Ahead of the Maharashtra civic polls, the cabinet on Wednesday decided to promulgate an ordinance to amend an Act which will grant membership and voting rights to directly elected presidents of municipal councils and nagar panchayats, news agency PTI reported. The Maharashtra Municipal Councils, Nagar Panchayats and Industrial Townships Act, 1965, will be amended to enable directly elected presidents to become members of their respective municipal bodies. The Act will also entitle the elected presidents to cast one vote as a member, a statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office said. It also mentions that, in the event of a tie during voting, the president will exercise a casting vote, PTI reported. This decision, taken at a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, aims to recognise the public mandate received by directly elected presidents and to strengthen their role in municipal governance. Furthermore, the cabinet also approved the free allocation of one acre of land belonging to the dairy development. The statement also said that where a government milk-chilling centre is situated, it will be handed over to the Dharashiv Municipal Council for the purpose, PTI reported. Also, this decision was taken in response to a long-standing demand from public representatives and social organisations. Furthermore, the cabinet has also approved the grant of powers to divisional commissioners to regularise the services of 291 nurses, who are either working on bonds or retired, under the zilla parishad health departments, PTI reported. These nurses were earlier appointed for a fixed period after completing training from government nursing colleges and were subsequently given short-term appointments based on local requirements. However, the authority of divisional commissioners to regularise such appointments was withdrawn in 2018, the statement added. Under the latest decision, the services of bonded nurses appointed before April 15, 2015, including those currently in service as well as those who have retired, will now be regularised. Among other decisions, the cabinet gave the green light to the District Karmayogi Programme 2.0 and the Sarpanch Samvad Programme to strengthen the functioning of village, taluka, and district-level administration. Both the programmes will be implemented through the Mitra organisation. District Karmayogi 2.0 District Karmayogi 2.0 will focus on training officers and staff working at the grassroots, including agriculture officers, engineers, gram sevaks, talathis, agriculture assistants, health workers, irrigation inspectors, and statistical officers. Around 85,000 officers and employees across Maharashtra will be trained under the programme to improve service delivery and administrative efficiency. The initiative will also focus on addressing local issues faced by micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), industrial units, and farmer-producer organisations (FPOs), while improving government-to-business (G2B) services at the district level. (With inputs from PTI)
24 December,2025 07:27 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentWith the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) general elections for 2025–26 scheduled on January 15, 2026, the civic administration has completed all preparations to ensure a smooth and peaceful polling process, Election Officer and Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao said on Wednesday. Addressing a press conference, Rao appealed to citizens to actively participate in the electoral process, describing elections as a “festival of democracy” and urging voters to exercise their franchise in large numbers. The press conference was held at the Late Narendra Ballal Hall at the TMC headquarters and was attended by Additional Commissioner-1 Sandeep Malvi, Additional Commissioner-2 Prashant Rode, Deputy Commissioner (Elections) Umesh Birari, along with senior officials G.G. Godepure, Mitali Sancheti, Deepak Zinjade and others. Election schedule announced Commissioner Rao outlined the election programme, stating that nomination forms will be distributed and accepted from December 23 to December 29, 2025 (excluding public holidays) between 11 am and 3 pm, and on December 30 between 11 am and 2 pm. Scrutiny of nominations will be completed on December 31, following which the list of valid candidates will be published. The last date for withdrawal of nominations is January 2, 2026, while election symbols will be allotted on January 3. The final list of contesting candidates will also be published on the same day. Polling will be held on January 15, 2026, counting of votes will take place on January 16, and the names of elected corporators will be published in the government gazette on January 19, Rao said. Wards and electorate details The Thane Municipal Corporation comprises 33 wards. As per the 2011 Census, the city’s population stands at 18,41,488. Ward No. 25 has the highest population at 62,697, while Ward No. 29 has the lowest population at 38,172. The total