The BJP secured decisive victories in both Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad municipal corporations, exceeding their previous performance. This outcome dashed the hopes of the NCP alliance, led by Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar, to reclaim their former strongholds. The results signal a significant setback for the NCP factions, prompting a need for strategic adjustments.

Maharashtra civic polls saw controversial wins, including two relatives of jailed gangster Suryakant Andekar elected in Pune. In Jalna, Shrikant Pangarkar, an accused in journalist Gauri Lankesh’s murder, secured a victory as an independent. These results have sparked significant public debate and criticism.

Alcohol sales will be banned on 28 dry days in 2026 across cities like Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru, including Republic Day, Holi, Eid ul-Fitr, Gandhi Jayanti, Diwali and Christmas.