Tue Dec 02 02:59:34 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:
Summary:
The first phase of local body elections is underway in Maharashtra, India on December 2, 2025. Polling is taking place across 264 Municipal Councils and Nagar Panchayats, with nearly one crore eligible voters. Early voter turnout was recorded at 7.94% in the first two hours. The elections are being held to fill 6,042 seats and 264 posts of Council Presidents. The State Election Commission (SEC) had initially notified elections to a larger number of bodies, but some were postponed due to irregularities and court cases. The elections have been marked by significant internal conflict within the ruling Mahayuti alliance, with the Shiv Sena, BJP, and NCP factions openly clashing.
News Article:
Maharashtra Local Body Elections See Early Voter Turnout Amidst Ruling Alliance Tensions
Mumbai, December 2, 2025 – The first phase of local body elections in Maharashtra commenced today, December 2, 2025, with 7.94% of eligible voters casting their ballots in the first two hours of polling. Voting is underway across 264 Municipal Councils and Nagar Panchayats, where 6,042 seats and 264 Council President posts are being contested. Nearly one crore voters are eligible to participate in this phase.
The State Election Commission (SEC) originally scheduled elections for a larger number of local bodies, but had to postpone voting in 22 municipal councils and panchayats due to reported procedural irregularities and ongoing court cases.
Beyond the electoral process, this election cycle has been overshadowed by public infighting within the ruling Mahayuti alliance, comprised of the Shiv Sena, BJP, and NCP factions. Reports indicate that the parties have been poaching each other’s local cadres, leading to strained relationships and public exchanges that have intensified the political climate. The election results are to be tallied on December 3rd, 2025.
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