Ahead of the BMC Election 2026, Uddhav and Raj Thackeray on Sunday evening shared a stage at Shivaji Park in central Mumbai after over 20 years. Addressing a gathering of huge crowds, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Sunday said that he and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray have come together due to what he described as a growing “danger to Mumbai”. Raj Thackeray said the unity was driven by concern for Mumbai’s future rather than political compulsion. The rally marked a rare public appearance by the Thackeray cousins on the same stage after more than two decades, amid campaigning for the upcoming civic elections. Joint rally at Shivaji Park Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray on Sunday came together to address an election rally at Shivaji Park in Mumbai, marking a significant political moment. It was the first time since the formation of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and the Shiv Sena (UBT) that the Thackeray cousins jointly addressed a public rally. #ShivsenaLive - शिवशक्ती जाहीर सभा | UddhavSaheb Thackeray | RajSaheb Thackeray | शिवतीर्थ, मुंबई https://t.co/nVtI0PFd3s — ShivSena - शिवसेना Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (@ShivSenaUBT_) January 11, 2026 The two leaders shared a stage for the first time in Nashik on Friday, where they formally announced their alliance and launched a sharp attack on the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led alliance. ‘Differences set aside for Marathi Manoos,’ says Uddhav Thackeray Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, while addressing the gathering said that he and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray have put aside their differences for the sake of the Marathi Manoos (people), Hindus and Maharashtra. Speaking at a joint election rally with Raj Thackeray, Uddhav said the coming together of the Thackeray cousins was driven by concern for the state and its capital. “We have buried our differences for the Marathi manoos, for Hindus and for Maharashtra,” Uddhav Thackeray said, addressing a large crowd. Attack on BJP over identity politics Uddhav Thackeray strongly criticised the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing it of dividing society ahead of every election. “The BJP plays Hindu-Muslim and Marathi-non-Marathi politics whenever elections approach,” he alleged. He said such politics weakens Maharashtra and distracts people from real civic issues such as housing, infrastructure and employment.
12 January,2026 01:26 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAhead of the BMC Election 2026, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday evening addressed a large gathering while sharing the stage at Shivaji Park with his cousin Raj Thackeray after over 20 years and alleged that the BJP does not want Shiv Sena (UBT) because it will not allow them to 'swallow' Mumbai. Uddhav further alleged that the BJP's Hindutva and nationalism were fake. Buried our differences for the Marathi manoos Speaking at a joint election rally named ‘Shivshakti’ ahead of the BMC polls, Uddhav Thackeray said that the coming together of the Thackeray cousins was driven by concern for the state and its capital. The two leaders along with their sons Amit Thackeray and Aaditya Thackeray, and senior party leaders addressed a huge rally at Shivaji Park in Mumbai on Sunday evening. “We have buried our differences for the Marathi manoos, for Hindus and for Maharashtra,” Uddhav Thackeray said, addressing a large crowd. #ShivsenaLive - शिवशक्ती जाहीर सभा | UddhavSaheb Thackeray | RajSaheb Thackeray | शिवतीर्थ, मुंबई https://t.co/nVtI0PFd3s — ShivSena - शिवसेना Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (@ShivSenaUBT_) January 11, 2026 Attack on BJP over identity politics Uddhav strongly criticised the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing it of dividing society ahead of every election. “The BJP plays Hindu–Muslim and Marathi–non-Marathi politics whenever elections approach,” he alleged. He said such politics weakens Maharashtra and distracts people from real civic issues such as housing, infrastructure and employment. The rally marked a rare moment in Maharashtra politics, as Uddhav and Raj Thackeray addressed a public gathering together after more than 20 years. The two leaders had earlier shared a stage in Nashik, where they formally announced their political alliance. Focus on Mumbai and civic issues Both leaders stressed the need to protect Mumbai’s interests, the Marathi identity, and democratic values. The joint rally is seen as a key development ahead of the upcoming municipal corporation elections, particularly the high-stakes BMC polls. Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray reunited on one stage at Shivaji Park on Sunday evening, addressing the public together for the first time in over two decades. The joint rally marked a rare political moment in Mumbai’s political landscape.Massive crowds gathered to witness… pic.twitter.com/hqQWpoKjQ1 — Mid Day (@mid_day) January 11, 2026 Uddhav questions BJP’s stand on Mumbai’s identity Speaking after Raj Thackeray, Uddhav questioned whether the BJP intended to rename Mumbai as ‘Bombay’, referring to remarks made earlier by Tamil Nadu BJP leader K Annamalai. Uddhav also accused the BJP of resorting to divisive politics ahead of elections and claimed that its commitment to Hindutva and nationalism was not genuine. “The BJP has now become one that believes in ‘corruption first’ instead of ‘nation first’,” Uddhav Thackeray alleged.
