BMC Mayoral Post Contested Amid BJP-Shinde Sena Alliance Negotiations and Reservation Lottery

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) mayoral post is at the center of a political tussle following the 2026 civic elections. The BJP emerged as the single largest party with 89 seats, while the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena holds 29 seats, together forming the ruling Mahayuti alliance with a slim majority. The mayor's post is subject to a reservation lottery on January 22, which could influence which party secures the position. Shinde's faction seeks the mayoralty as a tribute to Bal Thackeray's birth centenary, but BJP insists on retaining the post and the Standing Committee chairmanship. Meanwhile, the opposition Shiv Sena (UBT) and other parties remain active, with allegations of phone tapping and political maneuvering. Negotiations and faction registrations continue amid concerns over defections and alliance dynamics, with key decisions shifting to Delhi.