Mon Jan 05 09:35:17 UTC 2026: News Article Summary:

The Janata Dal (Secular) party has withdrawn its complaint alleging irregularities in the nomination process in Mumbai’s Colaba area for upcoming city civic polls. The complaint, which accused Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar of violating the model code of conduct and interfering in the nomination process, was dropped after two of the party’s three candidates’ nominations were accepted. However, former MP Haribhau Rathod will pursue his personal complaint against Narwekar before the State Election Commission. Narwekar, a BJP MLA, has dismissed the charges as baseless and politically motivated. The controversy revolves around wards where Narwekar’s relatives are contesting, and allegations that candidates were prevented from filing nominations to ensure their unopposed election.

Rewritten News Article:

Mumbai Civic Polls: Janata Dal (Secular) Drops Complaint Against Speaker, Individual Case Remains

MUMBAI, January 5, 2026 – In a surprising turn, the Janata Dal (Secular) (JD(S)) has withdrawn its complaint alleging irregularities in the nomination process for the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections in Mumbai’s Colaba area. The complaint had implicated Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar, accusing him of violating the model code of conduct and interfering in the process.

The announcement was made today by Narwekar, who stated the JD(S) dropped its complaint after two out of their three candidates’ nominations were accepted. Narwekar, a BJP MLA representing Colaba, has consistently denied the charges, branding them politically motivated.

“The party itself informed the State Election Commissioner that it is withdrawing its complaint as two out of the three nominations have been accepted,” Narwekar told reporters. He further alleged the JD(S) lacked knowledge of their own candidates’ nomination status and were attempting to create a false narrative against him.

However, the controversy is far from over. Former MP Haribhau Rathod has declared he will continue to pursue his personal complaint against Narwekar before the State Election Commission. Rathod alleges Narwekar objected to his presence while assisting his son’s nomination, and that the Speaker deliberately slowed down the processing of nomination papers.

The allegations center on wards 225, 226, and 227 in Colaba, where Narwekar’s brother, sister, and sister-in-law are all contesting the elections. Opponents claim candidates were prevented from filing nominations to favor the Speaker’s relatives, a charge Narwekar vehemently denies.

When questioned about Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray’s call for his suspension, Narwekar dismissed the demand as irrelevant.

The BMC elections are scheduled for January 15th. The State Election Commission is expected to review Rathod’s individual complaint, and the outcome could have significant implications for the political landscape in Colaba. The elections are crucial for all parties involved as they vie for control of India’s richest municipal corporation.

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