The Congress on Tuesday said the recent observations by the Bombay High Court (HC) on air pollution and civic issues in Mumbai have exposed the “inaction and inefficiency” of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Mahayuti Government in Maharashtra, which is currently running the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) through an administrator, news agency PTI reported. All-India Congress Committee Secretary and Mumbai Congress Chief Spokesperson Sachin Sawant alleged that the ruling alliance has neglected key civic issues such as roads, pollution and public health, while focusing instead on serving select interests. His remarks came after the court pulled up civic authorities and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), clarifying that it was not against development or construction activity in the city but was seeking strict compliance with norms to curb air pollution, PTI reported. A bench of Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Gautam Ankhad observed that authorities had failed to ensure compliance and directed BMC and MPCB to take serious steps to address the worsening air pollution in Mumbai. Following the court’s directions on Monday, BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani and MPCB member-secretary Devendra Singh appeared before the bench on Tuesday, PTI reported. The court was hearing a batch of petitions highlighting concerns over the deteriorating air quality index (AQI) in the city. Referring to the HC’s repeated interventions on issues such as potholes, air pollution, and the Kanjurmarg dumping ground, Sawant said the judiciary has been forced to step in time and again to address civic failures. “If courts have to intervene in every matter, then it raises serious questions about the standards of governance,” said Sawant. He further claimed that the court’s observations have once again exposed the “inaction and inefficiency” of the BJP-led Mahayuti Government. Sawant alleged that the alliance’s functioning has damaged Mumbai’s image as the country’s financial capital, pointing out that the BJP, the lead party in the state coalition, is also in power at the Centre. He further accused the ruling alliance of diverting public attention from civic issues by creating disputes on religious lines. Appealing to voters ahead of the January 15 BMC elections, Sawant urged them to defeat the BJP-led Mahayuti, alleging that it has failed to provide even clean air and basic civic amenities to the people of Mumbai. (With PTI inputs)
23 December,2025 08:37 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe launch of the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) marks a historic moment for Maharashtra and with its first commercial flight scheduled for December 25, 2025, the long-awaited airport is set to become a new gateway for Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). Developed by the City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra Ltd. (CIDCO), the airport reflects years of planning, perseverance and coordinated execution, an official statement said. It is expected to significantly reduce congestion at Mumbai’s existing airport and strengthen the multi-airport system in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). CIDCO calls it a collective dream come true Ahead of the start of the airport operations, Vijay Singhal, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of CIDCO, said that the beginning of operations at NMIA highlights the Maharashtra Government’s continued focus on infrastructure-led growth. He described the airport as a symbol of futuristic development, inclusive growth and global connectivity, and congratulated the people of Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra and the entire country on the achievement. World-class greenfield airport Planned as a modern Greenfield airport, NMIA is CIDCO’s most ambitious project to date. From concept to commissioning, the airport showcases engineering excellence, sustainability-focused design and seamless coordination between multiple agencies. Once fully operational, NMIA will play a key role in easing pressure on Mumbai’s existing airport while supporting future growth in air traffic. Iconic terminal CIDCO has also acknowledged the contribution of the Adani Group and Navi Mumbai International Airport Ltd. (NMIAL) in delivering the airport’s lotus-inspired terminal. The statement said that the terminal design reflects India’s cultural heritage while incorporating sustainability, innovation and world-class architectural standards. Authorities said the strong collaboration between the Maharashtra Government, CIDCO, Adani Group and NMIAL was central to the successful completion of the project. Regional Connectivity to ease The airport is expected to transform regional mobility and economic development. Residents of Navi Mumbai will benefit from reduced travel time and improved global connectivity. People from Pune, Thane, Panvel, Raigad and the Konkan region are also likely to gain faster and easier access to domestic and international flights. The project is expected to create jobs, boost tourism and attract major investments. NMIA has been designed with seamless multimodal connectivity. It is connected through expressways, arterial roads, suburban rail networks, metro corridors and upcoming mass transit systems. Key infrastructure such as the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), national highways and dedicated airport access roads will ensure smooth last-mile connectivity, making NMIA one of the most accessible airports in India. Day-1 of flight operations On its first day of operations on December 25, 2025, the airport will handle- Total Operations: 30 Air Traffic Movements (ATMs) Airlines: IndiGo, Akasa Air, Air India Express and Star Air Key Flights: First Arrival: IndiGo flight 6E 460 from Bengaluru at 8 am First Departure: IndiGo flight 6E 882 to Hyderabad at 8.40 am
