Thackerays battle BJP-Sena, NCP as Mumbai votes today
The city of Mumbai is at the center of a highly charged political contest as voters head to the polls for the first time since 2017 in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. Beyond the stakes of local governance, these elections carry deep symbolic and political significance, drawing national attention. The Thackeray brothers, Uddhav and Raj, who have reunited after two decades of political divergence, are seen as attempting to reclaim their legacy as heirs of Bal Thackeray, the late founder of the Shiv Sena and an enduring figure in Maharashtra politics.
The BMC, which governs Mumbai, is Asia’s richest municipal corporation, controlling assets, budgets, and resources that are unparalleled in local governance anywhere in the country. The power to manage this body goes beyond civic administration—it is a seat of immense political influence, offering the party in charge a platform to shape the city’s infrastructure, public services, and development trajectory. It is no surprise, then, that the election atmosphere is tense, with all major parties mobilizing their machinery and supporters in anticipation of a fiercely fought contest.
For the Shiv Sena, this election represents both opportunity and validation. After years of internal splits, the reunion of the Thackeray brothers has injected a new sense of purpose and urgency into their campaign. Analysts suggest that the duo aims not just to win control of the BMC but to signal the continuation of the Thackeray legacy in Maharashtra politics. Their campaign heavily invokes the ideology of “Marathi Manoos,” the concept of prioritizing the rights and welfare of the Marathi-speaking population, a sentiment first popularized during the Samyukta Maharashtra movement of the 1950s, which led to the creation of the state of Maharashtra from the erstwhile Bombay State.
The BJP, which has grown increasingly dominant in Maharashtra in recent years, presents the main opposition to the Thackeray brothers. The party’s strategy in the BMC election is expected to leverage its broader state and national presence, projecting governance efficiency and development as key promises to Mumbai’s electorate. For the BJP, controlling the BMC is a chance to consolidate its influence in Maharashtra’s capital, balancing the legacy politics of the Thackerays with its own narrative of administrative competence.
Meanwhile, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), led by Ajit Pawar, is taking a different approach. The NCP is contesting the elections independently after disagreements with the BJP, which had demanded that the party remove its leader Nawab Malik from all key responsibilities due to corruption allegations. The NCP’s strategy hinges on consolidating traditional strongholds and leveraging local governance experience. Pune, where the undivided party had run the civic body from 2007 to 2017, is seen as a key battleground. Analysts note that while the NCP may not be able to challenge Mumbai’s Thackeray-BJP axis directly, it could significantly influence the distribution of votes in the broader Maharashtra civic landscape.
Voters across Mumbai and 28 other civic bodies in Maharashtra face a high-stakes decision. Beyond political affiliations, the polls are being viewed as a referendum on local governance, accountability, and civic development. Infrastructure, water supply, roads, sanitation, and urban planning are at the forefront of voter concerns, alongside identity politics that continue to influence the Marathi electorate. Campaign rallies, public outreach, and door-to-door canvassing have intensified in the days leading up to polling, with parties trying to connect both emotionally and practically with the city’s diverse population.
Political observers point out that the BMC elections could have wider implications for the state’s future. A strong showing by the Thackerays could reinvigorate Shiv Sena’s political narrative, while a BJP victory would cement its growing influence in Maharashtra. Meanwhile, a resilient NCP performance could demonstrate the party’s relevance despite national-level challenges and internal controversies. Each party’s campaign strategy reflects a careful balance of identity politics, governance promises, and public engagement, highlighting the multidimensional nature of civic elections in India’s largest cities.
As Mumbai heads to the polls today, the city finds itself at the crossroads of tradition and modern political currents. The elections are more than a contest for municipal seats—they are a reflection of Maharashtra’s evolving political landscape, the enduring influence of historical legacies, and the aspirations of millions of citizens who hope for better governance, accountability, and a voice in shaping the future of their city. The BMC polls are set to be a defining moment, not just for Mumbai, but for the broader trajectory of Maharashtra politics in the years to come.