Pune polls: NCP clocks success in zilla parishads and panchayat samitis too

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) achieved full mandate in zilla parishad (ZP) and panchayat samiti (PS) elections, except in Baramati taluka where the local coalition won four seats in PS and one in ZP.

The Shiv Sena made history by winning more ZP seats than the Congress in the district.

The Sena raised its seat strength from 5 to 12. The party’s MP from Ambegaon-Shirur constituency, Shivaji Adhalrao-Patil, has played a major role in the Sena’s success story. The Sena has also managed to get a clear majority in Junnar panchayat samiti.

Shiv Sena spokesperson Neelam Gorhe told DNA, “For the first time, we  won 12 seats in the district. Though our target was 20, the result is satisfactory.”

Speaking to DNA, NCP Pune district president Suresh Gule said, “We suffered a setback in Junnar and Velha talukas. Sena’s gain will not make any difference. We are happy with the results.”

Congress district president Devidas Bansali said, “We are happy as we have won one more seat than last time.”

Local Congress leader and minister for cooperation Harshawardhan Patil’s efforts paid off in Indapur taluka, with the party gaining full majority in ZP and PS. The Congress won 9 out of 14 in ZP.