Mon Jan 19 12:21:37 UTC 2026: # Mumbai Mayoral Race: Mahayuti Claims Victory, But Thackeray Camp Vows a Fight
The Story:
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) election results show the Mahayuti Alliance, comprised of the BJP and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, securing a majority with 118 corporators out of 227 wards. Despite this apparent victory, Sanjay Raut of the Uddhav Thackeray faction insists the race for Mumbai Mayor is not over, claiming that with allied support, they are only six seats short of the majority. The political maneuvering is intensifying, with accusations of poaching and concerns about the stability of the newly elected corporators.
Key Points:
* The BJP secured 89 wards, and the Shinde-led Shiv Sena won 29, giving the Mahayuti alliance 118 seats.
* The Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT) secured 65 wards.
* Sanjay Raut claims support from MNS (6 seats), Congress and VBA (24 seats combined), and other allies, bringing their total to 108.
* Raut accuses the Shinde camp of harboring corporators in hotels due to fears of them switching sides.
* The Shinde camp claims the hotel stay is for a training workshop and familiarization.
Key Takeaways:
* Despite the Mahayuti Alliance’s apparent majority, the race for Mumbai Mayor remains fiercely contested.
* Sanjay Raut is attempting to leverage alliances to challenge the Mahayuti’s claim.
* The allegations of corporator poaching highlight the instability and fluidity of political allegiances in Mumbai.
* The election result reflects a divided electorate and potential challenges in governing Mumbai.
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