On track in 2026 Perhaps keeping up with his New Year resolutions, a man performs Surya Namaskar near the railway workshop at Prabhadevi railway station A century of change (From left) The first iteration of the Del House; the new plaque commemorating the centennial. Pics Courtesy/Debasish Chakraverty In A city that is constantly undergoing a makeover, a few addresses manage to survive change. For history enthusiast Debasish Chakraverty, the Del House on Santacruz’s Central Avenue is one such place. “The first iteration of Del House was a mansion named after Delphine D’Sa. It later became the apartments where I grew up in the late 1970s. Over the years, I had spoken to many old residents to learn about the history of the place. When I found out that 2026 marked 100 years of Del House, we thought it would be nice to commemorate it with a plaque,” he shared with us. Ode to a master A moment from a previous performance Seventy musicians will join a tribute to Saint Thyagaraja in Sion this evening. Considered to be one of the musical geniuses who laid the foundation of Carnatic music in India, the homage will be hosted at the Sri Shanmukhananda Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi Auditorium, a longstanding cornerstone of the art form in the city. “One of the highlights is a rendition of Pancharatna Kritis (five gems), in the ragas Nattai, Gowlai, Arabhi, Varali and Sri, sung in unison,” revealed V Shankar, director, Shanmukhananda Fine Arts Society. Cocktails on course A view of the the new cocktail space The Mahalaxmi Racecourse has a new invite-only cocktail-forward aperitivo bar, Fielia. Designed by Gauri Khan, and helmed by Afsana Verma, Amit Verma, and Dhaval Udeshi, the ‘cinematic and modern design’ resides inside a newly transformed century-old racecourse mill to mirror the ambience of vintage theatre galleries. Dhaval Udeshi “Fielia is meant to be more than a bar,” shared Udeshi, Afsana Verma added, “The Race Course has a certain romance to it — a history, an aura, a sense of old Bombay that still lingers. For us, it was the perfect setting for a bar that’s intentionally intimate and invitation-only.” The bar is designed to cater to the concept of cocktail cinema, held up by the cocktails by Fay Barretto, and the indulgent culinary design by chef Hitesh Shanbhag. Tagore for Mumbaikars Annusree Bonnerjee at a performance. Pic Courtesy/Instagram The city will welcome a celebration of the cultural legacy of Rabindranath Tagore with Shahana Tagore Centre’s Tagore Lit-Arts Fest in February. The two-day festival, in collaboration with PCAAM’s Banga Sanskriti Sammelan, will be held on February 20 and 21. From discussions to musical and classical dance performances, the festival promises a new flavour to the city’s festivities in 2026. Eye on cinema A moment from the film, Sabar Bonda The city is preparing for the 22nd edition of the Third Eye Asian Film Festival that begins on January 9. In addition to films in Marathi, Chinese, Kyrgyz, Japanese, Indonesian, among other languages, the festival will also host screenings of critically acclaimed hits like Sabar Bonda (right), Uttar, and Mayasabha. Readers might want to log on to @thirdeeyeasianfilmfestival for more details. White Roses take root in Bandra Heidi Kuhn and Dr Abraham Mathai at the plantation. PIC/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT On Tuesday morning, the Harmony Foundation in collaboration with St Andrew’s College of Arts, Science and Commerce in Bandra West, launched the White Rose Campaign — a global peace initiative led by Roots of Peace founder Heidi Kuhn, who is 2023 World Food Prize Laureate. A white rose plantation, symbolising peace and harmony, was also done at St Paul’s Institute of Communication Education in Bandra West. USA-based Kuhn spoke about the devastating impact of landmines across nations. Dr Abraham Mathai, founder-chairman, Harmony Foundation referenced current conflicts like Israel-Palestine and Russia-Ukraine, stating these realities remind us that peace is essential to human survival and dignity. It was a moving morning, where hopefully students in attendance realised the importance of ‘rooting for peace’. As for Kuhn we learn she has a vision to transform ‘Mines to vines,’ by replacing deadly landmines with bountiful vineyards. From mines to vines — pretty fine, one may say.
