Maharashtra civic polls: PM Narendra Modi thanks people for reposing faith in BJP

NEW DELHI: Elated over BJP's performance in Maharashtra civic polls, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today thanked the people of Maharashtra for reposing their faith in the "politics of development" and "good governance".

Noting that the "overwhelming blessings" in Maharashtra came after Odisha, he thanked "each and every Indian for continuously placing their faith in BJP" and said "We are working determinately to create a strong & inclusive India."

In a series of tweets, he praised BJP workers, particularly Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and state party president Raosaheb Danve Patil, for tirelessly working for the people.

"It has been a great start to 2017! First the unprecedented support in Odisha & now the overwhelming blessings from people of Maharashtra," he said in a tweet.

It has been a great start to 2017! First the unprecedented support in Odisha & now the overwhelming blessings from people of Maharashtra.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 23, 2017

"Extremely thankful to the sisters & brothers of Maharashtra for reposing their faith in BJP & in politics of development & good governance," Modi said.

The Prime Minister said through hardwork, determination and work on the ground, "BJP is now a strong force both in urban & rural Maharashtra. Congrats to Karyakartas."

He added, "BJP is unwavering in the resolve to serve Maharashtra with unparalleled diligence, transparency & taking the state to even greater heights."

BJP today made big gains in Bombay Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls as it came a close second to the Shiv Sena bagging 80 seats in the 227-member cash-rich body. Sena got 84 seats.

The BJP was also set to gain control of at least six civic bodies -- Pune, Nashik, Ulhasnagar, Akola, Nagpur and Amravati -- out of the 10 corporations for which the elections were held on Tuesday. The party also did well in the Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation, as per the latest trends.

The BJP also appeared to have expanded its base in Pimpri Chinchwad, despite fierce competition from the NCP.