Mahayuti Sweeps KDMC Polls 2026: Shinde-Sena and BJP Secure Clear Majority

New Delhi, january 17, 2026: The 2026 Maharashtra Municipal Corporation elections have rewritten the political script for the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC). In a high-stakes battle that served as a litmus test for the Eknath Shinde-led Mahayuti government, the ruling alliance has emerged as the dominant force in this critical urban pocket of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

As of the latest official updates, the Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) alliance has secured a commanding lead, effectively dismantling the opposition’s challenge in most wards.

Current Standings in KDMC (122 Seats)

The Mahayuti alliance—comprising the Shinde-led Shiv Sena and the BJP—has comfortably crossed the majority mark. While the counting process reached its final stages, the trends indicate a significant shift in power toward the ruling coalition.

Key Takeaways from the Results

• The Mahayuti Sweep: The combined strength of Shinde’s Sena and the BJP has given them over 100 seats in the 122-member house. This marks a historic high for the alliance in Kalyan-Dombivli.
• Unopposed Victories: Even before the first vote was counted, the Mahayuti had already secured a head start. Reportedly, 20 candidates (14 from BJP and 6 from Shiv Sena) were elected unopposed after several opposition candidates withdrew their nominations.
• Setback for the MVA: The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), particularly the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), faced a sharp decline in its traditional strongholds. Despite a spirited campaign centered on “Marathi Asmita,” the splintering of the original Shiv Sena vote appears to have heavily favored Eknath Shinde’s faction.
• The MNS Factor: Raj Thackeray’s MNS, which traditionally holds sway in parts of Dombivli, managed to retain a small presence but failed to emerge as the “kingmaker” many had predicted.

A Strategic Victory for Eknath Shinde

The victory in KDMC is particularly personal for Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Kalyan has long been considered the home turf of his son, MP Shrikant Shinde. The decisive win here reinforces the Chief Minister’s claim over the “real” Shiv Sena legacy in the eyes of urban voters.

The BJP, too, has significantly expanded its footprint. In previous elections, the BJP and the undivided Shiv Sena were often locked in “friendly” but fierce competition. This time, their consolidated front left little room for the Congress or the NCP (SP) to make inroads.

Voter Sentiment: Development Over Identity

Political analysts suggest that the 2026 mandate reflects a shift toward development-centric politics. The Mahayuti’s focus on infrastructure projects, including the Kalyan-Taloja Metro Line and improved road connectivity in the twin cities, seems to have resonated with the middle-class voters of Dombivli and the growing industrial workforce in Kalyan.

What’s Next?

With a clear majority in hand, the focus now shifts to the selection of the Mayor. Given the seat distribution, it is expected that the Mayor’s post will be a point of discussion between the BJP and Shiv Sena, though Shinde’s faction holds a slight edge in terms of seat count.