Who are the 40 star campaigners for Maharashtra's local body polls?
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Synopsis
The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has announced a robust list of 40 star campaigners for the upcoming local body elections in Maharashtra. As the political landscape evolves, the party is poised to make significant strides in collaboration with its allies. Discover the key figures leading this electoral charge.
Key Takeaways
- NCP announces 40 star campaigners for local body elections.
- Strategic alliance with BJP and Shiv Sena for electoral success.
- Local units can opt for independent candidacy based on regional conditions.
- Election date set for December 2, with counting on December 3.
- Controversies surrounding some leaders may impact the campaign.
Mumbai, Nov 13 (NationPress) The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), under the leadership of Ajit Pawar, has unveiled its roster of 40 star campaigners for the forthcoming local and civic body elections in Maharashtra.
The NCP is set to contest these elections in collaboration with the BJP and Shiv Sena, yet local party branches have been granted the autonomy to decide whether to run independently or alongside the MahaYuti allies, depending on the political landscape in their areas.
The star campaigners list features prominent figures such as NCP President and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, National Working President Praful Patel, State President Sunil Tatkare, Maharashtra Medical Education Minister Hasan Mushrif, and others including Dhananjay Munde, Narahari Zirwal, Manikrao Kokate, and Makarand Patil. The list also highlights political leaders like Aditi Tatkare, Indranil Naik, Sayaji Shinde, and Nawab Malik, along with several MLAs and former ministers.
It's noteworthy that Dhananjay Munde resigned from his position as State Agriculture Minister amid a controversy linked to the murder of Sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh from Beed district, while Manikrao Kokate faced removal from the Agriculture department following a viral video of him playing rummy during a legislative session.
Within the party, Chakankar has faced criticism for controversial remarks made after the suicide of a doctor from a Satara government hospital. Meanwhile, Nawab Malik is currently out on bail concerning a money laundering case, and Suraj Chavan was recently appointed as the party spokesperson despite his past controversies.
The local body elections, covering 246 municipal councils and 42 nagar panchayats, are scheduled for December 2, marking the state’s first local elections in over five years, as announced by the Maharashtra State Election Commission. Vote counting will take place on December 3.
The BJP and Shiv Sena-UBT have also revealed their star campaigners, with State Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule asserting that the MahaYuti alliance will achieve a 51% vote share and secure a two-thirds majority in all local bodies.
He stated, "The BJP-led MahaYuti government will dominate all urban and local bodies with a strong mandate," adding that measures will be taken to prevent any disputes among alliance partners.
Point of View
The NCP's strategic alignment with the BJP and Shiv Sena highlights a nuanced approach to electoral politics in Maharashtra. While the party faces internal challenges, its ability to adapt to local dynamics and mobilize key leaders could significantly influence the upcoming elections, showcasing the complexity of coalition politics in India.
NationPress
14/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the upcoming local body elections in Maharashtra?
The local body elections in Maharashtra are set for December 2, with a total of 246 municipal councils and 42 nagar panchayats participating.
Who are the star campaigners announced by the NCP?
The NCP has announced a list of 40 star campaigners, including prominent leaders such as Ajit Pawar, Praful Patel, and several ministers and MLAs.
What is the political strategy of the NCP for these elections?
The NCP plans to contest in alliance with the BJP and Shiv Sena but allows local units to decide on contesting independently based on regional dynamics.
When will the counting of votes take place?
The counting of votes for the local body elections will occur on December 3.
What challenges does the NCP face leading up to the elections?
The NCP faces challenges including controversies surrounding some of its leaders and the need to maintain unity within its alliances, particularly with the BJP and Shiv Sena.
