective party leaders, underlining the seriousness of the negotiations. Seat-sharing remains major sticking point According to sources, the talks have hit a roadblock over seat-sharing arrangements in key pockets of Mumbai where both parties command considerable support. These include Dadar, Sewree, Vikhroli and Bhandup. Disagreements over contesting candidates in these strategically important areas have so far prevented the two sides from reaching a final agreement. Sanjay Raut met Raj Thackeray on Saturday Earlier, Sanjay Raut on Saturday met Raj Thackeray amid ongoing discussions between the two parties on seat-sharing for the Mumbai civic elections. This was Raut’s second visit to Shivtirth, Raj Thackeray’s residence in Dadar, within the past three days, underscoring the intensity of the negotiations. Elections to 29 municipal corporations across Maharashtra, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, are set to be held on 15 January. On Friday, senior MNS leader Nitin Sardesai had said that alliance talks between the two parties, led by cousins Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray, were in their final stages, though it remained uncertain when an official announcement would be made. Earlier the same day, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anil Parab had also met Raj Thackeray as part of the ongoing discussions. Nomination process and poll Schedule The filing of nomination papers for the BMC elections is set to begin on Tuesday and will continue until 30 December. Polling for 29 municipal corporations across Maharashtra, including Mumbai, is scheduled for January 15, with the counting of votes to take place the following day. (with PTI inputs)
22 December,2025 04:53 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) administration and the election machinery are fully committed to conducting the 2025–26 BMC general elections in a free, fair, transparent and disciplined manner, Municipal Commissioner and District Election Officer Bhushan Gagrani said on Monday. Addressing representatives of various political parties at a meeting held at the BMC headquarters, Gagrani said comprehensive preparations have been made to ensure the smooth conduct of the election process. He emphasised that political parties play a crucial role in strengthening democratic values and appealed to them to strictly adhere to the Model Code of Conduct prescribed by the state election commission. “The cooperation of political parties, their office-bearers and workers is essential to ensure that the election process remains impartial, transparent and credible. All the stakeholders should work together to set a positive and ideal example,” Gagrani said. The meeting was attended by Additional Municipal Commissioner (City) Dr Ashwini Joshi, Special Officer (Elections) Vijay Balamwar, Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Assessment and Collection) Vishwas Shankarwar, Assistant Municipal Commissioner Gajanan Bellale, Deputy District Election Officer Vijaykumar Suryavanshi, along with office-bearers and representatives of various political parties. During the meeting, political party representatives were briefed on administrative, technical and legal aspects of the elections. The BMC informed them that 23 Election Decision Officer offices have been set up across the city, along with details of their respective jurisdictions. Information was also shared on the nomination process, scrutiny of applications, filing of objections and day-to-day coordination with election offices. BMC Elections 2026: Officials brief parties on nominations, voter outreach, poll expenditure norms Gagrani said all necessary arrangements have been made at the Election Decision Officer level to ensure that candidates do not face technical difficulties during the filing of nominations. Additional Municipal Commissioner Dr Ashwini Joshi urged candidates to exercise caution while submitting nomination papers and to ensure that all information is filled accurately in the prescribed formats. She said affidavits submitted along with nomination papers must be complete and accurate, warning that leaving any column blank or providing incorrect information could lead to rejection of nominations. Deputy Municipal Commissioner Vishwas Shankarwar said increasing voter turnout remains a key objective of the administration and appealed to political parties to actively participate in voter awareness efforts. He added that voter education activities are being carried out under the SVEEP (Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation) programme. Shankarwar also stressed that compliance with State Election Commission guidelines on election expenditure is mandatory, and candidates must maintain records of all campaign expenses and submit accounts within the stipulated timeframe. Queries raised by political party representatives regarding caste validity certificates, toilet usage certificates, Annexures 1 and 2, appointment of candidate representatives and other election-related issues were addressed during the meeting.
22 December,2025 04:37 PM IST | MumbaiADVERTISEMENT
