As Maharashtra moves toward one of its most consequential civic battles—the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections—Mumbai is set to become the arena where the question of Shiv Sena’s true legacy will be put to the ultimate public test. Since the party’s dramatic split in 2022, the BMC polls have evolved into far more than a fight over control of India’s richest municipal body. They are now a referendum on who genuinely represents the ideological and emotional core of the Shiv Sena.
Shiv Sena’s Legacy at Stake: The Battle for the Brand
For nearly 25 uninterrupted years, the Shiv Sena—first under Balasaheb Thackeray and later Uddhav Thackeray—ruled the BMC with a strong Marathi identity, an extensive shakha network, and deep ties with Mumbai’s working-class population.
The 2022 split created two factions:
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Shiv Sena (UBT) led by Uddhav Thackeray
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Shiv Sena led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, officially recognised by the Election Commission
While Shinde holds the name and symbol, Uddhav retains significant emotional loyalty among traditional Sena voters. The BMC polls will test whose influence truly prevails on the ground.
What’s at Stake: More Than Just a Municipal Election
The BMC controls an annual budget of over ₹50,000 crore—larger than many Indian states. Winning Mumbai means gaining:
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Enormous administrative control
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Influence over infrastructure projects
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Strong patronage networks
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Political sway in Maharashtra’s economic capital
For political players:
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BJP seeks to win the BMC for the first time—an achievement that could reshape Mumbai politics.
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Uddhav Thackeray needs a strong performance to revive his credibility after losing his party’s symbol.
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Eknath Shinde must prove that his faction has grassroots legitimacy—not just legislative power.
Uddhav Thackeray’s Strategy: Emotional Appeal and Anti-Shinde Sentiment
The Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction is relying heavily on:
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Emotional support from traditional Shiv Sainiks
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Strong Marathi backing in central Mumbai
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Support from Congress and NCP (Sharad Pawar)
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A campaign narrative accusing Shinde and BJP of “stealing” the party
Their message: “The real Shiv Sena lives in people’s hearts—not in the symbol.”
Eknath Shinde’s Mission: Prove Ground Strength in Mumbai
Shinde’s faction enjoys state power but faces several challenges:
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Limited presence in Mumbai’s shakha network
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Perception of being the “rebel” or “BJP-backed Sena”
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Struggle to win the loyalty of Marathi working-class supporters
His campaign highlights:
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Claims of being the “real Shiv Sena”
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Large infrastructure projects sanctioned under his government
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A development-driven narrative aligned with the BJP
For Shinde, a weak performance could question his faction’s long-term future in Mumbai.
BJP’s Ambition: Direct Fight with Uddhav
The BJP is now a major force in Mumbai, especially among:
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Gujarati voters
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North Indian communities
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Urban middle-class and upper-middle-class residents
The party aims to:
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Capitalise on anti-incumbency after decades of Sena rule
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Project modern governance and corruption-free administration
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Consolidate non-Marathi and youth votes
However, a section of Marathi voters remains wary of the BJP’s growing influence.
Ground Sentiments: What Early Assessments Suggest
Initial surveys and ground reports indicate:
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Marathi voters are split but lean slightly toward Uddhav in emotional loyalty
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Non-Marathi communities are strongly aligned with the BJP
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Shinde’s faction is struggling to show independent strength
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INDIA bloc may consolidate minority and Dalit votes
Local issues also remain critical:
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Roads and potholes
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Water supply
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Encroachments
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Corruption in civic bodies
Why This Election Has National Importance
The 2025 BMC election matters far beyond Mumbai:
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It is the first major test of the Shiv Sena split
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It will shape political equations ahead of the 2027 Maharashtra Assembly polls
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It will influence national-level narratives in the INDIA vs. BJP contest
A strong Uddhav performance could reinvigorate the opposition space in Maharashtra, while a BJP–Shinde victory would reinforce their dominance over the state.
Conclusion: Mumbai to Decide the Real Heir to the Shiv Sena Legacy
The BMC election has become a historic moment—not just a civic contest. Mumbai’s voters will effectively decide:
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Who holds Balasaheb Thackeray’s true legacy
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Who controls Maharashtra’s political heart
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Whether emotional loyalty outweighs official recognition
On election day, every ballot will answer one defining question:
Who does Mumbai believe is the real Shiv Sena—Uddhav Thackeray or Eknath Shinde?