11 January,2026 10:27 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentWith days to go for the high-stake BMC Election 2026, the BJP, Shiv Sena and Republican Party of India (RPI-A) on Sunday released its joint poll manifesto, promising housing reforms, slum-free Mumbai, 50 per cent concession on BEST bus ticket fares for women and more. The manifesto was unveiled in the presence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and Union Minister Ramdas Athawale. 50 per cent concession for women in BEST buses Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced that women beneficiaries under the ‘Ladki Bahin’ scheme will receive a 50 per cent concession on BEST bus ticket fares, similar to the discount provided in state-run ST buses, an official statement, released by Shinde's office said. Housing, slum-free and pagdi-free Mumbai in 5 years The Mahayuti promised to make Mumbai slum-free and pagdi-free within the next five years. It also pledged to provide 40 lakh affordable homes in the city and bring back original Mumbai residents who had moved outside the city, offering them dignified housing. Push for redevelopment and safer housing Shinde said redevelopment would be accelerated across Mumbai, with solutions for old pagdi buildings, funnel zone-affected structures, cluster redevelopment and mill workers’ housing, the statement said. The alliance promised homes for 1.10 lakh mill workers and said residents of dangerous buildings would be shifted to safe and well-equipped flats. Focus on Marathi identity and culture The manifesto includes commitments to protect Marathi language, culture and identity. Plans include setting up a separate Marathi language department in the municipal corporation, Marathi art centres, study rooms, and special programmes for Marathi youth to mark Balasaheb Thackeray’s birth centenary. Environment, transport and infra plans To fight pollution and protect the environment, the Mahayuti promised to spend Rs 17,000 crore on environmental projects. Other key transport pledges include -- - Making BEST buses fully electric by 2029 - Increasing the BEST fleet from 5,000 to 10,000 buses - Building cold storage facilities for fish vendors in BMC markets Support for women, small businesses and start-ups The alliance promised interest-free loans of up to Rs 5 lakh for women and self-help groups to promote self-employment and small businesses. It also announced plans for start-up incubation centres and a new small industries policy. Illegal immigration The manifesto includes a commitment to identify and deport illegal Bangladeshi and Rohingya immigrants, aiming for what the alliance described as a “Mumbai free from illegal infiltration”. Civic finances and development vision Responding to opposition criticism, Shinde said municipal deposits had increased despite high spending on public welfare. He added that a Mumbai Development Plan 2034 would be prepared to guide long-term growth.
