BJP and Shinde's Shiv Sena Achieve Historic Victory in BMC Polls
The Bharatiya Janata Party and the Shiv Sena faction led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde have secured a historic win in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections. This victory grants them control over India's wealthiest civic body. The alliance's success marks a significant shift in Mumbai's political landscape.
BJP Emerges as Dominant Force Across Maharashtra
Beyond Mumbai, the BJP also became the single-largest party in 19 other municipal corporations. This achievement positions the party to appoint mayors in a total of 20 urban civic bodies across Maharashtra. The results underscore the BJP's expanding influence in the state's urban centers.
Celebrations erupted on Mumbai streets following the declaration of the landslide victory. Supporters hailed Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis with the title "Dhurandhar Fadnavis." The outcome reflects changing political dynamics in Maharashtra.
Uddhav Thackeray's Party Holds Ground Despite Challenges
Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT) emerged as the second-largest party in the BMC. This performance demonstrates resilience despite the party's weakening after the 2022 split. Political analysts view this as a notable gain for Uddhav Thackeray, as his party remains competitive against a strong opponent.
Neerja Chowdhury, in her column, interprets the election results as evidence of Mumbai's transformation. She notes the clear divide between a rapidly advancing ruling BJP and an Opposition struggling to present a viable alternative. The BMC elections highlight this political reality once again.
Lawyer Anita Jha Runs Practice from Car Backseat
Anita Jha, a lawyer in her late 50s, has operated her legal practice from the backseat of her white Tata Tiago for 13 years. Her mobile office provides a sanctuary amid the chaos of court premises. Clients wait outside her car daily for their consultations.
Jha explains her unusual choice stems from an incident years ago. She requested a chamber for female lawyers in the court compound after its construction but faced humiliation from male colleagues. This experience led her to create her own workspace within her vehicle, where she continues to serve clients effectively.
Kerala Nun Breaks Silence After Eight Years
Sister Ranit M J, the 51-year-old nun who filed rape complaints against Bishop Franco Mulakkal, has decided to speak out publicly. She spent seven years in seclusion, grappling with shame and self-loathing. Now, she steps forward no longer as an anonymous victim but as herself.
The case in 2018 triggered an unprecedented crisis in Kerala's Catholic church, sparking widespread protests. Sister Ranit emphasizes that her fight continues despite assumptions that the case concluded. "I don't want to hide anymore. I want to be seen and heard," she states, discussing her appeal in the High Court and the alleged conspiracy of silence surrounding her ordeal.
Snowless Winter Raises Concerns in Himalayan States
India's Himalayan regions are experiencing unusually snowless mountain peaks this winter. This phenomenon raises alarms about unpredictable seasonal precipitation, water security, increased forest fire risks, and impacts on agricultural productivity.
While India overall faces a dry winter, the northwest region suffers particularly severely. It has received only 8 percent of expected rainfall during this period. Experts are investigating the marginal declining trend in winter rainfall across certain parts of north India.
US Shifts Multilateral Approach, India Adapts to New Dynamics
In opinion pieces, analysts examine the United States' formal embrace of multilateralism after withdrawing from 66 international bodies, including 31 within the United Nations system. This move represents a strategic shift where Washington now selects institutions serving its interests while bypassing or exiting those imposing constraints.
For India, this development signals a transition from a rules-based international order to one emphasizing leverage. The change requires diplomatic adaptation as global power dynamics evolve.
Film Review: Happy Patel Khatarnak Jasoos
Vir Das stars in Happy Patel Khatarnak Jasoos, a new film blending humor with social commentary. The plot involves Britain's weapon of mass destruction—a fairness cream targeted at former colonies. The film explores themes of identity, racism, colourism, masculinity, gender roles, parenthood, and freedom through comedic storytelling.
