The BJP and Shiv Sena are treading cautiously before committing to contest the upcoming elections to the Thane Municipal Corporation in an alliance, with a decision expected in the next two days, reported news agency PTI. Thane is considered the home turf of Shiv Sena leader and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. A political dispute had erupted recently after some Shiv Sena workers crossed over to the BJP in Thane district. Senior leaders in both parties will take a final decision on the alliance as well as on a seat-sharing formula, said Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske on Saturday, a day after BJP and Shiv Sena leaders met in Thane to discuss the contours of the electoral contest, reported PTI. BJP MLA Sanjay Kelkar said the meeting was aimed at directing the Mahayuti's election strategy. It was attended by senior leaders, public representatives, office-bearers, and grassroots workers of both parties, reported PTI. Kelkar said the leaders expressed determination to contest the elections with a focus on public interest, development, and decisive victory, under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Shinde, reported PTI. The long-awaited elections to 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra, including the all-important Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), will be held on January 15, and the counting of votes will take place the next day. After the poll schedule was announced, CM Fadnavis had said that the BJP and Sena will contest together in the majority of places. Mumbai will reject BJP's religious politics, voters will focus on core civic issues, says Gaikwad Meanwhile, Mumbai Congress president Varsha Gaikwad on Saturday said the BJP's "religious politics and double standards" would be rejected by the voters of the metropolis who will focus on core civic issues, reported PTI. Polls to 29 municipal corporations, including Mumbai, will take place on January 15, while votes will be counted on the next day. "Whenever elections come, the BJP starts playing religious politics," Gaikwad said in a statement, reported PTI. She said while BJP's Mumbai unit chief Ameet Satam claims NCP's Nawab Malik is unacceptable, the Ajit Pawar-led party's state president Sunil Tatkare holds discussions with senior BJP leader Ashish Shelar, reported PTI. "The BJP says Nawab Malik is unwanted, yet his (MLA) daughter Sana Malik votes in favour of the BJP government. This clearly exposes the party's double standards," she said, reported PTI. Gaikwad said the BJP's approach of seeking to remain in power, enjoying its benefits, and resorting to religious politics during elections is evident to the people of Mumbai. "Mumbaikars will not be misled by this. They will vote on real civic issues such as roads, traffic congestion, clean drinking water and air quality," the Lok Sabha MP added. (With inputs from PTI)
20 December,2025 05:03 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentMumbai Congress president Varsha Gaikwad on Saturday said that voters in the metropolis would reject the BJP’s 'religious politics and double standards' in the upcoming municipal elections, choosing instead to focus on pressing civic concerns, reported the PTI. Polling for 29 municipal corporations across Maharashtra, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), is scheduled for 15 January, with counting to take place the following day. Allegations of double standards Varsh Gaikwad accused the BJP of resorting to religious polarisation whenever elections approach. "Whenever elections come, the BJP starts playing religious politics," she said in a statement, according to the PTI. She pointed to what she described as contradictions within the BJP’s political stance. While BJP Mumbai unit chief Ameet Satam has publicly claimed that NCP leader