Congress party in the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) was almost wiped out as most of the party corporators today declared support to the Maratha strongman Sharad Pawar. There are 34 corporators of which 27 issued a signed statement today declaring their support to Pawar. Among those who signed the statement included leader of the opposition Manoj Shinde, at least two former mayors and members of the transport and education committee.

Slumdwellers asked to vacate

ThE BMC has issued a warning to residents of ten slums in `S' ward to vacate their homes apprehending a danger to their life and property due to landslide or flooding this monsoon. In a press note, the ward officer has asked slumdwellers of Pratap Nagar, Hanuman Nagar, Ramabai Nagar, Gamdevi Tekdi, Khindipada, Tanaji Wadi, Waghoba Wadi, Jai Bhim Nagar Surya Nagar and Mahatma Phule Nagar to move to safer sites. Most of these slums are based on hilltops and hillslopes of Bhandup and Mulund areas.