As the scrutiny of nomination papers for the elections to 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra wrapped up, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has seen success, with six of its candidates winning unopposed even before the polls. In the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC), the BJP secured three unopposed wins, including Rekha Chaudhary from Ward 18-A, Asawari Navre from Ward 26-C, and Ranjana Perkar from Ward 26-B. BJP state president Ravindra Chavan praised the winners, highlighting the significant role played by women leaders in the party’s early victories.
In the Panvel Municipal Corporation, BJP candidate Nitin Patil clinched an unopposed win from Ward 18-B after his sole competitor’s nomination was rejected during scrutiny. The BJP also secured two unopposed seats in the Dhule Municipal Corporation, with Ujjwala Bhosale and Jyotsna Praful Patil emerging victorious without facing any rival candidates. The unopposed victories were largely a result of technical disqualifications or the absence of challengers in reserved wards.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis commented on the unopposed wins, emphasizing the importance of public trust and the lack of strong opposition in certain areas. The early successes have reportedly uplifted the morale of BJP cadre as they gear up for the main polling day. However, the municipal elections have revealed tensions within the ruling Mahayuti alliance, with disagreements over seat-sharing leading to intra-alliance contests in multiple cities across Maharashtra.
