Congress Triumphs in Latur Civic Elections, BJP Suffers Major Blow
The Latur Municipal Corporation election results delivered a significant political upset. Congress emerged victorious, winning 43 out of 70 seats. This decisive win handed a clear defeat to BJP, which secured only 22 seats.
Alliance Strategy Proves Effective
Congress, led by local party MLA Amit Deshmukh, successfully dethroned BJP with strategic support from Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA). VBA contested five seats in Latur and won four of them. VBA chief Prakash Ambedkar personally campaigned in the region, strengthening the alliance's efforts.
Congress politician Jitendra Dehade, who oversaw the Latur Municipal Corporation polls, stated that people reacted strongly against BJP's campaign tactics. He emphasized that voters in Latur would never forget their beloved late CM Vilasrao Deshmukh.
Internal Discord Within BJP
BJP faced internal challenges during the election process. Local BJP functionary Archana Patil Chakurkar was initially made in charge of the Latur polls. However, Nilanga MLA Sambhaji Patil Nilangekar later replaced her following the death of Shivraj Patil Chakurkar, Archana's father-in-law.
This sudden change reportedly did not sit well with many local BJP members, particularly within the locally dominant Lingayat community to which the Chakurkars belong. A local BJP office bearer, speaking anonymously, revealed that Nilangekar attempted to field candidates of his own choice. This move caused rebellion among many old party workers and functionaries. Unrest also surfaced over ticket distribution issues.
Controversial Campaigning Backfires
The election campaigning in Latur witnessed significant controversy. BJP state president Ravindra Chavan made objectionable remarks against Vilasrao Deshmukh during his speech. Chavan expressed confidence that memories of the late CM, who hailed from Latur, would be "erased."
These comments sparked calls for a Latur bandh in protest. In response, the late CM's son and local MLA Amit Deshmukh appealed for restraint. He urged people to channel their anger through the ballot box instead.
Alliance Leaders Hail Victory
VBA vice-president Advocate Siddhartha Mokale highlighted the importance of proper coordination within an alliance. He stated that the Latur poll outcome demonstrated how honest collaboration with a common agenda could successfully remove BJP from power. Both alliance partners worked together effectively to achieve this goal.
Attempts to reach Nilangekar for his comments on the election results were unsuccessful. The political landscape in Latur has clearly shifted following this electoral verdict.
