Jailed Shiv Sena Leader Lalit Kolhe Wins Jalgaon Municipal Election
In a remarkable political development, Lalit Kolhe of Shiv Sena has secured victory in the Jalgaon Municipal Corporation elections while remaining behind bars. Kolhe, a former mayor of Jalgaon city, won from Ward 11(D) despite being in judicial custody for over three months.
Family Sweeps Elections with Massive Margins
The Kolhe family achieved a clean sweep in the polls. Lalit Kolhe's son, Piyush Kolhe, and his mother, Sindhu Kolhe, also triumphed in their respective wards. All three candidates won with enormous victory margins, demonstrating strong voter support.
Lalit Kolhe secured 6,157 votes in Ward 11(D), defeating independent candidate Sunil Patil by a margin of 4,213 votes. Patil managed to gather only 1,944 votes.
Sindhu Kolhe won from Ward 11(C) with 7,313 votes, achieving a victory margin of 4,329 votes. Piyush Kolhe emerged victorious in Ward 4D with 9,548 votes, winning by a staggering margin of over 6,977 votes.
Legal Procedures and Campaign Efforts
Lalit Kolhe has been in judicial custody since his arrest on September 28, 2025. Authorities conducted a raid on his farmhouse in Jalgaon, leading to his detention in connection with operating a fake call centre.
After the election announcement, Kolhe completed all necessary legal procedures to file his nomination from jail. His family members campaigned vigorously across the ward on his behalf, connecting with voters and seeking their support.
Contrasting Fortunes for Another Jail Inmate
While the Kolhe family celebrated success, another jail inmate faced defeat in the elections. Former RPI (A) corporator Prakash Londhe from Nashik's Satpur area lost from Ward 11(D).
Londhe, who has been in jail since October 2025 in an attempt to murder and extortion case, secured 4,669 votes. BJP candidate Nitin Nigal defeated him with 6,685 votes.
Londhe's daughter-in-law, Diskha Deepak Londhe, also contested on the RPI (A) ticket from Ward 11(A) in Satpur. She too lost her election bid.
Family Reactions and Political Support
Speaking to reporters in Jalgaon, Piyush Kolhe expressed gratitude to voters. He stated that the victory belongs not just to the Kolhe family but also to the electorate who maintained trust in them.
Lalit Kolhe's wife, Sarita Kolhe, offered emotional remarks about the election outcome. She said people's blessings crossed jail walls to reach her husband. She also thanked Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde for trusting Lalit Kolhe's work and his family.
Sarita Kolhe acknowledged Shinde for providing the opportunity to contest on the Shiv Sena party ticket, highlighting the political backing the family received during the election process.
The election results showcase how political fortunes can diverge dramatically, even for candidates facing similar legal circumstances. The Kolhe family's sweeping victory indicates strong local support that transcended the incarceration of their patriarch.
