NCP and Shiv Sena defectors get top spots in Sangli Zilla Parishad

Kolhapur: The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) has rewarded councillors from the NCP and Shiv Sena who defected to help the alliance secure the president and vice-president posts in the Sangli Zilla Parishad (ZP). These members have now been elected as chairperson of the public works and education committees.In a boost for the MVA, all four nominees were elected unopposed after the BJP-led Mahayuti failed to field any candidates. Observers said the Mahayuti likely chose to withdraw to avoid a public defeat, given that the MVA-led alliance now holds a clear majority bolstered by defectors from the BJP's own partners.The newly elected chairpersons are Savitri Patil (NCP), chairperson of the education board, Prithviraj Patil (Shiv Sena), the chairman of the public works committee,Dadasaheb Kolekar (NCP-SP), chairman of the social welfare committee, Snehal More (NCP-SP), chairperson of the women and child welfare committee.The appointments are considered significant as these committees steer major development programmes and hold substantial powers over budgetary expenditures.The MVA had initially won 30 seats in the ZP elections held last month, falling just one seat short of a clear majority. However, during the election for the President and Vice-President, the alliance's strength rose to 34. Prithviraj Patil of the Shiv Sena, who had previously abstained from voting, was rewarded with the PWD post for his eventual support. Similarly, Savitri Ravi Patil—wife of NCP leader Ravi Tamangouda Patil—supported the MVA candidates and has now been given a leadership role.The unopposed victory stands in stark contrast to earlier claims made by BJP leader and Sangli guardian minister Chandrakant Patil, who had predicted a "miracle" victory for the Mahayuti. Despite his confidence, no BJP candidates filed nominations, leading election authorities to declare the results unopposed.NCP (SP) MLA Jayant Patil hailed the outcome, stating, "Our support has grown from 34 in the presidential election to 37 now. Councillors from other parties have extended their unconditional support to us, ensuring this alliance will last its full five-year term."Congress MLA Vishwajeet Kadam added that the cross-party support was a natural progression. "We have worked together for a long time and share a comfort level. Furthermore, these councillors won their seats by defeating the BJP, so it is only logical that they chose to support the MVA," he said.