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From Kalyan-Dombivli to Bhiwandi: BJP and Shiv Sena candidates win key wards uncontested before polls

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde congratulated the newly elected Shiv Sena corporators in the KDMC.

2 min readMumbaiJan 1, 2026 06:05 PM IST

In KDMC, Shiv Sena secured multiple uncontested victories.

Ahead of polling for the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) elections, the Shiv Sena and the BJP Tuesday registered a string of unopposed victories, consolidating the ruling Mahayuti’s early advantage, while the BJP also notched up a win in neighbouring Bhiwandi.

In KDMC, Shiv Sena secured multiple uncontested victories. From Ward No. 24, party candidates Ramesh Mhatre, Vishwanath Rane and Vrushali Joshi were declared elected unopposed after rival candidates withdrew during the withdrawal period.

In Ward No. 24A, Shiv Sena’s Rajesh More was also elected unopposed, further strengthening the party’s footprint in the civic body. In the same ward cluster, BJP candidate Jyoti Pawan Patil won uncontested, giving the Mahayuti a clean sweep in the area.

Party leaders said the unopposed victories underlined the Shiv Sena’s organisational strength in the Kalyan–Dombivli region and reflected growing voter confidence even before polling.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde congratulated the newly elected corporators through a video call. According to party sources, Shinde asked the winners to intensify efforts in the remaining KDMC wards to ensure an overall Shiv Sena victory in the municipal corporation.

Meanwhile, the BJP continued to add to its tally in Dombivli under the leadership of senior leader Ravindra Chavan. After three BJP candidates were declared elected unopposed earlier, two more secured similar victories.

Manda Subhash Patil was elected unopposed from Panel 27A, while Jyoti Pawan Patil was declared elected from Ward No. 24B, taking the BJP’s total number of unopposed wins in KDMC to five.

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Outside the KDMC limits, the BJP also registered an unopposed victory in Bhiwandi, where Sumit Patil, a kin of BJP leader Kapil Patil, was declared elected. Party sources said the win added to the BJP’s growing momentum in the Thane district region ahead of polling.

Polling for all 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra will be held on January 15, and the counting of votes will take place on January 16.

Vallabh Ozarkar

Vallabh Ozarkar is a Senior Correspondent with The Indian Express' Mumbai bureau, recognized as an authoritative and deeply knowledgeable voice on the politics, governance, and infrastructure of Maharashtra. With more than nine years of experience in major news organizations, his reporting delivers high standards of Expertise and Trustworthiness. Expertise & Authority Current Role: Senior Correspondent, The Indian Express, Mumbai bureau. Geographical Specialization: Provides exclusive and detailed coverage of Maharashtra politics and governance, operating at the epicenter of the state's decision-making in Mumbai. Core Authority: His reporting demonstrates deep Expertise across critical and often complex state matters, including: Political Dynamics: In-depth analysis of the ruling coalition (Mahayuti) and opposition (MVA), internal party conflicts, and crucial election updates, including local body polls and municipal corporation tussles. Governance & Policy: Focused coverage on significant state policies, such as the overhaul of Mumbai's 'pagdi system' (rent control for old buildings) and social welfare schemes (e.g., Ladki Bahin Yojana accountability). Infrastructure & Development: Reports on major urban and regional infrastructure projects, including the Mumbai Water Metro, Uttan-Virar Sea Link, and Thane Metro development. Administrative Oversight: Follows legislative actions, cabinet decisions, and reports on issues of accountability and alleged fraud within state departments. Experience Current Role: His role at The Indian Express—a leading national daily—validates the credibility and standard of his reporting. Career Foundation: Prior to The Indian Express, Vallabh contributed to other major metropolitan news outlets, including the Mumbai Mirror and DNA - Daily News & Analysis, providing a solid foundation in rigorous urban and political journalism. Evidence of Impact: His work consistently breaks down complex political developments and administrative failures, such as exposing discrepancies in government welfare schemes, cementing his reputation as a trusted source for ground-level, impactful news from Maharashtra. He tweets @Ozarkarvallabh ... Read More

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