The BMC elections 2026 are shaping up to be a high-stakes political contest in Mumbai, with major alliances taking form well ahead of polling. In a significant development, the Thackeray brothers—Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray—are close to finalising a seat-sharing agreement for the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections, sources have indicated. The proposed understanding could see Shiv Sena UBT contesting around 120 to 125 seats, while the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) is likely to field candidates in 80 to 90 seats.

This potential alliance marks a major moment in Maharashtra politics, as the two cousins are expected to contest the Mumbai civic polls as allies, aiming to consolidate Marathi votes and avoid division that could benefit rival parties.

Sena UBT–MNS Alliance Takes Shape

According to sources familiar with the discussions, the Thackeray brothers seat sharing talks have entered an advanced stage, with both sides broadly agreeing on the need for unity in Mumbai’s civic politics. The focus is on ensuring a balanced distribution of seats while maximising the alliance’s overall electoral prospects.

The Sena UBT MNS alliance is being positioned as a strategic response to the ruling Mahayuti and the BJP’s strong organisational presence in Mumbai. By coming together, Uddhav and Raj Thackeray aim to revive the influence of regional politics in the country’s financial capital.

Lessons From the 2017 BMC Elections

In the 2017 BMC elections, Shiv Sena UBT had emerged as the single largest party, winning 84 seats out of the total 227 wards, while the BJP secured 82 seats. At that time, both parties contested independently, leading to a fractured mandate.

Uddhav Thackeray is reportedly keen on retaining all 84 seats that the party had won in 2017. However, this demand has become a sticking point in negotiations, as the MNS is not agreeable to an arrangement that sidelines its claims in key areas.

MNS Stakes Claim in Marathi-Dominated Areas

The MNS seats BMC demand is rooted in the party’s perceived influence in Marathi-dominated localities such as Worli, Dadar, Kalachowkie, Mulund, and Bhandup. MNS leaders argue that the party has a strong grassroots presence in these wards and deserves a share of seats currently claimed by Sena UBT.

Sources say this disagreement has been a central issue in negotiations, but both sides are keen to find a middle ground to avoid splitting votes in crucial constituencies.

Possibility of Expanding the Alliance

To further strengthen the opposition front and avoid division of votes, the Thackeray brothers are also considering bringing in the NCP faction led by Sharad Pawar and Left parties into the alliance. If this plan materialises, the NCP Sharad Pawar faction could be offered 15 to 20 seats, sources added.

Such an expanded alliance could significantly alter the political arithmetic of the Mumbai civic polls, especially in wards where multi-cornered contests have historically benefited the BJP.

Mahayuti Alliance Also Finalising Strategy

While the opposition camp is busy stitching alliances, the ruling Mahayuti alliance is also intensifying its preparations for the BMC elections latest updates. Seat-sharing talks between BJP and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena have gained momentum in recent weeks.

Sources indicate that the Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde has demanded 90 to 100 seats, citing its organisational strength and support base across Mumbai. The BJP, on the other hand, is aiming higher, seeking to contest 135 to 140 seats in the civic body elections.

High Stakes for Mumbai Civic Control

The BMC elections 2026 are crucial not just for governance of Mumbai but also for setting the political tone ahead of future state and national elections. Control of the BMC, India’s richest municipal corporation, provides immense administrative influence and financial resources.

In Mumbai, as well as other key civic bodies like Thane, Nashik, and Kalyan-Dombivli, the BJP and Shiv Sena are expected to contest together as Mahayuti allies, sources said, indicating a coordinated strategy across Maharashtra’s urban centres.

Political Significance of Thackeray Reunion

The potential alliance between Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray carries symbolic and strategic weight. A united front could rekindle the traditional Marathi vote base while presenting a formidable challenge to the BJP-led alliance in Mumbai.

Political observers believe that if the BMC seat sharing formula between Sena UBT and MNS is finalised smoothly, it could reshape Mumbai’s political landscape and influence coalition politics across the state.

Conclusion

As the countdown to the BMC elections begins, the Thackeray brothers seat sharing talks reflect intense political manoeuvring on all sides. With Sena UBT likely to contest around 125 seats and MNS about 90, the opposition alliance is nearing a critical breakthrough.

At the same time, the Mahayuti partners are racing to finalise their own arrangements, setting the stage for a fiercely contested civic election. With alliances crystallising and strategies taking shape, the Mumbai civic polls news promises a high-voltage political battle that could redefine Maharashtra’s urban politics.

Join our Telegram Channel for Latest News and Regular Updates.

Start your Mutual Fund Journey  by Opening Free Account in Asset Plus.

Start your Stock Market Journey and Apply in IPO by Opening Free Demat Account in Choice Broking FinX.