Mumbai is set to get a new mayor today as the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) holds its mayoral election at the civic headquarters in south Mumbai. BJP corporator Ritu Tawde is expected to be elected as the next mayor, with Shiv Sena's Sanjay Ghadi as deputy mayor under the BJP-Shiv Sena (Mahayuti) alliance. Both candidates filed their nominations earlier this month and are likely to be elected unopposed, given the Mahayuti's clear majority in the 227-member house following the January 2026 civic polls. In photos from mid-day, BJP-Shiv Sena alliance flags and banners were seen going up in the Fort area near the BMC headquarters on Tuesday evening, signalling preparations for today's event. The visuals captured the political atmosphere in south Mumbai ahead of the voting. Tawde, a two-time corporator from Ghatkopar East (Ward 132), will become Mumbai's eighth woman mayor and the first from BJP in nearly four decades. Ghadi, a Shiv Sena corporator from Ward 5 who defected from Sena (UBT) to the Eknath Shinde-led faction, is the deputy mayor nominee. Sanjay Ghadi has pitched for stronger powers for the mayor and deputy mayor roles, describing them as largely ceremonial with limited authority over budgets, officials, and administration — powers that rest mainly with the state-appointed municipal commissioner. He plans to write to the urban development department (headed by Deputy CM Eknath Shinde) seeking greater delegation to elected representatives for better resolution of citizen grievances. The mayoral tenure is 2.5 years, while the deputy mayor post is for 15 months with rotation. The election follows the first BMC polls in Mumbai after the 2022 Shiv Sena split. BJP emerged as the largest party with 89 seats, followed by Shinde's Sena with 29. Sena (UBT) won 65, MNS 6, Congress 24, and others the rest. The BMC, with a Rs 74,450 crore budget for 2025-26, has been under a state administrator since March 2022. The mayor's post was reserved for a woman from the open category via lottery last month. Today's election is expected to be a formality unless last-minute changes occur, marking a new chapter in Mumbai's civic governance under the Mahayuti alliance.
11 February,2026 10:19 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA fire broke out at a printing shop in Thane West during the early hours of Wednesday. The incident prompted a swift response from the fire brigade and disaster management teams. As per the officials, no injuries were reported in the incident. According to information received by the Thane Municipal Corporation’s Disaster Management Cell at around 12:41 am on February 11, 2026, a laser machine caught fire at Happy Prints, located near Jari Mari Ai Mandir in Jai Bhavani Nagar, Thane (West). The incident was reported to authorities by Nanda Patil. Whereas, the printing shop is owned by Arvind Halwai. As soon as the authorities received the information about the fire, personnel from the Gokulnagar Police Station, the Disaster Management Cell with one pickup vehicle, and the Fire Department with one fire engine and one rescue vehicle rushed to the spot. Fire brigade officials managed to completely extinguish the fire at around 12:50 am. Authorities stated that the situation is now under control and no injuries were reported. The exact cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained.
11 February,2026 10:14 AM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentMumbai experienced a hazy and unusually cool start to Wednesday, as a layer of smog covered parts of the city, leading to reduced visibility in several areas. Weather officials said Mumbai is likely to remain hazy in the morning and clear skies in the afternoon, with temperatures expected to range between 33 degrees Celsius and 19 degrees Celsius. As per data from the Sameer application, the city’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 119, placing it in the ‘moderate’ category. Among key locations, Bandra Kurla Complex recorded an AQI of 132, Borivali East 74, Andheri East 159, Chembur 111, Colaba 89, Deonar 145, Ghatkopar 136, Kandivali East 123, Malad West 130, Mazgaon 110, and Mulund West 80. In neighbouring regions, Sion reported an AQI of 134, Vile Parle 115, and Powai 72. Overall, air quality across Mumbai and its adjoining areas has shown a marginal improvement compared to earlier in the week. Delhi air quality worsens to 295 AQI in 'poor' category The air quality in the national capital deteriorated on Wednesday morning, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) rising to 294, placing it in the 'poor' category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Several areas of Delhi are now witnessing a layer of smog, raising concerns among residents, especially those with respiratory issues. Areas around India Gate and Kartavya Path recorded AQI readings of 355, while Bawana recorded 313. The AQI of Akshardham Temple reported 325, classified as 'very poor'. According to PTI, on the weather front, the minimum temperature at Safdarjung settled at 13.2 degrees Celsius, three notches above normal.The maximum temperature is expected to hover around 26 degrees Celsius, with mist likely during the day.
