Month: January 2026

Tamil Nadu assembly witnessed high drama on Wednesday, the inaugural day of the first session of the year, with the Governor RN Ravi declining to read out the text prepared by the DMK government due to “inaccuracies” in it and “walking out” of the assembly.

Chief Minister MK Stalin said in the assembly later that the Governor had “once again disregarded constitutional provisions and long-standing legislative traditions” and that DMK would talk with like-minded political parties to seek a constitutional amendment in Parliament to dispense with the Governor’s Address procedure if such violations persist.

He said the dignity of the Assembly must be protected at all costs.

“The Governor has once again disregarded constitutional provisions and long-standing legislative traditions. The Governor’s Address is drafted by the elected State government and must be read in full, without omissions or personal interpretations by the Governor. The Constitution does not provide any scope for the Governor to alter, delete, or add personal views to the address prepared by the State government,” the Chief Minister said.

He said “such conduct demeaned the century-old democratic traditions” and stature of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, which represents the will and emotions of over eight crore people of the State.

“Rather than merely saying he went out, it would be appropriate to say that he walked out. The Governor’s action is unbecoming of the office he holds,” he said.

“The DMK would take the initiative, along with like-minded political parties across India, to seek a constitutional amendment in Parliament to dispense with the Governor’s Address procedure if such violations persist,” he added.

The assembly adopted a resolution which said that the House does not accept the act of the Governor leaving the Assembly “without reading the Governor’s Address that was duly prepared and forwarded by the Government of Tamil Nadu in accordance with established procedure”.

“This House deems that the English version of the Governor’s Address, which was sent to the Governor and uploaded on the computers placed on the desks of the Members of the Legislative Assembly, has been read by the Governor. Accordingly, the same may be recorded in the proceedings of the House,” it said.

In his remarks, Stalin said “it is deeply regrettable” that the Governor “has once again acted today in the same manner as before”.

He said a Governor is expected to be concerned about the welfare of the State, interested in the progress of the people, and committed to speaking the truth. He is expected to cooperate with the decisions of a government that has been elected with overwhelming popular support and a clear majority.

“That is what the Constitution expects from the holder of this office. But our Governor is acting contrary to this expectation,” Stalin said.

He accused the Governor of attempting to paralyse the State administration and alleged that he is indulging in political speeches and spreading slander on public platforms.

“That may be considered his personal choice. However, it is unacceptable for him to attempt such actions within this House as well. We have a duty to follow the path laid down by our predecessors who safeguarded the dignity of this Assembly, which has completed a hundred years and continues to function with order and distinction. As I bear the primary responsibility of protecting the dignity of this historic House, I seek permission, with the consent of the Hon’ble Speaker, to move the following resolution by relaxing Rule 17 of the Assembly Rules,” he said.

Earlier today, the Governor demanded that the national anthem be played after the Tamil Anthem, and when Speaker Appavu refused, the Governor walked out without reading the opening address.

Lok Bhavan, the office of the Governor of Tamil Nadu, released a detailed press release explaining why Governor RN Ravi walked out of the state assembly before delivering his inaugural address.

The Governor’s office elaborated on the reasons for his decision. It stated that the speech contained numerous unsubstantiated claims and misleading statements while ignoring crucial issues affecting the people. Claims of over Rs 12 lakh crore in investments were described as inaccurate, with many MOUs still on paper, and Tamil Nadu’s foreign investment ranking having dropped from fourth to sixth among Indian states.

The release pointed to the sharp rise in crimes against women, including a 55% increase in POCSO rapes and a 33% rise in sexual molestation, as well as widespread narcotics and drug abuse among youth linked to over 2,000 suicides annually, all of which were unaddressed.

Other concerns highlighted included nearly 20,000 suicides in the state in one year, declining education standards with over 50% faculty vacancies, defunct village panchayats, temples without boards of trustees, and MSME sectors facing operational challenges. The release also noted widespread employee discontent across sectors.

The factors cited by the Governor included his microphone being “repeatedly switched off” and he having been “not allowed to speak”.

