BJP-Led Alliance Takes Control of Mumbai's BMC After Decades of Shiv Sena Rule

Thackeray Cousins Face Setback as Mahayuti Alliance Wins Mumbai Civic Elections

Mumbai's civic body, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), will now be governed by the Mahayuti alliance led by the Bharatiya Janata Party. This marks a significant change after nearly thirty years of Shiv Sena dominance in India's richest municipal corporation.

The BMC manages a budget of Rs 74,427 crore for the 2025-26 financial year, which exceeds the annual budgets of several Indian states including Sikkim, Goa, and Himachal Pradesh. Control over this civic body demonstrates considerable political influence in Maharashtra.

For Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT), formed after the party split in June 2022, these elections represented an important opportunity for political revival. His cousin Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) also hoped to gain ground but faced disappointing results.

During the campaign's final phase, Raj Thackeray revived the controversial slogan "uthao lungi, bajao pungi," targeting South Indian communities. This approach recalled the divisive politics of his uncle Bal Thackeray from the 1960s but failed to connect with today's voters.

The MNS contested 52 wards but won only six, achieving an 11% success rate. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) performed better with a 40% strike rate, winning 66 of 164 contested wards. Political observers note that the MNS may have hurt Uddhav's chances by splitting votes.

The Mahayuti alliance's victory wasn't overwhelming, suggesting that stronger cooperation among opposition parties could have changed outcomes. The alliance focused on development issues like metro projects and infrastructure improvements, particularly in South Mumbai and suburban areas.

Mumbai's demographics have evolved significantly. Census data shows Marathi speakers decreased from 44% in 1951 to 36% by 2011. With over 30% of voters under 35 years old, appeals based on regional identity appear less effective in this cosmopolitan city.

The MNS has struggled politically, winning zero seats in the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections and maintaining minimal representation over its two decades of existence. Experts suggest the party needs to shift focus toward practical civic issues like jobs, housing affordability, and infrastructure rather than divisive messaging.

Voter turnout remained at 53%, reflecting typical urban voting patterns.