Maharashtra civic polls: PM Narendra Modi thanks people for placing faith in BJP, says 'it's been great start to 2017'

Delhi: Buoyed by Bharatiya Janata Party's outstanding performance in Maharashtra municipal corporation elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday that the party was working in a determined way to create a strong and inclusive India.

He also thanked 'each and every Indian' for continuously placing their faith in BJP.

At the same time, he congratulated BJP's Maharashtra team and state Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for 'for working tirelessly among the people'.

"Through hard work, determination and work on the ground, BJP is now a strong force both in urban and rural Maharashtra. BJP is unwavering in the resolve to serve Maharashtra with unparalleled diligence, transparency and taking the state to even greater heights," he tweeted.

In a series of tweets the PM wrote:

Extremely thankful to the sisters & brothers of Maharashtra for reposing their faith in BJP & in politics of development & good governance. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 23, 2017

Through hardwork, determination & work on the ground, BJP is now a strong force both in urban & rural Maharashtra. Congrats to Karyakartas. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 23, 2017

I congratulate the entire team of @BJP4Maharashtra, CM @Dev_Fadnavis & @raosahebdanve for working tirelessly among the people. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 23, 2017

BJP is unwavering in the resolve to serve Maharashtra with unparalleled diligence, transparency & taking the state to even greater heights. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 23, 2017

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

I thank each & every Indian for continuously placing their faith in BJP. We are working determinately to create a strong & inclusive India. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 23, 2017

The BJP today scored a resounding victory in Maharashtra civil polls emerging as the largest party in eight of the 10 municipal corporations while finishing a close second to bellicose ally Shiv Sena in the latter's Mumbai bastion.

BJP was the number one party in Ulhasnagar, Nashik, Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Solapur, Akola, Amravati and Nagpur. Shiv Sena led the tally in Mumbai and adjoining Thane.

Making giant strides in the Shiv Sena citadel of Mumbai, BJP won 82 seats in the fiercely fought BMC polls, just two less than the estranged saffron ally, but both were well short of the magic figure of 114 needed to control the civic body.