Mahayuti Secures 68 Unopposed Wins Ahead of Maharashtra Civic Polls

The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance has gained a decisive early advantage in the Maharashtra civic elections, with 68 candidates declared elected unopposed even before polling begins. The development comes after the conclusion of the nomination withdrawal process, during which several candidates from rival parties exited the race, clearing the way for uncontested victories across multiple urban local bodies in the state. Voting for the remaining seats is scheduled for January 15.

Out of the 68 unopposed seats, the Bharatiya Janata Party emerged as the biggest beneficiary, securing 44 seats. A significant share of these victories came from key urban centres, including the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation in Thane district. Additional unopposed wins were recorded in prominent civic bodies such as Pune, Pimpri Chinchwad, Panvel, Bhiwandi, Dhule, Jalgaon and Ahilyanagar, indicating the alliance’s strong organisational presence across urban Maharashtra.

Within the Mahayuti fold, the Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde secured 22 uncontested seats, while the Nationalist Congress Party headed by Ajit Pawar won two seats without facing a contest.

In Pune, two BJP candidates were declared elected unopposed from ward number 35 after their opponents withdrew nominations. Both had previously represented the same ward during the 2017–2022 municipal term, reinforcing the party’s continuity in local leadership within the city.

Senior BJP leader and Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol described the unopposed victories as a reflection of the party’s governance record and organisational strength. He expressed confidence that the BJP would retain control of the Pune Municipal Corporation, stating that the party had already achieved early success and was well on track to meet its overall seat targets in the civic polls.

BJP spokesperson Keshav Upadhye said the developments highlight the party’s expanding footprint in Maharashtra’s urban civic bodies. Party leaders also credited the popularity of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and the electoral strategy shaped by state BJP president Ravindra Chavan for strengthening the alliance’s position in municipal councils and major corporations.

However, the unopposed wins have drawn sharp criticism from the opposition. The Shiv Sena alleged that democratic processes were being undermined. Party MP Priyanka Chaturvedi accused the ruling alliance of pressuring opposition candidates through central agencies or inducements, claiming that uncontested victories raised serious concerns about the fairness of the electoral environment.

Elections to 29 municipal corporations across Maharashtra, including the politically significant Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, are scheduled for January 15, with vote counting to take place the following day. The early unopposed wins have already set the tone for a high-stakes contest that is expected to reshape the state’s urban political landscape.