Senior leaders from across the political spectrum will attend the funeral. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP national president Nitin Nabin, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, and members of the State cabinet are expected to be present. The Nationalist Congress Party said the ceremony would reflect unity beyond party lines, as leaders from different ideologies come together.

Baramati, Ajit Pawar’s political stronghold, has witnessed an outpouring of grief. Supporters, party workers, and local residents have lined the roads near Vidya Pratishthan. Many described him as a decisive leader who shaped regional politics for decades. Ajit Pawar Funeral Baramati therefore holds both emotional and political significance.

In another major development, a Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) report highlighted social representation in government services. The report said that 66% of sanitation workers in the Central government come from SC, ST, and OBC communities. The data has renewed discussions on social equity, workplace safety, and the need for stronger welfare policies for frontline workers.

Meanwhile, global tensions continue to rise. U.S. President Donald Trump said a “massive armada” is moving toward Iran and stands ready to fulfil its mission if nuclear negotiations fail. He warned that time is running out for Tehran to reach a deal. Iranian leaders responded strongly and said the country would retaliate “like never before” if attacked. Analysts fear that escalating rhetoric could destabilize the region.

Together, domestic mourning and international uncertainty define today’s headlines.

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Chavan credited what he described as strong organisational backing under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. According to him, the unopposed councillors include 49 from north Maharashtra, 41 from western Maharashtra, four from the Konkan region, and three each from Marathwada and Vidarbha.

Elections to 246 municipal councils and 42 nagar panchayats will be held on December 2, with counting of votes scheduled on December 3, making this the largest civic election exercise in the State in nearly a decade.

However, the build-up to the polls has been overshadowed by a political row over the manner in which these uncontested wins have come about. Opposition parties have accused the BJP of engineering withdrawals of rival candidates, alleging misuse of administrative machinery and political pressure.

In Jamner, Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan’s wife, Sadhana Mahajan, was elected unopposed as council president following the withdrawal of Congress and NCP candidates. Similarly, in Dhule district, Marketing Minister Jaykumar Rawal’s mother, Nayan Kunwar Rawal, won without a contest after an opposing nomination was rejected.

Another high-profile case involves Alhad Kaloti, cousin of Chief Minister Fadnavis, who secured an unopposed victory in Chikhaldara. Opposition MLA Yashomati Thakur has alleged intimidation and inducements to facilitate withdrawals.

Opposition leaders claim that dynastic politics has now penetrated grassroots-level institutions. The BJP has strongly denied these allegations, asserting that the uncontested wins represent voter confidence.

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Raut wrote on X that what the Congress feels about the alliance “does not matter” if the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the MNS have already decided to work together. According to him, the coming together of the two Thackeray-led parties reflects the sentiments of ground workers and supporters, and therefore does not require permission from any central leadership.

Sharad Pawar’s NCP has also indicated that a united opposition front would be essential to challenge the ruling alliance in Maharashtra. Senior NCP leaders, including Jitendra Awhad, have stated that all “natural allies” should remain together, adding that Left parties, Ambedkarite groups and worker unions have urged opposition unity ahead of the polls.

The Congress, however, remains guarded. The party leadership in Maharashtra has been cautious about the prospect of an electoral tie-up with the MNS, given historical ideological differences and voter-base sensitivities in Mumbai. Earlier, Congress leadership announced its intention to contest the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections independently, creating uncertainty around a joint opposition strategy.

The upcoming BMC polls carry enormous political significance. Apart from being India’s richest civic governing body, the BMC election is seen as a symbolic test of strength ahead of the 2025 Maharashtra Assembly elections. The UBT Sena and the MNS believe that a combined Marathi platform could reclaim lost ground, especially in Mumbai and Thane — regions where both once commanded influence.

With the election schedule approaching, intense negotiations are expected over the coming weeks. Whether Congress eventually agrees to return to the negotiation table may determine whether Maharashtra’s opposition faces the polls united or fragmented.

The post Maharashtra Opposition Rift Deepens Ahead of BMC Polls appeared first on India Podcast.

Alam criticised the EC for ignoring the party’s earlier requests. He questioned whether officials were inactive or taking instructions from outside parties, despite claiming independence. The NCP demanded clarity on why the symbol was not included.

The EC clarified that the Shapla symbol does not appear in its reserved list of 115 electoral symbols. Earlier, NCP representatives met Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin. Party coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari said the registration must include one of the Shapla variants — Shapla, white Shapla, or red Shapla — and cannot be changed.

Bangladesh faces growing political uncertainty ahead of next year’s elections. The NCP warning adds tension, as student leaders previously joined Muhammad Yunus and other parties against the Awami League government led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

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Those who stepped down include NCP leaders Ampareen Lyngdoh, Abu Taher Mondal, Rakkam Sangma, and Comingone Ymbon; UDP leaders Paul Lyngdoh and Kyrmen Shylla; HSPDP leader Shakliar Warjri; and BJP’s A.L. Hek.

According to sources, the reshuffle comes as part of a seat-sharing agreement among alliance partners to balance representation within the cabinet. New ministers are expected to be sworn in at Raj Bhavan later this evening . Political analysts say the reshuffle reflects growing adjustments in the coalition to maintain stability and accommodate diverse regional and party interests in governance.

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