07 January,2026 07:59 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-dayMaharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis held a rally in Jalgaon district in support of Mahayuti candidates ahead of the local body elections, expressing confidence that the ruling alliance would receive strong public backing while asserting that rebel candidates would fail to win people's trust, reported news agency ANI. ‘People are firmly with Mahayuti,’ says Fadnavis Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Fadnavis said voters were firmly aligned with the Mahayuti alliance. "The rebels will not be elected by the people. The people are with the Mahayuti alliance," he said. BJP policy on dynastic politics reiterated Regarding dynastic politics, the Chief Minister said, "The BJP had a policy in Maharashtra regarding dynastic politics. New candidates will not be given tickets in this manner. There are one or two exceptions because the forms had already been filled out, and alternative candidates could not be found," Fadnavis said, reported ANI. Fadnavis responds to Savarkar-related remarks Fadnavis also responded to questions on recent remarks concerning Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, particularly on a BJP leader asking Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar to accept Savarkar's ideology. He said there was no reason for Ajit Pawar to comment on opposition to Savarkar, while reiterating the BJP's firm stand on the issue. "I don't think Ajit Pawar has any reason to say anything about the opposition to Veer Savarkar. But the BJP's stance is that we do not accept the opposition to Savarkar," Fadnavis added, reported ANI. AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi expresses confidence ahead of BMC polls Meanwhile, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) Chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Tuesday expressed his confidence in winning big in the upcoming 2026 Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, saying that the party has been getting a very good response wherever it fielded its candidates, reported ANI. Speaking to the media after addressing a public meeting, Owaisi said, "Wherever we have fielded our candidates in the municipal corporation elections, we have been getting a very good response. Our party will have many municipal corporators." Polling schedule for Maharashtra civic elections Polling for 29 municipal corporation elections across the state, including Mumbai, Pune, and Pimpri-Chinchwad, will be held on January 15, with vote counting scheduled for January 16. (With inputs from ANI)
07 January,2026 07:53 AM IST | Jalgaon | mid-day online correspondentTwo days after a massive fire broke out at the Thrissur railway station in Kerala, leaving more than 500 motorbikes gutted, mid-day visited two railway stations each on the city’s Central, Harbour and Western lines to assess whether or not their parking facilities are sufficiently equipped to prevent a similar calamity. The parking lot on the eastern side of Andheri railway station The Kerala blaze erupted in the two-wheeler parking area near the rear entrance of the station around 6.30 am on Sunday. Southern Railway said the fire did not originate from overhead equipment or any railway electrical installation. The jam-packed parking facility at Thane station. PIC/RAJENDRA B AKLEKAR The fire was brought under control within an hour. No casualties or injuries were reported. “About 100 bikes caught fire in about 5 minutes. The fire brigade arrived at the 16th minute, but despite efforts, the fire spread very fast as there was fuel in the tanks and many batteries of electric vehicles exploded,” an official said. The Nerul station parking lot, which lacks fire extinguishers. PIC/MADHULIKA RAM KAVATTUR Central RailwayStation: Thane Safety check: Has fire safety point The ‘fire point’ at the Thane station parking lot. PICS/RAJENDRA B AKLEKAR At this spot, there is a two-storey parking lot adjoining platform 1, which was jam-packed with two-wheelers on Tuesday. A handful of casually dressed attendants were manning the access point of the facility, keeping watch as two-wheelers entered and exited. Asked about fire training and disaster response, they looked confused and muttered the parking rate. “If you want to park a bike here, do it, or go elsewhere,” said one. A closer look at the lot on the other side revealed a fire safety point near the station manager’s office with buckets to hold sand and water. However, given the scale of the parking lot and volume of two-wheelers here, this measure may prove to be inadequate. In an emergency, it may not be helpful at all. Station: Kurla Safety check: No fire safety apparatus The Kurla station parking lot There is a small two-storey parking lot outside the station near the escalators. It has a small entry gate and otherwise is well-barricaded. However, the site was not manned. There is an RPF office nearby, which might have a fire extinguisher. This