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Nagpur: Senior BJP leader and Maharashtra Legislative Council (MLC) member Sandip Joshi, known for his close ties with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, has announced his retirement from active politics. The announcement, made on Monday, came as a surprise following the results of the recent Maharashtra municipal elections. Joshi, 55, shared a heartfelt letter on his social media, stating that his political journey has always been about selfless service and dedication, rather than positions or prestige. He expressed his disappointment over opportunism, political defections, and growing competition in politics, which he said has disheartened not only ordinary voters but also loyal party workers. Making Way for the Next GenerationIn his statement, Joshi...

Mumbai, Maharashtra: The real political maneuvering has begun in Maharashtra following the declaration of results for 29 municipal corporations, as suspense continues over the new mayor of Mumbai. In Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation, a significant blow has hit Uddhav Thackeray as three corporators from his faction reportedly switched allegiance to Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena. Election Numbers and Power Play In the Kalyan-Dombivli civic elections, which cover 21 wards of the 122-seat corporation, Shinde’s Shiv Sena secured 53 seats while the BJP won 50. The Congress managed to win 2 seats, and the MNS 5 seats, while Uddhav Thackeray’s faction of Shiv Sena (UBT) captured 11 seats. The NCP, led by Sharad Pawar, secured a single seat. With the defection of three corporators, Shinde...