Author: Mahesh Rathod

Contrary to popular belief, Lorem Ipsum is not simply random text. It has roots in a piece of classical Latin literature from 45 BC, making it over 2000 years old. Richard McClintock, a Latin professor

नगर निकाय चुनाव: महाराष्ट्र में मुंबई को छोड़कर मतदाताओं को डालने होंगे कई वोट

नगर निकाय चुनाव: महाराष्ट्र में मुंबई को छोड़कर मतदाताओं को डालने होंगे कई वोट

नगर निकाय चुनाव: महाराष्ट्र में मुंबई को छोड़कर मतदाताओं को डालने होंगे कई वोट मुंबई | अंडरकवर एडिटर न्यूज़ चैनल, १३ जनवरी २०२६ मुंबई: महाराष्ट्र में १५ जनवरी को होने वाले नगर निगम चुनाव इस बार मतदाताओं के लिए कुछ अलग अनुभव लेकर आ रहे हैं — लेकिन मुंबई इससे अलग रहेगी। राज्य के २८ शहरों, जिनमें ठाणे, नवी मुंबई, पुणे, नाशिक और कल्याण-डोंबिवली शामिल हैं, में चुनाव तीन या चार सदस्यीय वार्ड प्रणाली के तहत हो रहे हैं। इसका मतलब है कि एक ही वार्ड से तीन या चार नगरसेवक चुने जाएंगे। क्या बदला है? अब मतदाताओं को ईवीएम पर एक नहीं, बल्कि तीन या चार बार बटन दबाना होगा। चुनाव आयोग के अनुसार, सभी वोट डालना अनिवार्य है — अधूरे वोट मान्य नहीं होंगे। वोटिंग की प्रक्रिया कैसे होगी? मतदाता सत्यापन और स्याही लगाने के बाद, मतदान केंद्र के भीतर ईवीएम पर एक से अधिक बैलेट यूनिट लगी होंगी। मशीन सक्रिय होने के बाद मतदाता को क्रम से तीन या चार वोट डालने होंगे। हर वोट की पुष्टि बीप की आवाज और VVPAT पर्ची से होगी। यदि मतदाता किसी सीट पर किसी उम्मीदवार को वोट नहीं देना चाहता, तो वह NOTA का विकल्प चुन सकता है। यह प्रणाली क्यों लागू की गई? चुनाव अधिकारियों का कहना है कि यह प्रणाली घनी आबादी वाले शहरों में बेहतर प्रतिनिधित्व सुनिश्चित करने के लिए लाई गई है। हालांकि, आलोचकों का मानना है कि इससे बड़े दलों को फायदा हो सकता है और मतदाताओं में भ्रम भी पैदा हो सकता है। मुंबई में क्या अलग है? मुंबई पूरे महाराष्ट्र में एकमात्र नगर निगम है, जहां अब भी एक वार्ड–एक नगरसेवक प्रणाली लागू है। यहां मतदाता सिर्फ एक वोट डालेंगे, जैसा पहले होता था। मतगणना मतों की गिनती १६ जनवरी को होगी।
नगर निकाय चुनाव: महाराष्ट्र में मुंबई को छोड़कर मतदाताओं को डालने होंगे कई वोट

Why Voters in Maharashtra Will Cast Multiple Votes in Civic Polls — Mumbai Remains the Only Exception