11 February,2026 10:10 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentResidents of Bandra have objected to the installation of 35 commercial LED hoardings along the Carter Road Promenade, calling it an encroachment on one of Mumbai’s most iconic public open spaces. Installation work is currently underway. The residents approached former Congress municipal councillor Asif Zakaria, who has written to Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani and the Maharashtra Maritime Board, seeking an immediate halt to the work. Zakaria cited a lack of transparency in the permissions granted for commercial installations on public open space. “The citizens of Bandra will strongly and unequivocally oppose any attempt to commercialise this cherished public space,” Zakaria said. In his letter, Zakaria noted that the promenade was created through a citizens’ initiative with public funds and has, for over three decades, served as a key recreational and environmental asset. “It is extensively used for walking, jogging, leisure and community activities and holds immense emotional, social and environmental value for citizens,” the letter stated. The promenade was recently handed over to the BMC for maintenance by the Maharashtra Maritime Board. This is the third complaint in recent months by residents over construction or commercial activity along the promenade. Last year, residents had objected to the installation of food stalls selling cooked seafood and to the construction of another civic structure, reportedly a temple, along the stretch. Zakaria’s letter states, “It has now come to light that work has been commissioned for the installation of 35 LED commercial hoardings along the promenade, which has caused widespread outrage and strong opposition. This amounts to complete commercialisation of a public open space.” Key objections raised by residents >> Lack of transparency Permission allegedly granted by the H West ward licence department on December 22, 2025 Period coincided with the model code of conduct No clarity on whether a Maritime Board NOC was obtained >> Precedent for waterfront commercialisation Residents fear exploitation of public seafronts for advertising >> Environmental and aesthetic impact Letter warns of damage to serenity, safety and environmental balance
11 February,2026 08:43 AM IST | Mumbai | Eeshanpriya MSIn a twist that raises eyebrows, Shiv Sena (UBT) has joined hands with the BJP in the Chandrapur municipal corporation. Sena (UBT) has supported its friend-turned-foe, the BJP, for the mayor’s post, despite the former long branding the latter as a party that “cannot be trusted”. The arrangement with Sena (UBT) backing the BJP for mayor in return for the deputy mayor’s chair has left many within the party ranks stunned. As per the deal, the BJP will hold the mayor’s post for the first 15 months, after which Sena UBT will take over for the other 15 months, marking a rare power-sharing pact between the two political rivals in Chandrapur. On Tuesday morning, Sena (UBT) leader and MP Sanjay Raut stated that the party would not support the BJP at any cost. However, within hours of Raut’s statement, the on-ground picture was completely different. The head of the Sena (UBT)’s Chandrapur unit stated that it had approached Congress for a post-poll alliance to claim the mayor’s post. Sanjay Raut, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP. FILE PIC/SATEJ SHINDE “But Congress was not willing to part with the mayor post even for one year. Congress wanted it for the full five-year term. With Sena not getting anything from Congress, the local party unit started talks with the local BJP leadership and has got assurance for the mayor and deputy mayor posts on a rotational basis. In fact, Shiv Sena (UBT) will be getting a crucial and influential standing committee in the first and fourth year,” the Sena (UBT) leader explained. The kingmaker The Chandrapur mayoral election threw up a dramatic political twist despite the Congress emerging as the single largest party with 27 seats in the 66-member civic body, followed closely by the BJP with 23. Shiv Sena (UBT), which won six seats, found itself in a crucial kingmaker position, as no party could secure the mayor’s post without its support. In the end, Sena (UBT) chose to back the BJP, enabling BJP’s Sangeeta Khandekar win the Chandrapur mayor’s post by just one vote, edging out the Congress candidate in a nail-biting contest. Smaller parties and independents, the Bharatiya Shetkari Kamgar Paksh (Janvikas Sena) won three seats, the VBA secured two, and AIMIM, BSP, and Shiv Sena bagged one seat each. Two independent candidates were also elected, adding further complexity to the fractured mandate after the results were declared on January 16. Till late Tuesday evening, Sena (UBT) had not issued any official statement on the developments of joining hands with the BJP for one of the 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra. After MNS, Shiv Sena (UBT) flouts alliance rules The Thackeray cousins, Uddhav and Raj, burying their two-decade-old differences, had joined hands for the cause of Marathi pride, with Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) contesting the civic polls together and campaigning aggressively against the BJP and the Eknath Shinde-led Sena. However, after the elections, the MNS backed the Shinde Sena in Kalyan-Dombivli and Nashik, a move that angered Sena (UBT) leaders and workers. Now, with Sena (UBT) itself extending support to the BJP in Chandrapur, the Uddhav camp appears to have also broken the unsaid rules of the alliance.
