In a significant morale booster, scam-tainted former chief minister Ashok Chavan led the Congress to an emphatic victory in the elections held for the Nanded Municipal Corporation.
The Congress swept the elections bagging 41 out of the 81 seats. Shiv Sena, the NCP and the BJP won 14, 10 and two seats respectively.
“I give all the credit for the win to the team work of party workers. The victory was a result of inspiration from our leader Sonia Gandhi,” said a beaming Mr Chavan. He however, added that he was expecting more seats.
The win also brings a big relief to Mr Chavan, marking his popularity in his hometown. The unexpected results have also bettered his chances of returning to mainstream politics in the state.
Congress won 41 seats, two more than last time, while the NCP, which contested the elections separately could not add to their last year’s tally. The irrigation scam seems to have curtailed NCP’s progress, said political observers.
However, the biggest loser in this election has been Shiv Sena, which won only 14 seats. Sena executive chief Uddhav Thackeray, who was expecting more seats, said that the Congress used “money power” to win the elections.
Incidentally, the The All India Majlis Ittehadul Muslimeen won 14 seats out of 30 contested. “The MIM campaigned aggressively, which helped the party win a few seats,” said MPCC chief Manikrao Thakre.
Mr Chavan said that the Congress won by a clear majority and it would help them carry out all the developmental works for the next five years.
The ex-CM, who had to step down from the post for his alleged role in the Adarsh housing society scam kept a low profile for almost two years.
However, Mr Thakre said that Mr Chavan’s position in the MPCC will be decided by the party high command.