The results of elections to 29 municipal corporations across Maharashtra have been declared, with the Bharatiya Janata Party emerging as the single largest party. In a first, the BJP is set to have its mayor in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, marking a significant shift in the city’s political landscape.
In Mumbai, the BJP fought the civic polls in alliance with the Shiv Sena, and the combine delivered a strong performance. The BJP won 89 seats, while the Shinde-led Shiv Sena secured 29 seats, giving the alliance a clear edge in the country’s richest civic body.
The Thackeray brothers came together for the municipal elections in an attempt to halt the BJP’s rise, but the alliance failed to produce the desired impact. The BJP ultimately retained its position as the dominant force in the civic polls.
Meanwhile, Ajit Pawar chose to contest separately in several municipal corporations, extending support to Sharad Pawar instead of backing the BJP–Shinde alliance. However, this decision proved costly, as the Ajit Pawar faction suffered significant losses and failed to make a major electoral impact.
Amid indications that the BJP will claim the mayor’s post in Mumbai, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has taken a crucial political step. Shinde has decided to house all newly elected corporators from his Shiv Sena faction at a hotel in Mumbai for the next three days.
According to sources, the elected representatives will be staying at Taj Lands End in Bandra under tight security arrangements. Senior leaders, including Shinde himself, are expected to interact with and guide the corporators during this period.
