The Maharashtra Police have arrested a 25-year-old man for playing the provocative song “Kashmir Banega Pakistan” at high volume near a temple in Chinchoti in Palghar, sparking outrage among residents. According to the FIR registered at Naigaon Police Station, Sub-Inspector Pankaj Kilje, while patrolling the area in a private vehicle around 1.30 p.m., heard the anti-national song blaring from Ruhann Hair Cutting Salon in Karamdpada, located opposite the Durga Mata Mandir. The song, streamed via Bluetooth from a mobile phone to the salon’s loudspeaker and audible on the street, was considered a serious threat to India’s sovereignty, unity, and public peace, with the potential to incite enmity and communal tension. Upon entering the salon, SI Kilje found two individuals: Guljari Raju Sharma (51), a local resident and salon worker, and Abdul Rahman Sadruddin Shah (25), originally from Gauri Sirajpur village in Lalganj, Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh. Investigations revealed that Shah was streaming the song from the YouTube app on his Techno Spark Go 2021 phone. Locals, angered by the incident, detained Shah and handed him over to the police. The content of the song was subsequently verified on his device by authorities. The incident caused considerable tension among residents in the busy Chinchoti neighbourhood, given its proximity to the Durga Mata Mandir. Following the verification, the police registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Shah under BNS Section 197(1)(d) for acts prejudicial to national integration. Shah was arrested immediately, while no charges were reported against Sharma, the salon worker. Police have stated that investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident. Authorities emphasised that acts threatening national unity or inciting public unrest would not be tolerated. This case highlights growing concerns over the circulation of provocative content in public spaces and the need for vigilance to maintain communal harmony, particularly in sensitive neighbourhoods. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
02 January,2026 05:19 PM IST | Palghar | IANSMaharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that the next Mumbai mayor will come from the ruling Mahayuti alliance and will be both Hindu and Marathi, reported the PTI. Fadnavis' remarks come amid growing political debate over who should hold the city’s top civic post ahead of the BMC Election 2026. Responding to a question, CM Fadnavis said, “The Mumbai mayor will be from the Mahayuti. The Mumbai mayor will be a Hindu and a Marathi person.” The issue gained momentum after Mumbai BJP president Ameet Satam said his party would not allow any 'Khan' to become Mumbai’s mayor. The statement drew strong criticism from the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). Raj Thackeray’s stand on Marathi mayor After recently joining hands with Uddhav Thackeray, MNS chief Raj Thackeray said that Mumbai’s mayor would be Marathi and would belong to their alliance. His statement added to the political sparring among parties contesting the civic elections. By stressing that the mayor will be both Hindu and Marathi, CM Fadnavis has further sharpened the BJP-led alliance’s stance, intensifying the campaign battle as the BMC polls draw closer, sources said. Remarks made during metro interaction The Chief Minister made these comments while speaking to the ‘Mumbai Tak’ news channel during a special interaction titled ‘Mahachavadi’. He was travelling on Mumbai’s underground Metro line at the time and answered questions on various political issues. Clarification on Kripashankar Singh’s comment Addressing questions about former minister Kripashankar Singh, Fadnavis clarified that Singh’s reported remarks were not related to Mumbai. He said Singh is not an official party spokesperson. Singh had earlier said efforts would be made to elect a north Indian, Hindi-speaking mayor in the Mira Bhayandar municipal corporation, which falls under the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). Elections to 29 municipal corporations across Maharashtra, including the BMC, will be held on January 15, with counting scheduled for the following day. Fadnavis hails BJP's local polls performance Meanwhile, CM Fadnavis on Friday said the BJP has received an unprecedented mandate in the elections to municipal councils, winning 130 president posts and more than 3,000 councillor seats across the state. Addressing party workers in Satara while felicitating newly elected presidents and councillors of municipal councils, he said that the BJP's tally was double that of all other recognised parties combined. (with PTI inputs)
