Name: Fatal Fire Engulfs Banquet Hall in West Delhi
Uploaded: 2025-06-24T10:16:04.635+05:30
Duration: T00M31S
Channel: Editorji News Desk
Description: A fire at a banquet hall in West Delhi took the life of Rajesh, a carpenter. The fire required 24 tenders for containment. Suffocation suspected as cause, pending post-mortem.

As Maharashtra civic poll counting continues, the State Election Commission said 65 candidates from 10 municipal corporations were elected unopposed, with the BJP leading the tally.

Maharashtra civic polls: 65 candidates in ten civic bodies declared elected unopposed, says SEC

As Maharashtra civic poll counting continues, the State Election Commission said 65 candidates from 10 municipal corporations were elected unopposed, with the BJP leading the tally.

A total of 65 candidates from ten municipal corporations in Maharashtra were declared elected unopposed ahead of elections held on January 15, the State Election Commission (SEC) said on Friday.
The data was shared on a day when the counting of votes for 29 civic bodies, which went to polls on Thursday, was underway.
The BJP topped the list of unopposed candidates with 43, followed by ally Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena (18 candidates), the Nationalist Congress Party (2), an Independent, and a candidate of the Indian Secular Largest Assembly of Maharashtra.
At 20, the highest number of candidates were elected unopposed from Kalyan-Dombivali in Thane district, including 16 of the BJP and six of the Shiv Sena.
Two candidates of the BJP won without contesting the polls in each Pimpri Chinchwad and Pune, and six from Bhiwandi Nizampur in Thane district.
In Panvel, seven candidates declared elected unopposed, including six from the BJP and an Independent.
In Jalgaon, 12 candidates were elected without contesting, including six each from the Shiv Sena and the BJP.
In Dhule, all four unopposed candidates were from the BJP. While in Thane, all six corporators are from Shiv Sena. While in Ahilyanagar, three candidates were from the BJP and two from the NCP.
State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare had said reports have been sought from municipal commissioners regarding cases in which candidates of the ruling coalition were declared elected unopposed in Maharashtra.
However, the SEC break-up of the uncontested victories is silent on this aspect.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India should lead global startup trends and technology in the next decade, stressing innovation, AI, and quality manufacturing at Startup India’s 10-year event.

Our goal is for India to lead the world in startup trends, technology in coming years: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India should lead global startup trends and technology in the next decade, stressing innovation, AI, and quality manufacturing at Startup India&rsquo;s 10-year event.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said India has full faith in the innovation and confidence of its startups, and added that the nation should lead globally in startup trends and technology in the coming decade.
A nation that is forward-looking on Artificial Intelligence (AI) will have a competitive advantage, Modi said. Speaking at a mega event marking a decade of the flagship programme 'Startup India', Modi asked the founders and entrepreneurs to work on new ideas and solve problems, all the while keeping a sharp focus on quality products.
"Our goal should be that in the coming 10 years, India will lead the world in new startup trends and technology," Modi said.&nbsp;
The PM said he has full faith in confidence, courage and innovation of startups and entrepreneurs in India, and noted that the nation's future is taking shape. He said the time has come for startups to also focus on manufacturing and research. Today's research becomes tomorrow's intellectual property, the PM said.&nbsp;
On the India startup success story, Modi said several schemes have been rolled out to provide seed fund to startups, while outdated rules have been done away with.
"We have removed outdated rules and trusted innovators," he said.&nbsp;
Startup India was launched on January 16, 2016, as a transformative national programme to nurture innovation, promote entrepreneurship and enable investment-driven growth, with the objective of making India a nation of job creators rather than job seekers.&nbsp;
On Friday, at the programme marking a decade of the Startup India initiative, PM also interacted with founders of India's vibrant startup ecosystem.&nbsp;

UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath lauds the Modi government for fostering a new sports culture in India, highlighting improved infrastructure and opportunities for athletes.

New sports culture in country due to Modi govt's efforts, says UP CM Adityanath

UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath lauds the Modi government for fostering a new sports culture in India, highlighting improved infrastructure and opportunities for athletes.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday said a new sports culture has developed in the country under the Modi government.&nbsp;
He made the remarks at the inaugural programme of the Eastern Zone Inter-University Women's Basketball Tournament at the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University.
"Over the past 11 years, we have witnessed the birth of a new sports culture. Before 2014, sports and sporting competitions were not part of the government's agenda. People believed it was not a priority area. It was often neglected," Adityanath said.
He said before athletes were forced to move to other states as the infrastructure did not meet international standards.
"But now, after 2014, the kind of sports culture that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has developed is truly remarkable to witness," the chief minister said.
Adityanath also brought up India's bid for the 2036 Olympics, saying hopefully India bags maximum medals when it is held in the country.
He asked all universities and colleges to adopt at least one sport in their university, and identify and train good players.
"If the youth does well in sports, they will stay away from addiction."

