BMC Poll 2026 Trends: Sena (UBT) Outperforms Shinde's Sena in Mumbai
Early trends from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections in 2026 indicate a significant lead for Shiv Sena (UBT) over the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. As of Friday afternoon, Sena (UBT) was ahead in approximately 60 seats, while Shinde's party trailed with only 26 leads. This performance marks a clear setback for Shinde in Mumbai, the traditional stronghold of the Shiv Sena.
Counting Shows Strong Uddhav Thackeray Support
Vote counting for the BMC polls began on Friday, with trends available for 210 out of 227 wards by 2 pm. The data reveals that Sena (UBT), led by Uddhav Thackeray, is comfortably leading in the city. Despite Shinde's party retaining the name and symbol of the undivided Shiv Sena and contesting 90 seats in alliance with the BJP, it lags far behind its rival.
This poor showing raises serious questions about Shinde's support base in Mumbai. The results could weaken his efforts to justify the split from Uddhav Thackeray's faction and challenge claims over the political legacy of Sena founder Bal Thackeray. In contrast, Sena (UBT)'s strong performance suggests that many traditional Sena voters in the city continue to back Uddhav Thackeray.
BJP-Shinde Alliance Crosses Halfway Mark
Although the combined tally of the BJP and Shinde's Shiv Sena appears to have crossed the halfway mark of 114 seats needed to form the BMC government, Shinde's individual performance remains a concern. The alliance's success does not overshadow the internal struggle within the Shiv Sena factions.
The BMC election saw a total of 1,700 candidates contesting for 227 seats. Mumbai recorded an overall voter turnout of 52.94% in polling held on Thursday. This turnout is the second highest the city has witnessed in the last 32 years. According to civic body data, the highest turnout was 55.28% in 2017, followed by 49.14% in the 1992 polls.
Election Context and Broader Impact
The BMC is India's richest civic body with an annual budget exceeding Rs 74,400 crore. This election was among the 29 municipal corporation polls held in Maharashtra on Thursday, marking the first such elections in the state since 2017. The outcomes are closely watched as they reflect shifting political allegiances in Maharashtra's key urban center.
The trends highlight a potential realignment in Mumbai's political landscape, with Sena (UBT) gaining ground at the expense of Shinde's faction. As counting continues, all eyes are on the final results and their implications for future state politics.
