News for 'municipal body'

Local body polls soon? Maha cabinet takes 21 decisions in single day

Local body polls soon? Maha cabinet takes 21 decisions in single day

Rediff.com4 Nov 2025

A series of decisions were taken under the Public Health Department, including an approval to increase honoraria for field-level workers engaged under the Ayushman BharatPradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana and Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Jan Arogya Yojana.

Ladki Bahin dole amid civic polls sparks row in Maha; Oppn protests

Ladki Bahin dole amid civic polls sparks row in Maha; Oppn protests

Rediff.com12 Jan 2026

Maharashtra minister's announcement regarding the disbursement of financial aid under the Ladki Bahin Yojana before Makar Sankranti has triggered a controversy, with the Opposition alleging a violation of the Model Code of Conduct ahead of municipal elections. The State Election Commission has sought a report on the matter.

2 traders try to cremate mannequin for Rs 50L insurance

2 traders try to cremate mannequin for Rs 50L insurance

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

Two Delhi-based traders were arrested in Hapur after attempting to cremate a mannequin instead of a human body to fraudulently claim insurance money. The scheme involved using the identity of an employee's brother to obtain a life insurance policy and then staging his death.

When Votes Come With a Price Tag, Is It Still Democracy?

When Votes Come With a Price Tag, Is It Still Democracy?

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

The Maharashtra municipal elections showed a troubling shift, where votes were traded for cash, convictions no longer mattered, and ideology became an afterthought, observes Ramesh Menon.

'Some people have no work to show': Fadnavis' dig at Ajit Pawar

'Some people have no work to show': Fadnavis' dig at Ajit Pawar

Rediff.com10 Jan 2026

Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party is part of the BJP-led Mahayuti but the two parties are fighting the Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad civic polls separately.

Key takeaways from SC's modified order on stray dogs

Key takeaways from SC's modified order on stray dogs

Rediff.com22 Aug 2025

The Supreme Court on Friday modified its August 11 direction prohibiting release of stray dogs from pounds in Delhi-NCR and said the picked up canines should be sterilised, vaccinated and released back in the same area.

Maha civic polls marred by violence, bogus voting allegations

Maha civic polls marred by violence, bogus voting allegations

Rediff.com3 Dec 2025

The first phase of polling for municipal councils and nagar panchayats in Maharashtra was disrupted by violence and allegations of bogus voting. Clashes occurred between supporters of ruling allies BJP, NCP, and Shiv Sena. The Bombay High Court directed the SEC to postpone the counting of votes.

Rahul accuses EC of 'gaslighting citizens'; BJP responds

Rahul accuses EC of 'gaslighting citizens'; BJP responds

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleges 'vote chori' amid controversy over the quality of indelible ink used in Maharashtra civic polls. The Election Commission has launched a probe into the matter.

Congress suspends 12 councillors for tieup with BJP in Maharashtra

Congress suspends 12 councillors for tieup with BJP in Maharashtra

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

The Congress party has suspended 12 newly-elected councillors in Maharashtra's Ambernath Municipal Council and its block president for forming an alliance with the BJP after recent civic polls. The BJP, along with the Congress and NCP, secured a majority in the council, despite Shiv Sena being the single largest party.

Is BJP Planning Op Kamal Against Eknath Shinde, Ajit Pawar?

Is BJP Planning Op Kamal Against Eknath Shinde, Ajit Pawar?

Rediff.com19 Jan 2026

'The writing is on the wall for both Shinde and Ajit Pawar.'

'Marathi Votes Alone Won't Save Thackerays'

'Marathi Votes Alone Won't Save Thackerays'

Rediff.com24 Dec 2025

'This is purely transactional politics -- there exists no family reunion as such.'

Meet The 'Waste Warrior' Of India!

Meet The 'Waste Warrior' Of India!

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

Her mission: Making Mother Earth cleaner and greener!

'Fadnavis Encouraged Thackerays To Unite'

'Fadnavis Encouraged Thackerays To Unite'

Rediff.com24 Dec 2025

'This will split the Marathi and Shiv Sena vote.' 'The BJP has conducted 3 surveys indicating they shall secure 109 seats in the BMC.' 'They do not wish for the Shinde Sena to demonstrate excessive strength in the BMC.' 'If the Thackerays secure 60-70 seats, that will affect Shinde's seats.'

'Democracy Is On Sale In Maharashtra'

'Democracy Is On Sale In Maharashtra'

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

'This daylight robbery of elections is happening in the commercial capital of India, Mumbai city, so you can imagine what they will do to win elections in the interiors of India.'

