BJP Suffers Setback in Mumbai BMC Polls as NCP (SP) Candidate Wins
In a significant political development, the Bharatiya Janata Party faced a major defeat in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections. The party's candidate from Kurar village in Malad's Ward 43, Vinod Mishra, lost to Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) candidate Ajit Raorane. This victory marks Raorane as the sole winner from the NCP (SP) in the entire BMC polls.
Why Did Vinod Mishra Lose the Election?
Political analysts point to several key factors behind Mishra's defeat. Marathi voters in the ward turned against him and strongly backed Ajit Raorane. The NCP (SP) is part of an alliance with Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, which helped consolidate support.
BJP functionaries had viewed Mishra as the party's new face in the BMC. They praised his aggressive performance as an opposition corporator during the Maha Vikas Aghadi government's tenure. Party insiders revealed that Mishra was likely to receive a prominent post if the BJP came to power in the municipal corporation.
However, the electoral dynamics worked against him. A political observer explained the situation clearly. "Vinod Mishra's loss represents a serious setback for the BJP. He served as the party's group leader in the BMC and was expected to secure a statutory committee position. Now he must work diligently to stage a political comeback."
Voter Consolidation Against BJP Candidate
The observer further elaborated on the voting patterns. "It appears Marathi voters abandoned Mishra and supported Raorane instead. The ward also contains a substantial Muslim population, and these voters likewise backed the NCP (SP) candidate. Although Congress fielded a candidate from this ward, the secular and Muslim vote did not split. It went entirely to Raorane."
Other candidates in the fray included Sudarshan Soni from Congress, Jayesh Pandey from Bahujan Samaj Party, and Irfan Khan from Aam Aadmi Party. Yet none managed to attract significant voter support.
Another analyst highlighted the broader implications. "None of the candidates could pull voters away. All Muslim and Marathi votes went to Raorane. The contest transformed into a Marathi versus north Indians battle. Marathi and Muslim voters united effectively. Consequently, north Indian and BJP voters found themselves outnumbered. This defeat extends beyond Mishra personally—it represents a party setback."
Campaign Issues and High-Profile Support
Several local issues dominated the election campaign in Ward 43. Voters expressed opposition to permanent transit camps and a proposed cremation ground. They demanded a new permanent P-East Ward office and the opening of a fresh post office within the ward.
Vinod Mishra conducted a high-profile campaign with support from prominent BJP leaders. BJP MP Narayan Rane actively campaigned for him. BJP MLA from Bihar, Maithili Thakur, also joined the effort. Several top party leaders from outside Maharashtra campaigned vigorously in Kurar village.
Following his defeat, Vinod Mishra stated he would analyze the loss thoroughly. He pledged to accept the people's mandate with humility.
