Mumbai Indians enter the IPL 2026 auction with a lean purse of ₹2.75 crore and five slots to fill, including one overseas spot, after retaining a strong core led by Hardik Pandya, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah. Scheduled for December 16 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, the event features over 1,300 registered players vying for 77 spots across franchises. MI’s strategy focuses on targeted reinforcements in finishing power and bowling depth to bolster their title push.​

5 players that Mumbai Indians (MI) can target in the IPL 2026 mini-auction

Mumbai could strategically bid for these five players to address key gaps in their squad, blending experience, domestic promise, and T20 expertise.

1. David Miller

The South African powerhouse offers middle-order firepower with a proven IPL strike rate above 139 across 132 matches, including 136 sixes and sharp fielding. Released by Lucknow Super Giants after a 2025 season of 153 runs in 11 games, his death-overs finishing suits MI’s aggressive batting needs at a potential base price under ₹2 crore.​

2. KM Asif

This Indian pacer brings raw T20 wicket-taking ability, claiming 40 scalps in 36 outings at an economy of 8.32, with a best of 3/15. Listed at a modest ₹40 lakh base price for the auction, Asif represents cost-effective pace depth for MI’s depleted overseas-limited attack.​

Also READ: Aakash Chopra predicts the 5 most expensive overseas players in the upcoming IPL 2026 Auction

3. Akash Madhwal

A familiar face for MI fans, the Roorkee speedster exploded in 2023 with 14 wickets, including a record 5/5 against Lucknow Super Giants. Released by Rajasthan Royals after form dips, his powerplay and death-over skills make him an affordable uncapped buyback at around ₹30 lakh to reclaim his MI role.​

4. Nathan Ellis

Australia’s death-over specialist impressed with CSK in 2025 at ₹2 crore, taking wickets every 17.5 balls in IPL with sharp yorkers on slower decks. If available post-retention shifts, his variations fill MI’s overseas pace void perfectly, though bidding wars loom given his T20 pedigree across 11 IPL games.​

5. Vignesh Puthur

The young Kerala left-arm wrist-spinner debuted brightly for MI in 2025, snaring 3/32 against CSK despite limited prior T20 exposure. Released in squad tweaks, his mystery spin at a low base price offers high-upside domestic rotation, aligning with MI’s youth investment ethos.

Also READ: Dale Steyn gives no-nonsense view on Steve Smith’s IPL 2026 Auction chances

In a key development in the Brown University shooting case, authorities have identified a 24-year-old man as a person of interest.Benjamin Erickson, a 24-year-old man, was arrested before dawn on Sunday, at a Hampton Inn in Coventry, Rhode Island, following an 11-hour manhunt, New York Post reported. He was sought in connection with a mass shooting at Brown University’s Providence campus during a final-exam study session on Saturday around 4.30 pm. Two students were killed and nine more wounded when the gunman opened fire.Police said Erickson was not a current student but investigators were examining whether he had studied at Brown or had other ties to the institution. He was being held as a person of interest; no charges had been filed.

Was Erikson part of US Army

According to the records, Erickson served in the US Army. He served as an infantryman in the US Army from May 2021 to November 2024, leaving the military with the rank of specialist, an Army rep told The Post.His voter registration showing a “statehood” party affiliation, according to public records.

What police found at his hotel room?

Law-enforcement officials said the shooter was armed with a handgun and fired more than 40 9 mm rounds. CCTV footage showed a man matching his description walking along a road near the campus before the attack. Shell casings were marked with evidence tags inside the building where the shooting took place.Investigators were also probing whether Erickson had long-standing mental-health issues, sources said. “The man told authorities he had been in his room the entire time Saturday when the shooting took place,” CNN said.The motive remained unclear. Erickson did not immediately appear to have any criminal history, according to public records. A revolver and a small handgun fitted with a special laser light were found in his hotel room, sources and CNN reported. Sources told The Post that the unique laser light on the handgun helped lead them to the person of interest.The FBI’s Cellular Analysis Survey team geolocated Erickson to the Coventry hotel, according to agency director Kash Patel. Police also used video evidence, tips from the public, an examination of license-plate readers and other leads to track him, CNN said.

What happened at Brown University?

