Maharashtra Local Body Polls: The BJP has emerged as the biggest winner in the Maharashtra local body elections, securing 129 out of a total of 288 municipal councils, cementing its position as the dominant force within the ruling Mahayuti alliance and Maharashtra politics. Overall, the Mahayuti won 207 municipal councils, while the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) managed to clinch just 44, underscoring the scale of the ruling combine’s sweep across the state.

Opposition Concedes Defeat, Alleges Bias

The Opposition Congress and the Shiv Sena (UBT) acknowledged the setback and accused the Election Commission of favouring the ruling alliance. Maharashtra Congress chief Harsh Vardhan Sapkal issued a sharp warning to BJP’s allies.

“The BJP's success is a wake-up call for Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar... The BJP will 100 per cent expel these two allies,” Sapkal said.

In a brief statement, he also “congratulated” the state Election Commission for allegedly “helping” the Mahayuti secure the win.

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The PTI report cited Senior Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve as alleging that the ruling alliance benefited from unfair means. “The Mahayuti has bagged a larger number of seats as compared to constituents of the Maha Vikas Aghadi, thanks to the muscle and money power deployed by the ruling parties,” he said.

Fadnavis Credits Positive Campaign

Reacting to the results, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis thanked voters and party workers for their support.

“We are happy that we were able to fulfil the trust shown in us by Modiji's positivity and our leaders Amit Shahji, Naddaji, and Navinji,” he said.

Explaining his campaign strategy, Fadnavis added, “For the first time, I did not criticise any leader or party, did not make accusations, but explained my plans. I campaigned 100% positively. It paid off. The people approved it.”

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Polling After Nearly A Decade

Voting for 264 municipal councils and nagar panchayats was held on December 2, marking the first such exercise in nearly ten years. Polling in another 20-plus councils took place on December 20. Vote counting began at 10 AM on Sunday.

Despite expectations of a tough contest amid agrarian distress and welfare-related concerns, the Opposition failed to convert public discontent into electoral gains.