Maharashtra

Mumbai: Speculation over a possible merger between Ajit Pawar’s NCP and Sharad Pawar’s NCP (SP) has hit a dead end. Maharashtra State President Sunil Tatkare of Ajit Pawar’s NCP clarified that his party is part of the NDA, while Sharad Pawar’s faction has instructed its leaders not to make any statements regarding a merger. Merger Talks Put on HoldSunil Tatkare said that anyone discussing a merger should first clarify whether they are personally in favor of it. He emphasized that Ajit Pawar’s NCP remains committed to the NDA alliance. On the other hand, Sharad Pawar’s leaders have been directed to avoid giving comments on merger talks and to speak only after consulting senior party leadership. Merger Rumors DismissedFollowing Ajit Pawar’s tragic death in a plane crash, reports emerge...

Mumbai: In a surprising twist in the Vasai-Virar mayoral race, the BJP has made the contest more interesting ahead of the election. Despite a sweeping victory in the Maharashtra municipal elections overall, the BJP had fallen short in Vasai-Virar, where the Bahujan Vikas Aghadi (BVA) led by Hitendra Thakur had performed strongly. Now, BJP legislator Rajan Naik has officially thrown his hat in the ring, challenging Thakur in the mayoral election. With the vote scheduled for February 3, all eyes are on Vasai-Virar, as the contest promises a tight and dramatic showdown. Understanding the NumbersThe Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation has 29 wards, with a total of 115 seats contested by 547 candidates. The BVA secured a commanding 70 seats, while the BJP managed only 43. Congress and Shiv ...