MUMBAI: Continuing its electoral march in the state, BJP wrested the Congress-NCP-ruled Sangli-Miraj-Kupwad and Shiv Sena-controlled Jalgaon municipal corporations in western and northern Maharashtra , respectively, on Friday for the first time.

After the victories, CM Devendra Fadnavis emerged more powerful as BJP was not expecting easy wins, considering that voting was held in the backdrop of the anti-BJP atmosphere over Fadnavis’ failure to tackle the Maratha reservation row and dismal implementation of the Rs 32,000-crore loan waiver scheme.

“Despite adverse circumstances, we have won the elections and with huge margins. It indicates faith in the leadership of PM Modi. People have accepted our development model,’’ said Fadnavis.

