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Ram Naik Votes in Key Maharashtra Civic Polls as 29 Cities Decide

Former Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik cast his vote in Mumbai, emphasizing the importance of the long-awaited municipal elections. Elections are being held for 29 municipal corporations across Maharashtra, with a key political battle centered on control of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. The BJP and Shiv Sena are contesting as allies under the Mahayuti banner in most places, while the NCP is fighting independently in many corporations. In Pune, a significant realignment saw both NCP factions join forces against the BJP, with over 3.48 crore voters eligible to decide the fate of nearly 16,000 candidates.

Key Points: Maharashtra Civic Elections: Ram Naik Votes, Key Battles in Mumbai, Pune

  • 29 municipal corporations voting across Maharashtra
  • High-stakes battle for control of BMC, India's richest civic body
  • BJP-Shiv Sena allies in most cities except Pune
  • NCP factions unite in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad
2 min read

Former UP governor Ram Naik casts vote in BMC elections

Former UP governor Ram Naik casts his vote as Maharashtra holds elections for 29 municipal corporations. Key contests in Mumbai and Pune shape high-stakes political battle.

"After many years, this municipal corporation election is finally being held. That's why this election is so important... - Ram Naik"

Mumbai, January 15

Former Uttar Pradesh governor Ram Naik on Thursday cast his vote in Mumbai in the ongoing Maharashtra local body elections.

Highlighting the importance of elections, Naik expressed happiness and said he continues to meet people in his area.

"After many years, this municipal corporation election is finally being held. That's why this election is so important... I don't want to say anything about who should get how many votes, but I keep meeting people outside the polling stations in this area," Ram Naik told ANI.

Twenty-nine municipal corporations across Maharashtra will go to the polls today as a high-voltage campaign comes to an end, setting the stage for a decisive political contest in key urban centres including Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Nagpur, Navi Mumbai, Thane and Pimpri-Chinchwad.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Shiv Sena are contesting the civic elections as allies under the Mahayuti banner, except in Pune, while the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has chosen to fight independently in most corporations.

However, in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, both NCP factions have come together under a joint manifesto.

The main political battle remains centred on Mumbai and Pune, where the BJP-led Mahayuti will face the united Thackeray camp, as just ahead of the Civic poll, both parties' Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray joined hands on the issue of Marathi Manus in a high-stakes fight for control of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the country's richest civic body. The last BMC elections were held in 2017.

In Pune, in a major political realignment, both factions of the NCP came together just before the civic polls for the PMC, following a split in 2023. Ajit Pawar joined hands with Sharad Pawar again and contested against the NDA partner BJP in Pune, whereas Shivsena, led by Eknath Shidne opted to go solo in PMC after failing to set up an acceptable seat-sharing formula with BJP.

According to the State Election Commission, a total of 3.48 crore voters are eligible to cast their ballots to decide the fate of 15,908 candidates contesting 2,869 seats across 893 wards in 29 municipal corporations. A total of 39092 Polling centre has been set up across the state.

Polling will be held on January 15 from 7.30 am to 5.30 pm, with vote counting scheduled to begin on Friday, January 16.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The alliances are so confusing this time! BJP-Shiv Sena together in Mumbai but not in Pune? And NCP factions uniting? Voters need clear manifestos, not just political games. Our local issues matter most.
A
Aman W
Finally! BMC elections after 5 years. Our area's roads and drainage are in terrible shape. Whoever wins, please focus on basic civic amenities. No more excuses.
S
Sarah B
As a long-term resident, I hope this election brings in leaders who think about sustainable development for Mumbai. The pollution and traffic congestion need urgent, non-political solutions.
V
Vikram M
The Thackeray brothers joining hands for 'Marathi Manus' is a big moment. But will it translate to better governance for all Mumbaikars, regardless of background? That's the real question.
K
Karthik V
Respectfully, while it's good leaders vote, I wish they'd talk more about policy and less about symbolism. Meeting people outside polling stations is fine, but what about the other 5 years? We need accountability.
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Nisha Z
Pune's situation is interesting with the Pawars coming together. Hope this unity lasts for the city's benefit and isn't just for the polls. Fingers crossed for a good voter turnout across Maharashtra! 🇮

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