Nawab Malik is unacceptable, Gaikwad noted that Sunil Tatkare, state president of the Ajit Pawar-led NCP faction, continues to hold discussions with senior BJP leader Ashish Shelar, as per the PTI. Nawab Malik row highlights contradictions Gaikwad further alleged that the BJP’s actions do not align with its public rhetoric. “The BJP says Nawab Malik is unwanted, yet his MLA daughter, Sana Malik, votes in favour of the BJP government. This clearly exposes the party’s double standards,” she said. Mumbaikars will vote on real issues According to the Lok Sabha MP, the BJP’s approach of clinging to power, enjoying its privileges, and turning to religious politics during elections is evident to the people of Mumbai. “Mumbaikars will not be misled by this,” Gaikwad said, adding that voters would prioritise genuine civic issues such as road conditions, traffic congestion, clean drinking water, and air quality. Congress to fight polls on core civic issues: Varsha Gaikwad Earlier, the Mumbai North Central MP had claimed that corruption increased during the administrator’s tenure, while citizens were deprived of basic services such as good roads, reliable water supply, clean air, education and healthcare. She had pointed out that the BJP, along with the undivided Shiv Sena, had ruled the BMC for nearly 25 years, and that the civic body has now been under an administrator appointed by the BJP-led state government for the past three years. During this period, she alleged, the BMC’s treasury was misused. (with PTI inputs)
20 December,2025 03:54 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMumbai commuters brace for disruption as Western Railway (WR) announces the cancellation of 80 local trains daily starting December 21. To carry out the work in connection with the sixth line on Kandivali and Borivali section, a block of 30 days will be undertaken from the night of December 20th/21st and will continue up to January 18. WR's chief public relations officer Vineet Abhishek said the work involves track slewing and insertion and removal of multiple crossovers at Kandivali and Borivali. Major works of the engineering, signalling and overhead equipment will be carried out, which will impact train operations. Consequently, some suburban, passenger and mail/express trains will be affected. During the period from December 20th/21st to December 25th/26th, the block will be operated from 11pm to 04:30 am. Due to the block and suspension of fifth line, some suburban services will remain cancelled. "For December 31 all efforts are being made to ensure unusual cancellations for the convenience for New Year celebrations," he said. What will be affected Amid the operational work that will be carried out by the authorities, the fifth line of the WR will remain suspended for passenger trains running during the block. While the Western Railways have also affirmed that there will be speed restrictions imposed on other lines that will ultimately delay the travel time. All trains working on the fifth line i.e mail/express and suburban trains will be operated on fast line between Andheri/Goregaon and Borivali. The authorities have also stated that several suburban local services will be cancelled, leading to congestion and delays. Block timings From midnight on December 20 to December 25, the block will be operated daily between 11:00 pm and 4:30 pm. Train cancellations Western Railway has further issued a revised timetable for the trains operating during the mega-block. Day-wise summary of trains affected On the night of December 20/21, a total of 7 local trains will be cancelled, including 3 up services and 4 down services. From December 21 to December 25, 2025, 94 local trains will be cancelled each day, comprising 47 up services and 47 down services. On December 26, 2025, 87 local trains will be cancelled, with 40 up