Mahayuti to contest local body elections together: Fadnavis

Mahayuti to contest local body elections together: Fadnavis

Rediff.com12 Jun 2025

When asked about Prahar Janshakti Party leader Bachhu Kadu's hunger strike, Fadnavis said district guardian minister Chandrashekar Bawankule will speak to him.

'Mumbai mayor to be from...': Eknath Shinde meets new corporators

'Mumbai mayor to be from...': Eknath Shinde meets new corporators

Rediff.com19 Jan 2026

Amid speculation in political circles over Shiv Sena's stand vis-a-vis the next mayor of Mumbai, party leader and minister Uday Samant said the civic body polls were contested as the Mahayuti alliance.

Oppn flags wipe-off ink in Maha civic polls; SEC orders probe

Oppn flags wipe-off ink in Maha civic polls; SEC orders probe

Rediff.com15 Jan 2026

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has refuted reports that indelible ink marks on voters' fingers were being wiped off during the ongoing civic polls. The BMC clarified that the Municipal Commissioner had not made any such statement.

Maha civic body's meat ban on I-Day draws flak

Maha civic body's meat ban on I-Day draws flak

Rediff.com11 Aug 2025

The order draws sharp reactions from the Opposition NCP-SP and Shiv Sena- UBT leaders who called it an infringement of people's food choices.

Day after civic poll drubbing, Ajit meets uncle Sharad Pawar

Day after civic poll drubbing, Ajit meets uncle Sharad Pawar

Rediff.com17 Jan 2026

The BJP stunned the Pawars in the Pune polls, clinching 119 seats. The NCP came a distant second with 27 seats, while its ally, NCP (SP) led by Sharad Pawar, won three. The Congress managed 15 seats.

Shinde meets Shah, complains against 'some Mahayuti leaders'

Shinde meets Shah, complains against 'some Mahayuti leaders'

Rediff.com19 Nov 2025

He also told Shah that avoidable disruptions could potentially hinder the Mahayuti alliance's winning momentum and give undue advantage to the Opposition, they said.

Delhi breathes easier as air quality improves: Here's what helped

Delhi breathes easier as air quality improves: Here's what helped

Rediff.com9 Nov 2025

The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) reports improved air quality in Delhi compared to the same period last year, attributing it to coordinated efforts by government departments. Officials aim to avoid implementing GRAP Stage III restrictions through proactive measures and public participation.

Fragmented opposition hands BJP its first shot at BMC

Fragmented opposition hands BJP its first shot at BMC

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

Multi-cornered contests, deep divisions within the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi, reflected in the Congress and Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray fighting separately and lack of a robust plan among its rivals helped the Bharatiya Janata Party in Mumbai polls as it looks poised to rule India's richest civic body for the first time.

When Turkman Gate Was Demolished In 1976

When Turkman Gate Was Demolished In 1976

Rediff.com8 Jan 2026

A legend that sprang up after the Turkman Gate killing is that when the shrine is disturbed, the government will fall, as it happened with the Indira Gandhi government.

BMC results: Congress reduced to marginal force

BMC results: Congress reduced to marginal force

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

The Congress party experienced a significant decline in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, winning a mere 15 seats out of 227. Analysts attribute the poor performance to strategic missteps, infighting, and a failure to connect with voters amidst linguistic and religious polarization.

Hand over Sabarimala gold case to neutral agency: Amit Shah to Kerala CM

Hand over Sabarimala gold case to neutral agency: Amit Shah to Kerala CM

Rediff.com11 Jan 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticizes Kerala's ruling Left government over the Sabarimala gold loss case, demanding a neutral investigation and accusing the government of protecting the real culprits. He also signals the start of the BJP's campaign for the upcoming Assembly elections.

Three dead, over 100 hospitalised after drinking contaminated water in MP

Three dead, over 100 hospitalised after drinking contaminated water in MP

Rediff.com30 Dec 2025

At least three people have died and over 100 hospitalized in Indore, India, after allegedly drinking contaminated water. Residents claim the death toll is higher. Authorities are investigating the source of the contamination and providing medical assistance.

Maximum city, minimum air: Mumbai's AQI worsens

Maximum city, minimum air: Mumbai's AQI worsens

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued stop-work notices to 53 construction sites for contributing to air pollution in Mumbai. The civic body has also directed strict adherence to air pollution guidelines, including the use of AQI monitoring sensors. The Bombay High Court has also addressed the issue of air pollution in the city.

