Maharashtra local body polls: BJP heading to mark a thumping win
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Mumbai: The BJP is leading in 3,120 of the 6,859 seats in the elections to 246 municipal councils and 42 nagar panchayats in Maharashtra, NDTV reported.
Showcasing its continuing influence in the state, the BJP-led Mahayuti has taken a big lead in 214 local bodies with the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi being tied to 52.
As the results keep emerging, Shiv Sena and NCP are leading in 600 and 200 seats, respectively with the Shiv Sena (UBT), the Congress showcasing lackluster performance leading in 145, 105, and 122 seats, respectively.
The polls that come a year after the Mahayuti won the 2024 Assembly polls point to the BJP’s growing influence in the state's semi-urban and rural regions.
The Opposition was hopeful of making huge impact in the polls given the agrarian crises, partial payment towards welfare schemes for women and farmers among other issues in the state.
Despite the favourable backdrop, the Opposition lacked coordination with the Congress campaigning focusing on Vidharbha and Marathwada, as the leaders of Shiv Sena (UBT) reportedly made no effort, and NCP (SP) leaders mainly focusing in their constituencies.
However, the Chief Minister and the two deputies led the campaigns for their respective parties and even fought with each other in several constituencies, showcasing conflicts within the Mahayuti.
Pointing to a rift within the ruling alliance, Sena ministers accused the BJP of ‘bullying’, and Eknath Shinde went to the extent of reminding the BJP of the ‘alliance dharma’.