BMC polls: BJP–Shinde Sena agree on 200 seats, talks on remaining 27 underway; announcement soon

Discussions are ongoing between the BJP and Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena regarding the Mumbai BMC elections. Agreement has been reached on 200 out of 227 seats so far. In the next one or two days, the remaining 27 seats will be finalized, and the leaders of the Mahayuti alliance may hold a press conference to announce the alliance and seat-sharing details. Leaders who are unhappy about not receiving tickets might switch parties, which is why the Mahayuti alliance and Uddhav Thackeray's faction are keeping their cards close to their chest regarding seat sharing and candidate selection.

Mumbai Congress in a precarious situation ahead of BMC elections. No candidates found for 30 seats in Mumbai. The inability to find candidates in a city like Mumbai exposes the weakness of the Congress organization in the city. There are a total of 227 seats in the BMC, but so far only 197 candidates have expressed their willingness to contest the elections. The Mumbai Congress is trying to find candidates for the remaining 30 seats.

No candidates are available in the wards of these assembly constituencies: Bhandup, Ghatkopar East, Ghatkopar West, Mankhurd-Shivaji Nagar, Vikhroli, Charkop, Andheri East, Jogeshwari, Chembur, Wadala, and Malabar Hill are some of the assembly constituencies where candidates are not available in certain wards.

According to Congress sources, these are all wards where the ruling BJP-Shinde Sena and Thackeray Sena are in a strong position. Contesting here means certain defeat. The party organization is neither strong nor does it have a significant support base in these wards.

Shiv Sena has released its list of star campaigners. The list includes a total of 40 leaders. Actor Govinda Ahuja's name is also on the list of star campaigners.

(Report: Dinesh Mourya)

On the Shiv Sena-MNS alliance, BJP leader Navneet Rana said, "It's a good thing that two brothers are coming together, but this is a political alliance. However, they are losing their numbers in the municipal councils and panchayats. The party that once had the power to make someone the Chief Minister is now finished.

Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray have the same question: Before their meeting, Raj Thackeray's slogan was "My Hindu brothers and sisters," but now that Raj Thackeray is meeting Uddhav Thackeray, all the voters of Maharashtra are saying something else entirely. There is a huge difference between these two things.'

I ask Raj Thackeray, who is holding the reins? Is it Uddhav Thackeray, or are the people who voted for him holding the reins? So where have Raj Thackeray's horns gone? Where has his bravado gone? Where has the Hanuman Chalisa gone? This time, all the shops of Uddhav Thackeray and his associates will be closed. Now, only the BJP and the saffron flag will be used in the municipal corporation."

Maharashtra's political scenario witnessed a dramatic shift as the Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) officially came together for the upcoming Mumbai civic elections. Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray announced their alliance at a joint press conference in Mumbai, where Uddhav declared that the Thackeray family continues to hold the leadership mantle in the state. "Only Thackeray can lead Maharashtra," he asserted. READ

According to sources, the Shiv Sena has demanded 110 seats, but the BJP is not willing to give that many. After several rounds of talks, an agreement may be reached on giving the Shiv Sena 96 seats. There could be a variation of 3 seats either way. Seat-sharing negotiations are now in the final stages. The agreement on seat distribution is expected to be finalized by tomorrow.

(Report: Dinesh Maurya)

Following the coming together of Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray, the Congress party is now trying to forge alliances with the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi and other smaller parties. In this context, Mahadev Jankar, the president of the Rashtriya Samaj Party, is scheduled to meet with Maharashtra Congress president Harshvardhan Sapkal. This important meeting between the two leaders will take place shortly at Tilak Bhavan. The meeting is expected to include detailed discussions regarding a potential political alliance for the upcoming municipal corporation, district council, and panchayat committee elections.

BMC elections live: Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis on Shiv Sena (UBT), MNS announcing alliance ahead of Mumbai civic polls, says, "The hype is being created in such a way as if Russia and Ukraine have come together... and Zelenskyy and Putin are talking. The alliance is between two parties that have lost their identity. People don't trust them. They have lost their vote bank by doing politics of appeasement. Coming together of these two parties will have no impact. Both the parties have joined hands to save their identity. People of Mumbai have seen development work done by us and that is why Mumbai is with us and will remain so. Mahayuti will win Mumbai."

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi reacts to Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray announcing an alliance for the civic polls. She says, “You can see the mood is euphoric. The atmosphere is energetic and enthusiastic because this is something people were hoping would happen. Today marks the culmination of that wish, that both leaders would share the stage and fight this battle together. The two of them coming together will have a significant impact. I call it a historic day that will change the trajectory of governance in Mumbai and Maharashtra. We will continue to keep people’s issues at the forefront, and we hope that the people who have shown faith in us and entrusted us with the responsibility of running the BMC will continue to support us.”

