Mumbai Set for High-Stakes Civic Polls as Campaigning Ends Across Maharashtra
ANI via The Hindu
New Delhi: Campaigning for elections to 29 municipal corporations across Maharashtra came to a close on Tuesday, setting the stage for polling on January 15. The final day saw intense political activity, with candidates from major parties and independents holding roadshows, bike rallies, and door-to-door outreach across cities.
The focus remains firmly on the five most influential civic bodies — the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Thane, Nagpur, Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, and Nashik. Among them, the BMC, regarded as Asia’s richest civic body, has emerged as the most closely watched contest due to its political and financial significance.
BMC at the Centre of Political Contest
The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance is seeking to retain influence in Mumbai, while facing a joint challenge from Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena leader Raj Thackeray, who have come together after two decades. Their alliance is banking on the consolidation of Marathi voters.
The BJP’s campaign has focused on development and majoritarian messaging, while opposition parties have accused it of polarising rhetoric during the run-up to the polls.
Shifting Alliances Across Cities
In other key civic bodies, rival factions of the Nationalist Congress Party have joined hands in Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, and Parbhani. The Congress has chosen a different strategy, contesting independently in Nagpur while aligning with Prakash Ambedkar’s Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi and the Rashtriya Samaj Paksh in Mumbai.
Senior leaders crisscrossed cities on the final campaign day. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis led a bike rally in Nagpur, while Uddhav Thackeray visited local party offices in Mumbai, flagging concerns over alleged money distribution. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde highlighted the impact of welfare schemes during his campaign.
Zila Parishad and Panchayat Polls Announced
Meanwhile, the State Election Commission announced elections to 12 zila parishads and 125 panchayat samitis on February 5, with counting scheduled for February 7. The announcement follows the Supreme Court’s decision to extend the deadline for completing local body polls, triggering the model code of conduct across the state.
Our Thoughts
With alliances shifting and stakes exceptionally high, especially in Mumbai, the Maharashtra civic polls are shaping up as a crucial test of political strength ahead of larger electoral battles. The outcome in the BMC, in particular, will be closely watched for its impact on state and national political equations.