Maharashtra
BMC Elections 2026: Shiv Sena Split Turns Mumbai-South Central Into High-Stakes Battleground
Mumbai, Jan 06: Mumbai South-Central, which includes predominantly Marathi-speaking areas such as Worli, Dadar–Mahim and Parel–Lalbaug, has traditionally been a strong bastion of Shiv Sena (UBT). However, the split within the party has altered the political landscape ahead of the 2026 BMC elections.
In areas like Lalbaug–Parel and Dadar–Mahim, the contest has now become a direct fight between the Shiv Sena (UBT)–MNS alliance and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.
Meanwhile, in Worli, long-time loyalists are contesting as independent candidates, posing a challenge for the party’s official nominee by potentially splitting votes. Overall, the elections in these areas are expected to witness tough and closely fought contests between rival Sena factions and rebel candidates.
Once dominant in Dadar and Mahim, Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) face a high-stakes battle in the BMC elections, as Uddhav Thackeray and MNS chief Raj Thackeray aim to consolidate Marathi voters through their alliance, while the Shinde-led Shiv Sena mounts a strong challenge.
To retain its stronghold, UBT has fielded three former mayors, while the Shinde faction has nominated family members of former UBT leader Sada Sarvankar, who joined the Shinde faction in 2022. This raises the possibility of a split in the Marathi vote, making the outcome uncertain.
Milind Vaidya — Shiv Sena (UBT), former mayor
Rajan Parkar — BJP
Vishakha Raut — Shiv Sena (UBT), former mayor
Priya Sarvankar — Shiv Sena (Shinde), daughter of former MLA Sada Sarvankar
Vandana Gawli — Shiv Sena (Shinde), former corporator from Akhil Bhartiya Sena (ABS)
Aboli Khadye — Shiv Sena (UBT), wife of local shakha pramukh
Kishori Pednekar — Shiv Sena (UBT), former mayor
Rupali Kusale — Shiv Sena (Shinde)
The Sewri–Lalbaug–Parel belt, a mix of traditional working-class neighbourhoods and rapidly developing commercial hubs, has long been a stronghold of the Shiv Sena. Dominated by Shiv Sena (UBT), the area has witnessed growing competition following the party split.
With the Shinde-led Sena actively contesting these wards, the belt has become a key battleground in the upcoming BMC elections. Voter loyalty, especially among Marathi-speaking residents, is expected to play a decisive role.
Shradha Jadhav — Shiv Sena (UBT), former mayor and six-time corporator
Parth Navkar — BJP
Vijay Indulkar — Independent, former UBT shakha pramukh who rebelled after being denied a ticket
Anil Kokil — Shiv Sena (Shinde), former UBT corporator
Kiran Tadve — Shiv Sena (UBT)
Sachin Padwal — Shiv Sena (UBT), former corporator
Nana Ambole — Shiv Sena (Shinde), former corporator and ex-BJP member
Worli, another stronghold of Shiv Sena (UBT) represented by Aaditya Thackeray as MLA, has witnessed internal dissent after the party nominated family members of former UBT corporators.
This has caused unrest among shakha pramukhs — key grassroots leaders crucial for party unity and outreach. In all four wards, rebel candidates have filed nominations, raising the likelihood of vote splits and making it difficult for UBT to retain its bastion.
Hemangi Worlikar — Shiv Sena (UBT), former deputy mayor
Pralhad Worlikar — Shiv Sena (Shinde)
Suryakant Koli — Independent, UBT shakha pramukh who rebelled after being denied a ticket
Nishikant Shinde — Shiv Sena (UBT), brother of MLC Sunil Shinde
Samadhan Sarvankar — Shiv Sena (Shinde), former corporator and son of former MLA Sada Sarvankar
Sonal Pawar — Independent, local party functionary who rebelled against UBT candidate
Padmaja Chemburkar — Shiv Sena (UBT), wife of former corporator Ashish Chemburkar
Sonali Sawant — BJP
Sangeeta Jagtap — Independent, UBT functionary who rebelled against the candidature
Vanita Narvankar — Shiv Sena (Shinde), wife of former UBT corporator Datta Narvankar
Rachna Salvi — MNS
Shravani Desai — Independent, wife of former corporator Parshuram (Chotu) Desai, rebel candidate after seat was allotted to MNS as part of the alliance.
Maharashtra
Mumbai Advocate Challenges Proposed Ban On Bakri Eid Qurbani In Housing Societies, Warns Of High Court Move

