What 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 correspondentThe Maharashtra State Election Commission (SEC) on Thursday sought a detailed report from Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation chief Bhushan Gagrani following allegations by some candidates that returning officers in south Mumbai's Colaba area refused to accept their nomination forms for the BMC elections 2026 on the last day of the filing process. Allegations linked to Colaba wards 225, 226, 227 An official said the issue pertains to wards numbered 225, 226, and 227 in the Colaba constituency, where kin of BJP leader and Maharashtra assembly speaker Rahul Narwekar are in the fray for the January 15 civic polls. Rahul Narwekar’s relatives contesting from key wards Rahul Narwekar's brother Makrand Narwekar, sister Gauri Shivalkar and sister-in-law Harshita Shivalkar are contesting the civic polls from wards 225, 226 and 227. The three filed their nomination papers on Tuesday in the presence of Rahul Narwekar. Media outrage prompts Election Commission action "BMC commissioner Bhushan Gagrani had received complaints from some candidates alleging that returning officers in the three wards did not accept their nomination forms on the final day of submission. After receiving complaints and in view of media outrage, the commission has sought a report from Gagrani, who is the election officer for civic polls in the metropolis," a senior SEC official told PTI. SEC awaits BMC commissioner’s report The SEC could not confirm the names of the political parties that filed the complaints or the allegations levelled against any particular political figure, adding that an appropriate call will be taken once the BMC commissioner's report is received. Shiv Sena (UBT)-MNS alliance candidate levels serious charge Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT)-Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) alliance candidate Babban Mahadik alleged the assembly speaker tried to threaten local officials to prevent the acceptance of nomination forms of some candidates, reported PTI. Despite being in the queue, paying the security deposit, and reaching the office before the deadline, his nomination form from ward 226 was not accepted, Mahadik told reporters. Social media claims suggest multiple candidates blocked As per allegations doing the rounds on social media, 12 candidates were prevented from filing their nomination forms in Colaba constituency on the last day. These candidates alleged that pressure was exerted on officials, with some independent candidates being threatened inside the nomination filing hall. Makrand Narwekar denies allegations, defends democratic process The speaker's brother and civic poll candidate, Makrand Narwekar, rubbished the allegations. "Speaker Rahul Narwekar was present at the election officer's office only to support official BJP candidates. We believe in fighting elections in a democratic and fair manner," he said, reported PTI. Key dates for BMC elections 2026 December 30 was the last date for filing nominations for BMC elections 2026 and 28 other municipal corporations across Maharashtra. Polling is scheduled for January 15, with counting to be held on January 16. (With inputs from PTI)
02 January,2026 09:15 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentWith patient load rising tremendously and tertiary hospitals in the island city stretched to the limit, the renewed focus on strengthening suburban healthcare infrastructure marks a crucial shift in policy. From modern diagnostic facilities and expanded bed capacity to upgraded operation theatres and specialist services, the proposed improvements aim to reduce referral pressure, cut treatment delays and bring quality healthcare closer to where patients live. ESIC Model Hospital and ESIC Post Graduate Institute of Medical Science and Research, Andheri. PIC/Shadab Khan However, while the plans promise to bridge glaring gaps in public healthcare delivery, their success will hinge on timely execution, adequate staffing and sustained funding — factors that have historically hampered civic hospital reforms. Authorities state that for the 1.25 crore floating population of Mumbai on any given day, there are and will be sufficient beds. However, the challenge is to strengthen the super specialty services and maintain highest level of quality in providing these services needs to be bettered. What to look forward to 1 490-bed each at MT Agarwal Hospital in Mulund and Bhagwati Hospital in Borivli to begin operations by mid-2026 with all super specialty facilities in place 2 Phases 2 and 3 of Bhabha Hospital in Bandra to be completed making the newly-built super specialty hospital available for patients in the first quarter of the year 3 The emergency and cancer buildings of Nair Hospital to become functional 4 While the Bhoomi poojan was conducted in 2025, the redevelopment works of Sion Hospital and Rajawadi Hospital to convert them into 2200 and 1100 beds hospitals respectively will begin in 2026, paving way to better medical access in the coming years 5 580-bed at Shatabdi Medical College in Govandi to begin under the PPP model 6 ESIC medical college of Andheri to begin complete operations; Andheri ESIC’s services that were shifted to Kandivli ESIC after the fire accident will be brought back to the Andheri hospital lowering the burden from the Kandivli hospital 7 ESIC Hospital in Mulund to be redeveloped 8 The new building of JJ Hospital, which was supposed to be handed over to the hospital administration in December 2025 to begin process of medical equipment and furniture installation, will be ready to provide all medical super specialty facilities by 2026-end 9 GT Hospital’s medical college and boys’ hostel building to be completed along with the hospital possibly getting approval to run 100-student medical college from the current capacity of 50 students 10 Services at Railway Hospital to be expanded under PPP model 11 By 2026-end, the aim is to provide all super specialty facilities across all 16 peripheral hospitals with each hospital having an MRI, CT Scan machines, component blood bank, dialysis centre, and cath lab