Why Voters in Maharashtra Will Cast Multiple Votes in Civic Polls — Mumbai Remains the Only Exception Mumbai | Undercover Editor News Channel, January 13, 2026 Mumbai: As Maharashtra gears up for municipal corporation elections on January 15, voters across 28 cities will experience a significantly different voting process this time — except in Mumbai. Cities including Thane, Navi Mumbai, Pune, Nashik and Kalyan-Dombivli are conducting polls under a three- or four-member ward system, a shift from the traditional one-ward-one-corporator format. Under this system, a single ward elects multiple corporators, requiring voters to cast three or four votes during a single visit to the polling booth. What Has Changed? Unlike earlier elections where voters pressed the EVM button once, electors in multi-member wards must now vote separately for each corporator seat. The Election Commission has clarified that all votes are mandatory — voters must cast all three or four votes to complete the process. How Will Voting Work? After voter verification and indelible ink marking, electors will enter the polling booth where multiple ballot units are attached to the EVM due to the large number of candidates. Once activated, voters will be prompted to cast votes one after another. Each vote is confirmed through a beep sound and a VVPAT slip. Voters may choose candidates from the same party, different parties, independents, or select NOTA for any seat if they do not wish to support a candidate. Why Introduce the Multi-Member Ward System? Election officials say the new system aims to ensure broader representation in densely populated urban areas while reducing the number of wards. However, critics argue that it may favour larger political parties and could cause confusion among voters unfamiliar with the format. Why Is Mumbai Different? Mumbai remains the only municipal corporation in Maharashtra continuing with the single-member ward system. Here, each ward elects one corporator, and voters cast only one vote, just like previous elections. Counting of Votes Votes will be counted on January 16, a day after polling.
Mumbai Campaigner’s Long Wait Ends: ‘Tiffin Lady’ Gets BMC Ticket After 35 Years of Grassroots Service

Mumbai Campaigner’s Long Wait Ends: ‘Tiffin Lady’ Gets BMC Ticket After 35 Years of Grassroots Service

Mumbai Campaigner’s Long Wait Ends: ‘Tiffin Lady’ Gets BMC Ticket After 35 Years of Grassroots Service Mumbai | Undercover Editor News Channel, January 13, 2026 Mumbai: After 35 years of unwavering grassroots work, 58-year-old Bharati Pednekar has finally earned her chance to contest the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. A long-time Shiv Sena worker and a familiar face in Parel’s old mill belt, Pednekar is contesting on a Shiv Sena (UBT) ticket from the area she has served for decades. Pednekar, who holds the post of local shakha vibhag sanghatak, has spent most of her adult life walking the narrow lanes of Parel, mobilising voters for her party. While this is her first election as a candidate, she says campaigning is nothing new to her. “Since 1992, I have been knocking on these same doors asking for votes for Shiv Sena candidates. This time, asking for votes for myself feels very different,” she says. Her political journey has run parallel to a life shaped by hardship. A mother of two sons, Pednekar began running a tiffin service nearly two decades ago after her husband lost his job when Morarjee Mill shut down following a fire. The tiffin service not only supported her family but also helped her build strong personal connections across the locality. “I was born here and married into a family from the same area. I know every corner of this locality and its people. I truly feel I deserve this opportunity,” Pednekar says, explaining how her daily interactions with residents strengthened her understanding of local issues. Confident about her prospects, Pednekar believes the mill belt has remained a stronghold of the Shiv Sena over the years. Her ward includes the sprawling KEM Hospital complex, and she says improving access to basic civic amenities there will be a key priority if she is elected. “Even today, people struggle to get the services they come here for. Making the hospital more citizen-friendly is very important,” she says. Party workers campaigning alongside her share the confidence. Pramila Adsul, a long-time Shiv Sena worker, says voters can clearly see who has worked consistently on the ground. “Some candidates have suddenly emerged for the elections, but people here know who has been with them for years. We are confident they will support our candidate,” Adsul says. Pednekar’s eldest son, Prathamesh, who coordinates campaign arrangements, says the ticket is an emotional moment for the family. “My mother worked for the party without any expectations for decades. The party trusting her with this responsibility means everything to us,” he says. As Mumbai heads into crucial civic polls, Bharati Pednekar’s journey reflects a story of perseverance, grassroots commitment and quiet determination—highlighting how years of dedication can eventually find recognition in public life.
Crorepati Candidates Dominate Civic Polls Across Mumbai Metropolitan Region

