The ruling Mahayuti alliance has gained a strong early advantage in the Maharashtra municipal elections, securing 68 seats unopposed even before polling. The State Election Commission will conduct voting for 29 municipal corporations on January 15, while results will be announced on January 16.
After the deadline for withdrawal of nominations ended, officials confirmed that candidates from the ruling coalition won dozens of seats unanimously. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerged on top with 44 unopposed seats. The Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena followed with 22 seats, while Ajit Pawar’s NCP secured two seats.
Kalyan-Dombivli Records Highest Unopposed Wins
The Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation in Thane district recorded the highest number of unopposed victories. A total of 22 candidates won without contest in the civic body. Political observers view this as a major boost for the Mahayuti alliance in the Mumbai metropolitan region.
Union Minister Muralidhar Mohol welcomed the early success. He said the results reflect public confidence in the government’s governance. He also expressed confidence about BJP’s prospects in Pune, where Manjusha Nagpure and Srikanth Jagtap won unopposed. Mohol stated that the next mayoral post in Pune is likely to go to the BJP.
Opposition Alleges Pressure on Candidates
The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) raised strong objections to the unopposed victories. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi alleged that ruling party leaders pressured opposition candidates to withdraw nominations. She claimed that threats involving agencies like the ED and CBI influenced the process.
Following these allegations, the State Election Commission ordered an inquiry. Officials will examine whether any coercion or inducement affected candidates in seats decided unanimously.
Political Heat Rises Ahead of Poll Day
With polling just days away, the Mahayuti alliance’s early gains have intensified political debate across Maharashtra. The civic elections are expected to shape the future of urban governance in the state.
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