02 January,2026 05:18 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentShiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) Spokesperson Anand Dubey has urged Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) owner and Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan to immediately drop Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the team, news agency ANI reported. Many critics have voiced their opinion that Mustafizur Rahman, who was acquired by KKR for a hefty Rs 9.2 crore, should not be allowed to participate in the Indian Premier League (IPL) this season. These statements have come after repeated violent incidents against religious minorities in Bangladesh. Speaking to ANI, the Shiv Sena (UBT) Spokesperson said that Bangladeshi players shouldn't be allowed to play on Indian soil in the IPL. He added that if KKR owner Shah Rukh Khan didn't remove Bangladesh player (Mustafizur), then he doesn't understand this nation's sentiments. "...Bangladeshi players shouldn't be allowed to play on Indian soil in the IPL... Pakistani and Bangladeshi players should be prohibited. They harbour hatred towards us for the murder of our Hindu brothers and sisters... Shah Rukh Khan should immediately remove that Bangladeshi cricketer from his team... If he doesn't do this even after all this uproar, it will prove that, while he lives in this country and earns money here, he doesn't understand this nation's sentiments," said Dubey. Recently, Congress and Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge shared a post on his X account, slamming the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for its "Vichaar Parivaar" over the inclusion of a Bangladeshi Player in the IPL. He added that overseas players take part in the tournament because the Board of Control for Cricket in India) BCCI or IPL allows them. Kharge said that BJP leaders should be questioned on why BCCI is allowing Bangladesh players to participate in IPL, when they should be banned from the tournament. "The BJP and their 'Vichar Parivaar' are outraged over the inclusion of a Bangladeshi player in the IPL. If an overseas player is in the IPL, it is because the BCCI or the IPL rules allow him. Instead of blaming the franchise, shouldn't the BJP leaders ask why BCCI is allowing Bangladesh players to participate in IPL, when they should be banning it?" Kharge wrote. Kharge slammed BJP leaders while giving examples of India playing Pakistan after the Pahalgam attack, and IPL matches or auctions shifted to Islamic countries during the Covid pandemic. "The same BJP leaders have no problem when India played with Pakistan soon after the Pahalgam attack. IPL shifted matches to Islamic countries during COVID. IPL auctions are held in Islamic countries. Instead of questioning franchisees, BJP stooges should be asking tough questions to the Home Minister as to why he is allowing the ICC and BCCI to function like this. For the BJP, "nationalism" appears only when it suits their politics," he added. (With ANI inputs)
02 January,2026 03:34 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentPolitical tension in Mumbai has reached its peak as Friday marks the deadline for candidates to withdraw their nomination papers for the upcoming BMC elections 2026. Till 3.00 pm, candidates can pull out of the race. Major alliances scramble to control rebel damage Major political fronts, including the Thackeray-MNS alliance and the BJP-Shiv Sena coalition, are working frantically to pacify "rebel" members who have filed independent nominations after being denied official party tickets, reported IANS. Party leadership is making last-minute efforts to resolve internal discontent to avoid a split in the vote bank that could prove fatal in a closely contested election. CM Fadnavis, Dy CM Shinde intervene to quell rebellion Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has already swung into action to pacify rebels, and so has Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to quell the rebellion, reported IANS. Thackeray brothers reach out separately to rebels Similarly, the Thackeray brothers have separately launched communication with rebels, asking them to withdraw their nominations. The alliance between Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT) and Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) is facing significant internal heat. Independents challenge official alliance candidates in nine wards Several loyalists have filed independent papers against official alliance candidates in at least nine wards. In ward no 95, Shiv Sena(UBT) candidate is Hari Shashtri (party rebel Chandrashekhar Wingankar), ward no 106 MNS nominee Satyavan Dalvi (Shiv Sena rebel Sagar Devore), ward no 114 Shiv Sena (UBT) nominee Rajol Patil (MNS rebel Anisha Majgaonkar), ward no 169 Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate Pravina Morajkar (party rebel Kamalakar Naik) and ward no 193 Shiv Sena(UBT) candidate Hemangi Woralikar (party rebel Suryakant Koli), reported IANS. More rebel challenges in UBT and MNS strongholds In ward no 196 Shiv Sena-UBT nominee Padmaja Chemburkar (party rebel Sangita Jagtap), ward no 202 Shiv Sena UBT nominee Shraddha Jadhav (party rebel Vijay Indulkar), ward no 203 Shiv Sena(UBT) nominee Bharati Pednekar (party rebel Divya Badve and ward no 197 MNS nominee Rachana Salvi (Shiv Sena (UBT) rebel Sharvani Desai), reported IANS. BJP nominees challenged