11 February,2026 08:36 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarNationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar (NCP-SP) leader Rohit Pawar has demanded that the investigation into the plane crash that claimed the life of his uncle, Ajit Pawar, be handed over to an agency under the Central government, as well as two international agencies, instead of being conducted by the state CID, citing the need for greater transparency and credibility. In the aftermath of the deputy chief minister’s death, speculation has been rife across Maharashtra over whether the incident was an accident or part of a larger conspiracy. On Tuesday, Ajit Pawar’s nephew, Rohit, an MLA, claimed that like many citizens, he, too, suspected the possibility of foul play. “I am not doubting the CID’s intentions, but in such cases, they are not competent enough, as officials are not even allowed full access to airport premises,” Rohit said. He alleged that the CID was only collecting CCTV footage and that the probe had not progressed. “This investigation needs to be expedited, or there is scope for manipulation of evidence,” he warned, urging that expert agencies be roped in immediately. During a presentation in Mumbai, Rohit, NCP patriarch Sharad Pawar’s grandnephew, raised several questions, pointing to issues such as last-minute changes in Ajit Pawar’s travel plan, the aviation company’s track record, the pilot’s credentials, and the aircraft’s fitness. He also highlighted unusual communication with Air Traffic Control (ATC) during the crisis. “Instead of the traditional ‘May Day’ distress call, it is learnt that the words ‘Oh s—’ were used. All this must be investigated,” he said.
11 February,2026 08:28 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarMaharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis will present the state budget for 2026-27 on March 6, with the budget session scheduled to begin on February 23. mid-day was the first to report that Fadnavis was likely to present the budget this year after taking charge of the finance portfolio following the death of former DCM Ajit Pawar in a plane accident on January 28. In Pawar’s absence, Fadnavis is now expected to steer the budget process at a crucial juncture. The upcoming budget comes amid pressure on revenue receipts and the rollout of several major infrastructure projects, making fiscal balancing a key challenge for the government. The decision was finalised on Tuesday at a meeting of the state legislature’s Business Advisory Committee. The meeting was attended by Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar, Legislative Council Chairman Ram Shinde, Chief Minister Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar, and senior officials of the state legislature. Officials said the session is likely to focus on maintaining fiscal discipline while sustaining capital expenditure, with close attention on debt levels and resource mobilisation. The budget session will conclude on March 25.
11 February,2026 08:22 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarResidents of Shivaji Park have revived their demand for the removal of red soil from the iconic playground, urging the BMC to act on concerns over dust pollution that they say has persisted for four years. With a newly elected civic body in place, residents said they were hopeful of better representation of their concerns. On Monday, the Shivaji Park Advanced Locality Management (ALM) submitted a letter signed by over 70 residents to Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, seeking clarity on the delay in removing the red soil and a timeline for its removal. In their letter, residents wrote, “We the residents of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Park are writing with deep concern the persistent pollution of external dumped red soil under the name of beautification in our park.” The letter followed a pollution awareness drive held at the playground on January 18, where residents collected signatures after the BMC election results were declared. The association said red soil dumped in the name of a “heritage look” has instead caused severe environmental distress. “We have been running pillar to post for last four years for this serious concern. We have approached BMC to permanently remove the external foreign loose ‘Red Soil’ that will provide respite to all local residents,” the letter stated. What is the issue? Red soil was originally laid on a 50 x 750 metre strip for Maharashtra Day police parades in the 1960s. In 2021, BMC dumped more red soil to enhance its heritage appearance, residents said this worsened dust pollution. What do residents want? >> Complete removal of red soil from the park>> Restoration of the original sandy soil BMC’s take The civic body roped in IIT Bombay to study dust pollution and began testing Bermuda grass at the park in June 2025. After resident opposition, a stakeholder consultation was held in November 2025. Expert speak Geologist and architect Nandan Mungekar, who helped design the park’s water harvesting system, told residents: “Historically, Shivaji Park has had sandy soil. In the past 20 years, BMC has repeatedly laid red soil on the ground and aggravated the issue of dust pollution. About 6 to 12 inches of earth at Shivaji Park comprises of red soil. If you dig deeper, you will find sandy soil.”