Trends from the January 15 civic polls show BJP leading in Pune, Pimpri Chinchwad, and other western Maharashtra civic bodies, ahead of NCP factions, Congress, and Shiv Sena (UBT).

Maharashtra civic polls: BJP overtakes NCP-NCP (SP) combine in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad

Trends from the January 15 civic polls show BJP leading in Pune, Pimpri Chinchwad, and other western Maharashtra civic bodies, ahead of NCP factions, Congress, and Shiv Sena (UBT).

The BJP has surged ahead of the NCP-NCP (SP) alliance, led by Ajit Pawar and his uncle Sharad Pawar, in the Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporations, according to early trends after the counting of votes for the civic polls began on Friday morning.
The BJP is also leading in the Kolhapur, Satara, Solapur, and Sangli civic bodies in the western Maharashtra region.
The BJP's showing in Pune and PCMC indicates the saffron party has effectively blunted the challenge posed by the "united" NCP factions. The BJP had single-handedly held power in the previous five-year terms from 2017 to 2022 in Pune and PCMC civic bodies, after which the Administrator had control of the civic body due to a delay in civic polls following a Supreme Court hold on the reservation issue.
In Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad, the BJP is contesting independently against its Mahayuti partners, the NCP and Shiv Sena, headed by deputy CMs Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde, respectively. The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Congress are also in the fray.
As per the latest trends, the BJP is leading in 43 of 165 civic wards in Pune, followed by Congress, which is ahead in 7 seats, the NCP in 5, and the NCP (SP) in 3.
In the 128-member Pimpri Chinchwad civic body, the BJP is leading in 70 electoral seats and the NCP is ahead in 40 wards.
The poll campaign in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad was marked by sharp exchanges between Deputy CM Ajit Pawar and the BJP. Ajit Pawar had targeted the local BJP leadership over alleged irregularities in the functioning of the two civic bodies.
In the 102-member Solapur municipal corporation, the BJP is leading in 60 electoral wards.
In the 81-member Kolhapur civic body, Mahayuti partners&mdash;the BJP, Shiv Sena, and the NCP&mdash;are leading in 25 seats, while the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi is ahead in 21 civic wards.
Elections to the 29 municipal corporations were held on January 15 after a gap of several years, with terms of most of them having ended between 2020 and 2023.

Siswan-Mirzapur forest in Mohali is gaining popularity as an eco-tourism destination with a 5-km nature trek, boating, eco-huts, and scenic viewpoints.

Siswan-Mirzapur forest emerges as eco-tourism hub in Punjab

Siswan-Mirzapur forest in Mohali is gaining popularity as an eco-tourism destination with a 5-km nature trek, boating, eco-huts, and scenic viewpoints.

The Siswan-Mirzapur forest area under Mohali Forest Division has emerged as a major eco-tourism destination due to its natural beauty, lush forests, scenic viewpoints, and watchtowers, Punjab Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak said.
Boating facility, a well-equipped canteen, and three eco-huts at the Siswan Dam are providing a wonderful experience to the tourists, with the forest division developing more nature trails and trekking routes, which will soon open to the public, he said.
The forest and wildlife preservation minister on Thursday said that the 5-km Siswan&ndash;Mirzapur nature trek, which takes approximately one and a half hours to complete, has gained popularity among visitors due to its natural beauty, lush forests, scenic viewpoints, and watchtowers.
He said a nature awareness camp was successfully organised at Siswan Dam on December 25 last year, featuring a cycling event followed by a trekking programme. Regular educational visits of school children are also being organised at the Siswan Nature Awareness Camp to instil the spirit of environmental conservation among the new generation, he added.
The forest division is continuously promoting nature conservation, responsible eco-tourism, environmental education, and community participation, the minister said.
He further said efforts are being made in the villages dependent on forestry to provide skill-based training to enhance livelihood opportunities.
Under community development initiatives, self-help groups from Siswan, Gochar, and Nada villages are being trained in cloth bag making, tailoring, and other skills to create new employment opportunities at the local level, he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Guwahati on January 17–18, witness the Bodo folk dance ‘Bagurumba,’ lay the foundation for the Rs 6,957 crore Kaziranga elevated corridor, and flag off two Amrit Bharat Express trains.