services and 47 down services. Cancellations on December 20/21, 2025 BVI 90803 – Departs 19:19, Arrives 20:09, FAST MDD 90768 – Departs 18:44, Arrives 19:22, FAST BVI 90979 – Departs 22:24, Arrives 23:14, FAST BVI 90860 – Departs 20:16, Arrives 21:13, FAST BVI 90989 – Departs 22:33, Arrives 23:25, FAST BVI 90996 – Departs 23:25, Arrives 00:13, FAST VR 92200 – Departs 21:44, Arrives 22:21, SLOW Cancellations from December 21 to December 25, 2025 VR 90207 – 08:27–09:51 FAST | BVI 90010 – 04:10–05:16 SLOW BVI 90239 – 09:00–09:43 FAST | BYR 90034 – 04:30–05:33 FAST BVI 90255 – 09:13–09:55 FAST | NSP 90046 – 04:35–05:55 FAST MDD 90307 – 10:11–10:54 FAST | BVI 90048 – 05:05–06:14 SLOW BVI 90347 – 10:50–11:35 FAST | BYR 90058 – 05:15–06:34 SLOW BVI 90379 – 11:12–11:59 FAST | BVI 90104 – 06:21–07:17 FAST NSP 90403 – 11:33–12:49 FAST | BVI 90128 – 06:50–07:54 SLOW BVI 90435 – 12:13–12:58 FAST | BVI 90162 – 07:28–08:35 SLOW VR 90469 – 13:12–14:24 FAST | BVI 90304 – 09:48–10:42 FAST BVI 90497 – 13:32–14:28 FAST | BVI 90320 – 10:04–11:12 SLOW BVI 90509 – 13:49–14:35 FAST | VR 90360 – 10:08–11:27 FAST BVI 90521 – 14:05–15:01 FAST | BVI 90416 – 11:50–12:37 FAST BVI 90579 – 15:12–16:00 FAST | BVI 90436 – 12:17–13:05 FAST BVI 90617 – 16:00–16:46 FAST | BVI 90476 – 13:10–14:17 SLOW BVI 90677 – 17:10–18:16 SLOW | BVI 90546 – 14:35–15:41 SLOW BVI 90689 – 17:36–18:28 SLOW | BVI 90556 – 14:47–15:36 FAST BVI 90693 – 17:28–18:20 FAST | VR 90572 – 14:32–15:57 FAST BVI 90707 – 17:39–18:34 FAST | BVI 90574 – 15:09–16:03 FAST BVI 90717 – 17:53–18:52 FAST | BVI 90622 – 16:07–17:19 SLOW BVI 90725 – 17:59–18:59 FAST | BVI 90660 – 16:50–17:54 SLOW BVI 90735 – 18:11–19:00 FAST | BVI 90758 – 18:24–19:08 FAST BVI 90741 – 18:35–19:06 FAST | BVI 90760 – 18:24–19:31 SLOW BVI 90761 – 18:31–19:20 FAST | MDD 90768 – 18:44–19:22 FAST BVI 90803 – 19:19–20:09 FAST | BVI 90770 – 18:32–19:41 SLOW BVI 90825 – 19:34–20:23 FAST | BVI 90774 – 18:37–19:48 SLOW BVI 90843 – 19:54–20:42 FAST | BVI 90788 – 18:58–20:04 SLOW BVI 90853 – 20:23–20:56 FAST | BVI 90796 – 19:05–20:16 SLOW BVI 90859 – 20:10–21:04 FAST | BVI 90802 – 19:10–19:58 FAST BVI 90895 – 20:41–21:28 FAST | BVI 90806 – 19:11–20:03 FAST BVI 90905 – 21:08–21:49 FAST | BVI 90820 – 19:26–20:13 FAST BVI 90919 – 21:12–22:07 FAST | BVI 90860 – 20:16–21:13 FAST BVI 90943 – 21:42–22:49 SLOW | BVI 90874 – 20:30–21:36 FAST BVI 90967 – 22:09–23:16 SLOW | BVI 90896 – 20:46–21:46 FAST BVI 90971 – 22:12–23:06 FAST | BVI 90904 – 21:03–22:12 SLOW BVI 90979 – 22:24–23:14 FAST | BVI 90912 – 21:12–22:22 SLOW BVI 90989 – 22:33–23:25 FAST | BVI 90928 – 21:32–22:39 SLOW BYR 90991 – 22:36–23:55 SLOW | BVI 90942 – 21:56–23:05 SLOW BVI 90999 – 22:49–23:56 SLOW | BVI 90990 – 23:15–00:22 SLOW BYR 91009 – 23:12–00:20 FAST | BVI 90996 – 23:25–00:13 FAST VR 92001 – 04:40–05:15 SLOW | VR 92002 – 04:00–05:02 FAST VR 92009 – 05:15–06:20 FAST | VR 92080 – 10:44–11:41 FAST VR 92085 – 11:37–12:16 SLOW | VR 92102 – 12:30–13:36 FAST VR 92095 – 12:06–12:56 FAST | VR 92110 – 13:14–13:53 FAST VR 92111 – 13:40–14:37 FAST | VR 92128 – 14:48–15:18 FAST VR 92113 – 14:00–14:42 FAST | VR 92130 – 14:51–15:50 SLOW VR 92127 – 15:23–16:00 FAST | VR 92200 – 21:44–22:21 SLOW BYR 94065 – 15:32–16:35 FAST | BYR 94070 – 16:45–17:15 FAST Cancellations on December 26(Day Only) SR 1: Up Train VR 90207 dep 8:27 arr 9:51 FAST | Down Train BVI 90010 dep 4:10 arr 5:16 SLOW SR 2: Up Train BVI 90239 dep 9:00 arr 9:43 FAST | Down Train BYR 90034 dep 4:30 arr 5:33 FAST SR 3: Up Train BVI 90255 dep 9:13 arr 9:55 FAST | Down Train NSP 90046 dep 4:35 arr 5:55 FAST SR 4: Up Train MDD 90307 dep 10:11 arr 10:54 FAST | Down Train BVI 90048 dep 5:05 arr 6:14 SLOW SR 5: Up Train BVI 90347 dep 10:50 arr 11:35 FAST | Down Train BYR 90058 dep 5:15 arr 6:34 SLOW SR 6: Up Train BVI 90379 dep 11:12 arr 11:59 FAST | Down Train BVI 90104 dep 6:21 arr 7:17 FAST SR 