Mumbai Civic Polls 2026: 15,931 Candidates Vie for 29 Municipal Corporations

A total of 15,931 candidates are in the fray for the upcoming polls to 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra, the Maharashtra State Election Commission announced on Saturday. The elections are scheduled to take place on January 15, 2026. This significant number of candidates reflects the high level of political engagement and competition in the state.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiv Sena have joined forces to form a strong alliance for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls. The alliance was officially launched by Devendra Fadnavis and Eknath Shinde, who have been actively campaigning together to garner support. This strategic move is expected to challenge the ruling Congress-NCP alliance, which has been in power for several years.

In Nashik, 735 candidates are competing for 122 seats across 31 wards of the Nashik Municipal Corporation. Similarly, in Malegaon, 301 candidates are in the running for 83 seats across 21 wards of the Malegaon Municipal Corporation. Notably, Munira Sheikh Fakir Mohammed of the Indian Secular Largest Assembly of Maharashtra (ISLAM) party has been elected unopposed from ward number 6 in Nashik.

However, the campaign trail has not been without its challenges. In Navi Mumbai, a man was booked for allegedly threatening and trying to tarnish the reputation of Kalpana Gode, the Election Officer for Ghansoli Division and Deputy District Collector. The incident occurred while Gode was performing her constitutional duties related to the upcoming polls, and a criminal case has been registered against the individual.

In another incident, a man was detained on Saturday afternoon for allegedly trying to blacken the face of an office-bearer of the organising committee of the 99th Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan (all-India Marathi literary meet) at Satara. This incident, while not directly related to the civic polls, highlights the broader political and social tensions in the region.

The Maharashtra State Election Commission has been working diligently to ensure a fair and transparent electoral process. Polling will take place on January 15, and the results will be announced the following day. The commission has deployed a robust security mechanism to maintain law and order during the election period.

The civic polls are crucial for the local governance of these cities, as they will determine the leadership and direction of the municipal corporations for the next few years. Citizens are encouraged to participate in the democratic process by casting their votes and ensuring that their voices are heard.

As the election day approaches, political parties and candidates are intensifying their campaigns, addressing various issues such as infrastructure development, public health, and social welfare. The outcome of these polls is expected to have a significant impact on the political landscape of Maharashtra, and the results will be closely watched by political analysts and the general public alike.

Stay tuned for the latest updates and developments as the civic polls unfold in Maharashtra.