Polling has begun across 242 municipal councils and 46 nagar panchayats, marking the first phase of statewide urban elections. In many constituencies, candidates backed by all three Mahayuti parties are competing, but alliance cooperation appears strained by aggressive campaigning and attempts to poach cadres. As votes are cast, the cracks in alliance unity risk translating into electoral setbacks.
The tension deepened after several Sena politicians migrated to BJP ranks despite a pact, prompting Shinde to demand that all allies honour coalition commitments. He flagged the issue during public addresses, warning that such defections undermine the Mahayuti’s credibility. Representatives from NCP-AP echoed similar concerns, saying the BJP’s overtures have injected suspicion and uncertainty into what was supposed to be a unified front.
Observers note that the election is being treated by all three partners as a test of grassroots strength — particularly for the BJP, keen to consolidate local governance presence after its performance in the 2024 state assembly polls. For Shiv Sena, the election could define whether it maintains control over its cadre base, and for NCP-AP it is a chance to shore up its electoral relevance amid scrutiny over internal controversies.
Complicating the scenario, the state’s election regulator has deferred polls in several councils in Thane, Pune and Ahilyanagar after legal challenges over nomination validity. This postponement has added another layer of uncertainty to a politically volatile environment.
Amid these developments, senior alliance figures publicly insist unity remains intact. Shinde has defended the coalition, asserting that although local contests may feature “friendly fights”, the broader commitment to governing together remains unchanged. Yet the visible distrust and vocal grievances suggest that the Mahayuti’s cohesion is being tested under pressure.