“The speech contains numerous unsubstantiated claims and misleading statements. Several crucial issues troubling the people are ignored. Claim that the state attracted huge investments to the tune of over 12 lakh crores is far from the truth. Many of the MOUs with prospective investors remain only on paper. Actual investment is hardly a fraction of it. Investment data show that Tamil Nadu is becoming less attractive for investors. Until four years ago Tamil Nadu, among the states, was the fourth largest recipient of foreign direct investment. Today it is struggling to remain at the Sixth. Women safety issue is totally ignored though there is alarming increase of over 55% incidents of POCSO Rapes and over 33% increase in incidents of sexual molestation of women,” the release said.

It said that the rampant prevalence of Narcotics and Drugs and sharp increase in Drug abuse cases among youth, including school students, is a very serious concern.

“Over 2000 (two thousand) mostly youth committed suicide in one year due to drug abuse. It is seriously jeopardising our future. It is casually bypassed. Atrocities against Dalits and sexual violence against Dalit women is sharply increasing. However; it is totally bypassed. About 20,000 people in our state committed suicide in one year- almost 65 suicides everyday. Nowhere else in the country the situation is so alarming. Tamil Nadu is being referred as the Suicide Capital of India. Yet it does not seem to concern the government. It is bypassed,” the release added.

It said there is a steady decline in standards of education and widespread mismanagement in educational institutions adversely affecting the future of our youth.

“More than 50 % faculty positions are vacant for years and guest faculties are restive all over. Several thousand temples in the state are without Board of Trustees and are directly administered by the state government. Millions and millions of devotees are deeply hurt and frustrated with the mismanagement of temples…MSME sectors are under huge stress due to visible and invisible costs of running the industry. There is widespread discontentment among lower rung employees in almost all sectors. They are restive and frustrated. No mention of ways to address their genuine grievances. National Anthem is yet again insulted and the Fundamental Constitutional Duty disregarded,” the release said. (ANI)

Congress MP and General Secretary in charge of Communications, Jairam Ramesh, on Tuesday hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking clarification over the use of the term “urban naxal” during his address at the BJP headquarters.

In an X post, Jairam Ramesh asked PM Modi, to clarify if anybody opposed to him will be termed an ‘urban naxal’. The Congress leader cited the Union Home Ministry’s answer in Rajya Sabha in 2020, which said that the ministry does not use the term.

“The PM spoke today of the danger from what he called ‘urban naxals.’ On March 11 2020, the Minister of State of Home answered a question in the Rajya Sabha, saying that the Union Home Ministry does not use the phrase ‘urban naxals.’ On April 29 2024, the PM himself accused those calling for a caste census and those expressing concern on economic inequalities as suffering from an ‘urban naxal’ mindset. Will the PM clarify or does he believe that anybody opposed to him is an urban naxal?” the Congress MP said.

In 2020, the Home Ministry stated, “The phrase ‘Urban Naxals’ is not used by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. However, the Government of India’s National Policy and Action Plan addresses Left Wing Extremism in all its manifestations, including the urban activities.”

Earlier today, PM Modi raised concerns over the growing influence of ‘urban Naxalism’, saying it has increasingly acquired international dimensions and continues to work against India.

Addressing partyworkers at the BJP national headquarters in the national capital, as Nitin Nabin assumed charge as its National President, PM Modi said, “Another major challenge is urban Naxalism. The scope of urban Naxalism is becoming international. If they tweet something positive about Modi even once or twice a year, or say something positive on TV, or write something positive in a newspaper, some journalists humiliate them so much that they are hounded and made untouchable. They are silenced so that they can never speak again. This is the method of urban Naxalism.”

“Now the country is understanding the actions of these urban Naxals. Urban Naxals are continuously working to harm India,” PM Modi added. (ANI)

Actor Rasha Thadani is set to enter a new phase of her career, making her singing debut with the song ‘Chaap Tilak’ from her upcoming film ‘Laikey Laikaa’.

In a music video shared by Zee Music Company, Rasha could be seen showcasing her singing skills, leaving fans impressed with her powerful vocals.

Sung by Rasha and IP Singh, the song has been composed by Faridkot (Rajarshi Sanyal and IP Singh). The lyrics have been penned by Sidharth-Garima and Singh. https://www.youtube.com/embed/LU6sM1ElzQo

Taking to her Instagram story, Rasha shared her emotions about the song’s release. “My first song, with all your blessings,” she wrote.