11 February,2026 08:05 AM IST | Mumbai | Eeshanpriya MSIn a rare ruling in Mumbai’s redevelopment battles, the Bombay High Court has cleared the redevelopment of an 80-year-old Matunga East building, rejecting attempts by a minority of tenants to stall a project backed by the majority and approved by multiple statutory authorities. On February 3, the court dismissed a writ petition challenging an eviction notice issued by MHADA for the redevelopment of Buddhisagar Co-operative Housing Society, observing that individual obstruction cannot override lawful collective decisions, particularly in old and dilapidated buildings. The society has 12 tenant families occupying 14 flats. Seven families had already consented to redevelopment and vacated, while five tenants opposed the project by challenging MHADA’s eviction notice issued under Section 95(A) of the MHADA Act. “After the developer submitted a valid application and since a clear majority had given consent, the eviction notice was issued as per law,” said Rakesh Dhanwate, executive engineer, MHADA. “The notice was challenged by one tenant in the high court.” Buddhisagar Co-operative Housing Society building in Matunga East, cleared for redevelopment by the Bombay High Court. Pic/Atul Kamble The redevelopment process began in 2021 when the society unanimously appointed Innovative Realest Pvt Ltd as developer. A registered development agreement was signed by all members, power of attorney executed, and hardship compensation paid in instalments. Approvals were obtained from MHADA, the municipal corporation, the collector’s office and the chief fire officer. However, disputes surfaced when some tenants allegedly demanded higher rent and additional area beyond the agreed terms. “Without general body approval, unilateral termination notices were issued to us through advocates,” said Rajiv Mehta, managing director of Innovative Realest. “This forced other members to approach the registrar under Section 78A for obstruction and mismanagement.” An inquiry by the registrar’s office later found that advocates were appointed and termination notices issued without general body sanction. Money & offers>> Hardship compensation paid: Rs 1.75 crore>> Instalments: Rs 50 lakh, Rs 75 lakh, Rs 50 lakh>> Rent offer: Rs 110 per sq ft>> Alternate accommodation: Offered in Sion When the case reached the high court in December 2025, the petitioners questioned MHADA’s no-objection certificate and the validity of the development agreement. The court rejected the plea, noting that material facts, including acceptance of compensation, were suppressed. The court also pointed out that the society itself was not made a party, rendering the petition fundamentally flawed. Calling the plea “grossly misconceived,” it dismissed the petition with costs of Rs 1 lakh payable to the Maharashtra Legal Services Authority. “We will vacate the house and pay Rs 1 lakh. We do not wish to comment further,” said petitioner Manoj Broker. Key datesOct 2021: First hardship compensation paidNov 2021: Development agreement signedJun 2024: MHADA NOC issuedDec 2025: Writ petition filedFeb 3, 2026: High court dismisses petition Consent snapshotTotal number of flats: 14No. of tenant families: 12No. of Vacated families: 7No. of opposing tenants: 5
11 February,2026 07:55 AM IST | Mumbai | Ritika GondhalekarAn 18-year-old Std XII student died on the morning of the first day of the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examinations after falling from a local train between Mumbra and Kalwa stations. Soham Sachin Kathare, a resident of Dombivli, was travelling to Kalwa for his English board exam when the incident occurred. According to Government Railway Police officials, he was declared dead at a Thane hospital at 10.30 am, before the exam began at 11 am on February 10. Soham left home around 8.30 am for the examination. “I got a call from the police station at around 11.30 am informing me of his accident. Soham was a quiet child, and now we have lost him,” said his father, Sachin Kathare. Soham Sachin Kathare, an HSC student from Dombivli, who was declared dead before the start of the Std XII board examination. Pic/By Special Arrangement “Once the hospital procedures are completed, we will go to our native place in Satara. An accidental death report has been filed.” Soham is survived by his parents and a younger brother. Rush-hour travel Neighbours and relatives said Soham attended an afternoon junior college and was unaccustomed to travelling