PM Modi's Assam Visit: Foundation Stones & Folk Dance

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Guwahati on January 17&ndash;18, witness the Bodo folk dance &lsquo;Bagurumba,&rsquo; lay the foundation for the Rs 6,957 crore Kaziranga elevated corridor, and flag off two Amrit Bharat Express trains.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting Assam from Saturday for two days, during which he is scheduled to flag off two Amrit Bharat trains and lay the foundation stone for the Kaziranga elevated corridor, an official said.
Modi's visit to the northeastern state, where assembly elections are due in the first half of 2026, will be his second tour in less than a month.
Soon after his arrival here on the evening of January 17, the PM is set to witness the Bodo folk dance 'Bagurumba' by 10,000 performers at the Arjun Bhogeswar Barua Sports stadium in the city, the official said on Friday.
Modi will leave for Kaliabor the next day to lay the foundation stone for the Rs 6,957 crore Kaziranga elevated corridor, he said.
The prime minister is expected to flag off virtually two Amrit Bharat Express trains, Dibrugarh-Gomti Nagar (Lucknow) and Kamakhya-Rohtak, and address a public meeting at Kaliabor, he said.
Modi had come to Assam on a two-day visit from December 20 to inaugurate the new terminal of Guwahati international airport and unveil the statue of Assam&rsquo;s first Chief Minister Gopinath Bardaloi, after whom the airport is named.
The PM had also laid the foundation stone for a Rs 10,601-crore brownfield ammonia-urea plant in Dibrugarh.
During his last visit, Modi addressed public meetings in Guwahati and Namrup, where he had set the tone for the 2026 Assam assembly elections.

BJP releases schedule for its national president election, with nominations on January 19 and results on January 20. Nitin Nabin is expected to succeed J P Nadda.

BJP to announce new party president on January 20

BJP releases schedule for its national president election, with nominations on January 19 and results on January 20. Nitin Nabin is expected to succeed J P Nadda.

The BJP on Friday released the schedule to elect its national president, saying the nominations for the post will be filed on January 19 and the name of the new chief will be announced the next day.
According to party sources, BJP national working president Nitin Nabin is likely to be elected as the national president unopposed, as there is least possibility of any other leader joining the fray.
The organisational poll schedule released by BJP national returning officer K Laxman showed that the nomination for the election of the party chief can be filed between 2 pm and 4 pm on January 19, and the nominations can be withdrawn between 5 pm and 6 pm on the same day.
Scrutiny of the nomination papers will be carried out between 4 pm and 5 pm on January 19.&nbsp;
"Polling will be held if needed on January 20, and an official announcement of the name of the new BJP national president will be made the same day," Laxman said.
Nabin is likely to replace JP Nadda as BJP national president with party leadership, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, backing his candidature for the post, sources said.
Incidentally, Nadda was also first appointed as the BJP's national working president in June 2019 and eventually was elected unopposed to the post of party national president on January 20, 2020, succeeding Amit Shah.
Nabin, 45, the son of late BJP veteran and former MLA Nabin Kishore Prasad Sinha, is seen within the party as a dynamic leader who is ideologically rooted and deeply committed to the organisation. He comes from the RSS background.
Nabin represents Bankipur assembly constituency in Bihar and has served as a minister in the Bihar government twice.

The BJP accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of misleading voters by questioning the Maharashtra civic poll process amid counting, calling his “vote chori” remarks baseless.

BJP responds to Rahul Gandhi's 'EC gaslighting people' claim with 'khandani chor' barb

The BJP accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of misleading voters by questioning the Maharashtra civic poll process amid counting, calling his &ldquo;vote chori&rdquo; remarks baseless.

The BJP on Friday attacked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi with a "khandani chor" barb, accusing him of misleading people by discrediting the Maharashtra civic poll process while the counting of votes was underway.
This came in response to Gandhi asserting that "vote chori is an anti-national act" and accused the Election Commission of gaslighting citizens amid a row over the quality of 'indelible' ink used in marker pens in Maharashtra civic polls.
Reacting sharply to Gandhi's remarks, BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla, in a post on X, said, "Bahana (excuse) brigade back! Accepting defeat before counting ends?" "Rahul Back to doing what he does best -- discredit, distort and disinform. 'Khandani chor' now regurgitating claims of Thackerays," he charged.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Bahana brigade back ! Accepting defeat before counting ends ? Rahul Back to doing what he does best Discredit , distort &amp; disinform Khandani chor now regurgitating claims of Thackerays By the way what came out of allegations Rahul made on Bihar elections vote chori ?? <a href="https://t.co/ReIHFnxntG">pic.twitter.com/ReIHFnxntG</a>
&mdash; Shehzad Jai Hind (Modi Ka Parivar) (@Shehzad_Ind) <a href="https://twitter.com/Shehzad_Ind/status/2012032661184004376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2026</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Poonawalla also sought to know what came out of Gandhi's 'vote chori' allegations on the Bihar elections.
The BJP has on various occasions slammed Gandhi for his vote theft allegation, terming it "baseless" and an attempt at "hiding his failures".
It has also asked Gandhi and other leaders of the opposition INDIA bloc why they did not file any petition in court or on other platforms challenging the Bihar polls results.&nbsp;

