The results of the district council and panchayat committee elections, considered as mini assemblies in the state, are gradually coming out today. In the elections held in 12 district councils and 125 panchayat committees in the state, the families of established leaders have asserted their dominance. In these elections, the heirs of leaders have hoisted the flag of victory in districts like Pune, Solapur, Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Parbhani.
In the Ambegaon constituency of Pune district, former minister Dilip Walse Patil's nephew Vivek Walse Patil achieved a decisive victory. From the Pargaon Jarkawadi group, he took a lead of 2130 votes in the third round and clinched the win. Additionally, in Purandar taluka, former MLA Bapusaheb Pathare's daughter Rupali Zhende won on a Nationalist Congress Party ticket, strengthening the party's hold. Both Panchayat Samiti members from Purandar taluka also emerged victorious for the Nationalist Congress Party, increasing the party's influence in this area.
In Madha taluka of Solapur district, former minister Tanaji Sawant's nephew and Shivajirao Sawant's son Prithviraj Sawant contested the election on a BJP ticket. He won with a massive lead of 6,800 votes, proving his political dominance. In the same taluka, BJP leader Ram Satpute's wife, Sanskruti Satpute, also won the district council election, opening a new chapter in the political journey of BJP families.
Vikrant Jadhav, son of MLA Bhaskar Jadhav, won in the Guhagar Assembly constituency of Ratnagiri district in Konkan. He took the lead with 571 votes from the first round. Similarly, in Raigad district, Chiranjiv Vikas Gogavale, son of MLA Bharat Gogavale, also won, maintaining his family's legacy. Importantly, in this election, the families of established leaders have increased their power in the district council and panchayat committee.
The heirs who won in Pune, Solapur, Raigad, and Ratnagiri have shown their influence on local politics. Looking at the party-wise situation in the district council and panchayat committee elections, the BJP took the lead in many places, while the Nationalist Congress Party retained some areas. Sharad Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray's group did not achieve the expected success in this election. Political analysts say that the success of relatives in this election will have long-term effects on local politics. This election is important because it is decisive in terms of power in rural areas and reaching the people.