MUMBAI, Jan 17 — The Bharatiya Janata Party-led Mahayuti alliance has dismantled decades of opposition control over the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, securing a clear majority in the country’s wealthiest civic body. The victory forms the centerpiece of a statewide sweep where the alliance took control of nearly 86 percent of the municipal corporations contested.
The campaign strategy, which focused heavily on urban development and “clean” governance, resulted in the BJP emerging as the single largest party in 17 corporations. In Mumbai, the party’s local leadership took the lead in candidate selection and ground-level coordination, a move that Fadnavis noted was essential to the outcome.
“We have received a record-breaking mandate in many municipal corporations, and it underscores that people want honesty and development,” the Chief Minister said while discussing the results. He mentioned that the party’s focus remained on a clear developmental agenda rather than traditional identity politics.
Strategic planning played a vital role in the win. While Fadnavis held the reins of the overall campaign, he delegated specific regions to trusted lieutenants. Devendra Kothe was tasked with Solapur, and Rahul Awade handled responsibilities in the Ichalkaranji Municipal Corporation. This localized approach allowed the party to overcome the challenge of fielding several candidates who were initially viewed as outsiders.
The results also reinforced the Chief Minister’s hold over his home turf, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation, where the party maintained a dominant presence. Despite a few losses in regional pockets, the overall trajectory of the polls has positioned Fadnavis as the most influential figure in Maharashtra’s contemporary political landscape.
Observers noted that this win is a significant turnaround from the 2024 general elections. After the party leadership rejected his earlier offer to step down, Fadnavis has successfully delivered two consecutive major victories, first in the state assembly and now in the local government bodies.
