Ahead of the 2026 BMC elections, Maharashtra Congress leader Nana Patole alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is using coercion and inducements, including violence, to force nomination withdrawals. Patole stated that complaints have been filed with the Election Commission, which has promised an investigation. Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis launched the Mahayuti campaign, calling the upcoming BMC elections "life-changing" and aiming to counter self-interested opposition.