BJP–Shiv Sena Bag 66 Seats Uncontested in Maharashtra Civic Polls

No Voting Needed: BJP and Shiv Sena Secure 66 Uncontested Seats in Maharashtra Civic Polls, Gaining Early Advantage

The ruling Mahayuti alliance has secured a significant early advantage in the Maharashtra Civic Polls, with as many as 66 candidates set to be elected unopposed across multiple municipal corporations and local bodies. The development comes after opposition parties withdrew their nominees before the final deadline, eliminating the need for voting in several wards.

According to official data, of the 66 uncontested seats, 44 candidates belong to the BJP, highlighting the party’s strong grassroots organization, while 22 are from the Shiv Sena. Two seats went to the Nationalist Congress Party, and one candidate was elected as an Independent.

Withdrawals Clear the Way for Unopposed Wins

Friday marked the final day for withdrawal of nomination papers, during which several candidates from opposition parties pulled out of the race. This cleared the path for Mahayuti candidates to be declared elected unopposed, a development that significantly reshapes the electoral landscape ahead of polling day.

Political observers see this as a strategic win for the ruling alliance, as uncontested victories reduce campaign pressure and free up party resources for more competitive regions.

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Strong Showing in Mumbai Metropolitan Region

The Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region recorded the highest number of unopposed winners. A total of 21 Mahayuti candidates secured victory without contest, including 15 from the BJP and six from the Shiv Sena.

Other parts of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region also reflected a similar trend. In Panvel, seven BJP candidates were elected unopposed, reinforcing the party’s dominance in urban and semi-urban pockets.

BJP and Shiv Sena Consolidate Traditional Strongholds

In Jalgaon, long considered a shared stronghold of the BJP and Shiv Sena, both parties secured six uncontested wins each, adding a dozen corporators to their tally. The outcome underlines the continued influence of the alliance in north Maharashtra.

The BJP also recorded six uncontested victories in Bhiwandi, an area traditionally associated with the NCP faction led by Sharadchandra Pawar. This shift has been viewed as a notable political signal ahead of future contests.

Mixed Signals in Thane and Other Regions

Despite visible tensions between alliance partners in Thane, home turf of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, the Shiv Sena managed to secure six uncontested seats. However, the developments sparked protests from the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, which raised questions about the electoral process and the ruling alliance’s approach.

In Dhule, three BJP candidates were elected unopposed, while Ahilya Nagar saw a split outcome with two NCP candidates and one BJP candidate securing uncontested wins.

Political Impact and Strategic Advantage

Political analysts suggest that these uncontested victories provide a morale boost to the ruling alliance, especially following its near clean sweep in recently concluded municipal council elections. The early gains are expected to help the BJP and Shiv Sena concentrate their campaign efforts on contested wards and high-stakes municipal corporations.

Unopposed wins also reduce election expenditure and organizational strain, offering a strategic advantage in the run-up to polling.

Election Commission Orders Inquiry

Amid the developments, the Maharashtra State Election Commission has ordered an inquiry into reports of candidates being elected unopposed ahead of the municipal corporation elections scheduled for January 15.

Election officials have stated that local authorities have been asked to submit detailed reports explaining the circumstances under which nominations were withdrawn. The inquiry will examine whether withdrawals occurred voluntarily or due to pressure, coercion, or inducements.

Results May Be Delayed

Officials indicated that the results in wards with uncontested candidates could be delayed until the inquiry process is completed. While voting is scheduled for January 15 and counting for January 16, the commission has clarified that there is no fixed deadline for submitting inquiry reports.

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Authorities have stated that official results for these wards will not be declared until the reports are reviewed and cleared, even if this extends beyond the counting day.

Looking Ahead

The developments in the Maharashtra Civic Polls underline the ruling alliance’s growing organizational strength at the local level. At the same time, the election commission’s inquiry adds an element of scrutiny that could influence how the final outcomes are perceived.

As polling day approaches, the focus will remain on contested wards, inquiry findings, and whether these uncontested wins translate into broader political momentum for the BJP and Shiv Sena in Maharashtra.

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