Overview
- The State Election Commission set polling for January 15 with counting on January 16 across municipal corporations, restarting Mumbai’s civic mandate after delays.
- Parties in Mumbai launched rapid campaigns built around “development,” with BJP leaders foregrounding infrastructure, Shinde’s Sena citing control of key urban portfolios, and UBT stressing a return to accountable local representation.
- Shiv Sena (UBT) said discussions are underway with the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena on a possible tie-up, while Congress signals it is likely to contest on its own with a civic-issues platform.
- The BJP–Shinde alliance positions itself to seek control of the mayor’s post, as rival Sena factions cast the poll as a contest over legacy and legitimacy.
- Beyond Mumbai, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the BJP and Ajit Pawar’s NCP will contest Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad separately in a “friendly fight,” with Mahayuti partners pursuing seat arrangements in most other cities.