Fri Jan 16 07:30:00 UTC 2026: ### BJP-Led Alliance Surges Ahead in Mumbai’s BMC Elections, Threatening Shiv Sena’s Decades-Long Dominance

The Story:
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led alliance is poised to potentially seize control of Mumbai’s Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in the 2026 elections, ending decades of Shiv Sena dominance. Counting began at 10 AM for elections across 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra, with all eyes on the 227 wards of the BMC. Initial trends indicate a significant lead for the BJP alliance, surpassing the majority mark in early counts. The Uddhav and Raj Thackeray’s alliance struggles to maintain footing, while the Congress party shows minimal gains.

Key Points:

  • The BJP-led alliance has crossed the 115 seat mark, signaling a potential victory in the BMC elections.
  • Out of 227 wards, trends are available for 201 showing the BJP alliance leading in 115 seats, while the Thackeray alliance lags at 68.
  • The Congress party is projected to win approximately 10 seats.
  • Early results showed Congress winning Ward No. 184 (Dharavi area), with Asha Kale securing 1450 votes.
  • Initial vote counts place the BJP alliance ahead, with significant leads in South Mumbai’s Malabar Hill region.
  • Exit polls predicted a significant shift away from the Thackeray family’s control over the BMC.

Key Takeaways:

  • The BJP-led alliance is on the verge of a historic victory in the BMC elections, challenging Shiv Sena’s long-standing supremacy.
  • The split within the Shiv Sena, led by Eknath Shinde, has significantly weakened the Thackeray family’s political hold in Mumbai.
  • The elections serve as a crucial test for the Thackeray family’s political influence.
  • The outcome of the BMC elections will have significant implications for the political landscape of Maharashtra.

Impact Analysis:

The potential loss of control over the BMC, which has been a stronghold for the Thackeray family since 1996, represents a major setback for the Shiv Sena (UBT) and Raj Thackeray’s MNS. This outcome could reshape the political dynamics of Mumbai and Maharashtra, potentially paving the way for the BJP to assert greater influence in the region. The shift in power could lead to changes in governance, infrastructure projects, and overall political strategies within the city. The BJP’s success will likely embolden the party to pursue further gains in future state and national elections.

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