MUMBAI: In a landmark political shift, the Mahayuti alliance has secured a decisive victory in the 2026 Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, bringing an end to the Shiv Sena's nearly three-decade-long dominance over India's wealthiest civic body. The results signal a significant realignment of power in Mumbai's political landscape, placing the BJP-led coalition at the helm of the city's governance after a fiercely contested election.
The Mahayuti coalition successfully crossed the majority threshold required to take control of the 227-member municipal corporation. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerged as a formidable force within the alliance, independently securing over 90 wards. This strong performance was pivotal in the coalition's ability to unseat the long-reigning Shiv Sena, which had controlled the BMC for almost 30 years. Leaders from the Mahayuti alliance had expressed confidence in their victory following the polling, stating that voters had reaffirmed their support for the ruling coalition's vision for the city.
The outcome marks the conclusion of a significant chapter in Mumbai's history, where the Shiv Sena, under the leadership of the Thackeray family, held uninterrupted power over the BMC. For 30 years, the party's control over the civic body was a cornerstone of its political identity and influence in the region. The loss of this last major bastion represents a substantial setback for Uddhav Thackeray's faction of the Shiv Sena. The election was held after a nine-year gap and was characterized by fractured alliances and an intense political contest, culminating in this historic transfer of power.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation is considered the richest civic body in the country, with a budget that rivals that of some smaller states. Its governance impacts every aspect of life for millions of residents in India's financial capital. The Mahayuti alliance's victory is being termed a "blockbuster win" that establishes a "Triple Engine Sarkar," aligning the municipal, state, and central governments. This alignment is expected to facilitate smoother implementation of development projects and policy initiatives across the Mumbai metropolitan region. The next key step for the newly elected body will be the selection of Mumbai's next Mayor, who will be from the Mahayuti alliance.