by rebels across Mumbai Similarly, the BJP is also dealing with a wave of "friendly fight" in several key wards, where established workers have revolted against the party's choice of nominees. In ward number 177, BJP nominee Kalpana Kothari's nomination is challenged by the party rebel Nehal Shah, ward number 205 (BJP nominee Varsha Shinde) (rebel Janhvi Rane), ward number 155 (BJP nominee Varsha Shetye) (rebels Jayshree Kharat, Harsha Salve, and Sashikala Kamble), ward number 225 (BJP nominee Harshita Narwekar) faces challenges from rebels Kamalakar Dalvi and Sujata Sanap, in ward number 226, BJP nominee Makarand Narwekar is being opposed by rebel Anil Patil, ward number 7, BJP nominee Ganesh Khankar (Shiv Sena rebel Bhupendra Kashinath, ward number 8, BJP nominee Yogita Patil (rebel Amruta Koli) and ward number 25, BJP nominee Nisha Parulekar (rebel Shekhar Shere), reported IANS. Further, in ward number 182, BJP nominee Rajan Parkar (rebel Shraddha Patil), ward number 54, BJP nominee Vilas Avasare (rebel Gajendra Dhumal), ward number 200, BJP nominee Sandeep Pansande (rebel Gajendra Dhumale), ward number 60, BJP nominee Sayali Kulkarni (rebel Divya Dhole), and ward number 64, BJP nominee Sarita Rajapure (rebel Maya Rajput), reported IANS. In ward number 173, Shiv Sena candidate Puja Kamble faces a challenge from rebel Vaishali Pagare, reported IANS. As the 3.00 pm clock ticks down, the final landscape of the BMC elections 2026 will become clear, revealing whether party loyalty or individual rebellion will dominate the ballot box on January 15. (With inputs from PTI)
02 January,2026 01:01 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Shiv Sena (UBT) on Friday attacked the Mahayuti government, saying that BJP leader Kripashankar Singh’s assertion that the next Mayor of Mumbai will be from the North Indian/Hindi-speaking community is not an isolated comment but is the "official stance" of the party to dilute the Marathi identity of the city and is a direct attack on Maharashtra’s regional pride, reported news agency IANS. Saamana editorial warns of backlash over ‘non-Marathi mayor’ The Thackeray camp, in an editorial in the party's mouthpiece 'Saamana', titled “Traitors, Shame on your lives! Mumbai’s Mayor will only be Marathi', warned that any attempt to "impose" a non-Marathi mayor on the city would trigger a backlash similar to the historic struggle for the state’s formation. "Mumbai belongs to the Marathi manush emotionally, geographically, and historically,” it said, reported IANS. The editorial used sharp rhetoric to remind the BJP of Mumbai’s history. It stated that Mumbai is the capital of Maharashtra, earned through the sacrifice of 106 martyrs during the Samyukta Maharashtra Movement. "No outsider can stake a claim over Mumbai. This state has already proven that the Mayor of Mumbai will be, and must be, a Marathi Manoos,” the editorial asserted, reported IANS. ‘Fake Shiv Sena’ accused of silence and submission “The BJP has finally spat out its bitterness through Kripashankar's mouth..., but the 'fake' Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) remains silent, licking the boots of Amit Shah. They claim it is Singh's 'personal opinion' to hide their own cowardice. Shame on your lives!" said the editorial. It accused the current state leadership of "tucking their tails" instead of defending the pride of Maharashtra, alleging that they have surrendered Mumbai’s interests to their political masters in Delhi. Kripashankar Singh termed ‘pawn’ in larger BJP plan The Thackeray camp alleged that Kripashankar Singh is merely a "pawn" in a larger scheme orchestrated by the BJP leadership in Delhi. It claimed there is a systematic conspiracy to separate Mumbai from Maharashtra and dilute the influence of the Marathi-speaking population in the city. Addressing Singh’s clarification that he meant a "Hindu Mayor", the editorial dismissed the explanation as a cover-up. “Mumbai has always had Hindu mayors, but they were Marathi Hindus. The BJP doesn't want the Marathi Manoos; they only want to protect their vote bank under the guise of religion," the editorial noted, reported IANS. BJP cannot ‘buy’ Mumbai, says Saamana The editorial asserted that the BJP cannot "buy" Mumbai with money and that the city's soul cannot be traded for votes. It urged BJP leaders to visit the Hutatma Smarak (Martyrs' Memorial) at Flora Fountain to understand the blood-soaked history of the city before making such claims. The editorial claimed there is a deliberate plan by the BJP to systematically reduce the influence of Marathi Manoos in the upcoming BMC elections 2026, reported IANS. ‘Mumbai will remain with sons of the soil,’ says UBT Sena The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena said that the citizens of Mumbai would teach a lesson to those playing with the city’s identity in the upcoming BMC elections 2026, reiterating that the reins of Mumbai will remain in the hands of the "sons of the soil" and any dreams of a "Hindi-speaking Mayor" would be crushed by the people. (With inputs from IANS)
