The political atmosphere in Maharashtra is heating up in anticipation of the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. These elections are considered crucial, not only for local development but also for determining the political direction of the state.
BMC Election 2025: As the 2025 Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections draw near, the political scene in Maharashtra is witnessing increased activity. While the potential alliance of Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray is poised to strengthen the opposition, the ruling Mahayuti – comprising the BJP, the Eknath Shinde faction, and the Ajit Pawar faction – has adopted a 'no-risk' policy, making a significant strategic move.
Mumbai has been a bhold of the Shiv Sena for decades. However, reports of the Thackeray brothers uniting in the electoral arena have put the Mahayuti on alert. Consequently, the BJP and its allies have devised a collective strategy to prevent a division of votes, ensuring that the Thackeray faction does not gain any electoral advantage.
What is the Mahayuti's 'No-Risk' Strategy?
The Mahayuti's strategy primarily focuses on preventing the division of votes. If the BJP, the Shinde faction, and the Ajit Pawar faction were to contest the elections separately, the opposition alliance – particularly Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT) and Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) – could benefit. Recognizing this threat, the Mahayuti has decided to contest the elections jointly in Mumbai and other major municipal corporations to maintain a b vote bank and counter any opposition wave.
According to sources, the Mahayuti will begin the candidate selection process within the next month by coordinating efforts in each ward. Simultaneously, local leaders and legislators will be assigned responsibilities based on their knowledge and influence. In each assembly constituency of Mumbai, legislators and their workers will engage with the public, highlighting the government's achievements and promoting the Mahayuti's policies.
BJP's Plan: Powerful Legislators to Take the Field
Recently, a meeting of BJP legislators in Mumbai was held under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, where he instructed leaders to submit a list of five priority tasks in their respective constituencies. The government will expedite the completion of these tasks to influence voters through local development. Fadnavis clarified that the Mahayuti need not be alarmed by the Thackeray brothers uniting, as the polarization of Marathi and non-Marathi votes could actually benefit the Mahayuti.
Plan for Public Outreach During Ganeshotsav
Considering Mumbai's festivals, the Mahayuti has planned to leverage Ganeshotsav and Dahi-Handi for political gains. To reach voters in the Konkan region, there is a proposal to launch free special trains and bus services between Mumbai and Konkan during Ganeshotsav. This will strengthen the Mahayuti's image of being 'with the people.'
Additionally, a strategy is being developed to connect with local Govinda groups and public Ganesh Mandals to strengthen the hold among youth and Marathi voters.
Potential Alliance of Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS: Opposition Strength
The speculations of Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray joining hands have energized the opposition camp. They have a significant influence among Marathi voters, and if the two parties come together, it could significantly alter the equation in the BMC elections. While the Mahayuti is certainly concerned about this potential alliance, it believes that by contesting the elections with a collective strategy, the opposition can be contained while securing the core vote bank.
The BMC is not just Mumbai's municipal corporation; it is the largest civic body in Asia, with an annual budget exceeding that of many states. Therefore, this election is not limited to local issues but is also a test of political strength and public support.
