Following the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections on January 15, 2026, all eyes are on the impending decision regarding who will be the next Mayor of Mumbai. The Mahayuti alliance, comprised of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde, has emerged victorious, securing a majority in the 227-member BMC. This victory marks a significant shift in Mumbai's political landscape, ending the Shiv Sena's long-standing dominance over the BMC.
The BJP has emerged as the single largest party, winning 89 seats, while the Shinde-led Shiv Sena secured 29 seats. Together, the alliance has surpassed the crucial majority mark required to govern India's richest civic body. On the other hand, the Shiv Sena (UBT), led by Uddhav Thackeray, won 65 seats, while its ally, the MNS, secured six. The Congress party, in alliance with the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi, bagged 24 seats.
Speculation is rife regarding which party from the Mahayuti alliance will claim the coveted Mayor's post. Sources suggest that the Shinde Sena is likely to demand the position, viewing it as a fitting tribute to their founder, Bal Thackeray, during his birth centenary year. However, with the BJP holding a larger share of seats, the decision remains uncertain. Eknath Shinde has asserted that Mumbai will have a Mahayuti Mayor, reinforcing the alliance's commitment to working together.
In the wake of the BMC poll results, Shaina NC, a Shiv Sena leader, expressed confidence in the Shinde-Fadnavis duo, stating that the people of Mumbai have placed their trust in them. Celebrations erupted among BJP workers, with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis congratulating State BJP President Ravindra Chavan on the Mahayuti's strong lead in the municipal polls.
The election campaign saw the BJP and Shinde-led Shiv Sena focusing on Hindutva, while Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray emphasized Marathi identity and regional pride. As the campaign progressed, discussions shifted towards the Marathi versus non-Marathi divide, a recurring theme in Mumbai's political discourse.
Looking ahead, the Mahayuti alliance has unveiled an ambitious manifesto outlining plans to improve civic infrastructure, services, and overall development in Mumbai. Key promises include upgrades to the suburban railway network, a 50% travel concession for women on BEST buses, and a transition to electric vehicles. The alliance has also pledged ₹17,000 crore for clean air and water initiatives. Furthermore, they aim to make Mumbai flood-free within five years by adopting Japanese techniques and collaborating with institutions like IIT and VJTI.
The coming days will be crucial as the Mahayuti alliance deliberates on the mayoral candidate and finalizes its strategy for governing Mumbai. The decision will not only shape the city's future but also have significant implications for the political landscape of Maharashtra.
