Panvel/Uran: The recent Panchayat Samiti elections in Raigad district have brought historic political changes. In Panvel, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) gained control of the Taluka Panchayat Samiti for the first time. Ranjana Sadashiv Vaskar, elected from the Karanjade group, was appointed Chairperson, while Bhupendra Sadanand Patil of the Akurli group became Deputy Chairperson.

The BJP won 15 of 16 seats, ending decades of the Peasants and Workers Party’s (PWP) dominance. “Achieving power in the Panchayat Samiti was a long-standing desire. Citizens’ work will now proceed efficiently,” said local leader Ramseth Thakur. Youth leader Pritam Mhatre added, “This is a historic moment. Shetkari Kamgar Party’s era is over; now BJP’s rule will continue.”

Meanwhile, in Uran, Mahavikas Aghadi (MVA) secured leadership after a decisive win. Mahesh Mhatre of Shekap was elected Chairman and Paresh Thakur of Shiv Sena (UBT) faction as Deputy Chairman, both unopposed. Elections were held on March 11, presided over by Tehsildar Dr Uddhav Kadam, with government officials and political leaders congratulating the new office-bearers.

These results mark significant political realignments in Raigad, with the BJP and the Mahavikas Aghadi now positioned to implement their rural development agendas effectively in Panvel and Uran Panchayat Samitis.