7: Up Train NSP 90403 dep 11:33 arr 12:49 FAST | Down Train BVI 90128 dep 6:50 arr 7:54 SLOW SR 8: Up Train BVI 90435 dep 12:13 arr 12:58 FAST | Down Train BVI 90162 dep 7:28 arr 8:35 SLOW SR 9: Up Train VR 90469 dep 13:12 arr 14:24 FAST | Down Train BVI 90304 dep 9:48 arr 10:42 FAST SR 10: Up Train BVI 90497 dep 13:32 arr 14:28 FAST | Down Train BVI 90320 dep 10:04 arr 11:12 SLOW SR 11: Up Train BVI 90509 dep 13:49 arr 14:35 FAST | Down Train VR 90360 dep 10:08 arr 11:27 FAST SR 12: Up Train BVI 90521 dep 14:05 arr 15:01 FAST | Down Train BVI 90416 dep 11:50 arr 12:37 FAST SR 13: Up Train BVI 90579 dep 15:12 arr 16:00 FAST | Down Train BVI 90436 dep 12:17 arr 13:05 FAST SR 14: Up Train BVI 90617 dep 16:00 arr 16:46 FAST | Down Train BVI 90476 dep 13:10 arr 14:17 SLOW SR 15: Up Train BVI 90677 dep 17:10 arr 18:16 SLOW | Down Train BVI 90546 dep 14:35 arr 15:41 SLOW SR 16: Up Train BVI 90689 dep 17:36 arr 18:28 SLOW | Down Train BVI 90556 dep 14:47 arr 15:36 FAST SR 17: Up Train BVI 90693 dep 17:28 arr 18:20 FAST | Down Train VR 90572 dep 14:32 arr 15:57 FAST SR 18: Up Train BVI 90707 dep 17:39 arr 18:34 FAST | Down Train BVI 90574 dep 15:09 arr 16:03 FAST SR 19: Up Train BVI 90717 dep 17:53 arr 18:52 FAST | Down Train BVI 90622 dep 16:07 arr 17:19 SLOW SR 20: Up Train BVI 90725 dep 17:59 arr 18:59 FAST | Down Train BVI 90660 dep 16:50 arr 17:54 SLOW SR 21: Up Train BVI 90735 dep 18:11 arr 19:00 FAST | Down Train BVI 90758 dep 18:24 arr 19:08 FAST SR 22: Up Train BVI 90741 dep 18:35 arr 19:06 FAST | Down Train BVI 90760 dep 18:24 arr 19:31 SLOW SR 23: Up Train BVI 90761 dep 18:31 arr 19:20 FAST | Down Train MDD 90768 dep 18:44 arr 19:22 FAST SR 24: Up Train BVI 90803 dep 19:19 arr 20:09 FAST | Down Train BVI 90770 dep 18:32 arr 19:41 SLOW SR 25: Up Train BVI 90825 dep 19:34 arr 20:23 FAST | Down Train BVI 90774 dep 18:37 arr 19:48 SLOW SR 26: Up Train BVI 90843 dep 19:54 arr 20:42 FAST | Down Train BVI 90788 dep 18:58 arr 20:04 SLOW SR 27: Up Train BVI 90853 dep 20:23 arr 20:56 FAST | Down Train BVI 90796 dep 19:05 arr 20:16 SLOW SR 28: Up Train BVI 90859 dep 20:10 arr 21:04 FAST | Down Train BVI 90802 dep 19:10 arr 19:58 FAST SR 29: Up Train BVI 90895 dep 20:41 arr 21:28 FAST | Down Train BVI 90806 dep 19:11 arr 20:03 FAST SR 30: Up Train BVI 90905 dep 21:08 arr 21:49 FAST | Down Train BVI 90820 dep 19:26 arr 20:13 FAST SR 31: Up Train BVI 90971 dep 22:12 arr 23:06 FAST | Down Train BVI 90860 dep 20:16 arr 21:13 FAST SR 32: Up Train BVI 90979 dep 22:24 arr 23:14 FAST | Down Train BVI 90874 dep 20:30 arr 21:36 FAST SR 33: Up Train VR 92001 dep 4:40 arr 5:15 SLOW | Down Train BVI 90896 dep 20:46 arr 21:46 FAST SR 34: Up Train VR 92009 dep 5:15 arr 6:20 FAST | Down Train BVI 90904 dep 21:03 arr 22:12 SLOW SR 35: Up Train VR 92085 dep 11:37 arr 12:16 SLOW | Down Train BVI 90912 dep 21:12 arr 22:22 SLOW SR 36: Up Train VR 92095 dep 12:06 arr 12:56 FAST | Down Train BVI 90928 dep 21:32 arr 22:39 SLOW SR 37: Up Train VR 92111 dep 13:40 arr 14:37 FAST | Down Train BVI 90942 dep 21:56 arr 23:05 SLOW SR 38: Up Train VR 92113 dep 14:00 arr 14:42 FAST | Down Train BVI 90990 dep 23:15 arr 0:22 SLOW SR 39: Up Train VR 92127 dep 15:23 arr 16:00 FAST | Down Train BVI 90996 dep 23:25 arr 0:13 FAST SR 40: Up Train BYR 94065 dep 15:32 arr 16:35 FAST | Down Train VR 92002 dep 4:00 arr 5:02 FAST SR 41: Up Train VR 92080 dep 10:44 arr 11:41 FAST SR 42: Up Train VR 92102 dep 12:30 arr 13:36 FAST SR 43: Up Train VR 92110 dep 13:14 arr 13:53 FAST SR 44: Up Train VR 92128 dep 14:48 arr 15:18 FAST SR 45: Up Train VR 92130 dep 14:51 arr 15:50 SLOW SR 46: Up Train VR 92200 dep 21:44 arr 22:21 SLOW SR 47: Up Train BYR 94070 dep 16:45 arr 17:15 FAST While issuing the advisory, the railway authorities have urged the commuters to plan their travel accordingly and to check station notices and announcements for further details.