space been used as an electric bike point, but ever since the contract lapsed, it has been used for two-wheeler parking. Voices Mandar Abhyankar, commuter‘Periodic fire safety audits, infrastructure upgrades, and consistent implementation of updated safety guidelines are essential to enhance preparedness and reduce the risk of untoward incidents at Mumbai’s railway stations. ’ Umesh Vishe, commuter‘There are no safety devices or mechanisms in railway parking lots. Apart from this, no responsibility is taken by officials for whatever happens to vehicles. Western RailwayStation: Borivli Safety check: No fire safety equipment Safety check: No fire safety equipment The parking lot at Borivli railway station, which lacks fire-fighting equipment. PICS/RITIKA GONDHALEKAR On the east side, there are two open parking lots, one of which is used exclusively for two-wheelers. Both spots lacked fire safety equipment. Pay-and-park staff, who claimed to have been appointed by the BMC, manage the parking lots. “We ensure petrol doesn’t leak from any vehicle. So far, there have been no fires here,” said Azim Khan, one of the staffers. Station: Andheri Safety check: No fire safety equipment The parking lot on the eastern side of Andheri railway station The situation was the same at Andheri station. Ashish Pathak, a two-wheeler rider who uses the facility daily, told mid-day, “At least 300-400 vehicles are parked at the eastern side of Andheri station daily. But still, there isn’t a single manual fire extinguisher around. Those who manage the parking lot have a small office. They could keep basic equipment there.” Voices Esha Patkar, Borivli resident‘Considering the large number of electric vehicles being used nowadays, fire-extinguishing equipment is vital. The only fire extinguishers available are either on platforms or in station masters’ offices. Who will go there in emergencies?’ Prathamesh Jadhav, Andheri East resident‘Considering how those managing parking lots move vehicles around recklessly, chances of petrol leakage and fires due to damage are high. Who will take the responsibility in such cases?’ Harbour LineStation: NerulSafety check: No fire safety equipment The Nerul station parking lot, which lacks fire extinguishers. PICS/MADHULIKA RAM KAVATTUR There are open parking lots at either end of the station, but neither has any fire safety equipment. On a busy day, 300 two-wheelers and under 100 four-wheelers are parked on each side. A parking attendant said, “We have never heard the authorities even thinking about installing such equipment. We believe we can manage a small fire ourselves.” Station: CBD BelapurSafety check: Fire safety equipment in only one area Fire equipment near the Metro station at the CBD Belapur parking lot Over a thousand two-wheelers and 400 four-wheelers are parked here daily. But fire safety equipment is present only in a parking area near the Metro station. There are two water supply pipes at this spot, where there also exists a parking bay for fire engines. Attendants said they were taking steps to prevent fires. Official Speak A Central Railway (CR) spokesperson said that six to 12 fire extinguishers were always available on CR station premises and drills are regularly held to prevent mishaps. A Western Railway spokesperson said, “There are fire extinguishers and measures at all the parking lots and all such places.” Officials from the City and Industrial Development Corporation, responsible for the Harbour line, couldn’t be reached by press time. BY/ TEAM MID-DAY
07 January,2026 07:45 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. Aklekar | Ritika GondhalekarMaharashtra BJP president Ravindra Chavan on Tuesday issued a clarification regarding his remarks about late former Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, following a strong reaction from actor Riteish Deshmukh, the son of the former CM, reported news agency ANI. BJP leader cites confidence in civic polls, questions Congress’ campaign narrative Chavan, while addressing an election rally in Latur on Monday, expressed confidence in the party's prospects in the upcoming Municipal Corporation elections, citing strong enthusiasm among party workers in Latur and suggested that the influence and legacy of Vilasrao Deshmukh would no longer hold sway in the city. ‘Vilasrao Deshmukh was a very tall leader,’ says Chavan Clarifying his remarks, Chavan, in a video statement released by his office, said his comments were not intended to disrespect Vilasrao Deshmukh."Vilasrao Deshmukh was a very tall leader, and my statement was in no way against him," he said, reported ANI. BJP vs Congress: Development agenda versus legacy politics Chavan explained that his remarks during an election rally in Latur were aimed at highlighting the contrast between Congress' campaign strategy, which he said was centred around Vilasrao Deshmukh's legacy, and the BJP's focus on developmental works by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in Maharashtra. ‘Memories will