Setback for BJP in Maharashtra: Six Members of One Family Lose Nanded Civic Polls to Ajit Pawar–Led NCP

Nanded: Despite its broader influence in Maharashtra’s local body elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) suffered a significant setback in the Loha Municipal Council elections in Nanded district, where all six candidates from a single family fielded by the party were defeated. The defeats came at the hands of the Ajit Pawar–led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), a key ally in the ruling Mahayuti alliance.

The BJP had nominated six members of the influential Suryavanshi family, a decision that sparked widespread criticism even before polling. Among those defeated was Gajanan Suryavanshi, the BJP’s candidate for the post of Municipal Council President. He was defeated by Sharad Pawar, the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) candidate. Other defeated BJP candidates from the same family included Godavari Suryavanshi (wife), Sachin Suryavanshi (brother), Supriya Suryavanshi (sister-in-law), Yuvraj Waghmare (brother-in-law) and Reena Vyavahare (niece’s wife).

The Ajit Pawar–led NCP emerged as the dominant force in Loha, winning 20 councillor seats along with the president’s post, delivering a clear political message in the region.

Controversy Over Family-Centric Ticket Distribution

The BJP’s decision to field six candidates from one family had drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties as well as from within its own alliance. Leaders from the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) accused the BJP of promoting “dynastic politics,” while even the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) had publicly questioned the move. Despite internal dissent within the BJP, the tickets were not withdrawn.

NCP leader Prataprao Govindrao Chikhalikar remarked that the BJP was forced to nominate members of the same family due to a lack of suitable candidates in the area—a claim that further fueled political debate.

Overall Nanded Civic Results

Across Nanded district, the NCP registered victories in Loha, Kandhar, Degloor, and Umri, while the BJP won control of Kundalwadi, Mudkhed, and Bhokar municipal councils. Shiv Sena and the Marathwada Janhit Party secured two councils each, while Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress won one council each. Notably, the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) failed to secure a single seat in the district.

The results have drawn attention, especially in light of former Congress leader Ashok Chavan’s induction into the BJP, which was expected to strengthen the party’s position in Nanded. Instead, the Loha outcome has highlighted voter resistance to perceived nepotism and underscored the NCP’s growing local influence.

The Loha verdict is being seen as a clear warning against family-centric politics and a reminder that local dynamics can override broader political alliances in civic elections.