Overview
- Counting is underway with early trends placing the BJP ahead in both municipal bodies, though tallies differ across outlets and remain preliminary.
- PTI/ThePrint reports the BJP leading in 43 of 165 wards in Pune and 70 of 128 in Pimpri-Chinchwad, while the Times of India cites 52 and 74 respectively, and CNBC-TV18 has flashed 77 for PCMC.
- In these contests the BJP is running independently, while Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar’s factions contested together and are trailing in key wards.
- PTI also indicates BJP leads in other western Maharashtra civic bodies, including Kolhapur, Satara, Solapur and Sangli.
- The vote comes after the NCP split in 2024, with the Election Commission recognizing Ajit Pawar’s faction with the clock symbol and Sharad Pawar’s NCP-SP using the tutari, and followed a campaign marked by Ajit Pawar’s accusations of civic irregularities by local BJP leaders.