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused the Election Commission of gaslighting citizens over the indelible ink controversy in Maharashtra civic polls, as the state election panel ordered a probe.

Rahul Gandhi Slams SEC Over Maharashtra Civic Poll Ink Controversy

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused the Election Commission of gaslighting citizens over the indelible ink controversy in Maharashtra civic polls, as the state election panel ordered a probe.

Amid the row over the quality of 'indelible' ink used in marker pens in Maharashtra civic polls, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday asserted that "vote chori is an anti-national act" and accused the Election Commission of gaslighting citizens.
Maharashtra State Election Commission (SEC) on Thursday evening said it would conduct a thorough probe into the quality of the 'indelible' ink in marker pens used for the civic polls, after opposition leaders alleged that the mark on a voter's finger could be removed easily, enabling bogus voting.
Amid polling for 29 municipal corporations, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), social media was flooded with videos claiming to demonstrate how the ink could be removed using chemicals such as acetone, even as Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis dismissed the claims.
Gandhi shared on X a media report on the row which stated that "opposition, voters cry foul over fading ink markers".
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Election commission gaslighting citizens is how trust has collapsed in our democracy. Vote Chori is an anti-national act. <a href="https://t.co/3FZKkDPwDg">pic.twitter.com/3FZKkDPwDg</a>
&mdash; Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/2012029622654025753?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2026</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"Election commission gaslighting citizens is how trust has collapsed in our democracy. Vote Chori is an anti-national act," Gandhi said in his post on X.
Speaking with PTI, State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare said that in view of the controversy, the SEC will not use marker pens for the coming Zilla Parishad elections but revert to the traditional ink -- produced by Mysore Paints and Varnish Limited, a company of the Karnataka government -- used in assembly and Lok Sabha elections.
"The SEC has decided to conduct a probe.....it will cover not only the ink quality but also the videos which were circulated throughout the day. The probe into videos is to ascertain whether the ink was applied on the finger while voting or in a mischievous way," Waghmare said.
"We will do a random sampling of marker pens used today across the state and verify the quality of the ink supplied to us. The formula for the quality of the ink is finalised by the Election commission of India and a private company supplied the pens to the SEC," the state election commissioner said.
"We have been using these pens since 2011 for all local body elections," he added.
Another SEC official said Kores (India) Ltd had supplied the marker pens, and those were as per the commission's specifications.
Three marker pens were provided for each polling booth, he added.
Earlier, Mumbai Congress leader and Lok Sabha member Varsha Gaikwad posted a video of her party colleague using acetone to wipe off the ink from his finger.
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray also raised the issue after casting his vote in Dadar.
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray said he too received reports of ink being washed away.
"This is shocking," the former chief minister said, accusing SEC Waghmare of siding with the ruling BJP-led alliance and demanding his suspension.
Maharashtra Congress Legislative Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar made the same allegation.
Notably, state minister and Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Shirsat too endorsed the claim about the ink coming off fingers easily.
The SEC, however, claimed that even if someone tried to vote again by removing the ink mark, it was not possible as other safeguards were in place.

The Punjab government has approved the rollout of Digital Electronic Ticketing Machines in state-run buses to improve efficiency, transparency and passenger convenience through cashless payments and real-time tracking.

Punjab approves digital ticketing machines to modernise state-run bus services

The Punjab government has approved the rollout of Digital Electronic Ticketing Machines in state-run buses to improve efficiency, transparency and passenger convenience through cashless payments and real-time tracking.

The Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has approved the procurement of Digital Electronic Ticketing Machines for state-run bus services, marking a major step towards modernising public transport and enhancing citizen-centric service delivery.
The decision is aimed at improving efficiency, transparency and passenger convenience by integrating technology into everyday commuting. With the rollout of Digital Electronic Ticketing Machines, passengers will be able to purchase tickets using multiple payment options, including QR code-based payments, UPI, card transactions and offline modes, reducing reliance on cash and minimising waiting time across urban and rural routes.
The new ticketing system will also focus on improving journey planning and passenger experience. The machines will be GPS-enabled, allowing commuters to track buses in real time, locate nearby bus stops and access live information on services operating along different routes. Facilities such as checking seat availability are expected to further improve the reliability of Punjab&rsquo;s state-run bus network.
The Bhagwant Mann government has clarified that its flagship welfare schemes will continue without disruption under the new system.&nbsp;
Free bus travel for women will remain in place, with women passengers being issued smart cards to access the facility seamlessly. Students will also receive smart cards, which can be recharged online through a mobile application, making daily travel more accessible and affordable.
Under the initiative, a smart card-based ecosystem will be introduced for both residents and tourists travelling on Punjab Government-operated buses. These smart cards can be digitally recharged via a mobile app, aligning public transport services with modern digital infrastructure and ensuring a hassle-free commuting experience.
Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar said the introduction of Digital Electronic Ticketing Machines would significantly strengthen the functioning of the Transport Department.&nbsp;
&ldquo;From an administrative and governance perspective, the Digital Electronic Ticketing Machines will significantly strengthen the functioning of the Transport Department. Real-time monitoring of ticket sales and bus movement will enhance revenue transparency, reduce manual intervention and improve accountability. The availability of accurate digital data will support better planning, informed decision-making and more efficient deployment of buses, enabling expansion of services through the addition of vehicles to the existing fleet,&rdquo; he said.
The minister added that the move reflects the government&rsquo;s broader governance vision. &ldquo;By placing technology at the service of citizens, the Bhagwant Mann Government is reinforcing its broader vision of responsive, transparent and effective governance. The move towards smart ticketing infrastructure underlines the government&rsquo;s commitment to delivering safe, efficient and technology-enabled mobility, while ensuring that public transport in Punjab remains inclusive, welfare-oriented and firmly centred on the needs of the people,&rdquo; he said.

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A fire at a banquet hall in West Delhi took the life of Rajesh, a carpenter. The fire required 24 tenders for containment. Suffocation suspected as cause, pending post-mortem.

Fatal Fire Engulfs Banquet Hall in West Delhi

In West Delhi, a fire at Golden Banquet Hall claimed the life of Rajesh, a carpenter. The intense blaze required 24 fire tenders to control. Cause of death is under investigation.

Fire in West Delhi's Banquet Hall Claims Life

A fatal fire at Golden Banquet Hall in West Delhi resulted in the death of Rajesh due to suspected suffocation. The fire required 24 fire tenders. Exact cause pending post-mortem.

New Delhi, Jun 24 ( 
 (Only the headline of this report may have been reworked by Editorji; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

BJP emerged as the single largest party in BMC, ending Shiv Sena’s long dominance, as the Mahayuti alliance surged ahead across Maharashtra municipal corporation elections.

BJP triumphs over Thackerays in Mumbai, trumps Pawars in Pune civic polls

BJP emerged as the single largest party in BMC, ending Shiv Sena&rsquo;s long dominance, as the Mahayuti alliance surged ahead across Maharashtra municipal corporation elections.

