BMC Election 2026: Marathi Manoos in Focus, Raj Thackeray Warns Against Hindi Imposition
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections 2026 are heating up, with political parties vying for the Marathi Manoos vote. The ruling Mahayuti, a coalition of the BJP and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, has released its manifesto with a strong focus on Marathi culture and the return of Marathi Manoos to the city's core. Raj Thackeray, the leader of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), has also joined the fray, warning against the imposition of Hindi and calling for Marathi unity.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde launched the Mahayuti's manifesto on Sunday. The manifesto includes several key promises aimed at improving the lives of Mumbai residents. Among these are better travel facilities for women on BEST buses, an interest-free loan of ₹50 lakh for female entrepreneurs, and an annual 8% water tax freeze for five years. Fadnavis also announced that a tool has been developed to identify and deport illegal immigrants from Bangladesh and Rohingya communities.
Raj Thackeray, who has reunited with his estranged brother Uddhav Thackeray, has been a vocal advocate for Marathi interests. He has warned against what he calls the 'Hindi imposition,' stating that while he does not hate the language, any attempts to impose it will be met with strong resistance. “People from UP and Bihar should understand that Hindi is not your language. I don't hate the language... But if you try to impose it, I'll kick you. They're coming from all sides to Maharashtra and snatching away your share...,” Thackeray said during an address.
The Mahayuti has also promised to address the housing crisis in Mumbai, a city known for its exorbitant property costs. Eknath Shinde announced plans to construct 3.5 million affordable houses in the city by redeveloping chawls, slums, and dilapidated buildings over the next five years. This move is aimed at bringing back the Marathi Manoos to the heart of the city and ensuring that they have access to affordable housing.
The NCP, headed by Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, and the NCP (SP), led by his uncle Sharad Pawar, have also joined hands for the Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad civic body polls. Despite Ajit Pawar's faction being part of the ruling Mahayuti, they have come together with Sharad Pawar's faction for the January 15 polls, highlighting the strategic alliances being formed in the run-up to the elections.
The AIMIM chief, Asaduddin Owaisi, has criticized both the Mahayuti and MVA, urging the Muslim community to develop their own political agency and vote for a party that will support organic Muslim leadership. “I want to tell you all that Congress, NCP, Shiv Sena, Shiv Sena (UBT) or BJP, none of them likes the rising of a leader from the Muslim minority community. They don't like it if a leader is born,” Owaisi said in a public rally.
Meanwhile, experts predict a surge in new real estate projects in Mumbai following the BMC poll results. The real estate market in Mumbai and Pune has seen a downturn, and the results of the civic polls could provide a much-needed boost. The fall in the real estate market may ease in the first half of 2026, experts say.
As the elections approach, the focus remains on the Marathi Manoos and the promises made by political parties to address their concerns. The BMC elections 2026 are shaping up to be a decisive moment for the Marathi community and the city of Mumbai.
