Mumbai Indians

On this Special Report, anchor Preeti Choudhry tracks the decisive victory of the Mahayuti alliance in the Maharashtra Municipal Corporation elections. As counting continues, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has managed to cross the majority mark in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), leading in over 112 seats. Preeti Choudhry highlights that 'the BJP has managed to cross the majority mark' while the Thackeray-led faction trails significantly. The programme features reactions from Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who lauded the success as a 'seal of approval' for the NDA's development policies. Additionally, the report covers Tamil Nadu BJP leader K. Annamalai’s response to Raj Thackeray’s 'divisive narratives,' asserting that Mumbai has chosen unity over regional animosity. With counting still underway in 30 wards, the bulletin explores the shifting political landscape in Mumbai, Thane, and Pune, where the Mahayuti has established a commanding lead over the opposition.

On this Special Report, the focus is on the aftermath of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) election results where the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has emerged victorious. Tamil Nadu BJP President K. Annamalai slammed the opposition's 'failed strategy of dividing Mumbaikars along linguistic and regional lines' following a heated campaign marked by personal attacks. Annamalai, who was targeted by Raj Thackeray with the 'Rasimalai' jibe and 'Lungi Pungi' taunts, stated that the people of Mumbai have rejected the anti-outsider narrative in favour of development and inclusive growth. The leader highlighted that while the opposition trafficked in divisive rhetoric aimed at fragmenting the city's population, the electorate prioritised unity and infrastructure. The programme examines the political implications of the BJP's performance in the financial capital and the defeat of regional animosity as a campaign tool.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) questioned actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay for seven hours in Delhi regarding a stampede at his party's event in Karur that resulted in 41 deaths. Vijay reportedly denied his party's role, stating that TVK functionaries were not responsible and that the Tamil Nadu police failed to maintain law and order. He claimed he left the venue to prevent further chaos. The CBI is corroborating his statement with video evidence as the probe unfolds during a crucial election season, with debates pointing to negligence or alleged political sabotage by the ruling DMK. Former IPS officer Sanjay Sahay noted it was a case of "atrocious" crowd management. The report also highlights another political controversy involving MNS chief Raj Thackeray, who revived the divisive 'hatao lungi, bajao pungi' slogan against Tamilians ahead of Mumbai's BMC elections.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) questioned actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay for seven hours in Delhi regarding a stampede at his party's event in Karur that resulted in 41 deaths.

A political firestorm has erupted ahead of the 2026 BMC polls, with Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) Chief Raj Thackeray at the centre of a controversy for targeting Tamilians. In a Mumbai rally, Thackeray revived an old divisive slogan, stating, 'Hatao lungi, bajao pungi,' a call interpreted as inciting violence against South Indians. His remarks were aimed at BJP leader K. Annamalai, whom he mockingly called 'Rasmalai' after Annamalai described Mumbai as a 'global city' rather than just belonging to Maharashtra. The incident is being condemned as a dangerous attempt to stir regional chauvinism and identity politics for electoral gain. In response, Annamalai has stated he will not be intimidated and will continue to visit Mumbai, while the BJP claims his original comments were twisted for political purposes.

A political firestorm has erupted in Maharashtra ahead of the high-stakes BMC elections, following controversial remarks about Mumbai's identity. The conflict involves MNS chief Raj Thackeray and a BJP leader, identified in the report as K Annamalai. During a campaign, the speaker advocated for a 'triple engine government' and stated his vision for the city's development. He is quoted as saying, 'Because Bombay is not a Maharashtra city, it's an international city'. This comment triggered a sharp response from Raj Thackeray, who is reported to have used derogatory language. The speaker from the BJP also compared Mumbai's massive budget to that of other metros like Chennai and Bangalore, and outlined a vision where 'no slum should be in Mumbai' in the next seven years.

BJP leader K. Annamalai has strongly responded to MNS chief Raj Thackeray after being targeted with insults at a Mumbai rally ahead of the BMC polls. After Thackeray called him 'Rasmalai' and revived the 'Hatao Lungi, Bajao Pungi' slogan, Annamalai issued a direct challenge: 'I will come to Mumbai, do what you want'. He asserted that he is not scared of any threats, adding that the Thackerays are in the habit of insulting Tamils and run their 'business' by issuing such threats. Annamalai, who identifies as the 'son of a farmer', stated that he considers earning the anger of the Thackerays a great achievement. The war of words erupted after Annamalai campaigned for BJP councillors in Mumbai, focusing on the city's Tamil-speaking population.

