Mumbai, Dec 21 (NationPress) The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Maharashtra asserted on Sunday that it has emerged as the leading party, securing the highest number of president and other positions in the nagar parishad and nagar panchayat elections, claiming that these elections have dismissed the fake narrative while endorsing a development-focused agenda.

The elections for 246 nagar parishads and 42 nagar panchayats were conducted in two phases on December 2 and December 20, with counting taking place on Sunday. As of 1:44 PM, the BJP reported winning 129 seats while the counting was ongoing.

Maharashtra BJP president Ravindra Chavan mentioned that the party would now concentrate on Mumbai following a decisive victory in the recent local elections, emphasizing that voters have turned down the opposition's “fake narrative”.

In a briefing to reporters and party activists at the BJP headquarters, Chavan noted that the opposition made various claims during the campaign, but the public recognized their falsehood.

“Uddhav Thackeray himself admitted he had nothing to present to the populace; hence, his party was rejected. His party couldn’t even secure council chairperson positions in double digits,” he stated. “Now, the residents of Mumbai will likely follow suit. The Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has pledged to replace all current local trains with air-conditioned ones without raising fares,” he added.

“After the Assembly elections, the citizens of Maharashtra have once more placed their confidence in the Bharatiya Janata Party in the nagar parishad and nagar panchayat elections statewide. The BJP family has reaffirmed its status as the largest political entity in Maharashtra. This victory reflects the unwavering trust of the people, along with the visionary urban development strategy of the esteemed Modiji, the insightful leadership of Devendra Fadnavis, and the relentless dedication of BJP officials and workers,” he expressed.

“I extend heartfelt gratitude to all voters who have endorsed the BJP's transparent, people-centered, and developmental philosophy! Congratulations to all the winning candidates and best wishes for the future! Wherever the BJP's lotus blossoms, development is bound to follow,” he remarked.

Chavan indicated that the results illustrate the advantages of having the same party in power both at the Centre and the state. He commended Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for his extensive tours of the state, conducting rallies and engaging with party members through online meetings. “We commend his commitment and effort,” he added, asserting that Mumbaikars would similarly dismiss the opposition’s narrative in the forthcoming BMC elections.

Referring to the outcome as a clear indicator of the state's future, Chavan stated, “This is a robust mandate for advancement and progress. We honor the people's choice and will endeavor to meet the high expectations that voters have from the BJP and its partners.” He claimed that the Mahayuti alliance secured over 250 councils, nagar parishads, and nagar panchayats out of 288, with BJP candidates winning 134 out of 236 council chief roles and more than 3,000 corporator seats.

A senior BJP official and state revenue minister, Chandrashekhar Bawankule, credited the victory to the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the effective administration of Chief Minister Fadnavis.

“For the first time, the BJP has achieved such a significant mandate in civic body elections,” he noted, congratulating Chavan and the Mahayuti partners, Shiv Sena and NCP.

Regarding alliance dynamics, Bawankule remarked that it was impractical to contest all minor nagar parishad and nagar panchayat elections collectively. “Candidates were selected after discussions, and there was no animosity. The Congress remains our traditional adversary, and it is further diminishing,” he stated.

BJP leader and Sindhudurg guardian minister, Nitesh Rane, meanwhile, adopted a conciliatory approach, emphasizing that development would now be the priority.

“The elections have concluded, and there is no need for further politicization. Development will continue to be our focus,” Rane told the press, congratulating victors in Malvan, Kankavali, Sawantwadi, and Vengurla. “As guardian minister, I will address their needs and expectations impartially. I assure them of complete support. It is taxpayer money, and it must be used wisely,” he stated, praising BJP workers for their contributions in Malvan and Kankavali. “Our workers exerted significant effort and did not fall short anywhere. In a democracy, such dedication must be acknowledged,” he added.

In response to claims of financial influence, Rane remarked, “If substantial funds had been utilized, all candidates on my panel in Malvan would have won. The public is astute, and we should trust their decisions. I need time to comprehend what precisely went awry.”

He also recognized the influence of campaigns led by his elder brother Nilesh Rane. “His rallies did create an impact and cannot be overlooked. There were other elements as well, and we also made some errors. I respect the people's mandate,” he concluded. In the civic polls of Malvan and Kankavli, his elder brother and Shiv Sena MLA Nilesh Rane backed winning candidates.