Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Monday alleged that Thane, once known for its cultural legacy, has turned into a 'narcotics hub', reported the PTI. He made the remarks while addressing a press conference in Thane after the Shiv Sena (UBT)-Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) alliance released its manifesto for the civic polls scheduled for January 15. Raut claimed the city is witnessing a serious moral and social decline, with the drug menace destroying entire generations. Questions over drug trafficking “Thane, once celebrated for its rich culture, is now infamous for widespread drug trafficking. Drugs are being sold openly near schools and colleges,” Raut alleged, according to the PTI. He questioned who was protecting such networks and accused the police and state leadership of remaining silent on the issue. He further claimed that drug links extend “right up to Satara”, referring to the recent Rs 115-crore mephedrone seizure in the city, which has triggered a political controversy. Ruling alliance rejects allegations The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi has repeatedly alleged that individuals linked to the Satara drug bust have connections with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar’s NCP. However, the ruling parties have strongly denied and dismissed these claims, as per the PTI. Civic polls a chance to ‘reclaim legacy’ Referring to the upcoming civic elections, Raut said the polls provide citizens an opportunity to “wipe off the gaddar (traitor) tag” and reclaim the political legacy of Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray. Since the party split in June 2022, the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction has consistently labelled Eknath Shinde and other rebel leaders as “gaddars”. Raut alleged that the Shinde faction represents a 'duplicate Shiv Sena' that has replaced “Marathi power” with money power. Allegations of misuse of police machinery Raut accused the ruling dispensation of misusing police machinery to intimidate political rivals and achieve electoral gains. He claimed that the public would respond strongly if such pressure tactics were removed, even briefly. Development funds only on paper, says Vichare Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Rajan Vichare, who was present at the press conference, alleged that Rs 3,500 crore earmarked for Thane’s development exists only on paper. He said the city continues to struggle with water shortages and traffic congestion. He added that the proposed Dharmaveer Anand Dighe memorial remains incomplete and that key infrastructure projects, including the metro rail, are progressing at a very slow pace. ‘Biggest scam’ in civic polls Leaders, including MNS’s Avinash Jadhav, also criticised the election of several Mahayuti candidates unopposed in the civic polls, calling it the “biggest scam” and a serious threat to democracy, as per the PTI. The Shiv Sena (UBT)-MNS alliance appealed to voters to reject what they described as 'drug patronage and builder-driven development' and to restore Thane’s original identity. Get all BMC Election 2026 updates here | Your ward info below Read more: All about BMC Election Read more: Know Your Ward (with PTI inputs)
05 January,2026 10:53 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentAhead of the BMC Election 2026, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray on Monday intensified party's voter outreach in Mumbai and campaigned for Shiv Sena (UBT) candidates in parts of the city. Aaditya visited party's poll campaign offices in parts of the city and interacted with local residents in key wards. In a post on social media platform X, Aaditya Thackeray wrote that he visited the campaign office of Shekhar Chavan, the Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate from Ward No. 154 at Ramtekdi, Chembur Naka, to extend his support ahead of the civic elections. ‘Fight to save Mumbai’ Aaditya Thackeray further wrote the party was confident of victory and described the election as a fight to 'save Mumbai'. He said that the determination of party workers and supporters reflected a strong resolve to protect the city’s future. Support in Govandi In a separate post on X, Aaditya Thackeray also referred to his interaction with residents in Govandi, where he campaigned for Nimish Bhosale, the party’s candidate from Ward No. 144. He said a similar sense of determination was visible among citizens who had gathered in large numbers to support the party's candidate. रामटेकडी, चेंबुर नाका येथील वॉर्ड क्र. १५४ चे उमेदवार शेखर चव्हाण ह्यांच्या प्रचारार्थ कार्यालयास भेट! pic.twitter.com/i1sPZRalOX — Aaditya Thackeray (@AUThackeray) January 5, 2026 According to Thackeray, the enthusiasm and unity shown by local residents were energising party workers and strengthening the campaign ahead of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. Thackeray cousins shift polls campaign focus, decide to visit party shakhas Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray have opted to visit party shakhas instead of addressing multiple rallies ahead of the Mumbai civic polls. The move is being seen as a strategic recalibration aimed at directly engaging with the maximum number of voters. Earlier, Uddhav and Raj Thackeray were expected to address three rallies in Mumbai -- one each in the eastern and western suburbs, along with a mega rally at Shivaji Park in Dadar. However, they are now jointly scheduled to visit party offices across the city on Monday. Get all BMC Election 2026 updates here | Your ward info below Read more: All about BMC Election Read more: Know Your Ward
