Mumbai: Fifteen days after the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) election results, a fresh political twist is set to unfold as corporators from the BJP and the Shiv Sena led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde complete their formal registration separately on Monday at Konkan Bhavan. Although both parties contested the civic polls together under the Mahayuti banner, the decision to register as two independent groups signals evolving equations within the ruling alliance.
Until recently, there was speculation that the Mahayuti partners would form a single consolidated group in the BMC. However, Mumbai BJP leadership has now clarified that the two parties will maintain distinct identities during the registration process. Other political parties, including Congress, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction), MNS and smaller groups, had completed their registrations soon after the results were declared.
The registration was originally scheduled for last week but was deferred following the sudden demise of former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, after which the state observed a three-day mourning period.
Despite registering separately, negotiations between BJP and Shinde Sena over key civic posts are still ongoing. The Shinde-led Sena has reiterated its claim over the mayor’s post as well as positions in the powerful standing committee. However, based on the final seat tally, the BJP appears to be in a stronger position to secure both the mayoralty and control over major committees. While informal discussions have hinted at possible power-sharing arrangements, no official announcement has been made so far.
Apart from the standing committee, several influential panels such as improvement, education, health and BEST are expected to be divided among alliance partners, making the internal negotiations crucial for the next phase of BMC governance.
According to the reservation draw, the post of Mumbai Mayor has been reserved for the General (Women) category. This has brought senior BJP corporators into focus, with names like sitting deputy mayor Alka Kerkar and Rajashree Shirwadkar emerging as strong contenders for the top post.
Once the registration process is completed with the Konkan division commissioner and the municipal secretary, the formal procedure for electing the mayor and deputy mayor will commence. The mayoral election is likely to be held about a week after registrations conclude, with the second week of February emerging as the probable timeline.
On the opposition front, the Shiv Sena (UBT) is expected to stake claim to the Leader of Opposition post. The party has already chosen former mayor Kishori Pednekar as its group leader, though the official announcement is expected after the mayoral election.
The BMC election results, declared on January 16, saw the BJP emerge as the single largest party with 89 seats. The Shinde-led Shiv Sena secured 29 seats, while the Shiv Sena (UBT) won 65. Congress, contesting with the VBA, won 24 seats, MNS secured six, AIMIM eight, NCP three, NCP (SP) one and SP two seats.
