BJP shows good performance in Maharashtra local polls

The demonetisation programme undertaken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi seems to have appealed to the rural people of Maharashtra – despite the hardships faced – as the BJP has now clear control of over 50 of the 147 municipal councils and 17 nagar panchayats.

Modi and BJP president Amit Shah congratulated Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and state BJP chief Raosaheb Patil-Danve for the massive victory.

As the results of the local body elections poured in on Monday, it was clear that the ruling BJP-Shiv Sena saffron alliance – despite their differences – have a clear edge.

style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">This  has come as a major shock to the Sharad Pawar-led NCP and the Congress, which was expecting gains in the aftermath of the prime minister’s currency ban.

According to details available from the State Election Commission (SEC), more than 50 presidents of the 147 municipal councils were of the BJP.  Besides, the BJP also took control of 50-plus councils.