Ahead of Maharashtra’s local polls, Mahayuti may contest independently in key cities like Pune and Thane. Seat-sharing tensions persist, especially in Mumbai, as BJP and Shinde faction eye dominance.
Pune | 25 July, 2025: As Maharashtra gears up for the crucial local body elections in the coming months, all political camps have intensified their preparations. Key municipal corporations like Mumbai, Pune, Thane, Nagpur, and Nashik are set to witness high-voltage battles—primarily between the ruling Mahayuti alliance and the Mahavikas Aghadi.
In a major political development, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’s ongoing visit to Delhi has reportedly led to decisive meetings on the Mahayuti’s electoral roadmap. According to senior political sources, high-level discussions have clarified key strategies, including whether to contest the local polls jointly or allow alliance partners to fight independently in strongholds.
Divide and Rule Within the Alliance?
Sources indicate that BJP, the Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction may choose to contest independently in certain municipal corporations—especially in Pune and Thane. The underlying logic is to leverage local strengths and provide greater opportunities to party workers. However, a post-poll alliance remains open for balancing power equations.
- Thane: A known stronghold of the Shinde faction, but BJP is also aggressively asserting itself.
- Pune: BJP currently holds power here, while Ajit Pawar’s NCP has a significant base. The Shinde faction has relatively less presence.
This approach could lead to a triangular contest in several areas, but sources maintain that a joint fight will still be pursued in selected municipalities.
Mumbai: The Big Seat Tug-of-War
The seat-sharing dynamics in Mumbai are reportedly unresolved. The Shinde camp is demanding over 100 out of 227 seats, while the BJP is aiming for more than 150 seats—indicating possible friction within the alliance. Both parties are keen on unseating Uddhav Thackeray’s faction from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), making Mumbai a prestige battle.
Mini Assembly Elections Also on the Radar
Alongside local body polls, upcoming mini Assembly elections are being seen as a litmus test for Mahayuti’s popularity post their success in state and national elections. Delhi-level discussions are said to have included these elections as part of a broader political strategy.
With internal negotiations, strong regional holds, and a possible post-poll consolidation plan, the Mahayuti is preparing for a high-stakes electoral showdown. All eyes are now on how the seat-sharing settles and whether internal competition will sharpen or shake the ruling alliance.
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