India, Jan. 15 -- What initially appeared to be a largely one-sided contest has turned competitive in several wards, with factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) posing a strong challenge to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). A number of wards have thrown up high-profile and closely fought contests between traditional rivals, making it difficult for both voters and party leaders to predict outcomes.

In ward 7D, BJP candidate Reshma Bhosale, wife of former MLC Anil Bhosale, is locked in a contest with NCP's Dattatray Bahirat. The two are long-time rivals and have faced each other in previous elections. Both candidates enjoy strong organisational backing and financial resources. Bahirat, who earlier belonged to the Congress and con...