MUMBAI: A wave of opposition withdrawals at four civic bodies has led to an unusually high number of unopposed victories, giving Mahayuti an early advantage. Unopposed victories were highest in the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) with 20 seats, followed by seven in Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) and six each in Bhiwandi-Nizampur Municipal Corporation (BNMC) and Panvel City Municipal Corporation (PCMC).In KDMC, 14 BJP and six Shiv Sena candidates were elected unopposed. While two were declared earlier, 18 more secured victories on Thursday and Friday after large-scale withdrawals by opposition candidates. Election officials said that over 50 candidates withdrew by the final day, including nominees from Shiv Sena (UBT), MNS, Congress and both NCP factions.

The most notable withdrawal was in Dombivli’s ward 27-D, where MNS city president Manoj Gharat pulled out, clearing the way for BJP’s Mahesh Patil. In panel 23, all three BJP candidates won unopposed, including Dipesh and Jayesh Mhatre, son and brother of former mayor Pundalik Mhatre, as well as Mahesh Patil and his sister Sunita. Former MNS MLA Pramod Patil alleged misuse of power and intimidation, while Shiv Sena (UBT) said withdrawals were for personal reasons and disciplinary action would follow if required.In BNMC, BJP took an early lead with six candidates elected unopposed after opposition withdrawals, including Muslim candidate Abu Saad Sheikh and Sumit Patil, nephew of former Union minister Kapil Patil. The BJP and Shiv Sena are contesting together, while Sena (UBT) and MNS are allied. Congress, SP and both NCP formations are fighting independently, making the contest multi-cornered in Muslim-dominated Bhiwandi.In Thane, seven Shiv Sena candidates — six of them women — won unopposed following withdrawals and disqualifications of rivals. Shinde termed it an endorsement of his party’s work and the Laadki Bahin initiative, predicting a Mahayuti victory in over 100 seats. Meanwhile, the MNS staged a silent protest alleging pressure and money power. In Kalwa, independent candidate Pramila Mukund Keni entered the fray with NCP (SP) backing after its nominee withdrew in her favour.In PCMC, five BJP candidates were elected unopposed after rival withdrawals, while BJP’s Nitin Jayram Patil won after his opponent’s nomination was rejected over caste certificate issues. Independent candidate Snehal Swapnil Dhamale, sister of BJP-nominated MLC Vikrant Patil, also won unopposed after a BJP rival withdrew. The BJP said disciplinary action would be initiated against the MLC for keeping the party in the dark.SEC to check if unopposed wins caused by inducementWith reports of a large number of ruling party candidates being elected unopposed for municipal corporation elections across the state, the State Election Commission (SEC) will scrutinize reports sent from municipal commissioners to check if coercion or inducement led to the withdrawal of the opposing candidates. “We have not given any special directives for this. This is the standing rule when there is an unopposed election. In the case of rural polls, a report is taken from the district collector while in the case of urban polls, a report is taken from the municipal commissioner,” said a senior SEC official. It’s only after a report is received (that the withdrawal is not because of the offer of money, use of muscle power or other inducements) is the returning officer (RO) allowed to declare the election.

Ranveer Singh’s ‘Dhurandhar’ completed 29 days at the box office, and it is still enjoying the crown of the undefeated king. The action-packed spy thriller, known for its gripping tale and stellar performances, entered its 5th week on Thursday and marked a new milestone in its journey. With a worldwide collection crossing Rs 1160 crore, it shows no signs of slowing down.Dhurandhar Movie ReviewAdditionally, it is worth noting that during its 29-day journey, it saw several regional, national, and international releases, but none of them could outperform the Aditya Dhar movie. The latest release ‘Ikkis’ got a boost on the New Year; the earlier released ‘Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri’ had a good opening, but nothing affected the growth of ‘Dhurandhar’

‘Dhurandhar’ box office collection Day 29 update

According to Sacnilk, the movie made Rs 8.75 crores in India on day 29. Though it is a dip in the numbers as compared to its day 28 performance, the film is trying to hold its ground at a steady pace. With this, the India net collection of the movie stands at Rs 747.75 crore. Meanwhile, the gross collection of ‘Dhurandhar’ in India stands at Rs 897.25 crore, and the business from overseas accounts for Rs 265 crore. Making the worldwide collection of ‘Dhurandhar’ after 29 days of theatrical release, Rs 1162.25 crore.

‘Dhurandhar’ weekly performance

Since its debut, the movie has been making and breaking records. In its opening week, the film made a massive collection of Rs 207.25 crore. In week two, it grew stronger and collected Rs 253.25 crore. Week 3 had its highs and lows, and the movie made Rs 172 crore. Thereafter, the extended holidays propelled the film to an estimated Rs 106.5 crore in week 4.DISCLAIMER: The box office numbers in this article are compiled from our proprietary sources and diverse public data. We strive for accuracy and all figures are approximate unless explicitly mentioned. We offer a fair representation of the project’s box office performance. We are open to feedback and suggestions on toientertainment@timesinternet.in.

NEW DELHI: Disputes over sharing of river water among states is common, but India’s newest state Telangana, while objecting to Andhra Pradesh’s Polavaram-Banakacherla Link Project (PBLP), has raised an interesting question before the Supreme Court – can a state unilaterally attempt to utilise flood water on an inter-state river? Telangana said the project violates the binding award of Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal and would deprive the residents of Telangana their due share of Godavari water, reports Dhananjay Mahapatra. Tribunal ruling mum on surplus flood waters, Andhra’s projects cut into our share: Telangana Telangana said the tribunal award has not dealt with surplus flood waters and AP’s projects, constituted in the guise of using flood water, would reduce the Godavari water share of Telangana. No mechanism exists in the country to determine whether a project utilises flood water or the assured share of water allocated to states by the award of a water disputes tribunal award, the A Revanth Reddy-led Congress govt said. Telangana said AP govt’s decision to utilise more water through projects in the guise of harnessing excess flood water would have a chain reaction across the country. It said Karnataka intends to use more water of Krishna in the same manner which would accentuate water shortage for Telangana. “Maharashtra has also said that in case AP is allowed to plan projects based on flood waters, it would also like to plan projects on so-called flood waters. This would completely destabilise the utilisation pattern in the co-basin states violating the binding award of GWDT,” it said. A bench led by CJI Surya Kant on Monday will hear a writ petition filed by Telangana govt which challenged the decision of the Central Water Commission (CWC) to grant consent to AP govt to prepare detailed project report for PBLP even though there had been no in-principle consent for project feasibility report (PFR), which must be obtained prior to preparation of DPR. The Polavaram project was to be executed on the Godavari river as per the Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal which was to carry 80 thousand million cubic feet (TMC) of water to the Krishna river through its canal system for use in the Krishna delta system. “Now, instead of approved diversion of 80 TMC of water to the Krishna river, AP govt is expanding infrastructure of the Polavaram project without any approvals to carry additional 200 TMC (intended to increase to 300 TMC later) of water to the Krishna river and beyond through Polavaram-Banakacherla Link Project/Polavaram- Nallamalasagar Link Project in the guise of carrying flood waters of the Godavari,” it said. Accusing AP govt of undertaking expansion work for PBLP and PNLP prior to submission of pre-feasibility report to the CWC, Telangana govt said AP has floated tenders for undertaking work despite CWC specifically informing it to wait for approval of PFR. It requested SC to stay the tendering process initiated by AP and the ongoing expansion works of Polavaram Right Bank Canal.

