Maharashtra is set to witness the first results of its local body elections as counting for municipal councils and nagar panchayats will begin at 10 am today, Sunday. The elections, held over two phases earlier this month, have been closely watched across the state amid reports of violence, impersonation, and alleged cash distribution. Voters and political parties alike are eagerly waiting for the outcome, which covers 246 municipal councils and 42 nagar panchayats, including key towns such as Baramati in Pune district and Ambernath in Thane district, making it a critical test for local political influence.
Polling for these elections was held in two phases on December 2 and December 20. Voting for the posts of presidents and members in 23 municipal councils and nagar panchayats, along with 143 vacant member positions, concluded at 5:30 pm on Saturday. Some of the prominent civic bodies that went to the polls include Baramati in Pune district and Ambernath in Thane district.
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Reports of Violence and Malpractices
Several incidents of violence and alleged irregularities were reported across the state during polling. In Ambernath, police used a lathi charge after two groups clashed. Authorities detained 208 women who had traveled from nearby Bhiwandi. Opposition parties claimed the women were brought in for impersonation, while the women themselves denied the allegation, stating they had come to attend a public meeting.
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In another incident, a person was caught carrying ₹35,000, prompting the filing of a first information report (FIR). Clashes between Shiv Sena and Congress workers were also reported in other parts of the state.
Large-scale irregularities were reported from Dharambad in Nanded district, where women were allegedly confined in a hall and prevented from voting in exchange for money. Both Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accused Shiv Sena of orchestrating the incident. Nanded district collector Rahul Kardile said the administration acted on intelligence reports regarding cash distribution. “We had information that money was being distributed in a hall, but the people left before the team reached there. We filed an FIR on the hall management for violating prohibitory orders,” he said.
Stage Set for BMC Elections
Sunday’s counting also marks the lead-up to the next major political contest in Maharashtra. The State Election Commission has announced elections to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and 28 other municipal corporations on January 15, with counting scheduled for January 16. A total of 2,869 seats will be contested across these civic bodies, with 3.48 crore voters eligible to participate.
The upcoming municipal corporation polls, especially in Mumbai, are expected to be high-stakes, given the ongoing rivalry between BJP and Shiv Sena and allegations of “vote chori” during previous elections.
Where to Check Results
Voters and political observers can follow real-time updates on the Maharashtra State Election Commission’s official websites: mahasec.maharashtra.gov.in and mahaseclec.in.