Mumbai: In a decisive move ahead of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) 2026 elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday suspended 26 of its office bearers for six years. The suspensions affect several former corporators and party workers who reportedly acted against the party’s interests during the civic polls.
The disciplinary action targeted members who either contested the elections independently or failed to support the party’s officially nominated Mahayuti candidates, despite repeated instructions from the leadership. The move underscores the party’s strict approach to maintaining organizational discipline during high-stakes municipal elections in Mumbai.
Among those suspended are prominent figures from key wards, including representatives from Versova, Matunga, Abhyudaya Nagar, and Borivali, along with several other office bearers across the city. These members were accused of engaging in activities that potentially weakened the BJP’s electoral prospects, including running as rebel candidates or undermining the official nominees.
Party explained that ticket allocations were determined through internal surveys and assessments focused on the winnability of candidates, taking into account anti-incumbency factors, citizen feedback, and local connect. While many aspirants accepted the party’s decisions or withdrew their nominations, some defied leadership appeals and contested elections independently, prompting the suspensions.
The BJP leadership noted that the action was unavoidable to protect the party’s image and electoral strategy in Mumbai. The move also serves as a stern warning to others against defying party directives during crucial municipal elections.
In parallel, the party successfully convinced a few rebels to withdraw their nominations last week, allowing official candidates to contest unopposed in certain wards. This includes candidates from Wards 1 and 221, who stepped aside to ensure a consolidated party presence in the BMC polls.
