Overview
- The Congress, NCP (SP) and Shiv Sena (UBT) said they will fight the local body polls together and announced a state-level committee to coordinate preparations and resolve candidate issues.
- Leaders authorized district units to decide first-phase tie-ups for the December 2 municipal council and panchayat elections, citing local dynamics and pressure from party workers.
- MVA leaders reiterated that no formal offer has been received from Raj Thackeray’s MNS, with Congress figures divided over partnering given the party’s past rhetoric toward migrants and minorities.
- Polling for 246 municipal councils and 42 panchayats is set for December 2 with counting on December 3, and corporation polls including the BMC are expected before the Supreme Court’s January 31, 2026 deadline.
- Separately, Shiv Sena (UBT) expelled its Jalna district chief for alleged anti-party activities, and reports pointed to strains within the ruling Mahayuti in Nashik over the Bhujbal–Kande tussle.