Overview
- AICC in-charge Ramesh Chennithala confirmed the party will field candidates in every BMC ward, formalising a solo contest.
- Mumbai Congress chief Varsha Gaikwad told workers to prepare for all 227 seats, framing the civic race as an organisational reboot after the Bihar setback.
- The decision reflects Congress resistance to including Raj Thackeray’s MNS in the Opposition bloc, citing ideological differences and its record against North Indian migrants.
- Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders, including Kishori Pednekar, criticised the move, while Uddhav Thackeray said each party will take its own decisions.
- BJP’s Ashish Shelar mocked Congress’s capacity to go it alone as allies warned of anti-BJP vote splits, with media reporting ongoing Uddhav–Raj talks and polls expected by January 2026.