The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has distributed a total of 2,844 nomination papers for the 2026 civic polls as on Wednesday. On the second day of distribution, two nomination papers were filed. The nomination process began on Tuesday across 23 returning officer (RO) offices when 4,165 nomination papers were distributed, but no papers were filed on the first day. According to the Maharashtra State Election Commission, the nomination filing period runs from December 23 to December 30, 2025, between 11 am and 5 pm every day. Distribution will not take place on Thursday, December 25, due to the Christmas public holiday. The forms for BMC Elections 2026 will be distributed only until 4 pm on December 30. “The scrutiny of nomination papers received from candidates will be conducted on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, from 11 am onwards. After completion of the scrutiny process, the list of validly nominated candidates will be published immediately,” the BMC said. Distribution by administrative division (number of papers distributed / filed on Wednesday) A, B, E: 109 C, D: 56 F North: 98 F South: 83 G North: 286 G South: 52 L (RO-16): 111 L (RO-17): 78 M East: 340 M West: 174 N: 77/ 1 filed S: 106 T: 97 H East: 94 H West: 146 K West: 193 K East, K West: 232 / 1 filed P South: 71 P North: 120 P East: 128 R South: 90 R Central: 60 R North: 43 Total distributed: 2,844 Candidates and political parties have been advised to collect and file nomination papers according to the election schedule. No nominations filed on first day for January 15 BMC Elections Not a single nomination was filed on Tuesday, the first day of the process for the January 15 elections to the 227-seat Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Though more than 4,100 nomination forms have been issued so far, none were submitted to election authorities on the opening day of filing, a BMC release said. BMC Commissioner and Maharashtra Government-appointed Administrator Bhushan Gagrani held a meeting with representatives of various political parties at the civic body’s headquarters. He briefed them on the functioning of 23 offices set up across Mumbai to facilitate election-related work. According to the release, the highest number of nomination forms—419—were distributed from the M-West Ward office, followed by 347 from the L Ward in Mumbai’s eastern suburbs. The lowest numbers were recorded in South Mumbai, with 18 and 25 forms distributed in the A and B wards, respectively.
24 December,2025 10:35 PM IST | MumbaiWestern Railway has announced a major 30-day block in connection with the construction of the 6th line between Kandivali and Borivali in Mumbai, from the night of December 20/21, 2025, and continuing until January 18, 2026. Several suburban and long-distance trains will be affected during this period. According to a press release issued by Western Railway’s Chief Public Relations Officer, Vineet Abhishek, a major non-interlocking block will be undertaken for the commissioning of an electronic interlocking (EI) panel at Borivali on the UP and DOWN fast lines from 1 am to 7 am on December 27/28 (Saturday/Sunday), 2025. During the block, some UP Mail and Express trains will skip their halt at Borivali Station. In addition, Borivali Station platforms 8 and 9 will remain suspended until December 29, 2025. Due to the block, suspension of the 5th line, and closure of platforms 8 and 9, several suburban services will be cancelled, while some Borivali and Andheri suburban trains will operate only up to Goregaon on the Harbour line. Train cancellations Train No 69174 Dahanu Road – Borivali MEMU will remain cancelled for journey commencing on 28th December, 2025. Halt skippages Several Mail and Express trains will skip their halt at Borivali and instead stop at Vasai Road and/or Andheri stations. These include: 19038 Barauni–Bandra Terminus Express (December 26) 22946 Okha–Dadar Express (December 27) 22904 Bhuj–Bandra Terminus Express (December 27) 09052 Bhusaval–Dadar Special (December 27) 22928 Ahmedabad–Bandra Terminus Express (December 27) 12928 Ekta Nagar–Dadar Express (December 27) Short termination/origination Some trains will terminate or originate from Vasai Road or Dahanu Road instead of Borivali. These include: 19426 Nandurbar–Borivali Express (December 27) 19418 Ahmedabad–Borivali Express (December 27) 69139 Borivali–Valsad Express (December 28) 19417 Borivali–Ahmedabad Express (December 28) 19425 Borivali–Nandurbar Express (December 28) Rescheduled trains Several trains, including Bandra Terminus–Gorakhpur Express, Mumbai Central–Ahmedabad Express, Mumbai Central–Gandhinagar Capital Express, and Bandra Terminus–Surat Express, will be rescheduled by 50 minutes to two hours on Saturday and Sunday. Western Railway said detailed lists of cancelled and curtailed suburban services have been provided in annexures. Authorities added that further repercussions on suburban services will be notified in due course. Efforts are being made to ensure there are no unusual cancellations on December 31 to facilitate New Year celebrations.
