A team from the Election Commission of India (ECI), led by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, arrived in Mumbai. Their two-day visit focuses on assessing preparations for the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections. With the election date expected in mid-November, this visit comes at a crucial time as the political landscape shifts.
During their stay, the ECI will actively hold meetings with a wide range of stakeholders. This includes representatives from political parties, enforcement agencies, and key government officials.
On Friday and Saturday, they will discuss important matters with nodal officers from Central paramilitary forces, the chief election officer, the state chief secretary, and the Director General of Police. Additionally, senior police personnel and administrative secretaries will join the conversations. This engagement aims to ensure thorough preparation and coordination for the elections.
Moreover, the Commission will prioritize discussions with district collectors and Superintendents of Police. These talks will address local issues that could impact the smooth conduct of the elections. On Saturday evening, the ECI will hold a press conference, providing an opportunity to share crucial information before the team heads back to Delhi.
In recent years, the political landscape has faced significant crises. These crises include unexpected coalition formations, internal party disputes, and defections within the ruling coalition. Such challenges have tested the government’s stability and led to shifts in alliances.
As the elections for the 288-member Maharashtra legislative assembly approach, the ruling coalition, known as Mahayuti, aims to maintain its power. This coalition includes Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena, the BJP, and Ajit Pawar‘s NCP.
Conversely, the opposition coalition, Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), is preparing to challenge their dominance. This coalition consists of Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP (SP), and Congress.
Mumbai plays a crucial role in these elections, featuring 10 constituencies in the city and 26 in the suburban area. Key constituencies to watch include Dharavi, Malabar Hills, Colaba, Versova, Borivali, and Byculla.
Currently, BJP and Shiv Sena members hold the majority of assembly seats in Mumbai. Meanwhile, the Indian National Congress occupies three seats, while the Samajwadi Party holds one.
As the Maharashtra assembly elections draw near, the ECI’s proactive measures signal an impending electoral battle. Voters can expect a vibrant contest as both the ruling coalition and the opposition prepare to make their case to the electorate.
Kolkata: On Friday, January 10, 2026, Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha members demonstrated against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her actions after the ED raids at the I-PAC office and its chief Pratik Jain's home. | In relation to an alleged coal smuggling case that stretches back a few years, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) searched the Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) office and Pratik Jain's home on Loudon Street in Kolkata on Thursday, January 8, 2025. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launched a protest against the ED raids on I-PAC after the raid set off a political storm in the state. Why is a chief minister endorsing Pratik Jain, and who is he? Pratik Jain, a political strategist and co-founder of I-PAC, is a graduate of IIT Bombay. He is credited with helping I-PAC grow into one of the most significant political consulting organizations in India. I-PAC was established in 2015 and offers services like data-driven campaign management, support for governance, and voter outreach initiatives. It has collaborated with a number of Indian political groups throughout the years, notably West Bengal's Trinamool Congress (TMC). I-PAC reportedly collaborates closely with Abhishek Banerjee, the national general secretary of the Trinamool Congress, and his office. The company oversees the IT and media division of the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC and is in charge of creating its election campaigns. Mr. Jain was in charge of the Trinamool Congress's IT cell, according to Ms. Banerjee. According to his LinkedIn page, Jain, an engineering graduate from IIT Bombay, started his career as an analyst at the consulting firm Deloitte. He was one of the first members of Citizens of Accountable Governance, which later evolved into I-PAC. Arvind Kejriwal, M.K. Stalin, Jaganmohan Reddy, Uddhav Thackeray, Rahul Gandhi, and Nitish Kumar are just a few of the prominent figures with whom the political consultancy firm has collaborated.…
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