05 January,2026 10:00 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Maharashtra Progressive Teachers' Association (MPTA) has demanded that the January 2026 examinations of Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University (YCMOU) be conducted only after January 16, citing the heavy workload and mental stress caused by simultaneous election duties ahead of the BMC Election 2026. The demand comes in the backdrop of the ongoing Maharashtra civic polls and the much-anticipated BMC elections in 2026, for which a large number of teachers and non-teaching staff have been appointed on election duty. With YCMOU examinations scheduled during the same period, the teacher’s association has warned of serious administrative and academic difficulties. While issuing an official representation submitted to the university administration, the association has urged that all examinations should be postponed until the completion of the election process. Furthermore, the State President of the Association, Tanaji Kamble, clarified that election duty is a mandatory government responsibility for teachers and non-teaching employees, and assigning examination-related work at the same time is unfair and stressful. YCMOU: Managing election duty and university examinations simultaneously affects mental health Kamble stressed that managing both election duty and university examinations simultaneously affects mental health, examination planning, and the overall quality and transparency of the examination process.” He also hinted that postponing the exams would ensure a smoother and stress-free conduct. Echoing similar concerns, Yuvraj Kalashetti also pointed out that election-related responsibilities include training, polling day duties, counting of votes, and post-election administrative work. Conducting university examinations during this period, he said, is impractical and could adversely affect teachers, staff, and students alike. The association has further urged the YCMOU administration to take a practical and humane decision by rescheduling the examinations after January 16. Association, while putting up their demands, had also made it clear that follow-up on the issue will continue until a final decision is taken. The Maharashtra Progressive Teachers' Association expressed hope that the university authorities would take the situation seriously and ensure that both the election process and academic examinations are conducted smoothly, fairly, and without unnecessary stress on employees or students. Preparations for upcoming polls disrupt academic life at Mumbai's Wilson College Preparations for the BMC election 2026 have had an unintended impact on staff and students at Wilson College, which overlooks Girgaon Chowpatty. Seven spaces on the college’s ground floor, including the assembly hall, lecture, audio-visual, and common rooms, have been put to use for election duty, taking a toll on academic and extracurricular activities.
05 January,2026 09:37 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAhead of the BMC Election 2026 scheduled on January 15, Mumbai Police on Monday issued a list of traffic restrictions in western suburbs of the city and shared details of alternate routes. In a traffic notification, Mumbai Traffic Police said that in Borivali East, Appasaheb Sidhaye Marg from near Shrikrishna Nagar Bridge to Abhinav Nagar Gate No. 5 will have a 'No Parking' zone from January 13, 2026, 7 am, to January 16, 2026, 12 midnight. On January 16, entry will be restricted to vehicles engaged in election duties only. Motorists can use Abhinav Nagar Roads 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6 as alternative routes. Restrictions near J.P. Road in Andheri (West) The police said that for smooth conduct of elections, Veera Desai Road from J.P. Road Junction to Mogra Nala will be closed to vehicles not engaged in election work from January 14, 2026, 7 am, to January 16, 2026, 10 pm. Alternative routes include Courtyard Junction, Chitrakoot Junction, and New Link Road. Traffic restrictions for vote counting in Dahisar According to the police, in Dahisar (West), traffic will be temporarily closed near the Rustomjee Cambridge International School and Jaywant Sawant Marg during distribution of EVMs on January 14, polling day on January 15, and vote counting on January 16. Alternative routes: - Borivali to Dahisar: via Rokadiya Lane through Gokul Hotel Junction - Dahisar to Borivali: via Deepa Hotel Junction along the riverbank road "These restrictions aim to ensure smooth election operations and maintain safety," the police said. Traffic restrictions on northbound carriageway of C.D. Barfiwala Road Mumbai Police have announced temporary traffic restrictions on the northbound carriageway of C.D. Barfiwala Road, between Tipu Sultan Junction and Gulmohar Junction, in the Western Suburbs. The closure is due to ongoing work installing flyover pillars, which involves heavy machinery and excavation. Motorists are advised to follow the alternative route: turn left at Tipu Sultan Junction, proceed via Juhu Lane, Juned Nagar, and Gulmohar Junction, before continuing towards J.V.P.D. The restrictions will remain in place until the flyover pillar work is completed. Veera Desai Road Bridge demolition The bridge over Mogra Nala on Veera Desai Road, near Dhake Colony, Oshiwara, has been declared unsafe and will be demolished and rebuilt. The stretch from Gopinath Munde Garden to Garden Court will be fully closed. Alternative routes for southbound vehicles include: via Courtyard Junction, Chitrakoot Junction, and New Link Road. Vehicles approaching via J.P. Road should also use New Link Road. The police said that the traffic restrictions will remain until the reconstruction is complete. Get all BMC Election 2026 updates here | Your ward info below Read more: All about BMC Election Read more: Know Your Ward