24 December,2025 09:58 PM IST | MumbaiThe Bombay High Court (HC) on Wednesday strongly criticised the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for turning a “blind eye” to the issue of air pollution in the city and for “not doing anything” to effectively address the problem, news agency PTI reported. A bench of Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Gautam Ankhad also questioned how the civic body had granted approvals to over 125 construction projects worth more than Rs 1,000 crore in a city like Mumbai, observing that the situation had now gone beyond the BMC’s control. The court warned the civic body that it would pass orders restraining it from granting further construction permissions if the air pollution situation continued to worsen, PTI reported. “How can 125 projects worth more than Rs 1,000 crore be sanctioned in such a small city? That is a lot. Now the situation has gone beyond your (BMC) control. Now you are not able to manage things,” the court said. The bench stressed that the BMC must strengthen its mechanism so that measures to control pollution are preventive rather than remedial, PTI reported. The observations were made while the court was hearing a batch of petitions highlighting concerns over the deteriorating air quality index (AQI) in Mumbai. 'There is no implementation plan,' Bombay High Court slams Mumbai civic corporation “The BMC is not doing anything. Even the minimal requirement is not being done. You (BMC) don’t have anything in place. There is no implementation plan,” the court said, adding that the civic body had not applied its mind at all. “The BMC is not working at all. There is no monitoring. The BMC has turned a blind eye to the issue,” the bench remarked, reiterating that pollution-control measures must be preventive in nature. HC also noted that despite having wide powers, the BMC was not taking adequate action and expressed displeasure over the 91 squads deployed by the civic body failing to conduct inspections at construction sites. Senior counsel SU Kamdar, appearing for the BMC, said 39 sites were inspected on Tuesday, adding that officers from the remaining squads were engaged in election duty. The bench, however, said election duty could not be cited as an excuse. “You (BMC) can always make an application to the election commission seeking exemption,” it said. Kamdar informed the court that the AQI on Wednesday stood at 88, which is considered satisfactory, and said the situation last year had been worse. The bench, however, observed that merely stating that pollution levels had reduced did not mean the BMC was functioning effectively. When asked about the corporation’s plan for the next two weeks, BMC commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, who was present in court, said the squads would inspect a minimum of two construction sites per day and take necessary action. The bench directed that the squads be equipped with button cameras and GPS devices and posted the matter for further hearing on January 20. (With PTI inputs)
24 December,2025 08:45 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAll election-related advertisements across electronic, print and other media will be prohibited after the end of the official campaign period for the upcoming municipal corporation elections in Maharashtra, news agency PTI reported, quoting a senior election official. Polling for 29 civic bodies in the state is scheduled to be held on January 15, 2026, with counting of votes slated for the following day. “The poll campaign will end at 5.30 pm on January 13, and no election advertisements can be published or broadcast in any media thereafter,” State Election Commissioner (SEC) Dinesh Waghmare said on Wednesday, while addressing a meeting of representatives of recognised political parties. He added that polling will be conducted from 7.30 am to 5.30 pm. As per the provisions of the relevant law, the campaign period ends 48 hours before the close of polling, that is, at 5.30 pm on January 13. According to a release issued by the State Election Commission, the question of pre-certification or permission for print media advertisements does not arise after the campaign deadline. The release said detailed guidelines are contained in the State Election Commission’s order dated October 9, 2025, titled ‘Media Monitoring and Advertisement Certification Order for Election Purposes, 2025’. State Election Commission Secretary Suresh Kakani made a detailed presentation during the meeting. He said a candidate’s name must be included in the voters’ list of the concerned municipal corporation, while the proposer and seconder must belong to the same ward from which the candidate is contesting. Kakani said both party candidates and independents require one proposer and one seconder each. He added that a candidate may file nomination papers from more than one ward, but can contest only one seat. A maximum of four nomination papers can be filed for a single seat, he said. Directly