CM Fadnavis Hints at May 2025 Civic Elections; BJP Prepares for Solo Contest

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that civic elections across the state are likely to be held in May 2025, depending on a Supreme Court decision about OBC reservations in local bodies. Speaking at a BJP state convention, Fadnavis urged party workers to start preparing immediately and highlighted the importance of local teams.

Fadnavis mentioned that the BJP might contest the elections on its own but asked leaders not to speak negatively about allies in the Mahayuti alliance. He stressed the need to maintain good relations with Shiv Sena and NCP members, even if the BJP competes independently. This announcement comes as the opposition group Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) deals with internal disagreements after losing in the assembly elections. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut also said his party plans to contest the local elections alone, surprising Congress and NCP allies.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah encouraged BJP workers to aim for a strong win in all civic bodies, following the party’s success in parliament and assembly elections. Elections for 29 municipal corporations, 257 municipal councils, 26 zilla parishads, and 289 panchayats have been delayed for three years because of the Supreme Court case about OBC reservations. Currently, administrators are managing these local bodies.

Fadnavis is confident the Supreme Court will give its decision by the end of January, leaving the BJP with about 100 days to prepare. “Local teams will be key to winning these elections,” said a BJP leader at the event.