Poonawalla adds that even if the Thackeray brothers join hands, the BJP and the Mahayuti are expected to win “handsomely” in the upcoming BMC elections. He questions if voters’ hearts (‘dil’) will align with the alliance.

BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla says Uddhav and Raj Thackeray have united not for Marathi citizens but due to defeat in recent local body and Assembly elections. He calls it a move driven by ambition, position, and opportunism.

Responding to questions about divisive banners in Mumbai, Wadettiwar criticised the messaging. “Such banners are political tools meant to create divisions between communities. The BJP has full control in Mumbai, and they exploit such slogans for their benefit. We do not support these banners in any way,” he said.

BMC elections live: Maharashtra Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar stated that the recent alliance between Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and MNS chief Raj Thackeray will not affect the party’s plans. “We are glad the two brothers have come together, but this does not concern us. We have always worked in alliance with Uddhav Thackeray and Sharad Pawar when required, and we will continue to cooperate when needed. However, we have decided to contest independently this time, and we are confident of achieving good results,” he said.

BMC elections live: Following the official announcement of the Shiv Sena- MNS alliance, workers from both parties in Solapur came together to perform a grand Mahaarati at the Shri Sonya Maruti Ganpati temple. Firecrackers lit up the sky as party supporters expressed their joy over the long-awaited union of the Thackeray brothers.

BMC elections live: Raj Thackeray also warned about gangs abducting children in the state, noting that some political groups are involved.

Speaking at the alliance press conference, Raj Thackeray said, “Whatever else we need to say, we will announce it in public rallies. In an earlier interview, I said Maharashtra is bigger than any dispute or fight, and today marks the beginning of our coming together. How many seats each party will contest or the exact numbers we will not reveal that now.” 

BMC elections live: Uddhav Thackeray appealed to all Marathi citizens, warning that any division now could be disastrous. He said, “If you falter, you will face consequences. If you break, you will be completely lost. Do not break, do not divide, and do not let the strength of the Marathi people weaken. A Marathi person usually does not give way, but if someone blocks their path, they will not let them pass.” 

The former chief minister accused certain forces of trying to “destroy Mumbai” and said continued infighting would be an insult to the Hutatma martyrs. He asserted that no one can ever take Mumbai away from the Marathi Manus. Referring to the BJP’s slogan “Batenge toh Katenge,” Uddhav Thackeray called upon Marathi voters to stay united, warning that any hesitation or division now would only weaken their collective strength.

Addressing the gathering, Uddhav Thackeray said that he and Raj Thackeray were standing on the stage together as “Thackeray brothers.” He recalled that their grandfather, Prabodhankar Thackeray, led the early struggle for Maharashtra, and later, after Mumbai became part of the state, Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray established the party. Uddhav Thackeray noted that the Shiv Sena is now approaching 60 years since its formation, underlining the legacy and history behind the moment.

BMC elections live: The two brothers Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackery have announced alliance for the BMC elections. 

BMC elections live: While addressing the press conference, Uddhav Thackeray said, "Mumbai will stay with us come what may." 

Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray is addressing the press conference first. Alliance with MNS to be announced shortly. 

Maharashtra elections live: Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray's press conference is underway. 

BMC elections live updates: Reacting to the alliance between Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and MNS president Raj Thackeray, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said the move was driven by desperation rather than vision. He claimed the alliance was a last attempt to protect their family legacy and political relevance. Poonawalla said that after the BJP and the Mahayuti secured a historic mandate in the Maharashtra local body elections and earlier in the Assembly polls, even long-time rivals are now coming together to safeguard their political existence. He added that the alliance lacks any clear mission or vision and is only an effort to hold on to power, forcing even former opponents to unite.

Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray are expected to announce the seat-sharing as well as the first list of candidates.

BMC elections live: Shiv Sena (UBT) Chief Uddhav Thackeray and MNS Chief Raj Thackeray, along with their wives, offer tributes to Balasaheb Thackeray at his memorial in Shivaji Park. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray and MNS leader Amit Thackeray are also present.

Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray arrived together in the same car in memorial. Their wives, Rashmi Thackeray and Sharmila Thackeray, arrived separately in another car. 

Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray reached Shivaji park and will visit Babasaheb Thackeray's memorial. 

“Nothing will happen. When they were in power, they didn't do any development in Mumbai. The public will vote for development. The public will vote for Devendra Fadnavis's development plan for a developed Maharashtra. I am confident that no matter how many people come together, nothing will change the outcome… Raj and Uddhav ji parted ways. It was due to political reasons and for the same reason, they are coming together. I won't say it was due to lust for power, etc. Raj Saheb is our friend,” says Maharashtra Minister Chandrashekar Bawankule on Uddhav-Raj Thackeray reunion for BMC elections.

