The article from The Quint accurately reports on the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen's (AIMIM) surprising performance in the Maharashtra Municipal Corporation elections, held on January 15, 2026, with results declared on January 16-17, 2026. AIMIM demonstrated significant gains, securing between 95 and 121 seats across various municipal bodies in the state, marking its strongest-ever presence in Maharashtra's local self-governing institutions. This performance notably placed AIMIM ahead of both the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction), often referred to as NCPSP, and Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). The Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) secured a lower number of seats, with reports indicating figures ranging from 7 to 27 across different polls and regions. Similarly, the MNS recorded fewer seats, with statewide tallies reported between 6 and 13. AIMIM's strong showing was particularly evident in regions like Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Malegaon, Amravati, Nanded, Dhule, Solapur, Mumbai, Thane, Jalgaon, and Chandrapur, where it secured a considerable number of corporators. This outcome signifies AIMIM's growing influence in Maharashtra's urban political landscape, challenging established parties and indicating a shift in voter preferences in certain pockets. The headline's assertion of AIMIM being a 'surprise winner' and 'doing better than NCPSP & MNS' is corroborated by the official results and widespread media reports from the recent elections. The news highlights a dynamic change in Maharashtra's local body politics.