Crorepati Candidates Dominate Civic Polls Across Mumbai Metropolitan Region

Crorepati Candidates Dominate Civic Polls Across Mumbai Metropolitan Region Kalyan / Navi Mumbai / Panvel | Undercover Editor News Channel, January 2026 As the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) heads into crucial municipal corporation elections on January 15, a striking trend has emerged across major civic bodies — a sharp rise in crorepati candidates contesting local body polls, cutting across party lines. An analysis of candidates’ affidavits filed before the elections reveals that more than half of the contestants in Kalyan-Dombivli, Navi Mumbai and Panvel municipal corporations are crorepatis, with several declaring assets exceeding ₹100 crore. The data highlights the growing influence of wealth, particularly from the real estate and infrastructure sectors, in grassroots politics. Kalyan-Dombivli: Real Estate Wealth Takes Centre Stage In the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC), three candidates have declared assets worth more than ₹100 crore, drawing attention to the increasing dominance of affluent candidates in civic governance. Shiv Sena candidate Ravindra Patil, contesting from Ward No. 29 in Dombivli, has emerged as the richest candidate in the KDMC polls, declaring assets worth ₹182.56 crore. Notably, Patil had declared assets of around ₹95 crore during the 2015 civic elections, indicating that his wealth has nearly doubled over the past decade. The second richest candidate in KDMC is Shiv Sena’s Shalini Sunil Wayle, contesting from Ward No. 2 in Kalyan West, with declared assets of ₹140.77 crore. In the previous election, her assets stood at approximately ₹105 crore, largely comprising ancestral immovable properties. The third on the list is Saroj Rai, wife of businessman and former BJP corporator Manoj Rai, who has declared combined family assets worth ₹122 crore. Election data further shows that over half of the KDMC candidates are crorepatis, while only a small fraction have assets below ₹1 crore, underscoring the widening economic gap among those contesting civic polls. Navi Mumbai: Nearly Half the Candidates Are Crorepatis In the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC), the trend is equally prominent. Of the total 499 candidates, as many as 226 have declared assets exceeding ₹1 crore. Congress candidate Santosh Shetty from Nerul tops the wealth chart in Navi Mumbai, with declared assets of ₹100 crore. Shiv Sena’s Navi Mumbai chief Kishore Patkar follows closely, with assets worth ₹93 crore, primarily from the real estate sector. Another standout is the Gavte family from Digha, where three family members — Navin, Aparna and Deepa Gavte — are contesting the elections with a combined declared wealth of ₹306 crore, making them one of the wealthiest political families in the region. Several other prominent crorepati candidates include BJP’s Ravindra Ithape (₹75 crore), Shiv Sena’s Namdev Bhagat (₹56 crore) and Mandakini Mhatre (₹44 crore), BJP’s Netra Shirke (₹37 crore) and Suresh Shetty (₹25 crore), along with Shiv Sena’s M.K. Madhavi (₹24 crore). Panvel: BJP Candidates Lead the Wealth Charts In the Panvel City Municipal Corporation (PCMC) area, BJP candidates dominate the list of wealthy contenders. Iqbal Kazi declared assets worth ₹171 crore, while Madhu Patil from Kharghar reported assets exceeding ₹140 crore. Five more BJP candidates — Chandrakant Soni, Santosh Shetty, Dashrath Mhatre, Mamta Mhatre and a candidate from Kalamboli — declared assets ranging from ₹18 crore to ₹44 crore. Among other parties, Peasants and Workers Party (PWP) candidates Arvind Mhatre and Dilip Kadam declared assets worth ₹37.88 crore and ₹10.45 crore respectively. Money Power and Civic Politics Political observers note that the growing presence of crorepati candidates reflects the increasing role of money power in local governance, especially in rapidly urbanising regions like MMR, where real estate, transport and infrastructure businesses play a major role. As voters prepare to cast their ballots, the elections raise larger questions about representation, transparency, and the widening gap between elected representatives and ordinary citizens in urban civic administration.
Sanjay Raut attacks BJP’s Annamalai over remark on Mumbai, demands arrest

