The seat-sharing negotiations between the Shinde-led Shiv Sena and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections in Maharashtra have hit a significant roadblock. The rift has emerged as both sides try to determine the distribution of the 227 BMC seats, with disagreements centering on 77 contentious seats.

Shinde Sena demands 2017 seats

According to sources, during recent discussions, leaders of the Shinde faction of Shiv Sena demanded all 84 seats won by the undivided Shiv Sena in the 2017 BMC elections. The Shinde Sena has argued that their claim is justified based on past performance and electoral success.

However, the BJP rejected this demand outright, stating that political dynamics in 2025-26 are significantly different from those in 2017. Party officials have warned that a direct contest between Shinde Sena and Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena could undermine the broader Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra.

BJP’s winnability formula

In response, the BJP proposed a “winnability” formula to decide seat allocation. Under this approach, Shinde Sena will be allotted only those seats where it demonstrates strong electoral presence, rather than claiming all past victories. This formula aims to maximize the alliance’s overall performance while avoiding internal competition that could fragment votes.

Disputed seats and negotiations

Out of the total 227 BMC seats, 77 seats are currently under dispute. Senior leaders from both parties are expected to continue talks over the next two days to resolve the deadlock. The outcome of these discussions will be crucial for the Mahayuti alliance ahead of the municipal elections.

Election schedule and preparations

The Maharashtra State Election Commission announced the election schedule for 29 municipal corporations, including the BMC, on 15 December 2025. The elections are set to be held in a single phase on 15 January 2026, with results declared on 16 January 2026.

To prepare for the elections, Mumbai BJP President Amit Satam has formed a 20-member committee to finalise candidates. Key members include Union Minister Piyush Goyal, National General Secretary Vinod Tawde, State Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar, and several state cabinet ministers and MLAs. The committee is tasked with reviewing potential candidates and ensuring a strong lineup for the civic polls.

Conclusion

The Shinde Sena-BJP rift over BMC seat-sharing highlights the complex dynamics within the Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra. With 77 seats still under dispute, negotiations in the coming days will be critical for ensuring a united front in the January 2026 BMC elections. The BJP’s winnability formula and the Shinde faction’s claims based on 2017 performance are central to the discussions, and the outcome will shape the political landscape of Mumbai’s civic governance.

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