This came days after the makers released the first look poster of the film across social media platforms.

Taking to their Instagram, Phantom Studios shared the poster of the film. The photo features the blood-drenched shoes of a boy and a girl as they stand on the stairs. The film is being directed by Saurabh Gupta.

While sharing the poster, Phanom Studios wrote, “Earn Love!”

Following this, they also unveiled a series of character posters from the film, offering a glimpse into Rasha and Abhay Verma’s story.

Actor Abhay Verma was earlier seen in the film Munjya, which was rooted in Marathi folklore. It also starred Mona Singh and Sathyaraj. The movie was directed by Aditya Sarpotdar.

The film follows the story of the eponymous mythical creature and his havoc in the life of Bittu, played by Abhay Verma. In the film, Mona plays Pummy, a single working mother who is overly protective of Bittu.

As for Rasha Thadani, the actress made her debut in Bollywood with the film ‘Azaad’ in 2025. Set in pre-independence India, ‘Azaad’ featured Ajay Devgn as a skilled horse rider with a deep bond with his horse.

In a dramatic turn of events, Ajay faces off against the British and, during the chaos, his beloved horse goes missing. The responsibility of finding the lost horse falls on Aaman Devgn’s character. Aaman is Ajay Devgn’s nephew. Directed by Abhishek Kapoor, the film received widespread praise for its powerful performances and engaging storyline. (ANI)

YSRCP former MLA Koramutla Srinivasulu claimed on Tuesday that the coalition government in Andhra Pradesh has reduced governance to “self-promotion” and “attacking” the opposition. He held the state government and law and order collapse responsible for the “brutal” murder of the Dalit activist Manda Salman.

According to a press release issued by YSRCP, Srinivasulu claimed that Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and Nara Lokesh are using every platform only to target Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy because, according to the former MLA, they have nothing to show in governance. The former YSRCP MLA claimed that Andhra Pradesh has turned into a “mafia state, with land, sand, liquor, mining and drug rackets flourishing under political protection, while corruption and illegal plunder have become routine”.

He held the police failure directly responsible for the brutal murder of Manda Salman in Pinnelli village. He said Salman’s only “crime” was supporting a party of his choice. He alleged that the deceased was forced to live outside his village due to fear.

“When the activist returned only to see his ailing wife, he was beaten to death with iron rods,” he said.

Srinivasulu said the murder of the activist proves the total collapse of law and order. The former MLA demanded a CBI inquiry, strict action against the responsible police officials, and full rehabilitation of the family, including Rs one crore in compensation, 5 acres of land, and one government job. He asserted that the party will continue its struggle until justice is delivered.

Earlier on Sunday, the YSR Congress Party had sought an immediate appointment with the Director General of Police over the brutal murder of Dalit YSRCP activist Manda Salman of Pinnelli village in Gurazala constituency of Palnadu district.

In a letter to the State DGP, YSRCP State General Secretary and MLC Lella Appi Reddy alleged that Salman, who had been living away from his native village due to fear, was mercilessly beaten to death with iron rods after returning to see his ailing wife. He alleged that the incident reflected a complete breakdown of law and order in the state.

Reddy further claimed that since the TDP-led coalition government assumed office, Dalits have been “left without protection”, and YSRCP Dalit activists are living under constant threat. He said the party would urge the DGP to ensure a fast-tracked and impartial investigation into the case and to take strict action against those responsible in accordance with the law.

Earlier, YSR Congress Party president YS Jagan Mohan Reddy slammed Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu on Friday over the death of a YSRCP worker, allegedly beaten to death by iron rods, accusing the CM of engaging in “violent politics.

“In a detailed post on X, Reddy questioned the Chief Minister over the death of the party worker from Pinnelli village in the Gurazala constituency, calling the deceased — namely Manda Salman — “a victim of the consequences of Telugu Desam Party’s (TDP) rule”.

“Are you even eligible to govern? How many lives will you sacrifice for political parties? Even while holding the Chief Minister’s post, will you engage in such chaos under the guise of the Red Book Constitution and political governance? What answer do you have for the murder of our party worker from Pinnelli village in the Gurazala constituency, Manda Salman–a Dalit, a poor man–who fell victim to the consequences of your party’s rule?” Reddy accused. (ANI)

Congress leader Nana Patole on Tuesday questioned the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) new National President, Nitin Nabin, over the party’s relationship with Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

Addressing a press conference, Patole congratulated Nabin on becoming the party’s National President and asked for a younger Prime Minister for the country.