number of registered voters is 16,49,867, including 8,63,878 male voters, 7,85,830 female voters and 159 voters under the ‘other’ category. Election staff deployment and training For the conduct of elections, 11 Returning Officers and Assistant Returning Officers (Levels 1, 2 and 3) have been appointed across nine ward committees. A total of 2,013 polling stations have been set up across the city’s 33 wards. Each polling station will be staffed with a presiding officer, three polling officers, and a peon. Including a 20 per cent reserve workforce, orders are being issued for the deployment of 12,650 officers and employees. The first phase of training for polling staff will be conducted on December 27, 28, and 29 at Ram Ganesh Gadkari Rangayatan and Dr Kashinath Ghanekar Natyagruha. The second phase of training will be organised at the returning officer level. Infrastructure and logistics in place Rao said that 120 vehicles have been made available for election-related work. Facilities, including CCTV surveillance and webcasting, uninterrupted power supply, 7,500 Electronic Voting Machines (BU and CU), internet connectivity, computer systems, refreshments for staff, voter awareness initiatives, and printing of ballot-related stationery have been ensured with adequate manpower. Single-window system for permissions A single-window system has been implemented to facilitate election-related permissions. A total of 10 counters have been set up—one at each of the nine ward committee offices and one at the Civic Facility Centre at the municipal headquarters. Through this system, candidates and political parties can seek permissions during the Model Code of Conduct period for public meetings, campaigning, use of grounds, loudspeakers, rallies, banners and hoardings, opening of party offices, as well as obtain certificates such as no-dues certificates, toilet usage certificates, non-contractor certificates, voter list extracts, and no-objection certificates from the Fire Department, police stations and traffic department. Political parties briefed A meeting of political parties was held on December 20 at the municipal headquarters, during which detailed information on the election process was shared and queries raised by party representatives were addressed, Rao said. Action against Model Code violations Since the Model Code of Conduct came into force, the TMC’s encroachment department has removed 3,778 unauthorised posters across the city. Additionally, foundation stones of development projects bearing the names of public representatives have been covered, as mandated. Polling station facilities and security arrangements Each ward will have one model polling station, totalling 33 across the city. Women-only ‘Sakhi’ polling stations will also be set up in every ward. Facilities such as wheelchairs and ramps will be provided at polling stations to assist differently-abled voters. For security, around 5,500 police personnel will be deployed zone-wise. Police presence will be ensured at all polling stations, sensitive polling booths, and within a 200-metre radius of polling centres. Each revenue sector will have one police personnel, while each police sector will include one officer, four constables and a police vehicle. Sensitive locations will be guarded by SRPF or State Reserve Police Force units, along with Home Guards, Police Mitra, NSS, and NCC volunteers. Police personnel will also be deployed for all SST and FST teams, at zone-level check-nakas, and at strong rooms, where one officer and two personnel will be posted in shifts to ensure round-the-clock security, Commissioner Saurabh Rao added.
24 December,2025 04:42 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentAfter two decades of rivalry, the Thackeray cousins on Wednesday announced a political reunion to take on the BJP for the high-stakes January 15 Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, calling it a historic moment for Maharashtra. The joint press conference took place at a hotel in Worli, where Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut stated that the coming together of Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray marked a turning point in the state’s politics. “Today is a historic day for Maharashtra. The state will stand united with this alliance,” Raut said. Drawing parallels with the Samyukta Maharashtra movement, Uddhav Thackeray said the reunion was about safeguarding Maharashtra and its people. “This reminds us of the struggle for a united Maharashtra. Shiv Sena fought for the Marathi people, and this year marks 60 years of the party,” he said. Emphasising unity, Uddhav added, “Raj and I have come together to stay together. We have united to protect the people of Maharashtra.” He urged Marathi-speaking people to remain united, warning that division would weaken their collective strength. Addressing the gathering, Raj Thackeray said, “Maharashtra is greater than any fight or rivalry,” before formally announcing the alliance. “Today, I announce the alliance of Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena,” he said. #WATCH | Mumbai | MNS Chief Raj Thackeray announces the alliance of Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS ahead of the Municipal Corporation Elections. pic.twitter.com/FW9wtGldzr — ANI (@ANI) December 24, 2025 They did not share details of the seat sharing between the two parties. There has been no official word yet as to how the 227 municipal seats will be shared between the Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS. However, leaders from both parties say the Sena (UBT) may contest around 135 wards, while the MNS could field candidates in about 80 wards. If the Sharad Pawar-led NCP-SP also joins the alliance, it is likely to be offered around 10 to 12 seats, or else these seats, too, will be divided among both parties. Elections to the BMC and 28 other municipal corporations will be held on January 15, 2026, and counting of votes will be done on the next day.Raj Thackeray said, "Mumbai’s next Mayor will be Marathi from Sena-MNS alliance." The alliance announcement for the BMC elections was a historic and emotional moment for Maharashtra and Marathi pride. The press conference turned into a full show of strength, with the entire Thackeray family present, including Rashmi Thackeray, Aaditya Thackeray, Amit Thackeray and Sharmila Thackeray. The Thackeray cousins are likely to extend their tie-up for the Thane, Kalyan, Navi Mumbai, Nashik, and Pune municipal corporations, too. Supporters across Mumbai and Maharashtra celebrated the long-awaited political reunion, which ended a two-decade rivalry, while rare and emotional moments highlighted the significance of this alliance. The event symbolised unity, Marathi identity, and the political consolidation ahead of the 2026 BMC polls.The Sena (UBT) and MNS alliance is expected to put up a strong fight against BJP and its allies, particularly Shinde’s Shiv Sena faction. The ruling Mahayuti is keen to wrest control of the BMC, long considered the Thackerays’ strongest bastion.Raj quit the Shiv Sena in 2005, saying he was being sidelined, particularly by Uddhav and his close aides. A year later, he formed the MNS, reviving the “sons of the soil” agenda, the very plank on which his uncle Balasaheb Thackeray founded the Shiv Sena in 1966. The MNS made its electoral debut in the 2007 Mumbai civic poll, winning seven seats. It performed better in 2012, securing 27 seats, its best performance in the city. However, the party’s strength declined thereafter and in the 2017 election, it won only seven seats, six of which later shifted to Uddhav Thackeray’s camp, when the Shiv Sena was still unified.
24 December,2025 02:49 PM IST | MumbaiAfter two decades of rivalry, Thackeray cousins Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray on Wednesday announced a political reunion to take on the BJP in Mumbai, calling it a historic moment for Maharashtra. The development triggered sharp political reactions across parties. The joint press conference was held at a hotel in Worli, where Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said the coming together of the two leaders marked a turning point in Maharashtra’s politics. “Today is a historic day for Maharashtra. The state will stand united with this alliance,” Raut said. Drawing parallels with the Samyukta Maharashtra movement, Uddhav Thackeray said the reunion was aimed at safeguarding the state and its people. “This reminds us of the struggle for a united Maharashtra. Shiv Sena fought for the Marathi people, and this year marks 60 years of the party,” he said. Reacting to the alliance, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant described the moment as long-awaited. “This is a very auspicious moment. Mumbai has always accommodated everyone. We have never divided people on caste or religion, we have always stood for the Marathi manoos,” Sawant said. For party workers, the alliance signals the end of years of political distance between the two cousins. Cadres from both parties hope the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections will reverse recent electoral setbacks, including the drubbing in panchayat polls. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anand Dubey said the reunion was necessary to protect Mumbai. “People want to loot Mumbai and keep it mortgaged to themselves. Against this, we want to launch a public movement. The people of Mumbai wanted both Thackeray brothers to come together,” he said, expressing confidence that the alliance would make an impact across 28 other municipal corporations. MNS leader Yashwant Killedar echoed similar sentiments, calling the reunion an emotional moment for party workers. “We have been waiting for this day for a long time. Workers of both parties are extremely excited,” he said, reported ANI. However, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction dismissed the development as largely symbolic. Party spokesperson Manisha Kayande said, “It may be an emotional moment and a good photo opportunity, but what does it offer the people? Why were Marathi-speaking people divided for the last 20 years? That question remains unanswered.” Before the press conference, Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray, accompanied by their wives, had paid tribute to Balasaheb Thackeray at his memorial in Shivaji Park, Mumbai. Aaditya Thackeray and Amit Thackeray were also present during the homage. The Shiv Sena (UBT) has described the alliance as one that will strongly advocate the cause of the Marathi manoos (Marathi people). Meanwhile, the Maharashtra State Election Commission has announced elections to 29 municipal corporations, including the BMC, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC). Polling is scheduled for January 15, with counting set for January 16. (With ANI inputs)