elected chiefs of municipal councils, nagar panchayats to get voting rights in Maharashtra The Maharashtra Cabinet on Wednesday decided to promulgate an ordinance to amend an existing law to grant membership and voting rights to directly elected presidents of municipal councils and nagar panchayats, PTI reported. The Maharashtra Municipal Councils, Nagar Panchayats and Industrial Townships Act, 1965, will be amended to enable directly elected presidents to become members of their respective municipal bodies, according to a statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Office. Under the amendment, the presidents will be entitled to cast one vote as a member, PTI reported. In the event of a tie during voting, the president will exercise a casting vote, the statement said. The decision was taken at a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and aims to recognise the public mandate received by directly elected presidents and strengthen their role in municipal governance. The cabinet also approved the free allocation of one acre of land belonging to the Dairy Development Department in Dharashiv city for the installation of a statue of social reformer and folk poet Lokshahir Annabhau Sathe. (With PTI inputs)
24 December,2025 08:23 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAhead of the Maharashtra civic polls, the cabinet on Wednesday decided to promulgate an ordinance to amend an Act which will grant membership and voting rights to directly elected presidents of municipal councils and nagar panchayats, news agency PTI reported. The Maharashtra Municipal Councils, Nagar Panchayats and Industrial Townships Act, 1965, will be amended to enable directly elected presidents to become members of their respective municipal bodies. The Act will also entitle the elected presidents to cast one vote as a member, a statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office said. It also mentions that, in the event of a tie during voting, the president will exercise a casting vote, PTI reported. This decision, taken at a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, aims to recognise the public mandate received by directly elected presidents and to strengthen their role in municipal governance. Furthermore, the cabinet also approved the free allocation of one acre of land belonging to the dairy development. The statement also said that where a government milk-chilling centre is situated, it will be handed over to the Dharashiv Municipal Council for the purpose, PTI reported. Also, this decision was taken in response to a long-standing demand from public representatives and social organisations. Furthermore, the cabinet has also approved the grant of powers to divisional commissioners to regularise the services of 291 nurses, who are either working on bonds or retired, under the zilla parishad health departments, PTI reported. These nurses were earlier appointed for a fixed period after completing training from government nursing colleges and were subsequently given short-term appointments based on local requirements. However, the authority of divisional commissioners to regularise such appointments was withdrawn in 2018, the statement added. Under the latest decision, the services of bonded nurses appointed before April 15, 2015, including those currently in service as well as those who have retired, will now be regularised. Among other decisions, the cabinet gave the green light to the District Karmayogi Programme 2.0 and the Sarpanch Samvad Programme to strengthen the functioning of village, taluka, and district-level administration. Both the programmes will be implemented through the Mitra organisation. District Karmayogi 2.0 District Karmayogi 2.0 will focus on training officers and staff working at the grassroots, including agriculture officers, engineers, gram sevaks, talathis, agriculture assistants, health workers, irrigation inspectors, and statistical officers. Around 85,000 officers and employees across Maharashtra will be trained under the programme to improve service delivery and administrative efficiency. The initiative will also focus on addressing local issues faced by micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), industrial units, and farmer-producer organisations (FPOs), while improving government-to-business (G2B) services at the district level. (With inputs from PTI)
