BJP-Shiv Sena Alliance Wins Maharashtra Civic Polls; Supreme Court Stays Mukul Roy Disqualification

The Bharatiya Janata Party-led Mahayuti alliance, including the Shiv Sena, secured a significant victory in Maharashtra's municipal elections, notably ending Uddhav Thackeray's 25-year control over the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis described the results as a 'massive mandate.' The BMC election saw a 53% voter turnout amid some logistical concerns. Additionally, the Supreme Court stayed the disqualification of Mukul Roy as MLA in West Bengal, and India-EU trade talks advanced with most chapters signed ahead of an upcoming summit.