Sanjay Raut attacks BJP’s Annamalai over remark on Mumbai, demands arrest

Sanjay Raut attacks BJP’s Annamalai over remark on Mumbai, demands arrest Mumbai | Undercover Editor News Channel, January 11, 2026 Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Saturday strongly criticised BJP leader K. Annamalai for his controversial remark that Mumbai is “not a Maharashtra city”, demanding that a case be registered against him and that he be arrested for making what Raut termed an insult to Maharashtra’s capital. Addressing reporters in Mumbai, Raut said Annamalai’s statement was unacceptable and hurt the sentiments of Maharashtrians. “How can anyone speak like this about Mumbai, which is the capital of Maharashtra? The Chief Minister should immediately file a case against him and have him arrested. He should not be allowed to leave Mumbai,” Raut said. Annamalai, who is campaigning for the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections scheduled for January 15, had said on Friday that Mumbai was an “international city” and not just a city of Maharashtra. His remark quickly triggered political outrage across parties. Raut pointed out that Annamalai is a star campaigner for the BJP and questioned whether his statement reflected the party’s official stand. He also demanded that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis clarify his position on the issue. Taking aim at the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, Raut accused the BJP’s ally of remaining silent despite what he described as an attack on Maharashtra’s pride. “Where is your self-respect?” he asked, targeting the Shinde faction. Reacting to the controversy, state BJP minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule sought to play down the remarks, saying statements made during speeches are often misunderstood. “It is necessary to understand what exactly he meant before drawing conclusions,” Bawankule said. Meanwhile, the Shinde-led Shiv Sena distanced itself from Annamalai’s comment. Party leader and minister Deepak Kesarkar asserted that Mumbai is an inseparable part of Maharashtra and belongs to the Marathi people. “Mumbai is Maharashtra’s capital and India’s financial hub. Its identity should remain intact. Such statements should not be made,” Kesarkar said. The controversy has added heat to the already charged atmosphere ahead of the BMC elections, with political parties trading sharp words over identity, governance and control of the country’s financial capital.
BJP Seeks Narco Test of Former Mumbai Police Chief Sanjay Pandey Over Alleged Plot Against CM Fadnavis

BJP Seeks Narco Test of Former Mumbai Police Chief Sanjay Pandey Over Alleged Plot Against CM Fadnavis

BJP Seeks Narco Test of Former Mumbai Police Chief Sanjay Pandey Over Alleged Plot Against CM Fadnavis Mumbai | Undercover Editor News Channel, January 10, 2026 Mumbai: The political temperature in Maharashtra escalated on Saturday after Mumbai BJP president Ameet Satam demanded a narcoanalysis test of former Mumbai Police Commissioner Sanjay Pandey, alleging his involvement in a conspiracy to falsely implicate Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis during the tenure of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government. Addressing the media, Satam claimed that during the Uddhav Thackeray-led MVA regime, there was a systematic misuse of the police machinery to target political opponents. He alleged that Sanjay Pandey was instructed to orchestrate the arrest of Devendra Fadnavis—then the Leader of the Opposition—on fabricated charges, and that this task was delegated to two senior police officers. According to Satam, officers identified as Laxmikant Patil and Sardar Patil were allegedly pressured to “manufacture a case” against Fadnavis. He said these allegations find mention in a confidential report submitted by former Director General of Police Rashmi Shukla to the state government shortly before her retirement. “Given the gravity of these revelations, a narco test of Sanjay Pandey is essential to uncover who was giving instructions and who the real mastermind behind this conspiracy was,” Satam said, asserting that the truth must be placed before the public. Drawing parallels with previous controversial episodes during the MVA regime, Satam cited cases involving police officers such as Sachin Waze, alleging a broader pattern of lawlessness and political interference within the police force at the time. He claimed that serious crimes occurred with the alleged involvement of police personnel, raising questions about governance and accountability. Satam also pointed out that Pandey himself had faced enforcement action in the past, including arrest by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with the NSE phone-tapping case, and is currently out on bail. “These matters are still under judicial consideration, but they add to the seriousness of the allegations,” he said. The BJP leader urged the state government to order a comprehensive probe into the matter, stressing that no individual, irrespective of rank or past position, should be above scrutiny. The allegations come amid heightened political activity ahead of civic and local body elections in Maharashtra, with the BJP sharpening its attack on the opposition over issues of governance, law enforcement, and alleged abuse of power during the previous regime.
Three of a Family Killed in Early-Morning Fire at Goregaon Home

