India, Dec. 25 -- As Maharashtra gears up for crucial municipal corporation elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has stepped up efforts to bring leaders from rival parties into its fold across key urban centres. While the move aims to strengthen the party's position, it is causing friction among long-standing BJP workers.

From Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad to Solapur and other parts of western Maharashtra, opposition leaders have been inducted ahead of civic polls, often overriding objections from local units and sitting leaders. This top-down, results-focused approach is at odds with sentiment at the grassroots level.

In Pimpri-Chinchwad, the induction of Rahul Kalate went ahead despite resistance from sections of the local BJP lead...