Mumbai: The race to elect Mumbai’s next mayor has been unexpectedly pushed back, with the crucial vote now likely to take place in early February instead of the planned January 31 date. The delay has added fresh political suspense around the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), India’s richest civic body.
The postponement comes after key political groups failed to complete mandatory procedural steps in time. While the reservation for the mayor’s post has already been declared and preparations were underway, the election process stalled due to incomplete group registrations by the BJP and the Shiv Sena faction led by Eknath Shinde.
Under civic rules, all corporator groups must formally register with the municipal secretary before the mayoral election can be scheduled. With certificates still pending from some factions, election officials were left with no option but to defer the vote.
In contrast, the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) moved quickly, completing their registrations without delay. Together, they command the support of around 65 corporators, allowing them to enter the race well-prepared while their rivals remain stuck in paperwork.
The delay has once again highlighted the complex and fractured political landscape in Maharashtra following the civic elections. Though the BJP and the Shinde-led Shiv Sena are seen as strong contenders for control of the BMC, the lack of coordination at this crucial stage has raised questions about their internal strategy.
