The Congress party’s decision to contest the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections on its own has reshaped the opposition contest in Mumbai,
turning what could have been a two-sided race into a crowded, multi-cornered battle ahead of the January 15 polls. By opting out of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) arrangement for the civic elections, the Congress has distanced itself from its traditional allies, the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Sharad Pawar-led NCP faction. The Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) are constituents of the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). The immediate trigger was the political understanding between Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) and the MNS on Wednesday formally announced an alliance for the January 15 polls to the BMC. This is for the first time that both parties have forged an electoral tie-up after Raj Thackeray walked out of the undivided Shiv Sena in 2005 and floated his own outfit the next year. Since then, the Thackeray cousins have been political rivals.
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Congress leaders say they cannot align with the MNS because of ideological differences, particularly over its stance on linguistic identity and migrant issues. The party argues that such positions clash with its long-standing claim of being a secular and inclusive force in Mumbai’s diverse social fabric. Political observers see the move as a strategic gamble. By going solo, the Congress hopes to reclaim political space by focusing on local civic issues such as flooding, infrastructure gaps, air pollution and alleged corruption in the functioning of the BMC. The party also aims to consolidate minority, Dalit and migrant voters, groups it believes may feel uneasy about the MNS’ presence in the opposition camp.
The risks, however, are significant. The Congress has seen its influence in Mumbai decline steadily over the past three decades. In the 2017 BMC elections, its seat tally dropped to 31, far behind the then undivided Shiv Sena and the BJP. Since then, its organisational strength at the ward level has weakened, raising questions about its ability to field strong candidates across all 227 seats.
Analysts warn that a divided opposition could end up benefiting the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance, which includes the BJP, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP group.
The Congress is also exploring a possible understanding with the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi, though talks have yet to yield a formal alliance.
Control of the BMC is politically crucial because of its massive budget and influence over India’s financial capital. For the Congress, a strong showing could help revive its urban organisation in Maharashtra. A poor performance, however, could further marginalise the party in the state’s civic and urban politics.
Polling for the 227 corporator-seats in India's biggest and richest civic body will be held on January 15 from 7.30 am to 5.30 pm and votes will be counted the next day.
(With inputs from agencies)