05 January,2026 09:00 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA dispute over the 'unopposed' victories of Mahayuti nominees ahead of the January 15 Maharashtra local body elections reached the Bombay High Court on Monday after a Raj Thackeray-led MNS leader moved the Mumbai court. Avinash Jadhav, head of the Thane unit of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), urged the court to stay the declaration of results in 68 seats and to initiate a court-monitored inquiry into alleged “mass withdrawals” of candidates under coercion, according to the PTI. In a plea filed through advocate Asim Sarode, Jadhav alleged that opposition aspirants were “forced, intimidated or enticed” to withdraw their nominations through corrupt practices, violating the free and fair election mandate under Article 243-ZA of the Constitution. Opposition leaders raise alarm The issue has dominated campaign discussions ahead of the municipal elections, which cover 29 corporations and involve complex alliances. Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, speaking alongside MNS chief Raj Thackeray while unveiling their joint manifesto for the Mumbai civic polls, called on the State Election Commission (SEC) to cancel results in the 68 civic wards where Mahayuti nominees were declared winners unopposed. He argued that such victories deny first-time and Gen Z voters their right to vote and warned that democracy should not be overrun by “mobocracy,” as per the PTI. BJP and Mahayuti leaders defend unopposed wins Countering the Opposition, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis accused critics of “finding excuses” due to fear of electoral defeat. “They can certainly go to court, but the people’s mandate has elected us. Even if they move the court, the people’s mandate will prevail,” he stated. Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule defended unopposed wins, asserting that they are permissible under existing rules and can be beneficial for democracy. He added that several candidates in local bodies and gram panchayats have historically been elected unopposed. Congress demands NOTA option Adding to the controversy, Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal demanded that voters should be allowed to use the None of the Above (NOTA) option even in wards where candidates are elected unopposed. He alleged that the BJP-led Mahayuti is undermining democracy by using pressure, threats, and money power to ensure uncontested victories. Sapkal claimed that the ruling parties are preventing opposition candidates from filing nominations with the alleged support of police and civic administration, while the Election Commission remains a “mute spectator.” Get all BMC Election 2026 updates here | Your ward info below Read more: All about BMC Election Read more: Know Your Ward (with PTI inputs)
05 January,2026 08:39 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Transport Minister and chairman of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC), Pratap Sarnaik, on Sunday issued a strict advisory to officials, directing them to immediately expedite the tender process to induct 8,000 new buses into the ST fleet by the end of 2026. The Maharashtra Transport Minister further stated that any delay in the process will invite strict action, with the officers concerned being held personally accountable. While speaking at a high-level review meeting on the utilisation of MSRTC’s budgetary funds for the financial year 2025–26, Sarnaik also pointed out various developments in Maharashtra’s transportation. The meeting was attended by MSRTC Vice-Chairman and Managing Director Dr Madhav Kusekar, Financial Advisor & Chief Accounts Officer Girish Deshmukh, and other senior officials from various departments. Expressing strong displeasure over the slow pace of work, Sarnaik pointed out that although the state government has allocated Rs 2,460 crore to MSRTC in the 2025–26 budget, nearly Rs 1,600 crore is likely to remain unspent with just three months left in the financial year. Terming this as a “very serious matter”, Sarnaik said that such lapses reflect poor planning and administrative inefficiency. The minister further stressed that the funds originate from taxpayers’ money and must be utilised for improving basic passenger amenities, including the procurement of new buses and the construction, repair, and renovation of bus stations. He also noted that tender processes related to bus purchases and infrastructure works have been stalled for nearly nine months, leading to underutilisation of funds. Maharashtra transport minister directs officials to ensure maximum utilisation of funds Holding the departments concerned responsible, Sarnaik directed officials to ensure maximum expenditure of available funds within the remaining three months and to immediately complete all pending tendering and administrative procedures. He specifically emphasised fast-tracking projects related to new buses, bus stations, and passenger facilities such as restrooms. The Maharashtra Transport Minister also reiterated that the modernisation of MSRTC would be carried out at a rapid pace, with passenger convenience as the top priority. Further, he called upon the administration to act responsibly and with urgency to strengthen the public transport system and restore public confidence in the state-run bus service. Get all BMC Election 2026 updates here | Your ward info here
