
Sat Jan 03 02:38:32 UTC 2026: Okay, here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:
Summary:
Ahead of the January 15, 2026 Maharashtra civic polls, the BJP and its Mahayuti allies have secured 68 seats unopposed. The BJP accounts for 44 of these wins, spread across various municipal corporations like Kalyan-Dombivli, Pune, and Pimpri Chinchwad. The Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena secured 22 unopposed wins, while Ajit Pawar’s NCP got 2. BJP leaders attribute this success to the popularity of CM Devendra Fadnavis and effective electoral strategies. They express confidence in winning a majority in the upcoming elections, aiming for a BJP mayor in Pune.
News Article:
BJP, Allies Secure 68 Unopposed Seats in Maharashtra Civic Polls
Mumbai, January 3, 2026 – The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its Mahayuti allies have secured a significant victory ahead of the January 15th Maharashtra civic polls, claiming 68 seats unopposed.
The BJP leads the count with 44 unopposed wins across the state, notably in the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation, followed by Pune, Pimpri Chinchwad, and other key areas. Among the winners are BJP candidates Manjusha Nagpure and Shrikant Jagtap, re-elected unopposed from Pune’s ward number 35.
The Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena has secured 22 seats unopposed, while Ajit Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has two.
“This reflects the growing strength of the BJP in urban local bodies,” stated BJP leader Keshav Upadhye.
Union Minister and senior BJP leader Murlidhar Mohol expressed confidence in the party’s prospects, stating, “We have a target of 125 seats, out of which we have already won two…This is a certificate for our party’s good governance.”
BJP leaders attributed the early success to the popularity of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and the electoral strategy spearheaded by State unit president Ravindra Chavan. They believe these factors have solidified the BJP’s position in both municipal councils and major municipal corporations throughout Maharashtra.
Voting for the remaining seats will proceed as scheduled on January 15th.