Maharashtra Civic Polls: Mahayuti, Sena (UBT)-MNS Intensify Alliance Talks for Mumbai

• Ruling Mahayuti and Opposition Shiv Sena (UBT)-MNS are holding separate talks for alliances and seat-sharing for the January 15 civic polls across Maharashtra, including Mumbai.
• Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut met MNS chief Raj Thackeray, announcing a likely alliance for Mumbai, Mira-Bhayander, Kalyan-Dombivli, Thane, Pune, and Nashik, with a formal announcement expected soon.
• BJP aims for over 150 seats in BMC for Mahayuti, but minister Ashish Shelar ruled out an alliance with NCP (Ajit Pawar) for Mumbai civic polls, sparking criticism from Congress.
• Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar alleged BJP is excluding NCP from Mumbai tie-ups to divide secular votes, while NCP (Ajit Pawar) is preparing for polls and will decide seats.
• Over 1 crore voters will decide the fate of 227 BMC wards on January 15, with results on January 16, as parties battle for supremacy in 29 corporations.

Why It Matters: Maharashtra civic polls see intense alliance talks, especially in Mumbai, with key parties vying for power.