23 December,2025 07:47 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is set to begin commercial operations on December 25, offering a major connectivity boost to the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. While the airport is planned as a multi-modal hub with future rail, Metro, road and waterway links, only limited transport options will be available to the public in the initial phase. At present, access to the airport will be primarily through roads, suburban rail and buses. Road connectivity Passengers travelling from Mumbai to NMIA currently have two main road options: the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, also known as Atal Setu, and the Vashi Bridge. While both routes attract toll charges, Atal Setu is more expensive than the Vashi Bridge. However, both are expected to be preferred by flyers, particularly those travelling to the airport occasionally. Officials indicated that toll charges may be revised once airport operations scale up. Streetlights yet to be installed on the approach road leading to the Navi Mumbai International Airport The distance between the Vashi Bridge and NMIA is approximately 16 km and can take around 24 minutes during low traffic conditions. The distance between Atal Setu and NMIA is about 13 km and can take roughly 17 minutes with minimal traffic. Rail connectivity Until early December, CBD Belapur was the closest railway station to NMIA. With the recent opening of Targhar railway station, it has now become the nearest rail access point, located around 10 to 15 minutes away from the airport using last-mile transport. However, train frequency at Targhar remains limited. At present, only around 12 trains operate daily between Targhar and Nerul, with gaps of nearly an hour. Services towards Belapur are also limited, with 13 trains running daily at intervals of over 30 minutes. Trains on the Targhar to Uran route are relatively more frequent, with about 25 services daily. During peak morning and evening hours, trains run every 30 minutes, while afternoon services are spaced an hour apart. Commuters planning to use the railway option will need to plan carefully, as train schedules for Targhar are not yet visible on popular apps such as M-Indicator, which many daily commuters rely on. An unlit stretch of the airport approach road. Pics/Madhulika Ram Kavattur While passenger footfall from flyers is currently low, railway officials expect increased usage from airport staff. A CIDCO official stationed at Targhar railway station said that most commuters currently using the station are employees working at the airport site. “During morning hours and around 5 pm, we see more than 200 people at the station. At other times, it is relatively quiet,” the official said. Ticketing staff at the station said train frequency is likely to improve once passenger numbers increase after December 25. “Once railway authorities see higher demand, the frequency will be increased. This will become a viable daily transport option for locals who may not want to rely on autos or cabs,” a staff member said. Auto driver Anil Sonawane said passengers currently avoid Targhar due to long waiting times. “People only come if their timing matches the train. Otherwise, they have to wait nearly an hour, which discourages them,” he said. Cab, auto, and bus stands Signage for taxi, auto-rickshaw and bus stands has been installed along the airport’s approach roads. However, local drivers said they are still unclear about the exact locations of these stands inside the airport premises. “We will only know on December 25. Till then, we will be going in blind,” Sonawne said. “We understand that access is restricted before operations begin, but we are hopeful that passenger movement will increase from day one.” The Navi Mumbai Municipal Transport (NMMT) is in advanced discussions with airport authorities to roll out electric buses. An official said the initial plan is to deploy around 50 electric buses to cater to passengers and airport staff travelling from Navi Mumbai and adjoining areas. “This is just the beginning. As passenger footfall at NMIA increases, additional buses will be inducted in a phased manner,” an official said. Sources further said that after January 26, NMMT will closely monitor ridership trends and deploy more electric buses accordingly to service the airport. The move is aimed at positioning public transport as the primary mode of access to NMIA from the outset. Officials added that the initiative also supports sustainability goals and seeks to reduce dependence on private vehicles as airport operations scale up. Streetlights still missing As reported earlier by mid-day, streetlights along the airport’s approach roads are yet to be installed. Local vendors say the absence of lighting is a safety concern.
