Category: Maharashtra New

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Maharashtra Govt Orders Suspension of IAS Officer for Skipping Ministerial Meeting, Triggers Political Ripples

Maharashtra Govt Orders Suspension of IAS Officer for Skipping Ministerial Meeting, Triggers Political Ripples

February 28, 2026
Maharashtra Govt Orders Suspension of IAS Officer for Skipping Ministerial Meeting, Triggers Political Ripples Mumbai: In a rare and contentious administrative action, the Maharashtra government has initiated suspension proceedings against a senior IAS officer for failing to attend meetings convened by the state’s Environment Minister, bringing bureaucratic accountability and political authority into sharp focus. The directive was issued by Protem Speaker Dilip Lande during a discussion in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly on worsening pollution levels in Chandrapur district. Lande ordered action against two senior officials of the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) for repeatedly skipping official briefings called by Environment Minister Pankaja Munde. Officials Named in Suspension Order According to reports, the officials against whom action has been recommended are M. Devendra Singh, an IAS officer serving as Member Secretary of the MPCB, and Satish Padval, Joint Director of the board. The move is being widely described as unusual, as suspensions are rarely ordered solely for non-attendance at ministerial meetings. The issue surfaced when Minister Munde informed the House that senior MPCB officials had consistently failed to attend meetings aimed at addressing environmental degradation and industrial pollution in Chandrapur, one of Maharashtra’s most pollution-affected districts. “Gross Negligence,” Says Protem Speaker Taking strong exception to the officials’ absence, Lande termed it “gross negligence” and an affront to democratic accountability. He stated that elected representatives cannot be ignored by officials entrusted with implementing public policy. “The minister’s directions were not respected, and this reflects a serious lapse in duty towards the people of Maharashtra,” Lande said while ordering disciplinary action. Political Undercurrents Emerge The decision has also acquired political significance due to the power dynamics involved. The MPCB is chaired by Siddhesh Kadam, who belongs to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, while the Environment Department is under BJP control. Kadam is the son of senior Shiv Sena leader Ramdas Kadam and the brother of Minister of State Yogesh Kadam. Adding pressure, BJP MLA Sudhir Mungantiwar has moved a breach of privilege motion against the MPCB for allegedly defying ministerial instructions. Final Decision with Chief Minister The suspension proposal has been forwarded to Devendra Fadnavis, who is expected to take the final call. Defending his action, Lande asserted that authority of the Chair must be respected regardless of whether the Speaker is permanent or protem. “It does not matter that I was the protem speaker. I was presiding over the House, and action was necessary when ministerial directions were ignored,” he said. As the file awaits the Chief Minister’s decision, the episode has sparked debate across administrative and political circles, raising broader questions about bureaucratic discipline, ministerial authority and the balance of power within Maharashtra’s coalition government.  
Sunetra Pawar Arrives in Mumbai, Set to Become Maharashtra’s First Woman Deputy Chief Minister

Sunetra Pawar Arrives in Mumbai, Set to Become Maharashtra’s First Woman Deputy Chief Minister

