Maharashtra Civic Polls 2026: Intense Campaign Ends Ahead of BMC and Municipal Elections

The Maharashtra civic elections, including the crucial Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls on January 15, have culminated in intense campaigning marked by shifting alliances and sharp political rhetoric. The reunited Thackeray cousins, Uddhav and Raj, emphasize Marathi identity and warn against threats to Mumbai's autonomy, alleging land and demographic concerns. In contrast, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde assert Mumbai's inseparability from Maharashtra, dismissing these claims as electoral tactics and promising development under the Mahayuti alliance. Allegations of vote-buying and political opportunism have surfaced from multiple sides amid heightened security and voter awareness efforts. The elections are seen as a significant test of political strength in Maharashtra's urban centers, with implications for Marathi pride, governance, and future civic administration.