Overview
- The BJP, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar-led NCP will contest municipal corporation elections together, including Mumbai and Thane.
- Party sources and multiple reports indicate a BMC understanding with the BJP likely to field candidates in roughly 140–150 wards and the Shiv Sena in about 80–90, with remaining seats for allies.
- Coordination committees of local leaders are being set up to negotiate seat-sharing, with unresolved cases to be decided by senior leadership and the Mumbai mayoralty to be determined jointly.
- State BJP chief Ravindra Chavan briefed Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi, followed by meetings with Shinde in Nagpur to operationalise the alliance and curb cross-party inductions.
- Municipal corporation polls are expected in January 2026 under a Supreme Court completion deadline, while Zilla Parishad and panchayat samiti contests remain uncertain due to reservation-related litigation.