January 31, 2026
Sunetra Pawar Arrives in Mumbai, Set to Become Maharashtra’s First Woman Deputy Chief Minister Mumbai | Undercover Editor News Channel, January 31, 2026 Rajya Sabha member and senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Sunetra Pawar arrived in Mumbai early Saturday morning, paving the way for her elevation as Maharashtra’s first woman Deputy Chief Minister, following the untimely death of her husband and NCP chief Ajit Pawar in a tragic plane crash earlier this week. Ms. Pawar reached her late husband’s official residence, Devgiri, in south Mumbai in the early hours, accompanied by her son Parth Pawar. Her arrival marks a significant moment in Maharashtra’s political history, both symbolically and politically. According to senior NCP leader and State minister Chhagan Bhujbal, the party’s legislature wing will convene a meeting at Vidhan Bhavan around 2 pm on Saturday, where Sunetra Pawar is expected to be unanimously named as the party’s legislative leader. A low-key oath-taking ceremony is scheduled later in the evening at Lok Bhavan. The NCP currently has 40 MLAs, all of whom are expected to back the decision. Once sworn in, Ms. Pawar will become the first woman to hold the post of Deputy Chief Minister in Maharashtra, a milestone for the state. Political Transition After Tragedy Sunetra Pawar, 62, is presently a Rajya Sabha MP and is not a member of either House of the Maharashtra Legislature. Sources within the party indicate that a future political adjustment may see her son Parth Pawar stepping into her Rajya Sabha role, though no formal announcement has been made. Her elevation comes days after Ajit Pawar’s death in a fatal aircraft crash in Baramati, an incident that has left a deep void in Maharashtra politics. Ajit Pawar was one of the most influential leaders in the state, having served as Deputy Chief Minister five times. Reacting to the development, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the BJP would stand by the NCP’s decision. “The NCP will take whatever decision it deems appropriate for the post of Deputy Chief Minister, and we will support it. We stand firmly with Ajit Dada’s family and the party during this difficult time,” Fadnavis said. Mixed Reactions Within the Political Spectrum NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar stated that he was not consulted regarding the appointment and expressed surprise over the speed of the decision. “It is the party’s decision. I do not have clarity on the reasons behind the hasty appointment,” he remarked. Sunetra Pawar first came into the political spotlight during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, when she contested from Baramati against her sister-in-law and sitting MP Supriya Sule. Though she lost that contest, she later entered Parliament through the Rajya Sabha. As Maharashtra prepares for this historic transition, all eyes are now on Saturday’s party meeting and the formal swearing-in that will officially place Sunetra Pawar at the helm of the state’s executive leadership.  
Ajit Pawar’s Security Officer Vidip Jadhav Laid to Rest; Young Son Performs Last Rites

Ajit Pawar’s Security Officer Vidip Jadhav Laid to Rest; Young Son Performs Last Rites

January 29, 2026
Ajit Pawar’s Security Officer Vidip Jadhav Laid to Rest; Young Son Performs Last Rites State Honours Accorded at Native Village in Satara Satara, Maharashtra | January 29 | Undercover Editor In a deeply emotional ceremony, Vidip Dilip Jadhav, the personal security officer of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, was laid to rest with full state honours in his native village in Satara district on Wednesday evening. Jadhav was among the five people who lost their lives in the tragic Baramati plane crash earlier in the day. Heart-wrenching scenes unfolded as Jadhav’s young son performed the last rites, surrounded by grieving family members, police colleagues, and local residents. The atmosphere was heavy with sorrow as the final farewell was given to an officer remembered for his dedication and quiet service. Tragic Crash Near Baramati Airport The chartered aircraft carrying senior officials and security personnel crashed just 200 metres from the tabletop runway at Baramati airport, killing all those on board. The victims included senior pilots and security staff accompanying the political delegation. Those who lost their lives in the crash were Captain Sumit Kapoor, an experienced pilot with over 15,000 flight hours, co-pilot Shambhavi Pathak, who had logged 1,500 hours, PSO Vidip Jadhav, and flight attendant Pinky Mali. A special team from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) reached the crash site on Wednesday evening to begin a detailed forensic investigation into the cause of the accident. A Life Dedicated to Duty Vidip Jadhav had served as Ajit Pawar’s personal security officer for the past four years. A member of the Mumbai Police since 2009, he was widely respected among colleagues for his discipline, professionalism, and calm demeanour under pressure. Residents of his village described him as a devoted family man who balanced demanding official duties with deep care for his children’s future. “He always spoke about his children’s education and safety. They were his world,” said a neighbour. Family Left Behind Jadhav is survived by his wife Sandya, a daughter, a young son, and his parents. His daughter is a Class 7 student, while his son studies at a government school in Thane. Family members were seen inconsolable as the final rites concluded. State Honours and Police Tribute The Maharashtra Police accorded full state honours during the cremation. Senior officers paid floral tributes, saluting Jadhav’s service and sacrifice. Many colleagues stood in silence, offering a final salute to an officer who lost his life in the line of duty. As evening fell over Satara, Vidip Jadhav was remembered not just as a security officer, but as a protector, a father, and a dedicated public servant, whose life ended while serving the state.
Maharashtra Dy CM Ajit Pawar, Four Others Killed in Plane Crash Near Baramati