be wiped out’ remark sparks controversy "Everyone, raise your hands and say Bharat Mata ki Jai... In a true sense, seeing your enthusiasm, one can notice that it's a 100 per cent fact that memories of Vilasrao Deshmukh will be wiped out for this city, and there is no doubt about it," Ravindra Chavan said, reported ANI. Chavan says statement was meant to compare agendas, not insult legacy "When I reached in Latur, I saw that overall, Congress campaign for Municipal election was completely centralised on just Vilasrao Deshmukh and his personality… I was trying to compare the agenda of both parties which can take the city forward with vision of development. So I made that statement," he said, reported ANI. Regret expressed after Riteish Deshmukh’s reaction Regretting saying that statement, Chavan further added, "When I saw the statement of Vilas Rao Deshmukh's son (Actor Ritesh Deshmukh), who is my good friend, I want to only say that if my statement had hurt his sentiments, I regret that statement. But I had no intention to demean the late Vilas Rao Deshmukh ji." Riteish Deshmukh responds emotionally, defends father’s legacy The clarification comes after Riteish Deshmukh, on Tuesday, reacted strongly to Chavan's remarks about his late father, saying that what is merely written can be erased, but memories etched in people's hearts cannot be erased. Responding to his remarks, Deshmukh, in an emotional video, said, "I say this with folded hands: the name of a person who lives for the people remains engraved in their hearts… Jai Maharashtra." Who was Vilasrao Deshmukh Vilasrao Deshmukh, a prominent Congress leader in Maharashtra, served as the state's 14th Chief Minister, holding office in two terms—from October 18, 1999, to January 16, 2003, and later from November 1, 2004, to December 5, 2008. Political heat rises ahead of Maharashtra civic elections The political battle in Maharashtra has intensified ahead of the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and other municipal corporation elections across the state. Polling for 29 municipal corporation elections across the state, including Mumbai, Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, will be held on January 15, with vote counting scheduled for January 16. (With inputs from ANI)
07 January,2026 07:38 AM IST | Latur | mid-day online correspondentAhead of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections, immigration officials at Mumbai International Airport have intercepted around 28 non-resident Indians over the past two months for allegedly carrying Indian voter ID cards despite holding foreign citizenship. Immigration officials seized the voter ID cards and informed the Election Commission of India, which has initiated the process to cancel them. Most of those caught are citizens of countries such as Canada, the United States, Nepal, and Australia. The BMC elections are scheduled to be held on January 15, with results to be declared on January 16. Immigration officials said they have stepped up checks at Mumbai International Airport over the past two months in view of the polls. A source from the Immigration Department told mid-day, “Our teams are deployed at Mumbai International Airport to check passports and documents at immigration counters. We have been specifically alert about checking voter ID cards carried by NRIs, as they are not eligible to vote since they are no longer Indian citizens.” Most of those caught are citizens of countries such as Canada, the United States, Nepal, and Australia According to officials, several NRIs allegedly obtained voter ID cards by submitting false information to the Election Commission of India. “Many of them have family members residing in India and visit the country frequently on visa-free or long-term visas. They provided their relatives’ addresses and declared themselves as residents of India to obtain voter ID cards,” the source said. Another immigration official added that over the past two months, officers have questioned passengers identified as NRIs and verified their documents in detail. “During these checks, we seized around 28 Indian voter ID cards from different passengers,” the official said. Officials explained that NRIs are not entitled to voter ID cards, even though they may legally hold Aadhaar and PAN cards. “These individuals were allegedly voting in their countries of citizenship and attempting to vote in India as well, which is a serious violation,” the source said. Immigration officials said the voter ID cards were detected during routine immigration checks. “Passengers arriving at the airport are screened at immigration counters. When NRIs were questioned, some produced Indian voter ID cards. After verifying their nationality and records, the cards were confiscated and reported,” the official said. Immigration authorities have now forwarded the details of the cases to the Overseas Citizen of India section and the Election Commission of India, following which the voter ID cards will be cancelled.
