Upcoming BMC Elections: Thackeray Alliance and Controversies Surrounding Modi's Visit

Thackeray Alliance to Announce Joint Manifesto

Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray are set to unveil their joint manifesto for the BMC elections on January 4. They will kick off their campaign on January 5 from the eastern suburbs. A leader from Uddhav's party confirmed that preparations for the January 5 rally are underway. Additionally, the party has submitted applications for a rally at Shivaji Park on January 11 and 12. Meanwhile, Mumbai BJP President Amit Satam announced that their manifesto will be released after January 5. On Wednesday, Union Minister Ramdas Athawale met with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. It is speculated that Athawale, dissatisfied with both parties, may withdraw from most seats.

Raut Opposes Modi's Upcoming Visit

Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut has expressed opposition to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's scheduled visit to Mumbai on January 11. He stated that since the model code of conduct is in effect, the Election Commission should prevent the PM from visiting the city. Meanwhile, the scrutiny of nomination papers took place on Wednesday, resulting in the rejection of 167 out of 2,516 submissions for the BMC elections. MP Milind Deora has called on the commission to reject nomination forms that utilize digital signatures.

Uncontested Wins for Four Candidates

Four candidates have already secured their victories without contest. In Kalyan-Dombivli, BJP's Ranjana Mitesh Penkar, Rekha Rajan Chaudhary, and Asavari Kedar Navre face no opposition. Similarly, in Panvel, BJP candidate Nitin Patil is also expected to win uncontested.