Overview
- Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS asked the State Election Commission to cancel results and restart polls in wards with uncontested outcomes, after 68 candidates were declared elected unopposed statewide, including 32 in Thane.
- The SEC requested a detailed report from BMC chief Bhushan Gagrani over claims that returning officers in Colaba refused nominations, a dispute linked to wards where Speaker Rahul Narwekar’s relatives are running; Uddhav Thackeray sought Narwekar’s suspension, which he rejects.
- Uddhav and Raj Thackeray unveiled the joint ‘Vachan Nama’ manifesto with promises such as a ₹1,500 monthly Swabhiman Nidhi for domestic helps and Koli women, ₹10 ‘Maa Saheb’ kitchens, lower bus fares, affordable housing and civic service upgrades.
- Congress leader Nana Patole alleged coercion and forced withdrawals during the nomination process, even claiming murders in some places, and said complaints filed with election authorities will be investigated.
- Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis pledged a MahaYuti Hindu-Marathi mayor and tied deportation of illegal immigrants to Mumbai’s security and housing priorities, as voting is set for January 15 with counting on January 16.