Will MahaYuti Partners Unite for Local Body Elections?

Synopsis
The MahaYuti coalition, consisting of BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP, is preparing to contest local body elections together, although friendly rivalries may arise in areas of disagreement. Following a Supreme Court directive, the parties are gearing up for elections with a focus on collaboration and strategic planning.
Key Takeaways
- MahaYuti coalition unites BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP for elections.
- Potential for friendly rivalries in contested constituencies.
- Election preparations driven by a Supreme Court mandate.
- Focus on strategic alliances to strengthen local governance.
- Voter outreach emphasized by party leaders.
Mumbai, June 11 (NationPress) The Maharashtra BJP chief and state revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule announced on Wednesday that the MahaYuti partners, including BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP, will collaborate for the forthcoming local and civic body elections. However, he noted that in case of disputes regarding seat allocations in certain areas, there may be friendly contests in those constituencies.
“We aim to contest all elections in the state as a cohesive alliance. Instructions have been given to our party leaders and workers. Our grassroots workers are engaging in discussions amongst themselves.
“If any disagreements emerge over a seat, friendly competition will ensue. Meanwhile, in other regions, we will proceed with our alliance, eliminating any confusion,” remarked Bawankule.
This announcement follows a notification from the state urban development department about the drafting of ward boundaries for 29 municipal corporations, including the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), especially after a recent Supreme Court directive for the Maharashtra government to complete the election process within four months.
Other significant civic bodies involved are Pune, Nagpur, Thane, Nashik, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Navi Mumbai, Vasai-Virar, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and Kalyan-Dombivli.
The Urban Development department has instructed Municipal Commissioners to commence the preparation of ward boundary drafts for submission to the State Election Commission (SEC) for approval.
These civic bodies will also need to solicit suggestions and objections from residents and conduct hearings prior to finalizing the boundaries. Currently, these bodies are under administrator governance.
Coincidentally, NCP working president Praful Patel echoed Bawankule’s sentiments, asserting that the MahaYuti partners will jointly contest local and civic elections.
He stated, “We will collaborate for local body elections, forming alliances whenever feasible. However, in instances where alliances are not possible, we will rely on our own strength, urging workers to begin preparations immediately.”
NCP president and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar called on party workers to gear up for the polls during a rally celebrating the party’s 26-year milestone.
Chief Minister Fadnavis, present in Akola, also affirmed Bawankule’s position, stating, “Our stance is resolute; we will contest elections as a grand alliance, but where this isn’t achievable, friendly contests will occur.”
Meanwhile, NCP(SP) chief Sharad Pawar expressed that his party believes the Maha Vikas Aghadi should jointly compete in the local and civic elections.
During his party rally on the foundation day, he urged NCP(SP) workers to start preparing and mentioned that the party aims to allocate 50% of tickets to women.
Additionally, youth and new candidates will be prioritized in NCP(SP) nominations.
Similarly, the Shiv Sena (UBT) on Wednesday assigned 12 leaders to spearhead preparations for the BMC elections, urging them to enhance voter outreach.