The shooting occurred around 4.30 pm during a final exam review session for an economics class run by Rachel Friedberg, who also served as a faculty associate of the school’s Programme in Judaic Studies. One victim remained in critical condition, seven were listed as stable and one had been discharged, Providence Mayor Brett Smiley told reporters on Sunday morning.“We continue to be in mourning as a community about the tragic loss of life from gun violence that stole the lives of two of our students yesterday,” Brown University President Christina Paxson said in a statement. “The past 24 hours really have been unimaginable — it’s a tragedy that no university community is ever ready for. While we always prepare for major crises, we also pray such a day never comes” she added.A shelter-in-place order was lifted on the campus, although all final exams were cancelled. “At this time, it is essential that we focus our efforts on providing care and support to the members of our community as we grapple with the sorrow, fear and anxiety that is impacting all of us right now,” school Provost Francis J. Doyle III said in a message.

Trump offers condolences

US President Trump also mourned the victims, speaking at a White House Christmas event shortly before a mass shooting in Australia’s Bondi Beach. “I want to just pay my respects to the people, unfortunately, two are no longer with us, Brown University, nine injured, and two are looking down on us right now from Heaven,” Trump said.A candlelight vigil was held for the victims at Lippitt Memorial on Sunday instead of the town’s holiday light celebration, Providence Councilwoman Sue AnderBois said as hundreds gathered. “We are gathered here to share light with one another in one of Providence’s darkest times,” she said. “Our hearts break for the two students at Brown who lost their lives to gun violence yesterday, and the nine others who are injured, and their families and the whole Brown and Greater Providence community.

Ranveer Singh’s ‘Dhurandhar,’ which was released on December 6, shows no sign of slowing down in its second week. The Aditya Dhar film, featuring a stellar cast including Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, and more, crossed the Rs 350 crore mark in just 10 days and set a new record at the box office. It has beaten Allu Arjun’s ‘Pushpa 2’ in the second Sunday’s collection and is now eying to outperform the lifetime numbers of Yash’s ‘KGF Chapter 2’. The blockbuster from the South earned Rs 435.33 crore in its lifetime, and given the pace of ‘Dhurandhar,’ it appears the film has the potential to surpass this number by the end of its second week.Dhurandhar Movie ReviewRead on to know more about Dhurandhar’s box office performance.

‘Dhurandhar’ box office collection in India

The high-octane action drama opened with Rs 28 crore, and became the second-highest opener of 2025, beating ‘Saiyaara’ starring Ahaan Panday and Aneet Pada, according to Sacnilk. Over its first weekend, it added around Rs 75 crore more to the tally. Then came the first weekday, the first speed bump in the road, which was nothing but a small hiccup. On its first Monday, the collection saw a drop, yet it made Rs. 23.25 crore and over the entire week, it didn’t lose its grip.It began its second week on a high note and made Rs 32.5 crore. Further growth was seen on the second Saturday, with Rs 53 crore business, and then Sunday recorded the highest – Rs 59 crore. With this, ‘Dhurandar’ outperformed ‘Pushpa 2’ in the second Sunday’s earnings, as the Allu Arjun starrer made Rs 54 crore.

Day-wise collection of ‘Dhurandhar’

Day 1 [1st Friday] Rs 28 CrDay 2 [1st Saturday] Rs 32 CrDay 3 [1st Sunday] Rs 43 CrDay 4 [1st Monday] Rs 23.25 CrDay 5 [1st Tuesday] Rs 27 CrDay 6 [1st Wednesday] Rs 27 CrDay 7 [1st Thursday] Rs 27 CrWeek 1 Collection Rs 207.25 CrDay 8 [2nd Friday] Rs 32.5 CrDay 9 [2nd Saturday] Rs 53 CrDay 10 [2nd Sunday] Rs59 CrTotal Rs 351.75CrDISCLAIMER: The box office numbers in this article are compiled from our proprietary sources and diverse public data. While we strive for accuracy, all figures are approximate unless explicitly mentioned, offering a fair representation of the project’s box office performance. We are open to feedback and suggestions on toientertainment@timesinternet.in.

The data for this weather forecast has been sourced from AQI.in, providing residents with comprehensive information to plan their daily activities and weekly schedules accordingly.Mumbai is experiencing a sunny and pleasant Sunday on December 15, 2025, with temperatures ranging from a comfortable 22.7°C to 30°C and clear skies, offering ideal conditions for outdoor activities despite yesterday’s ‘poor’ air quality, which registered an AQI of 175.Residents are advised to enjoy the comfortable weather responsibly, carrying masks in traffic-heavy zones due to lingering pollution concerns, particularly for sensitive groups, as the week ahead also promises consistent sunny skies and comfortable temperatures.