“Will Nabin also amplify former President J.P. Nadda’s remarks that the BJP does not need the RSS? We congratulate him on his new role. Just like he is young as the national president. We should be getting a younger Prime Minister as well,” he said.

Furthermore, on the issue of urban Naxalism, he said, “The jungle-based Naxalism has ended. The government is doing nothing about the help they are receiving. Now, regarding urban Naxalism, the government has brought in the Public Safety Act, under which they can declare people as urban Naxals and take action against them. What is the purpose of the increasing urban Naxal movement?”

He further criticised the BJP for allegedly practising colour politics, stating that the tricolour should not be marred.

“They should clarify what they want to say. Some talk about saffron, some talk about green, and we talk about the tricolour. The tricolour is our pride. That divisive politics and attempts to mar the tricolour will not be tolerated,” he said.

On the matter of the Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde keeping his corporators in a hotel, he said that “pressure politics has begun in the state.”

“Pressure politics has begun. Eknath Shinde was afraid, which is why he kept his corporators in a hotel. And now, it must be due to pressure from the BJP that he has allowed the corporators to go home,” he said.

“Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde are under pressure from the BJP. All files from the ministry go through the CM’s office. Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde are under pressure from the BJP,” he added.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the BJP’s strong performance in recent local body elections in Kerala and Maharashtra.

He said the party has emerged as the number one force in Maharashtra’s municipal politics, whose results he described as “unprecedented” and a clear reflection of growing public trust in the BJP.

Futher, he expressed confidence that the people in Kerala would definitely give the BJP an opportunity in the assembly elections set for this year.

Addressing partyworkers at the BJP national headquarters in the national capital as Nitin Nabin assumed charge as its National President, PM Modi said, “The results of the recent mayoral and councillor elections are unprecedented. The BJP has emerged as the number one party in Maharashtra’s local bodies. The people of 25 of the 29 major cities have chosen the BJP-NDA. 50% of all councillors elected belong to the BJP.” (ANI)

Actor Jackie Shroff, who had a glorious cinematic career spanning four decades, wishes to work again with his son, actor Tiger Shroff.

Speaking to ANI, Jackie Shroff opened up about his hopes of being cast alongside his son, adding that Tiger too wishes the same.

“I want it to happen very soon. I hope someone will come up with a subject that will bring us both together. I am waiting for it. Tiger also wants to work with me. He said ‘Daddy, we must work together. It will be fun.'”

Notably, Tiger Shroff and Jackie Shroff were a part of Rohit Shetty’s ‘Singham Again’, however, they didn’t share the screen together. While Jackie was seen as the lead antagonist, Omar Hafeez, Tiger played ACP Satya Bali.

Helmed by Rohit Shetty, ‘Singham Again’ also starred Ajay Devgn, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Deepika Padukone, Akshay Kumar, and Ranveer Singh in the lead roles.’Singham Again’, released in 2024, was the third instalment of the super-hit franchise.

‘Singham’ was released in 2011, starring Ajay Devgn, Kajal Aggarwal and Prakash Raj in lead roles, followed by ‘Singham Returns’ in 2014. Both projects were declared box office hits.

On the work front for Jackie Shroff, he was recently seen in ‘Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri’, co-starring Kartik Aaryan and Ananya Panday.

‘Tu Meri Main Tera, Main Tera Tu Meri’ is presented by Dharma Productions and Namah Pictures, and produced by Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, Shareen Mantri Kedia, and Kishor Arora. In addition to Kartik and Ananya, the film also features Neena Gupta.

The film opened in theatres on December 25, 2025. (ANI)

Famed martial artist and ‘Kung Fu Hustle’ actor Bruce Leung, also recognised as Leung Siu-lung, has passed away at 77, reported CNA Lifestyle.

As per the report, Bruce Leung died on January 14, 2026, due to unspecified causes. His family has been taking care of the funeral arrangements, while a farewell ceremony has been scheduled to take place on January 26 in the Longgang district of Shenzhen, China.