Maharashtra Dy CM Ajit Pawar, Four Others Killed in Plane Crash Near Baramati

January 28, 2026
Maharashtra Dy CM Ajit Pawar, Four Others Killed in Plane Crash Near Baramati Mumbai | Undercover Editor News Channel, January 28, 2026 In a tragic incident that has sent shockwaves across Maharashtra, Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar and four others were killed after a private aircraft crash-landed near Baramati in Pune district on Wednesday morning, officials said in this fictional scenario. According to aviation authorities, the aircraft — a Learjet 45 operated by a Delhi-based charter company — went down while attempting to land in Baramati. All five persons on board were declared dead at the crash site. Those killed include Ajit Pawar, his close aide Vidip Jadhav, Personal Security Officer Pinky Mali, pilot Captain Sumit Kapur, and co-pilot Shambhavi Pathak. Flight Lost Contact Mid-Air As per flight-tracking data cited by officials in this scenario, the aircraft departed Mumbai at around 8:10 am and lost radar contact approximately 35 minutes later, shortly before its scheduled landing in Baramati. Emergency services rushed to the crash site following reports from local residents. DGCA Orders Investigation The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered a detailed investigation to ascertain the cause of the crash. Technical experts and aviation safety teams have been dispatched to examine the wreckage, while black box recovery efforts are underway. Political Journey Cut Short Ajit Pawar, widely known as “Dada” among supporters, was one of Maharashtra’s most influential political figures. A five-time Deputy Chief Minister, he began his political career in the early 1990s and went on to play a decisive role in state politics for over three decades. Known for his strong hold over the Baramati region, Pawar was heading to the town to campaign for upcoming Zila Parishad elections when the crash occurred, according to this fictional account. State in Mourning In this scenario, the Maharashtra government has announced a three-day state mourning as a mark of respect. Flags would fly at half-mast on government buildings, and all official events would be cancelled during the mourning period. Leaders across party lines expressed grief and described Pawar as a seasoned administrator and mass leader whose absence would leave a major void in Maharashtra’s political landscape. Family and Legacy Ajit Pawar is survived by his wife Sunetra Pawar, a Rajya Sabha member, and sons Parth and Jay. Condolences poured in from across the country in this hypothetical situation, highlighting his long public service and political legacy
Shiv Sena Party and Symbol Dispute Reaches Crucial Stage; Supreme Court to Hear Final Arguments on Balasaheb Thackeray Jayanti

Shiv Sena Party and Symbol Dispute Reaches Crucial Stage; Supreme Court to Hear Final Arguments on Balasaheb Thackeray Jayanti