07 January,2026 07:35 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirish VaktaniaDo 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 7. Aries March 21 – April 20Check if outstanding bills have been paid. Making time for a favourite relative is a joy, not a chore. Singles in a new relationship are walking on air.Cosmic tip: Be aware of thoughts. TaurusApril 21 – May 20Deciding which fund to invest in shouldn’t be such a long drawn out matter, especially if done in consultation with an investment banker. Cosmic tip: Appreciate a person for their qualities. Looks shouldn’t matter. GeminiMay 21 – June 21Being one step ahead of a legal matter is due to having hired a good lawyer. Being prepared with concise and to the point counter arguments is important. Cosmic tip: Take assertive action. Cancer June 22 – July 23A sudden change of plans doesn’t faze you at all; you very calmly, think up another plan of action.Cosmic tip: Don’t try to have the last word with someone who has all the answers. Leo July 24 - Aug 23A lull in being busy comes as a pleasant surprise. Those seeking employment have 3/4 offers in hand.Cosmic tip: Consider the other person’s options before talking about a matter. Virgo Aug 24 – Sept 23A better karmic cycle begins for most Virgos. This also draws in awareness about how to keep the peace, yet maintain an aura of being in charge.Cosmic tip: Make time for yourself often. Libra Sept 24 – Oct 22Wanting to take up a job that doesn’t have long working hours is like a mirage that disappears the moment you approach it. Newly married Librans are happy.Cosmic tip: Maintain this positive outlook. Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 22Helping a sibling/ cousin set goals goes a long way in giving workable options. Making financial plans that create positive karmas are revealed.Cosmic tip: Listen to wise advice given by an elder. Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 22Those wanting to relocate, give the idea serious consideration about whether it’s a good idea. An unhappy feeling fades away.Cosmic tip: Keep plans on hold till a more workable idea emerges. Capricorn Dec 23 – Jan 20Your kindness and concern being taken in a wrong manner is something you plan to set right with a conversation. A friend seeks advice about an emotional matter.Cosmic tip: Be practical, yet empathetic. Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19Though making a trip to a modern looking city; but keep local customs and behaviour in mind when there (you don’t want to unintentionally offend anyone).Cosmic tip: Have a talk with a junior colleague. Pisces Feb 20 – March 20Singles may have met two people they like. Use ingenuity to resolve a matter.Cosmic tip: Be aware of personality aspects; what needs changing and what needs strengthening over time.
07 January,2026 02:22 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirley BoseShiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Tuesday stepped up campaigning for the BMC Election 2025 by visiting party offices, known as shakhas, across Mumbai, reported the PTI. The civic polls will be held on January 15, with counting scheduled for January 16. The two leaders, who have reunited politically after nearly 20 years of estrangement, are choosing shakha visits over large public rallies. Their parties--Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS--are contesting the BMC elections as part of an alliance with the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction). Visits across suburban Mumbai On Tuesday, Raj Thackeray visited several party offices in Malad, appealing to voters to support candidates of the Shiv Sena (UBT)-MNS-NCP (SP) alliance. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray and MNS leader Amit Thackeray toured shakhas in Kalina, interacting with party workers and local residents. Grassroots outreach ahead of voting day Uddhav Thackeray also held similar shakha visits in different parts of the city to mobilise party cadres and seek public support. Party leaders said the focus on shakhas reflects a strategy of direct grassroots engagement rather than mass rallies. The campaign is expected to intensify further as Mumbai heads into the final days before polling. Thackeray cousins polls campaign focus Earlier, the Thackeray cousins had decided to visit party shakhas instead of addressing multiple rallies ahead of the BMC Election 2026. The move is being seen as a strategic recalibration aimed at directly engaging with the maximum number of voters. The two leaders 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 visiting the party offices as part of ground-level campaigning. Grassroots outreach takes priority On Sunday night, Uddhav Thackeray campaigned in ward number 2 in Dahisar, north Mumbai, in support of Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate Dhanashri Kolge. Kolge is contesting against Tejasvi Ghosalkar, a former Sena (UBT) corporator who is now the BJP nominee. Speaking to reporters, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut said that only one public meeting would be held at Shivaji Park. "Instead of expending energy on rallies, when party workers are already campaigning, it is important to reach out directly to the people," Sanjay Raut said, according to the PTI. 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)