05 January,2026 08:15 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIn view of BMC Election 2026, the Regional Transport Office (RTO), Mumbai (Central), will remain closed on January 14 and 15. As per the statement issued by the transport department, during this period, no routine work will be carried out at the RTO. As per orders of the State Election Commission, election authorities have been empowered to requisition staff, premises and vehicles required for the conduct of panchayat and municipal elections. In line with these directives, the Deputy Election Officer of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has requisitioned the RTO Mumbai (Central) building and premises for two days to facilitate smooth polling scheduled on January 15, 2026. The transport department also clarified that the RTO premises will be used for election-related arrangements, including administrative and logistical support, making it necessary to suspend all regular operations during this period. The regional transport department also asserted that all services and operations at the RTO Mumbai (Central) will remain completely suspended on January 14 and 15. The department has also advised citizens to take note of this and reschedule their work related to RTO services for alternative dates. 8,000 new buses to join the MSRTC fleet by the end of 2026, says Pratap Sarnaik The Maharashtra Transport Minister and chairman of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC), Pratap Sarnaik, on Sunday issued a strict advisory to the officials, directing them to immediately expedite the tender process to induct 8,000 new buses into the ST fleet by the end of 2026. The Maharashtra Transport Minister further stated that any delay in the process will invite strict action, with concerned officers being held personally accountable. While speaking at a high-level review meeting on the utilisation of MSRTC’s budgetary funds for the financial year 2025–26, Sarnaik also pointed out various developments in Maharashtra’s transportation. The meeting was attended by MSRTC Vice-Chairman and Managing Director Dr Madhav Kusekar and other senior officials from various departments. Sarnaik also stressed that the funds originate from taxpayers’ money and must be utilised for improving basic passenger amenities, including the procurement of new buses and the construction, repair, and renovation of bus stations. He Sarnaik also noted that tender processes related to bus purchases and infrastructure works have been stalled for nearly nine months, leading to underutilisation of funds. Get all BMC Election 2026 updates here | Your ward info here
05 January,2026 08:14 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentWestern Railway on Monday said that it has collected more than Rs 155 crore in fines through intensive ticket checking drives carried out between April and December 2025. The drive was aimed at curbing ticketless and irregular travel and improving the overall travel experience for genuine passengers, an official statement said. According to Western Railway, a total fine of Rs 155.46 crore was recovered during this period, which is nearly 49 per cent higher than the amount collected during the same period last year. Of this, Rs 41.26 crore was collected from the Mumbai suburban section alone. Strong action against ticketless travel The ticket checking drives were conducted across Mumbai suburban services, Mail and Express trains, passenger trains and holiday special trains. These operations were carried out under the supervision of senior commercial officers with the support of dedicated ticket checking staff. A press release issued by Western Railway’s Chief Public Relations Officer, Vineet Abhishek, said that in December 2025 alone, WR recovered Rs 15.54 crore by detecting 2.51 lakh ticketless and irregular passengers, including cases of unbooked luggage. This marked an increase of about 42 per cent compared to December last year. Focus on Mumbai AC local trains To prevent unauthorised travel in Mumbai AC local trains, Western Railway also conducted frequent surprise checks. During the period from April to December 2025, nearly 91,000 unauthorised passengers were penalised in AC locals, resulting in the recovery of Rs 2.97 crore in fines, officials said. The figure is around 97 per cent higher than the amount collected during the same period last year, highlighting the effectiveness of the focused enforcement drive. Improving passenger experience Western Railway said the results reflect its commitment to stopping unauthorised travel, protecting public revenue and ensuring a comfortable and hassle-free journey for bonafide passengers. The railway authorities have appealed to commuters to travel only with valid tickets and follow railway rules to avoid penalties. Plans for customised AC locals in Mumbai In addition to regular AC locals, Indian Railways has begun procuring customised local trains for Mumbai. Mid-day had earlier reported that Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, in March 2025, had approved the procurement of 238 air-conditioned Mumbai local trains for the city.
