BJP Emerges Victorious in Pune and Mumbai Civic Polls Amidst Intense Political Battle

In the recently concluded Pune and Mumbai municipal elections, the BJP showcased significant leads, overcoming family dissent within the Pawar family-led NCP and securing major victories in key city wards. Amidst voting controversies, these polls provide new political insights for India's richest civic bodies.

Amidst a politically charged backdrop, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has emerged as a dominant force in the recently concluded Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) elections, leading in 38 city wards. A notable aspect was the Pawar family's coalition under Ajit Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Sharad Pawar's leadership, which struggled to consolidate vote banks after Ajit Pawar's previous alignment with the BJP.

In Mumbai, the early counting in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections revealed the powerful performance of the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance, leading in around 75 wards as preliminary data suggest. Fadnavis-led BJP performed in 49 seats, while Shinde's Sena held 26. Despite the competition, the Shiv Sena (UBT) led in 40 seats, while the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena led in 8.

The municipal elections, held after a significant eight-year gap, were marred with allegations of misconduct by political alliances, indicating the intense rivalry. As Mumbai anticipates a new mayor, over half of the eligible voters participated, showcasing the democratic spirit amidst the controversies reported.

(With inputs from agencies.)