Breaking the nearly three-decade-old dominance of the undivided Shiv Sena, the BJP on Friday emerged as the single largest party in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, and also triumphed in Pune, where it made mincemeat of the alliance of NCP factions led by Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar.
The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance is set to come to power in 25 of the 29 municipal corporations, including Mumbai, where elections were held on January 15, Maharashtra Chief Minister Fadnavis said, addressing jubilant party workers in south Mumbai in the evening.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked the voters over the emphatic victory of BJP and allies in the civic polls. &ldquo;Thank you Maharashtra! The dynamic people of the state bless the NDA&rsquo;s agenda of pro-people good governance,&rdquo; Modi posted on X.
The BJP-led alliance was set to surpass the 114-seat majority mark in the 227-member BMC, which is India's richest civic body, whose budget for 2025-26 is a whopping Rs 74,427 crore.
Counting of votes was held on Friday, a day after the polling saw a 54.77 per cent turnout. The State Election Commission is yet to release an official statement on all the results. An official said the final results may be announced late in the night.
Coupled with a decent performance by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena, the BJP is now in the driver's seat to govern the cash-rich Mumbai civic body.
The high-stakes battle for BMC saw the Thackeray cousins reunite after two decades, only to see their hopes dashed as the results announced so far indicated.
In Pune and neighbouring Pimpri-Chinchwad municipal corporation polls, the BJP is heading towards a massive victory, way ahead of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and NCP (SP) alliance.
Fadnavis has emerged as the man of the moment, with the BJP under his leadership surpassing its previous high of 82 seats in the 2017 BMC elections.
The success of BJP's &lsquo;Mission Mumbai' has now firmly established it as the key political force in the financial capital. The result marks a significant shift in Mumbai's power structure.
For years, the BMC was considered the invincible fortress of the Thackeray-led Shiv Sena. With the BJP's victory, the narrative of Mumbai politics has moved from the traditional identity-based &lsquo;Marathi asmita' to a mandate for the BJP's plank of vikas' (development) and urban infrastructure.
Maharashtra minister and BJP leader Nitesh Rane said the BJP and Shiv Sena's strong showing in the BMC polls amounted to a clear mandate for its Hindutva pitch during the campaign, as the alliance surged ahead in the race.
&ldquo;Hindutva has always been our soul; one cannot differentiate our Hindutva from development,&rdquo; Fadnavis said.
Shrikant Pangarkar, an accused in the 2017 murder of journalist Gauri Lankesh, was elected a corporator in the Jalna Municipal Corporation, winning the elections as an independent candidate.
In Nagpur, home turf of CM Fadnavis and Union minister Nitin Gadkari, counting trends and results for the Nagpur Municipal Corporation suggested a near-repeat of the 2017 results, leaving the Congress struggling to make significant inroads despite an aggressive campaign.
The BJP is on course to surpass the 2017 tally of 108 seats in the 151-member Nagpur civic body.
The Congress, which contested the polls in alliance with the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi, won elections to the Latur Municipal Corporation, bagging a clear majority with over 40 seats in the 70-member body, leaving the BJP a distant second.
In a significant political turn of events ahead of the elections, Uddhav and Raj Thackeray reunited last month and rival NCP factions - the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) led by Deputy CM Ajit Pawar and NCP (SP) headed by Sharad Pawar, also forged a local alliance in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad.
In Mumbai, a sour insult turned into a sweet victory for BJP candidates that party leader K Annamalai campaigned for in the BMC polls, as they emerged triumphant, in a befitting reply to MNS chief Raj Thackeray&rsquo;s 'rasmalai' jibe against the Tamil Nadu politician.
While campaigning in Mumbai for the BMC elections, Annamalai had said the city didn't belong to Maharashtra alone as it was an international city.
The remarks triggered a sharp exchange from MNS chief Raj Thackeray, who slammed Annamalai, mocking him as &ldquo;rasmalai&rdquo; and questioning his authority to comment on Mumbai.
Amid trends showing the BJP-Shiv Sena's aggressive march in the Mumbai civic polls, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said the real picture will emerge only at midnight when the current indications will change after all votes are counted.
In what is being described as a collapse of its urban base, the Congress touched a new low in the BMC elections, and is expecting to win just around 10 per cent of the 227 seats.
Asaduddin Owaisi's All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) emerged as the dark horse in the civic polls, registering notable gains in Muslim-dominated wards across the state.
AIMIM&rsquo;s former MP Imtiaz Jaleel said the party was set to win in 100 seats across the state and received strong support in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Dhule, Amravati, Jalna, Malegaon, and Parbhani, besides garnering a few seats in Mumbai.
Elections to the 29 municipal corporations were held on January 15 after a gap of several years, with terms of most of them having ended between 2020 and 2023. Of these, nine fall in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), the most urbanised belt in India.
The elections were held in the following municipal corporations: Mumbai, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Navi Mumbai, Vasai-Virar, Kalyan-Dombivli, Kolhapur, Nagpur, Solapur, Amravati, Akola, Nashik, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Pune, Ulhasnagar, Thane, Chandrapur, Parbhani, Mira-Bhayandar, Nanded-Waghala, Panvel, Bhiwandi-Nizampur, Latur, Malegaon, Sangli-Miraj-Kupwad, Jalgaon, Ahilyanagar, Dhule, Jalna and Ichalkaranji.

Karnataka BJP leaders mocked MNS chief Raj Thackeray with a ‘rasmalai’ jibe after BJP-led alliance’s strong showing in BMC polls, expressing confidence ahead of local body elections in the state.

BMC results: Karnataka BJP takes 'rasmalai' dig at Raj Thackeray, eyes repeat in local body polls

Karnataka BJP leaders mocked MNS chief Raj Thackeray with a &lsquo;rasmalai&rsquo; jibe after BJP-led alliance&rsquo;s strong showing in BMC polls, expressing confidence ahead of local body elections in the state.

