Shinde's Ambernath Dominance Shattered: BJP Wins Mayoral Post in Upset Election

• BJP secured the Ambernath mayoral post, challenging Eknath Shinde's stronghold despite his faction winning the most corporator seats (27 vs BJP's 14).
• The election was a prestige battle for BJP state president Ravindra Chavan, who capitalized on internal alliance disputes and public sentiment.
• Key reasons for Shinde faction's mayoral defeat include overconfidence of the Walekar family, a pre-election shooting incident, and BJP's effective campaign highlighting the Walekar family's negative image.
• Devendra Fadnavis's timely rallies and the traders' association's last-minute support significantly boosted BJP's mayoral candidate.
• Shinde faction's mayoral candidate, Manisha Walekar, and her family reportedly lacked focus on campaigning, contributing to their loss.

Why It Matters: BJP's mayoral win in Ambernath marks a significant blow to Eknath Shinde's political influence.