Political activity has intensified across Maharashtra following the recent municipal elections, with negotiations underway for the formation of municipal boards and mayoral posts. Amid this churn, the mayoral position in the Akola Municipal Corporation has now been effectively decided, with Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) extending support to the BJP, leaving the Congress and Prakash Ambedkar’s Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi out of the equation.

With this support, the BJP-led Urban Reform Alliance has secured a clear majority and is set to submit its proposal for board formation to the Amravati Divisional Commissioner.

Numbers Game in Akola Municipal Corporation

The Akola Municipal Corporation has a total of 80 seats, and 41 seats are required for a majority. In the election results:

• BJP won 38 seats

• Congress secured 21 seats

To reach the majority mark, the BJP required additional support. Under the new political alignment, the BJP alliance now includes:

• 3 councillors from NCP (SP)

• Support linked to Eknath Shinde

• Ajit Pawar faction of NCP

• 1 independent councillor

This has taken the alliance’s total strength to 44 councillors, comfortably crossing the majority threshold.

NCP (SP) Joins BJP, Cites Development

Sharad Pawar’s NCP (SP) formally joined hands with the BJP to form the municipal council in Akola. According to the party, the decision was taken in the interest of Akola city’s development. The move has ensured the BJP’s dominance in the civic body and cleared the path for the mayor’s post.

Opposition Alliance Fails to Take Shape

An attempt was made by the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi to form an alternative alliance against the BJP. However, the numbers did not work in its favor. Vanchit holds 5 seats, AIMIM 3, Independents 2, both NCP factions together 4, and Congress 21. Despite these figures, reaching the required majority of 41 seats proved difficult, along with concerns over possible defections. As a result, the effort collapsed.

BJP Set to Take Over Mayor’s Post

With most parties—except Vanchit, AIMIM, and Congress—now part of the Urban Reform Alliance, the political deadlock in Akola has come to an end after a week of intense negotiations.

The BJP has claimed the support of 44 councillors, and the formal process of group formation is currently underway at the Divisional Commissioner’s office in the presence of Divisional Commissioner Shweta Singhal. An official announcement is expected soon, while discussions continue regarding the selection of the next mayor of Akola.