January 21, 2026
Shiv Sena Party and Symbol Dispute Reaches Crucial Stage; Supreme Court to Hear Final Arguments on Balasaheb Thackeray Jayanti New Delhi/Mumbai: The long-running legal battle over the Shiv Sena party name and its iconic ‘bow and arrow’ symbol has entered a decisive phase, with the Supreme Court scheduling final arguments for January 23, coinciding with the birth anniversary of Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray. The matter, which has remained at the centre of Maharashtra’s political turbulence for nearly two-and-a-half years, will be heard by a Constitution Bench headed by Chief Justice Suryakant, along with Justice Joymalya Bagchi. The hearing, originally listed for January 21, could not take place due to time constraints arising from another case and was consequently deferred. The upcoming hearing has drawn nationwide attention, as it is seen not merely as a legal dispute but as a decisive moment for the political identity, legacy, and future course of the Shiv Sena. A Battle Beyond Law The dispute goes far beyond ownership of a party symbol. At stake is the ideological legacy of Balasaheb Thackeray and the question of who represents the “real Shiv Sena.” The verdict is expected to have far-reaching implications for Maharashtra’s political equations, alliances, and future elections. The Supreme Court had earlier observed in November 2025 that the matter had been pending for an unusually long period, underscoring the urgency of a final resolution. Roots of the Crisis: June 2022 Political Upheaval The controversy traces back to June 2022, when Eknath Shinde, along with more than 40 Shiv Sena MLAs, revolted against party leadership and aligned with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This rebellion led to the collapse of the Uddhav Thackeray-led Maha Vikas Aghadi government and dramatically reshaped Maharashtra’s political landscape. Shinde’s faction argued that the alliance with the Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party had diluted Shiv Sena’s core ideology, prompting the split. However, the rebellion raised fundamental questions about party authority, leadership legitimacy, and symbol ownership. Election Commission’s Decision In February 2023, the Election Commission of India recognised the Eknath Shinde faction as the ‘real Shiv Sena’ and allotted it the traditional ‘bow and arrow’ symbol, largely on the basis of numerical strength in the legislature. Following this decision, the Shinde-led Shiv Sena contested the 2024 Lok Sabha and Maharashtra Assembly elections under the party’s original name and symbol, dealing a major political blow to the Uddhav Thackeray faction. Uddhav Thackeray’s Challenge in Supreme Court Challenging the Election Commission’s ruling, Uddhav Thackeray approached the Supreme Court, arguing that the Commission erred by relying solely on legislative majority while issues related to the disqualification of rebel MLAs were still pending. The Thackeray faction contended that it retained control over the party’s organisational structure and internal leadership, and that the Commission ignored this crucial aspect while delivering its verdict. The Supreme Court, however, earlier declined to stay the Election Commission’s order, allowing the Shinde faction to continue using the Shiv Sena name and symbol. Consequently, the Thackeray-led faction was compelled to operate under the name Shiv Sena (UBT) with the ‘torch’ symbol. A Fight for Legacy and Identity Political observers note that this case is not just about electoral symbols but about Balasaheb Thackeray’s ideological inheritance. For Eknath Shinde, retaining the bow and arrow symbol represents legal and moral validation of his political breakaway. For Uddhav Thackeray, reclaiming it is essential to restoring Shiv Sena’s original identity, emotional connect, and credibility among its core supporters. As the Supreme Court prepares to hear final arguments on January 23, the verdict is expected to mark a turning point in Maharashtra politics—potentially redefining party legitimacy, voter perception, and the balance of power in the state.
BMC Exit Polls Signal Clear Majority for BJP+, Major Setback for Thackeray Brothers

BMC Exit Polls Signal Clear Majority for BJP+, Major Setback for Thackeray Brothers

January 15, 2026
BMC Exit Polls Signal Clear Majority for BJP+, Major Setback for Thackeray Brothers Mumbai | Undercover Editor News Channel, January 15, 2026 Mumbai: Polling for Maharashtra’s 29 municipal corporations, including the high-profile Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), concluded peacefully on Thursday evening. As voting ended, exit polls released by Axis My India have stirred political buzz across Mumbai, suggesting a decisive advantage for the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance and a significant setback for the Thackeray brothers’ joint political experiment. According to the exit poll projections, the BJP+ alliance — comprising the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena — is poised to secure a comfortable majority in the 227-member BMC. The majority mark stands at 114 seats, and BJP+ is projected to cross this threshold with ease. The final verdict, however, will be known only after counting begins on Friday, January 16. Seat Share Projections As per Axis My India’s estimates, the BJP-led alliance is expected to win between 131 and 151 seats, placing it well above the majority mark. In contrast, the alliance of Shiv Sena (UBT) led by Uddhav Thackeray and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) headed by Raj Thackeray is projected to secure 58 to 68 seats. The Congress, which entered into a last-minute alliance with Prakash Ambedkar’s Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA), is likely to be restricted to 12 to 16 seats, indicating a limited impact in the civic battle. With nearly 1,700 candidates contesting across all wards, the exit poll numbers suggest a strong possibility of a power shift in India’s richest municipal body. Vote Share Estimates The exit poll indicates that BJP+ has emerged as the single-largest force in terms of vote share, with an estimated 42% of the total votes. The Thackeray brothers’ alliance is projected to receive 32%, while Congress+ and other parties are estimated to have garnered around 13% each. Community-wise Voting Trends A closer look at caste and community-wise trends reveals a mixed picture: These trends indicate that while the Thackeray-led alliance retains strong support among Marathi voters, BJP+ has built a broader cross-community coalition. Class and Profession-Based Trends Exit polls also highlight BJP+’s edge across multiple occupational groups: The Congress alliance remained a distant third across most categories. Women and Youth Back BJP+ Gender-wise trends show BJP+ leading among both women and men voters: The data suggests that BJP+ has emerged as the preferred choice among women and young voters in this election. Thackeray Stronghold Under Threat The BMC has traditionally been a Shiv Sena bastion since 1985, barring a brief exception in the early 1990s. Even in the tightly contested 2017 elections, the undivided Shiv Sena managed to retain the mayor’s post despite a strong BJP challenge. However, this time, exit polls indicate that even the rare political unity between Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray after nearly two decades may not be enough to retain control over Mumbai’s civic body. Disclaimer: Exit polls are indicative and not final results. Actual outcomes may differ and will be confirmed after the official counting of votes on January 16.
Maharashtra Votes Tomorrow: All You Need to Know About Civic Polls in Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur and 26 Other Cities

