Mumbai, Jan. 16 -- The BJP-led alliance appears poised to take control of a majority of the 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra, including the financial capital, Mumbai, despite a strong challenge from the Thackeray brothers' Shiv Sena factions.
As per the latest trends from the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, the BJP is leading in 34 wards, while its ally, Eknath Shinde's faction, is ahead in 12. The Shiv Sena (UBT) is leading in 19 wards, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) in 9, and the Congress in 5. The BMC comprises a total of 227 electoral wards.
In Navi Mumbai, the BJP has established an early lead, while in Thane, traditionally the bastion of Shinde, the Shiv Sena is slightly ahead. In neighbouring Panve...