BMC Polls: Sena UBT And MNS Close To Seat-Sharing Pact As Talks Intensify

The Thackeray brothers are engaged in advanced discussions over a seat-sharing arrangement for the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, with Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) expected to divide seats under a proposed formula. Sources said Shiv Sena (UBT) is likely to contest around 120 to 125 seats, while the MNS may field candidates in approximately 80 to 90 seats.

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and his cousin, MNS chief Raj Thackeray, are expected to finalise the seat-sharing pact ahead of the BMC elections scheduled for January next year. The talks are aimed at preventing a split in the Marathi vote base and strengthening their electoral prospects in Mumbai.

During the 2017 BMC elections, Shiv Sena (UBT) won 84 seats. Uddhav Thackeray is keen on retaining all of these seats, but the MNS has expressed reservations over this proposal. The MNS has argued that it has a strong organisational presence in several Marathi-dominated areas, including Worli, Dadar, Kalachowkie and Mulund-Bhandup. Based on this assessment, the party has demanded a share of some of the 84 seats that Shiv Sena (UBT) is seeking to retain.

To further consolidate votes and avoid fragmentation, the Thackeray brothers are also exploring the possibility of expanding the alliance. Discussions are reportedly underway to include the Nationalist Congress Party faction led by Sharad Pawar, as well as Left parties. Sources indicated that if the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) joins the alliance, it could be offered between 15 and 20 seats.

Meanwhile, seat-sharing talks have also intensified within the ruling Mahayuti alliance, comprising the BJP and the Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde, ahead of the BMC elections. Sources said internal deliberations within the alliance have gathered momentum as preparations for the Mumbai civic polls move forward.

The Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena has reportedly staked claim to 90 to 100 seats, citing its organisational strength and support base across several wards in Mumbai. The BJP, on the other hand, is aiming to contest around 135 to 140 seats in the BMC elections.

In the 2017 BMC polls, which were held across 227 seats, Shiv Sena won 84 seats while the BJP secured 82 seats. At that time, both parties had contested the elections independently.

Sources added that the Mahayuti alliance has nearly finalised its seat-sharing arrangements for the upcoming municipal corporation elections. In key civic bodies including Mumbai, Thane, Nashik and Kalyan-Dombivli, the BJP and the Shiv Sena are expected to contest the elections together as alliance partners.