The Times of India

The Mahayuti is set to unveil its manifesto on Sunday. Key promises include a Rs 5 lakh interest-free loan for Ladki Bahin Scheme beneficiaries to start micro-enterprises. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation will exclusively maintain Mumbai's open spaces. The manifesto will also detail plans for cement concrete roads with utility corridors and an environmental protection authority.

Maharashtra State Election Commission declared January 15th a public holiday across 29 municipal corporations due to upcoming civic elections. This holiday will affect government, semi-government, and banking institutions within these areas. Preparations, including EVM readiness, are complete, and citizens are encouraged to participate actively in the democratic process.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis addressed various political and developmental issues in an exclusive interaction. He defended the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance, discussed mayoral post arrangements, and emphasized political realism in forming alliances. Fadnavis also outlined his roadmap for Mumbai's development, focusing on infrastructure and technological solutions for transparency.

Ambernath's political landscape shifted dramatically as four NCP councillors switched allegiance to Shiv Sena, bolstering its position. This move thwarted the BJP's bid for a majority after securing 12 Congress defectors. While BJP won the council president post, power-sharing with Sena and NCP is now anticipated for key committee roles.

A devastating fire in Goregaon (West) claimed the lives of three family members, including a 19-year-old woman and a 12-year-old boy. The blaze, which broke out early Saturday morning, spread rapidly through the residential structure. Firefighters extinguished the fire, but the victims, who sustained burn injuries, were declared dead at the hospital.

The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board has intensified its crackdown on air pollution in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, shutting down 10 ready-mix concrete plants and collecting Rs 84 lakh in penalties over two days. Inspections revealed multiple violations of environmental and dust-control norms at RMC plants and construction sites, leading to stern enforcement actions under joint MPCB-BMC guidelines.

Bombay High Court invalidated a Returning Officer's order rejecting BJP candidate Nikesh Bhojane's nomination for ward 17A in Navi Mumbai. The court found the RO wrongly applied a disqualification clause meant for sitting councillors, allowing Bhojane to contest the upcoming civic polls.

A sessions court has denied a temporary bail plea filed by Purushottam Chavan, husband of an IPS officer, who is accused of defrauding citizens of over Rs 24 crore by promising government quota flats. Chavan had requested a three-month medical release, but the court rejected it, citing his previous regular bail plea dismissal.

Teachers and school staff on election duty are demanding a paid rest day from the Maharashtra government due to prolonged working hours and exhaustion. They report working 30-35 hours continuously, often with late-night travel, and are expected back at school the next day.

BJP leader Kirit Somaiya has been asked by the returning officer to provide a sworn affidavit supporting his complaint against Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate Kishori Pednekar. Somaiya alleges Pednekar submitted false information in her election affidavit, citing an FIR in the Covid-19 body bag scam and an alleged SRA scam.

Authorities in Beed, Maharashtra, have booked four individuals for allegedly amassing over 4 crore by falsely promising aid for Palestine. The funds were collected through an unregistered trust, raising suspicions of fraud. Police are investigating potential links to terror financing and have arrested two suspects.

Bombay High Court has halted the election process for Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation's Ward 17A. This decision follows a BJP candidate's challenge after his nomination was rejected due to an alleged unauthorized commercial use notice. The court found the returning officer's actions potentially arbitrary and scheduled further hearings.

The State Election Commission is reviewing the Colaba returning officer's decision to reject two nomination forms. While initially deeming the action legally sound, the SEC has requested an observer's report. The rejected candidates alleged Speaker Rahul Narwekar's influence, claiming their forms were refused despite tokens and presence before the deadline.

Mumbai BJP has suspended 26 office bearers, including former corporators, for six years for not cooperating with Mahayuti candidates in the BMC elections 2026. The disciplinary action was taken against those who contested as rebel candidates or worked against the party's ideology despite repeated requests. Some rebels have since withdrawn their nominations.

Ward E's politics favors familiar faces and legacies, with families like the Jadhavs and Gawlis dominating for years. Despite this, residents face persistent civic issues including poor water, broken footpaths, and inadequate healthcare. This election, voters seek basic service delivery over grand promises, as the ward grapples with its past and present.

BMC elections are set for a tight contest with 1,700 candidates, featuring multi-cornered fights in most wards. However, at least 11 wards will see one-on-one battles, offering a clearer test of local political strength. Key matchups include Colaba and a keenly watched face-off between two Sena candidates.

Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray and MNS chief Raj Thackeray jointly criticized the Mahayuti government, alleging a decline in Mumbai and Marathi pride due to rampant corruption and stalled projects. They emphasized the critical juncture Maharashtra faces, urging unity to prevent irreversible damage to the state and its people.

Sena's Bandra candidate Haji Salim Qureshi was stabbed while campaigning in a crowded lane, realizing the attack only after exiting. Neither he nor his supporters saw the assailant, and police are investigating, exploring angles including a builder lobby and a past stabbing incident. Qureshi sustained 56 stitches but is stable.

BJP's Ashish Shelar stated the alliance with Shiv Sena in BMC was solely for Hindutva, distancing the party from alleged Rs 3 lakh crore corruption. He emphasized BJP's focus on Mumbai's development, security, and addressing demographic changes, promising corruption-free governance and initiatives like a Water Management Authority if elected.