3 Things Unopposed wins in Maha, hidden farm fires, and 'Hindu rate of growth'
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Dec 8, 2025 Shubhangi Khapre, a knowledgeable journalist for The Indian Express, dives into the contentious local body elections in Maharashtra, revealing how unopposed victories speak volumes about current political dynamics. She also touches on accusations of intimidation against the opposition and the significance of municipal governance. Meanwhile, Sohini Ghosh shares insights from an ISRO study revealing that farm fires have merely shifted in timing, raising concerns about pollution data accuracy. The conversation wraps up with Modi's rejection of the 'Hindu rate of growth' concept and its historical implications.
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Wave Of Unopposed Wins Shows Local Imbalance
- Around 100 Maharashtra municipal seats were won unopposed, mostly by the ruling alliance, signalling a political imbalance at the grassroots level.
- Shubhangi Khapre suggests the opposition's weak ground effort and demoralised candidates contributed to many uncontested wins.
Development Promises Blur Governance And Campaigning
- Ruling party leaders openly promised development funds for supporting their candidates, raising code-of-conduct concerns.
- Shubhangi Khapre argued such bargains risk using state resources as electoral inducements and merit Election Commission scrutiny.
Dynasty Politics Appears Across Parties
- Opposition accused BJP of dynastic politics as several unopposed winners were relatives of top leaders.
- Shubhangi Khapre noted this undermines BJP's long-standing anti-dynasty narrative and mirrors practices in other parties.