BJP-Led Mahayuti Wins Maharashtra Civic Polls; Thackeray and Pawar Factions Face Setbacks

The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance secured a decisive victory in Maharashtra's 2026 municipal corporation elections, winning 25 of 29 corporations, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for the first time. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was credited for strategic leadership and grassroots campaigning. The BJP also made significant gains in Pune and other urban centers. Meanwhile, the Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena alliance suffered losses, with the Thackeray family’s influence waning. The Nationalist Congress Party, led by Sharad and Ajit Pawar, faced historic setbacks, losing traditional strongholds. The results reflect voter preference for development-focused governance over identity politics, though the Shiv Sena (UBT) retained control in Parbhani.