06 January,2026 10:54 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Thane unit of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) on Tuesday alleged that the wrongful rejection of nomination papers of opposition candidates led to six Shiv Sena candidates being elected unopposed in the upcoming Maharashtra local body elections. The Shiv Sena candidates belong to the faction led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. MNS leader meets election authorities MNS Thane chief Avinash Jadhav met Thane Municipal Commissioner and Chief Election Officer Saurabh Rao, demanding action against two election officials whom he accused of acting in a partisan manner. Jadhav warned that the party would stage a sit-in protest inside the commissioner’s office if no action was taken against the officials concerned. Allegations of bias and collusion According to Jadhav, the two officers played a “suspicious and biased role” while scrutinising nomination papers and allegedly rejected opposition nominations in collusion with the ruling BJP-Shiv Sena alliance. “If such practices continue, even the mayor could be elected unopposed in the next phase,” Jadhav said in a statement. Civic elections in Maharashtra are scheduled to be held on January 15, though several candidates of the ruling alliance have already been declared elected unopposed after rival candidates withdrew their nominations. Video and complaint submitted earlier Jadhav also referred to a video earlier released by the MNS, which allegedly shows police presence being used to pressure candidates into withdrawing their nomination papers. He said a detailed complaint regarding irregularities in the unopposed election process had already been submitted to the Chief Election Commissioner, but no action had been taken so far. Civic body responds In a statement, the Thane Municipal Corporation said Commissioner Saurabh Rao assured the MNS delegation that the allegations would be examined carefully. The commissioner said a “positive decision” would be taken after verifying records and following due procedures. Shiv Sena (UBT) also raises concerns Meanwhile, leaders of the Shiv Sena (UBT), including MP Rajan Vichare, Kedar Dighe and Anish Gadhave, submitted complaints regarding the functioning of election officers in wards 4, 5, 7, 16, 17 and 18. They alleged that nomination papers of several candidates in polls were declared invalid during scrutiny in a questionable manner. 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)
06 January,2026 10:22 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentThe Mumbai Congress on Tuesday released its manifesto for the upcoming BMC Election 2026, promising measures to improve air quality and introduce universal health cards that will provide citizens with free medicines, reported the PTI. The manifesto was unveiled by Mumbai Congress president Varsha Gaikwad and focuses on better civic governance, public services and an improved quality of life for residents across the city. A key promise in the manifesto is the distribution of universal health cards, which will allow citizens to access free medicines. The party also pledged to strengthen municipal hospitals, expand primary health centres and ensure affordable healthcare for poor and middle-income families. The Congress said it plans to set up two new multi-speciality hospitals in Mumbai. Improving air quality and protecting open spaces are highlighted as major environmental priorities, along with steps to strengthen the city’s ability to deal with floods and climate-related challenges. Civic Services and Transparent Governance The manifesto promises transparent and corruption-free governance within the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), with greater accountability in civic works and contracts. The party said it would improve basic civic services such as water supply, sanitation, road maintenance, drainage systems and solid waste management across all areas, including suburbs and slums. Education, Housing and Redevelopment The Congress pledged to upgrade BMC-run schools, improve infrastructure and ensure better access to education for children from economically weaker sections. It also promised fair and transparent redevelopment policies, protection of the rights of slum dwellers and the creation of affordable housing for low-income and middle-income groups. Transport and Inclusive Development Improving public transport, reducing traffic congestion and creating safer, pedestrian-friendly infrastructure are also part of the party’s agenda. Special welfare schemes have been promised for women, senior citizens, youth and marginalised communities. The manifesto states that five per cent each of the BMC budget will be reserved for the welfare of Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) communities. Elections to 29 municipal corporations, including the cash-rich BMC, will be held on January 15, with results to be declared the following day. The Congress had initially announced it would contest all 227 BMC wards on its own but later formed an alliance with the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) led by Prakash Ambedkar, allotting it 62 seats. The VBA later returned around 20 seats, citing a lack of candidates. 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)