Maharashtra Votes Tomorrow: All You Need to Know About Civic Polls in Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur and 26 Other Cities

January 14, 2026
Maharashtra Votes Tomorrow: All You Need to Know About Civic Polls in Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur and 26 Other Cities Mumbai | Undercover Editor News Channel, January 14, 2026 Maharashtra is set for a major political showdown as voters across 29 municipal corporations, including key urban centers like Mumbai, Pune and Nagpur, head to the polls on January 15. With election campaigning ending on Tuesday evening, the stage is now set for a high-stakes civic battle that could significantly reshape the political landscape of the state. At the heart of the contest lies the crucial Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) election, long considered the crown jewel of urban local governance in India. The polls are being closely watched as a test of strength between the ruling Mahayuti alliance—led by the BJP along with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde—and the opposition led by Shiv Sena (UBT), for whom the election is being seen as a battle for political survival. Single-Phase Voting on January 15 According to the State Election Commission, voting for all 29 municipal corporations will be held in a single phase on Wednesday, January 15, 2026. Polling will begin at 7:30 am and continue until 5:30 pm. To ensure maximum voter participation, the Commission has declared January 15 a public holiday in all municipal corporation areas where polling is scheduled. Counting on January 16 The counting of votes will take place on January 16, 2026, with early trends expected to emerge from 8:00 am onwards. Final results are likely to be declared later in the day. Voters and political observers can track the results live on the State Election Commission’s official website, while major news platforms and television channels will also provide real-time updates. High Stakes in Mumbai’s BMC Polls The BMC elections will decide the fate of 227 corporator seats, with 114 seats required for a simple majority. The outcome will determine whether the traditional saffron dominance continues in Mumbai or whether opposition forces manage to alter the balance of power. The contest in Mumbai is primarily between the BJP-Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) alliance and the Shiv Sena (UBT), with the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) also emerging as a potential factor in select pockets. The Congress and NCP are expected to retain influence in specific regions across the state. Voter Information: What You Need to Know Voters can verify their names on the electoral roll through the official website mahasecvoterlist.in or by using the Voter Helpline App. For voting, the following photo identity documents will be accepted: Civic Polls Across 29 Cities Apart from Mumbai, civic elections are being held in major cities including Pune, Thane, Nagpur, Navi Mumbai, Kalyan-Dombivli, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Nashik, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Solapur, Vasai-Virar, Mira-Bhayandar, Kolhapur, Amravati, Akola, Panvel, Ahmednagar, Jalna, and several others, making this one of the largest coordinated civic exercises in the state’s history. A Crucial Political Test With urban governance, local leadership, and future political equations at stake, the Maharashtra civic polls are being viewed as more than just municipal elections. The results are expected to set the tone for upcoming state-level political battles and offer clear signals about shifting voter sentiments in urban Maharashtra. All eyes will now be on January 15, as Maharashtra’s cities step out to vote and decide who will control their civic bodies for the next term.
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

January 13, 2026
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

January 13, 2026
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.
Crorepati Candidates Dominate Civic Polls Across Mumbai Metropolitan Region

Crorepati Candidates Dominate Civic Polls Across Mumbai Metropolitan Region

January 12, 2026
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.
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