Maharashtra's ruling Mahayuti alliance is set for a commanding victory in the forthcoming civic body elections across the state, according to a senior minister. Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule asserted on Monday that the coalition is poised to secure control of all 29 municipal corporations and win mayoral posts in numerous cities.
Confident Projections and Alliance Strategy
Addressing the media in Nagpur, Bawankule expressed strong confidence in the alliance's prospects. He projected that Mahayuti would return to power with a vote share exceeding 51 percent, indicating a consolidated position in urban centers including Nagpur and Mumbai. The minister outlined the seat-sharing formula, stating that the BJP would contest seats where it is traditionally strong, while the Shiv Sena would fight from its areas of strength, a plan finalized by the senior leadership.
Bawankule, who serves as the guardian minister for Nagpur and Amravati districts, mentioned that discussions are advancing smoothly in major urban hubs like the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation. He also noted that the Rashtriya Yuva Swabhiman Party, led by MLA Ravi Rana, would contest as part of the Mahayuti alliance in Amravati, citing its 15-year association with the coalition.
Countering Opposition and Highlighting Reforms
The minister dismissed criticism from the Opposition, specifically targeting remarks from Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders. Responding to comments on Aaditya Thackeray's political ascent, Bawankule said there was "nothing new" about political succession, pointing out that Uddhav Thackeray promoted his son during his own tenure as chief minister. He also took a swipe at Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut, accusing him of spending his entire career criticizing others.
Bawankule strongly rebutted allegations that the BJP intends to separate Mumbai from Maharashtra, reiterating Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's firm stance. "As long as the sun and the moon exist, Mumbai will not be separated from Maharashtra," he declared, labeling the charge as politically motivated and baseless.
Historic Reforms in Revenue Department
The minister highlighted several "historic" reforms implemented by the Revenue Department under Fadnavis's leadership. Key initiatives include:
- Legal changes enabling the regularization of homes for nearly 7 lakh families, simplifying processes by allowing regularization through premium payment.
- Abolishing the requirement for stamp paper for students seeking various certificates.
- Simplifying the partition of ancestral property, now possible on a ₹500 stamp paper.
- Implementation of the Pandhan Road Scheme for farmers and efforts to make revenue laws more citizen-friendly.
In the Vidarbha region, Bawankule said a major initiative is granting land titles to over 2 lakh families residing on government land prior to 2011. He described this as a significant step toward providing social and legal security to long-settled residents.
With these claims and reform highlights, the minister's statements set the stage for a highly contested civic election cycle, positioning the ruling alliance as the frontrunner while showcasing its administrative achievements.