The Karnataka BJP on Friday took a 'rasmalai' dig at MNS chief Raj Thackeray following the strong performance of the BJP-led alliance in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections.
Sounding upbeat over the party's performance in the BMC polls, BJP leaders in Karnataka expressed confidence that the momentum would be replicated in the state's upcoming local body elections, particularly in the five city corporations under the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA).
"Ordered some rasmalai. #BMCResults," Bengaluru Central MP P C Mohan posted on 'X'.
Bangalore South MP Tejasvi Surya too joined in, describing the outcome as a "sweet rasmalai" victory for the Mumbai BJP in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation election.
Congratulating Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis and all party workers for their efforts, in a post, he said, "The Triple Engine Sarkar, under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi, will work strongly for Mumbai&rsquo;s redevelopment and improve Ease of living for all Mumbaikars."
The comments come against the backdrop of a recent controversy during the BMC poll campaign, when former Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai had said that "Mumbai is not a Maharashtra city but an international city".
Reacting sharply, Raj Thackeray mocked Annamalai referring to him as 'rasmalai' and questioned his authority to comment on Mumbai.
Elections to BMC were held after nine year on Thursday.
The BJP and ally Shiv Sena are ahead as per trends, as the counting of votes for 227 wards is underway on Friday.
Wedlcoming the results, Karnataka BJP President B Y Vijayendra said, "The people of Maharashtra have delivered a resounding verdict in the Urban Local Body elections, decisively in favour of the BJP-led alliance across the state, including the major city of Mumbai."
This verdict reflects the trust placed in the leadership of PM Narendra Modi at the centre and the governance of CM Devendra Fadnavis in the State, he said, "I also extend my congratulations to the dedicated karyakartas of Maharashtra BJP, the true backbone of our party, whose tireless efforts made this emphatic success possible."
"This mandate clearly captures the public mood and will be repeated in Karnataka when our State&rsquo;s local bodies go to the polls," he added.
Noting that the resounding victory reflects the people&rsquo;s trust, and aspiration for good governance, Leader of Opposition in Karnataka Assembly R Ashoka expressed confidence that in the upcoming GBA elections, the people of Bengaluru will bless Karnataka BJP and give it an opportunity to serve the city.
"The mandate in the BMC polls is yet another clear endorsement of development-oriented politics, decisive leadership, and unwavering commitment to public service. I humbly thank every voter, karyakarta, and well-wisher who stood with Maharashtra BJP and worked tirelessly on the ground to make this victory possible," he posted on 'X'.
This success further strengthens our resolve to deliver transparent, responsive, and citizen-first civic governance, he said, adding that, "I am confident that in the upcoming GBA elections, the people of Namma Bengaluru will bless Karnataka BJP and give us the opportunity to serve the city with dedication, integrity, and a clear vision for the future."
Zilla and taluk panchayat polls in Karnataka are expected later this year, while the elections to the five city corporations, under the GBA are likely before June 30.
The Supreme Court has directed the Karnataka government and the state election body to hold the Bengaluru local body polls by June 30.
The tenure of the earlier elected body, under the eartwhile Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) expired on September 10, 2020, and since then a government-appointed administrator was taking care of its day-to-day affairs.
Bengaluru was divided into five new municipal corporations &mdash;Central, East, West, North, and South&mdash; under the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) in September 2025, replacing the single Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked Maharashtra voters as trends showed strong gains for the BJP-led NDA in Mumbai municipal corporation elections.

NDA's track record of development struck a chord with Maharashtra: PM Modi on civic poll results

Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked Maharashtra voters as trends showed strong gains for the BJP-led NDA in Mumbai municipal corporation elections.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday thanked the people of Maharashtra for blessing the NDA's agenda of pro-people governance after the results of the municipal corporation polls projected massive wins for the BJP-led ruling alliance.
According to the trends shown by television channels for 210 out of the 227 seats in Mumbai, the BJP is leading in 90 seats and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena in 28 electoral wards. The Ajit Pawar-led NCP, which contested separately, is leading in three wards.
In the opposition camp, the Shiv Sena (UBT) and its ally, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), are leading in 57 and nine wards respectively. The Congress, which contested in alliance with the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi, is ahead in 15 wards, and others in eight.
"Thank you Maharashtra! The dynamic people of the state bless the NDA's agenda of pro-people good governance," Modi said in a post on X.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Thank you Maharashtra! The dynamic people of the state bless the NDA&rsquo;s agenda of pro-people good governance! The results of various municipal corporation elections indicate that NDA&rsquo;s bond with the people of Maharashtra has further deepened. Our track record and vision for&hellip;
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/2012155020289183913?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2026</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The prime minister said the results of various municipal corporation elections indicate that the NDA's bond with the people of Maharashtra has further deepened.
"Our track record and vision for development have struck a chord. My gratitude to the people across Maharashtra. This is a vote to add momentum to progress and celebrate the glorious culture the state is associated with," Modi said.
The prime minister said he was very proud of every NDA karyakarta who worked tirelessly among people across Maharashtra.
"They talked about our alliance's track record, highlighted our vision for the coming times and also effectively countered the lies of the Opposition. My best wishes to them," Modi said.