02 January,2026 12:14 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSapte, who had sought to contest from ward number 25 (Kalwa), missed out after the seat was allotted to the BJP under the seat-sharing arrangement, reported news agency PTI. The Shiv Sena, led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, has entered into an alliance with the BJP for the January 15 Thane civic polls. A staunch loyalist of the late Anand Dighe, Shinde’s mentor and an immensely popular leader in the undivided Shiv Sena, Sapte led a protest march from Kalwa to Dighe’s memorial on Thursday. According to the PTI, he accused the BJP of taking Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde by surprise and using “blackmail” tactics to secure the Kalwa seat at the eleventh hour. Sapte was earlier elected from Kalwa for four consecutive terms. The nomination process for the elections began on December 23 and ended on December 30. While January 2 (Friday) is the last date for the withdrawal of nominations, the final list of candidates will be published on January 3. Elections to 29 municipal corporations in the state, including the Thane civic body, will be held on January 15, and votes will be counted the following day. Mahayuti fields Muslim candidates to woo voters ahead of January 15 polls Ahead of the January 15 civic elections in Maharashtra’s Jalna city, the Mahayuti allies, the BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP, are making a concerted push to court Muslim voters by fielding candidates from the community, according to the news agency PTI. Marking a shift from its earlier approach, the BJP has nominated four Muslim candidates in the city. Political observers link this change in strategy partly to the influence of former Congress MLA Kailash Gorantyal, who recently joined the BJP and has been actively working to consolidate Muslim support. While the Mahayuti partners were initially expected to contest the elections jointly, the alliance fell apart at the eleventh hour following disagreements over seat-sharing. The Jalna Municipal Corporation comprises 65 electoral wards. As per PTI, Muslim voters account for nearly 20 to 25 per cent of the electorate in Jalna and wield decisive influence in wards 2, 4, 10 and 11. Among the other Mahayuti partners, Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena has fielded seven Muslim candidates, while the NCP, headed by Ajit Pawar, has nominated 17 candidates from the community. On the other side, the opposition Mahavikas Aghadi (MVA), comprising the Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (SP), is contesting the elections as an alliance. The Congress has fielded 51 candidates, including 19 Muslims. Shiv Sena (UBT), despite contesting 13 seats, has not allotted any tickets to leaders from the community, while the NCP (SP) has nominated two Muslim candidates. Meanwhile, the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) has decided to contest 17 seats in Muslim-dominated areas of Jalna. Its district president, Shaikh Majeed, said people are looking for an alternative and that AIMIM represents their aspirations. (With PTI inputs)
02 January,2026 11:57 AM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentWhat was once a single ward was split into two — M East and West —sometime in the 1950s to facilitate administrative management, according to information from Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Today, each ward has a distinct personality. With over 70 per cent of its population residing in slum areas, the M East ward in Govandi is among Mumbai’s most socio-economically backward wards. It comprises the slums of Mankhurd and Deonar, as well as adjoining areas such as Shivaji Nagar, Rafiq Nagar, Kamala Nagar, Ramabai Nagar, Ekta Nagar, Gautam Nagar, and Cheetah Camp. On the other hand, the M West is a mix of major industrial zones for factories of the Rashtriya Chemicals Fertilisers (RCF), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL), Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL), and the Tata thermal station, among many others, and posh residential areas and quiet suburbs. The area is also home to India’s first atomic research centre, the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, at Deonar. The area has some of the highest gender disparities, as seen in the numbers of male and female voters across its electoral wards. The Rashtriya Chemicals Fertilisers factory in Chembur, which falls under the M West ward. FILE PIC/SHADAB KHAN With its socio-economic disparity, the M East ward also has some of the worst health indicators, with the lowest human development index in the city. During the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, the M East ward had the highest mortality rate from the coronavirus in the city, followed by the other densely populated pockets of Byculla, Mazagaon, and Nagpada, and then Dharavi. While it is home to the notorious Deonar dumping ground, the ward has seen concerted efforts from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to