during peak hours. The family had shifted to Dombivli only a year ago and earlier lived closer to his college. His teacher, Vaishali Devendra Konkar, said he was a science student at New Kalwa High School. “It would help if students were given special compartments or priority access during board exams,” Konkar added. Exam day details >> Exam centre: Manisha Vidyalaya, Kalwa>> Exam time: 11 am to 2 pm>> Attendance: Student marked absent>> Teachers informed: After invigilation duty at 2.30 pm Teachers later visited the hospital and met Soham’s family. “He had suffered a head injury. We tried to keep the news quiet, but his friends found out through social media and are reaching out to the family,” Konkar said. Associations want action The incident has renewed calls for action over overcrowding in local trains. Ketan Shah of the Zonal Railway Users Consultative Committee announced a protest. “Trains are running late daily, passengers are dying due to overcrowding, yet no action is taken. We appeal to citizens and passenger organisations to gather at Thane railway station on February 11 at 8 am wearing black,” he said. Siddhesh Desai of the Kalva Mumbai Suburban Railway Passenger Association, a commuter-centric group, echoed the concern, questioning the lack of accountability despite repeated fatalities linked to overcrowded trains. At a glance Student: Soham Sachin Kathare, 18Residence: DombivliRoute: Dombivli to KalwaIncident spot: Between Mumbra and KalwaExam: HSC English paperDate: February 10 8.30 amTime Soham Kathare left his home for the exam centre
11 February,2026 07:50 AM IST | Mumbai | Aditi AlurkarMeows and the master A calico cat keeps a tailor company on a usual workday at Bora Bazar in Fort No rock, but let’s roll Prateek Kuhad. PIC/GETTY IMAGES After a last-minute cancellation upset in 2024, the popular NH7 Weekender festival is returning to Pune this March. That rocks! Not quite. Loyal audiences who remember the likes of Steve Vai, Megadeth, Cigarettes After Sex, and Karnivool taking the festival stage, aren’t too pleased by the absence of international rock acts this year. Punjabi rapper Talwiinder, OG indie pop artiste Prateek Kuhad, and desi pop sensation King headline the packed roster, which leaves just enough room for OG indie rockers Indian Ocean. Do we pin it on the evolving audience, or a budget-strapped comeback? Let’s just say they’re caught between a rock and a hard place. A Bluesy road to Mumbai The poster features a bridge between Mississippi and Mumbai If Eric Gales were around, he would’ve been tempted to strum a few notes inspired by the poster of the Mahindra Blues Festival 2026. Photographer-artist Vikram Bawa (above) has created this artwork for the theme of the festival’s 14th edition that opens on February 14. The image of a road transforming into a guitar captures the journey of the Blues to Mumbai. “Being on the road has always been music to my restless traveller’s soul. Set against Mumbai, a city where my journeys begin and end, this image reflects music shaped by rhythm, movement, and the spirit of the blues,” Bawa said. Better skate than ever A skater pulls off a trick at Carter Road skatepark. FILE PIC Skating coach Sameer Ansari has warned us of a possible jam on Carter Road this weekend. Skateboarders from across groups and crews are set to converge at the Carter Road Skatepark for a 13-hour-long skaters’ jam. “The event is an ode to everyone who plays a part in upholding the skateboarding culture in this city. It has been a while since all of us met and socialised. I’m looking forward to seeing old friends and new there,” said Ansari, who will also celebrate eight years of his community Formigas on the weekend. If you have two left feet and no skateboard to land them on, you can still show up to cheer the skaters on, we were told. Those keen to watch the spectacle can catch the action live between 7 am and 8 pm on Sunday. High on Japan Cocktail Tiny Bouquet It’s Mumbai call-up for Japanese ace bartender Michito Kaneko (right). As part of a one-day takeover at Akina in Worli on February 20, Kaneko will whip up concoctions from his acclaimed Lamp Bar, ranked among Asia’s 50 best bars. “The last time I was in Mumbai, the city and its people left a strong impression, and I knew I wanted to return one day. This time, I would love to bring ingredients and cocktails from my home in Nara to India,” he told us.
11 February,2026 07:48 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-dayADVERTISEMENT
