The Congress party on Monday announced key points from its manifesto ahead of the BMC Elections 2026, promising measures ranging from permanent immersion ponds for Chhath Puja to protection of the dignity and livelihood of North Indians, and a transparent hawker policy, reported the PTI. A document was released by the party’s North Indian cell in the presence of Mumbai Congress president Varsha Gaikwad and other office-bearers. The Congress promised a transparent hawker policy, including the establishment of smart vending zones, issuance of digital licences for eligible vendors, and fair elections to town vending committee, according to the PTI. Protection and support for North Indians The party assured political and social protection for North Indian residents in Mumbai. It also promised better facilities for auto and taxi drivers, such as rest centres and free health check-ups. Varsha Gaikwad stated that the Congress had consistently supported North Indians by ensuring their representation as MLAs, MPs, ministers, corporators, and mayors, contrasting this with what she described as the BJP’s failure to address the community’s core issues, as per the PTI. Infrastructure for cultural and religious events The party also stated that it plans for permanent immersion ponds and ghats at beaches for Chhath Puja, as well as improved lighting, changing rooms, and lifeguard facilities for women devotees. It also promises the construction of a large travellers’ facility to host cultural programmes and weddings at affordable rates. Other commitments include affordable waiting halls near railway stations during Diwali and Chhath Puja, in coordination with the BMC and Indian Railways, and a transparent licensing policy for stables with subsidised water tariffs. Elections to 29 civic bodies, including the high-stakes Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), are scheduled for 15 January, with counting of votes on 16 January. Congress wins 41 municipal presidents, 1,006 councillors in Maharashtra local body elections Meanwhile, Congress has secured a notable victory in the elections to 288 municipal councils and nagar panchayats across Maharashtra, winning 41 municipal presidents and 1,006 councillors statewide, reported the IANS. State Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal said that on Monday that the party fought the elections on the strength of its ideology despite facing extremely challenging circumstances. Sapkal said that the Congress contested the elections without financial backing and relied solely on its commitment to democratic values to take on the ruling dispensation. “With no financial support and depending entirely on our belief in democracy, the Congress challenged the money power of the ruling parties. On the strength of the tireless efforts of our workers, voters delivered this mandate. These results prove once again that trust is greater than money and ideas matter more than power,” he said, according to the IANS. (with PTI and IANS inputs)
22 December,2025 08:32 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA fire broke out at a private hospital in Mumbai’s Grant Road area on Monday afternoon, prompting the temporary evacuation of around 250 people, including patients, doctors and hospital staff, officials said, reported the PTI. No injuries were reported in the incident, and the cause of the fire was not immediately known. According to civic officials, the fire started at around 1.35 pm in the CT-MRI scan unit of Bhatia Hospital. The Mumbai Fire Brigade said the blaze was confined to electrical wiring and installations within the CT-MRI unit of the medical facility. As a precaution, approximately 250 people, including patients, doctors and other staff members, were evacuated from the hospital premises to ensure their safety. Firefighters brought the situation under control, and the fire was completely extinguished by 3 pm, officials said. Further details area awaited. Two injured in fire at south Mumbai hotel Meanwhile, in an another incident, a fire broke out in the kitchen area of a hotel located on Boman Beharam Marg in Colaba, south Mumbai, on Sunday afternoon, officials said. According to the Mumbai Fire Brigade, the incident was reported at 4.36 pm following which multiple teams rushed to the spot and launched a firefighting operation. The fire broke out in the kitchen of the Social Service Hotel, a ground-plus-four-storey establishment. Firefighters rushed to the spot and extinguished the blaze by 4.56 pm, the officials said. 35-year-old undergoing treatment in hospital for burn injuries Multiple agencies, including the fire brigade, police, Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) officials, ward staff and a 108 ambulance, were mobilised as part of the emergency response, they said. Two persons sustained burn injuries in the incident, officials said. As per an update from St George Hospital, Sunil Singh (28) suffered around five per cent burn injuries and was given discharge against medical advice (DAMA), while Subrat Barai (35) sustained approximately 15 per cent burns and has been admitted for treatment. His condition is stated to be stable, an official said. According to the information, the fire broke out due to a short circuit in the kitchen chimney, police said. Further investigation is underway. (with PTI inputs)