23 December,2025 07:13 PM IST | Mumbai | Madhulika Ram Kavattur | Amarjeet SinghThe Thane Traffic Police in Maharashtra on Tuesday announced temporary traffic restrictions on heavy vehicles due to road resurfacing work on the Valdhuni flyover, which connects Kalyan East and West in Thane district. The work is being carried out by the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) and is scheduled from December 20, 2025 to January 10, 2026, officials said. According to an official notification, due to this, heavy vehicle movement on the Shahad Flyover route has been causing traffic congestion in the Ulhasnagar traffic division area. To prevent traffic jams and ensure smooth and safe movement for the public, traffic control measures have been put in place, the notification said. Entry ban for heavy vehicles from Malshej-end Heavy vehicles coming from the Malshej side towards Kalyan will not be allowed to enter at Dam Phata, Murbad, which falls under the Thane Rural Police jurisdiction, the traffic notification said. 🚧 महत्त्वाची वाहतूक सूचना 🚧वालधुनी उड्डाणपुलाचे डांबरीकरण सुरू असल्याने📅 20/12/2025 ते 10/01/2026या कालावधीत पूल वाहतुकीस बंद राहणार आहे.वाहनचालकांनी पर्यायी मार्गांचा वापर करून सहकार्य करावे. pic.twitter.com/6aTvxGbCcz — ठाणे पोलीस.. Thane Police (@ThaneCityPolice) December 23, 2025 The traffic police, in its notification also share alternative route for motorists. It said that such vehicles should take the Dam Phata-Badlapur Road, and proceed via Badlapur - Palegaon - Nevali Naka - Mangal Road - Lodha Palava / Shil-Dighar Road / Patri Pool, and then continue towards Kalyan or their intended destinations. Entry ban from Murbad towards Shahad Heavy vehicles travelling from Murbad towards Kalyan via the Shahad bridge will be stopped at Dahagaon Phata (Rayatagao) in the Thane Rural area. Alternative Route: These vehicles must turn left at Dahagaon Phata, and proceed via Waholi - Manjarli - Dahagaon - Erjadgaon - Badlapur - Palegaon - Nevali Naka - Mangal Road - Lodha Palava / Shil-Dighar Road / Patri Pool, and then continue onwards. Time restrictions for heavy vehicles The officials said that the heavy vehicles will not be allowed on these routes during the following hours: - 6 am to 11 am - 7 pm to 10 pm "The traffic control order will be in force from 12.01 am on November 23, 2025 until midnight on January 10, 2026," the officials said. Emergency vehicles exempted These restrictions will not apply to police vehicles, fire brigade, ambulances, green corridor vehicles, oxygen gas transport vehicles and other essential service vehicles.
