BMC Poll Results: Uddhav Thackeray Questions BJP’s Mandate, Says Struggle for Mumbai Continues

Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray on Friday delivered his first public address after the declaration of results for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, striking a firm but measured tone as he questioned the legitimacy of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) victory and vowed to continue the political contest for Mumbai.

Addressing party workers and supporters in Mumbai, Thackeray said the civic election outcome did not reflect a loss of public support for his party in the city, particularly among Marathi-speaking communities. He argued that while electoral equations had changed, the emotional and cultural connect of Shiv Sena with Mumbai remained intact.

“The organisation may face challenges on paper, but it cannot be erased from the hearts of people,” Thackeray said, adding that loyalty built over decades could not be replaced through short-term political arrangements. He asserted that the contest for the city’s civic leadership was far from over and expressed hope that his party would once again secure the mayor’s post in the future.

Reaction to BMC Results

The BMC election marked a major political shift in Mumbai, ending nearly three decades of Thackeray family dominance over India’s richest civic body. The ruling Mahayuti alliance, led by the BJP and supported by the Eknath Shinde-led faction of the Shiv Sena, crossed the halfway mark in the 227-member municipal corporation. The BJP emerged as the single largest party with 89 seats, while the Shinde faction secured 29 seats, giving the alliance a working majority.

In contrast, the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena faction won 65 seats. Its ally, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) led by Raj Thackeray, secured six seats, taking the combined tally of the Thackeray cousins to 71. While this fell short of a majority, the alliance retained a strong presence in several traditional Shiv Sena strongholds.

Strongholds and Setbacks

Election data showed that the Sena (UBT)-MNS alliance performed comparatively well in parts of south and central Mumbai, areas often described as the city’s Marathi heartland. In these wards, the alliance won a majority of seats, indicating that linguistic and cultural factors continue to influence voting patterns in these localities.

The combine also recorded a notable showing in Worli, where it won six of the seven seats, despite facing rebel candidates in multiple wards. By contrast, the Shinde-led Shiv Sena managed to secure only a limited presence in these areas.

However, the picture was different in Mumbai’s eastern and northern suburbs. The Mahayuti alliance, which enjoys strong support among non-Marathi communities, swept all seats in Mulund and won a significant majority in parts of Ghatkopar. The Sena (UBT)-MNS alliance also struggled to make an impact in neighbouring urban centres such as Thane and Navi Mumbai.

Thackeray’s Political Message

In his address, Uddhav Thackeray framed the election outcome as part of a longer political journey rather than a final verdict. He said the responsibility of party workers had increased after the results and urged them to stay connected with citizens at the grassroots level.

Earlier in the day, Shiv Sena (UBT) had posted a message on social media stating that the political struggle was ongoing and that the party would continue to assert the dignity and interests of Mumbai’s Marathi population. The statement echoed Thackeray’s public remarks, underlining that the party sees the BMC result as a temporary setback rather than a decisive defeat.

Without naming individuals, Thackeray also referred to internal divisions that have reshaped Maharashtra’s political landscape over the past few years. He maintained that political loyalty could not be sustained through pressure or inducements and said his party would focus on rebuilding trust and organisational strength.

A Changed Civic Landscape

The 2026 BMC election was closely watched as it was the first civic poll in Mumbai after major realignments within the Shiv Sena. The split in the party, which led to Eknath Shinde forming a separate faction and aligning with the BJP, fundamentally altered the balance of power in the city’s municipal politics.

With control of the BMC now in the hands of the Mahayuti alliance, attention is expected to shift to governance priorities, infrastructure projects, and civic services in the country’s financial capital. At the same time, the opposition’s continued influence in key wards suggests that the corporation is likely to witness active political engagement and debate.

Looking Ahead

As Mumbai adjusts to a new civic leadership, Uddhav Thackeray’s remarks signal that the Sena (UBT) intends to remain a central player in the city’s politics. While acknowledging the changed arithmetic in the BMC, he emphasised continuity in the party’s ideological stance and its commitment to local identity and civic issues.

The coming months are expected to test both the ruling alliance’s ability to deliver on governance promises and the opposition’s capacity to consolidate support ahead of future elections. For now, Mumbai’s civic politics stands at a turning point, with competing narratives shaping the road ahead.