22 December,2025 06:25 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Congress has secured a notable victory in the elections to 288 municipal councils and nagar panchayats across Maharashtra, winning 41 municipal presidents and 1,006 councillors statewide, reported the IANS. State Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal said that on Monday that the party fought the elections on the strength of its ideology despite facing extremely challenging circumstances. Sapkal said that the Congress contested the elections without financial backing and relied solely on its commitment to democratic values to take on the ruling dispensation. “With no financial support and depending entirely on our belief in democracy, the Congress challenged the money power of the ruling parties. On the strength of the tireless efforts of our workers, voters delivered this mandate. These results prove once again that trust is greater than money and ideas matter more than power,” he said, according to the IANS. Workers’ determination reflected in results Acknowledging both victories and setbacks, Sapkal said that the Congress has endured many political cycles and continues to draw strength from its cadre. “Rather than being demoralised by defeat, Congress workers have the energy, resolve and determination to fight with even greater enthusiasm. The faith of our workers in the organisation is vital, and it has clearly been reflected in these results,” he added. Region-wise performance According to party figures, the Congress won- - Nagpur division: 14 municipal presidents and 340 councillors - Amravati division: 9 municipal presidents and 236 councillors - Marathwada: 5 municipal presidents and 156 councillors - Western Maharashtra: 3 municipal presidents and 47 councillors - Northern Maharashtra: 2 municipal presidents and 47 councillors - Konkan division: 1 municipal president and 26 councillors In addition, candidates supported by Congress-led local alliances won 7 municipal presidents and 154 councillors. ‘Congress far from finished’: Sapkal Sapkal said the election outcome was a clear response to those claiming the Congress was politically irrelevant. “The people have rejected attempts to disrupt social harmony in the name of caste and religion for political gain, as well as the belief that elections can be won purely through money power. These results reaffirm that Congress ideology alone can protect the nation,” he said, as per the IANS. Attack on BJP-led Mahayuti While acknowledging that the BJP and the Eknath Shinde-led party secured victories in some areas, Sapkal alleged that these wins were achieved through excessive use of money and with the backing of the administration and the Election Commission. “Despite this, the Congress continues to live in the hearts of the people and will remain there,” he said, the news agency reported. Describing the contest as a “battle of ideas”, Sapkal said the party has remained steadfast in its ideology and thanked party workers and voters across Maharashtra for their support. Sapkal said the results would energise the party ahead of forthcoming municipal corporation and zilla parishad elections, adding that the Congress would continue its fight against what he described as the "massively corrupt BJP-led Mahayuti government". (with IANS inputs)
22 December,2025 06:08 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentUddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Anand Dubey on Monday launched a sharp attack on the Congress, describing it as a 'tourist party' with little relevance in Mumbai’s civic politics, as party's preparations intensify for the upcoming BMC Elections 2026, reported the IANS. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections are scheduled for next month. Dubey's remarks came shortly after the Congress announced its decision to contest the BMC polls independently. Congress free to decide, but should remember past support: Dubey Dubey said that while the Congress is entitled to take its own decisions regarding alliances, it should not overlook the role played by the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena in supporting it in previous elections. Speaking to IANS, Dubey said, “Congress is an independent party and has every right to decide whether to contest elections alone or with allies. Congress contested 61 seats in Bihar, and everyone has seen the outcome.” He further claimed that the Congress has remained politically insignificant in several states, including Maharashtra, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, for the past three to four decades, and has been out of power in states such as West Bengal, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu for many years. ‘We helped congress, but it turned arrogant’ Dubey alleged that Shiv Sena played a crucial role in reviving the Congress politically in 2019. “Despite its weak position, we brought Congress into our fold in 2019 and helped it cross midstream to reach the shore. But once it reached the shore, Congress leaders became arrogant,” he said. Reiterating his criticism, Dubey added, “In Mumbai, Congress has no real presence. Here, it is merely a tourist party,” as per the IANS. Sena (UBT) confident of continuing BMC dominance Expressing confidence in his party’s electoral strength, Dubey asserted that Shiv Sena (UBT) would maintain its long-standing dominance over Mumbai’s civic body. “For the past 30 years, Shiv Sena has consistently won the BMC elections. When the results are declared on 16 January 2025, they will be shocking. Once again, a Hindu Mayor from Shiv Sena (UBT) will be seated in the BMC,” he said. The BMC elections are scheduled to be held on 15 January, with counting set for the following day. Seat-sharing talks with MNS underway Dubey also said that discussions on a possible seat-sharing arrangement with the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) are ongoing and nearing conclusion. “Sanjay Raut is in constant touch with Raj Thackeray. Seat-sharing can be finalised at any time. Details regarding who will contest, from where and how will be announced soon,” he said, according to the IANS. He added that the nomination process will begin on Tuesday and continue for a week, during which several Shiv Sena (UBT) candidates are expected to file their nomination papers. (with IANS inputs)
