What is the story about?
With the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) 2026 vote counting underway, Mumbai waits to see who will occupy the city’s mayoral chair. According
to the early trends, the Mahayuti alliance is reflecting the strong performances; however, the outcome will depend on ward-by-ward results and post-election negotiations, which are expected to conclude by this evening (Friday).
Mahayuti Alliance Leads the Frontrunners
The Mahayuti alliance, comprising the BJP and Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), has shown dominance in early counting trends. With projected 140-150 seats, the alliance is in a strong position to nominate the next mayor, giving its leaders a clear advantage over opposition parties.
Possible Mayor Faces and Why They Could Win in Mumbai
Kishori Pednekar (Shiv Sena UBT)
Kishori Pednekar is a former mayor and is experienced in managing Mumbai’s civic administration. Her past tenure and political influence make her a natural choice if her alliance secures a majority in the BMC Polls.
Tejaswee Abhishek Ghosalkar (BJP)
As a rising BJP leader with influence in key northern and central wards, Ghosalkar could be chosen to represent a new generation of leadership while consolidating the BJP’s presence in the BMC. Moreover, she also secured a clear victory by securing 16484 votes, while her opposing candidate, Dhanashree Kolge from Sena UBT, bagged only 5729 votes, losing in Dahisar.
Sheetal Ashok Mhatre (Congress)
If the Congress manages to form a coalition with smaller parties, Sheetal Ashok Mhatre’s reputation as a seasoned corporator could make her a compromise candidate for the opposition.
Also Read: BMC Polls Verdict-in-the-Making: Mumbai’s Message for the Thackerays?
How Is The Mumbai Mayor Elected?
The BMC elections are conducted every five years to choose corporators for each ward. Elected corporators represent their respective wards in the BMC council.
To secure the mayoral post of Mumbai, a party or coalition must first win at least 114 seats to claim a majority. Once the majority is established, the ruling party or alliance selects the mayor from among its elected members. This process is similar to how a prime minister or chief minister is chosen from the members of a legislature.
Maha Mumbai Muqabla
— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) January 16, 2026
Rahul Gandhi enters Ink controversy, tweets: "Election commission gaslighting citizens is how trust has collapsed in our democracy. Vote Chori is an anti-national act."
If the ink is removable, it raises the risk of double voting: @Imranmasood_Inc speaks to… pic.twitter.com/9KXL5EeP6I
'Mayor Should Be Marathi and Hindu'
Earlier, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had stressed that the mayor should be Marathi and Hindu, reflecting the Mahayuti alliance’s cultural agenda. Opposition parties stress the need for a Bharatiya, Maharashtrian, and Mumbaikar candidate, signaling that identity, alliances, and ward-level performance will all factor into the final mayoral decision.
BMC Polls Vote Counting Underway
While early trends favor Mahayuti, key wards are still undecided. The next mayor of Mumbai will only be clear once all votes are tallied and parties finalise their candidates based on results, alliances, and political calculations.
