On the day the ‘united’ Opposition held protests nationally against demonetisation, voters in Maharashtra have firmly backed the BJP. In a 4-cornered fight, the ruling party won 50 out of 147 presidencies in the first phase of Municipal Council elections held across the state.
Voters in the small towns had to vote twice – once to choose their corporators and then separately for their Council Presidents. BJP’s gamble of holding direct election for the president’s post has paid off as it won presidencies even at places where other parties got majorities in Councils.
BJP also has the most number of corporators as it won over 800 seats out of over 3,000 declared until Monday evening.
- BJP: 52 Presidents (Majority in 31 Councils)
- Shiv Sena: 25 Presidents (Majority in 16 Councils)
- Congress: 23 Presidents (Majority in 20 Councils)
- NCP: 19 Presidents (Majority in 17 Councils)
- Others: 25 Presidents (Majority in 18 Councils)
- 34 Councils are hung
Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked voters of Maharashtra and congratulated Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who was the face of BJP’s campaign.