Mumbai, May 26: A legal representation has been filed before the Mayor of Mumbai, objecting to a proposed blanket ban on Bakri Eid Qurbani within housing societies, chawls and residential complexes across the city.
The legal notice, issued by advocate Faiyaz Alam Shaikh, challenges a civic communication dated 24 May 2026, arguing that a sweeping, indiscriminate prohibition on a recognised religious practice stands as arbitrary, disproportionate and legally vulnerable under Articles 14, 21 and 25 of the Constitution of India, which guarantee equality, the right to life and freedom of religion.
According to the notice, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) already possesses a robust, regulated framework for managing Bakri Eid permissions. This existing structure operates via designated locations, ward-level supervision and online permission channels, including the MyBMC portal.
Historically, regulated Qurbani arrangements have been permitted within approved premises and specific common areas of housing societies, provided they comply with sanitation norms, municipal licensing and No Objection Certificates (NOCs).
Shaikh contended that replacing an established, structured permission mechanism with a total ban—without any proportionality analysis or public consultation—violates basic constitutional tenets of fairness and non-discrimination.
The notice highlights that the Bombay High Court has consistently favoured strict regulation, hygiene and supervision over outright, indiscriminate bans.
Furthermore, the legal notice draws attention to the “Mumbai Qurbani Permission White Paper” submitted by Adv. Shaikh on 21 May 2026. The paper outlines comprehensive policy proposals, including uniform year-round regulatory guidelines, single-window permissions, strict veterinary and sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and a transparent grievance redressal mechanism.
The representation has urged the civic administration to reconsider the restriction and instead engage in consultation regarding the White Paper. Served as a preventive legal objection, the notice said that if no corrective action is taken, appropriate legal proceedings will be initiated before the Bombay High Court to quash the proposed ban.
Maharashtra
‘Bakre Ka Jawab Suvar Se Dena Hoga’: BJP MLA Sanjay Upadhyay Sparks Political Row Amid Mira Road Tension Ahead Of Bakra Eid

A fresh political controversy erupted in Mira Road after BJP MLA Sanjay Upadhyay made strong remarks while commenting on the ongoing dispute surrounding goats being brought into housing societies ahead of Bakra Eid.
The statement comes amid heightened communal tension in the locality, where clashes broke out earlier today over a temporary shed built for housing goats meant for Qurbani at Poonam Cluster Society.
Speaking to the media, Sanjay Upadhyay said the issue was not limited to Mira Road alone. Referring to another incident in Borivali, he claimed that a single family in Sumer Nagar society had brought six goats into the premises despite opposition from other residents.
The BJP MLA stated that the Maharashtra government has already issued clear guidelines prohibiting animal slaughter in housing societies and open public spaces. He added that all concerned departments had been informed about the rules.
Questioning those allegedly violating the guidelines, Upadhyay remarked that if goats could be brought into societies despite objections, then there should not be resistance if pigs were brought to such locations. He further said that if conflicts arise, “eet ka badla patthar se,”bakra la jawab suvar se” (brick should be answered with a stone, the goat will have to be answered with a pig).
The controversy began after municipal authorities demolished a temporary goat shed erected inside Poonam Cluster Society following complaints from Hindu residents and local organisations.
Later, tensions escalated when activists allegedly associated with Sakal Hindu Samaj and Bajrang Dal brought a pig near the Bakra Mandi protest site. Viral videos from the area showed protesters questioning why goats were being allowed into housing societies while objections were being raised against their protest.
The move led to heated arguments between members of two communities, prompting police intervention. Scuffles were reported from several spots, following which police carried out a lathi charge to disperse the crowd.
A heavy police presence remains in Mira Road as authorities continue monitoring the situation. Officials have appealed to residents to maintain peace and avoid circulating provocative messages or videos on social media.
Police are also examining footage from the incident and are expected to take action based on the findings of the investigation.
Maharashtra
Large-scale MD drugs racket busted in Agripara high-profile residence, accused investigated, alleged Bangladeshi also suspected, MD worth Rs 51 crore seized

Mumbai: The Kandivali ANC unit led by Mumbai Anti-Narcotics Cell Shashi Kant Jagdale has busted a major drug manufacturing racket. The accused were allegedly manufacturing MD drugs in a room of a high-profile residential building in Agripara. During the operation, the police seized 14 kg of MD and liquid MD worth around Rs 51 crore. The police have also recovered a pistol and 19 live cartridges from the accused. A total of three people have been arrested in this case, and further investigation is underway. One of these accused belongs to West Bengal. These accused used to make MD in Mumbai city. A pistol has also been recovered from one of the accused. Investigation is also underway to find out where he got this pistol from. Along with this, his documents are also being checked and it is also being ascertained whether this alleged Bangladeshi is not. DCP Nunath Dhole of Mumbai Anti-Narcotics Cell said that the police is investigating this matter from every angle, while the police has got a big success in which MD and liquid MD worth Rs 51 crore have been recovered. Investigation is also underway to find out how many people are involved in this network. The police is further investigating. This operation has been carried out by DCP Nunath Dhole of ANC on the instructions of Mumbai Police Commissioner Devin Bharti. The arrested accused have been identified as Muhammad Shoaib Shaukat Ali Mansoori, 31, of Yasmin Tower, Sufyan Saleem Mansoori, 28, and Reena Akhtar, daughter of Ashraf Al-Sikdar, 22.
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