Raj Thackeray visits the campaign office of MNS–Shiv Sena (UBT)–NCP (SP) alliance candidate Sonali Mishra at Dahanukarwadi, Kandivli West. Pic/Satej Shinde A family poses with a ‘Will vote in BMC elections’ board near CSMT. Pic/Sayyed Sameer Abedi Shopkeepers in Lalbaug sell caps sporting political party symbols. Pic/Shadab Khan Shiv Sena (UBT)–MNS–NCP (SP) alliance candidate Shivani Shailesh Parab campaigns with party members at Meghwadi, Jogeshwari East. Pic/Satej Shinde Mumbai police conduct flag march ahead of the BMC elections at Dhobitalao. Pic/Atul Kamble BJP supporters attend the inauguration of Ganesh Dattaram Khankar’s campaign office at Navagaon, Dahisar. Pic/Satej Shinde Political party symbols being printed at Lalbaug ahead of the BMC elections. Pic/Shadab Khan
08 January,2026 08:49 AM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentThe Bharatiya Janata Party’s local units forming alliances with ideologically opposite parties in two Maharashtra towns has triggered political ripples and drawn sharp disapproval from the party’s top leadership. In Thane district’s Ambernath, the BJP joined hands with the Congress and Ajit Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party in a post-poll development to keep the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena out of power in the municipal council. Meanwhile, in the Akot Municipal Council in Akola district, the local BJP unit reportedly aligned with the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen. Within hours of the developments coming to light, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis publicly expressed his displeasure, stating that he does not approve of alliances with parties that follow completely opposing ideologies. The move is said to have upset Eknath Shinde and leaders of the Shiv Sena, which is an ally of the BJP in the Maharashtra government. State-level BJP leaders maintained that the decisions were taken by local units without the party leadership’s approval and reiterated that the BJP does not endorse such alliances. The developments have also caused embarrassment to the alliance partners. The Indian National Congress issued show-cause notices to its corporators in Ambernath, while the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen claimed it had not entered into any alliance with the BJP in Akot. The BJP’s tie-ups with the Congress and AIMIM drew sharp criticism from opposition leaders. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut questioned the BJP’s ideological consistency, targeting the party over what he called opportunistic politics. Colaba candidate cries foul Independent candidate Tejal Pawar has alleged that she was forced to withdraw her nomination from a municipal ward in Colaba. Pawar claimed that local MLA Rahul Narwekar threatened her to pull out of the contest. Narwekar, who is also the Speaker of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, denied the allegations. Speaking to television reporters, he said, “I have never met or even seen this candidate. There is no question of threatening her. The allegations are completely baseless.” mid-day reached out to Narwekar on the allegations. “It is clearly visible that while allegations are levelled, the Sena UBT MP was on the dais with the person making allegations. The allegations are motivated, staged and with the intention to malign my image,” the Colaba MLA said. Get all BMC Election 2026 updates here | Your ward info here https://www.mid-day.com/bmc-election/ https://www.mid-day.com/bmc-election/know-your-ward
08 January,2026 08:46 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarFlat Fit Gym, a local fitness centre, has been booked for cheating after allegedly closing its doors abruptly despite collecting over Rs 20 lakh in annual fees from more than 200 members. According to Navghar police, the gym had attracted members with promises of modern facilities and long-term fitness plans, charging Rs 10,000 to Rs 11,000 each, often via digital payments. Operations ran normally for a short period, giving members confidence. However, on August 9, the gym was found closed with shutters down and locks in place, without any prior notice. Members arriving for their workouts discovered the sudden shutdown. “Despite repeated attempts to contact the management, phones went unanswered, and no refunds were issued,” said member Nilesh Nandre. Police investigations revealed that 205 members had paid annual fees, totalling around Rs 20.05 lakh. Members said the gym continued selling long-term memberships even as disputes over the premises were ongoing, raising questions about the management’s conduct. Several members lodged complaints with the police, who registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for cheating. Navghar police are investigating the accused, Swapnil Nigote and Harshal Salunke, who ran the gym. “They will be sent notices to appear for investigation. If they fail to comply, they will be arrested,” said Senior Police Inspector Parag Sonawane. Efforts are also underway to trace the money and check for similar complaints elsewhere. Rs 20.05LTotal amount collected from members