Mumbai: Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) on Friday accused state assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar of violating the model code of conduct in force for the civic polls and interfering in the nomination process. Narwekar countered the allegations, stating that a false narrative was spread by the opposition and that he was a victim of abuse.Congress state chief Harshvardhan Sapkal wrote to State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare demanding that a case be registered against Narwekar for allegedly threatening opposition candidates filing nomination forms, following a purported viral video of the Speaker allegedly threatening to remove the security of former MP Haribhau Rathod at a nomination filling venue in Colaba on December 30, the last day for submissions. “…a person holding an important constitutional position has undermined democracy and obstructed the electoral process. A criminal case should therefore be registered against him” said Sapkal.His letter stated: “…As Narwekar’s conduct is objectionable and amounts to a violation of the model code of conduct, a criminal case should be registered against him. Further, as many as 70 officers and employees from his office are actively participating in the election campaign of candidates who are his relatives, cases should also be registered against all of them for violating the model code of conduct and strict action should be taken.” Narwekar’s brother Makarand, cousin Dr Gauravi Shivalkar, and sister-in-law Harshada Narwekar have filed their nomination papers from wards 225, 226 and 227 in the Colaba assembly constituency.On Friday, Rathod, accompanied by MNS, BSP, and RPI party workers from south Mumbai wards, reached the BMC headquarters and accused Narwekar of “intimidation and misuse of authority”. Rathod claimed that Narwekar warned him against filing nomination papers against BJP candidates and threatened to withdraw his security cover. He also alleged that Narwekar was present at the nomination filling venue until 5pm on Dec 30, and pressured candidates to withdraw their nominations to facilitate his party’s uncontested wins.Rathod further alleged irregularities in the nomination process, claiming that returning officers refused to accept forms, despite candidates completing formalities, including payment of fees. “Tokens were issued, documents were verified and government receipts were generated, yet forms were not accepted,” he said. “If Narwekar’s relatives are declared uncontested, it will be clear that pressure was exerted on other candidates to withdraw.“Activist Anjali Damania, meanwhile, demanded an apology from Narwekar for “abusing his position”, even as Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut posted the viral video on his social media account with a comment, “Respected Honourable Speaker”. In the video, Narwekar is seen calling the joint commissioner of police (Protection) and saying, “Remove Haribhau Rathod’s security immediately; this is the order of the Assembly Speaker.” Narwekar is then heard telling Rathod: “If you don’t want to cooperate, you won’t get security.”Raut also alleged that instructions were given to all returning officers that if a nomination withdrawal application was brought in at any time at night, it should be recorded as submitted before 3pm on December 30, which was the last day for withdrawing nominations. “A friend of mine involved in this process just called me to say that when he mentioned it was wrong to do so, he immediately received a call from the Guardian minister, who made a veiled threat or request to follow what their local MLA said. On 1 side, shelling out Rs 5 crore to the opposing candidates to force them to withdraw and get their people elected unopposed, and on the other side, engaging in such antics! This mob rule is being carried out in the name of democracy. 1 day, there will be a public uprising here like in Nepal and Bangladesh! Jai Maharashtra!” Raut said in a post on X.In his defence, Narwekar stated that he was cornered by an opposition leader misusing his security cover, so he asked for its withdrawal, and the video did not show that he had threatened anyone. “I accompanied my party and alliance candidates to file their nomination forms like any MLA in the city after following the rules. While I was stepping out, an MLC of the opposite party with supporters and his security surrounded and blocked me. He was misusing his police security, and I complained to the joint police commissioner about it.”Calling the allegations baseless, Makrand Narwekar said his brother was being wrongly targeted. “We filled the nomination forms on time. This should have been followed by the others too, instead of levelling such baseless allegations now,” said Makrand.

BENGALURU: The Karnataka govt is considering rejecting the Centre’s Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Grameen), or G-RAM-G, which has replaced MGNREGA, and is exploring the possibility of rolling out its own rural employment guarantee scheme.“The Cabinet on Friday condemned G-RAM-G, which has snatched the right to work from the people of this country and is a big blow to the federal structure of the nation,” law and parliamentary affairs minister H K Patil said. He said the Cabinet was united in opposing the new law, which seeks to centralise all projects.Noting that G-RAM-G falls under the Concurrent List, Patil said the state may consider alternative options, the details of which will be outlined by chief minister Siddaramaiah at a press briefing on Saturday.Under G-RAM-G, states are required to fund 40% of project costs. “This act is nothing but an attempt to help Central govt contractors by providing them with labour while reducing their own burden,” he said.The name change is a small issue, the bigger problem is centralisation and the snatching of work from people in need,” Patil reasoned.He added that the new law would hurt gram panchayats the most and adversely affect local development.Sources said opting for a state-run scheme would mean forgoing 60% of Central funding under the new act.In 2024-25, Karnataka had received Rs 5,580 crore from the Centre under the erstwhile MGNREGA, providing work to 21.2 lakh households. Under G-RAM-G, this would effectively drop to Rs 3,720 crore.“If we are to save the jobs of our rural households, such an action may be necessary,” a Cabinet minister said. Other state govt officials said Karnataka may also lobby the Centre to relax norms on permissible works and increase its share of funding.

