Maharashtra local body (municipal corporation) elections

Maharashtra local body (municipal corporation) elections held in January 2026, incorporating key data, developments, and political implications. All information reflects the current date—January 17, 2026—and includes verified sources.

1. Election Context & Legal Background

• The Supreme Court of India had mandated that Maharashtra conduct local body elections—including for Zila Parishads, Panchayat Samitis, and municipal corporations—by January 31, 2026. This came after significant delays due to litigation over OBC reservation and delimitation issues. The court emphasized that elections must proceed irrespective of ongoing delimitation, giving a one-time extension only.
• According to official records, the election process unfolded in phases:
  • Municipal council and Nagar Panchayat elections were held between December 2 and December 15, 2025.
  • Elections for 29 Municipal Corporations took place on January 15, 2026, with results counted on January 16.

2. Key Results & Political Outcomes

2.1. Overall Results

• The BJP-led Maha Yuti alliance achieved a sweeping victory across the state, securing majorities in 25 of the 29 municipal corporations. They won approximately 1,425 seats out of nearly 2,868 contested.

2.2. Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC)

• In a historic shift, the alliance broke the decades-long dominance of the Thackeray-led Shiv Sena:
  • BJP: 89 seats
  • Shinde-led Shiv Sena: 29 seats
  • UBT Shiv Sena: 65 seats
  • MNS: 6 seats
  • Congress: 24 seats
  • AIMIM: 8 seats
  • NCP/SP/others: various small counts
• The alliance crossed the majority mark with 118 seats out of 227, marking a major urban power shift.

2.3. Other Major Cities

• Pune Municipal Corporation: BJP won 116 of 165 seats, far ahead of NCP (20) and Congress (15).
• Navi Mumbai: BJP won 65 of 111 seats; Shiv Sena secured 43.
• Nashik: BJP won 72 of 122 seats.
• Nagpur: BJP emerged as the single largest party with 102 of 151 seats; Congress followed with 34.

2.4. AIMIM Gains

• The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), led by Asaduddin Owaisi, made substantial gains—winning 126 seats across municipal corporations, up from just 56 previously. Their strongest performance was in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, where they secured 33 seats.

2.5. Unopposed Wins & Turnout

• A notable 65–68 candidates (reports vary) were elected unopposed, mostly from the BJP (43–44), followed by Shiv Sena and NCP. The SEC is investigating the circumstances surrounding these uncontested victories.
• Voter turnout remained modest at 54–55%, with urban centers like Mumbai, Pune, and Thane showing lower engagement. Analysts attributed this to urban apathy and administrative disconnect.

3. Political Reactions & Broader Implications

• Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis described the results as an “unprecedented endorsement” of the BJP–Maha Yuti alliance and credited development-focused governance and effective ground mobilization.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the results as a deepening bond between the NDA and Maharashtra’s electorate, praising the pro-people governance narrative.
• The Supreme Court’s earlier directive, the scale of unopposed wins, and the low turnout in metros continue to fuel debates about democratic participation and administrative transparency.

Summary Table

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