MUMBAI: In their first rally for the BMC polls at Shivaji Park ground, where the Shiv Sena was founded, Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray and his cousin, MNS chief Raj Thackeray on Sunday accused BJP of trying to remove Mumbai from Maharashtra and also attempting to divide Marathi people, revealing their main electoral plank for the polls.They said they came together to save Mumbai and Maharashtra. The cousins also emphasised how the Adani group received the bulk of projects in the country and the state.Uddhav said that when his party was in power in the BMC, they created deposits worth Rs 3 lakh, but BJP created a scam worth Rs 3 lakh crore. He also claimed that most of the projects in the city used cement from the Adani group.Raj alleged that BJP’s long-term game plan was to join Mumbai to Gujarat. “The Vadhavan port is being developed. BJP wants to take control of Palghar and join Mumbai to Gujarat. That is their long-term plan.”The MNS chief further alleged that BJP wants to control municipal corporations so it could control land transactions more easily. “They will then be able to give Adani more land.”Pointing out that the number of projects given to the Adani group shot up both in the country and the state from 2014, before PM Modi came to power, to 2024, Raj said: “The Adani group had projects in cement, ports, airports, power, real estate, data centres. Why was one corporate group favoured so much?” On the spate of unopposed elections to municipal corporations in which Mahayuti candidates are set to win, he said, “As many as 66 elections are unopposed. BJP is taking away your right to vote.”He also said that BJP was trying to divide Marathi people in Mumbai and edge them out of the city. “This is the last election for Marathi people. If you miss this opportunity, who will you go to?” asked Raj.He said that the martyrs of the Samyutka Maharashtra movement saved Mumbai from being given to Gujarat. Uddhav said the Jan Sangh was not involved in the Samyukta Maharashtra movement, and mentioned that patriotic Muslims, like Shahir Amar Shaikh, were part of it. He challenged CM Devendra Fadnavis to conduct a poll campaign without bringing in a communal divide. “If he can conduct one election without bringing in Hindu-Muslim issues, I am willing to give him Rs 1 lakh.” Uddhav also questioned BJP’s electoral alliances with the MIM in Akot and Congress. “When you do it, it is ‘Amar Prem’, and when we do it, it is ‘Love Jihad’?”

MUMBAI: Shiva Sena (UBT) candidate Rajool Patil’s campaign trail begins where Bhandup’s hills get crowded—inside the slum pockets of Ward 114, where narrow lanes double up as thoroughfares, markets and play areas.A familiar face in the neighbourhood for years, Patil is best known locally not for politics but for her work as an ambassador encouraging organ donation. Now, this cricket enthusiast entered the BMC election arena with a sharply defined pitch: declutter the congested settlements on Bhandup hills and secure the ward’s first dedicated playground for children.Ward 114’s residents speak of daily gridlock, hawkers spilling into already tight streets, and civic services struggling to keep pace with a growing population and redevelopment activity. Sewerage lines, they say, are under pressure; drinking water remains a challenge in the hilly terrain; and traffic discipline is often missing on roads that were never designed for today’s volume.“I am young and the voters here have known me since childhood and my earnestness in working for a noble cause—be it social work, organ donation or organising local sports activities. They have accepted my decision to contest this election and I hope this translates into a good number of votes,” Patil said, while acknowledging that the contest will be far from easy. A rebel candidate is in the fray as an Independent, and another rival is contesting from the Shiv Sena (Shinde) camp, setting up a multi-cornered fight.Patil is the daughter of Sena UBT MP Sanjay Patil, but she insists her appeal must stand on her own work. “My dad is definitely an advantage as he is popular with local voters, but I have assured citizens in the ward that I will be available 24×7 to listen to their problems and find solutions,” she said. Her to-do list is pointed: clean up the area, widen roads where possible, discipline traffic, improve sewerage, and push SRA redevelopment “wherever necessary”.A key promise is a playground—an issue that resonates in a ward where children often play between parked vehicles and crowded bylanes. Patil argues that even when redevelopment happens, open spaces for sports are rarely planned, despite local talent emerging from the area in the past. Patil is betting on a youth-driven mandate and her social-work credibility, citing her involvement in organ donation, including facilitating consent for over 3,000 eye donations.

Mani Shankar Aiyar (File photo)

NEW DELHI: Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar stirred another row on Sunday after he said Hindutva is “Hinduism in paranoia,” which drew a strong response from the ruling BJP. During the debate on “Hinduism Needs Protection From Hindutva”, hosted by the Calcutta Debating Circle, Aiyar said Hindutva is a BJP leader “slapping a blind, hungry tribal girl because she attends a Christmas lunch in a Church”.Aiyar also said Hindutva asks “80 per cent of Hindus to quiver in front of 14 per cent of Muslims”.