In an emotional farewell, Leung’s Douyin (TikTok’s China-based sister company) account also posted a message which appeared to be penned by the late actor.

“I’ve gone to a very, very faraway place to make a film. Please forgive me for leaving without saying goodbye. Just think of it as me having gone to a very distant place to shoot a movie. I had intended to keep it a secret, so my close disciple continued posting videos as usual. I like having a bit of mystery. Live well on my behalf. Love is always here. Remember that I love you all,” the message read, as quoted by CNA Lifestyle.

As soon as the news came out, tributes have been pouring in from fans and celebrities alike. ‘Kung Fu Hustle’ director and actor Stephen Chow took to his Instagram story and wrote, “Forever remembering Mr Leung Siu-lung.”

Film icon Jackie Chan also took to his Weibo handle and mourned the late actor’s passing.

“For a moment, I couldn’t – and didn’t want to – believe it. He was always a kung fu master proficient in many forms of traditional martial arts and able to express his own distinctive style in each one. He applied everything he had learnt over a lifetime to film and television, becoming an outstanding action director. At the same time, as an actor, he brought to life so many classic roles that were deeply loved by audiences and greatly admired by us fellow professionals as well. Brother Leung, it’s snowing in Beijing. The sky is gloomy, and I’m thinking of you,” he wrote, as quoted by CNA Lifestyle.

Bruce Leung is known for working in multiple martial arts films, including 1977’s ‘The Dragon Lives Again’ and 1978’s ‘Magnificent Bodyguards’ alongside Jackie Chan. In 2004, he made a major comeback through Stephen Chow’s ‘Kung Fu Hustle’ as the villainous Beast. (ANI)

US President Donald Trump on Monday (local time) floated the proposal of imposing 200% tariff on French wine and champagne after French President Emmanuel Macron’s reported refusal to sit on the so-called Board of Peace, an initiative created by Trump to mediate global conflict, EuroNews reported.

“Nobody wants him because he’s going to be out of office very soon,” Trump said after hearing from a reporter that Macron would not join the board.

“I’ll put a 200% tariff on his wines and champagnes and he’ll join, but he doesn’t have to join,” Trump said.

Macron’s five-year presidential term is due to end in May 2027, and he cannot run again for a third term in accordance with French law, as per EuroNews.

The Board of Peace was an idea initially proposed by President Trump last September as part of his plan to end the war in Gaza, although the initiative now seems to be aimed at mediating global conflict more broadly.

Macron invited US President Donald Trump for a G7 meeting after the World Economic Forum, as per a screenshot of both their chats shared by the latter on Truth Social.

Macron affirmed that France and the US were in line on Syria and could do great things in Iran, but do not understand his stance on Greenland.

Trump’s reply to Macron’s text was not visible in the screenshot if he replied at all.

The message by Macron in full read: “My friend, We are totally in line on Syria. We can do great things on Iran. I do not understand what you are doing on Greenland. Let us try to build great things: 1) i can set up a g7 meeting after Davos in Paris on thursday afternoon. I can invite the ukrainians, the danish, the syrians and the russians in the margins 2) let us have a dinner together in Paris together on thursday before you go back to the us. Emmanuel.” (ANI)

US President Donald Trump on Monday (local time) confirmed that Russian President Vladimir Putin has been invited to join the proposed Gaza Board of Peace, describing him as one of several world leaders considered for the initiative.

The formation of the Gaza Board of Peace, as part of Phase 2 of the 20-Point Peace Plan to end the conflict in the Middle East, aims to promote stability and oversee post-conflict reconstruction in the Gaza Strip.

Responding to questions from reporters during a media gaggle, Trump said that Putin was among those invited to participate in the board, which he claimed would work toward peace and stability in Gaza.

When asked directly whether he had invited President Putin to join the Board of Peace, Trump replied, “Yes, he’s one of the people. These are world leaders. And the answer is yes.”

The Board of Peace was proposed by Trump last September as part of his plan to end the war in Gaza, although the initiative now seems to be aimed at mediating global conflict more broadly.

The high-profile international effort invites world leaders of 60 countries to join a new body aimed at promoting stability and overseeing post-conflict reconstruction, especially in the Gaza Strip.

