Battle Over Pongal's Roots Between DMK And BJP

Mumbai BMC Elections: Richest Municipality Set To Vote After Eight-Year Gap

This India Today bureau report focuses on the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections as Mumbai prepares to vote after an eight-year hiatus. The report highlights the contrast between the high-decibel political campaigns and the ground realities faced by citizens. While the Shiv Sena (UBT)-MNS alliance and the Mahayuti focus on Marathi identity and religious pride, Mumbaikars are grappling with severe civic strain. The speaker notes that 'Beyond identity politics and slogans, the choice is about basics' like clean air, safe roads, and reliable water. The report details critical infrastructure failures, including over 59,000 reported potholes in a single year, a daily water shortfall of 500 million litres, and vanishing footpaths due to illegal encroachments. With the Bombay High Court pulling up the BMC over rising air pollution, the bulletin underscores that for the residents of India's richest municipality, the upcoming ballot is primarily a fight for survival and improved urban governance.