In a significant pre-poll boost for the ruling Mahayuti alliance, candidates from the Shiv Sena and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have been elected unopposed in several key wards of the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) and in Bhiwandi. The uncontested victories, secured just before the withdrawal deadline, underscore the alliance's organizational strength and provide early momentum for the crucial municipal polls scheduled for January 15.
Shiv Sena Dominates KDMC Wards Unopposed
The Shiv Sena, led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, registered a series of unopposed wins in the KDMC. In Ward No. 24, party candidates Ramesh Mhatre, Vishwanath Rane, and Vrushali Joshi were declared elected after their rivals withdrew nominations. Further strengthening its position, the party saw Rajesh More win uncontested from Ward No. 24A.
Deputy CM Eknath Shinde personally congratulated the newly elected Shiv Sena corporators via a video call. According to party insiders, Shinde instructed the winners to ramp up campaigning in the remaining KDMC wards to secure an overall majority for the party in the municipal corporation.
BJP Adds to Mahayuti's Unopposed Tally
The BJP matched its ally's performance, ensuring a clean sweep for the Mahayuti in specific ward clusters. In the same area as the Shiv Sena's wins, BJP candidate Jyoti Pawan Patil won uncontested. Under the leadership of senior leader Ravindra Chavan, the BJP's tally of unopposed victories in Dombivli rose to five.
Earlier, three BJP candidates had been declared elected without contest. They were later joined by Manda Subhash Patil from Panel 27A and Jyoti Pawan Patil from Ward No. 24B, consolidating the party's position.
Victory in Bhiwandi Extends Momentum to Thane District
The alliance's success extended beyond KDMC limits into the neighbouring Thane district. In Bhiwandi, BJP's Sumit Patil, a relative of party leader Kapil Patil, was declared elected unopposed. Party sources indicated that this victory adds to the BJP's growing momentum in the Thane region ahead of the polls.
Political analysts view these uncontested wins as a testament to the Mahayuti's ground-level preparedness and a potential indicator of voter sentiment. The ruling alliance appears to have successfully convinced opposition candidates to withdraw, highlighting its strategic maneuvering in the pre-election phase.
The stage is now set for polling across all 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra on January 15. The counting of votes will be conducted on January 16. The uncontested gains provide the Shiv Sena and BJP a head start as they campaign for the remaining contested seats.
