No single party gets absolute majority in Kolhapur

Kolhapur, Mar 12 (UNI) The Congress won the highest number of seats (25), even as no party failed to secure an absolute majority in the Zilla Parishad (ZP) elections here, the elections for which were held yesterday.

The Congress was followed by NCP securing 18 seats in the 69-member House, District Election branch sources said tonight.

The Jansurajya Party, led by Maharashtra Non-Conventional Energy Minister Vinay Kore, bagged eight seats, while MLA Raj Shetty led Swabhimani Shetakari Sanghatana two, sources said, adding that one seat was bagged by Janata Dal (S).

In Kagal tehsil, NCP received a major jolt as it was defeated by a local outfit, winning all five ZP seats.

In Chandgad tehsil, Shetkari Vikas Front, led by Bharmu Patil, and Daulat Co-operative Sugar factory vice chairman Gopalrao Patil won all five ZP seats defeating the rival candidate of Narsinh Patil group.

The Peasants and Workers Party (PWP) bagged two seats, independent two and Shiv Sena one.

The Congress had contested 51 seats, while NCP 52. The outgoing House had Congress 30 seats, NCP 26, Jansurajya Party six, BJP, Shiv Sena and PWP each one.

UNI