24 December,2025 07:27 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentWith the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) general elections for 2025–26 scheduled on January 15, 2026, the civic administration has completed all preparations to ensure a smooth and peaceful polling process, Election Officer and Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao said on Wednesday. Addressing a press conference, Rao appealed to citizens to actively participate in the electoral process, describing elections as a “festival of democracy” and urging voters to exercise their franchise in large numbers. The press conference was held at the Late Narendra Ballal Hall at the TMC headquarters and was attended by Additional Commissioner-1 Sandeep Malvi, Additional Commissioner-2 Prashant Rode, Deputy Commissioner (Elections) Umesh Birari, along with senior officials G.G. Godepure, Mitali Sancheti, Deepak Zinjade and others. Election schedule announced Commissioner Rao outlined the election programme, stating that nomination forms will be distributed and accepted from December 23 to December 29, 2025 (excluding public holidays) between 11 am and 3 pm, and on December 30 between 11 am and 2 pm. Scrutiny of nominations will be completed on December 31, following which the list of valid candidates will be published. The last date for withdrawal of nominations is January 2, 2026, while election symbols will be allotted on January 3. The final list of contesting candidates will also be published on the same day. Polling will be held on January 15, 2026, counting of votes will take place on January 16, and the names of elected corporators will be published in the government gazette on January 19, Rao said. Wards and electorate details The Thane Municipal Corporation comprises 33 wards. As per the 2011 Census, the city’s population stands at 18,41,488. Ward No. 25 has the highest population at 62,697, while Ward No. 29 has the lowest population at 38,172. The total number of registered voters is 16,49,867, including 8,63,878 male voters, 7,85,830 female voters and 159 voters under the ‘other’ category. Election staff deployment and training For the conduct of elections, 11 Returning Officers and Assistant Returning Officers (Levels 1, 2 and 3) have been appointed across nine ward committees. A total of 2,013 polling stations have been set up across the city’s 33 wards. Each polling station will be staffed with a presiding officer, three polling officers, and a peon. Including a 20 per cent reserve workforce, orders are being issued for the deployment of 12,650 officers and employees. The first phase of training for polling staff will be conducted on December 27, 28, and 29 at Ram Ganesh Gadkari Rangayatan and Dr Kashinath Ghanekar Natyagruha. The second phase of training will be organised at the returning officer level. Infrastructure and logistics in place Rao said that 120 vehicles have been made available for election-related work. Facilities, including CCTV surveillance and webcasting, uninterrupted power supply, 7,500 Electronic Voting Machines (BU and CU), internet connectivity, computer systems, refreshments for staff, voter awareness initiatives, and printing of ballot-related stationery have been ensured with adequate manpower. Single-window system for permissions A single-window system has been implemented to facilitate election-related permissions. A total of 10 counters have been set up—one at each of the nine ward committee offices and one at the Civic Facility Centre at the municipal headquarters. Through this system, candidates and political parties can seek permissions during the Model Code of Conduct period for public meetings, campaigning, use of grounds, loudspeakers, rallies, banners and hoardings, opening of party offices, as well as obtain certificates such as no-dues certificates, toilet usage certificates, non-contractor certificates, voter list extracts, and no-objection certificates from the Fire Department, police stations and traffic department. Political parties briefed A meeting of political parties was held on December 20 at the municipal headquarters, during which detailed information on the election process was shared and queries raised by party representatives were addressed, Rao said. Action against Model Code violations Since the Model Code of Conduct came into force, the TMC’s encroachment department has removed 3,778 unauthorised posters across the city. Additionally, foundation stones of development projects bearing the names of public representatives have been covered, as mandated. Polling station facilities and security arrangements Each ward will have one model polling station, totalling 33 across the city. Women-only ‘Sakhi’ polling stations will also be set up in every ward. Facilities such as wheelchairs and ramps will be provided at polling stations to assist differently-abled voters. For security, around 5,500 police personnel will be deployed zone-wise. Police presence will be ensured at all polling stations, sensitive polling booths, and within a 200-metre radius of polling centres. Each revenue sector will have one police personnel, while each police sector will include one officer, four constables and a police vehicle. Sensitive locations will be guarded by SRPF or State Reserve Police Force units, along with Home Guards, Police Mitra, NSS, and NCC volunteers. Police personnel will also be deployed for all SST and FST teams, at zone-level check-nakas, and at strong rooms, where one officer and two personnel will be posted in shifts to ensure round-the-clock security, Commissioner Saurabh Rao added.