24 December,2025 02:49 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAfter two decades of political rivalry, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Raj Thackeray announced a historic alliance on Wednesday to contest the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, marking a landmark moment for Maharashtra. Key highlights of the Uddhav-Raj alliance The joint press conference was held at a hotel in Worli, Mumbai. Sanjay Raut, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader, described the reunion as a “historic day for Maharashtra” and a turning point in state politics. Raj Thackeray formally announced the alliance, stating, “Maharashtra is greater than any fight or rivalry. Today, I announce the alliance of Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS.” The alliance will contest the BMC elections on January 15, along with elections to 28 other municipal corporations, including Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. Counting of votes is scheduled for January 16. Emotional moments Both Uddhav and Raj Thackeray paid tributes to Balasaheb Thackeray at his memorial in Shivaji Park, Mumbai, ahead of the announcement. Family members, including Aaditya Thackeray and Amit Thackeray, were present during the homage, highlighting the personal significance of the reunion. Party workers from both sides expressed excitement, with MNS leader Yashwant Killedar calling it a “long-awaited and emotional day.” The announcement ended years of political distance between the cousins, signalling unity among party cadres. Marathi pride celebrations Uddhav Thackeray drew parallels with the Samyukta Maharashtra movement, saying, “This reminds us of the struggle for a united Maharashtra. Shiv Sena fought for the Marathi people, and this year marks 60 years of the party.” Leaders emphasised protecting the cause of the Marathi manoos and maintaining unity among Marathi-speaking citizens. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant called the alliance an “auspicious moment” for the people of Maharashtra, reflecting strong regional pride and civic focus. Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS leaders hail Thackeray reunion After two decades of rivalry, Thackeray cousins Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray on Wednesday announced a political reunion to take on the BJP in Mumbai, calling it a historic moment for Maharashtra. The development triggered sharp political reactions across parties. The joint press conference was held at a hotel in Worli, where Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said the coming together of the two leaders marked a turning point in Maharashtra’s politics. “Today is a historic day for Maharashtra. The state will stand united with this alliance,” Raut said. Drawing parallels with the Samyukta Maharashtra movement, Uddhav Thackeray said the reunion was aimed at safeguarding the state and its people. “This reminds us of the struggle for a united Maharashtra. Shiv Sena (before the split) fought for the Marathi people, and this year marks 60 years of the party,” he said. Reacting to the alliance, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant described the moment as long-awaited. “This is a very auspicious moment. Mumbai has always accommodated everyone. We have never divided people on caste or religion, we have always stood for the Marathi manoos,” Sawant said. For party workers, the alliance signals the end of years of political distance between the two cousins. Cadres from both parties hope the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections will reverse recent electoral setbacks, including the drubbing in panchayat polls.
