Mumbai: BMC Election Battle Intensifies as Parties Delay Candidate Announcements; NCP Releases 11 Names Amid Alliance Talks
Mumbai, 30th December 2025: The political contest for the 2025 Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections has gathered momentum, with major parties gradually unveiling their candidate lists while some continue to tread cautiously to avoid internal dissent and rebellion. Even as the campaign heats up, several parties have chosen to delay official announcements until the last moment, fearing backlash from influential local aspirants denied tickets.
The elections have gained added significance following the announcement of an alliance between Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray, reviving speculation of a broader opposition front in Mumbai. Adding to the intrigue is the possibility of the Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) joining the Thackeray brothers’ alliance as a third major stakeholder.
While the Thackeray-led alliance has yet to release an official or finalised candidate list, the Sharad Pawar faction of the NCP has taken the lead by announcing 11 candidates across two lists—seven in the first list and four in the second. This early declaration has fuelled speculation over the terms, seat-sharing formula, and extent of the NCP’s participation in the proposed alliance.
NCP (Sharad Pawar) Candidates Announced
Ward 43: Ajit Ravrane
Ward 48: Ganesh Shinde
Ward 51: Aarti Chavan
Ward 78: Radba Geulkar
Ward 107: Bharat Vanani
Ward 140: Sanjay Kamble
Ward 170: Rahi Khanolkar
Ward 112: Manju Jaiswal
Ward 165: Abhijit Kamble
Ward 211: Sufiyan Ansari
Ward 224: Saniya Shah
Political observers say the early announcement by the NCP could be a strategic move to stake claim over key wards ahead of final alliance negotiations.
The BMC elections come after a five-year delay, caused by political realignments, reservation-related issues, and prolonged legal proceedings. This election cycle marks a departure from traditional alliances, with the Mahayuti and Maha Vikas Aghadi frameworks largely fragmented, giving rise to shifting coalitions, rebel candidates, and independent contests in several wards.
With alliances still evolving and candidate lists trickling in, Mumbai’s civic election is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable and closely watched local body contests in recent years.
