BMC Elections 2026: Shiv Sena (UBT) confident of victory; mocks Congress’ presence in polls, calls it 'tourist party'

Dubey's remarks came shortly after the Congress announced its decision to contest the BMC polls independently.

Congress free to decide, but should remember past support: Dubey

Dubey said that while the Congress is entitled to take its own decisions regarding alliances, it should not overlook the role played by the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena in supporting it in previous elections.

Speaking to IANS, Dubey said, “Congress is an independent party and has every right to decide whether to contest elections alone or with allies. Congress contested 61 seats in Bihar, and everyone has seen the outcome.”

He further claimed that the Congress has remained politically insignificant in several states, including Maharashtra, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, for the past three to four decades, and has been out of power in states such as West Bengal, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu for many years.

‘We helped congress, but it turned arrogant’

Dubey alleged that Shiv Sena played a crucial role in reviving the Congress politically in 2019.

“Despite its weak position, we brought Congress into our fold in 2019 and helped it cross midstream to reach the shore. But once it reached the shore, Congress leaders became arrogant,” he said.

Reiterating his criticism, Dubey added, “In Mumbai, Congress has no real presence. Here, it is merely a tourist party,” as per the IANS.

Sena (UBT) confident of continuing BMC dominance

Expressing confidence in his party’s electoral strength, Dubey asserted that Shiv Sena (UBT) would maintain its long-standing dominance over Mumbai’s civic body.

“For the past 30 years, Shiv Sena has consistently won the BMC elections. When the results are declared on 16 January 2025, they will be shocking. Once again, a Hindu Mayor from Shiv Sena (UBT) will be seated in the BMC,” he said.

The BMC elections are scheduled to be held on 15 January, with counting set for the following day.

Seat-sharing talks with MNS underway

Dubey also said that discussions on a possible seat-sharing arrangement with the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) are ongoing and nearing conclusion.

“Sanjay Raut is in constant touch with Raj Thackeray. Seat-sharing can be finalised at any time. Details regarding who will contest, from where and how will be announced soon,” he said, according to the IANS.

He added that the nomination process will begin on Tuesday and continue for a week, during which several Shiv Sena (UBT) candidates are expected to file their nomination papers.

(with IANS inputs)