
MVA alliance in Maharashtra faces the civic poll test
The Hindu
Congress, NCP, Sena look to strengthen their base as ‘go it alone’ rhetoric gains ground
While the ideologically opposed, tripartite Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance of the Shiv Sena, the Congress and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) judders along in Maharashtra, voiced favouring to “go it alone” for future polls are beginning to be heard. This is true at least in the Congress and Sena.
In August this year, Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Chief (MPCC) Nana Patole said his party would be contesting future polls alone. Shiv Sena MP and spokesperson Sanjay Raut echoed this for his party while speaking last week on civic body polls due next year. He said a joint contest depends on a “respectable seat sharing arrangement”.

Thousand Lights MLA from the DMK N. Ezhilan, in an interview to The Hindu, observes that any popular personality entering politics will attract the limelight. But only a structured party machinery combined with popularity can ensure success. In this interview, he speaks about his tenure as first-time MLA from Thousand Lights Assembly constituency in Chennai, Vijay’s political entry shaping the 2026 elections, redressal of key grievances and more.

Against the backdrop of intense poll activity, a 400-metre stretch of an arterial road in the outskirts of Chennai (technically in Madurapakkam panchayat under Tambaram assembly constituency) presents a salute to the idea of res publica, which underpins India’s system of governance, where citizens have a say, at least before a government is securely ensconced in the seat of power. A Republic Day initiative shines bright every night

Set to unfold as a one-day pop-up on April 5, the Easter Sadya brings together both vegetarian and non-vegetarian menus, offering a peek into the food traditions of the Syrian Christian (Nasrani) community. While the traditional Sadya is often associated with dishes such as sambar, avial, and rice, this version expands to include community-specific festive dishes.

Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat has rolled out digital mode of water bill generation and collection in 23 gram panchayats on a pilot basis for the first time in Karnataka. This is set to be extended to the remaining 200 panchayats shortly, according to the Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Narwade Vinayak Karbhari.









