Violence Erupts During Maharashtra Municipal Elections Amid Tensions
Tensions and Violence Reported Across Maharashtra
During the results of the municipal elections across 29 local bodies in Maharashtra, significant unrest and violence were reported in various regions. On Friday, January 16, 2026, clashes erupted among supporters of different political parties during the counting process, prompting police to intervene forcefully to restore order.
An official reported that in Mumbai's Ward 146, supporters of the Shiv Sena attacked Satish Rajguru, a candidate from the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi.
Major Clashes and Violent Incidents
As the results of the municipal elections were announced, chaos was reported from several districts in Maharashtra:
Mumbai (Ward 146): In Mumbai's Ward 146, there were reports of an assault on Satish Rajguru, a candidate from the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi, by Shiv Sena supporters. According to police, Rajguru was brutally beaten.
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Police Action): Following an uncontrollable situation at a counting center, police resorted to a lathi charge. This incident resulted in injuries to several individuals, including former mayor and Shiv Sena leader Vikas Jain. Afterward, Social Justice Minister Sanjay Shirsat demanded action against the responsible police personnel.
Thane (Attempt to Stop EVMs): In Thane, a stronghold of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, clashes occurred between Shiv Sena supporters and an independent candidate's backers. An agitated crowd attempted to block buses transporting electronic voting machines (EVMs) near the Manpada counting center, but police successfully thwarted their efforts.
Amravati (Communal Tensions): At the Soot Girni counting center in Amravati, two groups clashed. In the Nagpuri Gate area, supporters of the NCP gathered outside the residence of an AIMIM candidate, chanting slogans and causing panic in the neighborhood.
Navi Mumbai (Nerul): In Nerul, allegations arose against BJP workers for vandalizing a Shiv Sena leader's office, leading to police filing cases against several individuals.
Detailed Information
An official noted that during the counting process in Thane, there was a clash between supporters of Shiv Sena candidate Meenakshi Shinde and those of an independent candidate, as a group attempted to obstruct buses carrying electronic voting machines.
In Amravati, outside the Soot Girni counting center, two factions clashed. Additionally, another incident occurred in Amravati where a group of NCP supporters gathered outside the residence of an AIMIM candidate at Nagpuri Gate, creating chaos and instilling fear in the area.
On Friday, police in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar conducted a lathi charge at a counting center, resulting in injuries to former mayor and Shiv Sena leader Vikas Jain and others. Following this, Shiv Sena leader and Maharashtra's Social Justice Minister Sanjay Shirsat visited the site and called for action against the involved police officers.
Police officials reported that BJP workers allegedly vandalized a Shiv Sena leader's office in Nerul, leading to multiple cases being registered against several individuals.