05 January,2026 06:14 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAhead of the Maharashtra local body elections, Thane Police have so far taken over 2,500 preventive actions and seized arms, liquor, and cash ahead of KDMC polls, reported the PTI. According to the police, the action was taken in Kalyan Zone III in preparation for the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) elections scheduled for January 15. Deputy Commissioner of Police Atul Zende on Monday said that a total of 2,527 preventive actions have been initiated under various provisions of the law to deter potential law-and-order disturbances during the election period, as per the PTI. Licensed weapons deposited and arms seized According to Zende, of the 1,301 licensed firearms within the zone’s jurisdiction, 1,110 have already been deposited, while 49 are yet to be surrendered. The remaining weapons are in the custody of banks and other authorised agencies. Thane Police have also seized two country-made firearms, two cartridges, 45 knives, five choppers (koytas) and three swords as part of the enforcement drive, officials said, the news agency reported. Crackdown on illegal liquor and narcotics The police have confiscated 779.57 litres of illicit country-made and foreign liquor. In addition, 1.78 kilograms of ganja and 120 bottles of codeine syrup have been seized. Atul Zende said that 107 individuals have been detained for their alleged involvement in the illegal liquor trade. Cash seizure and action against criminals The DCP further revealed that cash amounting to Rs 9 lakh was recovered near the Gavdevi Temple in Kachore, Kalyan East. Ten known criminals have been externed from the district, while several others have been booked under the Maharashtra Prevention of Dangerous Activities (MPDA) Act and the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), according to the PTI. Security deployment for poll day Police said that as part of the comprehensive security arrangements, 24 drones have been deployed for surveillance. The police force assigned for election duty includes two Deputy Commissioners of Police, eight Assistant Commissioners of Police, 45 Police Inspectors, 293 Assistant and Sub-Inspectors, 2,134 police constables, 1,456 Home Guard personnel and nine platoons of State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) personnel, the news agency reported. Get all BMC Election 2026 updates here | Your ward info below Read more: All about BMC Election Read more: Know Your Ward (with PTI inputs)
05 January,2026 05:39 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentWith just days to go for the BMC Election 2026, Maharashtra Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal on Monday said the BJP-led Mahayuti’s greed for power had reached the point of “swallowing democracy”, amid a fierce debate over 68 ruling alliance candidates winning unopposed ahead of the January 15 civic polls, news agency PTI reported. The state Congress chief further said that the Devendra Fadnavis Government is undermining democracy by using pressure, threats, and money power to force uncontested victories in municipal polls. Sapkal, while slamming the ruling party, asserted, "The principle of free and fair elections has been severely compromised in the ongoing civic elections. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar have wrapped up democracy. A blatant money game is underway even before polling. The hunger for power of the BJP-led Mahayuti has reached the point of swallowing democracy." The Congress chief also claimed that in order to win unopposed, leaders of the ruling parties are preventing opposition candidates from filing nomination forms with the help of police and the civic administration, PTI reported. He also added that the Election Commission is a mute spectator while such developments are afoot. Stressing that elections are not new to India's democratic tradition, Sapkal highlighted that opposition parties also have equal importance in a healthy democracy, PTI reported. While hailing Congress’s democratic values and traditions, Sapkal said that former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru's cabinet included ministers from non-Congress parties as an example of democratic values. The Congress leader also said, "Voters should be given the option to use 'None of the Above' (NOTA) even in wards where candidates are elected unopposed, so that citizens can exercise their constitutional right to vote." Sapkal criticises Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar Slamming the speaker of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Rahul Narwekar had damaged the dignity of his constitutional office. "Holders of constitutional positions such as the speaker are expected to rise above political bias, but Narwekar has failed to do so. Narwekar had earlier weakened the anti-defection law and has now descended to a very low level by misusing his position during municipal elections to benefit his relatives," Sapkal added. The Congress leader accused Narwekar of obstructing opposition