BJP Achieves Clear Majority in Nashik Civic Elections
The Bharatiya Janata Party delivered a strong performance in the Nashik Municipal Corporation elections. The party improved its tally significantly despite contesting the polls independently. Rival political alliances mounted a concerted challenge, but the BJP emerged victorious.
Election Results and Seat Distribution
Elections took place on January 15, with counting completed on Friday. The BJP secured a clear majority, winning 72 of the 122 seats. This year's civic elections featured a triangular contest. The BJP fought independently while its Mahayuti partners joined forces. The Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar-led NCP contested together as one alliance.
On the opposing side, the Maha Vikas Aghadi also presented a united front. This alliance comprised Sena (UBT), MNS, Congress and NCP (SP). Despite these broad coalitions, the BJP outperformed all rivals. Shiv Sena won 26 seats, NCP secured four, UBT bagged 15, Congress won three, and the MNS claimed one seat. One independent candidate also secured victory.
Comparison with Previous Elections
A comparison with the 2017 civic polls reveals interesting shifts. In the previous elections, the undivided Shiv Sena had won 35 seats. Congress and the NCP had secured six seats each. The MNS had five, and the RPI (A) had one, along with three Independents. The BJP had won 66 seats in 2017, making their current 72-seat tally a clear improvement.
The BJP's performance stands out because it occurred during challenging circumstances. Almost every opposition party aggressively targeted the BJP over the Tapovan tree-felling issue. Environmentalists took firm positions against the ruling party. Internal friction surfaced when A and B forms were issued to two candidates in multiple wards, triggering rebellions.
Overcoming Challenges and Key Victories
Some disgruntled aspirants either switched sides or contested independently. Despite these adverse factors, the BJP not only retained its dominance but strengthened its mandate. One of the most closely watched developments occurred in Old Nashik's Ward No 13. This area has long been considered a stronghold of Congress and Shiv Sena.
Here the BJP won three of the four seats. The winners included Aditi Pande, daughter of former city mayor Vinayak Pande. Rahul Shelar, nephew of NCP (SP) city chief Gajanan Shelar, also secured victory. Shahu Khaire completed the trio of BJP winners. All three joined the BJP just days before nominations began. The only non-BJP winner in this ward was MNS candidate Mayuri Pawar, wife of MNS district chief Ankush Pawar.
Leadership Response and Strategic Factors
Senior BJP leader and cabinet minister Girish Mahajan spoke to reporters after the results. He expressed gratitude to Nashik's voters for their support. Mahajan camped in Nashik for nearly five days before the elections. He oversaw campaign strategies and mobilization efforts during this critical period.
The results reaffirm the BJP's standalone strength in Nashik city. They indicate that organizational coherence played a decisive role. Candidate selection and local outreach also proved crucial factors. These elements helped overcome controversies and multi-faceted resistance from opposition parties.