deal with its waste segregation and collection problem. This year, the M East ward stood out for implementing hazardous and sanitary waste management championed by the civic body, while the M West ward has stood out for BMC’s rapid initiatives to curb air pollution arising from industries, following multiple complaints from residents about worsening AQI. Administrative ward: M East ward Areas under ward: Deonar, Shivaji Nagar, Mankhurd, Cheetah Camp Characterised by: Slums that occupy 70 per cent of ward area, Deonar dumping ground, solid waste management issues in slums, poor health indicators pointing at malnutrition and high occurrence of infectious diseases Population of ward: 8,07,720 Density of ward: 283 Chronic waterlogging spots: 4, including Saki Naka Metro station and Eastern Freeway twin tunnels site Vulnerable populations: Settlements: 3, including Cheetah Camp near the sea Population: 1,12,000 Open spaces: 51 Road concreting status Partially completed: 50Completed: 54Not started: 53 Electoral ward 134 Rafiq Nagar, Indira Nagar, Kamala Nagar, Adarsh Nagar, Shivaji Nagar Bus Dept Total population: 51,465SC population: 412ST population: 55 Political details Municipal councillor’s name (2017): Shayra Shafahad Khan (SP)Votes received: 6,671Total votes cast: 14,542Winning margin: 46% Ward reservation (2017): WomenWard reservation (2025): Women Male: 21,515Female: 16,671Other: 21Total: 38,207 Electoral ward 135 Ramabai Nagar, Mohite Patil Nagar, Chikuwadi, Ekta Nagar, Mandala Demographic details Total population: 57,874SC population: 4,888ST population: 1,211 Political details Municipal councillor’s name (2017): Samiksha Dipak Sakre (Shiv Sena)Votes received: 2,804Total votes cast: 15,763Winning margin: 18% Ward reservation (2017): WomenWard reservation (2025): OBC Male: 24,023Female: 16,965Other: 2Total: 40,990 Electoral ward 136 Adasa Nagar Phase-II, Shivaji Nagar Terminus Demographic details Total population: 56,054SC population: 1,890ST population: 142 Political details Municipal councillor’s name (2017): Ruksana Nazim Siddiqi (SP)Votes received: 6,364Total votes cast: 15,943Winning margin: 40% Ward reservation (2017): WomenWard reservation (2025): OBC Male: 23,504Female: 18,038Other: 1Total: 41,543 Electoral ward 137 Shivaji Nagar, Noor E Ilahi Masjid Demographic details Total population: 51,738SC population: 1,939ST population: 158 Political details Municipal councillor’s name (2017): Ayesha Rafique Shaikh (SP)Votes received: 8,343Total votes cast: 16,728Winning margin: 50% Ward reservation (2017): OBCWard reservation (2025): OBC Male: 22,165Female: 17,997Other: 1Total: 40,163 Electoral ward 138 Raman Mama Nagar Phase – I, Metro Hospital, Shivaji Nagar Hospital, Municipal Urdu School Demographic details Total population: 52,262SC population: 1,336ST population: 139 Political details Municipal councillor’s name (2017): Ayeshabano Ain Mohammed Khan (SP)Votes received: 6,110Total votes cast: 18,123Winning margin: 34% Ward reservation (2017): OpenWard reservation (2025): Women Male: 22,165Female: 17,997Other: 1Total: 40,163 Electoral ward 139 Natvar Parekh Compound, Indian Oil Nagar, Lotus Colony, MHADA Colony, Shivaji Nagar Junction Demographic details Total population: 60,011SC population: 6,266ST population: 321 Political details Municipal councillor’s name (2017): Akhtar Abdulrajjak Qureshi (SP)Votes received: 4,782Total votes cast: 20,427Winning margin: 23% Ward reservation (2017): OpenWard reservation (2025): Women Male: 24,494Female: 22,395Other: 7Total: 46,896 Electoral ward 140 Gautam Nagar, New Gautam Nagar, Nimoni Nagar, Tata Nagar, Deonar Slaughterhouse Demographic details Total population: 57,268SC population: 8,700ST population: 121 Political details Municipal councillor’s name (2017): Nadiya Mohsin Shaikh (NCP)Votes received: 4,673Total votes cast: 21,681Winning margin: 22% Ward reservation (2017): OBC (Women)Ward reservation (2025): SC Male: 25,930Female: 21,258Other: 2Total: 47,190 Electoral ward 141 Municipal Colony Sector 1, 2; H-3 Block, Annabhau Sathe Nagar; Zakir Husain Nagar Demographic details Total population: 57,417SC population: 9,522ST population: 332 Political details Municipal councillor’s name (2017): Vitthal Govind Lokare (Cong)Votes received: 3,642Total votes cast: 17,706Winning margin: 21% Ward reservation (2017): OpenWard reservation (2025): SC Male: 22,470Female: 18,594Other: 9Total: 41,073 Electoral ward 142 Lallubhai Compound, Jyotirling Nagar, PMG Colony, Lale Amirchand Complex Demographic details Total population: 54,563SC population: 6,286ST population: 1,071 Political details Municipal councillor’s name (2017): Vaishali Navin Shewale (Shiv Sena)Votes received: 5,312Total votes cast: 14,150Winning margin: 38% Ward reservation (2017): STWard reservation (2025): Women Male: 18,114Female: 13,456Other: 5Total: 31,575 Electoral ward 143 Maharashtra Nagar, Cheetah Camp Sectors A, B, F and I Demographic details Total population: 51,412SC population: 3,540ST population: 531 Political details Municipal councillor’s name (2017): Rutuja Hridayanath