BJP, Shiv Sena Finalise Seat Share for BMC Polls
The Bharatiya Janata Party and the Shiv Sena have finalised their seat-sharing arrangement for the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections, marking a key step in preparations for one of India’s most politically significant civic polls. Under the arrangement, the BJP will contest 137 seats, while the Shiv Sena will field candidates in 90 seats of the 227-member civic body.
Nomination Filing Begins
Leaders from both parties are set to file nomination papers on December 30, the last day for submitting nominations. Senior party functionaries said the process has been coordinated to ensure smooth filing across wards, with candidates already briefed on campaign strategy and local issues. The parties are also expected to allocate a limited number of seats within their quotas to smaller allies as part of the broader ruling alliance in Maharashtra.
Political Context
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, India’s richest civic body, has long been a major political battleground in Maharashtra. The seat-sharing deal reflects efforts by the BJP and the Shiv Sena to present a united front in Mumbai, where local governance, infrastructure, and civic services remain key voter concerns. The alliance hopes the arrangement will prevent vote division and improve its prospects against rival parties.
Opposition Strategy and Stakes
Other political parties are also preparing for the elections, with separate candidate lists and independent campaigns expected. The BMC polls are being closely watched as they are seen as an indicator of political momentum ahead of future state-level contests in Maharashtra.