Several hurt as local poll results trigger violence in Kerala

Several hurt as local poll results trigger violence in Kerala

Rediff.com14 Dec 2025

According to an FIR registered at Edachery police station, around 200 people marched towards the Congress office carrying dangerous weapons and vandalised the building, causing damage estimated at around Rs five lakh.

Denied tickets, Nagpur BJP leaders rebel against party

Denied tickets, Nagpur BJP leaders rebel against party

Rediff.com1 Jan 2026

Upset over being denied tickets by the Bharatiya Janata Party despite being its 'loyal workers for years', several aspirants have rebelled against the party and are now contesting the upcoming elections to the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) as independent candidates.

'Turning a blind eye': HC pulls up BMC over Mumbai air pollution

'Turning a blind eye': HC pulls up BMC over Mumbai air pollution

Rediff.com24 Dec 2025

The Bombay High Court criticized the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for its lack of action in addressing air pollution in Mumbai, questioning the approval of numerous large construction projects and urging preventive measures.

'Age Shouldn't Be A Factor When You Want To Realise A Dream'

'Age Shouldn't Be A Factor When You Want To Realise A Dream'

Rediff.com8 Jan 2026

'I was embarrassed that I was learning a martial art form at 55. I thought what will people say? I kept it a secret even from my husband.'

8 killed as car crushed between trucks bursts into flames near Pune

8 killed as car crushed between trucks bursts into flames near Pune

Rediff.com13 Nov 2025

A major accident on the Mumbai-Bengaluru highway near Pune resulted in eight fatalities and 14 injuries after a car was crushed between two container trucks, leading to a large fire. The incident occurred on the accident-prone Navale Bridge.

Mumbai to get world-standard exotic birds park in eastern suburbs

Mumbai to get world-standard exotic birds park in eastern suburbs

Rediff.com14 Dec 2025

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) will develop an international-standard exotic birds park at Nahur to create a new tourism attraction. The park will feature 24 independent habitats designed to replicate the birds' natural environments and will house rare and colourful species from Australia, Africa and America.

'CPI-M Is Why BJP Won Trivandrum Corporation'

'CPI-M Is Why BJP Won Trivandrum Corporation'

Rediff.com18 Dec 2025

'It was very clear in the Parliament election that there was an erosion of Hindu votes in southern Kerala from the CPI-M to the BJP.'

Their Dreams Died With Pinky On The Tarmac At Baramati

Their Dreams Died With Pinky On The Tarmac At Baramati

Rediff.com9 Feb 2026

It isn't easy for a girl from Gopal Nagar to chase a dream. But Pinky was extremely determined. A force unto herself, she was going to go places. Literally. Till it abruptly ended one morning on the tarmac at Baramati airport.

MP: Cong councillor disqualified in 'love jihad' funding case

MP: Cong councillor disqualified in 'love jihad' funding case

Rediff.com9 Oct 2025

Anwar Qadri, a Congress councillor in Indore, India, has been removed from his position due to allegations of funding 'love jihad'. This action follows his arrest and accusations of providing funds to lure women into converting to Islam. The move has sparked political controversy, with the Congress party facing criticism and the BJP accused of engaging in communal politics.

Assam To Honour 818 Young Writers

Assam To Honour 818 Young Writers

Rediff.com25 Dec 2025

Books will be included as part of gifts at government functions, alongside the traditional gamusa, to underline the government's message that books must return to the centre of public life.

57 Maharashtra local poll results depend on quota verdict: SC

57 Maharashtra local poll results depend on quota verdict: SC

Rediff.com25 Nov 2025

The Supreme Court has addressed the issue of reservation quotas in Maharashtra local body elections, stating that the final results of elections in 57 local bodies, where the 50% quota ceiling has been breached, will depend on its judgment in the case.

Sacked civic workers in MP vow to leave 'Sanatan Dharma'

Sacked civic workers in MP vow to leave 'Sanatan Dharma'

Rediff.com14 Oct 2025

More than 150 daily wage employees of Chanderi Municipality in Madhya Pradesh's Ashoknagar district have threatened to renounce the "Sanatan Dharma" and embrace some other religion en masse after Diwali to protest their removal from service.

Maha Cong suffers jolt as MLC Pradnya Satav joins BJP

Maha Cong suffers jolt as MLC Pradnya Satav joins BJP

Rediff.com18 Dec 2025

Congress MLC Pradnya Satav joined the BJP in Maharashtra, prompting accusations of undemocratic practices and political maneuvering ahead of local elections.