Archive · 20 Jan 2026
Shinde’s Sena Governs Strong but Struggles Electorally
Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena did well in the recent municipal elections in Maharashtra, winning 399 seats overall.
However, most of these seats (about 62.6%) are concentrated in the Thane district and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
Outside these areas, the party performed poorly, winning only a few seats in other cities.
This shows that while the party is strong in certain regions, it is not very popular across the entire state.
Additionally, the election system where multiple candidates from the same party often win together has made it harder for smaller parties and independent candidates to succeed.
Experts say this system benefits larger and ruling parties more than others.
Shinde’s Sena won 399 civic seats statewide, but 62.6% are concentrated in Thane and BMC.
Outside Thane, the party's performance is weak, with single-digit wins in many cities.
The BJP’s urban appeal does not automatically translate into votes for Shinde’s Sena.
Municipal elections reveal a gap between the party’s administrative power and popular support.
The multi-member ward system favors larger parties, limiting representation for smaller parties and independents.
- Who
- Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena (Shinde’s Sena)
- What
- Municipal election results in Maharashtra
- When
- January 20, 2026
- Where
- Maharashtra, India
- Why
- To assess the political strength and reach of Shinde’s Sena
- Total Seats Won
- 399
- Seats in Thane
- 221
- Seats in BMC
- 29
- Seats in Nashik
- 20+
- Seats in Pune
- 0
- Seats in Nagpur
- 1
- Seats in Pimpri-Chinchwad
- 6
- Multi-Member Wards
- 208
- Same-Party Panels
- 132 (63.46%)
- Diverse Panels
- 1 (0.48%)