Today’s Weather Breakdown

Today’s weather breakdown provides specific details for the day.“The day starts with a crisp 22.7°C, perfect for a morning jog or a walk along the coastline.”Temperatures are expected to rise steadily as the day progresses.“As the sun rises, temperatures will climb steadily, peaking at 30°C by early afternoon.”Humidity levels are reported to be moderate.“Humidity levels remain moderate at 41%, ensuring the heat doesn’t feel overwhelming.”A gentle breeze is also contributing to the pleasant conditions.“A light breeze of up to 15.5 km/h will keep the air moving, making outdoor activities enjoyable.”The skies are anticipated to remain clear throughout the day.“Expect clear skies throughout the day, with no chances of rain or significant cloud cover.”Evening temperatures are projected to decrease gradually.“By evening, temperatures will drop gradually, settling around 24°C by 8 PM.”These calm weather conditions are suitable for various outdoor plans.“The calm weather conditions make it an ideal day for a picnic at the park or a sunset stroll by the beach.”

Yesterday’s Air Quality

Yesterday’s air quality presented a different scenario for Mumbai.“Yesterday, Mumbai’s air quality was far from ideal, with an AQI of 175, classified as ‘poor’.”Specific pollutant levels were recorded.“Primary pollutants PM2.5 and PM10 were recorded at 83 µg/m³ and 103 µg/m³ respectively, while CO levels stood at 299 µg/m³.”These measurements indicate a certain level of pollution.“These levels indicate moderate to heavy pollution, likely exacerbated by vehicular emissions and construction activities.”Caution is advised for sensitive groups despite today’s weather.“While today’s sunny weather might help disperse pollutants slightly, sensitive groups — especially those with respiratory issues — should remain cautious.”Specific recommendations are provided for these groups.“Avoid prolonged outdoor exposure in high-traffic areas and consider using air purifiers indoors.”

Planning Your Day

Planning for the day can incorporate both pleasant weather and pollution awareness.“Given today’s pleasant weather, it’s a great day to explore Mumbai’s outdoor attractions. However, blend your plans with some pollution-conscious choices:”Suggestions for morning and evening activities are available.

Essential items for outdoor ventures are listed.

Weekly Weather Outlook

The weekly weather outlook indicates consistent conditions.“The coming week promises consistent sunny skies and comfortable temperatures:”Forecasts for specific days are provided.

The overall outlook for the week is favorable for outdoor activities.“Overall, the week remains ideal for outdoor plans, with no significant weather disruptions.”An additional insight notes a slight improvement in air quality compared to earlier in the month.“Yesterday’s AQI of 175 marks a slight improvement compared to December 8, when Mumbai recorded its highest AQI of 201 this month.”Today’s weather conditions offer a positive aspect amidst ongoing air quality concerns.“While the air quality remains concerning, today’s weather offers a silver lining, making it a good time to enjoy the outdoors responsibly.”“Source: Data referenced in this article is taken from AQI.in.”

Argentine football icon Lionel Messi, left, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, second left, Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff, right, in Mumbai (@CMOMaharashtra/X via PTI Photo)

NEW DELHI: A tense moment unfolded at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium when Bollywood actors Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff faced booing from the crowd during Lionel Messi’s event on Sunday. The incident took place during their felicitation by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.The event was part of Messi’s GOAT India Tour 2025, with Mumbai being the third destination following shows in Kolkata and Hyderabad on Saturday. However, amid the excitement of seeing Messi up close, the crowd’s displeasure became evident during the recognition ceremony.

It looked as if many spectators wanted to see only Messi rather than celebrity appearances.Tiger Shroff, introduced as a “youth icon” and “India’s youngest action star”, represented the Maharashtra government’s initiative, Project Mahadeva. This initiative aims to develop young football talent across Maharashtra. Ajay Devgn’s introduction focused on his disciplined work ethic and his connection to football through his film Maidaan, which tells the story of coach Syed Abdul Rahim. Nevertheless, as both movie stars entered the pitch, their entries were met with loud boos from sections of fans. Watch: The crowd did not spare Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. As he addressed the gathering, his remarks were again met with loud boos from sections of the audience. The mood briefly shifted when the CM invoked “Ganpati Bappa,” prompting chants of “Morya” from the crowd that drowned out the jeers and created an interesting scene at the venue.Messi remained professional throughout the uncomfortable situation. He greeted everyone with a smile and stood quietly as the crowd expressed their displeasure.The event improved when cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar met Messi for a special interaction. They exchanged gifts, with Tendulkar giving a Team India jersey and Messi offering a football, which received enthusiastic applause.The celebration included a patriotic display as Messi held the Indian flag. His teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul carried their national flags of Uruguay and Argentina, respectively.Messi and his Inter Miami teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul are scheduled to continue their tour in Delhi on Monday.