20 December,2025 03:48 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA court in Bhiwandi in Maharashtra's Thane district on Saturday adjourned till January 17 the hearing in a defamation case filed by an RSS worker against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for remarks on the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi, reported PTI. The case came up for hearing during the day in the court of the Joint Civil Judge (Junior Division) PM Kolse, Gandhi's advocate Narayan Iyer said, reported PTI. The court deferred the proceedings after noting the need for compliance with procedural requirements related to surety, he said, reported PTI. Gandhi has been asked to furnish a fresh surety as Shivraj Patil Chakurkar, who was the surety holder in the private defamation case before the Bhiwandi court, passed away on December 12, Iyer said, reported PTI. Senior Congressman Chakurkar, a former Union home minister and Lok Sabha speaker, died in his native Latur at the age of 90. "The next date of hearing has been fixed for January 17. Judge Kolse has specifically asked Rahul Gandhi to remain present in person on the next date of hearing and furnish a fresh surety," Iyer informed, reported PTI. As per RSS worker Rajesh Kunte's defamation plaint, Rahul Gandhi had made false statements that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh was responsible for the assassination of Gandhiji. National Herald case: ED moves Delhi HC against trial court order refusing cognisance of charge sheet against Gandhis The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday approached the Delhi High Court (HC) challenging a trial court order that refused to take cognisance of its prosecution complaint against Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and others in the National Herald case, news agency PTI reported. The plea is likely to come up for hearing next week. The ED has assailed the trial court’s order issued on Wednesday, which held that taking cognisance of the agency’s complaint was “impermissible in law” as it was not based on a first information report (FIR). The court ruled that an investigation and the consequent prosecution complaint under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) are not maintainable in the absence of an FIR for a scheduled offence, PTI reported. The trial court noted that the ED’s probe stemmed from a private complaint and not from an FIR. It said that as cognisance was being declined on a pure question of law, it was not necessary to examine arguments on the merits of the allegations. The court further observed that despite a complaint filed by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Subramanian Swamy and the summoning order issued in 2014, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has not registered an FIR in connection with the alleged scheduled offence so far, PTI reported. “However, the ED went ahead with recording an ECIR relating to money laundering on June 30, 2021, when no FIR (with the CBI or any other law enforcement agency) existed in relation to the scheduled offence,” the court said. (With inputs from PTI)
20 December,2025 03:16 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentThe Nationalist Congress Party on Friday strongly condemned the circulation of a fabricated and AI-generated video. The NCP has further asserted that the video has been deliberately spread with the malicious intent of tarnishing the image of the party and its leadership. As reported by news agency IANS, the party in a statement emphasised that the video, widely circulated by political opponents across media and social platforms on the eve of the second phase of Nagar Parishad and Nagar Panchayat elections, represents a cheap and petty attempt to mislead the public through technological manipulation and misinformation. The second phase of Maharashtra local body elections is underway on Saturday. The release highlighted, “The NCP immediately lodged a formal police complaint upon becoming aware of the video. Subsequently, a forensic examination was sought. The Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) report has now conclusively confirmed that the video in question is fake and AI-generated.” “The forensic findings are being placed in the public domain to ensure transparency and to establish the facts beyond any doubt,” as cited by news agency IANS. It further said that the incident reflects the growing misuse of technology by those who lack political credibility and public support, reported by IANS. The party pointed out that creating artificial outrage through fabricated content is no substitute for genuine political engagement or electoral strength. The release further added, “NCP sends a clear message to those behind this act: if you wish to challenge us, do so in the democratic arena. Face us in elections. Seek the mandate of the people. Resorting to falsehoods, digital forgery, and misinformation will only erode your own credibility,” as cited by news agency IANS. Earlier, the Nationalist Congress Party launched renewed efforts to include it in the MahaYuti alliance to contest elections to 29 municipal corporations, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), as cited by news agency IANS. Moreover, the state party chief Sunil Tatkare is expected to hold a meeting with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to make a strong pitch for NCP to get its due share in the set sharing arrangement with BJP and Shiv Sena in BMC and other civic bodies. (With inputs from IANS)