08 January,2026 08:28 AM IST | Mumbai | Aishwarya IyerAfter mid-day highlighted the issue, residents of Bageshri Society have finally begun receiving better-quality water from Wednesday, bringing relief after days of complaints about a foul-smelling supply. The improvement follows repeated concerns raised by residents over an unusual odour in their tap water, which had triggered fears of contamination and health risks. “The water samples collected from the society were tested and found to be clear. The test report [a copy of which is with mid-day], rules out chemical contamination or sewage mixing,” said Pravin Dudhwadkar, engineer, BMC water department. However, officials said the foul smell may have been linked to the recent laying of new water pipelines in the area. “The smell could have been the result of the new water pipelines, which we have laid. However, that too is just a speculation because we have not installed the new pipelines yet; they are just laid beside the older ones as of now,” added Dudhwadkar. BMC officials said precautionary flushing of the water lines was carried out to restore normal supply. The department has assured residents that water quality will continue to be monitored over the next few days to ensure the problem does not recur. Residents confirmed a noticeable improvement in water quality since Wednesday. “The foul smell has reduced significantly, and the water looks much better now,” said Sanjay Patkar, a resident, expressing relief after weeks of uncertainty. Several residents said that while the issue may not have posed an immediate health threat, the persistent stench had made daily use of water difficult and distressing, particularly for cooking and drinking. Members of the society thanked mid-day for highlighting the problem, saying swift civic action followed only after media intervention. “Without the issue being reported, this might have dragged on much longer. We are grateful that the matter was taken seriously,” said Mahendra Chheda, secretary of Bageshri Society.
08 January,2026 08:22 AM IST | Mumbai | Ritika GondhalekarThe waiting game Commuters are captured in different moods as they wait for a local train to arrive at Dadar railway station. Making the right moves Viswanathan Anand. File pic/Atul Kamble India's Chess Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand has a lot in store in his new book, Lightning Kid (Hachette India), set to release on January 13. Articulating the player’s wins and losses, it features 64 short lessons for enthusiasts of the game. “[The] lessons do help on the board, but they often also [help] in the bigger game called Life,” Anand reflects. If you’re headed to the Jaipur Literature Festival, The Hindu Lit For Life in Chennai, or the Kolkata Literary Meet, listen to him in person, as he presents the book. City rewind A print from the album. Pic Courtesy/Prinseps While all eyes are on the future of the Bombay High Court’s new complex in Bandra East, a blast from the past is on the cards elsewhere. Photographic Views Of Public Buildings In Bombay (circa 1870) by DF Davur & Co is part of the From the Archives to Auction sale by Prinseps. The album includes 12 plates of albumen prints of key public buildings of erstwhile Bombay, from High Court and Victoria Terminus (today’s CSMT), to the iconic Watson’s Esplanade Hotel, which is currently being restored. The auction also has works by British officer-artists Captain Stephen Peacocke, and Captain George Powell Thomas. Bombayphiles have till 7 pm today to place their bids on auction.prinseps.com. Vote wisely, Mumbai Water is sprayed around a construction site in Sion to allow dust to settle. file pic/rane ashish; Pics Courtesy/Mission Green Mumbai With power comes responsibility. This can be applied to the need for Mumbaikars to exercise their voting rights, as emphasised by Subhajit Mukherjee, founder of non-governmental organisation, Mission Green Mumbai. In light of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections on January 15, the environmentalist has begun a campaign under the tagline ‘Vote For Clean Air’, urging citizens to vote for those serious about improving the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI). “I’ve drafted and sent a letter to various election contestants, requesting them to address this problem,” he revealed, adding, “As individuals, we need to change our ways, and stop littering and burning waste. Construction sites must also improve dust management.” Subhajit Mukherjee; (right) An AQI meter installed in Mukherjee’s home, which shows a high PM 2.5 of 123+ Padding up for hygiene The girls who attended the JC Goveas Foundation-organised Menstrual Hygiene Camp in Talasari, Maharashtra with Bruno and Reena Goveas. Pic/By Special Arrangement Ever thought about how village girls go about exercising menstrual hygiene, a lack of it opening up possibilities of serious health hazards? The JC Goveas Foundation certainly thought about it, and last week, educated and provided 540 girls across 18 schools in Talasari, Maharashtra, on ways to go about things at their Menstrual Hygiene Camp. Renowned gynaecologist Dr Kiran Shinde of Ashirwad Maternity Hospital, Dahisar East and Dr Sunita Shinde counselled and advised the girls on the subject. The girls were provided with a year’s supply of sanitary pads, besides iron supplements. There was a sense of satisfaction among those present and the smiles got wider when some of the girls performed the traditional Tarpa dance. The Foundation extends a big thank you to the generous people who donated towards the purchase of sanitary pads and supplements, and looks forward to more support; the number of benefactors sure to increase, nevertheless. Best foot forward on the Metro The footprint signs on the platform. File pic Life in a... Metro was the name of Anurag Basu’s film centred on living in Mumbai. But there is also strife in a Metro which means Mumbai. There is little to no strife in the Mumbai Metro Aqua Line 3. This diarist follows the rapidly evolving Metro Aqua Line 3 scenario, even while saying props to the easy-breezy transport facility. We like their fairly recent intervention at the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) station, where footprints have been painted on the platform. This is to indicate that people should enter from two sides while letting commuters alight from the middle. Follow these feet as this would mean smoother entrance/exit. We say these feet are neat.
08 January,2026 08:17 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-dayA major contest is unfolding in electoral ward no. 12 in Borivali East’s R Central ward, where residents of Ariana Residency at Devipada have collectively decided that the party which resolves their long-standing water crisis will receive 1300 votes from the housing society. The residents allege that they have been receiving insufficient and horrible-smelling water from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for the past four years, compelling them to spend nearly R16,000 per day on water from private tankers. At the housing society’s gates, posters have also been put up, stating, “We are paying taxes, but we are begging for water. First solve our water issue, and then ask for votes.” Mukesh Ashar, resident, Ariana Residency Ariana Residency houses nearly 1300 residents across 325 flats in A, B, and C wings. The society was redeveloped in 2021, and it has been facing low-water pressure ever since. Residents allege that despite repeatedly approaching the BMC, the local MLA, and MP, no solution has been provided so far.According to locals, civic officials blamed a major slope for the society’s water pressure woes. Residents speak Resident Akshay Parab said, “We receive insufficient water from the BMC every day. We order four water tankers daily. We pay taxes to the government. If we do not get sufficient water, we will not vote. Whoever helps us solve this water crisis will get our votes.” Ariana Residency in Borivali East, whose residents depend on tanker water daily due to water pressure issue. Pics/Nimesh Dave Another resident, Mukesh Ashar, said, “We receive only 50 per cent of our required amount of water from the BMC, while the tanker water we buy is not potable. Purchasing drinking water bottles from shops is an additional expense.” Shraddha Subhash Aroskar, yet another resident, said, “We boil water daily for drinking. Even for cooking, we are forced to use dirty water. The water supplied by the BMC smells terrible. No one comes back after being voted to power. We want a permanent solution, and we will vote only for those who help us.” Shraddha Subhash Aroskar, resident, Ariana Residency Ashok Jadhav, a provisional committee member of Ariana Residency, said, “The water we receive from the BMC is dirty, foul-smelling, and unfit for drinking. Our children’s health is being affected. We have written several letters to the R Central ward of the BMC, but no solution has been provided.” mid-day tried to contact Praful Tambe, the assistant commissioner of R Central ward, but he was unavailable for comment. A senior BMC official said on the condition of anonymity, “We will look into this matter and solve it.” CANDIDATES SAY THEY CAN DO IT Electoral ward No. 12 is reserved for OBC women candidates, and every aspirant mid-day spoke to express confidence about decisively resolving the issue ‘The previous MLA and MP did not help this society, which is why they are facing low water pressure. We will hold a meeting with the society very soon. Once I win the election, I will definitely help them and resolve the issue’Priti Dandekar, Independent candidate ‘I am aware of this issue. Within the next two to three days, I will hold a meeting with the society members and resolve the problem. Water is a basic necessity, and every society member has the right to receive it’Vandana Shinde, Independent candidate ‘I have met the society members. If I win this election, I will first meet [party chief] Uddhav Thackeray and ensure this issue is resolved. I promise that I will not abandon my party like others have done in the past’ Sarika Zore, Shiv Sena (UBT) ‘I will meet the society members very soon and resolve the issue. While other political parties are busy campaigning, I can assure everyone that if I win, I will meet [party chief] Eknath Shinde and MLA Prakash Surve on the very first day and ensure a permanent solution’Survana Gavas, Shiv Sena
08 January,2026 08:11 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirish VaktaniaAfter nearly seven years of sustained follow-ups by mid-day, the much-awaited wide elevated deck on the Mumbai Metro-end of Ghatkopar railway station is finally taking physical shape — a long-overdue intervention at one of the city’s fiercely crowded transport interchanges. Ghatkopar railway station, where mega crowds from the Mumbai Metro Line 1 (Blue Line) converge with Central Railway suburban passengers, has for years seen infrastructure lagging dangerously behind. The new deck promises a dramatic improvement in circulation space, pedestrian dispersal, and safety at the Metro-end — the most congested choke point at the station. Placing of girders across the tracks had been completed at the CSMT-end. Pics/Rajendra B Aklekar On a visit to the station on Wednesday, team mid-day found that the work of placing all girders across the tracks had been long completed, and the flooring work of the new wide bridge was underway at the CSMT-end. The new bridge is adjacent to the BMC skywalk abutting the Metro station.At the Kalyan-end near Jhunjhunwala College, the girders have been placed outside. The gang hut has been demolished, and piling work has begun for the foundations. 08No. of foundations completed, out of 15 2019Year mid-day took up the issue 1800sq mApproximate area of elevated deck (Phase 1 and Phase 2 combined) Voices Chaitanya Raut, student, Jhunjuhnwala College‘Ghatkopar is not just crowded, it’s chaotic during peak hours. You barely get space to stop and check directions. With the deck, at least people can spread out instead of colliding head-on’ Monalkumar Upahdyaya, officer-goer‘This should have been built before the Metro opened. But at least now something real is finally happening. The ongoing work is creating problems on the platforms with barricades, but thankfully, they are moving the barricades to limit restrictions’ Rishi Talreja, software executive at Saki Naka‘Ghatkopar always felt like a station operating at double its designed capacity. Metro crowds would spill straight into railway passengers with no buffer in place’ Flooring work on the new wide bridge is underway Why deck matters Ghatkopar is not just another suburban station. It is a high-intensity interchange, where Metro passengers arrive as a huge mass, unlike the more evenly spread suburban flows. Without adequate horizontal circulation space, every train arrival on both systems turns into a dangerous crowd buildup. Scope of work Elevated Deck (Platform No. 1 side) . Eight out of 15 foundations completed. Four columns, five girders launched12-metre-side south foot overbridge. Main foundation completed. Main girders over the three spans launched12-metre-wide north foot overbridge. Two out of four foundations completed. Work on remaining foundations underway mid-day follow-ups, action initiatedTimeline of reporting August 30, 2019 Disaster in Waiting The station’s upgrade was spurred by a 2019 mid-day front-page report, prompting action from former MP Manoj Kotak and then-railway minister Piyush Goyal. The first story that started it all. June 23, 2022 Work Begins, but safety concerns raised MRVC launched a seven-point upgrade plan with new FOBs, an elevated deck and a skywalk, but barricades narrowed platforms, triggering safety concerns during peak hours. August 11, 2022 Platform space reclaimedBarricades were later pushed back, freeing platform space and easing risks flagged by mid-day. MRVC said work amid heavy footfall remains challenging, with completion expected by 2025. Dec 15, 2022 Crowd surge due to Metro disruption A Metro service cancellation caused a stampede-like situation on the railway FOB, emphasising the need to fast-track the upgrade. Commuters called for better Metro-railway integration and more Metro coaches to manage crowds. Dec 20, 2022 Construction expeditedAfter crowding concerns, MRVC fast-tracked a 75-metre-long, 12-metre-wide FOB and a 45-metre east deck, aiming to ease congestion by Dec 2023. The project aimed to mitigate crowding with interconnected bridges and decks. March 10, 2023 Breathing space gainedA redundant staircase on Platform No. 1 was demolished, creating more space after mid-day’s 2019 report. The upgrade was progressing to address the high passenger density exacerbated by Metro connectivity. April 21, 2023 Funding secured, work progressesMUTP-3A funding enabled full-scale work, with Phase 1 on the east side targeted for completion by late 2023 and further phases already funded. Dec 29, 2023 Phase 1 completedPhase 1 was completed with a 12-metre-wide, 75-metre-long FOB, and a 15-metre-wide, 47-metre-long east deck, opened to the public. However, commuters noted the lack of direct Metro connectivity, a priority for Phase 2. July 3, 2024 Metro-related crowding issuesMetro network delay caused a crowd surge on railway FOB, with railway officials blaming Metro’s management. Phase 2 work near the Metro station was set to resume post-monsoon, with calls for Metro to increase coach numbers. July 5, 2024 Escalators openedTwo of six planned escalators in the east circulating area were inaugurated, providing access to new FOB. The full upgrade, including multiple bridges and decks, was expected to be completed by December 2026. July 12, 2024 Slow progress questionedMRVC plans two phases with new FOBs and decks, noting that a five-minute Metro delay can add nearly 2,000 commuters. Completion is targeted for 2027. February 14, 2025 Debris and barricades cause risksPhase 2 work left debris and barricades on Platform 1, raising safety concerns. MRVC said it is speeding up foundation work and debris clearance, with completion still targeted for 2027.
08 January,2026 08:04 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarWith just over a month to go for the Std X and Std XII board examinations, representatives of the Principals’ Association met officials of the Maharashtra State Board to flag multiple concerns faced by teachers and school heads ahead of supervision duties, with poor remuneration emerging as the central issue. According to association members and principals of civic schools in Mumbai, teachers were paid Rs 25 for supervising a three-hour examination until last year. The amount varies based on the nature of the duty assigned, but principals said there is still no clarity on the remuneration structure for the current academic year. Teachers involved in paper correction are paid separately, depending on the total marks of the paper, with an average payout of around Rs 6.5 for correcting an 80-mark paper. “Teachers are currently paid Rs 25 for three hours of supervision. Today’s meeting with board officials ended on a positive note, and we are hopeful that the remuneration will be increased,” said Nandkumar Sagar, secretary of the Principals’ Association. Members of the Principals’ Association during a meeting with Maharashtra State Board officials ahead of the Std X and Std XII examinations The installation of CCTV cameras at examination centres was another major point of contention. A few months ago, the Maharashtra State Board directed all centres conducting Std X and Std XII board exams to upgrade surveillance infrastructure and install CCTV cameras. However, principals said many schools lack the funds to comply with the directive. “During the meeting, we were informed that around 80 to 85 per cent of centres across the state already have CCTV surveillance. The remaining centres have been asked to arrange installation through CSR funding, and local representatives will