Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis and Maharashtra BJP President Ravindra Chavan celebrate outside the BJP headquarters in Mumbai. Photo credit: Emmanuel Yogini
After the BJP decimated allies Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar in some of its strongholds, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday (January 16, 2026) declared that the BJP-led Mahayuti had won in 25 of the state’s 29 municipal corporations. Elaborating on the definition of Hindutva party, he said that development and Hindutva cannot be separated, adding that the overwhelming mandate for the party reflects people’s support for development and for Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Elections to all 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra were held on January 15. Although the final results have not been announced by the State Election Commission as counting continues in many corporations, parties are drawing conclusions based on emerging trends. The results follow Mahayuti’s victory in the first phase of local body elections held last month.
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“I am grateful to the people of Maharashtra for a massive victory. We have broken all records. We have broken 25 out of 29 corporations. Even in Mumbai, even though the counting is still going on, we are confident that Mahayuti will get an absolute majority,” Mr. Fadnavis said in his victory speech at the BJP headquarters in Nariman Point (January 16) on Friday evening.
“In this election, we have taken the agenda of development. The people have given a massive mandate for the same agenda. The mandate that we have shows that people want honesty, people want development,” he said.
“All inclusive Hindutva”
Mr. Fadnavis said the party’s Hindutva is not narrow but all-encompassing. “The soul of our work is Hindutva. We are proud to be Hindutva. We cannot separate development and Hindutva. Today, our soul has brought us to the common people. We do not believe in narrow-minded Hindutva. Our Hindutva is generous, it is all-encompassing. Anyone who considers Indian culture and tradition as their own is an integral part of Indianness. Our definition of Hindutva,” he said.
‘No Arrogance’
He warned party chairmen and workers against arrogance after the landslide victory, saying: “We have received broad support. I want to say to the party workers, when we get such an overwhelming mandate, we must realize our responsibility. We must behave responsibly. We should not be arrogant. To those who were elected as representatives of the public, my message is that the people have elected you to victory. So you should expect to be able to work with a lot of courage.” it is because of people’s faith in Modiji, in BJP, I believe you will not break that trust.”
“Mahayuti will cooperate”
The BJP defeated Ajit Pawar’s NCP ally in his stronghold of Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad, where he allied with uncle Sharad Pawar against the BJP. The party also defeated Ekanth Shinde’s ally Shiv Sena in its strongholds like Navi Mumbai, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Shiv Sena’s show in Mumbai was also dismal. On Friday, Devendra Fadnavis expressed confidence that the Mahayutis would continue to work together.
“I spoke to Shinde saaheb (Eknath Shinde). He congratulated me. I congratulated him. I trust that Mahayuti will cooperate after that,” he said.
However, the two phases of local body elections in Maharashtra were marred by internal bickering among Mahayuti allies.
Published – 16 Jan 2026 19:07 IST
