In a significant political development, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has clarified the alliance strategy for the upcoming municipal corporation elections, setting the stage for a major electoral battle. The polls are scheduled for January 15.
Mahayuti's Unified Front in Key Corporations
Chief Minister Fadnavis, speaking in Pune on Monday, stated that the Mahayuti partners—the BJP and Shiv Sena—will contest together in most municipal corporations. This includes the crucial civic bodies of Mumbai, Thane, and Kalyan-Dombivli. This announcement puts an end to earlier speculation that the three allies might contest separately in regions where each party is dominant.
"We are trying to form a Mahayuti alliance in most municipal corporations," Fadnavis explained. "In maximum places, the BJP and Shiv Sena will be together while in some others it will be a BJP-Shiv Sena-NCP alliance, and at one or two corporations, a BJP and NCP alliance."
Friendly Fights in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad
However, a different strategy will be employed in the politically significant Pune region. Fadnavis ruled out a formal alliance for the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC). Instead, the BJP and the NCP, led by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, will engage in "friendly fights."
"Ajit Pawar and I spoke about an alliance," Fadnavis said. "BJP and NCP are two big parties in PMC and PCMC and both cannot contest in an alliance in these corporations. If we do, our rivals will benefit. We will not give them any room." This decision is notable as Pune is the home district of Deputy CM Ajit Pawar.
Confidence in Victory and Criticism of Opposition
Expressing strong confidence, Fadnavis predicted that the Mahayuti alliance will win the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls. "Mahayuti will be elected in Mumbai. The people have witnessed PM Modi's and our government's work, we are confident they will vote for us," he asserted.
He also dismissed the impact of potential opposition unity. "Irrespective of whether they (the Thackeray cousins) come together or not and whether Congress goes with them or not, people will vote for Mahayuti. In Mumbai, people know that we have safeguarded the interest of Marathi manoos and they will vote for us."
Fadnavis also addressed administrative concerns, appreciating the State Election Commission's decision to hold the polls. He criticized the opposition for demanding a postponement. "Many local bodies were without elected representatives due to a pending court case. Administrators running them is not expected in a democracy," he added, emphasizing the need for timely elections.