11 January,2026 08:22 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentShiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said that the coming together of the Thackeray cousins for the BMC Election 2026 is aimed to “save Mumbai”. Raut highlighted that the alliance of Uddhav and Raj Thackeray has “built trust” among the people of the city. In view of strengthening the position of their party ahead of the civic polls, the two cousins have joined hands to contest the BMC elections together, as per IANS. Earlier on Sunday, the two parties unveiled their joint manifesto titled ‘Vachan Nama’, which prominently features photographs of the Thackeray cousins along with Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray. Speaking to the media, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut said, “The point is, this election is not just about the Thackeray brothers. Mumbai is a city that is like a country in itself. Mumbai is often referred to as the financial capital of the country, and additionally, it serves as the capital of Maharashtra. And, in the capital of Maharashtra, Balasaheb Thackeray and the Shiv Sena have always been in power,” as per IANS. Raut further pointed out that while the city has undergone major changes over the past few years, the Shiv Sena (UBT) and its influence in the civic body remain strong. Raut also highlighted that the party would once again assert its dominance in the BMC, as it has done for nearly three decades. Keeping in mind that the Shiv Sena has never secured an absolute majority on its own in the civic body. For most of its tenure in the BMC, the party governed Mumbai in alliance with the BJP, which remained its junior partner until the two parted ways in 2014. Raut, while hailing Uddhav and Raj Thackeray’s alliance for the civic polls, also added, “These elections are being conducted after seven years; the entire demography of the state has changed; the entire city has changed. However, Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray have come together to save Mumbai,” as cited by news agency IANS. “Shiv Sena has always been there to protect the Maharashtrians. Every section of Mumbai is with Shiv Sena. Whenever there is a talk about Mumbai and the issues and problems that it is facing, then everyone’s first thought is that Shiv Sena will protect us,” the Shiv Sena (UBT) MP added. Emphasising the public response to the alliance, he added, “The Thackeray brothers uniting has built a trust in the hearts of people.” Shiv Sena (UBT)-MNS alliance promises affordable housing Meanwhile, in their joint manifesto, the Thackeray cousins have promised affordable housing and major improvements in infrastructure, including healthcare facilities, public transport and the education sector if they come to power. The joint manifesto of Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS also mentioned improved welfare measures for women, with a proposal to provide a monthly allowance of Rs 1,500 to women employed as domestic workers and Koli women under the proposed ‘Swabhiman Nidhi’ scheme, reported IANS. The manifesto was released at a joint press conference held at Shiv Sena Bhawan, an event that marked Raj Thackeray’s return to the party headquarters after nearly 20 years. (With inputs from IANS)
11 January,2026 07:06 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAhead of the Maharashtra local body elections, a group of senior citizens were on Sunday seen participating in a large-scale voter awareness campaign organised in connection with the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) ahead of the polls. The officials said that the drive was aimed at encouraging maximum voter participation. The initiative was conducted by the municipal corporation’s SVEEP (Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation) team, under the guidance of SVEEP Coordinating Officer Sanjay Jadhav and Assistant Coordinating Officer Vijay Sarkate, who have been organising various awareness programmes across the city. Participation by elderly citizens and women According to an official statement, as part of the campaign, the Senior Citizens Service Organisation, Kalyan, organised a grand voter awareness programme to increase polling percentages. A large number of senior citizens, including elderly women, took part enthusiastically in the drive, it said. Awareness rally covers key city routes A voter awareness rally was taken out covering major routes including Katemanivli Naka, Pune Link Road, D-Ward Vijay Nagar, Tisgaon Naka, Mhasoba Chowk and Kolsewadi, the statement said. The rally concluded at Municipal School No. 15, where a formal programme was held. Voting guidance and collective oath During the concluding programme, Assistant SVEEP Coordinating Officer Vijay Sarkate addressed the gathering and provided guidance on the importance of voting. All participants were administered a collective voter pledge, reaffirming their commitment to exercising their democratic rights. The rally featured public announcements through loudspeakers, voter awareness slogans and songs, which helped spread the message of electoral participation among residents along the route. Collective effort ensures success of campaign The campaign was conducted with the support of Sanjay More and members of the SVEEP team, along with office-bearers of the Senior Citizens Service Organisation, the officials said. Those who extended support included President Kalidas Kadam, Secretary D.R. Umbarkar, Vice-President Dudhram Sahare, Balasaheb Bagul, Executive President Prakash Desai, and several other respected senior citizens, they said.