22 December,2025 05:02 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentLast-minute discussions between Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) continued on Monday as both parties attempted to finalise an alliance for the upcoming BMC Elections 2026, reported the PTI. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections in Mumbai are scheduled for next month. Despite repeated claims from leaders on both sides that talks had concluded, no formal announcement regarding a pre-poll alliance has been made so far. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut met MNS president Raj Thackeray on Monday. Separately, senior MNS leader Bala Nandgaonkar visited Matoshri, the residence of Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, for further discussions. Both Raut and Nandgaonkar are regarded as close confidants of their respective party leaders, underlining the seriousness of the negotiations. Seat-sharing remains 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. 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. Sanjay Raut met Raj Thackeray on Saturday Earlier, Sanjay Raut on Saturday met Raj Thackeray amid ongoing discussions between the two parties on seat-sharing for the Mumbai civic elections. This was Raut’s second visit to Shivtirth, Raj Thackeray’s residence in Dadar, within the past three days, underscoring the intensity of the negotiations. Elections to 29 municipal corporations across Maharashtra, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, are set to be held on 15 January. On Friday, senior MNS leader Nitin Sardesai had said that alliance talks between the two parties, led by cousins Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray, were in their final stages, though it remained uncertain when an official announcement would be made. Earlier the same day, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anil Parab had also met Raj Thackeray as part of the ongoing discussions. Nomination process and poll Schedule The filing of nomination papers for the BMC elections is set to begin on Tuesday and will continue until 30 December. Polling for 29 municipal corporations across Maharashtra, including Mumbai, is scheduled for January 15, with the counting of votes to take place the following day. (with PTI inputs)
22 December,2025 04:53 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) administration and the election machinery are fully committed to conducting the 2025–26 BMC general elections in a free, fair, transparent and disciplined manner, Municipal Commissioner and District Election Officer Bhushan Gagrani said on Monday. Addressing representatives of various political parties at a meeting held at the BMC headquarters, Gagrani said comprehensive preparations have been made to ensure the smooth conduct of the election process. He emphasised that political parties play a crucial role in strengthening democratic values and appealed to them to strictly adhere to the Model Code of Conduct prescribed by the state election commission. “The cooperation of political parties, their office-bearers and workers is essential to ensure that the election process remains impartial, transparent and credible. All the stakeholders should work together to set a positive and ideal example,” Gagrani said. The meeting was attended by Additional Municipal Commissioner (City) Dr Ashwini Joshi, Special Officer (Elections) Vijay Balamwar, Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Assessment and Collection) Vishwas Shankarwar, Assistant Municipal Commissioner Gajanan Bellale, Deputy District Election Officer Vijaykumar Suryavanshi, along with office-bearers and representatives of various political parties. During the meeting, political party representatives were briefed on administrative, technical and legal aspects of the elections. The BMC informed them that 23 Election Decision Officer offices have been set up across the city, along with details of their respective jurisdictions. Information was also shared on the nomination process, scrutiny of applications, filing of objections and day-to-day coordination with election offices. BMC Elections 2026: Officials brief parties on nominations, voter outreach, poll expenditure norms Gagrani said all necessary arrangements have been made at the Election Decision Officer level to ensure that candidates do not face technical difficulties during the filing of nominations. Additional Municipal Commissioner Dr Ashwini Joshi urged candidates to exercise caution while submitting nomination papers and to ensure that all information is filled accurately in the prescribed formats. She said affidavits submitted along with nomination papers must be complete and accurate, warning that leaving any column blank or providing incorrect information could lead to rejection of nominations. Deputy Municipal Commissioner Vishwas Shankarwar said increasing voter turnout remains a key objective of the administration and appealed to political parties to actively participate in voter awareness efforts. He added that voter education activities are being carried out under the SVEEP (Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation) programme. Shankarwar also stressed that compliance with State Election Commission guidelines on election expenditure is mandatory, and candidates must maintain records of all campaign expenses and submit accounts within the stipulated timeframe. Queries raised by political party representatives regarding caste validity certificates, toilet usage certificates, Annexures 1 and 2, appointment of candidate representatives and other election-related issues were addressed during the meeting.
