BJP-NCP Alliance Challenges Shiv Sena in Maharashtra Civic Polls

In Maharashtra, the political landscape is heating up as the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) and NCP (Nationalist Congress Party) have formed an alliance to contest against the Shiv Sena in upcoming municipal elections. Nominations for the elections, which cover 246 municipal councils and 42 nagar panchayats, concluded on October 30, 2023. Voting is scheduled for December 2, 2023.

Alliances and Rivalries in Local Elections

Across various regions in Maharashtra, parties that were previously allies are now standing against each other. Notably, in the Yeola municipal council, the BJP-NCP alliance faces off against Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena, a partner in the broader Mahayuti coalition. Similar dynamics are observed in other councils, including Bhagur and Sinnar, where former allies are now competitors.

Political analysts anticipated this shift, noting that the Mahayuti and the MVA (Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi) coalition would not maintain their unity in local elections, unlike their collaboration in the upcoming 2024 Assembly and Lok Sabha polls. The final count of nominations is expected to be released soon, revealing the extent of these political realignments.

Despite the apparent discord, there are instances where former rivals have collaborated for strategic advantages. For example, in the Nandgaon council, Shiv Sena’s MLA Suhas Kande has allied with the BJP to counter the NCP’s influence. Kande previously defeated NCP’s Sameer Bhujbal in the last assembly election.

Key Candidates and Local Dynamics

The situation in Bhagur is particularly interesting, with the NCP and BJP jointly nominating Prerna Balkawde for the president’s position. NCP MLA Saroj Ahire emphasized that their goal is to reclaim the council from Shiv Sena, which has held power for the past 25 years.

Shiv Sena’s incumbent candidate for the presidency is Anita Vijay Karanjkar, who aims to maintain her party’s longstanding control. Meanwhile, in areas like Trimbakeshwar and Chandwad, all parties have fielded candidates against one another, indicating a fragmented political scene.

Political expert insights suggest that as the deadline for candidate withdrawals approaches, further realignments may occur. “This is just the beginning. The real alliances will shape up before the last day of withdrawal of nominations,” said an unnamed analyst.

In Kolhapur, NCP Minister Hasan Mushrif has formed alliances in various councils, distancing himself from Mahayuti partners. In Kagal, he collaborated with rival Samarjeetsinha Ghatge to present a unanimous candidate for the presidency, demonstrating the complexities of local politics.

The upcoming elections in Maharashtra reflect a significant moment in local governance, as traditional power structures are challenged. With alliances shifting and rivalries intensifying, the outcome on December 2 will have implications for the political fabric of the state.