Will Congress Prevent Poaching as Mayoral Race Intensifies?
Synopsis
As the mayoral elections loom, Congress is taking decisive steps to protect its members in Chandrapur and Parbhani from poaching by Mahayuti. In Bhiwandi, Congress is in a precarious position, just three votes shy of a majority, stirring speculation and alliances.
Key Takeaways
Congress is facing poaching attempts in key municipalities.
Internal disputes may impact Congress's chances in Chandrapur.
Shiv Sena (UBT) is open to alliances for the mayoral position.
In Bhiwandi, Congress is close to a majority but still needs support.
Political dynamics in Parbhani are also shifting.
Mumbai, Jan 19 (NationPress) With the mayoral elections approaching, the Congress party is actively working to maintain unity among its members in Chandrapur and Parbhani to thwart alleged poaching efforts by the Mahayuti coalition. In the Bhiwandi Municipal Corporation, the Congress is proceeding cautiously as it currently lacks a majority by three votes.
On Monday, the president of Shiv Sena (UBT) in Chandrapur, Sandip Girhe, stated that his party is open to forming alliances with any party willing to grant them the mayoral position. “I am not naming any party. But we will go with the party which is ready to give us the mayoral post,” he hinted, suggesting a potential alliance with the BJP.
In the 66-member body of Chandrapur, Congress holds 27 seats while the BJP has 23. The Shiv Sena (UBT) possesses six seats and the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi has two. Internal conflicts between Congress MLA and legislative group leader Vijay Wadettiwar and Chandrapur Lok Sabha MP Pratibha Dhanorkar could jeopardize the party's chances as they struggle to agree on a candidate for mayor and committee leadership.
Former minister and BJP MLA from Chandrapur, Sudhir Mungantiwar, claimed that some Congress corporators are considering switching to the BJP, believing that such a move could foster development in Chandrapur, raising concerns within the Congress party.
However, Maharashtra Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal dismissed these rumors, asserting, “One should ignore the rumours. Congress will have its mayor.”
In Parbhani’s 65-member municipal corporation, the Shiv Sena (UBT) has emerged as the largest party with 25 seats, while their ally Congress has secured 12. Following the announcement of results, Parbhani Lok Sabha MP Sanjay Jadhav stated that both Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress would share the roles of mayor and deputy mayor in Parbhani. The BJP also won 12 seats, while the Ajit Pawar-led NCP secured 11 seats.
The shifting political landscape is expected to influence the current power dynamics in Parbhani. Nevertheless, Shiv Sena (UBT) has made it clear they will not undertake any actions that could benefit either the BJP or the Eknath Shinde-led faction. “We want to be extremely clear in saying that we will not make any move that will benefit either the BJP or the Shinde-led party,” stated party spokesperson Harshal Pradhan.
In the Bhiwandi Municipal Corporation, which consists of 90 members, Congress has emerged as the largest party with 30 seats, while the NCP-SP coalition won 12. The BJP follows with 22 seats and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena has also won 12. The Samajwadi Party secured six seats, with others totaling seven. Despite the alliance with NCP-SP, Congress still needs three more votes for a majority.
Recognizing the precarious political climate, Maharashtra Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal invited all victorious corporators from Bhiwandi for a congratulatory event at the party headquarters.
NCP-SP MLA Jitendra Awhad expressed his party’s support for Congress, stating, “We will achieve the numbers and we will have our mayor in Bhiwandi,” he affirmed.
Point of View
Congress faces the challenge of maintaining cohesion amidst pressure from rival parties. The upcoming mayoral elections are not just about leadership; they reflect the broader struggle for power in the region. It’s essential for parties to navigate these dynamics carefully to ensure stability and represent their constituents effectively.
NationPress
9 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current political situation in Chandrapur?
The Congress party is actively working to maintain its unity amid allegations of poaching by the Mahayuti coalition, with internal conflicts potentially affecting its prospects.
How many seats does Congress hold in Bhiwandi?
In the Bhiwandi Municipal Corporation, Congress has emerged as the largest party with 30 seats, but it still falls short of a majority by three votes.
Who are the major political players in Parbhani?
In Parbhani, the Shiv Sena (UBT) has become the largest party, with Congress and BJP both holding 12 seats, while the NCP has secured 11 seats.
What did Harshwardhan Sapkal say about Congress's mayoral prospects?
He dismissed rumors of defections and asserted that Congress will have its mayor in Chandrapur.
What are the implications of the changing political dynamics?
The shifting alliances and power dynamics could have significant effects on governance and development in these regions.