22 December,2025 04:37 PM IST | MumbaiThe Shiv Sena (UBT) on Monday alleged that the BJP-led Mahayuti won the elections to the nagar parishad and nagar panchayat in Maharashtra due to money and muscle power, reported news agency IANS. The party in its mouthpiece, 'Saamana', said that if "these victories are to be bought with money, then the pride and honour of Maharashtra have been dragged through the dust. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s Maharashtra appears to be crawling, helpless before the money. This picture is dangerous for the country," reported IANS. The Saamana editorial sharply criticised the State Election Commission (SEC) for its perceived "inaction", describing the body as being in a state of "slumber" while instances of kidnapping, terror, and open money distribution took place across the state. The editorial claimed that the BJP has started a sole business of winning every election through dishonesty. "After the British, the BJP and its allies have looted the country the most. Elections are fought and won using that very looted money. Furthermore, a significant amount of 'drug money' was also used in the election. This raises questions about what our democracy is doing and how the 'Voter King' actually votes," reported IANS. According to the latest figures from the State Election Commission (SEC), the BJP has emerged as the single largest party, winning over 100 municipal president posts. The Shinde-led Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar’s NCP have each secured more than 40 seats. In contrast, the combined opposition, including the Congress, Sharad Pawar’s NCP(SP), and Shiv Sena(UBT), managed to secure roughly 60 seats. This result mirrors the "pattern" seen in the recent Assembly elections, where the Mahayuti secured a similar landslide victory, said the editorial. "Game of money power" The Thackeray camp has characterised the Maharashtra local body elections as a "game of money power", alleging that in several municipal areas, the "market rate" for a single vote ranged from Rs 4,000 to Rs 10,000. In more competitive zones, it is claimed that the BJP pushed the rate as high as Rs 20,000 to Rs 25,000 per vote, leading to internal friction within the ruling alliance. A specific incident was reported in Sindhudurg, where a public spat broke out between Shinde-faction MLA Nilesh Rane and BJP State President Ravindra Chavan over the distribution of funds. "Reports of coercion and electoral malpractice and voter intimidation in particular have surfaced from multiple districts. In Dharmabad (Nanded), allegations emerged that BJP office-bearers detained nearly 1,500 voters, including women, in a marriage hall to force them to accept bribes ranging from Rs 2,000 to Rs 4,000. Those who refused were reportedly threatened. In Ambernath, police investigations were launched into allegations of bogus voting involving over 200 women brought in from neighbouring areas. In Panvel, discrepancies in voter lists were flagged, including one instance where 268 voters were allegedly listed with the same father's name,” said the editorial, reported IANS. The Thackeray camp has cited the local body elections held in the neighbouring state of Telangana, where the State Election Commission did not use EVMs but conducted on a ballot paper, resulting in a crushing defeat for the BJP. “In Telangana’s local bodies, the Congress made a strong surge and secured a major victory. Similarly, in Punjab’s local body elections, AAP surged ahead, leaving both the BJP and Congress behind. In both these states, despite the BJP playing a heavy game of money, the voters were not bought,” it said, reported IANS. The editorial observed that the way the elections are conducted and fought in Maharashtra raises a serious question of the integrity of the democratic process. As the state moves toward the next major electoral battle, the BMC elections in January 2026, the questions regarding electoral transparency and the influence of wealth in Maharashtra's politics will continue to intensify. (With inputs from IANS)
22 December,2025 02:41 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA motorman attached to Western Railway (WR) was run over while on duty at Virar Station near Mumbai on Saturday, officials said. According to official information, Motorman Dilip Kumar Sahu was deputed to perform Set No 702 and had reported for duty at Virar at 2.30 pm. He was engaged in shunting operations and was pulling the electric multiple unit (EMU) rake of Train No 93039 to Platform No 4A when the incident occurred. Around 8 pm, while crossing the tracks during the shunting activity, Sahu was knocked down by Train No 12903 (DOWN line). The incident was immediately reported by the loco pilot and train manager of the train to the station master at Virar. Sahu succumbed to his injuries, WR officials told mid-day.com. His funeral was completed at around 3.30 pm on Sunday. WR provides funeral assistance, ex-gratia and settlement benefits to Mumbai motorman’s family WR further stated that funeral assistance of Rs 30,000, being an on-duty (IOD) case, and an immediate relief amount of Rs 25,000 were handed over to the family by the welfare inspector at Churchgate. The railway administration has also initiated settlement-related procedures, including gratuity, group insurance of Rs 60,000, disbursement of the employee’s National Pension Scheme (NPS) contribution, and an ex-gratia payment of Rs 25 lakh. In addition, a compassionate appointment will be offered to one eligible family member. The family is scheduled to leave for their hometown on Monday morning for the final rites, officials told mid-day.com.
