In a crucial setback for the BJP, the party lost the Mayor's post of Kankavli Municipal Council to Shehar Vikas Aghadi (SVA) despite winning nine seats. The elections at Kankavli was keenly watched for how all party leaders, including Shiv Sena, Shiv Sena (Thackeray faction), and other local leaders formed the City Development Alliance against the BJP.
As the results came, Sandesh Parkar, candidate of SVA, won by a margin of 145 votes. While the BJP won nine seats, the City Development Alliance won 8 seats.
Reacting to the results, Parkar said leaders from all parties in SVA helped them win. “MLAs Nilesh Rane, Uday Samant, Vaibhav Naik, and Rajan Teli supported us. This is why we won,” Parkar added.
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The party also received a setback in Malvan, where Shiv Sena MLA Nilesh Rane retained the stronghold. The BJP has faced defeat here after Guardian Minister Nitesh Rane’s candidates were wiped off by Nilesh’s Shiv Sena candidates. Shiv Sena has won 10 seats. BJP has won 5 seats.
Nilesh attributed the party's success to Shinde's leadership. He said, "Eknath Shinde has helped us a lot, and we achieved this victory under his guidance. Our party chief worked tirelessly to energize Shiv Sainiks here, even holding public meetings. This victory belongs to every Shiv Sainik," he said.
However, Nilesh attempted to downplay brother Nitesh’s downfall in Malwan. Stating that he felt bad for the outcome and infightings within the Mahayuti, Nilesh said: “There are tears of joy and sadness in every eye. Even those who lost in Kankavli are part of our family. But ultimately, it is the people's decision, and we respect it,” he said.
