Cash Seized, Washing Machines Recovered Ahead of Maharashtra Civic Polls; Ulhasnagar Incident Sparks Row

• Campaigning for 29 urban local bodies in Maharashtra concluded, with elections scheduled for January 15.
• Election Commission seized cash and expensive goods, including 19 washing machines in Ulhasnagar, on the last day of campaigning.
• In Ulhasnagar's Subhash Tekri, an independent candidate, Naresh Gaikwad, apprehended an auto-rickshaw carrying alleged cash for distribution to BJP candidates.
• Police have taken the youth into custody, seized the cash, and launched an investigation.
• The BMC elections in Mumbai are a key contest, with the BJP-led 'Mahayuti' facing challenges from the Thackeray brothers and a divided Shiv Sena.

Why It Matters: Maharashtra civic polls marred by cash seizures and political allegations, highlighting intense electoral competition.