22 December,2025 02:15 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarShiv Sena leader Shaina NC on Sunday dismissed the opposition’s remarks on the outcome of the local body elections in Maharashtra, saying they believed only in “a set match”, while the Mahayuti’s victory was the result of grassroots work and development politics. “They believe in a set match only. We who work on the ground. The politics of development is being done under the leadership of CM Fadnavis and Eknath Shinde ji,” Shaina NC said while reacting to the poll results. VIDEO | Mumbai: On opposition remarks on Local Body polls results, Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC says, “They believe in a set match only. We who work on the ground. The politics of development is being done under the leadership of CM Fadnavis and Eknath Shinde ji.”(Full video… pic.twitter.com/6lVkXZy84w — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 22, 2025 Her remarks came after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Mahayuti alliance, which also comprises the Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), swept the elections to 288 municipal councils and nagar panchayats across the state, winning 207 posts of presidents of local bodies. The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) was restricted to a collective tally of just 44 in the Maharashtra local body elections. The final figures were shared by the state election commission (SEC) late on Sunday night. According to SEC, the BJP emerged on top by winning 117 posts of municipal presidents, followed by the Shiv Sena with 53 and the NCP with 37. Among the opposition parties, the Congress secured 28 posts, the NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) seven, and the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) nine. Other parties registered with SEC bagged four seats, while 28 posts of municipal presidents went to unrecognised registered parties. Independents won five seats, the poll body said. 'Ensure Mahayuti’s victory in Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation polls' Meanwhile, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who heads the Shiv Sena, asked his party workers to ensure the Mahayuti’s victory in the upcoming Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation polls scheduled for January 15, cautioning them against complacency. Asserting that the Shiv Sena had won more seats than the combined total of MVA in the local body polls, Shinde said, “Everyone must work unitedly. The Mahayuti flag must be hoisted on the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation.” He was speaking at a party event in Thane where several workers and leaders from the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Nationalist Congress Party (SP) joined the Shiv Sena. Highlighting his tenure as chief minister, Shinde said he had taken major decisions related to City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) housing, floor space index (FSI) enhancement, removal of toll plazas, road and bridge projects, the Navi Mumbai International Airport and the ‘Third Mumbai’ growth centre. (With PTI inputs)
22 December,2025 02:12 PM IST | MumbaiThe Bombay High Court on Monday dismissed a PIL seeking a CBI probe against NCP (SP) leader Sharad Pawar, his daughter and Baramati MP Supriya Sule as well as his nephew and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar for alleged illegal permissions given to the Lavasa hill station project in Pune. A bench of Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Gautam Ankhad noted that petitioner Nanasaheb Jadhav, a lawyer, failed to show any legal provision whereby a court, while exercising its civil jurisdiction, can pass a direction to the police to register a First Information Report. Jadhav's public interest litigation sought a direction to the Central Bureau of Investigation to register a case against Sharad Pawar, Sule and Ajit Pawar for alleged illegal permissions given to construct a hill station at Lavasa in Pune district. In February 2022, the HC had refused to interfere when Jadhav had filed a petition seeking to declare the special permissions granted to Lavasa as illegal. The HC had, however, noted there seemed to be some exertion of influence and clout by Sharad Pawar and his daughter. In the fresh PIL filed in 2023 seeking a CBI probe, Jadhav said he had filed a complaint with the Pune police commissioner in December 2018 seeking a probe against Pawar and others, but the police took no action. In March this year, Sharad Pawar filed an intervention application opposing the PIL, claiming Jadhav had made similar or same allegations again and again. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
22 December,2025 01:56 PM IST | Mumbai | PTIThe Malvani police arrested a 37-year-old event organiser for allegedly cheating multiple car owners by offering to rent their luxury vehicles every month, only to mortgage those vehicles with banks and finance companies, swindling lakhs of rupees. Police said the accused took a Toyota Fortuner from a Malvani resident for Rs 60,000 per month, paid rent for a few months, later removed the GPS tracker, and pledged the vehicle with a finance firm. When the accused stopped responding, the owner complained to the Malvani police station. Recovered seven vehicles. Pics/Samiullah Khan During the probe, police arrested the accused — Ashish Kisan Jadhav, 36, an event manager from Thane — and seized the complainant’s Fortuner along with seven other luxury cars. The vehicles were stashed in sugarcane fields in the jurisdictions of the Sangli and Karad City police stations. The total value of the recovered vehicles is around Rs 1.01 crore. Further investigation is underway to identify more victims and possible accomplices.
22 December,2025 01:29 PM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanADVERTISEMENT
