Archive · 14 Jan 2026
Maharashtra Municipal Elections Conclude Amid High-Octane Campaigns
The campaign for the elections to 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra has ended.
The elections are very important, especially for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in Mumbai.
The BJP and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena are trying to win the BMC from Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena, who has teamed up with his cousin Raj Thackeray's MNS.
The Congress and VBA are also contesting.
Polling will happen on January 15, and counting on January 16.
Many big leaders campaigned, and there were promises to help women.
The Mumbai mayor post was a big topic in the campaigns.
The elections are significant as they are the first BMC elections since the 2022 Shiv Sena split and the first municipal elections in Maharashtra after a gap of over six years.
Campaigning for Maharashtra's 29 municipal corporation elections concluded on January 13, 2026, with high-stakes battles, especially for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
Polling will take place on January 15, 2026, with 3.48 crore eligible voters deciding the fate of 15,931 candidates across 2,801 seats (68 candidates were elected unopposed).
Key parties include BJP, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde), Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray), MNS, Congress, NCP, and VBA, with notable alliances and rivalries.
Campaign highlights included populist promises for women, such as travel concessions and monthly allowances, and debates over the Mumbai mayor post.
The elections are significant as they are the first BMC elections since the 2022 Shiv Sena split and the first municipal elections in Maharashtra after a gap of over six years.
- Who
- Political parties including BJP, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde), Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray), MNS, Congress, NCP, and VBA
- What
- Campaigning for the elections to 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra
- When
- Campaign concluded on January 13, 2026; polling on January 15, 2026; counting on January 16, 2026
- Where
- Across 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra, including Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, and Thane
- Why
- To elect representatives for the municipal corporations after a gap of more than six years, with the BMC elections being significant due to the 2022 Shiv Sena split
Mahayuti Alliance
Opposition Parties
Alliances and Rivalries
Mahayuti Alliance
The Mahayuti alliance, consisting of the BJP and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, aims to retain supremacy in key municipal corporations like Mumbai, Thane, and Kalyan-Dombivli. They have formed strategic alliances in some cities while competing against each other in others, such as Mira-Bhayander and Navi Mumbai.
Opposition Parties
The Opposition, including the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), MNS, Congress, NCP, and VBA, is trying to challenge the ruling alliance. They have formed new alliances in certain cities, such as the NCP and NCP (SP) joining hands in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, and the Congress aligning with the VBA in Latur, Nanded, and Mumbai.
Campaign Strategies
Mahayuti Alliance
The Mahayuti alliance focused on populist promises for women, such as a 50% concession for women in BEST bus travel, and emphasized the importance of a Hindu and Marathi mayor in Mumbai.
Opposition Parties
The Opposition parties, particularly the Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS, promised a Rs 1,500 monthly allowance for women domestic helps and a property tax waiver on houses up to 700 sq ft. They also assured voters of a Marathi mayor in Mumbai.
- Polling Date
- January 15, 2026
- Counting Date
- January 16, 2026
- Total Seats
- 2,869 (2,801 after 68 unopposed elections)
- Eligible Voters
- 3.48 crore
- Total Candidates
- 15,931 (1,700 in BMC)
- Key Corporations
- Brihanmumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Thane
- Major Parties
- BJP, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde), Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray), MNS, Congress, NCP, VBA
- Campaign Highlights
- Populist promises for women, focus on Mumbai mayor post, allegations of money distribution
Sources
Karnataka Govt. Readies For Maiden Elections To 5 City Corporations Under GBA
High-octane campaign for polls to 29 Maharashtra municipal corporations concludes
Mumbai’s real power contest: Why the 2026 BMC election is a political game-changer
Maharashtra votes for high-stakes civic polls on Jan 15; Mumbai key battleground
Mumbai BMC Elections 2026: Aqua Line Services To Operate With Extended Timings On Voting Day
