Mumbai’s political landscape is heating up as the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections approach, pitting Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis against the Thackeray brothers – Aaditya and Tejshri. For nearly four decades, Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena has dominated the BMC, the richest civic body in Asia, since 1985. This election could mark a historic shift.
The BMC, overseeing India’s financial capital with a budget exceeding many states, has long been Shiv Sena’s stronghold. Uddhav’s faction, Shiv Sena (UBT), has relied on this base for influence and funds. However, the split in Shiv Sena and the rise of the Mahayuti alliance under Fadnavis threaten to end this reign.
Fadnavis, leading the BJP, has ramped up campaigns promising better infrastructure, cleaner streets, and corruption-free governance. ‘Mumbai deserves world-class civic services, not dynasty rule,’ he declared at a recent rally. Aaditya Thackeray, the Yuva Sena leader, countered fiercely, vowing to protect the ‘aamchi Mumbai’ legacy built by his father and uncle Balasaheb.
Tejshri Thackeray, entering the fray actively, is mobilizing youth and women voters. The brothers’ combined star power faces a formidable challenge from BJP’s organizational might and Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena faction, now allied with Mahayuti.
Key wards like Mahim, Worli, and Bandra are battlegrounds. Issues like pothole-free roads, water supply, and slum rehabilitation dominate debates. With over 10,000 candidates vying for 227 seats, alliances and cross-voting could sway results.
As polls near, surveys indicate a tight contest. A Fadnavis victory would bolster BJP’s urban dominance, while Thackerays’ win reaffirms their grip on Mumbai hearts. The outcome will reshape Maharashtra politics beyond civic polls.