Maternal Uncle of MNS chief Raj Thackeray and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, Chandrakant Vaidya, on their reunion says, “I am very happy. For so many years, for so long, we have been trying, and today our efforts are bearing fruit. Thanks to our ancestors, to Goddess Tulja Bhavani, and to all of you.”

The Nationalist Congress Party led by Ajit Pawar will kick off its campaign for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections today. Ajit Pawar is scheduled to address a rally in Chembur as part of the campaign launch. NCP state president Sunil Tatkare will also be present at the rally. The event is being organised by MLA Sana Malik, and senior leader Nawab Malik is expected to attend as well.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut announced that Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray will formally come together today to declare an alliance. He called it a “moment of joy for Maharashtra and the Marathi people.” Raut noted that for 20 years, the Thackeray brothers had been apart, causing setbacks for the state. “Now, to teach the BJP a lesson and stop the ongoing exploitation in Mumbai, Uddhav and Raj Thackeray have joined forces,” he said. 

BMC elections live: NCP leader Ajit Pawar has called a meeting of his party MLAs today at 7 pm at his official residence, Devgiri Bungalow. The meeting will focus on strategies for the upcoming municipal elections, including the allocation of responsibilities to party legislators. MLAs will also be consulted on the possibility of forming an alliance with Sharad Pawar’s party in the Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad municipal corporations, as discussions over seat-sharing continue.

According to sources, the NCP (SP) has asked the Congress for 53 seats in Mumbai. Meanwhile, in the alliance with Raj and Uddhav Thackeray, NCP (SP) leader Sharad Pawar has demanded 22 seats. The Congress plans to contest the elections in Mumbai independently but is also negotiating a possible alliance with the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi. Two rounds of talks have already taken place. Congress has offered 60 seats, while Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi is pushing for a 50:50 split. Senior NCP leaders stated that if the party gets 53 seats, the alliance in Mumbai will be confirmed.

BMC elections live: Seat sharing talks are underway between the NCP (SP) and Congress. 

According to sources, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has demanded 112 of the 227 seats in Mumbai from the BJP for the upcoming BMC elections. So far, the BJP has offered him 90 seats, but Shinde is not satisfied with the allocation. Citing recent local election successes and strong urban support, Shinde insists on a larger share. He claims that traditional Shiv Sena voters in Mumbai are unlikely to vote for the BJP in front of the Thackeray factions, which is why he is pressing for 112 seats. Shinde also reportedly highlighted Shiv Sena’s strong strike rate in assembly, parliamentary, and municipal elections. He warned that if more seats in Mumbai witness a Shiv Sena vs Shiv Sena contest, the Uddhav-led Sena and MNS may not perform well on issues of development and Hindutva.

The final list of candidates and symbols will be released on January 3. Voting across 29 municipal corporations is scheduled for January 15, with counting and results to be announced on January 16.

A late-night marathon meeting took place between Eknath Shinde and Maharashtra BJP state president Ravindra Chavan. The nearly five-hour-long discussion focused on forming alliances in Mumbai, Thane, KDMC, Mira-Bhayandar, and Navi Mumbai municipal corporations. Regarding the BMC, both parties have agreed on roughly 180 seats, but disputes remain unresolved on around 40 seats. In Thane Municipal Corporation, the BJP is pushing for an equal split of seats, but the Shinde-led Sena is not in agreement. Another meeting between party leaders is scheduled today to try and resolve the remaining seat-sharing issues. The Shinde faction has stated that the seat distribution is in the final stages and is expected to be finalised soon.

The nomination process for civic polls began on Tuesday. Nominations will be accepted till December 30, scrutiny will take place on December 31, and withdrawals are allowed until January 2.

Maharashtra elections news live: The official announcement of the Shiv Sena (UBT)–MNS alliance is expected at 12 noon. The press conference is likely to outline the alliance strategy for the upcoming civic elections.

Maharashtra news live: A meeting of the BJP’s election management committee will be held today. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 10 am at the party’s state office in Mumbai. State minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, BJP state president Ravindra Chavan, and other committee members will be present. The discussion will focus on election campaigning, public meetings, and overall strategy. 

The nomination process for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections has officially started from the 23rd. On the first day itself, the civic administration distributed a total of 4,165 nomination forms to prospective candidates. However, despite the large number of forms issued, no candidate submitted a nomination on the opening day. 

Both leaders are scheduled to arrive at the memorial at 11 am. They will offer floral tributes and pay their respects to Balasaheb Thackeray before moving ahead with the day’s programme.

Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray will begin the day by visiting Balasaheb Thackeray’s memorial at Shivaji Park.

Maharashtra live: Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray prepare to make a major alliance announcement today. This development comes just 22 days before voting for key municipal bodies across the state.