24 December,2025 04:42 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentAfter two decades of rivalry, the Thackeray cousins on Wednesday announced a political reunion to take on the BJP for the high-stakes January 15 Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, calling it a historic moment for Maharashtra. The joint press conference took place at a hotel in Worli, where Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut stated that the coming together of Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray marked a turning point in the state’s politics. “Today is a historic day for Maharashtra. The state will stand united with this alliance,” Raut said. Drawing parallels with the Samyukta Maharashtra movement, Uddhav Thackeray said the reunion was about safeguarding Maharashtra and its people. “This reminds us of the struggle for a united Maharashtra. Shiv Sena fought for the Marathi people, and this year marks 60 years of the party,” he said. Emphasising unity, Uddhav added, “Raj and I have come together to stay together. We have united to protect the people of Maharashtra.” He urged Marathi-speaking people to remain united, warning that division would weaken their collective strength. Addressing the gathering, Raj Thackeray said, “Maharashtra is greater than any fight or rivalry,” before formally announcing the alliance. “Today, I announce the alliance of Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena,” he said. #WATCH | Mumbai | MNS Chief Raj Thackeray announces the alliance of Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS ahead of the Municipal Corporation Elections. pic.twitter.com/FW9wtGldzr — ANI (@ANI) December 24, 2025 They did not share details of the seat sharing between the two parties. There has been no official word yet as to how the 227 municipal seats will be shared between the Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS. However, leaders from both parties say the Sena (UBT) may contest around 135 wards, while the MNS could field candidates in about 80 wards. If the Sharad Pawar-led NCP-SP also joins the alliance, it is likely to be offered around 10 to 12 seats, or else these seats, too, will be divided among both parties. Elections to the BMC and 28 other municipal corporations will be held on January 15, 2026, and counting of votes will be done on the next day.Raj Thackeray said, "Mumbai’s next Mayor will be Marathi from Sena-MNS alliance." The alliance announcement for the BMC elections was a historic and emotional moment for Maharashtra and Marathi pride. The press conference turned into a full show of strength, with the entire Thackeray family present, including Rashmi Thackeray, Aaditya Thackeray, Amit Thackeray and Sharmila Thackeray. The Thackeray cousins are likely to extend their tie-up for the Thane, Kalyan, Navi Mumbai, Nashik, and Pune municipal corporations, too. Supporters across Mumbai and Maharashtra celebrated the long-awaited political reunion, which ended a two-decade rivalry, while rare and emotional moments highlighted the significance of this alliance. The event symbolised unity, Marathi identity, and the political consolidation ahead of the 2026 BMC polls.The Sena (UBT) and MNS alliance is expected to put up a strong fight against BJP and its allies, particularly Shinde’s Shiv Sena faction. The ruling Mahayuti is keen to wrest control of the BMC, long considered the Thackerays’ strongest bastion.Raj quit the Shiv Sena in 2005, saying he was being sidelined, particularly by Uddhav and his close aides. A year later, he formed the MNS, reviving the “sons of the soil” agenda, the very plank on which his uncle Balasaheb Thackeray founded the Shiv Sena in 1966. The MNS made its electoral debut in the 2007 Mumbai civic poll, winning seven seats. It performed better in 2012, securing 27 seats, its best performance in the city. However, the party’s strength declined thereafter and in the 2017 election, it won only seven seats, six of which later shifted to Uddhav Thackeray’s camp, when the Shiv Sena was still unified.
24 December,2025 02:49 PM IST | MumbaiAfter two decades of rivalry, Thackeray cousins Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray on Wednesday announced a political reunion to take on the BJP in Mumbai, calling it a historic moment for Maharashtra. The development triggered sharp political reactions across parties. The joint press conference was held at a hotel in Worli, where Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said the coming together of the two leaders marked a turning point in Maharashtra’s politics. “Today is a historic day for Maharashtra. The state will stand united with this alliance,” Raut said. Drawing parallels with the Samyukta Maharashtra movement, Uddhav Thackeray said the reunion was aimed at safeguarding the state and its people. “This reminds us of the struggle for a united Maharashtra. Shiv Sena fought for the Marathi people, and this year marks 60 years of the party,” he said. Reacting to the alliance, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant described the moment as long-awaited. “This is a very auspicious moment. Mumbai has always accommodated everyone. We have never divided people on caste or religion, we have always stood for the Marathi manoos,” Sawant said. For party workers, the alliance signals the end of years of political distance between the two cousins. Cadres from both parties hope the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections will reverse recent electoral setbacks, including the drubbing in panchayat polls. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anand Dubey said the reunion was necessary to protect Mumbai. “People want to loot Mumbai and keep it mortgaged to themselves. Against this, we want to launch a public movement. The people of Mumbai wanted both Thackeray brothers to come together,” he said, expressing confidence that the alliance would make an impact across 28 other municipal corporations. MNS leader Yashwant Killedar echoed similar sentiments, calling the reunion an emotional moment for party workers. “We have been waiting for this day for a long time. Workers of both parties are extremely excited,” he said, reported ANI. However, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction dismissed the development as largely symbolic. Party spokesperson Manisha Kayande said, “It may be an emotional moment and a good photo opportunity, but what does it offer the people? Why were Marathi-speaking people divided for the last 20 years? That question remains unanswered.” Before the press conference, Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray, accompanied by their wives, had paid tribute to Balasaheb Thackeray at his memorial in Shivaji Park, Mumbai. Aaditya Thackeray and Amit Thackeray were also present during the homage. The Shiv Sena (UBT) has described the alliance as one that will strongly advocate the cause of the Marathi manoos (Marathi people). Meanwhile, the Maharashtra State Election Commission has announced elections to 29 municipal corporations, including the BMC, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC). Polling is scheduled for January 15, with counting set for January 16. (With ANI inputs)
24 December,2025 02:49 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAfter two decades of political rivalry, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Raj Thackeray announced a historic alliance on Wednesday to contest the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, marking a landmark moment for Maharashtra. Key highlights of the Uddhav-Raj alliance The joint press conference was held at a hotel in Worli, Mumbai. Sanjay Raut, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader, described the reunion as a “historic day for Maharashtra” and a turning point in state politics. Raj Thackeray formally announced the alliance, stating, “Maharashtra is greater than any fight or rivalry. Today, I announce the alliance of Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS.” The alliance will contest the BMC elections on January 15, along with elections to 28 other municipal corporations, including Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. Counting of votes is scheduled for January 16. Emotional moments Both Uddhav and Raj Thackeray paid tributes to Balasaheb Thackeray at his memorial in Shivaji Park, Mumbai, ahead of the announcement. Family members, including Aaditya Thackeray and Amit Thackeray, were present during the homage, highlighting the personal significance of the reunion. Party workers from both sides expressed excitement, with MNS leader Yashwant Killedar calling it a “long-awaited and emotional day.” The announcement ended years of political distance between the cousins, signalling unity among party cadres. Marathi pride celebrations Uddhav Thackeray drew parallels with the Samyukta Maharashtra movement, saying, “This reminds us of the struggle for a united Maharashtra. Shiv Sena fought for the Marathi people, and this year marks 60 years of the party.” Leaders emphasised protecting the cause of the Marathi manoos and maintaining unity among Marathi-speaking citizens. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant called the alliance an “auspicious moment” for the people of Maharashtra, reflecting strong regional pride and civic focus. Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS leaders hail Thackeray reunion After two decades of rivalry, Thackeray cousins Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray on Wednesday announced a political reunion to take on the BJP in Mumbai, calling it a historic moment for Maharashtra. The development triggered sharp political reactions across parties. The joint press conference was held at a hotel in Worli, where Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said the coming together of the two leaders marked a turning point in Maharashtra’s politics. “Today is a historic day for Maharashtra. The state will stand united with this alliance,” Raut said. Drawing parallels with the Samyukta Maharashtra movement, Uddhav Thackeray said the reunion was aimed at safeguarding the state and its people. “This reminds us of the struggle for a united Maharashtra. Shiv Sena (before the split) fought for the Marathi people, and this year marks 60 years of the party,” he said. Reacting to the alliance, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant described the moment as long-awaited. “This is a very auspicious moment. Mumbai has always accommodated everyone. We have never divided people on caste or religion, we have always stood for the Marathi manoos,” Sawant said. For party workers, the alliance signals the end of years of political distance between the two cousins. Cadres from both parties hope the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections will reverse recent electoral setbacks, including the drubbing in panchayat polls.