23 December,2025 07:10 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentThe process of distributing nomination forms for the Thane Municipal Corporation Elections 2025 has begin and on Tuesday, a total of 1,069 nomination forms were issued to prospective candidates across nine ward committees of the civic body, officials said. Election officials appointed at the ward committee level shared the ward-wise details of the nomination forms distributed on the first day. Thane has been already gearing up for the Maharashtra local body elections. As per the civic body, the process of issuing and accepting nomination papers will continue until December 30, between 11 am and 3 pm, excluding public holidays on Thursday, December 25, and Sunday, December 28. Majiwada-Manpada Ward Committee Under the Majiwada-Manpada Ward Committee, nomination forms were distributed for civic wards 1, 2, 3 and 8. A total of 157 nomination forms were issued to candidates from these wards, officials said. Vartaknagar Ward Committee In the Vartaknagar Ward Committee, covering wards 4, 5 and 7, a total of 103 nomination forms were distributed, they said. Lokmanya Nagar-Savarkar Ward Committee The Lokmanya Nagar-Savarkar Ward Committee, which includes wards 6, 13, 14 and 15, recorded the distribution of 177 nomination forms, the highest among all ward committees, the officials said. Wagle Ward Committee Under the Wagle Ward Committee, nomination forms were issued for wards 16, 17 and 18, with a total of 102 forms distributed. Naupada-Kopri Ward Committee For the Naupada-Kopri Ward Committee, covering wards 19, 20, 21 and 22, election officials distributed 113 nomination forms. Uthalsar Ward Committee The Uthalsar Ward Committee, which includes wards 10, 11 and 12, saw the distribution of 101 nomination forms. Kalwa Ward Committee In the Kalwa Ward Committee, nomination forms were issued for wards 9, 23, 24 and 25, with a total of 121 forms distributed. Mumbra Ward Committee Under the Mumbra Ward Committee, 35 nomination forms were issued for wards 26 and 31, while 36 forms were distributed for Wards 30 and 32. Diva Ward Committee According to the officials, in the Diva Ward Committee, 78 nomination forms were issued for wards 27 and 28, while 46 forms were distributed for wards 29 and 33. Election officials said that the nomination process will continue as per the election schedule announced for the Thane Municipal Corporation elections.
23 December,2025 06:36 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentThe Income Tax Department has announced strict measures to curb the misuse of money power during the Maharashtra local body elections, an official statement said on Tuesday. To ensure free and fair elections and maintain the purity of the electoral process, the department has set up a 24/7 election monitoring control room in Pune, it said. Municipal corporations under monitoring The control room will monitor election-related financial activities in the municipal corporations including Thane, Ulhasnagar, Kalyan-Dombivli, Bhiwandi-Nizampur, Mira-Bhayandar, Vasai-Virar, Panvel, Ahilyanagar, Pune, Pimpri Chinchwad, Solapur, Kolhapur, Ichalkaranji and Sangli-Miraj-Kupwad, the official statement said. It said that the monitoring mechanism will remain active for the entire period during which the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) is in force. Public encouraged to share information The Income Tax Department has urged responsible citizens to report information related to the use of cash or valuables for electioneering purposes. The officials said that the members of the public can share information confidentially through the following channels: - Toll-Free Number: 1800-233-0701 - WhatsApp Number: 9922380806 - Email: pune.pdit.inv@incometax.gov.in Officials said that the initiative is part of the department’s commitment to uphold transparency and prevent illegal use of money during elections. Nomination process for Thane Municipal Corporation elections begins on December 23 The nomination process for candidates contesting the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) General Elections 2025–26 started on Tuesday, December 23. The civic body, while releasing a statement, announced it on Monday. As per the civic body, the process of issuing and accepting nomination papers will continue until December 30, between 11 am and 3 pm, excluding public holidays on Thursday, December 25, and Sunday, December 28. The Thane Municipal Corporation further highlighted that updated samples of nomination papers and mandatory affidavits have been prepared for the upcoming elections. Furthermore, the candidates have been advised to obtain samples, complete the required forms, get them duly attested by the competent authority, and submit them to the respective Election Returning Officers within the prescribed timeline. The election booklet The TMC, with a view to facilitating candidates, has also compiled a comprehensive information booklet. The booklet is available at a cost of Rs 100 with the Election Returning Officers appointed for each ward committee. Furthermore, the booklet contains samples of nomination papers and affidavits. Also, a checklist of documents to be attached and essential forms such as applications for withdrawal of candidature, appointment of election agents and polling agents, and forms related to ballot paper name printing. The booklet also includes Annexure-1 and Annexure-2 for party candidates, details of election expenditure limits, formats for submission of election expenses, provisions of the Model Code of Conduct, law and order guidelines, and advertising certification orders. Additionally, it provides ward-wise reservation details, a combined ward map, information on security deposits, eligibility and disqualification criteria, and contact details of returning officers and help desks. Updated formats of nomination papers and affidavits, as per the State Election Commission’s order dated December 12, 2025, have also been incorporated, officials said.
