Mumbai: The Congress emerged the front runner in the results declared for 132 municipal councils in the first round of local bodies` elections in Maharashtra, party leaders said Monday.
"Currently, Congress is leading by capturing 651 seats as NCP (Nationalist Congress Party) is a close second at 612 seats," said Congress spokesperson Sanjay Dutt, citing thelatest figures.
"Shiv Sena has captured 198 seats while BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) has won in 177 seats. Over 360 seats have been captured by Independent candidates and small local parties," he added.
However, in the Congress stronghold in the Sindhudurg district of Konkan region from where a prominent minister hails, the party has performed poorly. The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has bagged at least one civic body in Khed.
The first phase of elections for the 168 municipal councils in Maharashtra was held Sunday. Out of them, counting of votes for 132 municipal councils took place Monday.
During the second phase, 18 municipal councils will go to the polls Tuesday.
Counting of votes for 44 municipal councils will take place Wednesday.
In the third and fourth phases, elections for two and seven municipal councils will take place on Dec 16 and 23 respectively.
On Dec 17, counting of votes for 12 municipal councils will take place, while that of the remaining seven councils will be held on Dec 23.
IANS
