Mumbai Mayor Race Intensifies: Mahayuti Majority Clear, Yet Term-Sharing and Defection Fears Dominate Talks

The BJP-Shinde Shiv Sena alliance has secured a solid majority in the 227-member Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), yet uncertainty lingers over who will become the next mayor.

The BJP won 89 seats, the Shinde faction 29—totaling 118, well above the 114 needed for majority. Shiv Sena (UBT) finished as the largest opposition party with 65 seats. While the biggest party often claims the mayor’s post, alliances with clear majorities usually take it.

At Matoshree, Uddhav Thackeray accused the BJP of winning “by betrayal” and trying to “mortgage Mumbai.” He claimed loyalty cannot be purchased, warned of possible further defections, and called electing a Shiv Sena (UBT) mayor his “dream,” saying “God willing, it will happen.” He added that the Marathi manoos would not forgive the alleged betrayal and suggested the Shinde group fears the BJP.

The Shinde Sena shifted its 29 corporators to a luxury hotel for post-election rest and briefings on the city’s development plan, manifesto, and five-year roadmap. Deputy CM Eknath Shinde addressed the group.

Shinde leaders plan to demand the first 2.5 years of the five-year mayoral term in the Mahayuti power-sharing deal, arguing the BJP lacks enough seats alone and must share the position plus key committees.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis rejected talk of discord or poaching, promising a consensus Mahayuti mayor. He said he, Shinde, and others will jointly decide the candidate and term split, vowing smooth administration for Mumbai. On Thackeray’s divine reference, Fadnavis quipped he is also called “Deva” and that providence favors Mahayuti.

Sanjay Raut acknowledged the opposition’s numbers but pledged respect for the democratic outcome.

The mayoral election is likely around January 28, 2026, decided by majority vote in a special house session.