11 January,2026 05:27 PM IST | Mumbai | Aishwarya IyerAhead of the polling for the BMC Election 2026 and other civic bodies in Maharashtra, Deputy Chief Minister Ekanth Shinde made a significant announcement regarding the state government's flagship scheme -- 'Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana'. Speaking at a rally in Ghatkopar area of eastern Mumbai, Shinde assured women that the current monthly assistance of Rs 1,500 is set to be increased soon. While addressing the rally, the Deputy Chief Minister also emphasised that the welfare scheme is a permanent fixture of his administration. Eknath Shinde, while addressing the rally, said, “I started the Ladki Bahin Yojana during my tenure, and regardless of what the opposition claims, this scheme will not be shut down,” Shinde declared. Shinde said, “Currently, our sisters receive Rs 1,500, but we are going to increase this amount. We stand by the promises made in our manifesto. Our goal is to see our sisters become self-reliant and ‘Lakhpatis’ (millionaires),” as cited by news agency IANS. He further promised that every family, regardless of “eligible” or “ineligible” status, would be provided with a rightful home. He also assured that the Urban Development Department would ensure there is no shortage of funds for these housing projects. Maharashtra Government to deposit Rs 3000 to ‘Ladki Bahin Yojana’ beneficiaries on January 14 In a related development, State Minister and BJP leader Girish Mahajan confirmed that the government is expediting payments for the festive season. As reported by news agency IANS, to mark the occasion of Makar Sankranti, the state government will deposit a combined instalment of Rs 3,000 (covering the months of December and January) into the bank accounts of eligible beneficiaries of the Ladki Bahin Yojana. Funds will be deposited before January 14. Maharashtra State Minister Mahajan also reiterated that the Mahayuti government, under the leadership of Devendra Fadnavis and Eknath Shinde, remains committed to the economic empowerment of women, reported PTI. This move is being seen as a major outreach effort by the ruling Mahayuti alliance to consolidate its support base among women voters ahead of the crucial BMC election in 2026 and other civic body polls across the state. (With inputs from IANS)
11 January,2026 05:10 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentUnion Minister Piyush Goyal on Sunday suggested that RC construction mixers could be shifted out of the city and precast structures at sites must be promoted to curb Mumbai air pollution, reported the PTI. Goyal underlined the need to incentivise the use of precast and steel construction technologies to reduce dust pollution generated during building activities in Mumbai. Addressing a gathering of businesspersons and housing society office-bearers at Adarsh Complex in Malad West, Piyush Goyal said that globally, reinforced concrete (RC) mixers are rarely used, with most countries relying on steel and precast structures instead. “Across the world, you don’t see RC mixers. You see steel and precast construction. They may be slightly more expensive, but I am considering discussing with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis whether concessions and incentives can be offered for adopting these methods,” he said, according to the PTI. RC mixers should be moved out of city Piyush Goyal pointed out that construction dust is a major contributor to air pollution in Mumbai and called for RC construction mixers to be shifted outside the city limits. “I have personally removed four to five such mixers from my parliamentary constituency,” he added, as per the PTI. Consensus with builders over restrictions Instead of imposing strict bans on polluting construction processes, the Union Minister suggested building a consensus among developers to voluntarily adopt cleaner construction practices, including precast and steel technologies, to curb pollution. Need for dedicated grounds for public events Goyal, who represents North Mumbai in the Lok Sabha and also serves as the Union Commerce and Industry Minister, stressed the importance of earmarking specific public grounds for religious, cultural and sporting events to reduce pressure on residential and public spaces. Focus on civic issues ahead of polls Referring to the upcoming January 15 municipal corporation elections, Goyal said he was deliberately restricting his remarks to local civic concerns. “As these are municipal corporation elections, I am not touching upon international matters, including my recent visit to Brussels, where the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement was almost finalised,” he said, according to the PTI. (with PTI inputs)
