After the Maha Vikas Aghadi’s (MVA) lackluster performance in the recently concluded Maharashtra Assembly elections, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has hinted at the possibility of contesting the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections independently.

Speaking to PTI, Raut said, “Talks are on between Uddhav Thackeray and other party leaders about whether to go solo for the BMC polls. Workers want the party to contest the polls solo.”

Raut expressed confidence in Shiv Sena (UBT)’s influence in Mumbai, asserting that the party’s base in the city remains strong. “If we had more seats to contest in Mumbai during the assembly polls, we would have won them,” he added. Raut also highlighted the strategic importance of securing Mumbai, emphasizing, “Winning Mumbai is crucial; otherwise, the city could be separated from Maharashtra.”

Historically, Shiv Sena has contested BMC and other civic body polls independently, even before its split with the BJP. However, Raut clarified that the MVA alliance would remain intact for the civic body elections in Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, and Nashik.

The remarks come in response to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s announcement that the ruling Mahayuti alliance—comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), and NCP—will contest the BMC elections as a united front.

About the BMC Elections

The upcoming BMC elections hold immense significance, as the term of the previously elected representatives ended in March 2022. Since then, India’s richest municipal corporation has been functioning without elected representatives for nearly three years, including the COVID-19 period.

Shiv Sena, before its split, had controlled the BMC for an impressive 25 years, from 1997 to 2022. Whether the Shiv Sena (UBT) contests independently or as part of the MVA will significantly impact the political landscape of Mumbai.

The casting process for Spider-Man: Homecoming brought unexpected challenges for Laura Harrier, who played Liz Toomes. Harrier recently revealed that she initially believed Zendaya had taken her role after her screen test. Speaking with Net-a-Porter, Harrier shared, “After my screen test, reports surfaced that Zendaya was cast in the movie. I thought I’d lost the role. My agent reassured me I was still in the running, but it was a nerve-wracking moment.”

Zendaya, already a Disney star with a massive fan following, was widely speculated to be playing Mary Jane Watson. Instead, she portrayed MJ, while Harrier took on the role of Liz Toomes, bringing a fresh dynamic to the franchise.

Marvel Studios’ casting of two women of color in key roles was groundbreaking. Harrier praised the studio’s approach: “It wasn’t about our blackness; it was about reflecting the diversity of New York City. That’s what films should do. Zendaya and I had so much fun making the movie, and we’ve remained friends since.”

While Harrier did not return for Spider-Man: Far From Home, she cherishes the relationships formed during her Marvel journey. “Friendships with people like Zendaya, Yara Shahidi, and Alycia Debnam-Carey make this sometimes-strange industry less intimidating and much more rewarding,” Harrier shared.

More than seven years since Spider-Man: Homecoming, Harrier has built a strong career, starring in projects like Ryan Murphy’s Hollywood. Meanwhile, Zendaya has achieved critical acclaim with roles in Dune and Euphoria.

Their shared experience on Spider-Man symbolizes Marvel’s commitment to diversity and highlights the importance of camaraderie in the entertainment world.

Keerthy Suresh has been dominating headlines recently, not only for her dreamy wedding to entrepreneur Antony Thattil but also for her professional ventures. Actress Keerthy Suresh is known for her stellar performances, is making her Bollywood debut opposite Varun Dhawan in Baby John.

However, amidst the celebrations, rumors have surfaced suggesting Keerthy might step away from films. Speculations began circulating due to her currently having only two projects in the pipeline: Revolver Rita and Kannivedi. Fans noticed that she hasn’t announced any new projects beyond these, fueling the chatter.

Despite the buzz, it’s essential to note that these are unverified reports, and Keerthy has not made any statements regarding stepping back from films.

The Mahanati star recently tied the knot with her high-school sweetheart, Antony Thattil, in a grand yet intimate wedding at the St. Regis Resort in Goa. The celebration featured a traditional Hindu wedding followed by a Christian ceremony. The event was graced by several film industry A-listers, including Thalapathy Vijay, Trisha Krishnan, Atlee, Priya, and Kalyani Priyadarshan.

Keerthy returned to work soon after the wedding, promoting Baby John alongside Varun Dhawan. During her first post-wedding appearance, the actress sported mehendi-clad hands and her mangalsutra, honoring her South Indian traditions.

Fans eagerly await confirmation about her future projects as she continues to balance her personal and professional life.