BMC Results: Uddhav Thackeray Plays the Politics of Hope After Setback

X: @vivekbhavsar

Mumbai: Even in defeat, Uddhav Thackeray is refusing to surrender the political narrative. After meeting his newly elected corporators at Matoshree, the Shiv Sena (UBT) chief openly admitted what many in his camp feel — the pain of not being able to claim the Mayor’s post. “I know all of you want our party’s Mayor. We will keep working hard,” he told his councillors, signalling that the ambition is far from buried.

The BMC election results may not have delivered power to Shiv Sena (UBT), but Thackeray is determined to convert the setback into a political opportunity. Responding to the verdict, he said the party has received support not only from Marathi voters but also from other communities, including North Indians — a message aimed at projecting his party as inclusive and broad-based, beyond its traditional vote bank.

While accepting that his party lacks the numbers to form the civic government, Thackeray maintained that the desire to lead Mumbai remains intact. “We humbly accept the mandate given by the people,” he said, thanking voters for their support. The statement reflects a calibrated approach — neither confrontational nor submissive — but strategic.

Numbers Tell the Story

The results declared on Friday, January 16, covered 29 municipal corporations across Maharashtra, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The BJP–Shinde Sena alliance crossed the majority mark comfortably, winning 118 of the 227 seats, breaching the required 114-seat threshold. BJP alone secured 89 seats, making deep inroads into what was once considered the Thackeray family’s fortress. The Shinde faction of the Shiv Sena won 29 seats, consolidating its position as a decisive partner in power. 

Also Read: BMC Results: Shinde Becomes BJP’s Political Headache

On the other side, the Shiv Sena (UBT)-led alliance could manage only 72 seats. Uddhav Thackeray’s party won 65 seats, MNS secured six, and Sharad Pawar’s NCP managed just one — a telling reflection of the fragmentation within the opposition camp. Congress won 24 seats, AIMIM emerged as a notable player with eight seats, while the Ajit Pawar faction of the NCP bagged three. The Samajwadi Party won two seats, along with two Independents.

Politics Beyond Arithmetic

For Uddhav Thackeray, this election is not just about numbers. It is about political positioning. Analysts believe the support he received from diverse communities offers him a platform to reshape his party’s image — from a Marathi-centric outfit to a broader political force. Thackeray’s messaging suggests he is playing a long game. By acknowledging defeat without bitterness, and by highlighting expanding social support, he is keeping his leadership relevance intact. This is not a retreat — it is a regrouping.

His approach signals that he sees this setback not as an endpoint, but as a moment to rebuild organisation, reconnect with voters, and prepare for future battles. In Maharashtra politics, survival is half the victory — and Uddhav Thackeray appears intent on staying firmly in the game.

In Mumbai, power may have slipped. But Uddhav Thackeray is making it clear — the fight is far from over.