11 January,2026 04:56 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAhead of Uddhav and Raj Thackeray‘s joint rally at Shivaji Park in Dadar, Mumbai Police on Saturday issued a traffic advisory for motorists, saying that large crowds were expected at the Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS public rally for BMC Election 2026. Mumbai Traffic Police have announced major traffic restrictions in the Dadar area on Sunday, January 11, in view of the 'Jahir Sabha’ (public meeting) organised by the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). "The rally is part of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Election 2026 campaign," said an official. A large number of supporters are expected to arrive from different parts of Maharashtra, many in private vehicles and buses, the official said. The police have warned of heavy traffic congestion on nearby roads, including the western and eastern express highways. Traffic restriction timings The traffic regulations will be in force from: 10 am on January 11, 2026, until midnight No-parking zones in Dadar and around Shivaji Park. A notification issued by Mumbai Traffic Police said that the parking will be strictly prohibited on the following roads: - Swatantryaveer Savarkar Marg (Century Junction to Hari Om Junction) - Entire Keluskar Road (north and south) - MB Raut Marg - Pandurang Naik Marg (Shivaji Park Road No 5) - Dadasaheb Rege Marg - Dilip Gupte Marg (Shivaji Park Gate No 4 to Shitaladevi Road) - LJ Marg (Gadkari Junction to Shobha Hotel) - NC Kelkar Marg (Hanuman Temple Junction to Gadkari Junction) - TH Kataria Marg (Ganga Vihar Junction to Asawari Junction) - Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Marg (Maheshwari Circle to Kohinoor Junction) - Tilak Road (Kotwal Garden Circle to RA Kidwai Road) - Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan Road (Sealink Road to Bindu Madhav Thackeray Chowk) - Thadani Marg - Dr Annie Besant Road (Poddar Hospital Junction to Hardikar Junction) Roads closed and traffic diversions - Swatantryaveer Savarkar Marg (northbound) Closed from Siddhivinayak Temple Junction to Yes Bank Junction Alternate routes: SK Bole Road, Agar Bazaar, Portuguese Church Road, Gokhale Road - Swatantryaveer Savarkar Marg (Southbound)** Closed from Yes Bank Junction to Siddhivinayak Temple Junction Alternate routes: Pandurang Naik Road, LJ Road, Gokhale Road, NC Kelkar Road Instructions for rally participants Vehicles bringing participants must drop them at designated alighting points and then move to approved parking areas. From western and northern suburbs Drop-off near Mahim Railway Station Parking at- - Reti Bandar, Mahim - Senapati Bapat Road - Kohinoor Public Parking - India Bulls Finance Centre Parking - Kamgar Maidan - India Bull One Centre (light vehicles) From eastern suburbs (Thane and Navi Mumbai) - Drop-off near Dadar TT Circle Parking towards Five Gardens, Matunga and RAK 4 Roads. From South Mumbai - Vehicles will drop passengers near Five Gardens, Matunga or RAK 4 Roads - Parking will be arranged at designated locations near Dadar TT Circle and Worli Designated Parking Locations - Buses on Senapati Bapat Marg (Mahim Station to Tilak Bridge) - Buses at Reti Bandar, Mahim - Buses on Lady Jamshedji Road and Nathalal Parikh Road, Matunga -Buses on RAK 4 Road and Pandurang Budhkar Marg - Cars at Kamgar Stadium, Kohinoor Parking, India Bulls Finance Centre, Raheja Parking - Additional bus and car parking at Worli, Sasmira Road, and Sudam Kalu Ahire Road Public Advisory Mumbai Traffic Police have urged citizens to avoid the Shivaji Park and Dadar area during the event hours and to use public transport where possible. Motorists are requested to follow traffic police instructions to avoid inconvenience.
