BMC readies party offices as corporators return, BJP set to occupy largest space
The BJP is set to occupy the largest party office within the BMC headquarters, while new parties like the AIMIM are poised to set up offices in the halls for the first time ever.
With the recently concluded polls marking the comeback of corporators, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) headquarters is witnessing a churn. Having emerged as the single largest party for the first time since the inception of the municipal body, the BJP is set to occupy the largest party office within the municipal headquarters, while new parties like the AIMIM are poised to set up offices in the halls for the first time ever.
Gearing up for the return as well as the reshuffle in the allocation of party offices, officials from the Municipal Secretary (MS) department have written to the BMC’s heritage cell to refurbish the party offices and make arrangements for the offices of the special committee chairman and the group leaders.
To provide space for operations during regular House proceedings, each group leader with a minimum of two councillors in the House is earmarked an office space at the BMC headquarters in Fort.
With the Shiv Sena enjoying a majority over the past 25 years, the party had occupied the largest office in the heritage building.
Officials from the Municipal Secretary (MS) department have written to the BMC’s heritage cell to refurbish the party offices. (Express Photo/Ganesh Shirsekar)
However, after the tenure of previous corporators ended in March 2022, the party offices were vacated and remained shut for nearly four years.
The party offices are situated on the ground floor of the heritage building. Prior to 2017, they were located on the first floor.
The heritage cell is set to carry out touch-ups ahead of the councillors’ return. Meanwhile, work is underway to ensure adequate allocation of space to political parties.
“After the elections conclude, we send the department concerned a final list with the total strength of each political party. Since the largest party will have the highest number of corporators, it is mandated that they are alloted the biggest office for their daily operations,” a senior official told The Indian Express.
At 89 seats, the BJP emerged as the single largest party in the BMC polls.
Each group leader with a minimum of two councillors in the House is earmarked an office space at the BMC headquarters in Fort. (Express Photo/Ganesh Shirshekar)
Following the split in the Shiv Sena, the BMC will now allocate separate offices—one for Shiv Sena (UBT) and another for the Shinde-led Shiv Sena. This term, Shiv Sena (UBT) has 65 councillors, while the Shiv Sena has 29 members in the new House.
For the first time, the AIMIM will also occupy an office within the headquarters, with the party securing eight seats in the 227-member House.
In another first, the NCP (SP) will not be allocated any party office at the headquarters, having secured only one seat in the civic polls.
“According to rules, a party office can be allocated to a group leader having at least two members each,” said an official.
“Since the rooms were shut for years, we had to get them refurbished. Our scope of works entailed polishing, upgrading of upholstery, cleaning, painting amongst other works. While most of the work is already done, we will be carrying out touch-up works once the party offices are vacated by election duty staff,” a source privy to the developments said.
Nayonika Bose is a Senior Correspondent with The Indian Express’ Mumbai bureau. While in the early stages of her career, her focused reporting on local governance and community welfare already demonstrates clear Expertise and Trustworthiness in covering essential civic issues impacting Mumbai's residents.
Expertise & Authority (E-E-A-T)
Specialized Focus: Nayonika's reporting is dedicated to civic and community issues, providing readers with highly relevant, ground-level information about the functionality and administration of India's largest metropolitan area.
Core Coverage Areas: Her articles highlight a strong focus on the fundamental quality of life and public safety in Mumbai, including:
Civic Infrastructure: Reports on critical failures and initiatives related to public works, such as the recurring problem of unauthorized building collapses in Navi Mumbai, the construction of new infrastructure projects (like the Dahisar-Bhayandar Link Road and the Mahalaxmi cable-stayed bridge), and the maintenance of essential city services (e.g., manhole cover theft).
Urban Governance & Crisis Management: Provides detailed coverage of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) response to major crises, particularly during the monsoon (e.g., heavy rainfall, water cuts, and public health concerns like dengue and malaria) and large-scale public safety incidents (e.g., the hoarding collapse fallout).
Community Welfare & Rights: Reports on key social issues, including the financial aid scheme for persons with disabilities, the struggles of Mumbai's hawkers protesting eviction drives, and the dangers faced by workers due to the continuation of manual scavenging in water tanks.
Cultural & Heritage Reporting: Covers significant community stories, including the restoration of British-era fountains and the history of institutions like the 126-year-old Chinchpokli cemetery, showing a breadth of interest beyond pure administration.
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Officials from the Municipal Secretary (MS) department have written to the BMC’s heritage cell to refurbish the party offices. (Express Photo/Ganesh Shirsekar)
Each group leader with a minimum of two councillors in the House is earmarked an office space at the BMC headquarters in Fort. (Express Photo/Ganesh Shirshekar)
