Archive · 14 Jan 2026
Maharashtra Civic Polls: Allegations, Campaigns, and Dry Period
In Maharashtra, India, there are big elections happening for local governments.
Some leaders, like Ajit Pawar and Raj Thackeray, say that other powerful leaders are trying to scare or pay candidates to quit the elections.
They also say that money is being given to voters to vote for them.
The Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, is campaigning for his party and the Shiv Sena alliance.
He showed old videos of two cousins, Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray, who used to fight but are now working together.
Fadnavis says the election is about their survival, not the people.
He also criticized the Shiv Sena for not protecting the interests of Marathi speakers.
The elections are on January 15th, and the results will be announced on the 16th.
Additionally, the government has announced a four-day dry period from January 13th to 16th, where the sale, purchase, and consumption of alcohol are prohibited in 29 civic body areas to maintain law and order and ensure peaceful elections.
Ajit Pawar and Raj Thackeray allege that candidates are being threatened and offered money to withdraw from Maharashtra civic polls.
Devendra Fadnavis campaigns for the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance, showing old clips of Thackeray cousins' rivalry.
Fadnavis claims the election is about the Thackerays' survival, not Marathi people's interests.
Raj Thackeray accuses the ruling Mahayuti of distributing money to voters and candidates to influence elections.
Elections for 29 municipal corporations, including BMC, are scheduled for 15 January with results on 16 January.
A four-day dry period from 13-16 January 2024 has been announced in 29 civic body areas to maintain law and order and ensure peaceful elections.
- Who
- Ajit Pawar, Devendra Fadnavis, Raj Thackeray, Maharashtra state government
- What
- Allegations of bribery and threats in Maharashtra civic polls, political campaigns, dry period
- When
- Monday (specific date not mentioned), Election on 15 January 2024, Dry period from 13-16 January 2024
- Where
- Maharashtra, India (Mumbai, Kalyan-Dombivli, Thane, Solapur, Nashik, Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Nagpur, Latur, Jalgaon, Malegaon)
- Why
- To influence election outcomes, gain political control, maintain law and order, ensure peaceful campaigning, and facilitate free and fair elections
- Person
- Ajit Pawar, Devendra Fadnavis, Raj Thackeray
- Role
- Deputy CM, Chief Minister, MNS Chief
- Issue
- Allegations of bribery and threats in elections
- Platform
- Podcast interview, Political rallies
- Date
- Monday (specific date not mentioned)
- Election Date
- 15 January 2024
- Results Date
- 16 January 2024
- Candidates
- Over 15,000 across 29 municipal corporations
- BMC Wards
- 227 wards with 1,700 candidates
- BMC Budget
- ₹74,000 crore
- Dry Period
- 13-16 January 2024
- Dry Period Areas
- 29 civic body areas
Sources
Candidates terrorised to withdraw from fray, money offered: Ajit Pawar
‘Money Being Offered To…’: Raj Thackeray's Serious Charge Against Mahayuti Ahead Of Maharashtra Civic Polls
BMC Polls: CM Fadnavis plays old ‘rivalry’ clips of Thackeray cousins as campaigning ends today
Latur civic polls: Cong candidate booked for assault; BJP nominee for bribery
Have always fought against each other, nothing different here: Ajit Pawar on NCP’s breakaway from Mahayuti for local body polls
'Have Always Fought Against Each Other, Nothing Different Here': Deputy CM Ajit Pawar On NCP's Breakaway From Mahayuti For Local Body Polls
'Corruption Increasing In PCMC; Need To Clean City': Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar Repeats Charge Against BJP
Maharashtra Municipal elections turn into a political maze: Who’s with whom and who’s gone solo across
Pune, Mumbai And 27 Other Cities Face 4-Day Dry Period From Jan 13-16 Ahead Of Municipal Corporation Elections
Shiv Sena leader alleges cash distribution in Pune wards by rival candidates