Campaigning for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) election came to a halt on Tuesday evening at 5 PM. On January 15, 2026, voters will head to the polls, witnessing a fierce contest between the Mahayuti alliance and the reunited Thackeray brothers.
National attention is drawn to this election as the BMC is the richest municipal corporation, with a budget surpassing many smaller states.
This BMC election campaign was marked by several contentious issues fueling political debate, such as:
In the final days, the election's narrative shifted to a 'Marathi versus Non-Marathi' debate, intensified by BJP leader Annamalai's remarks. He stated that Mumbai is not just a city of Maharashtra but a 'global city' facing challenges. This stirred outrage from MNS chief Raj Thackeray, who mocked Annamalai, referring to him as 'rasmalai' and ridiculing him with terms like 'lungi-pungi'. Raj urged leaders from other states not to comment on Mumbai in this manner.
Prior to this, an identity politics storm erupted around the 'Khan versus Marathi Hindu Mayor' debate. BJP's Mumbai President Amit Satam vowed to remove any 'Khan' from mayoral candidacy, while Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis emphasized that the next mayor would be 'Hindu and Marathi'.
The Mahayuti's manifesto also took a hard-line stance, pledging to evict illegal Rohingyas and Bangladeshis from the city.
Determining the True Heir to the Legacy?
On the ground, a direct contest occurs across 69 seats between Shiv Sena (UBT) and Shinde's Shiv Sena, potentially solidifying the rightful heir to Shiv Sena's legacy. Shiv Sena (UBT) also challenges BJP on 97 seats, while Congress faces off against BJP on 88 seats.
Similarly, Shinde’s Shiv Sena faces the MNS on 18 seats and Congress on 53 seats. A tough battle between BJP and MNS is anticipated on approximately 35 seats.
Notably, to appeal to women voters, the Thackeray brothers have promised a 50% discount on BEST bus fares and interest-free loans of 500,000 rupees for small businesses in their manifesto.
