Introduction
The 2026 civic elections in Mumbai unfolded in a dramatically transformed political environment, largely shaped by the 2022 split within Shiv Sena. With Eknath Shinde retaining the party’s official name and symbol, the electoral balance shifted significantly, leaving the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) weakened and struggling to maintain its influence in the city.
From 2017 to 2026: A Shift in Fortunes
In the 2017 Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, the undivided Shiv Sena emerged as the single largest party, securing 84 seats, narrowly surpassing the BJP’s 82 in the 227-member civic body. Post-poll alliances with six Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) corporators and independents boosted the Sena’s tally to 102, enabling it to retain the mayor’s office until the dissolution of the civic body.
By 2026, the Sena (UBT) had slipped to around 65 seats. The decline was not only numerical. Traditional strongholds in central Mumbai, the island city, and parts of the eastern suburbs no longer offered automatic support to the Thackeray banner. High-profile defections, such as that of Tejasvee Ghosalkar before the elections, underscored the party’s organizational challenges.
Factors Behind Sena (UBT)’s Setback
Narrow Voter Base
Sena (UBT)’s focus on nativist politics limited its appeal beyond the Marathi voter base, alienating communities like Muslims and North Indians.
Alliance with MNS: Double-Edged Sword
While the collaboration with Raj Thackeray’s MNS helped consolidate Marathi votes in some areas, it also proved polarizing. The MNS was largely perceived as a fringe force, with critics questioning its political consistency.
Organizational and Resource Constraints
The lingering impact of the 2022 split deprived Sena (UBT) of many of its grassroots workers. Funding limitations and a weakened organizational network left the party vulnerable against a well-resourced BJP–Shinde Sena alliance.
Why the Mahayuti Alliance Surged
The Triple Engine Advantage
The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance capitalized on the concept of a “triple engine sarkar,” emphasizing governance alignment across the central, state, and civic levels. This narrative suggested faster policy implementation and smoother development projects.
Infrastructure and Civic Development
Large-scale initiatives such as the Metro network, Coastal Road, Navi Mumbai Airport, and Atal Setu were central to the alliance’s campaign, highlighting tangible improvements in connectivity and urban living.
Expanding the Voter Base
The BJP–Shinde Sena alliance strategically reached beyond the Marathi electorate, appealing to North and South Indians, Gujaratis, Marwaris, and the Marathi middle class. Combined with extensive funding and a strong cadre of party workers, this approach strengthened its electoral performance.
Key Election Highlights
- 21,534: Largest victory margin, achieved by BJP’s Jignasha Shah in Borivli.
- 7: Narrowest win, secured by Congress’s Luvbir Miranda in Kalina after a BJP-mandated recount.
- 3 Family Wins in South Mumbai: Including Speaker Rahul Narwekar’s brother Makrand, the city’s wealthiest candidate, and cousin Gauraav Sakhare.
- Jalna: Shrikant Pangarkar, accused in the Gauri Lankesh case, won as an Independent.
- 3 Family Losses in Central Mumbai: Arun Gaikwad’s daughter Geeta, Yogita, and sister-in-law Vandana.
- Dharavi: Six of seven wards won by Sena (UBT) (4) and Congress (2).
- Minority Representation: Six Gaikwad seats captured by MIM, defeating SP in minority-majority wards.
- Independents: Six corporators elected, up from five in the previous election.
Conclusion
The 2026 Mumbai civic elections highlighted a decisive shift in the city’s political dynamics. Sena (UBT)’s weakened position contrasted sharply with the well-coordinated and broad-based Mahayuti alliance, which leveraged organizational strength, infrastructural achievements, and inclusive voter outreach to consolidate its dominance in the city.
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