11 January,2026 03:25 PM IST | Mumbai | Asif RizviJust ahead of Maharashtra civic polls, state Congress Committee president Harshwardhan Sapkal on Saturday dared the BJP and the NCP to step out of power and then level accusations at each other. Harshwardhan Sapkal, while slamming the BJP and NCP, asserted, “The state has a triple-engine government of the BJP, Shinde Sena and Ajit Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party. All three parties have come together only to enjoy the spoils of power. While remaining in power, Ajit Pawar is making open and serious allegations against the BJP, and the BJP, in turn, is making allegations against Ajit Pawar,” as cited by IANS. Sapkal further added, “If these two parties only want to trade accusations, then why cling to power? Step out of power first and then make allegations.” While talking to the media in Pune, the Congress state president said that NCP leader Ajit Pawar is accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party of being the most corrupt party, while the BJP is accusing Ajit Pawar of corruption. Ajit Pawar on the alleged 'land scam' When asked about the Parth Pawar land scam, Ajit Pawar responds with “Jai Jinendra” and “Jai Jain Boarding”. He highlighted, “These people are changing colours in a manner that would put even a chameleon to shame. Instead of accusing each other while remaining in power, Ajit Pawar should resign and step out of the government, or else the BJP should withdraw its support for Ajit Pawar’s party.” “But they will not do so. Both parties are two sides of the same coin. There is no morality left among the BJP, Shinde Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party,” he claimed, he added. The Maharashtra Congress chief also said that Pune has a great historical, cultural and educational tradition and heritage. The city was known as the cradle of education and a cultural city, but now it has come to be identified as a city plagued by the drug trade, koyta gangs, corruption and crumbling basic infrastructure. The state Congress chief further stressed, “Now it is for the people of Pune themselves to preserve the true Puneri spirit,” as per IANS. Responding to another question, Sapkal added that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party is a weak party and will accept anyone into its fold. He also alleged, “They have already included goons and hoodlums, and now they have even included rapists in the party,” as per IANS. (With inputs from IANS)
11 January,2026 03:25 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAs the Mahayuti, comprising Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Shiv Sena, and Republican Party of India (A), on Sunday released its manifesto for the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde harped on the issue of Marathi Pride, with promises to uplift Mumbai's Marathi Manus and protect the Marathi language and Marathi culture, especially by ensuring affordable housing for all Mumbaikars while also making Mumbai an internationally benchmarked city in the next five years. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, on the other hand, focused on the Mahayuti's performance milestones across sectors of housing, road, railway, and metro transport; availability of water through the Gargai Dam; better solid waste management, especially with the waste-to-energy project at Deonar Dumping Ground; sewage treatment plants; health; and creation of employment through high-paying jobs, keeping up with the international trend of creating global capacity centres. He announced that at the end of their BMC government's tenure of 5 years (2030), an action taken report along with a fact sheet will be presented against the promises made in this Mahayuti Manifesto. After the alliance Shiv Sena (UBT), MNS and NCP (SP) released their manifesto last Sunday, and the Congress Party released their manifesto later in the week, all eyes were on the present ruling coalition of Maharashtra for its manifesto for the BMC election 2026. Notably, NCP, led by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, will not contest the BMC elections as part of the coalition. Mahayuti's manifesto was published at the hands of Fadnavis, Shinde, and RPI chief Ramdas Athavale. It features Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray, and Anand Dighe, who Shinde considers his political guru. Other BJP and Shiv Sena leaders also present on the dais for this occasion were Vinod Tawde, Ashish Shelar, Amit Satam, Milind Deora, and Rahul Shewale. Among the financial sops announced as part of the manifesto are a 50 per cent fare reduction in BEST for all women, no hike in water tax for the next 5 years, and interest-free loans for women up to Rs 5 lakh to start their own businesses. Speaking on the occasion, Eknath Shinde said, "We are releasing Mahayuti's manifesto at the hands of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Today's manifesto is for Mumbaikars to better their everyday life. We have the Mahayuti government at the Centre and state, and on January 15, the Mahayuti government will be formed in BMC. This will mark the true makeover of Mumbai." Shinde added, "In 3.5 years we have worked in Mumbai, and this work is in front of you. With me as CM for the first 2.5 years and Devendra Fadnavis as CM for the past year. This is for the wellbeing of Mumbai's Marathi people and the protection of the Marathi language and Marathi culture." Speaking about the MMR region, Shinde said, "The core Mumbaikar who has gone out of Mumbai, we will bring them back respectfully. They have shifted to Vasai Virar, Nalasopara, Badlapur, etc. Who is responsible for this?" Fadnavis said, "In the past few years, we have made efforts and instilled confidence in Mumbaikars that their issues can be solved. We have done a lot of work to actually solve these issues. Even if anyone else gives their manifesto, our track record shows that we will ensure all promises are fulfilled." The Chief Minister also added, "Mumbai's Marathi manus should not have to leave Mumbai; we will give them homes in Mumbai. We have done this in Abhyudaya Nagar, BDD Chawl, and Patra Chawl. Some people only speak of homes for Marathi manus, but we are the action takers."
