“Mumbai New Era: 5 Names Vying for the Mayor Seat”

New Delhi, january 23, 2026: In a historic political shift, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has emerged as the dominant force in the 2026 Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. Ending nearly three decades of control by the Thackeray-led Shiv Sena, the BJP secured 89 seats on its own, with the Mahayuti alliance crossing the majority mark with a total of 118 seats.

As the dust settles on this mega victory, the focus has shifted to who will occupy the prestigious Mayor’s bungalow. With the BJP in the driver’s seat, five names have emerged as top contenders for the post.

1. Tejaswi Ghosalkar: The ‘Poster Girl’ of Victory

Tejaswi Ghosalkar has become the talk of the town after her massive win in Dahisar, where she secured a margin of over 10,000 votes. As the daughter-in-law of former MLA Vinod Ghosalkar and widow of late corporator Abhishek Ghosalkar, she represents a significant “capture” from the Sena heartland. Her victory is seen as a symbol of the BJP’s successful penetration into traditional Marathi pockets.

2. Prakash Darekar: The Experienced Hand

Brother of senior BJP leader Pravin Darekar, Prakash Darekar brings deep administrative experience to the table. Having previously served as a leader in the BMC and with strong ties to the North-West Mumbai voter base, he is considered a “safe” and efficient choice. If the party prioritizes experience and a firm grip on civic administration, Darekar’s name will likely be at the top of the list.

3. Makarand Narwekar: The Urban Face

A popular corporator from the Colaba area, Makarand Narwekar is known for his tech-savvy and development-oriented approach. He represents the “New Mumbai” that the BJP campaigned for—focused on infrastructure and modern urban governance. His close proximity to the party high command and his clean image make him a formidable candidate.

4. Prabhakar Shinde: The Veteran Strategist

Prabhakar Shinde has been the BJP’s “troubleshooter” in the BMC for years. As the former Group Leader of the BJP in the corporation, he knows the intricacies of the BMC budget and the legalities of the House better than most. His loyalty to the party and his role in building the BJP’s strength during its years in the opposition make him a sentimental favorite among party workers.

5. Rajshree Shirwadker: The Aggressive Voice

If the party decides to appoint a woman Mayor to signal empowerment and outreach, Rajshree Shirwadker is a leading candidate. Known for her aggressive stand on public issues and her loyalty to the party’s core ideology, she has a reputation for being a grassroots leader. Her ability to take on the opposition in the House is viewed as a major asset.

What’s Next for Mumbai?

The selection of the Mayor will be a strategic move for the BJP as they look to consolidate their hold on Mumbai ahead of the next Assembly elections. While the alliance with Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena (which won 29 seats) remains strong, the BJP’s status as the single largest party gives it the natural claim to the Mayor’s chair.