Mumbai’s political landscape underwent a seismic shift as the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections delivered a resounding victory for the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance. The results, announced late last night, have handed a crushing blow to the Thackeray brothers – Uddhav and Raj – whose factions failed to secure significant seats in India’s richest civic body.
The alliance, spearheaded by the BJP’s strategic maneuvering and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, swept through key wards, clinching over 70% of the contested seats. This triumph marks the end of the undivided Shiv Sena’s long-standing dominance in BMC, which it had controlled since 1997. Analysts point to voter fatigue with the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government’s handling of urban infrastructure and the appeal of development-focused campaigns as key factors.
In a stunning upset, the Shinde faction outperformed Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT) in traditional strongholds like Dadar and Worli. Raj Thackeray’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), despite aggressive campaigning, managed only marginal gains, underscoring the brothers’ diminishing influence. ‘This is a clear mandate for governance over dynasty,’ declared a jubilant BJP leader, echoing sentiments from the victory celebrations across the city.
The BMC, with its annual budget exceeding Rs 50,000 crore, controls vital services like water supply, roads, and waste management for 1.2 crore Mumbaikars. The new council promises accelerated projects, including metro expansions and slum rehabilitation, which were stalled under previous regimes. Opposition leaders, however, cry foul, alleging irregularities and calling for recounts in select wards.
As confetti rained on jubilant supporters outside the counting centers, the Thackeray brothers face an uncertain future. Uddhav’s camp has already hinted at legal challenges, while Raj’s MNS licks its wounds. For the BJP-Shiv Sena combine, this victory is not just a local win but a blueprint for the 2024 state assembly polls. Mumbai, the financial capital, has spoken – prioritizing progress over political legacies.