Following late-night deliberations, the Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra has reportedly finalized a seat-sharing agreement for the upcoming municipal polls. The alliance, comprised of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Shiv Sena, and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), aims to contest the elections together across the state.
Sources familiar with the discussions indicate that a consensus has been reached for approximately 150 out of the 227 seats in the Mumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The remaining 77 seats were the primary focus of intense negotiations. Further discussions led to agreements on an additional 30 to 35 seats, but more time is needed to resolve the remaining differences. Alliance leaders have agreed to hold another round of talks soon to iron out these outstanding issues. The final announcement regarding the complete seat-sharing formula is expected by today, December 24, signaling the Mahayuti's intention to swiftly transition into campaign mode.
Meanwhile, the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) is grappling with evolving equations as they navigate their own seat-sharing arrangements. Raj Thackeray's MNS has decided to delay any formal alliance announcements until seat-sharing arrangements are completely finalized. Sources suggest that the Thackeray brothers are eager to make a joint announcement only after both parties reach a clear and mutually acceptable agreement on seat distribution. Consequently, discussions regarding a potential alliance between Raj and Uddhav Thackeray have been temporarily put on hold. Political analysts believe that the ultimate shape of the opposition front will largely depend on the progress of seat-sharing talks in the coming days.
The nomination process for the municipal corporation elections began on December 23 and will continue until December 30. The elections to the 29 municipal corporations are scheduled for January 15, 2026, with results expected the following day.
The recent municipal council and nagar panchayat elections saw the Mahayuti alliance secure a significant victory, winning 4,422 out of 6,851 seats. The BJP emerged as the single largest party. This victory underscores the current political dynamics in Maharashtra's local governance.
Earlier this month, Chief Minister Fadnavis met with Deputy Chief Minister Shinde, followed by another meeting between Shinde and BJP Maharashtra chief Ravindra Chavan, to discuss joining forces for the upcoming municipal corporation elections. NCP leaders were not included in these discussions. Chavan and Shinde decided to establish local-level committees to discuss seat sharing at various locations, with plans to invite all alliance partners, including the NCP.
