BJP Dominates Maharashtra Civic Polls, Leaves Opposition Battered

• BJP emerged as the most effective political force in the 2026 Maharashtra municipal elections, including the BMC.
• In Mumbai, BJP secured the highest strike rate (66%) by winning 89 of 135 contested seats and led with 45.39% vote share.
• Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) won 65 seats (40.62% strike rate), while Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena secured 29 seats (32.22% strike rate).
• Statewide, BJP increased its tally from 1,125 seats in 2017 to 1,425 in 2026, showcasing growing dominance.
• NCP saw the sharpest decline, and Congress, MNS, and independents also suffered losses, indicating opposition fragmentation.

Why It Matters: BJP's superior strike rate and vote conversion cemented its dominance in Maharashtra's civic politics.