Shiv Sena’s 30-Year Reign Ends in 2026 Mumbai BMC Elections
The upcoming 2026 Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections are shaping up to be a significant turning point in Mumbai’s political landscape. The Mahayuti alliance, which includes the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Eknath Shinde’s faction of the Shiv Sena, is making notable gains in the electoral race.
Shiv Sena’s 30-Year Reign in Peril
Current trends indicate that the Mahayuti alliance is leading in over 110 wards. This development could signal the end of Shiv Sena’s 30-year dominance under Uddhav Thackeray’s leadership. In contrast, the opposing UBT (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) alliance is struggling to secure more than 68 seats.
Current Election Trends
- UBT alliance: 58 leads
- Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS): 9 leads
- Nationalist Congress Party (NCP): 1 seat
- Congress: Leads in 10 wards
In key wards, high-profile contests are drawing attention. In Ward 1, UBT’s Foram Parmar is currently trailing, while Gita Bhandari is ahead in Ward 32. Shinde Sena’s Varsha Tembelkar shows a strong lead in Ward 51, and notable BJP candidates such as Deepak Tavde, Ujjwal Veti, and Neil Somaiya are also performing well.
Dharavi offers a rare success for Congress, with Asha Deepak Kale winning Ward 183. Overall, these developments are indicative of a seismic shift in Mumbai’s municipal politics.
Political Landscape Beyond Mumbai
The implications of this election extend beyond the BMC. In the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), the BJP is experiencing significant success, leading in 50 of the 165 seats. Meanwhile, the NCP factions collectively trail behind with just 5 leads, and the Congress-UBT alliance is holding onto 7 seats.
Predictions and Political Commentary
Exit polls had previously predicted a strong showing for the BJP-Shinde Sena alliance, and preliminary trends are confirming these predictions. If these trends continue, it could mark the end of Shiv Sena’s lengthy incumbency in the BMC.
MNS chief Raj Thackeray has been vocal in rallies, emphasizing the urgency of Marathi unity. He warns voters that regional identity and language are at risk, branding these elections as crucial for the Marathi community. His call for unity aims to protect against perceived electoral malpractice.
As the 2026 BMC elections approach, all eyes will be on the evolving trend, marking a potential new chapter for Mumbai’s governance and political scenario.