BJP registered a landslide victory in Jalna civic polls, winning 41 of 65 seats, while Congress, Sena UBT and both NCP factions suffered major setbacks.

BJP sweeps Jalna civic polls; wins 41 out of 65 seats

BJP registered a landslide victory in Jalna civic polls, winning 41 of 65 seats, while Congress, Sena UBT and both NCP factions suffered major setbacks.

The BJP swept the Jalna civic polls winning 41 out of 65 seats, marking the first time the party has won a majority in the city known for its steel re-rolling, seed and agro industries.
Among the more talked about victories from here is that of Shrikant Pangarkar, an accused in the 2017 killing of journalist-activist Gauri Lankesh. He won as an independent from electoral ward No. 13 defeating Raosaheb Dhoble of the BJP.
The Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena was second with 12 wins. The polls here had turned into a prestige battle between Shiv Sena MLA Arjun Khotkar and his arch rival Kailash Gorantyal, who had joined the BJP from the Congress recently.
The Congress, which once dominated the municipal council here before it was upgraded to a municipal corporation,, suffered a major setback, managing to win only nine seats. The party contested the election without a clear local leadership following Gorantyal's exit, observers said.
The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) failed to open its account despite fielding contestants on 12 seats. The party's prospects were weakened after its district president Bhaskar Ambekar joined the Eknath Shinde faction.
Both NCP factions, under Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar, were routed. The Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi, which contested 17 seats, failed to open its account.
The AIMIM, which contested 17 seats, won from two.
Political observers said the BJP's move to give tickets to four Muslims split the minority votes. Of the four, Mazhar Sayyed emerged victorious.
Prominent winners included Sangeeta Gorantyal and Akshya Gorantyal, wife and son, respectively, of Kailash Gorantyal, and Darshana Khotkar, daughter of MLA Arjun Khotkar. BJP leader Bhaskar Danve, cousin of former Union minister Raosaheb Danve, and his wife Sushila Danve were also elected.

The Congress returned to power in the Latur Municipal Corporation, winning 43 of 70 seats, while the BJP finished a distant second amid controversy over remarks on late CM Vilasrao Deshmukh.

Congress sweeps Latur civic body polls with 43 seats; BJP leader's comments on ex-CM backfire

The Congress returned to power in the Latur Municipal Corporation, winning 43 of 70 seats, while the BJP finished a distant second amid controversy over remarks on late CM Vilasrao Deshmukh.

The Congress won elections to the Latur Municipal Corporation (LMC) in central Maharashtra on Friday, bagging a clear majority with 43 seats in the 70-member body, leaving the BJP a distant second with 22 seats.
Local political observers believe Maharashtra BJP president Ravindra Chavan's controversial remarks on Congress stalwart and late Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, who hailed from Latur, days before polling consolidated votes in favour of the Grand Old Party.
The Congress secured 43 seats, followed by the BJP (22), Vanchit Bahujan Aaghadi (4) and the Nationalist Congress Party (1), according to elections officials.
Voting for the LMC was held on Thursday and counting was completed on Friday afternoon.
Addressing BJP workers at a poll campaign rally here, Chavan said memories of late Vilasrao Deshmukh, a two-time CM and a popular politician from the Marathwada region, would be "wiped out" from his hometown Latur.
Chavan's remarks, for which he later apologised, had drawn sharp criticism from citizens and political parties across the state.
Of the five mayors since the corporation's formation in 2011, four were in the fray this time and two of them won.
Congress's first mayor of Latur, Smita Khanapure, suffered a setback, losing to BJP spokesperson Prerana Honrao in Ward No. 15.
Another former mayor from the party, Vikrant Gojamgunde, who quit the Congress ahead of civic polls and joined the NCP, won from Ward No. 5 with a 4,729-vote margin.
Former mayor from the Congress, Deepak Sul, retained his influence by winning Ward No. 10 with 5,451 votes.
Former BJP mayor Suresh Pawar, contesting from Ward No. 6 on a Shiv Sena ticket, lost to the BJP candidate.
In the last LMC polls in 2017, the BJP won 36 seats with the Congress coming a close second with victory in 33 wards.

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