The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance has gained a major early edge in the Maharashtra civic elections, with 68 candidates elected unopposed even before voting, following the withdrawal of nominations across several urban local bodies. Polling for the civic elections is scheduled for January 15.
The unopposed victories were confirmed after the deadline for nomination withdrawals closed on Friday, as candidates from rival parties exited the fray, paving the way for uncontested wins in multiple municipal bodies across the state.
Of the 68 seats secured without a contest, the BJP alone accounts for 44. A significant number came from the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation in Thane district, along with seats in Pune, Pimpri Chinchwad, Panvel, Bhiwandi, Dhule, Jalgaon and Ahilyanagar.
In Pune, BJP candidates Manjusha Nagpure and Shrikant Jagtap were elected unopposed from Ward No. 35 after their opponents withdrew. Both leaders had earlier represented the same ward during the 2017–2022 term.
Union Minister and senior BJP leader Murlidhar Mohol said the unopposed wins reflected public confidence in the party’s governance. He expressed confidence that the next Pune mayor would be from the BJP, noting that the party aims to win 125 seats, with two already secured without contest.
BJP spokesperson Keshav Upadhye said the developments highlighted the party’s growing influence in urban civic institutions across Maharashtra. Party leaders attributed the success to the popularity of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and the electoral strategy led by state BJP president Ravindra Chavan.
However, the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray faction) criticised the unopposed victories, alleging that democratic processes were being weakened. Party MP Priyanka Chaturvedi accused the BJP of intimidating opposition candidates through central agencies or inducing withdrawals through inducements, and criticised the Election Commission for remaining silent.
Elections to 29 municipal corporations across Maharashtra, including the politically significant Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), will take place on January 15, with vote counting scheduled for the following day.