06 January,2026 09:58 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday released its section of the Mahayuti manifesto for the upcoming Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) elections scheduled for January 15. The document promises round-the-clock water supply, corruption-free governance and a digitally transparent civic administration, reported the PTI. Titled 'Thane Nirdharnama' (Resolution Paper), the manifesto was unveiled at the Thane BJP headquarters, a day after the Shiv Sena (UBT)-Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) alliance released its own manifesto for the city. Focus on water security A key promise in the BJP manifesto is the construction of a dedicated dam to ensure 24/7 water supply to every household in Thane. BJP MLA Sanjay Kelkar said water security was the party’s top priority and special funds would be allocated to replace old and leaking pipelines across the city, according to the PTI. Slogan and electoral target The BJP and its ally, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, are contesting the TMC polls together and have given the slogan “Abki Bar Sau Par” (This time, over 100), aiming to win more than 100 seats in the 131-member civic body, as per the PTI. Shiv Sena state secretary Ram Repale said the Sena’s detailed portion of the Mahayuti manifesto would be released shortly. Roads, infrastructure and encroachment The manifesto promises to complete the concretisation of 197 kilometres of roads within municipal limits. It also proposes a permanent ducting policy for utilities such as water, gas and mobile services to prevent repeated digging of roads, the news agency reported. Kelkar said the alliance was committed to making Thane free from corruption and encroachments. Push for digital transparency Under the “Smart Thane” vision, the BJP has promised a technology-driven civic administration. The manifesto proposes launching an integrated municipal mobile application, similar to the Centre’s UMANG app, to provide easy access to civic services, reported the PTI. Digital expenditure boards will be installed in every ward to show real-time spending of public funds. The party also promised mandatory Ward Sabhas every three months and a ‘MyGov’-style platform to allow citizens to directly participate in policy-making. Healthcare and education plans The document promises an AIIMS-level grand hospital in coordination with the central government, along with a dedicated cancer hospital for the city. On education, the manifesto proposes introducing semi-English medium instruction, STEM education and coding in municipal schools, supported by compulsory annual training for teachers. Women’s safety, culture and environment For women’s welfare, the party promised creches for children of working mothers and dedicated hostels for working women. The manifesto also aims to develop Thane as a cultural and sports hub by creating six to eight new theme parks, modernising playgrounds and building an international-standard stadium capable of hosting IPL matches. On environmental issues, the document pledges to rejuvenate silted lakes and wells and use CSR funds for their beautification and tourism development. Promise would be implemented: CM In a message included in the manifesto, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis described the document as an 'emotional bond' and a 'sincere contract' with the people of Thane, assuring that every promise would be implemented, 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)
06 January,2026 09:38 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has shut down four ready-mix concrete (RMC) plants in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) after they were found violating environmental norms during inspections, reported the PTI. The action comes as part of an intensified drive to improve air quality in Mumbai and nearby areas. According to officials, flying squads formed on the directions of the Bombay High Court inspected RMC facilities across the MMR over the past eight days. A total of 163 RMC plants were inspected during this period. Four units located in Navi Mumbai and Bhiwandi in Thane district were ordered to shut down for failing to comply with pollution control guidelines, according to the PTI. Notices issued to several plants The MPCB issued proposed directions to 59 RMC plants, while 34 units received interim directions asking them to take corrective measures. In addition, penalties amounting to Rs 1.89 crore were recovered from 35 RMC plants found violating environmental norms. These included 24 plants in Mumbai city, one in Kalyan, and 10 in Navi Mumbai, as per the PTI. Action against construction projects The board also inspected 108 large construction sites where building work is underway. Penalties of Rs 10 lakh were imposed on two projects for violating air pollution control rules. Officials said strict checks are being carried out on construction dust, material storage and pollution control measures at sites, the news agency reported. Enforcement drive ongoing Since December 2025, the MPCB has inspected 196 RMC plants across the MMR and recovered a total of Rs 3.59 crore in penalties. A special enforcement drive is currently underway, and strict action is being taken against units that fail to follow environmental regulations. At the same time, the board is offering technical guidance to erring units to help them comply with pollution control norms. Air quality improvement measures MPCB Chairman Siddhesh Kadam said the board is making all-out efforts to improve air quality in Mumbai through flying squads and enforcement teams, reported the PTI. He added that additional teams would be formed if required, in coordination with municipal corporations. Member Secretary M Devender Singh said four special inspection teams were set up for Mumbai city and two for Navi Mumbai following a review meeting chaired by Kadam. Wider crackdown across Mumbai The enforcement drive follows recent action by civic authorities. A few days ago, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) suspended work related to the Bullet Train project at the Bandra-Kurla Complex for violating air pollution norms. The MPCB also noted that the MMR has 32 continuous air quality monitoring stations, including 14 in Mumbai city, along with 22 mobile monitoring vans deployed to check air quality in problem areas. (with PTI inputs)
06 January,2026 09:37 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