24 December,2025 02:48 PM IST | MumbaiThe ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday claimed that the alliance between Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections 2026 will not be the beginning of a historical era but will be the beginning of a historical defeat for them. The BJP said that Raj Thackeray should not forget that the history of both parties was divided when Uddhav Thackeray sided with Congress and Sharad Pawar. By going with Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), Raj Thackeray will also face nothing but defeat, it added. Maharashtra Information Technology Minister and BJP in charge of BMC elections 2026, Ashish Shelar, in a poetic post on X, criticised the alliance between the Thackeray cousins, alleging that they have joined hands to loot the BMC treasury. घेरलं होतं मातोश्रीवरील "विठ्ठलाला" बडव्यांनी..तुमच्या मते, पक्षाचा ताबा घेतला होता चार कारकुनांनी...एवढ्या मोठ्या संघटनेला संपवण्यात तुम्हाला व्हायचे नव्हते "भागीदार" सगळ्या पदांचे राजीनामे देत भाषण केले होते खुमासदार !आज तेच बडवे आणि तेच कारकून चालणार का?त्यांच्यासोबत… — Adv. Ashish Shelar - ॲड. आशिष शेलार (@ShelarAshish) December 24, 2025 “...Won’t you all come together to loot the BMC treasury? Mumbaikars will ask you in every nook and corner... Why were you so different back then? Why exactly are you throwing your arms around each other’s necks today?” he asked. 'Two parties have come together only keeping the power calculation in mind' State BJP media in charge Navnath Ban further alleged that both Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS have come together for power and not for Mumbai or for Mumbaikars. “Both these parties do not have a development agenda; these two parties have come together only keeping the power calculation in mind. The coming together of these two parties is not a sign of strength but an admission of defeat for both of them,” he said. “When Uddhav Thackeray was the Chief Minister, he stopped projects that were beneficial to the common Mumbaikars, like Metro and Coastal Road. He should apologise to Mumbaikars for this. Uddhav Thackeray and Aaditya Thackeray should also accept the responsibility for making houses in BDD chawls expensive,” said Ban. He ridiculed Uddhav Thackeray and Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut for submitting their pledges for the BMC elections, saying that the politics of beatings, extortion and fear is the identity of Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS. “Balasaheb Thackeray was a brand in every sense. But Uddhav Thackeray abandoned his ideas and forgot Hindutva. BJP will get the blessings of venerable Balasaheb for not compromising with the ideas of Hindutva. Uddhav Thackeray has decided to accept Rashid Mamu of Sambhajinagar, who pelted stones at Shiv Sainiks from a mosque. This shows that Uddhav Thackeray has a crush on Mamu, not on Marathi people,” said Ban. He targeted Uddhav Thackeray, asking him whether he had thought about the pain Balasaheb Thackeray must have felt in his soul due to his joining hands with Rashid Mamu for power.
24 December,2025 02:32 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentCongress leader Vijay Wadettiwar on Tuesday alleged that Mumbai and Maharashtra were being systematically weakened and brought under Gujarat’s influence, and called for a united fight to protect the city and its identity. Speaking to reporters in Nagpur, Wadettiwar launched a sharp attack on the ruling Mahayuti government, accusing it of facilitating large-scale land acquisition in Mumbai and allowing increasing control from Gujarat. “There is an ongoing attempt to encroach upon Maharashtra and Mumbai. Efforts are being made to seize Mumbai and bind it to Gujarat’s control. We must fight to save and protect Mumbai,” he said. He added that the growing influence over Mumbai posed a threat to Marathi pride and culture, and stressed the need for resistance to safeguard the city’s heritage and autonomy. Commenting on the recent coming together of Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray, Wadettiwar welcomed the development, saying the Congress extended its best wishes to the Thackeray family. “If families reunite, it is a matter of happiness,” he remarked. On the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, Wadettiwar clarified that the Congress was open to contesting the polls alongside parties led by Uddhav Thackeray and Sharad Pawar, but ruled out any alliance with the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). He further explained that while the INDIA bloc was formed for the Lok Sabha elections and the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) contested the Assembly polls together, local body elections are primarily driven by grassroots workers. “The MVA did not contest municipal councils and corporations jointly, and alliance decisions for local body polls are taken at the local level. Therefore, there is no reason to say that the INDIA alliance or the MVA has suffered any setback,” Wadettiwar said. Reiterating the Congress party’s ideological position, he said it does not indulge in casteism or communalism. “Congress is a party that upholds the Constitution and works to deliver justice to every section of society,” he said, appealing to voters to support the party in the upcoming elections in the interest of development. Shiv Sena (UBT), MNS announce alliance ahead of Mumbai civic polls Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) boss Raj Thackeray on Wednesday announced the alliance of their parties ahead of the January 15 Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, putting months of speculation to rest.
24 December,2025 02:06 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
