The recently concluded civic body elections in Maharashtra's Washim district have delivered a complex political verdict, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerging as the overall leader but facing significant challenges from regional and new entrants. The results underscored shifting alliances and voter sentiments at the local level.
A Mixed Verdict: BJP's Lead and Surprise Entrants
While the BJP secured the highest number of corporators at 49, establishing itself as the single largest force across the district, the narrative was defined by unexpected outcomes. The party captured the Washim and Risod municipal councils. However, the most striking development was the spectacular debut of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), which scripted a historic victory in Karanja. In its very first attempt, AIMIM won the Karanja municipality, with its candidate Faridabano Shafi Punjani defeating BJP's Nisha Golchha by a narrow margin of 117 votes for the president's post.
This performance propelled AIMIM to become the second-largest party in the district with 20 councillors, a significant milestone that highlights changing political equations. The Congress secured 18 corporators, while the Shiv Sena factions and the Nationalist Congress Party (Ajit Pawar group) also claimed key victories.
Key Battles and Prestige Wins Across Councils
The elections saw intense contests in several municipal bodies. In a major boost for the Eknath Shinde-led faction, the Shiv Sena (Shinde) clinched the Malegaon Nagar Panchayat. Its candidate, Om Khursude, triumphed over Congress's Ganesh Ahir, with BJP's Nagesh Bali finishing third. This result was seen as a setback for sitting MLA Ameet Zanak, whose backed candidates faced defeat in both Risod and Malegaon.
In Risod, the BJP registered a close win, with Bhagwanrao Kshirsagar defeating Shiv Sena (UBT)'s Sudhakar Deshmukh by 917 votes. Meanwhile, the NCP (Ajit Pawar) faction secured a prestige victory in Mangrulpir, where its candidate Ashok Paralikar defeated BJP's Dilip Ratnaparkhi by a substantial margin of 4,000 votes.
The Washim Municipal Council witnessed a decisive victory for BJP's Anil Kendale, who defeated Shiv Sena (UBT)'s Rekha Mapari by over 7,000 votes.
Prominent Faces Meet Defeat
The polls were also marked by the defeat of several well-known political figures. Former Washim council president Ashok Heda lost his seat, although his son Kunal Heda managed to win. In a nail-biting finish, Nitesh Malik, son of former MLA Lakhan Malik, lost his election by just one vote. Other notable losers included Seema Rajguru, wife of former BJP MLA Purushottam Rajguru, and former municipal president Kusumtai Gore.
The final district-wise corporator tally stands as: BJP (49), AIMIM (20), Congress (18), Shiv Sena (Shinde) (13), Shiv Sena (UBT) (12), NCP (Ajit) (6), and Independents (6). These results from Washim district signal a period of recalibration for Maharashtra's political parties as they gear up for larger electoral battles ahead.
