With the countdown to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections having begun, the ruling Mahayuti, comprising the BJP and the Shiv Sena led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, has reached a broad consensus on seat-sharing, finalising agreement on nearly 200 of the 227 wards, while negotiations continue over the remaining 27 seats.
BJP’s Mumbai president Ameet Satam said it had been decided that the Mahayuti would contest all 227 seats in Mumbai. “There is already consensus on 200 seats. The decision on the remaining 27 seats is pending and will be taken based on the candidates and winability combinations,” Satam said, indicating that local factors and electoral viability would determine the final allocation.
Marathon meetings as deadline nears
The unresolved seats have triggered a series of high-level meetings among alliance leaders, with discussions stretching late into the night.
On Friday, the third round of talks was held at Shinde’s residence in Thane, underscoring the urgency of the negotiations as nomination deadlines approach.
The meeting was attended by senior leaders from both sides, including Shrikant Shinde, Uday Samant, BJP Maharashtra president Ravindra Chavan, BJP leader Niranjan Davkhare and Shiv Sena leader Naresh Mhaske.
Sources said discussions during the meeting were not limited to Mumbai alone but also covered seat-sharing arrangements in Thane, Kalyan-Dombivli and Navi Mumbai municipal corporations.
Even as the broad formula for Mumbai is said to be in place, with the BJP expected to contest 140 seats and the Shinde-led Shiv Sena 87 seats, alliance leaders are yet to put their seal on the final list.
Story continues below this ad
The delay, according to party insiders, is partly strategic, as early declaration of candidates could trigger rebellion from aspirants denied tickets.
At the same time, the shrinking window for filing nomination papers has increased pressure on the Mahayuti leadership to conclude talks within the next couple of days, announce the final seat-sharing arrangement and begin the nomination process.
While Mumbai’s arithmetic is close to resolution, negotiations in Thane remain contentious, with the BJP seeking 40 to 45 seats, a demand the Shiv Sena has so far resisted.
The issue has been escalated to the state leadership, and further meetings involving Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis are expected before a final decision is taken.
Story continues below this ad
In Pune, the Shiv Sena has demanded 35 seats, but the BJP has reportedly offered only 15, prompting a strong warning from Sena leaders and adding another layer of complexity to the Mahayuti’s civic poll strategy.
Despite the remaining friction, leaders from both parties have publicly expressed confidence that the next BMC mayor will be from the Mahayuti.
The alliance is keen to project unity and momentum, especially in Mumbai, where control of the civic body carries significant political and administrative weight.
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