A political firestorm has erupted in Maharashtra ahead of the BMC elections after MNS chief Raj Thackeray took a dig at BJP leader K. Annamalai, calling him 'Rasmalai' and invoking the controversial 'Hatao lungi, bajao pungi' slogan. Reacting to the personal and vulgar remarks, Shiv Sena National Spokesperson Shaina NC condemned the statement, calling it the 'lowest of low in politics'. In an exclusive conversation, she questioned the MNS's vision, stating, 'to say Hatao Lungi, Bajao Pungi, is this the level of repartee in a city like Mumbai, which has always been a cultural hub?' Shaina NC further criticised what she termed a conspiracy to suggest Mumbai will be separated from Maharashtra, affirming the city's multicultural fabric and defending the right of leaders from other states to campaign there. She asserted that such insults are an affront to the nation's unity in diversity.

A political controversy has erupted in Maharashtra following remarks by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) Chief Raj Thackeray. Ahead of the BMC polls, Thackeray targeted BJP leader K. Annamalai, mocking him as 'Rasmalai' and questioning his right to speak on Mumbai matters. In his speech, Thackeray also invoked his uncle Balasaheb Thackeray's controversial slogan, 'Uthao Lungi, Bajao Pungi,' in a clear jibe at South Indians. These comments have led to allegations that the MNS is deliberately stoking regional prejudice to polarise the Marathi vote bank. Critics suggest this is a move to revive the party's political fortunes by pitting Marathis against people from other states, including North Indians, Gujaratis, and South Indians.

In an exclusive interview with India Today, a speaker addresses the intense political climate ahead of the crucial BMC polls. Discussing the potential alliance between the Thackeray brothers, the individual emphasizes that any form of 'Dadagiri' against Marathi people 'cannot be accepted, cannot be tolerated'. The speaker issues a stern warning regarding the protection of Marathi Asmita, explicitly stating, 'Batoge toh pitoge, agar aap Marathi ka apman karoge'. The conversation also highlights deep concerns about businesses allegedly moving from Mumbai to Gujarat, which the speaker claims will not be tolerated. Furthermore, the individual references the Congress party's history, specifically pointing to the 1983 Sikh riots, to counter political narratives. The speaker asserts that the Marathi Manoos issue is taking center stage in the upcoming elections and warns that those who do not respect the local culture will face consequences.

In this report, India Today correspondent Vidya details the shifting political alliances in Maharashtra ahead of the civic body elections. She reports that Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray are set to unite for the BMC, Thane, and Nashik polls. Consequently, the Congress party has decided to contest independently, distancing itself from the Shiv Sena (UBT) due to the MNS's anti-North Indian stance. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has confirmed the Thackeray brothers' collaboration.

While visiting Bhutan, Mumbai tourist Stephen Toppo felt embarrassed by the noise from other Indians.

IPL 2025: Sai Sudharsan said that the playing county cricket in England has helped his batting. After a stellar run in the IPL where he scored 759 runs in 15 games, the left-hander will head to England for a five-match Test series.

Mumbai Indians (MI) head coach Mahela Jayawardene gave an update on Suryakumar Yadav's fitness after their win over Gujarat Titans (GT) in the Eliminator of the Indian Premier League 2025 (IPL 2025). Suryakumar was seen being attended by physio in the final stages of the game.

Punjab Kings' (PBKS) batter Shashank Singh revealed that their team manifested a top two finish right after the auction and worked hard towards it. Punjab qualified for the IPL playoffs after 11 years and guaranteed a top-two finish, following their 7-wicket win over Mumbai Indians (MI) in their last fixture in Jaipur.

Mumbai Indians' wicketkeeper batter Ryan Rickelton said that the team isn't too worried about their loss against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in their last fixture and backed them to bounce back strongly in the Eliminator. PBKS beat MI by seven wickets in their last league fixture in Jaipur.

Mumbai Indians (MI) all-rounder Will Jacks has thanked captain Hardik Pandya and head coach Mahela Jayawardene for instilling confidence in his bowling. Jacks has been handy with the ball in the ongoing IPL 2025 having scalped six wickets from seven innings.

Delhi Capitals coach Hemang Badani blamed their IPL 2025 exit on not finding a settled opening pair. Despite a bright start, instability in the batting order ultimately derailed their push for a playoffs spot.

IPL 2025, MI vs DC: Mahela Jayawardene said that Mumbai Indians have played good cricket, having won six out of their last seven matches, and deserve to have play-off fate in their own hands. A win for MI on Wednesday will send them through to the playoffs.

Delhi Capitals (DC) bowling coach Munaf Patel admitted that the team is under pressure ahead of the must-win fixture against Mumbai Indians (MI) in the Indian Premier League 2025 (IPL2 205). Delhi desperately need to win the upcoming fixture to stay alive in the play-offs race.