The results of the third phase of the Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections have once again underlined the Bharatiya Janata Party’s growing dominance in Maharashtra’s local politics. By emerging
as the single largest party in terms of seats won, the BJP has clearly stayed ahead of its Mahayuti allies as well as the rival Maha Vikas Aghadi, sending out a strong political message ahead of the next round of electoral battles.
More importantly, these results have reinforced the perception that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and state BJP president Ravindra Chavan currently form the party’s most effective leadership combination in Maharashtra. From urban bodies to grassroots institutions, the Fadnavis-Chavan pairing has now delivered a rare electoral hat-trick.
Hat-trick across local bodies
The journey began with the municipal council elections held in November, followed by the municipal corporation polls in January. The Zilla Parishad elections in February have now completed the trifecta. In all three contests, the BJP not only performed strongly but also managed to surprise rivals in several regions where the contest was expected to be tight.
Party insiders attribute this success to a well-coordinated strategy that blended state-level leadership with strong local organisation. Clear communication between the top leadership and district units, focused campaigning, and disciplined execution at the booth level played a key role. Local leaders were given space to perform, but they were also kept within a clear framework of accountability and discipline. This balance appears to have worked in the BJP’s favour.
Roles of Fadnavis and Chavan
Devendra Fadnavis’s leadership provided stability and direction, while Ravindra Chavan’s role as a hands-on state president ensured that the party machinery remained active on the ground. Known for his close engagement with workers, Chavan is seen as someone who understands the pulse of the organisation as well as electoral realities. His ability to manage strategy without losing ideological focus has earned him credibility within the party.
Organisational edge in rural areas
The results have also highlighted the BJP’s organisational edge over its opponents, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas. In several districts, the party registered unexpected and, in some cases, historic victories, reflecting voter confidence in its leadership and governance narrative.
As Maharashtra’s political landscape continues to evolve, the Zilla Parishad verdict has made one thing clear that the Devendra-Ravindra combination is not just delivering wins and shaping the BJP’s long-term political momentum in the state.