candidates, issuing threats and misusing authority and demanded that the President of India remove him from the post. "CCTV footage from the incident sites is available, and complaints of those who were threatened should be recorded and action taken," he said while alleging the inquiry report so far amounted to mere "wordplay", Sapkal further emphasised. The allegations of opposition parties pertain to wards numbered 225, 226, and 227 in the Colaba constituency, where Narwekar's kin are in the fray for the January 15 civic polls. His brother Makrand, sister Gauri Shivalkar, and sister-in-law Harshita Shivalkar are contesting the civic polls from wards 225, 226, and 227. Narwekar, a BJP MLA from Colaba in South Mumbai, has dismissed the charges as baseless and politically motivated. The three parties in the ruling Mahayuti were contesting against each other in civic polls and publicly attacking one another, Sapkal said, and asserted it was a "friendly fight" or "sham wrestling". Sapkal added, "If they are serious about their differences, Ajit Pawar should quit the government, or the BJP should show him the door." (With inputs from PTI)
05 January,2026 05:38 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal on Monday launched a sharp attack on the BJP-led Mahayuti government, alleging that the basic principles of free and fair elections are being systematically undermined in the ongoing municipal corporation polls across the state, reported the IANS. Sapkal accused Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar of flouting democratic norms, claiming that political horse-trading has begun even before polling day. Addressing a press conference in Mumbai, Sapkal said the ruling alliance’s pursuit of power had reached a point where it was "swallowing democracy itself". Referring to the manner in which candidates are being elected unopposed, he remarked that the civic elections had turned into a grim demonstration of the belief that money outweighs all relationships and values, as per the IANS. He stressed that while elections are a routine feature of a healthy democracy, the present dispensation appears intent on eliminating the Opposition altogether. Allegations of coercion and administrative collusion Drawing a contrast with the democratic traditions of independent India, Sapkal recalled that the first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, had included non-Congress ministers in his Cabinet. He alleged that the BJP and its Mahayuti allies now operate with a mindset that leaves no room for Opposition voices. According to Sapkal, ruling party candidates are being ensured "unopposed" victories by preventing Opposition nominees from filing papers, issuing threats and applying undue pressure, allegedly with the support of the police and administrative machinery. He further claimed that the Election Commission has remained a silent spectator to these developments, the news agency reported. Demand for NOTA option Sapkal demanded that even in constituencies where candidates have been declared elected unopposed, voters should be given the option to exercise the ‘None of the Above’ (NOTA), in order to protect citizens’ constitutional right to vote, as per the IANS. Criticism of assembly speaker The Congress leader also launched a scathing attack on Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar, accusing him of compromising the dignity of his constitutional office. Sapkal alleged that Narwekar weakened the Anti-Defection Law during his first term and was granted a second term for the same purpose. He further claimed that the Speaker is now interfering in municipal elections to benefit his relatives by blocking Opposition candidates and misusing his authority. Sapkal said he has formally urged the President of India to take cognisance of the matter and remove Narwekar from office. Questions Over enquiry and evidence Responding to the Election Commission’s demand for evidence regarding alleged threats by Narwekar, Sapkal said CCTV footage and witness testimonies were available. He dismissed the findings of the recent enquiry as "mere wordplay" designed to shield the Speaker, reported the IANS. ‘Fixed wrestling’ within ruling alliance Commenting on visible tensions within the Mahayuti alliance, Sapkal described the public exchanges between the BJP, Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) and the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) as ‘Nura Kushti’, or fixed wrestling, according to the IANS. He said the spectacle of the three parties criticising one another while continuing to remain in power was farcical. "If they are serious about their differences, Ajit Pawar should quit the government or the BJP should ask him to leave," Sapkal remarked. Get all BMC Election 2026 updates here | Your ward info below Read more: All about BMC Election Read more: Know Your Ward (with IANS inputs)
05 January,2026 05:04 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
-1767627103010_d.png "The demand comes in the backdrop of the ongoing Maharashtra civic polls. Representational Pic/ YCMOU website")