20 December,2025 02:45 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA fire broke out at a godown of electrical goods in Bhiwandi taluka of Thane district on Saturday morning, officials said, reported news agency PTI. Nobody was injured in the incident, said Saquib Kharbe, who heads the disaster management cell of the Bhiwandi Nizampur City Municipal Corporation (BNMC), reported PTI. He said the blaze erupted at the godown situated in Parasnath Compound at 11 AM. At least two fire engines rushed to the spot and launched firefighting operations. Fire breaks out at Thane banquet hall, over 1,000 wedding guests escape unhurt In another incident, more than 1,000 wedding guests escaped without any injury after a fire broke out at a banquet hall in Maharashtra's Thane city, officials said on Friday. The incident occurred around 11 pm on Thursday at the marriage hall premises in the Ovala area along the Ghodbunder Road in the city, they said. According to Yasin Tadvi, chief of the Disaster Management Cell of the Thane Municipal Corporation, "Mandap decoration materials kept outside a cabin on the lawn of 'The Blue Roof Club' caught fire. A wedding reception was underway at the venue at the time." The official said that 1,000 to 1,200 guests had gathered at the venue at the time of the incident. "As soon as the fire was noticed, guests were safely moved out of the venue, preventing any casualties," he said. Fire officials said timely alertness and swift evacuation played a key role in "averting a major tragedy". The firefighting operation involved two fire engines, one rescue vehicle, and one utility vehicle. An official said the fire was extinguished by around midnight. The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, he added. Fire breaks out in meter box room of Thane building Meanwhile, a fire broke out on Friday afternoon in the meter box room on the ground floor of the New Narsimha Building in Thane (West), civic officials said. According to the Thane Municipal Corporation’s Disaster Management Cell, the incident was reported at around 12.48 pm by the Jawaharbagh Fire Station. The fire, triggered by a cable inside the meter box room, occurred in the ground-plus-eight-storey residential Thane building located near Deluxe Hotel in the Mahagiri Koliwada area. Personnel from the Thane Nagar Police, Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL), the Disaster Management Cell—along with one pickup vehicle—and the fire brigade, which deployed a fire engine, rushed to the spot. The fire at the Thane building was swiftly brought under control and completely extinguished. No injuries were reported, and the situation is now stable, officials said.
20 December,2025 02:24 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentVoting began on a brisk note in tight security in Ambernath municipal council in Thane district on Saturday amid allegations of the distribution of money to voters and tampering with an EVM. The run-up to the election was marred by firing at the office of a BJP candidate. Polling has been going on smoothly, according to an official from the police control room. Voting is underway to elect councillors and the president of the Ambernath municipal council. The BJP and Shiv Sena, who are ruling allies, are pitted against each other. An office-bearer of the BJP and Congress leaders alleged that the Shiv Sena had lodged more than 200 women, who are not locals, in a marriage hall, possibly to use them for bogus voting, reported PTI. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Ulhasnagar division) Sachin Gore said police had received a complaint and are verifying it, reported PTI. He said 208 women, who are from outside Ambernath, were found inside the hall. The police and the election department personnel are verifying their credentials and IDs, he added, reported PTI. Meanwhile, Nationalist Congress Party leaders alleged that some BJP activists were distributing money, while the Shiv Sena has lodged a complaint alleging tampering of EVMs, reported PTI. All efforts to gather details of the alleged incident from the police failed as the majority of the personnel are busy with the election bandobust duty and are not reachable, reported PTI. Voting begins in 23 municipal councils and nagar panchayats in Maharashtra Meanwhile, polling began for the posts of president and members in 23 municipal councils and nagar panchayats across Maharashtra, as well as for 143 vacant member posts in these local bodies on Saturday morning. Voting began at 7:30 AM and will continue till 5:30 PM. Counting of votes for all municipal councils and nagar panchayats, including those which went to polls on December 2, will take place on December 21, the State Election Commission said in a statement. In the first phase, votes were cast for 263 municipal councils and nagar panchayats. Municipal presidents and members had been elected unopposed in many places. Counting of votes at all concerned locations will begin at 10 am on December 21. In some places, the ruling alliance partners, including the BJP, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar's NCP, are contesting against each other. The poll battle became multi-dimensional with the BJP-led Mahayuti and the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) locking horns, interspersed by "friendly fights" among the alliances. (With inputs from PTI)
20 December,2025 11:35 AM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentThe dream of segregating local and express trains is coming closer to reality, as the sixth line to Borivali is expected to be operational by late January 2026, with finishing work set to begin today. With this, mail express trains will no longer be operated on the local line between Bandra and Borivali, resulting in less congestion on Western Railway. “A 30-day block will be in place from December 20, 2025, in view of the sixth line work in the Borivali-Kandivali section. During this period, some trains will be short-terminated/originated, regulated, and rescheduled, and some trains will skip their scheduled halt at Borivali station,” a senior official said. Work is carried out to ensure express and local trains are segregated between Bandra and Borivali. Pics/By Special Arrangement The fifth line between Bandra Terminus and Borivali is already commissioned, while the sixth one — commissioned up to Goregaon in November 2022 and extended to Kandivali in October 2023 — is operational only between Bandra Terminus and Kandivali. It currently handles around 20 mail and express trains every day. After the completion of the Goregaon-Kandivali section, sixth line work will commence on the Kandivali-Borivali section. 20No. of express trains that ply on 6th line between Bandra Terminus and Kandivali daily Thirty-day block begins To carry out the work in connection with the sixth line, a block is being imposed from the night of December 20th/21, 2025, to January 18, 2026. As per details shared by Railways, eight Up trains and 10 Down trains will be rescheduled. Additionally, 112 Up trains and nine Down trains will be regulated during the period. One train will be cancelled, while two Down trains will be short-originated at intermediate stations. The work involves track slewing and insertion and removal of multiple crossovers at Kandivali and Borivali. Major works of the engineering, signalling, and overhead equipment will be carried out, which will impact train operations. Consequently, some suburban, passenger, and mail/express trains will be affected. The fifth line will remain suspended for passenger train operations, and speed restrictions will be imposed on other lines. Key benefits of sixth line Reduced congestion on existing lines: The sixth line adds extra track capacity on one of the world’s busiest suburban corridors. This helps spread rail traffic more evenly, easing overcrowding on the current tracks between Bandra Terminus and Borivali. Dedicated route for long-distance trains: Once complete, the line will allow long-distance mail and express trains to run on their own track separate from local suburban services, reducing bottlenecks and freeing up space for local trains on the fast lines. Better punctuality and reliability: Segregating traffic means fewer delays caused by mixing fast suburban locals with slower or stopping trains. Both suburban and long-distance services can keep closer to their schedules. Increased train frequency over time: With the extra track available, Railways can potentially run more local services in the future — benefiting commuters between Borivali, Bandra, and beyond. Some reports even suggest an increase in overall services by roughly 20 per cent once the new infrastructure is fully operational. Improved overall capacity: The sixth line expands overall corridor capacity, accommodating steady growth in passenger numbers across the western suburbs
20 December,2025 11:09 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarMumbai began Saturday on a refreshingly cool note, with clear skies, gentle winter breezes and lower humidity providing residents a brief respite from the city’s usual heat. However, the relief did not last long as a visible layer of smog gradually enveloped the skyline, reducing visibility and once again highlighting the city’s growing air pollution concerns. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had predicted generally pleasant conditions for the financial capital, with daytime temperatures expected to range between 14 degrees Celsius and 33 degrees Celsius. While the weather remained comfortable through the day, worsening air quality quickly became the dominant concern, overshadowing the favourable morning conditions. The minimum temperature was recorded at 14.6 degrees Celsius in Santacruz, while Colaba registered a low of 20.1 degrees Celsius. Mumbai’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) was at 114 in the early hours, placing it in the ‘moderate’ category. AQI levels across Mumbai: Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC): 175 Borivali East: 104 Andheri East: 117 Chembur: 139 Deonar: 148 Ghatkopar: 158 Kandivali West: 130 Kherwadi, Bandra East: 132 Delhi weather updates: Thick smog engulfs Delhi as air quality turns 'severe' at 429 The national capital woke up to a thick layer of toxic smog on Saturday morning, significantly impairing visibility and affecting residents. The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) reading stood at 380 at around 7 am, falling into the 'very poor' category, according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). However, the air quality spiked to 'severe' levels at certain places. Several parts of the city continued to witness alarmingly high pollution levels. According CPCB, the AQI figure at Sarai Kale Khan stood at 428, while Akshardham recorded an AQI of 420. Rao Tularam Marg recorded an AQI of 403, and the Barapullah flyover area recorded 380. Other pollution hotspots included Anand Vihar (428), Ashok Vihar (407), and the ITO area (429), also falling under the 'severe' category across large swathes of the national capital. In response to the deteriorating air quality, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has invoked all measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage-IV across Delhi-NCR. The restrictions under GRAP-IV include a ban on non-essential construction activities, entry of certain diesel vehicles, and enhanced enforcement to curb pollution sources.
20 December,2025 10:36 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentPolling began for the posts of president and members in 23 municipal councils and nagar panchayats across Maharashtra, as well as for 143 vacant member posts in these local bodies on Saturday morning. Voting for Maharashtra local body elections began at 7:30 AM and will continue till 5:30 PM. Counting of votes for all municipal councils and nagar panchayats, including those which went to polls on December 2, will take place on December 21, the State Election Commission said in a statement. In the first phase of Maharashtra local body elections, votes were cast for 263 municipal councils and nagar panchayats. Municipal presidents and members had been elected unopposed in many places. Counting of votes at all concerned locations will begin at 10 am on December 21. In some places, the ruling alliance partners, including the BJP, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar's NCP, are contesting against each other. The poll battle became multi-dimensional with the BJP-led Mahayuti and the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) locking horns, interspersed by "friendly fights" among the alliances. No proposal sent by NCP (SP) or NCP to each other for local poll tie-up, says Shashikant Shinde Meanwhile, NCP (SP) Maharashtra unit president Shashikant Shinde on Friday said neither his party nor the Ajit Pawar-led ruling NCP have sent any proposal to each other for an alliance in the upcoming municipal corporation elections, reported PTI. Over the last few days, speculations were rife that the two factions - Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) and Ajit Pawar's NCP - may come together and forge a pre-poll alliance for the local bodies elections. While the NCP (SP) is in the Opposition along with the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Congress under the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), the NCP is part of the ruling Mahayuti combine along with the BJP and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. Shashikant Shinde visited the NCP (SP) office in the city, where he met the party office-bearers. "Today, a meeting of our party was held in Pune with poll aspirants and office-bearers. A total of 277 people submitted applications for the civic body polls (in Pune). For the past few days, there have been talks of a possible political alignment between the two NCPs. But even now, NCP (SP) has been holding talks with the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) allies to contest the polls together. New friends, including the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), are also willing to come together," he said, reported PTI. "There are many options but discussions are still underway. Everyone has the right to express their opinion. At present, discussions are continuing as MVA. By tomorrow, the core committee will discuss it. The decision will be announced soon," he added, reported PTI. "So far, no proposal has come from Ajit Pawar's side nor have we sent any. (Sharad) Pawar Saheb, Supriya Sule, Jayant Patil and I will discuss the issue together and make a decision. First, discussions will be held with alliance partners and then a decision will be taken. In Pune, some people are saying we should fight the polls as MVA, while others feel that another option should be kept open," Shinde said, reported PTI. (With inputs from PTI)
20 December,2025 09:18 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentChief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray are locked in a war of words over Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. In a veiled attack on Shinde, Thackeray said that “one more minister will have to go” and hinted that the leader was from Thane. Thackeray’s remarks came soon after Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders demanded Shinde’s resignation as deputy chief minister, following allegations that his brother Prakash was allegedly linked to a drug racket busted by the Mumbai Police in Satara. Prakash has thoroughly refuted the allegations. Uddhav Thackeray, president of the Shiv Sena (UBT); (right) Devendra Fadnavis, chief minister Defending Shinde on Friday, Fadnavis said his ally was being deliberately targeted, and his image was being tarnished without basis. “Some people are misleading everyone by dragging Shinde and his family’s name in a drug-related case. This is being done with the intention to gain political mileage and defame Shinde,” Fadnavis, who heads the home department, stated. The Maharashtra home minister further stated that a detailed investigation would be carried out in connection with this case. Earlier, Sena (UBT) leader Sushma Andhare demanded the resignation of Shinde, alleging links between a resort owned by his brother and a drug manufacturing unit recently busted in Satara district. Andhare has alleged that Shinde’s brother owns a resort in Sawari village, and the hotel had allegedly supplied food to a nearby temporary shed where drugs were being manufactured. Meanwhile, a member of Parliament belonging to the Sena (UBT) camp has written a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, briefing him about the entire episode and urging the minister to take action against Shinde.
20 December,2025 07:46 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarADVERTISEMENT
