BMC Elections: Why Mumbai's Civic Polls are a High-Stakes Political Battle

• The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is India's richest and most influential municipal body, with an annual budget exceeding 50,000 crores.
• Established in 1888, BMC is responsible for Mumbai's civic administration, infrastructure, health, education, and disaster management for 1.25 crore residents.
• The BMC has a political wing (227 elected corporators and a Mayor) and a powerful administrative wing led by an IAS Municipal Commissioner appointed by the Maharashtra government.
• Its functions include maintaining infrastructure (roads, drainage), water supply, operating major hospitals (KEM, Sion), running schools, and disaster management.
• BMC elections are crucial due to the massive budget, control over urban development, and its significant impact on Maharashtra and national politics, often dubbed 'mini assembly elections'.

Why It Matters: BMC elections are a high-stakes battle for control over Mumbai's vast resources and political influence.