23 December,2025 05:42 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentWith less than a month to go for the BMC Elections 2026, political parties and alliances have begun formulating strategies to win control of the country’s richest civic corporation. Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP's) city chief, Ameet Satam, on Tuesday downplayed the possible alliance between the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) for the Mumbai civic elections, saying the tie-up will have no impact on the poll outcome, news agency PTI reported. The BJP's Mumbai City President made the remarks after Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) leader Sanjay Raut hinted that an alliance between the parties led by cousins Uddhav and Raj Thackeray would be announced on Wednesday. In a post on social media handle X, Raut shared a picture of Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and his cousin and MNS head Raj, with the caption "Tomorrow at 12 pm". Speaking to the media on Tuesday, BJP Mumbai chief Satam said, "There will be no impact on the outcome of the BMC elections, even if the Thackeray cousins come together and contest the polls." Satam further claimed that the people of Mumbai have decided to vote in large numbers in favour of the BJP-led Mahayuti, PTI reported. "I believe Mumbaikars have made up their mind to support the BJP-led Mahayuti, and the mayor will be elected from our corporators only," he added. Despite repeated claims from leaders on both the sides that the talks had concluded, no formal announcement regarding a pre-poll alliance has been made so far. Seat-sharing remains a major sticking point According to sources, the talks have hit a roadblock over seat-sharing arrangements in key pockets of Mumbai where both parties command considerable support, PTI reported. These include Dadar, Sewree, Vikhroli and Bhandup. Disagreements over contesting candidates in these strategically important areas have so far prevented the two sides from reaching a final agreement. Raut had met Raj last week amid the ongoing discussions between the two parties on seat-sharing for the Mumbai civic elections. This was Raut’s second visit to Shivtirth, Raj's residence in Dadar, in three days, highlighting the intensity of the negotiations. The elections to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, Asia's largest civic body, will take place on January 15, and the results will be declared the next day. (With inputs from PTI)
23 December,2025 05:39 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Tuesday said it has kept the option open to contest the upcoming Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) elections independently, alleging that its Mahayuti allies have excluded it from seat-sharing discussions, news agency PTI reported. NCP Spokesperson Anand Paranjape claimed that while local leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiv Sena have already begun talks to finalise seat-sharing arrangements for the TMC polls, the NCP has not been invited to participate in them. “Even though meetings of the alliance partners are underway, the NCP has not been invited. Therefore, we have begun preparations to contest the elections independently,” he said, according to PTI. Paranjape also alleged that NCP’s Thane District President, Najeeb Mulla, has not been contacted by either the BJP or the Shiv Sena. He said the party would announce its seat expectations only after receiving a formal invitation for alliance talks, adding that 380 aspirants have been interviewed over the past two days, PTI reported. “If the NCP is offered respectable representation in the alliance for the Thane Municipal Corporation, we are ready to contest together. Otherwise, the NCP is fully prepared to contest all 131 seats on its own,” Paranjape said. While reiterating that the NCP prefers to contest elections as part of the grand alliance wherever possible, he said the party would also consider local tie-ups or independent contests if required. Referring to the recent elections to 288 municipal councils and nagar panchayats, Paranjape said mayors from the BJP–Shiv Sena–NCP alliance were elected in around 215 bodies. “People of Maharashtra have reaffirmed their faith in the Mahayuti government led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Ministers Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde,” he added. The long-pending elections to 