be informed,” Sagar said. Association members said that while most of their demands were discussed positively, no official record of the outcomes could be issued due to the model code of conduct being in force. Another key concern raised was the practice of assigning supervision duties at centres far from teachers’ own schools. Principals said teachers are expected to resume regular teaching duties after board exam work, and long travel times make this unworkable. “We cannot allow our other students to suffer because of board exam duties. If teachers are trusted with all academic responsibilities, there is no reason to doubt them during examinations,” Sagar added. Responding to mid-day, senior officials from the Maharashtra State Board said, “Teachers are compensated based on the specific duties they perform during the Std X and XII examinations. The demands raised by the association are under consideration, and the issue of enhanced remuneration will be examined after the model code of conduct is lifted.” “The state board tells us that the teachers are already getting their regular salary, and this is honorary pay for the work they are doing over and above with the board. At times, a teacher has to travel to the centres they invigilate, and this amount barely covers their travel. During our deliberations with the board last year, the authorities increased the pay of examiners and said that the pay of supervisors and centre operators will be increased in the years to come,” said Mahendra Ganpule, former head of the Maharashtra School Principals’ Association. Key demands of the Principals’ Association Right: Higher remuneration for supervision and paper correctionRight: No change of exam centres for invigilating teachersRight: Flexibility in CCTV installation mandateRight: Exemption from paper correction duties for principals who are custodians
08 January,2026 07:33 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 January 8. Aries March 21 – April 20Giving and receiving unconditional loves seems to be a relationship blessed by the universe.Cosmic tip: Work on what you think is a wrong past decision, reworking it to suit present circumstances. TaurusApril 21 – May 20Negotiations may seem scattered, but all falls into place soon. Those in a troubled marriage work through issues.Cosmic tip: Be patient if plans don’t work out in the timespan expected. GeminiMay 21 – June 21It’s great to receive a surprise via an unexpected call. An introspective mindset and clear thinking help make decisions not based on emotions.Cosmic tip: Choose decisions with ethics and humanity in mind. Cancer June 22 – July 23Whatever you pursue with focus has to bring results. This ‘get ahead’ attitude is all that is needed for success.Cosmic tip: Aim for the stars. Don’t allow yourself to be paralysed by unreasonable fears. Leo July 24 - Aug 23Being there for people you love is why there is never a defensive wall between them and you. Expected funds are slightly delayed.Cosmic tip: Seek the reason for this insomnia, making required changes. Virgo Aug 24 – Sept 23Keeping deadlines may be a slight challenge today (do your best). A legal case ends suddenly. Peacefully live in the present.Cosmic tip: Make decisions with a hundred per cent trust and acceptance. Libra Sept 24 – Oct 22Reviewing the past with a lighthearted manner also brings to mind certain important experiences. Speak with consideration.Cosmic tip: Pursue the spiritual path while enjoying the material world. Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 22One sign of wisdom is to think with thoughtful clarity instead of allowing the mind to be all over the place. A short holiday is fun.Cosmic tip: Be objective to pinpoint the actual issue. Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 22Be aware of a balance in life emerging, when each aspect of it gets influenced by planetary positions. Declutter life and surroundings.Cosmic tip: Be patient with faith to ensure a smooth karmic cycle. Capricorn Dec 23 – Jan 20Several negotiations move ahead in a snail-like manner. Just be patient, dealing with boring meetings yet again. Do get enough nightly sleep regularly.Cosmic tip: Maintain a balance between family life and friendships. Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19Discussing important plans with someone you trust makes sure this isn’t regretted. Cosmic tip: Learn to have better control over emotions. Pisces Feb 20 – March 20Renting office property is a choice made by some. Have a plan of action in mind before speaking to the boss about certain issues.Cosmic tip: Appreciate and accept what you’ve reaped through karma.