Tari (Shiv Sena)Votes received: 4,031Total votes cast: 18,579Winning margin: 22% Ward reservation (2017): OBC (Women)Ward reservation (2025): Women Male: 22,661Female: 18,334Other: 6Total: 41,001 Electoral ward 144 Deonar Village, Shivneri Nagar, Telecom Factory Colony, Amar Nagar Demographic details Total population: 50,326SC population: 5,484ST population: 957 Political details Municipal councillor’s name (2017): Anita Dinesh Panchal (BJP)Votes received: 7,764Total votes cast: 21,603Winning margin: 36% Ward reservation (2017): WomenWard reservation (2025): Open Male: 23,506Female: 21,602Other: 1Total: 45,109 Electoral ward 145 Cheetah Camp Sector C, D, E, G, H, J and K, Upper Trombay, Trombay Koliwada, Dhobighat, Datta Nagar, Shahaji Nagar Demographic details Total population: 53,213SC population: 1,109ST population: 1,026 Political details Municipal councillor’s name (2017): Shahnawaz Sarfaraz Husain Shaikh (AIMIM)Votes received: 6,123Total votes cast: 22,538Winning margin: 27% Ward reservation (2017): SCWard reservation (2025): SC Male: 22,476Female: 21,486Other: 6Total: 43,968 Electoral ward 146 Anushakti Colony, Wadvaligoan, Sahyadri Nagar, Anushakti Nagar Demographic details Total population: 54,394SC population: 11,175ST population: 970 Political details Municipal councillor’s name (2017): Samruddhi Ganesh Kate (Shiv Sena)Votes received: 8,622Total votes cast: 22,285Winning margin: 39% Ward reservation (2017): SCWard reservation (2025): SC Male: 25,695Female: 22,778Other: 9Total: 48,482 Electoral ward 147 Tata Colony, RCF Colony, BPCL Colony, MMRDA Colony, Ayodhya Nagar Demographic details Total population: 54,166SC population: 9,917ST population: 811 Political details Municipal councillor’s name (2017): Anjali Sanjay Naik (Shiv Sena)Votes received: 7,565Total votes cast: 19,618Winning margin: 39% Ward reservation (2017): SC (Women)Ward reservation (2025): OBC (Women) Male: 22,440Female: 19,998Other: 7Total: 42,445 Electoral ward 148 HP Nagar, Bharat Nagar, Vishnu Nagar, Bharat Petroleum Refinery, Kalachowkie Demographic details Total population: 52,380SC population: 6,320ST population: 1,183 Political details Municipal councillor’s name (2017): Nidhi Pramod Shinde (Shiv Sena)Votes received: 4,485Total votes cast: 15,527Winning margin: 29% Ward reservation (2017): WomenWard reservation (2025): Open Male: 17,995Female: 13,993Other: 2Total: 31,990 About M West ward Population of ward: 4,11,893 Characterised by: Major industrial zone with Hindustan Petroleum, Bharat Petroleum, Rashtriya Chemicals & Fertilisers factories, large settlements of then-refugees who came to India from Pakistan, and were residents of undivided India before the partition, selected as a trial area for the dummy census of 2027. Density of ward: 21,264 Chronic waterlogging spots: 6, including Postal Colony Vulnerable populations: None Open spaces: 45 Road concreting status Partially completed: 28Completed: 33Not started: 42 Electoral ward 149 Tilak Nagar, Indira Nagar Zopadpatti, Chedda Nagar, Pestom Sagar Colony Total population: 49,983SC population: 4,750ST population: 673 Political details Municipal councillor’s name (2017): Susham Gopal Sawant (BJP)Votes received: 5,927Total votes cast: 22,569Winning margin: 26%Ward reservation (2017): OpenWard reservation (2025): Open Tentative voters (2025): 49,480Male: 25,513Female: 23,966Others: 1 Electoral ward 150 Rahul Nagar, BMC Colony, Jyoti Nagar, New Garib Janta Nagar Demographic details Total population: 50,391SC population: 7,616ST population: 335 Political details Municipal councillor’s name (2017): Sangeeta Chandrakant Handore (Cong)Votes received: 8,046Total votes cast: 18,669Winning margin: 43%Ward reservation (2017): OpenWard reservation (2025): OBC Women Tentative voters (2025): 37,242Male: 19,725Female: 17,515Others: 2 Electoral ward 151 Sahakar Nagar, Thakkar Bappa Colony, Vatsalabai Naik Nagar, Saibaba Nagar Demographic details Total population: 59,169SC population: 26,453ST population: 296 Political details Municipal councillor’s name (2017): Rajesh Omprakash Fulwariya (BJP)Votes received: 9,972Total votes cast: 23,592Winning margin: 42%Ward reservation (2017): OpenWard reservation (2025): SC Women Tentative voters (2025): 52,161Male: 29,232Female: 22,969Others: 3 Electoral ward 152 Postal Colony, Chembur Gaothan, Jay Ambe Nagar, Mahadeowadi Demographic details Total population: 60,363SC population: 11,859ST population: 785 Political details Municipal councillor’s name (2017): Asha Subhash Marathe (BJP)Votes received: 7,715Total votes cast: 25,675Winning margin: 30%Ward reservation (2017): SCWard reservation (2025): SC Tentative voters (2025): 54,184Male: 27,070Female: 27,111Others: 3 Electoral ward 153 Ghatla, Santosh Nagar, Vasant Nagar, Sambhaji Nagar Demographic details Total population: 60,981SC population: 5,109ST population: 428 Political details Municipal councillor’s name (2017): Anil Ramchandra Patankar (Shiv Sena)Votes received: 13,683Total votes cast: 25,904Winning margin: 53%Ward reservation (2017): OBCWard reservation (2025): OBC Women