Three of a Family Killed in Early-Morning Fire at Goregaon Home

Three of a Family Killed in Early-Morning Fire at Goregaon Home Mumbai | Undercover Editor News Channel, January 10, 2026 In a tragic incident that has shocked suburban Mumbai, three members of a family lost their lives after a fire broke out in a single-storey residential structure in Goregaon’s Bhagat Singh Nagar area in the early hours of Saturday. According to officials, the blaze erupted around 3:06 am at a house located in Rajaram Lane. The Mumbai Fire Brigade received the emergency call shortly thereafter and rushed teams to the spot. Preliminary information indicates that the fire was largely confined to electrical wiring and household articles on the ground and first floors of the structure. Before fire personnel arrived, local residents attempted to control the flames using water buckets, preventing the fire from spreading further. Upon reaching the site, firefighters immediately disconnected the power supply and carried out safety operations. Three occupants trapped inside the house were rescued and rushed to Trauma Care Hospital, where doctors declared them brought dead. The deceased have been identified as Harshada Pawaskar (19), Kushal Pawaskar (12), and Sanjog Pawaskar (48), officials confirmed. The exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined. Authorities have initiated an investigation to ascertain whether an electrical short circuit or another factor triggered the blaze. The incident has cast a pall of gloom over the neighbourhood, with residents expressing shock and grief over the sudden loss of the family members. Police and fire officials have urged citizens to remain vigilant about electrical safety, especially during nighttime hours. Further details are awaited as the investigation continues.
BMC Polls: RO Seeks Affidavit After BJP’s Kirit Somaiya Flags Alleged False Declaration by Ex-Mayor Kishori Pednekar

BMC Polls: RO Seeks Affidavit After BJP’s Kirit Somaiya Flags Alleged False Declaration by Ex-Mayor Kishori Pednekar

BMC Polls: RO Seeks Affidavit After BJP’s Kirit Somaiya Flags Alleged False Declaration by Ex-Mayor Kishori Pednekar Mumbai | Undercover Editor News Channel Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) election process witnessed fresh controversy on Thursday after the Returning Officer (RO) asked BJP leader Kirit Somaiya to submit a sworn affidavit supporting his complaint against Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate and former Mumbai mayor Kishori Pednekar. Somaiya had earlier approached the RO alleging that Pednekar had furnished false information in her election affidavit, a charge that, if proven, could have serious legal and electoral implications. Acting on the complaint, the RO has now sought a formal affidavit from Somaiya to enable further examination and possible action under election laws. In his submission, the BJP leader cited an FIR registered in connection with the alleged Covid-19 body bag scam, in which Pednekar was named, claiming that the details were not adequately disclosed in her nomination papers. He also referred to an alleged Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) related case, stating that voters have a right to full disclosure about candidates contesting civic elections. “The election process must be transparent. Any suppression or misrepresentation of facts in affidavits undermines democracy,” Somaiya said, reiterating his demand for strict scrutiny of nomination documents. Pednekar, a senior leader of the Shiv Sena (UBT) and a former mayor of Mumbai, has consistently denied all allegations in the past and has maintained that the cases mentioned are politically motivated. The party has also accused the BJP of misusing investigative and administrative processes to target opposition leaders ahead of the civic polls. Election officials clarified that seeking an affidavit does not amount to a verdict on the complaint but is a procedural step required to assess the allegations before deciding the next course of action. With the BMC elections approaching, the development adds to the growing political heat in Mumbai, where rival parties are locked in intense battles across wards. The matter is expected to be reviewed further once the affidavit is submitted, with the RO likely to decide whether the complaint merits legal proceedings or dismissal.
‘Mamdanisation of Mumbai’: BJP Alleges Rising Infiltration, Targets Sena (UBT)