11 January,2026 02:16 PM IST | Mumbai | Eeshanpriya MSThe maximum and minimum temperatures are likely to be around 31 degrees Celsius and 17 degrees Celsius, respectively, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). As per the Sameer app, Mumbai’s Air Quality Index (AQI) on Sunday stands at 115, which falls under the moderate category. This level of air pollution may cause breathing discomfort for people with lung conditions, asthma, or heart diseases. AQI across Mumbai Bandra Kurla Complex: 144Borivali East: 132Byculla: 95Andheri: 138Chembur: 105Colaba: 99Deonar: 128Ghatkopar: 121 Air quality a nationwide crisis, govt response exceedingly ineffective: Congress The Congress on Sunday cited a report to claim that air quality in India is a nationwide, structural crisis and that the government’s response has been “exceedingly ineffective and inadequate.” The party demanded a thorough reform of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), according to the news agency PTI. Congress general secretary in charge of communications, Jairam Ramesh, said that the NCAP, propagated as the National Clean Air Programme, is actually another kind of NCAP — a “Notional Clean Air Programme.” The former environment minister said a new analysis by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) has confirmed what he described as India’s “worst-kept secret”: that air quality is a nationwide, structural crisis for which the government response has been exceedingly ineffective and inadequate, reported PTI. Using satellite data, the study found that nearly 44 per cent of Indian cities — 1,787 out of 4,041 statutory towns assessed — suffer from chronic air pollution, with annual PM2.5 levels consistently exceeding national standards over five years (2019–2024, excluding 2020), Ramesh said in a statement. Pointing out that the report also highlighted the ineffectiveness of the NCAP, the Congress leader said that despite the scale of the problem involving 1,787 towns, only 130 cities are covered under the programme. Of these 130 cities, 28 still lack continuous ambient air quality monitoring stations (CAAQMS), he claimed. Among the 102 cities with monitoring infrastructure, 100 reported PM10 levels of 80 per cent or higher, Ramesh said, adding that in total, the NCAP currently addresses only 4 per cent of India’s chronically polluted cities. Reiterating his criticism, Ramesh said the NCAP, propagated as the National Clean Air Programme, is in reality a “Notional Clean Air Programme” and asserted that it needs a thorough overhaul and reform. “The first step must be to acknowledge the public health crisis linked to air pollution across wide swathes of India. Consequently, we must revisit and completely revamp both the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, and the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) put into effect in November 2009,” he said, reported PTI. Ramesh urged the government to drastically increase funding under the NCAP. “The current budget, inclusive of NCAP funding and the 15th Finance Commission’s grants, is about Rs 10,500 crore, spread across 131 cities. Our cities need at least 10 to 20 times more funding. NCAP must be made a Rs 25,000 crore programme and expanded to cover the 1,000 most polluted towns in the country,” he said. He further said the NCAP must adopt PM2.5 levels as the primary yardstick for performance and reorient its focus towards key emission sources such as the burning of solid fuels, vehicular emissions, and industrial pollution. “The NCAP must be given legal backing, an enforcement mechanism, and serious data-monitoring capacity for every Indian city, beyond the current focus only on ‘non-attainment’ cities,” Ramesh argued. He also asserted that air pollution norms for coal-fired power plants must be enforced immediately and that all power plants must install flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) units by the end of 2026. “The National Green Tribunal’s independence must be restored, and the anti-people environmental law amendments of the last 10 years must be rolled back,” Ramesh said. “Twice in Parliament — first on July 29, 2024, and then on December 9, 2025 — the Modi government has attempted to downplay the health impact of air pollution. The Modi government is not blind to the truth; it is only attempting to cover up the scale of its incompetence and negligence,” he alleged. (With PTI inputs)
11 January,2026 01:37 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
