BJP Leaders' Family Members Secure Unopposed Victories in Local Polls
In a surprising political development, two close relatives of prominent Bharatiya Janata Party leaders in Maharashtra have been elected unopposed to local municipal councils, with Congress candidates withdrawing their nominations to facilitate the victories. The elections for Chikhaldhara and Jamner Municipal Councils saw unprecedented cross-party support that has sparked controversy and allegations of power misuse.
Chikhaldhara Council: CM Fadnavis's Brother Wins Without Contest
Alhad Kalote, the maternal brother of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, secured an unopposed victory as councillor from Prabhag No. 1 in Chikhaldhara Municipal Council located in Amravati district. The BJP had fielded Kalote as their candidate, while the Congress had initially nominated Shaikh Eshad Shaikh to contest against him.
The political landscape took an unexpected turn on Thursday, November 20, 2025, when the Congress candidate along with six other contenders withdrew their nominations. This mass withdrawal cleared the path for Kalote's uncontested election, making him the automatic winner.
Following the development, Congress MLA Yashomati Thakure launched a sharp attack against Chief Minister Fadnavis, accusing him of misusing his political power to ensure his relative's election. The allegations have added fuel to the ongoing political tensions in the state.
Jamner Council: Minister Mahajan's Wife Reclaims Presidency
In a parallel development, Sadhana Mahajan, wife of BJP minister Girish Mahajan who is known for his close association with the chief minister, also won unopposed as the president of Jamner Municipal Council. The seat from which she contested was reserved for general category women candidates.
Three candidates withdrew from the presidential race, including the Congress nominee and surprisingly, even the NCP (SP) candidate. This demonstrated support from the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition, while the third candidate belonged to the Ajit Pawar-led NCP faction.
Sadhana Mahajan had previously served as council president and filed her nomination papers on Monday amid a strong show of strength by the BJP. Her return to the position without facing any opposition has raised eyebrows across political circles.
Political Reactions and Allegations
The unopposed elections have triggered strong reactions from opposition parties. Maharashtra Congress spokesperson Atul Londhe expressed serious concerns about the democratic process, stating that "money and muscle power of the BJP is working overtime to trample upon all democratic norms."
Londhe further emphasized that the Election Commission should investigate how these elections are becoming unopposed and what unfair means are being employed in the process. The allegations point toward growing concerns about the integrity of local body elections in the state.
The developments have created a significant political storm in Maharashtra, with opposition parties questioning the transparency of the electoral process while the BJP maintains that the withdrawals reflect the widespread support for their candidates and policies.
