BMC polls: As deadline for filing nominations nears, parties finalise candidates and alliances through hectic parleys
The BJP and Shiv Sena to contest BMC polls together while their Mahayuti ally NCP to go solo; The Congress to tie up with the VBA while Shiv Sena (UBT) to ally with the MNS.
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena president Raj Thackeray formally announced their alliance for Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. (Express Photo by Ganesh Shirsekar)
With the December 30 deadline for filing nominations approaching fast, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections have entered a critical phase, with major political parties finalising seat-sharing arrangements and announcing candidate lists. Parties have started issuing AB forms, which the Election Commission requires for a candidate to be recognised as their official representative.
The BMC elections are set to be held on January 15, followed by the counting on January 16. Besides Mumbai, 28 other municipal corporations in Maharahtra will go to polls on January 15.
The shift has been driven by the Nationalist Congress Party deciding to contest independently, the Congress stepping out of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) and joining hands with Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA), Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) entering the BMC elections for the first time, and the emergence of a Shiv Sena (UBT)-Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) alliance. The BMC elections are shaping up to be one of the most competitive civic contests Mumbai has seen in recent years.
BJP, Shiv Sena combine
The BJP and the Shiv Sena will contest the BMC elections together. Under the agreed seat-sharing formula, the BJP will contest 128 seats, while the Shiv Sena will field candidates in 79 seats, and the remaining seats’ distribution will be decided based on candidates and local equations.
The understanding brings clarity to the Mahayuti alliance in Mumbai and allows both parties to move ahead with coordinated campaigning. Leaders from both parties said the distribution of seats was finalised after assessing organisational strength and previous electoral performance across wards.
BJP announces first list of candidates
Following the seat-sharing decision, the BJP released its first list of 66 candidates for the 227-member civic body. The list includes a mix of new candidates, women contenders and a limited number of experienced leaders.
Story continues below this ad
The announcement came after overnight activity at the party office in Dadar, where candidates were called in ward-wise and AB forms were distributed. Party sources said more lists would be announced once coordination with alliance partners is completed in the remaining wards.
Among the better-known names in the list are Neel Somaiya from Mulund West, Makarand Narvekar from Colaba and Ravi Raja. Several organisational workers and first-time candidates have also been given tickets.
Shiv Sena (UBT)–MNS alliance
The Shiv Sena (UBT) and the MNS a will contest the BMC elections together. Party sources said the Sena (UBT) has so far distributed 90 AB forms to its candidates as part of the alliance preparations. The forms were issued after internal consultations and ward-level reviews.
Leaders said the alliance is focusing on traditional Marathi strongholds as well as candidates with strong local networks. More AB forms are expected to be issued by both alliance partners before the nomination process closes. The MNS will also issue the AB forms Monday.
The AAP has announced 51 candidates so far and said it plans to contest all 227 wards. AAP leaders said the campaign will focus on civic issues such as basic services and transparency. While the party does not have a large organisational base in Mumbai, its entry is expected to affect closely fought wards.
Congress-VBA alliance
Under the Congress-VBA alliance, the latter will contest 62 seats in Mumbai. Congress leaders said the alliance was based on shared ideological positions and aimed at consolidating votes among marginalised communities.
Decisions regarding alliances in the remaining 28 municipal corporations in the state will be taken at the local level.
Ajit Pawar-led NCP to go solo
Story continues below this ad
The NCP has decided to contest the BMC elections independently. The party has released its first list of 36 candidates. The decision rules out any tie-up in Mumbai, despite the party being part of the ruling alliance at the state level. Party leaders said the move reflects local political considerations in the city.
Vallabh Ozarkar is a Senior Correspondent with The Indian Express' Mumbai bureau, recognized as an authoritative and deeply knowledgeable voice on the politics, governance, and infrastructure of Maharashtra. With more than nine years of experience in major news organizations, his reporting delivers high standards of Expertise and Trustworthiness.
Expertise & Authority
Current Role: Senior Correspondent, The Indian Express, Mumbai bureau.
Geographical Specialization: Provides exclusive and detailed coverage of Maharashtra politics and governance, operating at the epicenter of the state's decision-making in Mumbai.
Core Authority: His reporting demonstrates deep Expertise across critical and often complex state matters, including:
Political Dynamics: In-depth analysis of the ruling coalition (Mahayuti) and opposition (MVA), internal party conflicts, and crucial election updates, including local body polls and municipal corporation tussles.
Governance & Policy: Focused coverage on significant state policies, such as the overhaul of Mumbai's 'pagdi system' (rent control for old buildings) and social welfare schemes (e.g., Ladki Bahin Yojana accountability).
Infrastructure & Development: Reports on major urban and regional infrastructure projects, including the Mumbai Water Metro, Uttan-Virar Sea Link, and Thane Metro development.
Administrative Oversight: Follows legislative actions, cabinet decisions, and reports on issues of accountability and alleged fraud within state departments.
Experience
Current Role: His role at The Indian Express—a leading national daily—validates the credibility and standard of his reporting.
Career Foundation: Prior to The Indian Express, Vallabh contributed to other major metropolitan news outlets, including the Mumbai Mirror and DNA - Daily News & Analysis, providing a solid foundation in rigorous urban and political journalism.
Evidence of Impact: His work consistently breaks down complex political developments and administrative failures, such as exposing discrepancies in government welfare schemes, cementing his reputation as a trusted source for ground-level, impactful news from Maharashtra.
He tweets @Ozarkarvallabh ... Read More
