Polling for 29 municipal corporations across Maharashtra (BMC), including Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, and Nashik, concluded at 5:30 PM on Thursday.
Authorities deployed tight security amid high political tension.
The elections have become a crucial test for Maharashtra’s political landscape.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Shiv Sena-UBT Chief Uddhav Thackeray, joined by his brother and MNS Chief Raj Thackeray, are putting their political prestige on the line.
For the BJP, Mumbai’s Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is the crown jewel. The party narrowly missed toppling Shiv Sena in 2017 but chose stability over power at that time.
After the 2022 Shiv Sena split and growing friction between former allies, the BJP now aims to secure its first-ever Mayor in Mumbai.
Victory here would strengthen its grip on India’s financial hub.
For Uddhav Thackeray, the polls are a fight for survival.
Losing the party name and symbol to Eknath Shinde in 2022, and facing setbacks in the 2024 Assembly elections, BMC remains his last major stronghold.
The BMC has been Shiv Sena’s backbone for over 25 years.
To preserve Balasaheb Thackeray’s legacy, Uddhav has allied with Raj Thackeray, creating a united front.
Analysts warn that a defeat could trigger further erosion of Shiv Sena-UBT and prompt defections to the ruling Mahayuti.
A massive rally at Shivaji Park has given the Thackeray brothers notable momentum.
This year, 1,729 candidates are contesting 227 Mumbai seats. The city has over 1.03 crore eligible voters, including 55.16 lakh men and 48.26 lakh women.
Established in 1865, BMC is India’s wealthiest civic body, with an annual budget exceeding Rs 74,000 crore.
Its revenues, from property tax, water and service fees, development charges, and state grants, allow it to fund mega-infrastructure projects independently.
Control of BMC gives any party immense political and financial influence.
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