Saffron Everywhere: AIMIM Gets Office for the First Time, Winds of Change in BMC After 20 Years

After nearly two decades of Shiv Sena rule under Uddhav Thackeray, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is witnessing a historic political shift. For the first time, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has emerged as the single largest party in the civic body and is poised to stake claim to the mayor’s post. Preparations to welcome the new mayor are already underway, with the BMC headquarters visibly turning saffron — from tables to chairs.

Visual Identity Set to Change
For over 25 years, saffron cloth matching Shiv Sena’s flag adorned the desks of the mayor and the standing committee chairperson. With BJP likely to take charge, subtle changes in the visual identity of key offices are expected. BJP’s flag carries both saffron and green, hinting at a possible redesign of décor elements inside the civic building.

Work Begins at BMC Offices
Work has resumed across the municipal headquarters, the standing committee building, and other statutory committee chambers after limited use for nearly three-and-a-half years. The focus is now on practical upgrades, including termite treatment, deep cleaning, upholstery renewal, and replacement of worn-out chairs.

Councillors’ Chairs Repaired, AC Replaced After a Decade
During a visit to the standing committee hall, upholstery work was seen underway on all councillors’ chairs. A tailor was spotted stitching new fabric inside the corridor. A BMC official confirmed that the air-conditioning system in the hall has been replaced after almost a decade. Sound systems are also being tested to ensure the buildings are fully functional before the new body assumes charge.

BJP to Take Over Shiv Sena Office
Political realignment will also affect the allocation of party offices inside the BMC building. As the party with the highest number of councillors, BJP will take over Shiv Sena’s office — historically the largest and most powerful space within the headquarters.

AIMIM Gets Its First Office in BMC
In a landmark development, the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), which has eight councillors, will be allotted a party office inside the BMC headquarters for the first time, marking its formal entry into the civic power structure. Until recently, all party offices had been used as election coordination centers.