Mumbai: With an eye on the polls to 29 municipal corporations in the state, the urban development department has sanctioned funds worth Rs 111.6 crore as a “special provision for the development of basic amenities in municipal corporations”, over half of which is for BMC.It issued 15 govt resolutions on Saturday sanctioning the release of the funds. Once the polls are declared and the model code of conduct comes into force, no fresh release of funds is permitted without the permission of the state election commission (SEC). The sanctioning of funds led to speculation that the announcement of urban local body polls is imminent. Monday is the deadline for publication of the final electoral rolls for municipal corporations. Of the total, Rs 57 crore has been sanctioned for BMC alone. This includes works in Andheri West, LBS Road, Naigaon, Bandra West, Colaba, Chira Bazaar and Azad Maidan. The work mainly includes the laying of footpaths, sewage treatment and construction of taps and gutters. Thane, Kalyan-Dombivli, Mira-Bhayander and Bhiwandi-Nizampur municipal corporations have been sanctioned Rs 16.3 crore, and Vasai-Virar Rs 2.5 crore. A sum of Rs 22.5 crore has been sanctioned for civic bodies in Pune division. Of this, Rs 12.5 crore will go towards Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad municipal corporations. Funds have also been sanctioned for Nagpur (Rs 1.3 crore), Nashik (Rs 2.7 crore) and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar municipal corporations. The long pending local body elections began with municipal council elections on Dec 2. SEC originally planned to hold polls to the 29 municipal corporations in the third and last phase of the polls in Jan. However, it is now considering holding them in the next phase since several zilla parishads have crossed the 50% quota barrier and polls to it can only be held there once this is rectified. Local body polls in the state have to be concluded by Jan 31, according to a Supreme Court order. State election commissioner Dinesh Waghmare had said they were considering three options. “In the next phase, we may consider holding polls to the 29 municipal corporations or to the 12 zilla parishads and their panchayat samitis which have not crossed the 50% quota barrier. Or, we may hold both these polls together,” he had said.

Acne spots pop up in patterns that often hint at habits or imbalances worth checking. While ancient face maps from Chinese or Ayurvedic traditions link breakouts to organs like the liver or kidneys, modern dermatologists focus on proven triggers like oil glands, friction-and hormones. Cleveland Clinic notes that repeated pimples in one area can signal lifestyle tweaks-rather than deep disease. Mayo Clinic adds that acne thrives where sebaceous glands cluster, like the face-and back, due to excess oil clogging pores.

The T-zone spans your forehead, nose-and chin, packed with large pores-and oil glands. Blackheads and whiteheads love it here because sebum flows freely. Health.com points to digestive hiccups, stress, or poor sleep as common culprits, backed by patterns in acne studies. NCBI’sreview on acne vulgaris ties forehead flares to hair products or hats trapping bacteria. If yours stick around, cut greasy foods or swap heavy fringe; hydration-and gentle cleansing often clear it up.

Cheeks light up from phone rests, dirty pillows, or masks rubbing skin, known as acne mechanica. Cleveland Clinic dermatologists see this in patients with consistent cheek zits, linking it to bacteria transfer. Respiratory irritants like smoking or allergies play a role too, per face mapping insights. Wiping devices daily-and flipping pillowcases to break the cycle. Persistent spots might mean allergies, so antihistamines help alongside non-comedogenic skincare.

