Battle for BMC: Uddhav Sena Eyes Opening as BJP and Shinde Faction Spar

January 21, 2026 – The race for the Mayor’s chair in India’s richest civic body, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), has turned into a high-stakes thriller. Following the January 15 elections, a growing rift within the ruling Mahayuti alliance has provided a glimmer of hope for Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT), which is closely watching the friction between the BJP and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.

The Numbers Game

The election results, declared on January 16, produced a fractured mandate:

• BJP: 89 seats (Single largest party)
• Shiv Sena (UBT): 65 seats
• Shiv Sena (Shinde): 29 seats
• Others/Congress: Remaining seats

While the BJP and Shinde faction together cross the magic mark of 114, they are locked in a “tug-of-war” over who gets the top post. The BJP, emboldened by its 89 seats, is adamant that the Mayor should be from their party. However, Eknath Shinde’s camp argues that since 2026 marks the birth centenary of Bal Thackeray, the Mayor must belong to his Shiv Sena as a symbolic tribute.

Resort Politics and Poaching Fears

Tensions reached a boiling point this week when Eknath Shinde moved his 29 corporators to a luxury hotel in Mumbai. While Shinde officially termed the stay as an “orientation program,” political analysts view it as a classic case of resort politics to prevent the BJP or Uddhav Thackeray from poaching his members.

Taking a swipe at the move, Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut alleged that the Shinde faction is being “held captive” because of a deep lack of trust between the alliance partners. “If they are so confident in their alliance, why are their corporators behind closed doors?” Raut questioned, hinting that several Shinde-faction members are in contact with Uddhav Thackeray.

Uddhav’s Strategic Silence

Despite coming in second, Uddhav Thackeray is far from out of the race. Sources suggest the Thackeray camp is exploring a “Thane-Mumbai” deal or seeking support from disgruntled Shinde loyalists who feel sidelined by the BJP’s “Big Brother” attitude. If the Shinde-BJP talks collapse, the Sena (UBT) could emerge as a kingmaker by offering support to the Shinde faction—on the condition of keeping the BJP out of power.

What’s Next?

All eyes are now on the January 22 lottery, which will decide whether the Mayor’s post will be reserved for specific categories (SC/ST/OBC/Women). This outcome could single-handedly settle the dispute or further complicate the power-sharing formula.

As Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis attempts to mediate from the sidelines, the “Battle for Mumbai” remains on a knife-edge. Whether the Mahayuti stays united or the “Tiger” from Matoshree makes a dramatic comeback remains the billion-dollar question for Mumbaikars.