In a sharp reaction to the results of the Maharashtra urban local body elections, the state Congress unit has launched a scathing attack on the ruling Mahayuti alliance and the State Election Commission. Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) chief Harshavardhan Sapkal has alleged that the polls were "fixed" to ensure the victory of the ruling parties.
Allegations of Electoral Malpractice and Bias
Sapkal, speaking to a Marathi news channel on December 21, 2025, stated that the election process was deeply flawed. He claimed it was neither free nor fair, citing a series of irregularities. "From changing dates of elections to the counting of votes, this election witnessed a complete mess," he asserted.
The Congress leader highlighted unresolved objections regarding the voters' list and reported instances of bogus voting. "We saw bogus voting like fake voters being put up in marriage halls," Sapkal alleged, questioning the integrity of the entire electoral exercise given the alleged malpractices.
In a sarcastic jab, Sapkal said, "I want to congratulate the Election Commission for ensuring the victory of the ruling parties." He further criticized the Mahayuti government, calling it a "gang of triple sarkar" where corruption is rampant, law and order has deteriorated, and public issues remain unaddressed.
Congress Strategy: Going Solo in Mumbai and Beyond
Outlining the party's future course of action, Sapkal made a significant announcement regarding the crucial Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. "Yesterday (Saturday), we held a meeting regarding Mumbai elections. We have decided to go solo in Mumbai. The party leadership has approved it," he declared.
He explained that for the recent local body polls, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) had delegated alliance decisions to local leadership. "This election was the election of party workers... Wherever possible, we had an alliance, and where it was not possible, we fought elections on our own," Sapkal said, adding that this policy of empowering local units would continue for municipal corporation elections as well.
Internal Rifts in Mahayuti and the Road Ahead
Sapkal also commented on the dynamics within the ruling Mahayuti alliance, comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP. He expressed concern for the fate of the Shiv Sena and NCP, suggesting the BJP would eventually sideline them. "The BJP will now show the door to Shiv Sena and the NCP... The BJP is adept at breaking parties and using money and muscle to gain power," he claimed.
He accused the BJP of pursuing a "cent per cent BJP" slogan and said the three-party alliance was formed solely for power, with the BJP known for dumping partners. Sapkal alleged that the campaign across Maharashtra was marred by the use of money and muscle power, along with illegal activities and vote-buying.
According to the latest reports from the counting on Sunday, the BJP was leading in 127 seats, the Shiv Sena in 53, and the NCP in 32 seats. Combined, the Mahayuti alliance was ahead in about 212 urban local bodies. In contrast, the opposition MVA was leading in just 53 municipal councils and nagar panchayats, with the Congress ahead in 36, the Shiv Sena (UBT) in nine, and the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) in eight.
