Mumbai, Jan 17: The Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) lost control of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in the elections held Thursday, with results declared Friday. Out of 227 wards, the BJP emerged as the single largest party, winning 89 seats, while its ally, Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), secured 29, giving the Mahayuti alliance a total of 118 wards.
The Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction) won 65 wards, the Congress 24, AIMIM 8, MNS 6, NCP 3, SP 2, and NCP-SP 1 ward. This marks Mumbai’s first Mahayuti Mayor and potentially the first BJP Marathi Mayor.
Reacting to the results, Shiv Sena (UBT) reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Marathi interests. A statement posted on X read: “This battle is not over yet… It will continue until the Marathi person receives the respect they deserve!”
MNS chief Raj Thackeray, who had allied with his cousin Uddhav, echoed the sentiment in a detailed post on X. He highlighted the “unyielding financial power and authority” of the ruling Mahayuti alliance as a key challenge, but affirmed that the fight for the Marathi people, language, and identity will continue. He emphasized that this struggle is fundamental to the existence of Marathi culture and pride, vowing to hold elected corporators accountable wherever necessary.
The BMC defeat is a significant setback for Shiv Sena (UBT), which had controlled Mumbai’s civic administration for nearly three decades. The loss also impacts the party’s street level influence and day to day governance in the city. Both parties now face the challenge of consolidating their cadre and rebuilding their political strength to continue championing the cause of Marathi identity and pride.
Key Points:
BMC 2026 results: BJP 89, Shinde Sena 29, Uddhav Sena 65, Congress 24, MNS 6.
Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS reaffirm fight for Marathi language, people, and cultural pride.
Political focus shifts to rebuilding cadre and sustaining influence despite setback.