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra, including Mumbai, are scheduled to be held on January 15, with counting of votes the next day. Ajit Pawar reached out with proposal for Pune civic poll tie-up, says Congress leader Satej Patil Senior Congress leader Satej Patil on Tuesday said Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has contacted him with a proposal for a possible alliance for the upcoming Pune local body elections. Speaking to reporters in Kolhapur, Patil said the Congress hopes to contest the Pune civic polls as part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) and has already held three rounds of talks with alliance partners Shiv Sena and NCP (SP). “I received a call from Ajit dada. The proposal (to tie up with Congress) had come for Pune. We are deliberating on it and holding discussions with the Congress’s local leadership and the party’s state president Harshvardhan Sapkal,” stated Patilk. The elections to the Pune Municipal Corporation are scheduled for January 15, with counting of votes to be held the next day. Meanwhile, NCP Pune City President Subhash Jagtap said the rival factions of the party have also discussed a possible alliance for the civic polls. “As far as seat-sharing is concerned, both factions are ready to arrive at a consensus. The official announcement will be made around December 25,” stated Jagtap. However, NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) city unit president Prashant Jagtap expressed displeasure over the prospect of a tie-up between the two factions in Pune. Amid reports about his resignation, he said he was travelling to Mumbai to meet party leader Supriya Sule. “I will not speak about the resignation issue. I am going to meet Supriya Sule in Mumbai and will comment after the meeting,” he said. (With PTI inputs)
23 December,2025 02:30 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentA large tree fell on three parked vehicles along Pokhran Road No. 02 near Cosmos Horizon Society in Shastri Nagar early on Tuesday, causing minor damage to the vehicles. The incident occurred around 09.50 AM near Bethany Hospital. No injuries were reported. Officers from the Vartak Nagar Police Station, along with Disaster Management Cell staff, Fire Department personnel, and Tree Authority workers, worked together to clear the fallen tree from the road. Vehicle details affected: Mahindra Bolero Pickup Maruti Suzuki Ertiga Maruti Suzuki Swift All vehicles sustained minor damage from the tree fall, but thankfully, there were no casualties. The road was cleared and reopened for traffic after approximately two hours of effort. Authorities have emphasised their preparedness to handle such incidents and ensure swift resolution, minimising disruptions to local traffic. Helmet saves 69-year-old man as falling tree hits his motorcycle Earlier in December, tree from an under-construction site fell on a 69-year-old riding bike; son says helmet saved him; alleges safety barriers were put up around area only after the incident. My father survived only because he was wearing a helmet. A helmet not only saves lives in road accidents, but can also protect you in unexpected situations — like when a tree fell on my father. Miraculously, the helmet saved him. People should always wear a helmet,” Shivaji Khadke told mid-day. Roasaheb Narsoppa Khadke, 69, was seriously injured after a tree from the site of an under-construction society on 18th Road in Khar West collapsed on him while he was riding his motorcycle. Roasaheb sustained multiple injuries to his chest, head, and arms due to the incident. The construction contractor, a resident of Kannamwar Nagar in Vikhroli East, is currently admitted to Bhabha Hospital, where he is undergoing treatment. Following the incident, the Santacruz police registered an FIR against the unknown construction contractor and site supervisor for negligence, specifically for failing to secure the construction boundary with proper safety barricades. Speaking with mid-day, Shivaji said, “On December 2, my father was riding his bike to Andheri via 18th Road in Khar West after going to Khar Danda to bring labourers for construction work. That’s when a large tree fell on him from the Evershine Building construction site. My father was wearing a helmet, and that’s the only reason he survived. The helmet cracked in the middle, but it saved his life. Due to severe chest pain, he was unable to speak properly. The people responsible must be punished.”