Along the jaw and chin, cystic nodules scream hormones. Fluctuations from periods, PCOS, or birth control shifts drive oil overdrive here. Healthline’s acne mapping, drawing from dermatologist input, flags this zone for endocrine checks. A study in PMC on facial skin variations shows lower face oil spikes with stress. Women notice cycles; men tie it to testosterone. Spearmint tea or low-glycemic diets ease it, but endocrinologists confirm with bloodwork if stubborn.Temple pimples whisper kidney or bladder stress in old maps, but science points to medications or alcohol excess. Health.com notes congestion here from poor detox or hats. Ears or side cheeks flag phone grime or earrings. Overall, NCBI stresses acne’s inflammatory roots in pilosebaceous units, worsened by diet or environment. Track patterns with a journal to spot links.Dermatologists caution against over-relying on maps, as genetics-and bacteria like P. acnes drive most cases. Mayo Clinic urges benzoyl peroxide or retinoids first, with doctors for scars or cysts. Lifestyle wins: wash twice daily, eat veggies, manage stress. Clear skin reflects inner balance, but spots signal self-care call.Dr. Sapna Vadera, a facial cosmetic surgeon popular on Instagram, nails the bigger picture: “Acne mapping is a targeted diagnostic approach that correlates breakout locations on the face with underlying systemic or lifestyle triggers. Instead of treating blemishes in isolation, this method triangulates patterns (e.g., forehead, chin, cheeks) to hypothesize etiology such as stress, hormones, diet, gut health–or skincare habits.” Her take blends patterns with real fixes.

Mumbai: BMC’s recent decision to float a Rs 1,348-crore tender to auction the six-acre Century Cotton Textile Mill land for a 30-year lease drew sharp criticism from the Opposition who questioned the intent to monetise the public land after a prolonged legal battle to establish its ownership.“It’s a corrupt practice to auction BMC’s public land in the absence of Mumbai’s elected representatives,” alleged Worli MLA Aaditya Thackeray of Shiv Sena (UBT), adding that he would soon write to the BMC commissioner about the auctioning of the Century mill plot and another Worli plot bearing CS No. 1629 (part), currently used for an asphalt plant and municipal testing laboratory which BMC also proposes to lease for a period of 30 years, to raise funds for its ongoing infrastructure projects.The six-acre land was leased in 1927 to Century Spinning and Manufacturing Co (now Century Textiles and Industries Ltd) for 28 years at an annual rent of Re 1. The lease expired in 1955, but the company continued to occupy land; neither BMC nor the company initiated proceedings for half a century. In 2006, the company sent a notice to BMC saying that as per the deed, land ought to be conveyed after expiry of 28-year lease. The matter reached the Bombay high court. In March 2022, HC directed BMC to execute the conveyance deed within eight weeks. On Jan 7, 2025, the Supreme Court set aside the HC ruling, ending Century Textiles’ claim over the land and clearing the way for the BMC to auction it.“In the case of Century Mill quarters, the number of residents as per BMC is different from the real number on the ground — obviously benefiting the builder. We will not let a single brick be put in both Worli plots — whoever the builder — until Mumbai’s voice is heard. If at all these plots are developed, they must house the current residents (in Century Mill land) along with mill workers, and retired police, BMC, and govt staffers,” Thackeray said.Malad MLA and former cabinet minister Aslam Shaikh alleged enormous amounts of public money were spent in the past few years on infrastructure projects and beautification works, which showed “zero” results. “When it realised that there is no money now to fund the remaining infrastructure projects, BMC is now looking at monetising public lands,” he said.Some also pointed out that BMC, on one hand, fought for years — right up to the Supreme Court — to establish its ownership over the Century mill land, only to now open it up for private participation.Advocate Vivekanand Gupta argued that leasing out the plot for commercial development defeats the very purpose of retaining public land, especially in a densely built area like Worli. In his letter to the chief minister, he said: “Public land is held in trust by the government for citizen use and should be maintained by BMC for public purpose only. The lack of safe and open spaces disproportionately affects children and women, who often have fewer secure places to play or exercise, impacting their development and well-being. I request your urgent intervention in this matter to immediately stop the auction and save this essential open space in Mumbai.”Even BJP leader and former opposition leader in the BMC Ravi Raja objected to the move. Pointing out that after securing the land after a long and expensive legal fight, to hand it over for privatisation raises serious questions about priorities. “The obvious reason for BMC to do so is to raise revenue for the Rs 2 lakh crore of liabilities it has for the multiple projects it has taken up,” said Raja.

NEW DELHI: Delhiites could see poison in the air on Sunday. A thick layer of toxic smog enveloped the capital, turning the city into a gas chamber with air quality plunging to ‘severe-plus’ category for the first time this year.The city’s 24-hour average air quality index stood at 461, the second-worst recorded in Dec and the worst in nearly 13 months. Since the scale began in April 2015, only once has a higher AQI been recorded in Dec – 469 on Dec 21, 2017. For any month, the last time Delhiites a suffered worst AQI was on Nov 18 last year (494).

