Politics

BJP vs Shiv Sena in Malvan: The political heat in Sindhudurg’s Malvan Municipal Council has intensified after a sensational ‘cash-for-votes’ sting by Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) MLA Nilesh Rane. With the BJP and Shiv Sena fielding rival candidates, the contest has turned into a prestige battle ahead of the first phase of Maharashtra’s local body elections. On Sunday, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde held rallies in Malvan to campaign for his party’s candidates, with Nilesh Rane present on stage. Shinde Avoids Escalation, Stays Away from the Controversy Despite expectations of a fiery attack, Shinde chose not to escalate tensions between the Shiv Sena and the BJP. Many supporters believed he would openly criticise the BJP following Rane’s sting—which allegedly exposed cash kept at a...

Mumbai | December 1, 2025:As Maharashtra heads into a crucial phase of local body elections on December 2—covering 246 municipal councils and 42 nagar panchayats—the political landscape in Mumbai’s Sion-Koliwada region has undergone a dramatic transformation. With the State Election Commission expected to announce BMC poll dates any moment, political parties, former corporators, and MLAs have begun shaping their strategies. Political analysts predict a fierce triangular contest, with the dynamics significantly altered by shifting loyalties and new alliances. A Look Back: Tight Contest in 2012 & 2017 In both 2012 and 2017, Sion-Koliwada witnessed intense competition among Shiv Sena, Congress, and BJP.The 2017 results were: Shiv Sena – 3 seats Congress – 3 seats BJP – ...

Mumbai | December 1, 2025:Just a day before the first phase of Maharashtra’s local body elections, Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Ajit Pawar has taken a complete U-turn on his controversial statement that triggered political uproar across the state. Speaking to the media on Monday, Pawar clarified that his remark made during an election rally—“No votes, no funds” and that “the state treasury is more in my control than the Chief Minister’s”—was said “in anger” and was misinterpreted.He emphasized, “The Chief Minister is my boss. There is no position above him. My words were presented in the wrong manner.” Clarification Before Critical Voting Day Maharashtra will vote on December 2 in the first phase of elections for Nagar Panchayats and Nagar Paris...