24 December,2025 02:48 PM IST | MumbaiThe ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday claimed that the alliance between Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections 2026 will not be the beginning of a historical era but will be the beginning of a historical defeat for them. The BJP said that Raj Thackeray should not forget that the history of both parties was divided when Uddhav Thackeray sided with Congress and Sharad Pawar. By going with Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), Raj Thackeray will also face nothing but defeat, it added. Maharashtra Information Technology Minister and BJP in charge of BMC elections 2026, Ashish Shelar, in a poetic post on X, criticised the alliance between the Thackeray cousins, alleging that they have joined hands to loot the BMC treasury. घेरलं होतं मातोश्रीवरील "विठ्ठलाला" बडव्यांनी..तुमच्या मते, पक्षाचा ताबा घेतला होता चार कारकुनांनी...एवढ्या मोठ्या संघटनेला संपवण्यात तुम्हाला व्हायचे नव्हते "भागीदार" सगळ्या पदांचे राजीनामे देत भाषण केले होते खुमासदार !आज तेच बडवे आणि तेच कारकून चालणार का?त्यांच्यासोबत… — Adv. Ashish Shelar - ॲड. आशिष शेलार (@ShelarAshish) December 24, 2025 “...Won’t you all come together to loot the BMC treasury? Mumbaikars will ask you in every nook and corner... Why were you so different back then? Why exactly are you throwing your arms around each other’s necks today?” he asked. 'Two parties have come together only keeping the power calculation in mind' State BJP media in charge Navnath Ban further alleged that both Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS have come together for power and not for Mumbai or for Mumbaikars. “Both these parties do not have a development agenda; these two parties have come together only keeping the power calculation in mind. The coming together of these two parties is not a sign of strength but an admission of defeat for both of them,” he said. “When Uddhav Thackeray was the Chief Minister, he stopped projects that were beneficial to the common Mumbaikars, like Metro and Coastal Road. He should apologise to Mumbaikars for this. Uddhav Thackeray and Aaditya Thackeray should also accept the responsibility for making houses in BDD chawls expensive,” said Ban. He ridiculed Uddhav Thackeray and Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut for submitting their pledges for the BMC elections, saying that the politics of beatings, extortion and fear is the identity of Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS. “Balasaheb Thackeray was a brand in every sense. But Uddhav Thackeray abandoned his ideas and forgot Hindutva. BJP will get the blessings of venerable Balasaheb for not compromising with the ideas of Hindutva. Uddhav Thackeray has decided to accept Rashid Mamu of Sambhajinagar, who pelted stones at Shiv Sainiks from a mosque. This shows that Uddhav Thackeray has a crush on Mamu, not on Marathi people,” said Ban. He targeted Uddhav Thackeray, asking him whether he had thought about the pain Balasaheb Thackeray must have felt in his soul due to his joining hands with Rashid Mamu for power.
24 December,2025 02:32 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentCongress leader Vijay Wadettiwar on Tuesday alleged that Mumbai and Maharashtra were being systematically weakened and brought under Gujarat’s influence, and called for a united fight to protect the city and its identity. Speaking to reporters in Nagpur, Wadettiwar launched a sharp attack on the ruling Mahayuti government, accusing it of facilitating large-scale land acquisition in Mumbai and allowing increasing control from Gujarat. “There is an ongoing attempt to encroach upon Maharashtra and Mumbai. Efforts are being made to seize Mumbai and bind it to Gujarat’s control. We must fight to save and protect Mumbai,” he said. He added that the growing influence over Mumbai posed a threat to Marathi pride and culture, and stressed the need for resistance to safeguard the city’s heritage and autonomy. Commenting on the recent coming together of Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray, Wadettiwar welcomed the development, saying the Congress extended its best wishes to the Thackeray family. “If families reunite, it is a matter of happiness,” he remarked. On the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, Wadettiwar clarified that the Congress was open to contesting the polls alongside parties led by Uddhav Thackeray and Sharad Pawar, but ruled out any alliance with the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). He further explained that while the INDIA bloc was formed for the Lok Sabha elections and the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) contested the Assembly polls together, local body elections are primarily driven by grassroots workers. “The MVA did not contest municipal councils and corporations jointly, and alliance decisions for local body polls are taken at the local level. Therefore, there is no reason to say that the INDIA alliance or the MVA has suffered any setback,” Wadettiwar said. Reiterating the Congress party’s ideological position, he said it does not indulge in casteism or communalism. “Congress is a party that upholds the Constitution and works to deliver justice to every section of society,” he said, appealing to voters to support the party in the upcoming elections in the interest of development. Shiv Sena (UBT), MNS announce alliance ahead of Mumbai civic polls Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) boss Raj Thackeray on Wednesday announced the alliance of their parties ahead of the January 15 Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, putting months of speculation to rest.