08 January,2026 01:07 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirley BoseAhead of the BMC Election 2026, the civic administration has rolled out an extensive voter awareness campaign under the Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) programme to increase voter turnout and promote informed participation. The initiative is being implemented as per guidelines issued by the Maharashtra State Election Commission (SEC) on June 12, 2025, with a detailed action plan prepared by the BMC and executed through various departments and agencies. Voting for the BMC elections will be held on Thursday, January 15, 2026, from 7.30 am to 5.30 pm. According to an official statement, the SVEEP campaign is being carried out under the leadership of Municipal Commissioner and District Election Officer Bhushan Gagrani, with guidance from Additional Municipal Commissioner (City) Dr Ashwini Joshi. Senior civic officials are overseeing the coordinated implementation of the campaign across Mumbai. Dr Joshi has appealed to citizens to exercise their voting rights freely, without fear or inducement, it said. Over 10 million voters to participate Pic/BMC Mumbai has over 10.34 million registered voters, and the civic body aims to ensure that every voter understands the importance of their vote. The campaign focuses on encouraging ethical voting and discouraging inducements, under the message that voting is a right, not a transaction, the statement said. Awareness through digital and public platforms Voter awareness messages are being displayed through digital hoardings approved by the BMC, screens at 24 civic facilitation centres, Central and Western Railway stations, Mumbai Metro services, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, platforms managed by MMRDA and MSRDC and daily voter awareness messages are also being shared on BMC’s official social media handles, civic officials said. Schools, colleges and youth participation More than one lakh voter pledge letters with the message “I will definitely vote on January 15, 2026” have been sent to parents through students of BMC-run schools. Schools are also conducting essay competitions, drawing competitions, morning rallies, NSS volunteers are organising awareness rallies and street plays to reach young and first-time voters, they said. Messages through sanitation vehicles and housing societies Pic/BMC Around 1,300 garbage collection vehicles have been fitted with posters and audio announcements promoting voting. Housing societies have been roped in through cooperation with the Deputy Registrar of Cooperative Societies. Notices regarding polling date, timing and required identity documents are being displayed on society notice boards. Selfie points and public attractions Voter awareness selfie points have been set up at BMC headquarters, Gateway of India, all 24 ward offices, Diamond Garden in Chembur. The SVEEP nodal officers in each ward are also conducting localised activities. Cinema halls, radio and public announcements Short 30-second voter awareness films are being screened across 62 cinema halls on 200 screens in Mumbai, the official statement said. Awareness messages are also being broadcast through FM radio channels, theatre halls, government offices, ST bus stations, hotels and restaurants. ‘My Vote Is Not for Sale’ Campaign BMC’s Public Relations Department is running a strong social media campaign under the tagline “My Vote, Not for Sale”, highlighting ethical voting and the importance of democracy. Pic/BMC Celebrity outreach and flash mobs Public figures are sharing voter awareness messages through BMC’s platforms. Flash mobs are being conducted at 25 crowded locations, including railway stations, malls and beaches, to explain the voting process and motivate first-time voters. Traditional street plays still effective Alongside modern platforms, traditional street plays (pathnatya) are being used to spread information about the polling date and time, importance of voting, required documents and how to check names in the voter list. The civic officials said that the multi-layered campaign aims to reach every voter and ensure a high turnout on polling day. Get all BMC Election 2026 updates here | Your ward info below Read more: All about BMC Election Read more: Know Your Ward
07 January,2026 10:40 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA massive fire broke out at a chemical factory in the MIDC area of Badlapur in Thane district of Maharashtra during the late hours of Wednesday, officials said. As per the Disaster Management Cell of Thane Municipal Corporation, the fire triggered panic among workers and residents in the vicinity. The blast occurred at the Pacific company, triggering a large fire that continued to blaze with repeated explosions even after the initial incident. Locals said that they had nearly seven to eight explosions one after another. Officials further informed that thick plumes of smoke were seen coming out from the industrial unit at the MIDC area. Acting swiftly, fire brigade teams rushed to the spot. Multiple firefighting vehicles have been deployed, and operations to take control of the situation are currently underway. As of now, no casualties have been reported. However, fire officials are continuing rescue and safety operations as a precautionary measure, given the nature of chemicals stored at the facility, as per the Disaster Management Cell. As a safety measure, people in the MIDC area and nearby workplaces were evacuated to safer locations, police said. Further details are awaited.
07 January,2026 10:30 PM IST | Thane | Aishwarya IyerADVERTISEMENT
