The Times of India

In a notable shift, Mumbai has reported a remarkable 39% decrease in drunk driving incidents, with the count dropping to 5,700 in 2025. This encouraging trend is largely thanks to the implementation of FIRs that result in license suspensions and mandatory court appearances for offenders. The citys tougher stance is evidently making the roads safer for everyone.

Jammu & Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah impressed onlookers by completing the Mumbai Half Marathon in under two hours. Meanwhile, a Japanese Embassy minister donned a popular anime character costume to foster cultural ties. Officials also showcased their endurance, with one completing his 21st consecutive half marathon and another finishing the full marathon.

Mumbai's 21st Tata Mumbai Marathon saw a record 65,000 participants, including a surge in full marathon runners, benefiting from a comfortable 21C morning and the new Mumbai Coastal Road. Despite some hydration station shortages on the new stretch, the event celebrated diverse participants and international runners, highlighting the city's vibrant spirit.

In a bold statement, Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde declared that the prestigious mayoral seat in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) will be secured by the Mahayuti alliance, even though his party holds fewer seats than the Shiv Sena (UBT).

Mumbai's mayoral election date is set for January 29 or 30, following a lottery on January 22 to determine the category. Discussions on power-sharing within the BMC are expected to continue throughout the month. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is in Davos for the World Economic Forum, focusing on attracting investments and boosting Maharashtra's economy.

Mumbai anticipates a pleasant winter day on January 19, 2026, with sunny skies and comfortable temperatures around 26C. While yesterday's air quality was poor, today's forecast suggests clear and calm conditions. Residents are advised to consider masks for early morning commutes due to lingering pollution. The week ahead promises steady sunshine with gradually warming afternoons.

Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal criticized the BJP's performance in the BMC elections, calling it a public rejection despite alleged manipulation. He also accused the BJP of damaging governance in Gujarat over 30 years.

Mumbai's mayoral race remains uncertain. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut alleges Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena corporators oppose a BJP mayor. He claims many are in contact with his party. Shinde's corporators are reportedly housed in a luxury hotel. The BJP and Shinde-led Sena alliance holds a majority in the municipal corporation. Power-sharing discussions are ongoing.

Mumbai's next mayor will be elected by corporators on January 28, 2026, following a lottery to determine the post's reservation category. The candidate with the most votes will win, with nominated corporators potentially influencing the outcome in the 227-member BMC House.

Voter dissatisfaction is evident in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region's recent civic elections, with a significant rise in NOTA (None of the Above) choices. In the 2026 BMC elections, over one lakh voters opted for NOTA, and in at least eight wards, these votes exceeded the winning margins.

Newly-elected corporators in Mumbai received guidance from Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde at a three-day workshop. Discussions focused on the city's development plan, manifesto implementation, and a five-year roadmap. Shiv Sena corporators also plan to demand a 2.5-year term for the mayor, proposing a 2:1 sharing of committee posts with the BJP.

Mumbai's BMC House welcomes a youthful surge with 12 Gen Z corporators under 30, including Kashish Fulwaria and Disha Yadav, daughters of former politicians. These young leaders, many with backgrounds in business and healthcare, aim to bring fresh perspectives and address civic amenities, inspired by their families' political legacies.

MNS chief Raj Thackeray has called on his newly elected corporators to be combative. He acknowledged the party's election results were not as expected. Thackeray stated that corporators must challenge what he called the 'rule of money power'. They are also tasked with opposing policies that harm Marathi interests. The MNS aims to be a strong voice in civic governance.

Mumbai's mayoral race remains uncertain despite the BJP-Shinde Sena alliance's clear majority. Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT) vows to fight for their mayor, accusing rivals of betrayal. Meanwhile, the ruling alliance assures a consensus candidate, with power-sharing talks underway, leaving the final decision pending.

In direct contests, Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS secured 36 wards against Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena, which won 16. While the Thackeray cousins' victories were often narrow, indicating Shinde's inroads, his party achieved convincing wins in northern Mumbai, highlighting shifting political dynamics.

Uddhav Thackeray leveled accusations against DCM Eknath Shinde, suggesting that his apprehension towards the BJP was evident in his decision to move newly elected corporators to a hotel, aiming to thwart potential party switches.

Amid ongoing power-sharing discussions with the BJP, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena has gathered its 29 new corporators at a prominent Mumbai hotel. With aspirations to secure the mayor's role for the initial 2.5 years and crucial committee positions, the Sena argues for justice in representation.