Gaurav Sawant: BJP-Led Mahayuti Sweeps Maharashtra Civic Polls as Opposition Alleges 'Vote Chori'

On this Special Report, Gaurav Sawant anchors the coverage of the 2026 Maharashtra civic body elections, where the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance has emerged as the dominant force. The alliance is leading in 25 of 29 municipal bodies, including the crucial Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), effectively ending the 25-year stronghold of the Thackeray family. Gaurav Sawant notes that 'Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, of course, gave the credit of BJP Plus, the Mahayuti spectacular victory in Maharashtra, to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's politics of development.' The programme features a heated debate with representatives from the Congress, BJP, and both Shiv Sena factions. While the BJP celebrates the mandate as a victory for 'Vikas,' the opposition, led by Rahul Gandhi and the Shiv Sena (UBT), has raised serious allegations regarding 'vote chori,' citing concerns over indelible ink, EVMs, and the electoral roll. The report also covers the Election Commission's probe into marker pens and exclusive political updates from Tamil Nadu and international developments involving Donald Trump.