‘Mamdanisation of Mumbai’: BJP Alleges Rising Infiltration, Targets Sena (UBT)

‘Mamdanisation of Mumbai’: BJP Alleges Rising Infiltration, Targets Sena (UBT) Mumbai | Undercover Editor News Mumbai BJP president Ameet Satam on Wednesday alleged that the city is witnessing a rapid rise in the population of illegal infiltrators and claimed that the Shiv Sena (UBT) is part of a larger international conspiracy aimed at altering Mumbai’s demographic character. Addressing the media, Satam presented data suggesting that population growth in certain wards—particularly Kurla, Chandivli, Malwani, and Malad-Madh—has increased by nearly 50 per cent since 2017. These areas, he noted, have a predominantly minority population. Satam further alleged that illegal hutments in locations such as Malwani, Mankhurd, Malad, Deonar, and Kurla have increased by more than one lakh over the years. Questioning the source and backing of such settlements, he said the unchecked growth raises serious concerns about civic planning, security, and governance. Warning of potential consequences, Satam said failure to act in time could lead to serious law-and-order challenges. He cited the Bondi Beach attack in Australia as an example of what could happen if infiltration is ignored, stressing the need for strict vigilance. Responding to questions about the role of the Centre and the state government, Satam clarified that his allegations were specifically directed at Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray. He accused the party of facilitating what he termed the “Mamdanisation of Mumbai.” Satam also pointed out that Mumbai Police deported around 1,000 Bangladeshi nationals in 2025, underscoring that infiltration remains a real issue. “We will not allow the colour of Mumbai to change,” he said. The Sena (UBT) has not yet responded to the allegations.
Mumbai: Cop-Couple’s Son Skates to National Glory, Wins Gold and Bronze

Mumbai: Cop-Couple’s Son Skates to National Glory, Wins Gold and Bronze

Mumbai: Cop-Couple’s Son Skates to National Glory, Wins Gold and Bronze Mumbai | Undercover Editor News Channe Mumbai: In a moment of pride for the Brihanmumbai Police, the 10-year-old son of two serving police personnel has etched his name on the national sporting stage by winning one gold and one bronze medal at the 69th School Games Federation of India (SGFI) National Skating Championship. Om Sainath Shinde, competing in the under-11 category, delivered an impressive performance at the national tournament held at ITM Global School, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. The championship brought together the country’s best young skating talents, selected through a rigorous multi-level qualification process spanning district, zonal and state rounds. Only the top three skaters from each district progressed to the city-level selections, followed by zonal trials, with just a handful ultimately earning a spot at the national meet. Om’s journey through this demanding pathway highlighted not just his technical skill, but also his mental strength and discipline. The challenge intensified for the Mumbai-based skater in Gwalior, where temperatures dipped between 8°C and 10°C—a stark contrast to Mumbai’s humid climate. Despite the unfamiliar cold conditions, Om maintained balance, speed and precision, securing podium finishes against seasoned competitors from across India. Om’s mother, Bhagyeshri Sainath Shinde, shared insights into her son’s demanding routine. “His skating practice begins at 3.30 am and continues until 6 am. After that, he attends school from 8 am to 3 pm, followed by swimming or other physical training sessions in the evening,” she said. Both parents serve with the Brihanmumbai Police, working opposite shifts—Bhagyeshri on day duty and Om’s father, Sainath Kashinath Shinde, on night duty. Balancing professional responsibilities, including additional duties linked to ongoing municipal election work, alongside their son’s training schedule has been challenging. “It’s not easy, but we make it work because we believe in his dream,” she said. Crediting Om’s success to his unwavering focus and the guidance of his coach, Raj Singh, Bhagyeshri said the young skater is already aiming higher. “He wants to win an Olympic medal for India. This achievement has only strengthened his determination,” she added. Om Shinde’s success stands as a testament to discipline, family support and perseverance—proving that with dedication and the right guidance, young talent from Mumbai can shine on the national stage. — Undercover Editor News Edited by: Mahesh M. Rathod

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