Tentative voters (2025): 47,511Male: 25,318Female: 22,193Others: 0 Electoral ward 154 Chembur Colony, Collector Colony, Ashok Nagar Demographic details Total population: 62,653SC population: 5,856ST population: 531 Political details Municipal councillor’s name (2017): Mahadeo Shankar Shivgan (BJP)Votes received: 8,086Total votes cast: 26,505Winning margin: 31%Ward reservation (2017): OpenWard reservation (2025): Open Tentative voters (2025): 51,446Male: 26,516Female: 24,927Others: 3 Electoral ward 155 Mysore Colony, Mahul Village, Suman Nagar, Bharat Petroleum Refinery, Bhakti Park Demographic details Total population: 61,530SC population: 11,551ST population: 841 Political details Municipal councillor’s name (2017): Shrikant Govind Shetye (Shiv Sena)Votes received: 8,013Total votes cast: 26,918Winning margin: 30%Ward reservation (2017): SCWard reservation (2025): SC Women Tentative voters (2025): 54,548Male: 28,955Female: 25,590Others: 3
02 January,2026 10:59 AM IST | Mumbai | Eeshanpriya MSMumbai city and suburbs on Friday will experience a partly cloudy morning with haze, clearing up to a mainly clear sky by afternoon and evening. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to hover around 30 degrees Celsius and 17 degrees Celsius, respectively. The air quality index (AQI) for Mumbai today is 63 (satisfactory), indicating minimal health impacts, though sensitive individuals may experience slight breathing discomfort. AQI across Mumbai Bandra-Kurla Complex: 89Borivali: 64Byculla: 78Andheri: 68Chembur: 49Deonar: 78Ghatkopar: 37 Meanwhile, in 2025, Mumbai recorded ‘satisfactory’ air quality for nearly 40 per cent of the year, with January reporting all 31 days as ‘moderate’. Other months with a high number of satisfactory days included December (29), February (26), and November (24). The city logged just one ‘poor’ day on October 11, when AQI spiked to 211 due to high ozone levels. The monsoon months — from May to September — brought clean air to the city, with all days recorded as green. December saw two green days: December 21 (AQI 91) and December 24 (AQI 86). Concerns remain Environmentalists caution that AQI numbers may hide persistent risks. Sumaira Abdulali, environmentalist and founder, Awaz Foundation, which has partnered with BMC for awareness and initiatives to curb noise and air pollution in the city, said, “PM2.5 levels in the air continue to be high. This is a major concern as PM2.5 poses severe health risks. The particles are so small that humans can inhale them, and they accumulate in the lungs, causing severe health problems. While the overall AQI may be low, high levels of PM2.5 concentrations in the air pose a severe problem.” Rare rain for city Mumbaikars woke up to unpredictable showers between 6.30 am and 8.00 am on Thursday. Rushikesh Agre, a city-based certified meteorologist from Harvard University, said, “This phenomenon is due to western disturbances originating in the Mediterranean Sea. When these disturbances are weak, they move southward, resulting in rainfall.” How AQI is calculated India’s AQI considers eight major pollutants: PM10, PM2.5, carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), ammonia (NH3), and lead (Pb). Calculations require data from at least three pollutants, including PM10 or PM2.5. PM2.5 trends A CREA study found that for at least 35 per cent of 2025, every station in Mumbai reported PM2.5 levels above the city’s annual mean of 34 µg/m³. Within the city, Deonar was the most polluted, followed by Worli and Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), while Kandivli East recorded the most days exceeding the daily PM2.5 NAAQS in 2025.
02 January,2026 10:25 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray’s son, Amit Thackeray, is scheduled to visit the Shiv Sena (UBT) headquarters, Sena Bhavan, in Dadar on Friday afternoon. This will mark Amit Thackeray’s first visit to the Shiv Sena (UBT) party office. He will be accompanied by his cousin, Aaditya Thackeray, who is a Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and the sitting MLA from Worli. The visit is scheduled for around 2 pm. Raj Thackeray to visit Sena Bhavan on January 4, says Sanjay Raut Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Friday said that Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray is scheduled to visit Sena Bhavan on January 4. He added that the joint manifesto of the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections will be unveiled at a joint press conference at Sena Bhavan on Sunday. The press meet will be jointly addressed by the Thackeray cousins, marking a coordinated political outreach ahead of the civic polls. Uddhav Thackeray meets Raj Thackeray to discuss manifesto, campaign details On Thursday, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray met Maharashtra Navnirman Sena president Raj Thackeray to discuss the manifesto and campaign details for the January 15 civic polls. Uddhav met Raj at the latter's residence 'Shivtirth'. Earlier, the MNS chief had visited Matoshri, the residence of Uddhav.
