India, Dec. 22 -- The results of the elections to municipal councils and nagar panchayats across Maharashtra, declared on Sunday, pointed to a strong showing by the Bharatiya Janata Party in western Maharashtra, particularly in Satara district, while also revealing pockets of resistance in Sangli, Solapur and Kolhapur. The outcome highlights the expanding footprint of the ruling Mahayuti alliance, even as entrenched regional leaders continued to influence local political equations.

In Satara district, the BJP emerged as the dominant force, securing control of seven out of 10 municipal councils. State minister Jaykumar Gore played a key role in consolidating the party's position, retaining his stronghold and delivering a clean sweep in Mh...