Maharashtra Civic Polls: The civic polls in Maharashtra are set to be conducted today, with results to be announced a day later, on January 16. The results of the civic body polls are likely to set the tone for the next Lok Sabha and Assembly polls. This election is also a litmus test for the Thackeray brothers, who have joined hands after two decades to contest the much-hyped BMC polls together. However, their dominance is set to be challenged by the ruling Mahayuti, led by BJP. The results are also crucial for the Pawar family, as both factions of the NCP have decided to contest the Pune and Pimpri polls together, keeping their state alliance partners on side.
BMC Polls
The Thackeray brothers, Raj and Udhhav, have set the tone of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls by reiterating their Maratha manus rhetoric. The Shiv Sena has maintained a dominance on the richest civic body for the past two decades. However, the division of Shiv Sena and the rise of BJP under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis are set to challenge the authority of the Thackerays.
Thane And Kalyan-Dombivli
While Thane has been a stronghold of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Kalyan-Dombivli has been dominated by the BJP and the undivided Shiv Sena. The alliance between Shiv Sena (UBT) and Raj Thackeray's MNS is set to provide a tough challenge to Mahayuti.
Pune And Pimpri-Chinchwad
The Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad municipal corporations in western Maharashtra are considered strongholds of the BJP. The BJP has fielded candidates in all 165 seats of Pune. However, an alliance between the two factions of the NCP, led by deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar, has made the contest interesting.
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