“Hindutva is Hinduism in paranoia. It asks 80% Hindus to quiver in front of 14% Muslims. Hindutva is a BJP leader slapping a blind, hungry tribal girl because she attends a Christmas lunch in a Church. Hindutva raids shopping malls to tear down Christmas decorations,” said Aiyar during the debate. He also quoted VD Savarkar, saying that the Hindutva ideologue saw Buddhism as an existential threat to all Hindus. “He described it as the ultimate negation of Hindutva, bearing the opiate of universalism and nonviolence. He said it was disastrous to national virility and even the existence of the Hindu race,” said Aiyar, referring to Savarkar.‘Hindutva a political tract’Drawing a distinction between Hinduism and Hindutva, Aiyar said Hinduism is “a great spiritual religion, while Hindutva is a political tract.” He also said that Hinduism faced trials and tribulations yet managed to survive and flourish without any need for Hindutva’s protection.“Hinduism is a great spiritual religion. Hindutva is a political tract. Hindutva came only in 1923; for thousands of years before Hindutva, Hinduism faced trial and tribulation and yet survived, flourished, with no need of Hindutva protection… There is no way Gandhi’s and Swami Vivekananda’s Hinduism can be protected or promoted by Savarkar’s Hindutva,” Aiyar was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.‘Cherishing Hinduism is Hindutva’Speaking at the same event, Rajya Sabha member and BJP leader Sudhanshu Trivedi said that Hindutva represents ‘Hindu tattva,’ which forms the core essence of Hinduism. He further argued that Hinduism is unique among religions in granting its followers the authority to debate, even on its sacred texts.“… Which culture gives you the authority to debate even on religious texts. It is only Hindu… I would like to ask why the term Hinduism? Why is ‘ism’ associated with all the religions which originated in India? Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism and Jainism. You have never heard of Islamism and Christianism… The ‘ism’ world is being associated just to demean, and what Hindutva is, ‘Hindu tattva’. The basic immunity of Hinduism is Hindu tattva... Another thing I would like to say, when you cherish Hinduism, it is called Hindutva,” the Trivedi said.Lashing out at Aiyar’s remark, the BJP’s national spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari said: “Yet again Congress attempts to create a divide between Hindus.” They want 1 Hindu to Stand up against the other Hindu. This benefits Congress whose only focus is -“Consolidate Vote Bank: Unite Minority, Divide Hindu Majority,” he said.

US President Donald Trump has once again openly pushed for the United States to acquire Greenland, dismissing Denmark’s role and warning that the Arctic island could otherwise fall under Russian or Chinese influence.Asked whether he had made a tangible offer to Greenland or Denmark, Trump replied, “I haven’t done that. But Greenland should make the deal because Greenland does not want to see Russia or China take over.”

While speaking to reporters, Trump claimed that Greenland should make a deal because its existing defences were minimal. “Do you know what their defense is? Two dog sleds. In the meantime, you have Russian destroyers and submarines and China destroyers and submarines all over the place. We’re not going to let that happen,” he said.“And if it affects Nato, and then it affects Nato, but you know, they need us much more than we need them,” he added.His remarks came as the United Kingdom and Germany are reported to be discussing plans for a joint NATO mission to protect Arctic security in Greenland.Also read: Trump orders special forces to draw up Greenland invasion plan — what we knowAsked whether such talks changed his approach, Trump responded with a blunt “no” and stressed that their objective was taking complete control. “Look, we’re talking about acquiring, not leasing, not having it short term. We’re talking about acquiring,” he said.On whether the US would expand its military presence on the island in the interim, Trump said American forces were already stationed there. “We have bases on Greenland. Yeah. A lot of soldiers there right now, if I want,” he said, but added that this was insufficient.“But you need more than that. You need ownership. You really have. You really need title,” Trump said.Also read: Billionaires bet on Greenland as Trump hints at taking it ‘the hard way’Meanwhile, Denmark’s prime minister said her country faces a “decisive moment” amid Trump’s repeated threats. Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, has repeatedly rejected previous US advances, while Copenhagen has maintained that the island is not for sale

MUMBAI: Several wards in the city have witnessed a proliferation of candidates in the BMC elections, particularly in areas with relatively homogeneous voter profiles such as slum clusters, besides Dalitdominated neighbourhoods and Muslim pockets.Data from the nominations show that 18 wards have 15 or more candidates each, increasing the complexity of the contest.

In six of these wards, the number of contestants has exceeded the limit of 16 candidates per ballot unit. These wards also have a large number of independent candidates, alongside entries from national parties, regional outfits and smaller political formations — some of which have limited organisational presence in Mumbai, but influence in other states. While such fragmentation appears to intensify competition, analysts point out that it often works to the advantage of larger parties.

Mrudul Nile, professor of political science at Mumbai University, attributed the factions of various parties and political fragmentation of some communities, as one of the reasons for proliferation of candidates. Bigger parties also field proxy candidates sometimes with the same names. In areas dominated by voters who are homogenous and of socio-economically disadvantaged groups, every party fields its candidates. Some contest to ensure their candidature is considered for the next elections, he said.“At this point, it is difficult for independent candidates, lesser-known candidates or candidates of smaller parties to get elected, and a large number of candidates help major parties. Aspirations among the lower socio-economic groups also leads to an increased number of candidates,” Nile added.Political scientist Surendra Jondhale said: “…a large number of people have political aspirations. People with a bit of money and net worth consider contesting elections, while some look at it as a tool to earn money….Many also think that they can buy votes in slum pockets to get elected even if they do not secure tickets from parties…”Bhiwandi MLA Rais Shaikh said for the socio-economically disadvantaged groups the stakes are higher. “For some of thes candidates, contesting polls is a way of getting recognition…,” he said.

Kalyan/Navi Mumbai: Many crorepati candidates across the political spectrum will contest the January 15 municipal corporation elections in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, with several declaring assets above Rs 100 crore in Kalyan-Dombivli, Navi Mumbai, and Panvel. In the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) area, three candidates declared assets worth over Rs 100 crore, drawing attention to the growing dominance of the real estate sector in local body politics. An analysis of candidates affidavits showed that more than half of the candidates are crorepatis, while only a few have assets below Rs 1 crore.Shiv Sena candidate Ravindra Patil, contesting from Ward No. 29 in Dombivli, declared assets worth Rs 182.56 crore, making him the richest candidate in the KDMC election. Compared to the 2015 civic polls, where he declared assets close to Rs 95 crore, Patil’s wealth nearly doubled over the last decade.The second richest candidate is Shiv Sena’s Shalini Sunil Wayle, contesting from Ward No. 2 in Kalyan West. She declared total assets of Rs 140.77 crore. In the previous election, Wayle reported assets of around Rs 105 crore, largely comprising ancestral immovable properties, indicating a substantial rise in her net worth over the years. The third is Saroj Rai, wife of businessman and former BJP corporator Manoj Rai. She declared combined family assets of Rs 122 crore.In the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) area, 226 of the total 499 candidates are crorepatis with Congress candidate Santosh Shetty from Nerul topping the list by declaring his net asset worth of Rs 100 crore. Shiv Sena Navi Mumbai chief Kishore Patkar revealed assets worth Rs 93 crore, while the Gavte family from Digha, with three candidates Navin, Aparna and Deepa in the fray, has a combined worth of Rs 306 crore.Shetty has a transport business with 51 school buses, while Patkar runs a real estate business. Other wealthy candidates include BJP’s Ravindra Ithape from Nerul with Rs 75 crore, Shiv Sena’s Namdev Bhagat with Rs 56 crore, Mandakini Mhatre of Shiv Sena with Rs 44 crore, Netra Shirke of BJP with Rs 37 crore, Suresh Shetty of BJP with Rs 25 crore and M K Madhavi of Shiv Sena with Rs 24 crore.From Panvel City Municipal Corporation (PCMC) area, Iqbal Kazi revealed financial assets worth Rs 171 crore, while Madhu Patil from Kharghar declared over Rs 140 crore. Both contested on BJP tickets. Five more BJP candidates, Chandrakant Soni, Santosh Shetty, Dashrath Mhatre, Mamta Mhatre and another from Kalamboli, filed financial details ranging from over Rs 18 crore to Rs 44 crore. PWP candidates Arvind Mhatre and Dilip Kadam filed property and other details worth Rs 37.88 crore and Rs 10.45 crore.

Mumbai: Several wards in the city have witnessed a proliferation of candidates in the BMC elections, particularly in areas with relatively homogeneous voter profiles such as slum clusters, besides Dalit-dominated neighbourhoods and Muslim pockets.Data from the nominations show that 18 wards have 15 or more candidates each, increasing the complexity of the contest. In six of these wards, the number of contestants has exceeded the limit of 16 candidates per ballot unit. These wards also have a large number of independent candidates, alongside entries from national parties, regional outfits and smaller political formations — some of which have limited organisational presence in Mumbai, but influence in other states. While such fragmentation appears to intensify competition, analysts point out that it often works to the advantage of larger parties.

