India, Dec. 22 -- The Uran Municipal Council elections have thrown up a fractured mandate: while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has retained its majority in the council, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) has captured the coveted post of municipal president, dealing a symbolic setback to the ruling Mahayuti coalition in this coastal town.

In the direct contest for the president's post, Bhavna Ghanekar of the MVA defeated BJP nominee Shobha Koli-Shah by 1,448 votes. The post was reserved for women, with polling for both the 21 councillor seats and the president's election held simultaneously on Saturday, and counting undertaken on Sunday.

Reacting to her victory, Ghanekar said, "I dedicate this win to the people of Uran. The support of MVA le...