The Times of India News

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP-SP) announced its intention to contest all municipal corporations in Maharashtra, welcoming the Election Commission's January 15 election date. The party aims to present itself as a people-centric alternative, focusing on urban governance and civic issues like infrastructure and healthcare.

Sunni Dawate Islami scholars urged Muslims to counter hatred with love and a vice-free life, emphasizing brotherhood and peaceful coexistence. Islamic scholar Allama Qamruzzaman Khan Azmi highlighted the Prophet's victory through love during the conquest of Makkah as an example of overcoming enmity with mercy and high moral character.

Mumbai's political battleground is set, with parties like BJP and Shiv Sena (Shinde) leveraging popularity and local connections. Shiv Sena (UBT) aims for revival, while Congress relies on its traditional base. NCP factions and MNS seek to make inroads, facing challenges and opportunities in the upcoming polls.

A recent report reveals widespread underperformance among Mumbai corporators from 2017-2021, with 90% scoring below average. Committee meeting attendance declined, and civic questions raised saw a year-on-year dip. The study highlights systemic weaknesses, including limited monitoring and poor documentation, urging voters to demand accountability and transparent governance.

Mumbai's richest civic body, the BMC, will vote on January 15, alongside 28 other state municipal corporations. The State Election Commission announced the date, with results on January 16. Just before the model code of conduct took effect, significant project announcements and contract awards were made, including a central park and underground sports complex for Mumbai.

Actor Anuj Sachdeva suffered a brutal public assault, leaving him bleeding from the head. The incident occurred after he reported a wrongly parked car in his society. An agitated individual attacked Sachdeva and his pet dog with a rod, hurling threats. A security guard intervened, and Sachdeva shared the disturbing video online, prompting calls for a police complaint.

Candidates in Mumbai's R North ward face challenges including depleted mangrove cover and a polluted river, alongside issues of poor walkability and delayed hospital inauguration. Environmental activists highlight unchecked urban development's impact, while residents express concerns over the Coastal Road project and the effectiveness of sewage treatment plants.

The Bombay High Court has sternly questioned Taloja prison authorities regarding the daily court appearances of inmates, questioning if producing undertrials is left to the jail superintendent's discretion. A report is demanded on why one accused missed 66 out of 69 court dates, a lapse described as shocking and a grave failure, especially with video-conferencing facilities available.