24 December,2025 02:06 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentShiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) founder Raj Thackeray on Wednesday formally announced an alliance for the upcoming BMC elections 2026, signalling a major political realignment aimed at consolidating the Marathi vote bank and challenging the BJP-led Mahayuti. The cousins arrived together at the press conference venue in the same car after paying tribute to Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray at his memorial at Chhatrapati Shivaji Park in Dadar — an image-heavy gesture underscoring political reconciliation after decades of rivalry. Addressing a joint press conference, the two leaders did not specify the list of civic bodies where the alliance would contest, nor did they disclose seat-sharing details for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Raj Thackeray, however, asserted that the next Mayor of Mumbai would be a “Marathi Manoos” from the alliance. MNS chief Raj Thackeray said, “The moment that Maharashtra was waiting for a long time — that Shiv Sena and MNS should come together — today we are officially announcing the same.” Raj Thackeray reiterated, “Maharashtra is bigger than any quarrel. We are announcing that our alliance has been formed. The Mayor of Mumbai will be a Marathi and will be ours.” The coming together of the two parties signals that identity politics is set to once again hold sway in Maharashtra. Uddhav Thackeray made it clear that the interests and needs of the Marathi Manoos would be prioritised, adding that the cause of Maharashtra had been kept above all else. We have come together to stay together: Uddhav Thackeray Uddhav Thackeray said the alliance was forged to protect the identity of Mumbai and Maharashtra. “We have come together to stay together and to foil attempts to divide Mumbai or isolate it from Maharashtra,” he said, urging the Marathi Manoos to remain united and resist pressure. He added that anyone committed to protecting Maharashtra — including like-minded individuals within the BJP — was welcome to support the alliance. He also noted that the Congress had decided to go solo, reiterating that the UBT-MNS tie-up was independent of that decision. The alliance is widely seen as a strategic bid to counter the BJP-led Mahayuti, particularly in Mumbai, where the Marathi vote has fragmented since the 2022 split in the Shiv Sena. By projecting a unified Thackeray front, the two leaders aim to reclaim the traditional Shiv Sainik base. After suffering setbacks in the 2024 Assembly elections, both parties are now fighting for political relevance. The alliance directly challenges Eknath Shinde’s claim to Bal Thackeray’s legacy and poses a major hurdle for the BJP-Shinde combine’s ambitions in the BMC. Together, the cousins are betting that the “Thackeray brand” can still shape Mumbai’s political pulse. The Maharashtra State Election Commission has announced elections to 29 municipal corporations across the state, including the BMC, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC). Polling will be held on January 15, with counting scheduled for January 16.
24 December,2025 01:47 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA 66-year-old woman, Jacinta D’Souza, tragically lost her life in a road accident allegedly caused by the cab driver who appeared drowsy while driving. Police said the incident occurred on Monday (December 21) when Jacinta, a resident of Vasai West, was travelling from Vasai to Wadala. She was on her way to meet her son, Edward D’Souza, 37. Edward, who is a ship captain, had recently returned to Mumbai to celebrate Christmas with his family. He had booked the cab for his mother at around 7.30 am on Monday morning. The cab met with an accident near Magathane Metro Station on the Western Express Highway in which the woman suffered fatal injuries, said police, adding that the driver, identified as Sunal Pal, was also injured. Deceased Jacinta D’Souza According to the police, before the accident, Jacinta reportedly called her son three times and informed him that the driver was not driving properly and seemed sleepy. In connection with the incident, the Kasturba Marg Police have registered an FIR against the cab driver and initiated an investigation. Speaking to mid-day, Edward said, “I had booked a cab for my mother for the long journey from Vasai to Wadala on December 21. During the journey, my mother called me several times and said that the cab driver appeared sleepy and was not driving properly.” “The cab driver had also taken a break during the journey to refill CNG before the accident. Even after that, my mother again called me and said the driver looked drowsy. I told my mother to keep talking to the driver so that he would stay alert. That was my last conversation with her.” “My mother suffered serious head injuries and was rushed to a local hospital, where she was declared dead during treatment,” Edward said. Expressing anguish, Edward added, “As a sailor, I know the importance of proper rest before operating any vehicle. My mother had even told the driver to stop and rest if he was feeling sleepy before continuing the journey. Cab companies must monitor their drivers and ensure they are not driving beyond permissible hours just to earn more money. I have lost my mother, but no one else should lose their loved one due to such negligence.”
24 December,2025 01:37 PM IST | Mumbai | Shirish VaktaniaThe Shiv Sena (UBT) on Wednesday took a dig at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for following an open-door policy, a pattern for the last 11 years of first accusing opposition leaders of corruption, then letting them in after "purifying" them, reported news agency IANS. The Thackeray camp in the party's mouthpiece, 'Saamana', said this open-door policy has emerged as a point of deep contention for party veterans. The editorial referred to former BJP Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar’s outburst expressing significant discontent with the current state of the party, comparing its organisational structure to the village of Shani Shingnapur, known for houses without doors. While the BJP secured the most seats in recent municipal council and nagar panchayat elections across Maharashtra, the party suffered a major setback in Mungantiwar’s home district of Chandrapur, reported IANS. Addressing the BJP’s methodology, Mungantiwar remarked that the BJP has adopted a formula where "anyone can enter at any time and be absorbed into the party". He specifically noted that in Chandrapur, the BJP is the only party that effectively has "no doors". This sentiment extends beyond a single district, reflecting a national trend where the BJP opens its doors to leaders from all political backgrounds, said the editorial. 'Sudhir Mungantiwar’s frustration follows a poor showing in Chandrapur district elections' “The veteran leader's frustration follows a poor showing in the Chandrapur district elections. Of the 11 municipal seats, the BJP won only two. The Congress took seven seats, while one went to an Independent and another to the Shinde faction. Mungantiwar attributed the loss to internal factionalism and a lack of support from party leadership. He claimed that while the Congress empowered its leaders, his own party leaders worked to reduce his strength,” said the editorial. It further added, “Having previously served as the state's Finance Minister, Mungantiwar was replaced by Ajit Pawar, a move he perceives as a slight against his 'loyalty' and 'capability',” said the editorial, reported IANS. According to the editorial, the friction has led to public spats with other BJP members. "Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule remarked that losing is not simply a result of not having a ministerial post, to which Mungantiwar retorted that Bawankule felt the same when his own power was reduced previously. A newcomer at the party even taunted him by asking if he was following the path of former BJP minister Eknath Khadse," it said. "The response to the 'suffocation' felt by loyal party workers due to the influx of imported leaders from other parties, Mungantiwar announced a 'Dialogue Tour' across the state. However, the party leadership, fearing a massive show of support from restless loyalists, intervened immediately. Consequently, Mungantiwar cancelled the tour within a few hours, said the editorial, reported IANS. The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena claimed that the "Shani Shingnapur" comparison remains a "thorn in the side" for Mungantiwar, and many dedicated activists feel that the party's identity is being compromised by its open-door policy. (With inputs from IANS)
24 December,2025 12:03 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA Mumbai court has sentenced a 30-year-old scrap dealer to one year rigorous imprisonment for causing the death of four people, including two children, "due to negligence" in a 2013 gas leak-induced fire in a Mumbai suburb, reported news agency PTI. The prosecution had sought the accused Bablu Paswan's conviction under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for culpable homicide, but the court said there was no evidence of specific intent to cause death. Additional Sessions Judge (Dindoshi Court) Nandkishor More held Paswan guilty of criminal negligence. In its verdict on December 12, the Mumbai court noted that two minor children and as many women lost their lives because of Paswan's negligent act, reported PTI. The court held him guilty of offences under IPC sections 304(A), pertaining to causing death by negligence, 338 (causing grievous hurt by act endangering life) and 285 (negligent conduct with respect to fire or combustible matter), reported PTI. Accused acted negligently The accused acted negligently, even though he was cautioned by the deceased and other residents, the order stated. The judge said that the "parents of minor children have lost their growing child. So also, the family members of two women have missed their company", reported PTI. The Mumbai court then ruled that the one-year prison term "would meet the ends of justice". The incident took place in March 2013, near a chawl in the city's Kandivali area, reported PTI. According to the prosecution, Paswan was emptying a cylinder containing an inflammable gas into an open drainage line in front of his scrap shop. Despite warnings from local residents that the act was hazardous, Paswan continued to do so, the prosecution said, reported PTI. The police said that the situation turned fatal when a person, identified as Abdul Khan, nearby threw a lit cigarette into the drainage, resulting in a fire that swept through the area, reported PTI. Several people had sustained severe burns, while four succumbed to their wounds. Khan, also an accused in the case, was acquitted of all charges due to lack of evidence linking him to the ignition of the fire, reported PTI. After hearing both sides and perusal of evidence on record, the court held that "it was the imperative duty of the accused No. 1(Paswan) to have adopted the course which he had neglected or failed to adopt". "The evidence on record sufficiently proved that Paswan acted negligently and the death and injuries caused to the victims are the direct and proximate result of his negligent act," the court ruled. (With inputs from PTI)
24 December,2025 11:38 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
