Pune/Mumbai, Dec 15 (NationPress) Maharashtra's Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Monday that the forthcoming elections for 29 municipal bodies will be contested jointly wherever feasible. However, in Pune, there will be a friendly competition between the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) and the BJP, as both parties will run independently.

“Both Ajit Pawar and I understand the political landscape well enough to realize that if we join forces in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, it would inadvertently benefit a third party, which we wish to avoid. Therefore, while we will compete against each other, it will be a friendly rivalry,” he stated.

Regarding the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections, CM Fadnavis asserted, “Even if the Thackeray brothers unite and the Congress joins them, Mumbaikars will continue to support the MahaYuti.

The Chief Minister also highlighted that the alliance has decided against transferring activists or workers from one party to another.

He further emphasized, “Timely elections are essential; this is our stance.” These remarks followed the State Election Commission's announcement of the election schedule for all 29 municipal corporations.

“In most cities, there will be a BJP-Shiv Sena alliance, while in certain areas, the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP may unite,” CM Fadnavis elaborated.

He added that in some locations, the BJP and NCP could also form a coalition. The Shiv Sena is expected to remain part of the Mahayuti alliance in most areas.

Expressing confidence in the Mahayuti's ability to secure a majority in municipal bodies, he cited the significant development initiatives undertaken by the government over the past five years.

The CM's central argument is strategic. A senior BJP official stated, “In Pune, where both the BJP and NCP (Ajit Pawar) enjoy considerable and frequently overlapping support, an alliance could inadvertently consolidate the opposition's votes (MVA/Congress) and jeopardize the Mahayuti's overall success. By contesting separately, we aim to maximize seat capture, ensuring that one of the two Mahayuti parties triumphs in each ward.”

Moreover, he noted that the BJP has historically performed well in Pune, achieving over 100 seats in the previous election. Local BJP members often advocate for independent campaigning due to the party's strong standing. Running separately allows both the BJP and NCP (Ajit Pawar) to accommodate the numerous ticket aspirants within their respective parties.

“While both parties will face off against each other, the overarching state-level alliance will remain solid, and they will avoid any personal attacks or aggressive campaigning against each other's candidates,” he pointed out.

Previously, Maharashtra's Revenue Minister and BJP Election In-charge for local body elections, Chandrashekhar Bawankule, announced on December 10 that the Mahayuti alliance partners—BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP—will collectively contest the upcoming elections for 32 Zilla Parishads and 29 Municipal Corporations, affirming that unity among the three parties is crucial.

“The Mahayuti's unity will remain intact in the Zilla Parishad and Municipal Corporation elections. We aim to secure 51 percent of the votes and emerge victorious, and the Mahayuti will participate in these elections as one,” he stated.

Additionally, Maharashtra BJP President Ravindra Chavan on December 12 firmly denied allegations of coercing leaders from coalition partners or the opposition to switch allegiances, asserting that the BJP has consistently upheld “coalition dharma” within the ruling Mahayuti.

He underscored the alliance's cooperative nature under Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and confirmed that the three entities—BJP, Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar's NCP—will collaboratively participate in the local body elections as part of the MahaYuti alliance.

Meanwhile, NCP president Ajit Pawar remarked that the upcoming municipal corporation elections are more than just a voting process; they represent an opportunity to bolster democracy and encourage inclusive development.

“Let us commit to pursuing sustainable progress, transparent governance, and robust infrastructure through these elections. Support capable leadership and help build a stronger Maharashtra. Vote for development. Vote for stability,” he urged.