GHAZIABAD: Police have identified one of their own, a constable posted in Kaushambi district, and an old name from juvenile crime registers as killers of a former Indian Air Force officer, who was shot near his house here the day after Christmas.Police said the two are hitmen, who were hired by victim Yogesh Kumar’s sons. A bitter dispute over money and the house had been festering within the family.Naveen Kumar, the constable, and Kumar’s two sons Nitesh and Guddu who gave the ‘supari’ are absconding. His partner in the crime, a 32-year-old man from Bulandshahr, has been arrested, police said on Thursday.The Bulandshahr man was convicted as a juvenile for wiping out his uncle’s family in one of the most shocking crimes to have happened in the state, the 2008 Barari massacre. Among the seven victims were his pregnant aunt and a two-year-old cousin. Just 15 then, he was sent to a correction home. His father, the main accused, was sentenced to death in 2016 by a court.For several years now, he has been living in Ghaziabad. Kumar was his neighbour at Ashok Vihar in Loni. Police said Nitesh and Guddu gave him Rs 5 lakh to kill Kumar. He needed little convincing because he had his own run-ins with Kumar, including over feeding stray dogs in the area, and nursed a grudge.Kumar had retired on July 31 last year as assistant warrant officer from the air force. According to police, the sons wanted a share of his “hefty savings” and were worried he would spend it. The latest flashpoint was Kumar’s decision to sell the house. “Kumar had asked both his sons to vacate the house. As their neighbour, the accused knew this. Kumar’s wife had told him this herself. Besides, Kumar and the accused had a spat over dogs in the locality. Kumar targeted the strays that the accused fed milk and bread to,” Loni ACP Siddharth Gautam said.Police identified the accused through CCTV footage of the Hero Xtreme bike that he and Naveen rode the day of the crime, their faces masked. The bike’s number plate had been removed but police tracked down its owner after questioning people in the vicinity. The owner told police the accused had borrowed his bike “to go shopping”. The accused was arrested from his house. Unlike Nitesh, Guddu and Naveen, he had not escaped to avoid suspicion falling on him. His wife, eight-year-old son and a younger daughter live with him.“Nitesh and Guddu planned the murder with the accused on the terrace of Kumar’s house. The accused knew Naveen, who is a constable with UP Police but has been on leave since Aug 2025. On the day of the murder, the accused hit Kumar with an iron rod. When Kumar fell to the ground, Naveen shot him in the head first. The accused fired a second bullet,” the ACP said. Kumar was ambushed by them just 50m from his house. A senior police officer said Naveen had taken a few days’ leave in Aug but never reported back to work.An FIR has been filed at Loni police invoking murder charges and sections of the Arms Act.

Former India cricketer Yograj Singh has criticized the decision to leave Shubman Gill out of the squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 in February-March. The former all-rounder stated that a short run of poor scores should not outweigh a player’s standing, leadership role, or long-term importance to the team.

Gill’s omission from India’s T20 World Cup squad caught many by surprise. He was named vice-captain during the Asia Cup after returning to the T20I setup. India reshuffled their top order and split the opening pair of Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma. However, the change did not pay off for the Men in Blue.

Yograj Singh Opens Up On Shubman Gill’s Omission From T20 World Cup 2026

Yograj Singh said that the selectors excluded Gill despite his vice-captaincy, adding that many players in the past were given long runs despite repeated failures. He used Abhishek Sharma as an example, questioning whether youngsters would also be dropped after just a few poor outings.

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“Shubman Gill is a vice-captain. What is the reason behind dropping him? Just because he failed in 4-5 innings? Indian cricketers have had so many players who have barely managed to perform in 10 matches out of 100 opportunities,” Yograj told Ravi Bisht on a YouTube show.

“They still played; you already know the reason why. Young Abhishek Sharma arrived a couple of years ago. If he fails four innings will you drop him as well?” he added.

Let Me Give You An Example Of The ‘Great’ Kapil Dev – Yograj Singh

Yograj Singh referred to past selection decisions involving Kapil Dev. He recalled an instance from an overseas tour when Kapil continued to be backed despite repeated failures. Yograj added that then-captain Bishan Singh Bedi still showed faith in Kapil by picking him for the next tour.

“Let me give you an example of the ‘great’ Kapil Dev. When we toured Pakistan with Bishan Singh Bedi as captain, Kapil Dev continued to play matches despite failing with bat and ball. But Bishan Singh Bedi still took him on the subsequent tour of England,” Yograj stated.

Shubman Gill’s T20I Struggles Ahead of T20 World Cup 2026

Shubman Gill struggled in T20Is after returning to the national side. He scored 291 runs in 15 T20I matches at an average of 24.25 and a strike rate of 137.26. He did not score a single half-century, which raised concerns about his impact in the shortest format.

As Gill failed to find consistency, India kept changing their T20I combination. Sanju Samson was first pushed down the batting order and later dropped from the team as selectors searched for the right balance.

Chief selector Ajit Agarkar revealed that the decision was based on team combination needs and not because Gill lacked quality. India then brought back Ishan Kishan, rewarding him for his strong domestic form in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Kishan replaced Gill in the T20 World Cup squad.

Despite this setback in T20Is, Gill remains a key figure for India. He continues as captain in ODIs and Tests, will play two Vijay Hazare Trophy matches for Punjab in Jaipur, and is set to lead India in the three-match ODI series against New Zealand starting on January 11.

Also read: Shubman Gill set to play for Punjab after his T20 World Cup 2026 snub

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