Mumbai: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the Election Commission of India, alleging that the constitutional body was functioning as an “extended branch” of the Bharatiya Janata Party and claiming that opposition parties had lost faith in the poll panel following controversies around the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise after the Bihar Assembly Elections.

Speaking to reporters, Raut questioned the independence of the Election Commission and criticised its functioning.

“I don’t know where the Election Commission’s press conference will be held. Perhaps at the BJP office,” Raut said.

The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader further alleged that the poll body was no longer functioning as an independent institution responsible for ensuring free and fair elections in the country.

“The Election Commission today is an extended branch of the BJP,” he said.

Raut also claimed that the opposition did not trust the poll body, accusing it of acting in favour of the ruling party.

“We do not trust this Election Commission. These are people who work for the BJP,” he added.

His remarks come at a time when the Election Commission has been facing criticism from sections of the opposition following the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls conducted after the Bihar Assembly elections. Opposition leaders have alleged irregularities and raised concerns over the transparency of the exercise, leading to renewed political debate over the functioning of the poll panel.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission is expected to announce the schedule for by-elections in Maharashtra’s Baramati and Rahuri assembly constituencies on Sunday, along with the much-awaited poll dates for five states.

The announcement will be made during a press conference scheduled at 4 pm. The five states where election dates are expected to be declared are Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Puducherry and Assam.

Mumbai: After the video of flashing lights on the car of Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde and VIP cultural of BMC officials went viral, the BMC has claimed to remove flashing lights and flashing lights from the cars of all government officials. According to the BMC, there were reports in the media about flashing lights being installed on the vehicles of municipal corporation officials. In this regard, the administration has clarified that the vehicles are provided to the officials after assuming office. As soon as the issue of flashing lights on these vehicles came to light, the flashing lights (flasher lights) installed on the vehicles of the officials were removed. It should be noted that the BMC took action when a debate broke out on social media regarding the VVIP cultural installed on Mayor Ritu Tawade’s car and now the BMC administration has clarified the issue and removed the lights from the cars. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had ordered the removal of red lights from the cars of ministers and others against the VVIP cultural. After that, criticism started over the installation of the light on the BMC Mayor’s car. Now the BMC has claimed to have removed the lights from all the cars.

Mumbai: The Thane Traffic Police have issued a traffic control notification for the Dombivli area ahead of the Gudi Padwa celebrations scheduled on March 19. Authorities expect large crowds to gather for a traditional welcome procession, prompting several traffic restrictions and diversions to ensure smooth vehicular movement and public safety.

According to the notification issued by Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Pankaj Shirsat of Thane City, the procession will begin at 6:30 am from Bhagshala Maidan in Dombivli West. The rally will proceed towards Shiv Mandir Road–Char Rasta via Kopar Bridge, eventually passing through Bajiprabhu Chowk and Phadke Road in Dombivli East.

The event is being organised by Shri Ganesh Mandir Sansthan, Dombivli East, as part of the Gudi Padwa New Year celebrations. Officials said the procession will include traditional cultural performances such as Lezim Pathak, Sanai Choughada, bhajans, and Dindi groups, along with participation from various social organisations and community groups. A large number of residents, including youth, women and families, are expected to take part in the celebrations.

Police have warned that heavy congestion is likely in areas including Tilak Road, Ganapati Mandir Road, Chheda Road, Phadke Road, Madan Thackeray Chowk, Bajiprabhu Chowk, Modern Café junction, Chintamani Jewellers Road, Agarkar Road and the IDBI Bank stretch. To manage the situation, entry restrictions and diversions have been imposed at multiple points.

Vehicular movement on Phadke Road between Bajiprabhu Chowk and Apadatar Chowk will remain closed. Vehicles approaching the stretch will be diverted via Nehru Road towards Dombivli Station and Lokmanya Tilak Road through Savarkar Road and Indira Chowk.

Entry for private buses and heavy vehicles heading towards Tilak Chowk from Kalyan Road via Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Circle in Dombivli East will also be restricted. Such vehicles will be required to take a U-turn at Gharada Circle and proceed towards their destination.

Additionally, vehicles moving from Nehru Road towards Ganesh Mandir Road will not be permitted beyond the Ganesh Mandir Gate on Nehru Cause Road. Motorists travelling via Chheda Road towards the Ganesh Temple will be stopped near Tulsi Sweet Corner and diverted through Ganesh Mandir Road, Apte Road, Shivaji Path and Dr Mukherjee Road.

Further closures will be enforced at Samrat Chowk, Nana Shankar Sheth Road and Samrat Ashok Chowk when the procession passes through these stretches. Vehicles will be diverted via Ghanshyam Gupte Road, MG Road and Retibandar Road depending on the location.

Traffic officials have urged motorists to avoid the affected routes during the procession hours and follow the designated diversions to prevent congestion. Commuters have also been advised to plan their travel accordingly as the procession is expected to attract large crowds across several key roads in Dombivli.

Authorities said the traffic arrangements have been made to ensure smooth movement of vehicles and public safety during the festive celebrations.