BJP-Led Alliance Ends Thackeray Dynasty’s 30-Year BMC Rule
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Mahayuti alliance has secured a historic victory in the 2026 Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, ending the Thackeray family’s three-decade-long control over India’s richest civic body. The alliance comfortably crossed the halfway mark, marking a seismic shift in Mumbai’s political landscape.
Key Takeaways
- The BJP-Mahayuti alliance wins a clear majority in the 2026 BMC polls.
- This is the first time since 1985 that a Thackeray-led party will not rule the BMC.
- The Congress party failed to make significant gains despite a spirited campaign.
How the Fortress Fell
The BJP, in alliance with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena, secured a decisive mandate. Political analysts attribute the win to a dual strategy: consolidating the BJP’s traditional base and strategically absorbing a significant portion of the old Shiv Sena’s Marathi vote bank after the party’s split.
The Mahayuti’s campaign, centered on state and central government development projects, successfully resonated with voters seeking change.
Challenges for the Opposition
The Shiv Sena (UBT), led by Uddhav Thackeray, grappled with a weakened organizational structure and strong anti-incumbency sentiment after its long rule. Its campaign, focused on legacy and identity, failed to counter the alliance’s development narrative effectively.
Meanwhile, the Congress party could not expand beyond its traditional minority-dominated constituencies, failing to present itself as a viable alternative to the two major blocs.
Political Ramifications
This victory is a major boost for the BJP and CM Eknath Shinde, solidifying their control in Maharashtra. For the Thackerays, losing the BMC represents an unprecedented erosion of their core urban bastion and poses a serious challenge for the party’s future revival.