23 December,2025 01:21 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentThe nomination process for candidates contesting the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) General Elections 2025–26 started on Tuesday, December 23. The civic body, while releasing a statement, announced it on Monday. As per the civic body, the process of issuing and accepting nomination papers will continue until December 30, between 11 am and 3 pm, excluding public holidays on Thursday, December 25, and Sunday, December 28. The Thane Municipal Corporation further highlighted that updated samples of nomination papers and mandatory affidavits have been prepared for the upcoming elections. Furthermore, the candidates have been advised to obtain samples, complete the required forms, get them duly attested by the competent authority, and submit them to the respective Election Returning Officers within the prescribed timeline. Election booklet The TMC, with a view to facilitating candidates, has also compiled a comprehensive information booklet. The booklet is available at a cost of Rs 100 with the Election Returning Officers appointed for each ward committee. Furthermore, the booklet contains samples of nomination papers and affidavits. Also, a checklist of documents to be attached and essential forms such as applications for withdrawal of candidature, appointment of election agents and polling agents, and forms related to ballot paper name printing. The booklet also includes Annexure-1 and Annexure-2 for party candidates, details of election expenditure limits, formats for submission of election expenses, provisions of the Model Code of Conduct, law and order guidelines, and advertising certification orders. Additionally, it provides ward-wise reservation details, a combined ward map, information on security deposits, eligibility and disqualification criteria, and contact details of returning officers and help desks. Updated formats of nomination papers and affidavits, as per the State Election Commission’s order dated December 12, 2025, have also been incorporated, officials said.
23 December,2025 01:15 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Shiv Sena (UBT) on Tuesday attacked Deputy CM and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde over his claim that Maharashtra local body polls have finally settled the debate over the “real” Shiv Sena. In a scathing editorial in the party's mouthpiece, 'Saamana', the Thackeray camp claimed, “The liars say, 'Our Shiv Sena is real!' But what is real and what is fake - the common people of the state recognise this. Those who dedicated their victory to Modi-Shah's feet, the symbol 'Shiv Sena' does not suit those thieves,” as reported by news agency IANS. Furthermore the editorial also mentioned, “These same Modi-Shah stole the bow and arrow and handed it over to eight traitors in Maharashtra. The theft of Lok Sabha, Vidhan Sabha and local body elections has taken the form of 'yours, mine, theirs'. The picture ahead will be different - we have no doubt about this.” Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also claimed credit for the work shown by the real Shiv Sena people. This is a hollow credit. His party's claim of solid work in Lok Sabha, Vidhan Sabha and now local body elections is hollow. “Originally, the name 'Shiv Sena' and the symbol bow and arrow were obtained through Amit Shah's pressure. The merit of the bow and arrow is significant, and Balasaheb Thackeray, the Shiv Sena chief, had established the 'bow and arrow' in every household. These 'merits' have been stolen and the real Shiv Sena is being talked about,” the Saamana editorial noted. Shiv Sena Bow and Arrow case to be heard before the Supreme Court The editorial headed by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut further stated that the dispute between the party logo is still pending in the Supreme Court. Adding that, “The Supreme Court has given six months' time for the Election Commission to make a decision. "Dates are not being set there, but after 40 MLAs crossed over to the other side and the decision was made according to law and constitution, Shiv Sena and bow and arrow are encouraging a decision on whose symbol it is!" as reported by IANS. Furthermore, the Thackeray camp said that despite the electoral successes of the Shinde-led Shiv Sena, legal disputes regarding the party's "real" status and official symbols remain unresolved. Putting light on the matter that is still to be heard by the apex court, the editorial noted, “The Supreme Court has scheduled a final hearing for January 21, 2026, to address the symbol dispute between the Uddhav Thackeray and Eknath Shinde factions. A similar hearing for the NCP symbol dispute is set for January 22, 2026.” It also mentioned that the year ends with political parties shifting focus toward the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, which are slated for January 15. The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena had further alleged, "The results of local body elections are bought and sold through auction. There is no integrity or transparency found anywhere in these results. The ruling party has acquired the art of buying the machinery and voters, and people like Amit Shah kindly make them win elections by stealing the Shiv Sena and bow and arrow,” as per IANS. Samaana editorial also mentioned, “As Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis vows to transform the face of the state following these results, the opposition remains defiant. They describe the current political state as one of 'looting and deception' and express confidence that the political picture in Maharashtra will shift in the future,” reported IANS. (With inputs from IANS)
23 December,2025 01:09 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
