Maharashtra’s Political Alliance for BMC Elections
In a move to clarify ongoing speculations, Chandra Shekhar Bawankule, a minister and BJP leader in Maharashtra, announced on Tuesday that the Mahayuti alliance, comprising BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP, will jointly contest the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. Speaking to reporters in Nagpur, Bawankule stated that the coalition aims to secure two-thirds of the wards and 51 percent of the votes in the upcoming BMC elections. He emphasized that the Mahayuti will work together to achieve these goals in the Mumbai municipal elections.
Additionally, he expressed hope that party workers contesting as independents in local body elections would withdraw their nominations. Bawankule mentioned, ‘We expect all independent BJP workers contesting in the municipal council elections to retract their nominations before the deadline.’ He advised that since only one candidate can be given the AB form for a specific seat, others should not feel disheartened and should focus on supporting the official party candidate’s victory.
Bawankule remarked, ‘Our appeal has received a positive response, and we are confident that many will withdraw their nominations. Given that elections are occurring after seven or eight years, it is natural for everyone to hope for tickets. However, most candidates will make informed decisions within the nomination withdrawal period. Voting for the elections of members and direct chairpersons of 246 municipal councils and 42 municipal panchayats, totaling 288, is scheduled for December 2, with counting set for December 3. The State Election Commissioner, Dinesh Waghmare, announced that the model code of conduct came into effect on November 4 for all these municipal councils and panchayats.
