Vote counting for Maharashtra’s local body elections commenced at 10 am on Sunday (21 December), paving the way for results that are likely to provide an early glimpse of political strength at the grassroots level throughout the state.
Initial trends from the Maharashtra civic elections indicate a robust performance by the ruling alliance, currently leading in 224 local bodies. The Bharatiya Janata Party is in the lead in 136 bodies, while the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena stands ahead in 53. In contrast, the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi is leading in 52 local bodies as of 2 PM.
These elections encompass a total of 286 municipal councils and nagar panchayats. Voting occurred in two phases on 2 December, with an enthusiastic turnout from voters in urban and semi-urban regions. Footage from various locations, including Mahabaleshwar, displayed voters lining up outside polling stations during the election process.
Prior to the results, senior BJP leader and state minister Chandrakant Patil expressed confidence, stating that the party maintains a significant lead over its competitors. In an interview with news agency PTI, Patil noted that even a potential collaboration between Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena president Raj Thackeray would unlikely impact the BJP’s standing.
“Organizationally and in terms of public support, the BJP has advanced so significantly that even if Uddhav and Raj join forces, it will not alter the situation,” Patil remarked, according to PTI. He further indicated that the Congress running independently would have minimal effect, asserting that the BJP is already “far ahead in the race.”
The outcomes of the local body elections are being closely monitored, as they serve as an indicator of public sentiment ahead of future state-level political battles. Counting is ongoing, with results expected to unfold throughout the day.
(Edited by : Navneet Singh)
