BMC| Civic Polls Update
By | Ramakant Tiwari
Mumbai: With elections to the 227-member Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) approaching, political activity across Mumbai has entered a decisive phase. Party-wise AB form distribution and rising nomination numbers indicate that the civic contest is moving rapidly towards full-scale electoral confrontation.
AB forms, which officially authorize candidates to contest on a party symbol, are being issued alongside a sharp increase in nomination filings across wards.
Scale of the Election Process
According to election officials, over 11,000 nomination forms have been purchased across Mumbai’s 227 wards so far. Of these, more than 400 candidates have already filed completed nomination papers, a number expected to rise significantly before the final deadline.
Each ward is witnessing stiff competition, with three to six aspirants per seat on average, underlining the intensity of the civic race.
Party-Wise AB Form Distribution: Numbers and Strategy
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
The BJP is preparing to contest over 130 wards as part of its electoral strategy. AB forms have been distributed to a majority of shortlisted candidates, with priority given to sitting corporators, strong ward-level leaders, and candidates with proven winnability. Internal screening committees have shortlisted nearly 150 aspirants for final authorization, indicating tough internal competition.
Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde Faction)
The Shinde-led Shiv Sena has finalized its plan to contest around 90 seats. AB forms are being issued to candidates who have demonstrated organizational loyalty and administrative experience. Most of the candidates receiving authorization are either former corporators or long-time Sena functionaries, ensuring continuity and cadre discipline.
Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray Faction)
The Uddhav Thackeray-led Sena is gearing up to contest over 150 wards, either directly or through alliance understanding. AB forms have been distributed in phases to more than 100 candidates, with the final list expected after scrutiny and feedback from local units. The party has focused on retaining traditional strongholds while introducing new faces in select wards.
Indian National Congress
The Congress has begun AB form distribution for nearly 90 wards, releasing authorization to candidates with strong grassroots presence. Party committees report receiving over 300 applications from aspirants, highlighting internal competition as the party attempts to regain lost ground in Mumbai’s civic body.
Nationalist Congress Party (NCP)
The NCP is adopting a selective approach, preparing candidates for 20 to 30 key wards where it sees realistic electoral prospects. AB forms are being issued cautiously after evaluating alliance equations, local influence, and vote-transfer potential.
Smaller Parties and Independents
Smaller political parties and independent candidates are emerging as a significant force, with dozens of independent nominations already filed. Delays or denials in AB form distribution by major parties have prompted several aspirants to enter the race independently, increasing the likelihood of multi-cornered contests.
Nomination Numbers Add to Electoral Heat
Election offices across Mumbai have reported a steady rise in daily nominations. On average, two to three completed nominations per ward have already been filed, with the figure expected to double before the final submission date. Political observers expect over 700 total candidates to eventually contest the BMC elections.
Scrutiny, Rebellions, and Last-Minute Shifts
Despite the issuance of AB forms, parties have made it clear that authorization remains subject to final approval. In multiple wards, denied aspirants have chosen to file nominations as independents, posing challenges for official party candidates. Leadership across parties is engaged in damage control to minimize rebellions.
Civic Issues Drive Candidate Selection
Across party lines, leadership has emphasized that candidates must focus on local governance issues such as road repairs, drainage, water supply, solid waste management, housing redevelopment, and public safety. Parties are also increasing representation of women candidates and young leaders, aligning with reservation norms and voter expectations.
Mumbai Braces for a High-Intensity Civic Contest
With 227 seats at stake, rising nomination numbers, and aggressive AB form distribution, the BMC elections are shaping up to be one of the most competitive municipal contests in recent years. The coming days are expected to witness withdrawals, alliance clarifications, and intensified campaigning across Mumbai’s wards.
