Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has undertaken an unprecedented campaign blitz, addressing a record 37 public rallies in the run-up to the first phase of local bodies elections in the state. The intense campaigning, which saw him criss-cross all five regions of Maharashtra in just over a week, has sparked sharp reactions from opposition parties.
A Whirlwind Campaign Tour
Between November 22 and December 1, Fadnavis embarked on a swirling tour covering the regions of Konkan, Marathwada, Vidarbha, North Maharashtra, and Western Maharashtra. This campaign push is for the first phase of polls, where a total of 222 municipal councils and 42 nagar panchayats will vote on Tuesday, December 2. The results for this phase are scheduled to be announced on December 3.
Defending the vigorous effort, Fadnavis stated, "We take every election seriously as it is an integral aspect of robust democracy. It also shows we take people’s mandate seriously and do not take them for granted."
Rally Breakdown Across Regions
The Chief Minister's marathon schedule was meticulously planned across the state's divisions:
- Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Division: Seven rallies in Udgir, Loha, Hingoli, Partur, Paithan, Beed, and Khultabad.
- Nagpur Division: Eight rallies in Umred, Wadi, Hinganghat, Bhadrawati, Gadchiroli, Bhandara, Tumsar, and Gondia.
- Amravati Division: Five rallies in Yavatmal, Washim, Hivarkhed, Chikli, and Dharni.
- Nashik Division: Seven rallies in Jamkhed, Sinnar, Trimbakeshwar, Shahada, Bhusawal, Kopargaon, and Pimpalgaon Basmat.
- Pune Division: Seven rallies in Akkalkot, Sangola, Chandgad, Karad, Uran Ishwarpur, Bhor, and Alandi.
- Coastal Konkan: Three rallies in Dahanu, Palghar, and Badlapur.
Opposition Reacts to Campaign Intensity
The scale of the ruling party's campaign has not gone unnoticed by its political rivals. Congress president Harshvardhan Sapkal, one of the key opposition leaders actively campaigning, criticized the BJP's approach. He said, "Our protest is against BJP’s misuse of power in politics. They are manipulating the system."
The high-voltage campaign underscores the significance both the ruling alliance and the opposition are attaching to these local body elections, often seen as a crucial barometer of grassroots political sentiment ahead of larger state-wide contests.
