The BJP registered big gains in the first phase of municipal council polls in Maharashtra, for which counting was held yesterday. This gains created enthusiasm for BJP leadership on the background of united opposition’s attempts to corner Narendra Modi’s government on demonetization.

As the results of the local body elections poured in, it was clear that the ruling BJP-Shiv Sena saffron alliance – despite their differences – have a clear edge. This has come as a major shock to the Sharad Pawar-led NCP and the Congress, which was expecting gains in the aftermath of the prime minister’s currency ban.

Elections were held for 3,705 seats spread over the 147 municipal councils and 17 nagar panchayats, of which results have been announced for the 3,510 seats so far. Of the 147 municipal councils, where municipal chiefs were elected directly, BJP nominees won at 52 places, compared to the around half a dozen places, where that party held the civic chief’s posts in these bodies.

BJP made inroads into the Congress and NCP strongholds, winning 851 seats. Shiv Sena won 514, NCP 638, Congress 643, MNS 16, BSP 9, unrecognised parties 119, local coalitions 384, CPM 12 and Independents 324 seats.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi termed the victory as a “win for pro-poor and development politics of BJP.” He lauded Fadnavis and Maharashtra BJP president Raosaheb Danve for the “grassroots’ level work”.