According to a White House statement, the proposed Executive Board members will oversee portfolios critical to Gaza’s stabilisation and long-term success. These include governance capacity-building, regional relations, reconstruction, investment attraction, large-scale funding, and capital mobilisation.

Prime Minister Modi has been invited by Trump to serve on the Gaza Peace Board.

However, countries that commit USD 1 billion would secure permanent seats on the board, while those that do not pay could still join for a three-year term.

Meanwhile, Trump, during the same gaggle, had floated the proposal of imposing a 200 per cent tariff on French wine and champagne exported to the US after French President Emmanuel Macron reportedly refused to sit on the Board of Peace.

“Nobody wants him because he’s going to be out of office very soon,” Trump said in response to reporters stating that Macron would not join the board.

“I’ll put a 200 per cent tariff on his wines and champagnes, and he’ll join, but he doesn’t have to join,” Trump said. (ANI)

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Tuesday ruled out any possibility of aligning with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) following his party’s strong performance in the Maharashtra municipal elections, asserting that “the two shores of the sea can never meet.”

Speaking in an interview with ANI, Owaisi referred to a recent incident in Akot in which AIMIM corporators attempted to align with the BJP. He said five AIMIM corporators had won in Akot and were earlier warned by the party.

Owaisi said that intially the corporators claimed that they were unaware that the group they had joined was associated with the BJP. Owaisi said the party then directed them to immediately submit a letter to the municipal commissioner and withdraw their support.

“Look, this cannot happen. The two shores of the sea can never become one. Five corporators from Akot had won, and we had warned them. Earlier, they told us that while forming the group, they did not know that it was the BJP. So we told them to immediately write a letter to their Municipal Commissioner and withdraw from that group,” Owaisi told ANI.

Owaisi made it clear that AIMIM would take strict action against any member aligning with rival political formations.

“It was found out that when the BJP leader’s son was accommodated through co-option, Imtiaz Jaleel suspended them from the party. Whoever it may be–BJP, Eknath Shinde, or Ajit Pawar–if they go with them, the party will take action against them,” he said.

Highlighting AIMIM’s performance in the Maharashtra municipal polls, Owaisi said the party had won 125 seats in the recent elections and around 85 seats in municipal elections held about a month earlier. He added that AIMIM now has over 200 corporators across municipal councils and municipal corporations in the state.

“This time, we have won 125 seats. In the municipal elections held about a month ago, nearly 85 of our candidates were victorious. If you look at municipal councils and municipal corporations together, we now have over 200 corporators who have won. If a party is unable to win, it is clear that there may be shortcomings on the part of that party. We have been working consistently at the grassroots level for years,” Owaisi said.

AIMIM registered significant gains in the recently concluded Maharashtra municipal body elections, winning more seats than in the previous polls and securing eight seats in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections.

Responding to a question about leadership, Owaisi reiterated that he does not seek to present himself as a Muslims leader.

“No. I have always said that I neither am nor do I want to become a leader for Muslims. It is our party’s attempt to ensure that we create hundreds of leaders, and these people will take on leadership roles in future,” he said.

On AIMIM outperforming parties such as the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena in certain areas, Owaisi said consistent grassroots work and a clear public message had helped the party gain public trust.

“We have been working hard there. We give one consistent message in the media and public, and that creates an impact on the public,” said Owaisi.

AIMIM’s tally marks a substantial rise from the 2017 municipal elections, when AIMIM had secured 81 seats. This time, it posted strong performances in cities such as Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Malegaon, Dhule, Amravati, Solapur and Mumbai. The victory in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation was particularly significant, as it marked AIMIM’s first-ever entry into the civic body of India’s financial capital.

In Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar alone, AIMIM candidates won more than 30 wards, consolidating the party’s standing in the region. Observers credit sustained grassroots campaigning and direct voter engagement for the improved outcome.

Meanwhile, across the 2,869 seats across municipal bodies, the BJP-led Mahayuti emerged as the clear winner in multiple places, securing 1,824 seats.

Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS together managed to win only 168 seats across the state in the recently concluded local body polls.

The Congress, which fought the polls alongside the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA), secured 324 seats. The NCP, which was in alliance with the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, won 167 and 36 seats, respectively. (ANI)