02 January,2026 10:12 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarUnion Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat launched a sharp attack on the Congress following remarks by its leader Nana Patole, who allegedly compared Rahul Gandhi to Lord Ram, reported news agency ANI. Shekhawat slammed the opposition party, pointing out that it had previously submitted an affidavit in the Supreme Court stating that “Lord Ram was an imaginary personality.” Speaking to reporters, the minister further criticised Congress, claiming that the party “almost has no identity now,” and questioned its credibility on cultural and historical matters. "Anyone is free to compare anyone with anyone in this democratic India. The country's people see and understand these issues. The Congress party almost has no identity now. These are the people who filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court that Lord Ram was an imaginary personality," Shekhawat said, reported ANI. Union Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday also disregarded Patole's remarks, saying the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) does not have time to respond to such statements and remains focused on governance and public service. "We don't have time to think about such statements or comment on them. We are engaged in serving all people and working for them. We are engaged in establishing Ram Rajya under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi in the country and under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in Maharashtra," Goyal said, reported ANI. He further said the opposition was in political decline and accused it of being disconnected from the public mandate. "The opposition leaders are in a very unfortunate situation. Look at the condition of Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP-SCP in the assembly and municipal corporation elections. Our job is to form a triple-engine government and work for the people," he added. The Union Minister said, "We don't get involved in these controversies. The Prime Minister has encouraged us to serve the people, and we work by putting the country first, the party second, and ourselves last." Earlier, Congress leader Nana Patole responded to criticism of his remarks comparing Rahul Gandhi to Lord Ram, saying those reacting without understanding his statement had "lost their mental balance". "What I said in my statement needs to be understood first. Those who respond without understanding my statement have lost their mental balance. I do not wish to talk about such people," Patole told ANI. A political row erupted after Patole compared Rahul Gandhi to Lord Ram, drawing sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party and its allies. On Wednesday, while responding to questions over Rahul Gandhi not visiting the Ram Temple, Patole said that the Congress was carrying forward the work of Lord Ram. "Our leader, Rahul Gandhi, is doing the work of Lord Shri Ram. You know that Lord Shri Ram worked for the oppressed, the suffering, the deprived. Our leader, Rahul Gandhi, is doing the same work throughout the country; his fight to give justice to the people of the country has begun," he said. Referring to the Ram Janmabhoomi issue, Patole added, "When Ram Lalla was locked, our late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi had ordered the gates to be opened. When Rahul Gandhi visits Ayodhya, he will offer prayers." Patole has earlier also drawn criticism for similar remarks. During Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Yatra in October 2022, he had said that it was a "coincidence" that both Lord Ram and Rahul Gandhi's names begin with the letter 'R'. "Even Lord Sri Ram also walked (PadaYatra) from Kanyakumari to Kashmir, and even Shankaracharya walked the same way, and so is Rahul Gandhi doing in the form of a padayatra. People are joining him, so it's not a comparison with Lord Ram but a coincidence that both Lord Ram and Rahul Gandhi's names begin with 'R'. But we don't compare Rahul with Lord Ram, while BJP leaders compare their leaders with God. God is God, and Rahul Gandhi is a human being, and he is working for humanity, and everyone can see it," Patole had said, ANI reported. His remarks had then drawn sharp criticism from BJP leaders, including CR Kesavan, who termed the statement a "grievous insult" to Hindu sentiments. (With ANI inputs)
02 January,2026 09:46 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Thursday suspended a junior auditor working with its finance department for alleged misconduct and obstructing the ongoing BMC elections 2026 process, reported news agency PTI. In a release, the BMC said the action against the auditor was ordered by Additional Municipal Commissioner (City) Dr Ashwini Joshi, reported PTI. The suspended auditor, Deepak Johare, who worked with the civic body's finance department, was deputed to the central election office (RO) as part of election-related duties, the release said. A complaint supported by prima facie evidence was received against the official alleging serious misconduct and interference in the election process, the BMC stated, reported PTI. "The municipal corporation administration received a complaint and strong evidence that Johare had committed very serious misconduct during the election process and obstructed the election process," the release stated, reported PTI. A preliminary inquiry found the charges to be of a grave nature, following which Joshi ordered the auditor's suspension with immediate effect. The Additional Municipal Commissioner has cautioned that strict action will be taken against any civic employee found indulging in acts that hamper or interfere with the election process, according to the release, reported PTI. The BMC, along with civic bodies of 28 other cities and towns in Maharashtra, will go to polls on January 15. Scrutiny of nominations filed by candidates is over and January 2 is the last date for opting out of the race for the 227-member civic body, India's largest and richest. BMC finalises 10,231 polling stations Meanwhile, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has finalised 10,231 polling stations across the metropolis for civic polls to be held on January 15. In a release issued on Thursday evening, BMC said 4,386 of these will be located in government and semi-government buildings, 702 in cooperative housing societies and 5,143 in private buildings. The polling stations include closed, semi-closed and open structures, selected based on population, voter density and local geographical conditions to ensure a smooth polling process, the release said. Elaborate preparations have been made to ensure smooth, transparent and accessible voting for over 1.03 crore electors, the release quoted BMC chief and District Election Officer Bhushan Gagrani as saying. "The final ward-wise list of polling stations for all 227 wards has been published in accordance with State Election Commission guidelines. Voters must verify their designated polling stations in advance to avoid inconvenience on polling day," Gagrani said. The BMC said special facilities will be provided for senior citizens, women and persons with disabilities, including ramps, electricity, drinking water, toilets and voter assistance centres near polling locations. Votes will be counted on January 16. (With inputs from PTI)
02 January,2026 09:22 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
