Nashik civic polls results highlights: Mahayuti ahead of Shiv Sena (UBT)-MNS; counting underway

Nashik is awaiting the results of the Municipal Corporation elections as counting of votes began on Friday. Polling was held on January 15 as part of Maharashtra’s large-scale civic elections covering 29 municipal corporations across the state.The Nashik civic polls were conducted after a prolonged delay of nearly eight years, caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, reservation-related issues, and ongoing court proceedings. Following directions from the Supreme Court, the State Election Commission finalised the election schedule, paving the way for the return of long-pending local body polls. Polling took place for 122 seats across 31 wards, with voting extending beyond the scheduled time at several booths due to high turnout. Soon after voting concluded, both the BJP and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena expressed confidence in securing a clear majority in the civic body.The BJP, which had earlier claimed it would win as many as 100 seats, said voter response indicated it could secure at least 80 seats. Meanwhile, the Shiv Sena projected it would win a minimum of 60 seats on its own.With counting underway, Nashik now waits to see which party will emerge as the dominant force in the long-awaited civic election results.Key highlights:Mahayuti takes the lead: Early trends from the Nashik municipal election counting indicate that the Mahayuti alliance is in a commanding position. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is leading in 27 seats, while its allies, Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), are ahead in 11 and 3 seats, respectively.Outside the Mahayuti fold, the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) are each leading in 2 seats, while the Indian National Congress is ahead in 4 seats as counting continues.2017 Nashik Municipal Corporation election results: In the 2017 Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) elections, all 122 seats were contested. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerged as the dominant force, winning 66 seats. Shiv Sena followed with 35 seats. The Indian National Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) each secured 6 seats, while the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) won 5 seats. Independents claimed 3 seats, and the Republican Party of India (A) won 1 seat.