AQI Severe-Plus, Delhi’s Worst In More Than 1 Yr

High moisture, low temperatures and calm winds effectively trapped pollution close to the surface even as a grey smog screened out the sun for most of the day. Winds are predicted to pick up slightly post-noon on Monday, which could disperse some pollutants.On Sunday, atmospheric ‘inversion’ made the situation worse. This occurs when cooler air near the ground gets trapped un-der warmer air above, stop ping pollutants from dispers ing. Though meteorological conditions remained unfa-vourable for the dispersion of pollutants, local emissions continued to remain high.“This is a true depiction. of Delhi’s local emissions be cause wind speeds are almost zero, meaning there is hardly any inflow or outflow of air. Vertical ventilation is con-fined to a column of just 600 metres, which means whatev er remains in the box-Delhi is largely its own emis sions. Under these condi-tions, the contribution of dust is negligible. When dust is released from construction activity, it usually spreads to other areas due to wind, but with winds nearly calm, it cannot pollute places beyond the immediate site of re-lease,” said Gufran Beig. founder of the System of Air Quality and Weather Fore-casting and Research (SA-FAR) and Chair Professor at the National Institute of Ad-vanced Studies (NIAS).Of the total 39 active air quality monitoring stations, 38 saw ‘severe’ AQI while only Shadipur was placed in the ‘ve-ry poor category at 375. Of these, three stations Wazir pur, Rohini and Ashok Vihar maxed out at 500, while several others reported AQI above 490.This is the second spell of severe air days in Delhi this season. The city had recorded three consecutive severe days from Nov 11 to 13. In this win-ter season, the city has re-corded five such days, when AQI surpassed 400.After air quality started rapidly deteriorating on Saturday, the Graded Response Action Plan’s stage III was im-posed in the morning. Stage IV was invoked on Saturday eve ning as AQI showed no sign of improvement. Currently, all stages of GRAP are in force.Delhi’s highest-ever AQI of 497 was recorded on Nov 6, 2016. The second-worst air quality day followed on Nov 18 last year with AQI reaching 494.

Mumbai: With the model code of conduct for the BMC elections expected to come into force this week, political activity over the weekend signalled that the civic poll battle has effectively begun. BJP party leaders moved swiftly to inaugurate projects, using public platforms to make their pitch to voters. On Sunday, the foundation stone for the proposed Exotic Bird Park at Nahur was laid, alongside the virtual inauguration of a new building at the BMC-run Agarwal General Hospital in Mulund (West). What was officially a civic event soon doubled up as a political show of confidence ahead of the crucial municipal polls.Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde addressed the gathering through recorded video messages. Mulund MLA Mihir Kotecha, who had been pushing for the bird park, credited the projects to what he described as the “double-engine government” at the Centre and the state.Looking ahead to the BMC polls, he said a Mahayuti mayor would soon take charge, delivering a “triple-engine government” in Mumbai. Appealing to voters, Kotecha urged them to replicate the support he received in the 2024 Assembly elections—where he won with a lead of nearly 91,000 votes—for BJP–Mahayuti candidates in the civic polls.Guardian minister and BJP’s BMC election in-charge Ashish Shelar was more explicit in setting the political tone. Referring to the proposed inauguration of the bird park in Dec 2027, he said he expected a BJP–Mahayuti mayor to be in office by then. Calling it Mumbai’s first exotic bird park, Shelar said he was glad the project had not been named after any individual and credited local leadership of Koetcha as well as former BJP MP Manoj Kotak who was also seated on the dais for ensuring the land remained a public open space. Taking a swipe at the opposition, Shelar criticised the previous Uddhav Thackeray-led government’s handling of civic assets and zoo management, contrasting it with what he called the Mahayuti’s development-focused approach. He urged Mumbaikars to give the alliance five years in the BMC, claiming it would deliver outcomes beyond expectations.Appealing specifically to voters in Mulund, Shelar called for all six civic seats in the area to be handed to the Mahayuti “in record numbers,” adding jokingly that those seeking party tickets should remember him when the project is inaugurated in 2027.The aviary will be developed on a BMC-owned plot measuring approximately 17,139.64 square metres. Of this, about 10,859 square metres will be used for specially designed aviaries for exotic birds. The remaining area will include a ticket counter, public toilets, souvenir shop, café and underground parking facilities.