Mon Jul 28 19:50:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a rewritten news article based on the provided text:
**Summary:**
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that the Mahayuti government alliance will primarily contest local polls together where feasible, but allow for friendly contests in other constituencies. He emphasized the BJP’s readiness for the elections and criticized the opposition’s development record and stance on Operation Sindoor. This follows the Supreme Court’s directive to conduct local elections within four weeks and the government’s order to begin the election process for 29 municipal corporations, including Mumbai’s BMC. Fadnavis expressed confidence that the next Mumbai Mayor will be from the Mahayuti alliance.
**News Article:**
**Maharashtra’s Ruling Alliance Prepares for Local Polls Amidst Strategic Maneuvering**
**Mumbai, July 29, 2025** – Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Monday that the Mahayuti government alliance will primarily contest the upcoming local polls together, but will permit “friendly contests” in constituencies where a unified approach isn’t possible.
Speaking in Wardha district after a meeting with BJP officials from Vidarbha, Fadnavis stated, “Mahayuti is the rule; friendly fights are an exception, but not a rule for upcoming elections.” He also reiterated the BJP’s preparedness for the polls, accusing the opposition of propagating “false narratives” due to their inability to compete on the basis of development.
The announcement comes after the Supreme Court directed the State Election Commission on May 6th to conduct local body elections within four weeks. The elections had been previously stalled due to litigation surrounding the Other Backward Classes (OBC) reservation issue. Following the court order, the government initiated the election process for 29 municipal corporations, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
Regarding the Mumbai elections, Fadnavis expressed confidence, stating, “People have already decided in their hearts that the Mayor of Mumbai will be from Mahayuti. Whether Thackeray brothers contest unitedly or independently doesn’t matter.”
Fadnavis also criticized the opposition’s stance on “Operation Sindoor”, labeling it “shoot and scoot” and claiming they avoid discussing the operation because it exposes the bravery of the soldiers and undermines their narrative.
Political parties, including the ruling Mahayuti alliance and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), are actively strategizing and forming alliances as they prepare for the upcoming local polls across the state.
First Piper 