BJP’s strike rate best in BMC polls, says CM Fadnavis

Taking a dig at the opposition questioning the BJP’s success, Fadnavis said, “There are some people who are saying what is there to celebrate when BJP tally has increased from 82 (2017) to 89 (2026). Those who are raising doubts should know in 2017 elections we contested 227 wards. This time we contested only 137 seats. In that sense our strike rate is highest.”

He further noted that the undivided Shiv Sena, which ruled the civic body for nearly three decades, never touched the 89-seat mark. Even today, he said, Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), which contested over 200 seats, won just 65.

“The BJP’s strike rate was best compared to all others,” the chief minister said emphatically.

Fadnavis lamented that the party narrowly missed a century as it lost several wards by small margins.

Urging the newly elected corporators to remain grounded, he said, “Don’t get carried away by success. Don’t get arrogant. With success you have greater responsibility towards people. How you behave is important for image of party.”

Referring to the Marathi asmita plank of the Thackerays, Fadnavis said, “We will ensure Marathi Manoos is not driven out of city. We will ensure affordable housing, basic amenities, infrastructure to common man and poor people in city.”

He said the BJP’s electoral success reflected its acceptance across caste, community and religion. “There is no area where people have not voted for party. Whether it is high-rise, slum dwellers, koliwadas, chawls or rental homes the party made inroads across Mumbai,” he said.