02 January,2026 08:10 AM IST | Mumbai | Ritika GondhalekarThe long-delayed building project at Sir JJ Hospital has missed yet another deadline, raising serious concerns over accountability and patient infrastructure in one of Mumbai’s largest public healthcare facilities. The contractor tasked with constructing the new hospital building was expected to complete and hand over the fully constructed structure by December 2025. However, as of now, neither has the handover taken place nor has the contractor formally applied for an extension. Dr Ajay Bhadarwar, dean of the hospital, said, “We have not received any communication from the contractor regarding the completion or handover of the project. There has been no official handover of the building to date. We are still waiting for clarity on when the work will be completed.” Officials from the public works department (PWD) also confirmed that no request for an extension of time had been submitted by the contractor. “As per our records, the contractor has neither completed the project within the stipulated time nor sought a formal extension. This is a clear violation of contractual timelines. Our seniors have conducted meetings with him, and a meeting is scheduled next week,” said Shashi Jamdar, junior engineer from the PWD. While the contractor had asked for an extension till next March, the PWD department asked the company to finish work by November this year and hand over the building to the hospital by December at the latest. The repeated delays have sparked concern among the medical community. “If these delays hadn’t happened, some load would have been reduced from the already-stretched public healthcare system,” said health activist Dr Jamila Shaikh. Delay timeline July 21, 202: Original contract duration 36 months from when the project began July 20, 2023: Original date of project completion March 30, 2025: A 20-month extension was given as only 29 per cent of the work had been completed. This ended on December 2025: The contractor asked for another extension till March 2026. But PWD directed it to complete the work and hand over the new building to the hospital administration
02 January,2026 08:03 AM IST | Mumbai | Ritika GondhalekarAhead of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Elections, the Mumbai North Central District Forum (MNCDF), an NGO representing diverse communities across Mumbai, have made a 30-point list of citizen-centric needs to be placed in front of all candidates contesting the elections. These demands reflect the collective aspirations of citizens for a transparent, accountable, and people-centric civic administration, built on dignity, safety, and sustainability. The aim is to ensure that the city’s governance is done keeping in mind the fundamental needs of the citizens. The citizens forum’s demands 1 Municipal corporators must compel BMC’s PRO department to rework its grievance redressal mechanism to make complaint resolution via social media robust, time-bound, and accountable. 2 Councillors must push for a secure, multilingual portal for lodging anonymous complaints, with whistleblower protection 3 Corporators must hold monthly citizen forum meetings with mandatory attendance of ward officers. Unresolved complaints must be escalated to BMC commissioner’s ‘sabhas’ 4 Constitute a committee to conduct annual independent audits of BMC departments’ redressal of grievances. Bring transparency by setting up a 24x7 multilingual helpline. 5 Prioritise pedestrian safety and accessibility in urban planning by implementing the pedestrian-first policy in letter and spirit 6 Push for the creation of dedicated pedestrian zones, safe crossings, and universal accessibility standards. 7 Enforce strict criminal action against illegal hawkers and illegal encroachments on footpaths and roads. Corporators must refrain from protecting illegal hawkers. 8 Develop a policy framework for the removal, relocation, and rehabilitation of ‘Aarey shops/milk centres’ which are now being used to run illegal food stalls 9 Corporators must convene joint meetings with citizen forums, resident welfare associations, before any road concreting project to avoid re-digging of roads 10 Implement a zero-pothole policy with real-time reporting apps linked to contractor accountability. Corporators must coordinate to take criminal action regarding substandard quality 11 Install mobile public toilets across the city at densely populated tourist locations. 12 Coordinate with BMC and other authorities to enhance east-west connectivity and work to revamp the Khar subway 13 Appoint fresh ALMs to revive solid waste management initiatives at the source 14 Enforce SWM rules and laws in slums with penalties for non-compliance 15 Appoint marshals for the enforcement of SWM rules in slums 16 Address poor cleanliness, hygiene, infrastructure and shortage of manpower in municipal hospitals 17 Conduct mandatory annual audits of hygiene, equipment, medicines, and staffing levels in civic-run hospitals 18 Develop age-friendly infra, reserved hospital beds, transport concessions, digital ID cards for seniors 19 Establish mental health counselling centres in municipal hospitals and conduct awareness campaigns in BMC schools and communities 20 Monitor wards’ AQI in real time, and enforce stricter norms for construction dust and vehicular emissions 21 Enforce laws strictly on violation of air and noise mitigation guidelines issued by BMC for all construction sites 22 Relocate kabutarkhanas to designated non-residential areas with regulated feeding zones, and implement notification of the state government 23 Raise awareness that relocation of domesticated dogs and cats is illegal. Run sterilisation programmes in collaboration with reputable NGOs 24 Integrate BEST buses, Metro, and suburban rail with one app/smart card 25 Implement AI-enabled traffic signals and adopt a tech-driven approach to avoid malfunctions in traffic lighting, leading to traffic jams and accidents 26 Enforce the parking policy and provide a real-time parking availability app 27 Take strict action against illegal parking 28 Demand a process for mandated asset disclosure of all BMC officials, especially engineers 29 Provide digital classrooms in all BMC schools. Build infrastructure and manpower to enable AI skill development training 30 Develop accessible sports complexes, libraries, and cultural hubs in every zone
