BJP largest party in Sambhajinagar, Parbhani & Dharashiv; Congress in Latur

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: BJP emerged as the leading party in the zilla parishad (ZP) elections in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Parbhani and Dharashiv districts in the Marathwada region. Congress secured the top position in Latur.In Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, the pre-poll alliance between BJP and Shiv Sena delivered a clear majority, with the partners winning 44 of total 63 seats. Shiv Sena (UBT) clinched nine seats, followed by NCP (4), Congress (1) and NCP (SP) (1).BJP district president Sanjay Khambayate attributed the victory to the collective efforts of party workers and leaders. "ZP is a key local self-governing body responsible for rural development. With BJP in power both at the state and the Centre, the functioning of the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar ZP will be more effective," he said.Mahayuti MLAs, including BJP's Prashant Bamb and Anuradha Chavan, as well as Sena members Abdul Sattar and Vilas Bhumare, played a crucial role in ensuring wins in their respective constituencies.In Parbhani, BJP won 24 of the 54 ZP seats, while Shiv Sena secured five and NCP won 15. Local BJP-Sena members indicated that they might consider forming a post-poll alliance.Dharashiv saw intense electoral contests, with BJP emerging on top by winning 19 of the 55 seats. Shiv Sena claimed 15 seats. Despite strong expectations for Sena (UBT), given the presence of its MP Omraje Nimbalkar, the party managed only seven seats.In Latur, Congress continued its strong run after a sweeping win in the recent municipal corporation elections, securing 23 of the 59 ZP seats. The party, however, remained short of the majority mark. Among MVA partners, Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (SP) won one seat each. Independents won two seats, and MNS opened its account with one. BJP won 18 seats and could potentially come to power in the ZP with support from Shiv Sena (6) and NCP (12) if Congress is unable to mobilize enough backing.Local Congress MLA Amit Deshmukh said the party's performance was a decisive mandate in their favour, saying Congress had emerged as the largest party across the district in the local elections.