The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) won three seats. This year, KDMC introduced multiple counting centres across Kalyan and Dombivli instead of the usual single venue at Savlaram Ground — a move that triggered inconvenience and raised questions among residents
People stand behind the 100-metre barricade near the DNC School centre as counting continues. PIC/SHRIKANT KHUPERKAR
WITH the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) Election vote counting underway on Friday evening, available trends indicated that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured 15 seats, while six Shiv Sena candidates were elected unopposed. The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) won three seats.
This year, KDMC introduced multiple counting centres across Kalyan and Dombivli instead of the usual single venue at Savlaram Ground — a move that triggered inconvenience and raised questions among residents.
In Kalyan, vote counting at Patkar School was conducted under tight security. Entry was restricted, media personnel were reportedly denied access, and police instructed individuals entering the premises to deposit mobile phones outside.
In Dombivli, heavy police deployment was seen around the DNC School counting centre. Shops within a 100-metre radius were ordered to remain shut as a precautionary measure. Large crowds gathered at Savlaram Ground and the Municipal Ground counting centres, while the rest of the city functioned normally.
However, the change in counting venues led to traffic congestion, barricading, and diversions, particularly affecting morning commuters. Officegoers in Dombivali faced difficulties reaching the railway station due to road closures near Patkar and DNC Schools.
As per counting trends till the seventh round, BJP and Shiv Sena candidates were leading in several wards.
Maharashtra Civic Elections 2026 Results: Setback for Dhatrak family
One of the most significant political developments emerged from Dombivli West, where the Dhatrak family suffered a major defeat. Former BJP corporators Shailesh Dhatrak and his wife Manisha Dhatrak were denied party tickets this election. The couple subsequently joined the MNS. Their daughter, Pooja Dhatrak, also entered the fray. They all contested on MNS tickets but were defeated.
The Dhatrak family had earlier been credited with development work in areas near the Dombivli West railway station, including action against hawker encroachments and maintaining cleanliness. Despite their work, the denial of BJP tickets led to a party switch, which ultimately proved unsuccessful at the ballot box.
Maharashtra Civic Elections 2026 Results: High NOTA count
The election witnessed an unusually high number of NOTA (None of the Above) votes, with nearly every ward recording more than 1000 NOTA ballots. The trend reflects growing dissatisfaction among voters towards the existing political options.
Residents cited several unresolved civic issues, including inadequate public transport, the absence of a regulated meter system for autorickshaws, unchecked hawker encroachments near Dombivli East railway station, and footpaths and roads being occupied by vendors.
Maharashtra Civic Elections 2026 Results: Hopes on new leadership
Despite the challenges, residents expressed hope that the newly elected representatives would prioritise governance over political pressure.
“Dombivali is known as an education hub. We want it to become a clean, well-planned and beautiful city. Newly elected corporators should ensure work gets done through KDMC officials without political interference,” said a local resident.
Dilip Joshi, a resident of Dombivali East, added, “KDMC must now receive full cooperation from elected representatives to maintain order and cleanliness across the city.”
Shradha Apte, another resident, echoed similar sentiments, expressing hope that the new leadership would seriously address long-pending civic issues and restore public confidence.
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