Nagpur, Jan 16 (NationPress) In a significant affirmation of the "Double Engine" governance, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has decisively overwhelmed the opposition in the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) elections. As the counting nears its conclusion on Friday, the BJP has surpassed the majority threshold in the 151-member NMC, regaining its dominance in the hometown of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari.

The State Election Commission is currently consolidating the final tally, but ongoing trends and declared results as of 5:30 p.m. suggest a remarkable supremacy by the Mahayuti alliance. With 108 seats held in the 2017 body, the BJP is poised to enhance its standing, likely exceeding the 115-seat mark.

Political commentators credit this victory to the robust campaigning efforts of local leaders Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who centered the election on infrastructure and urban development.

The Congress, despite an assertive campaign led by party MLA Vikas Thakre, was unable to disrupt the BJP’s grassroots organization. Notable internal conflicts and the decision of MVA constituents (NCP-SP and Congress) to run separately are recognized as primary factors for the fragmented opposition vote.

The city experienced a moderate voter turnout of around 51-52 percent on polling day, amid reports of minor EVM issues and discrepancies in voter lists across some prabhags.

"This victory symbolizes development triumphing over divisive politics. Nagpur has reaffirmed its faith in the vision of PM Modi and the leadership in Maharashtra,” stated CM Fadnavis.

Minister Gadkari expressed his elation over the results, regarding them as a clear endorsement for stability, progress, and effective governance. He congratulated the alliance's senior leadership, including Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, BJP State President Ravindra Chavan, and Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule.

He praised the collective efforts of the Mahayuti office-bearers, public representatives, and dedicated workers whose relentless campaigning led to this achievement.

"The people of Maharashtra have once again placed their unwavering trust in the BJP-Shiv Sena Mahayuti. This outcome is not merely about local governance but reflects the broader political climate of the state and the government's development-focused policies," Minister Gadkari remarked.

He underscored that the victory showcases the positive outcomes of the government's initiatives over the last few years, especially in infrastructure and roads, which have significantly improved connectivity and transportation, as well as urban development, which has prioritized sanitation, water supplies, and citizen-centered services. The state's governance reflects a commitment to enhancing the capabilities and accessibility of cities.

Minister Gadkari noted that the electorate opted for "development over negative politics," signaling a rejection of the opposition's narrative. He attributed the success to the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the proficient execution by CM Fadnavis that is steering Maharashtra towards becoming an industrial and prosperous state.

Meanwhile, Senior Congress Leader Vikas Thakre, responding to the NMC results, stated, “While we respect the mandate, the confusion caused by the prabhag system and voter list inaccuracies cannot be overlooked. We will persist in our role as a robust opposition for the citizens of Nagpur.”

With a clear majority now evident, attention turns to the selection of the Mayor. Several senior BJP leaders' names are circulating as potential candidates. The official announcement of the newly elected corporators is expected by late tonight or Saturday morning.

(Sanjay Jog can be contacted at sanjay.j@ians.in)