BJP wins both bye-polls in Nashik

The BJP made a comeback, winning both the seats in bye-election of Municipal ward no. 35 B and 36 B on Monday. The elections were held on Sunday for the bye-election, which has a meagre tenure of only four months. The next municipal elections will be held in March 2017 and code of conduct generally begins in December.

Speaking to The Asian Age, BJP leader Laxman Savji said that BJP won because the people have faith in the party and leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

BJP candidates Manda Dikhale and Sunanda More won with 198 and 491 votes respectively in the election, which had become a prestige point for all parties.

Manda Dikhale of BJP was re-elected when she trounced Vrushali Nathe of Shiv Sena by 198 votes. Ms Dikhale polled 1,946 votes while Ms Nathe polled 1,748 votes.

Ms More polled 1,937 votes while Sashi Unhavane (NCP-Congress) polled 1,446 votes.

The bye-election was necessitated after Ms Dhikale, a sitting MNS corporator, resigned and joined the BJP. Similarly, MNS corporator Nilesh Shelar had resigned and joined Shiv Sena.

However Sena fielded his brother, Sunil Shelar, who lost. BJP appears to have benefited from ex-MNS MLA Vasant Gite, who had joined the party recently.

In ward 35 Ms Nathe (Sena), Ms Dikhale (BJP), Shanta Shejwal (MNS) and Vandana Chalisgaonkar (NCP) contested the election.

About 5,021 out of 10,525 voters exercised their franchise, contributing to a polling percentage of 47.70.