After facing a setback in the recently concluded Maharashtra Assembly elections 2024, Shiv Sena (UBT) has shifted its focus to the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) election. The BMC, India’s richest municipal body with an annual budget surpassing that of some smaller states, has long been a bastion of an undivided Shiv Sena. This election marks a significant test for the party, as it is the first municipal election where the Shiv Sena will be divided into two factions.
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BMC Election Preparations Underway
Formal preparations from the Uddhav-led side for the BMC polls will begin today with a strategy meeting planned at Matoshree. The party will focus on all 227 wards across 36 Assembly constituencies in Mumbai.
A dedicated team of 18 members, including leaders like Vinayak Raut, Anil Parab, Milind Narvekar, Varun Sardesai, Sunil Raut, Sunil Shinde, and Amol Kirtikar, has been formed. Each member will review 12 Assembly constituencies to assess ground realities and voter sentiments.
The review team will submit its findings to party chief Uddhav Thackeray within a week. Based on the report, the party will categorise municipal seats and finalise its election strategy to contest the BMC elections with renewed vigour.
Snapshot Of 2017 BMC Election
The last Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation election was held in 2017, with Shiv Sena emerging as the largest party, followed by a resurgent BJP, which made gains by increasing its tally from 31 to 82 seats. While no party secured a majority, the BJP later extended support to Shiv Sena for the Mayor's post. The Congress saw a steep decline, winning only 31 seats, while the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) managed just 7 seats.
Although the next BMC elections were due in 2022, a ward realignment process caused delays, and the State Election Commission is yet to announce new dates for the polls to be held across 227 wards.