BMC Election 2026 LIVE: Thackeray Brothers to Hold First Joint Rally; BJP, Ajit Pawar Ramp Up Campaigns

With the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections 2026 around the corner, political activity in Mumbai has intensified. Voting for 29 municipal bodies in Maharashtra is scheduled for January 15, with results to be announced on January 16. Major parties, including Shiv Sena (UBT), MNS, BJP, Congress, and Ajit Pawar’s faction, are leaving no stone unturned to secure victory.

Key Highlights

Thackeray Brothers’ First Joint Rally
For the first time, Uddhav Thackeray of Shiv Sena (UBT) and Raj Thackeray, founder of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), will hold a joint rally in Vikhroli today. This move signals a significant shift in Mumbai’s political landscape ahead of the BMC elections. The rally is the first of seven to eight joint rallies planned across the state to boost party morale and unify workers against the BJP-Shinde alliance.

Star Campaigners Announced
Shiv Sena (UBT) released a list of 40 star campaigners, including Uddhav Thackeray, Aditya Thackeray, Sanjay Raut, Sushma Andhare, Subhash Desai, Arvind Sawant, Priyanka Chaturvedi, and former MP Vinayak Raut. Regional leaders like Bhaskar Jadhav, Ambadas Danve, Anil Parab, Varun Sardesai, and Adesh Bandekar are also part of the list. The team includes senior legislators and youth-wing representatives to cover key wards.

Political Tensions and Controversies

• MNS & UBT demand investigation into uncontested candidates in Thane Municipal Corporation, alleging irregularities and urging police action.
• BJP and Shinde Sena are fielding candidates on previously Shiv Sena-held wards in Vasai-Virar, causing dissatisfaction among Shinde Sena workers.
• Opposition criticism: Eknath Shinde Sena’s Rahul Shewale claimed the UBT-MNS manifesto lacks Hindutva, criticizing the use of English over Marathi and the removal of Balasaheb Thackeray’s reference.

Key Statements

• Devendra Fadnavis, Maharashtra CM, stated that even if opposition challenges uncontested wins in court, public mandate remains supreme.
• Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Shaina NC asserted that Mumbai’s next mayor will be a “Marathi person who says Vande Mataram”, emphasizing local pride and city-first politics.
• Waris Pathan (AIMIM) challenged CM Fadnavis’ remarks on mayoral eligibility, asking why Muslims cannot become mayor if they can become President or Vice-President.

Election-Related Updates

• BMC offices and local branches are preparing for smooth polling across 227 wards with 2,516 candidates contesting.
• YCMOU exams postponed due to overlapping municipal elections to ensure sufficient staff for polling and counting.
• Regional Transport Offices in Mumbai Central will remain closed on January 14–15 to facilitate election arrangements.

Party Moves and Alliances

• Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS released a joint manifesto, promising initiatives like ₹1,500 monthly allowance for domestic and fishing women, affordable housing, free electricity for 100 units, subsidized meals, low bus fares, interest-free loans for gig workers, and five new medical colleges.
• BJP gains in Vasai-Virar: Gayatri Waghchoude, leader of Bahujan Vikas Aghadi, joined BJP with hundreds of supporters, boosting the party’s campaign.
• RPI supports PM Modi, with Ramdas Athawale praising the government’s focus on development, constitutional values, and inclusive growth.

With election fever gripping Mumbai, the battle for control of the BMC promises high drama, strategic alliances, and intense campaigning as parties aim to secure a decisive mandate on January 15, 2026.