MUMBAI, India Dec 21— The ruling Mahayuti alliance tightened its grip over Maharashtra’s urban local bodies as the BJP claimed record gains in municipal council elections, while opposition parties accused the government of skewing the contest through money power and alleged EVM manipulation.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said BJP-backed candidates secured 48% of all councillor positions and won the presidency in 129 municipal councils.
“This is another record for the BJP. Over 3,300 councillors have been elected from the party, and Mahayuti candidates now lead most municipal bodies,” Fadnavis said, adding that the alliance won the confidence of voters across the state.
The elections covered 286 municipal councils and nagar panchayats. Though Mahayuti allies competed against each other in several regions, the alliance collectively outperformed the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi, which includes the Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (SP).
Fadnavis said the campaign avoided personal attacks. “I did not criticise any leader. We asked for votes on development, governance and our plans ahead,” he said.
Opposition leaders disputed the mandate. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut alleged electoral malpractice. “The opposition could not withstand the massive use of money and manipulation of EVMs,” he said.
Congress leader Ambadas Danve echoed the charge, saying the ruling alliance “used muscle and money power to secure a larger number of seats.”
BJP leaders rejected the claims. State BJP president Ravindra Chavan said voters had rejected the opposition’s politics. “Uddhav Thackeray himself admitted he had nothing to offer. The people responded accordingly,” he said.
Union minister Nitin Gadkari credited party workers for the results. “This victory belongs to our workers and to people who believe in the BJP’s development-oriented approach,” he said.
While the Mahayuti dominated most regions, the Congress and NCP (SP) claimed victories in select strongholds, including Chandrapur and Sangli districts. Recounting was ordered in one municipal council in Nagpur district after objections from the Congress.
Despite isolated setbacks, BJP leaders said the results set the tone for upcoming civic polls, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation election.