02 January,2026 07:56 AM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentA new dawn The Moon casts a halo behind the Statue of Progress above the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus on the last night of 2025 Songs from the desert Members of the Tinariwen group in performance. Pic courtesy/@Tinariwen There is a desert wind blowing towards the city in 2026. The Grammy Award-winning collective of Tuareg musicians, Tinariwen, will make a return to Indian shores this year. The group will headline the inaugural edition of the India Jazz Project that will be hosted in the city on February 7. The group had last toured India in 2023, and will be part of the three-city tour of the festival stopping by in Delhi and Bengaluru as well. Winners of the 2012 Grammy Award for Best World Music Album, the band have influenced world music and will join a number of Indian names that will be part of the debut edition of the festival. Having stopped by in Mumbai during their last tour as well, it seems the group has a soft spot for the shores of the Maximum City. A city’s history in faces Portrait of Dr BR Ambedkar, oil on canvas, VB Pathare; (right) MF Husain, Self-Portrait, acrylic on canvas. Pics Courtesy/DAG The New Year has barely begun, and the city’s art world is already busy at work. Coinciding with the Mumbai Gallery Weekend, DAG will host an exhibition that celebrates the many personalities who shaped its political, cultural, and civic life. Titled Face to Face: A Portrait of a City, the exhibition, opening on January 8, will feature thirty works that reflect the city’s evolving social fabric and artistic landscape from the 19th to the 20th Century. Portrait of Albert Schweitzer, watercolour on paper, GS Haldankar From the portrait of Sir Jamsetji Jeejeebhoy, India’s first baronet to the definitive image of Dr BR Ambedkar by VB Pathare, the works offer a fascinating insight. The showcase will also include the contributions of Bombay’s Progressive Artists’ Group, including a certain MF Husain. Organised across sections focusing on princely representation, influential figures, the Parsi community, artists’ self-portraits and portraits of common everyday folk, the exhibition strings together the diverse threads of the city’s narrative. Back to the roots A performer showcases lavani at a previous edition All set to experience the folk culture of the state? TyoHaara, a three-day, multi-art, transformational festival, will open in the city from February 13 to 15 at Kamshet. The festival will focus on community building and the interconnection between humans, art, and nature. An artist conducts a slacklining workshop. Pics Courtesy/@tyohaarafestival With more than 40 artists performing across multiple genres, alongside eight immersive workshops, community circles, the venue will also have an adventure playground. The festival endeavours to revive the folk culture of Maharashtra by infusing traditional heritage with modern fusion art. The idea is to inspire future generations to discover the region’s rich artistry. APRE is on the move It is moving time for APRE Art House. This diarist learned that the Colaba art space is set to move out of Sanghvi House to a new venue. Patrons need not worry though as the gallery will retain its Colaba address, with the new venue located just down the road from its current position. With the Mumbai Gallery Weekend upon us already, gallerist Prerna Jain (left) is now busy wrapping up the final details of the new space. The upgraded gallery space is expected to be ready to welcome visitors in the second week of January; in time for the 2026 art season. It is the right time for a fresh new start, after all.
02 January,2026 07:48 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-dayMumbai’s New Year celebrations came at a cost for errant motorists, as the city’s traffic police launched a strict overnight crackdown on drunk driving. Over 300 offenders were booked in a coordinated operation spanning the night of December 31 to the morning of January 1. According to police sources, this year marked a shift in enforcement. Earlier, drunk driving cases often ended with fines in court. However, the Mumbai Police have now adopted a zero-tolerance policy, registering cases and filing charge sheets against the accused. Offenders will face full-fledged trials, with provisions for both punishment and monetary penalties upon conviction. Cops screen drivers driving at Marine Lines. Pic/Shadab Khan “The intensified crackdown was part of a citywide operation. 41 traffic divisions conducted coordinated checks, ensuring strict action against violators,” said a senior officer. Offenders were booked under Section 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 185 of the Motor Vehicles Act, which deals with driving under the influence of alcohol. Vehicles were seized, and driving licences confiscated and sent to the Regional Transport Office (RTO) for suspension. Police said the tougher stance is aimed at deterring drunk driving and ensuring public safety during major celebrations. North Mumbai’s traffic division alone booked around 50 people for drunk driving.
02 January,2026 07:42 AM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanADVERTISEMENT
