Local body polls: BJP gains political currency

The Modi government's demonetisation move not only surprised many, but it was thought that the immediate sufferings that the people faced when exchanging old currency would affect the BJP. But, Maharashtra went to local body polls and the BJP emerged as the number one party. The party's strength jumped from seven to 52 presidents in municipal councils (MCs). The BJP-Shiv Sena combine and other allies together emerged victorious at 80 MCs. The BJP grabbed the number one position from the NCP after winning over 800 seats out of a total of 3,705 seats across the state. The polls for 3,705 seats for councillors in MCs in 25 districts and for 147 direct elected presidents were held on November 27. Out of a total of 58.49 lakh electors, around 70 per cent cast their votes. Of a total of 135 results declared by the evening, the BJP came to power at 30 MCs, followed by the Shiv Sena, which won 12 MCs. The Congress, with 18 MCs, remained at third position, while the NCP was relegated to fourth, having won in 17 MCs.