Mrudul Nile, professor of political science at Mumbai University, attributed the factions of various parties and political fragmentation of some communities, as one of the reasons for proliferation of candidates. Bigger parties also field proxy candidates sometimes with the same names. In areas dominated by voters who are homogenous and of socio-economically disadvantaged groups, every party fields its candidates. Some contest to ensure their candidature is considered for the next elections, he said.“At this point, it is difficult for independent candidates, lesser-known candidates or candidates of smaller parties to get elected, and a large number of candidates help major parties. Aspirations among the lower socio-economic groups also leads to an increased number of candidates,” Nile added.Political scientist Surendra Jondhale said: “In contemporary elections, a large number of people have political aspirations. People with a bit of money and net worth consider contesting elections, while some look at it as a tool to earn money….Many also think that they can buy votes in slum pockets to get elected even if they do not secure tickets from parties. In socio-economically disadvantaged areas, people ask for money for casting votes and candidates know they can purchase votes.” Bhiwandi MLA Rais Shaikh said for the socio-economically disadvantaged groups the stakes are higher, as the civic body plays an important role in their lives. “For some of the candidates, contesting elections is a way of getting recognition for themselves,” he said.Activist Anil Galgali cited the delay in the conduct of elections and the aspirations among the older generation and the current generation among the reasons for the increased number of candidates. “Some are worried that they might be deprived of a chance next time around due to dynastic politics or nepotism, some think that they can resolve local problems only by becoming a corporator, and others look at it as a way to earn fast money.“

MUMBAI: The newly carved P East administrative ward is seeing the same political and civic churn as the rest of the city, with redrawn boundaries, uneven infrastructure and mixed demographics influencing the contest.Prashant Mahadik, MNS shakha pramukh from Malad (East) and the MNS-Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate from electoral ward No. 36, says recent changes in ward boundaries have altered the area’s demographics, shifting 10,288 Marathi voters out of his ward into ward No. 29 in Kandivli (East).

“The reason provided is the Development Control and Promotion Regulation (DCPR) 2034, but it is clear the decision is political. It may favour a political party, but for those residents who still receive services from the P North ward, it is going to be an uphill task to access them. They now have to go to R South,” he said, adding that the problems faced by his poll ward reflect those across the entire administrative ward. Narrow roads, hilly terrain, uneven and inadequate water supply, and stalled slum rehabilitation projects continue to plague residents.The ward, recently carved out of the larger P North ward, is still grappling with structural gaps. It does not have a dedicated ward officer, and its ward office does not offer the full range of civic services. Most poll wards fall under the Dindoshi Assembly constituency, except No. 36, which is split between the Dindoshi and Kandivli (East) constituencies.Spread across both sides of Western Express Highway, the new ward includes several large slum clusters alongside a few planned residential pockets. The population is socially diverse, with a major Marathi and Muslim presence, as well as sizeable communities from the Hindi belt. Both Sena (UBT) and MNS have a strong organisational base here.In neighbouring ward No. 45, BJP candidate Nirav Barot is banking on both legacy and local issues. His father, the late Dr Ram Barot, represented the ward six times in the past. Barot identified traffic congestion and air pollution as pressing concerns, alongside the long-standing issue of hawkers.“Traffic congestion and air pollution are major issues, as are hawkers, but the latter are daily wage earners and what is needed is an amicable solution, not eviction. There are four to five large municipal grounds that, after 6 pm, can be used for markets. People can safely park their cars and shop. The hawkers, instead of paying hafta, can directly pay the BMC a fee for the use of the ground,” he said.Barot described his ward as a mix of housing societies and slums, each facing distinct challenges. “There are several redevelopment projects underway and this is only going to create a traffic gridlock. The government needs to push for cluster redevelopment with minimal entry and exit points on the highway,” he said.Closer to the Dindoshi Hills lies the historic Nagari Nivari Housing Complex, which was built following years of agitation led by the late Mrinal Gore. Ward Nos. 40 and 41 have traditionally been Sena (UBT) strongholds, though electoral outcomes here have not always followed party lines. In 2017, Tulshiram Shinde, then a Sena rebel, won No. 41 as an independent. With it now reserved for the OBC community, Shinde is contesting from No. 40 as the Sena (UBT) candidate. “I have been in public service for the last 35 years and interpersonal relations matter. The alliance will help. Problems are common between the two wards -traffic, hawkers and in the Mhada layouts there is the issue of inadequate water supply. Also, on the east of the highway there is no civic hospital. My objective will be to resolve all these issues.”