In the past years of rule by the undivided Shiv Sena, Mumbai faced numerous problems, including pothole-ridden roads and broken pavements
Cousins Raj (left) and Uddhav Thackeray, chiefs of the MNS and Shiv Sena (UBT), respectively, at a rally in Shivaji Park on January 11 this year. Pic/Rane Ashish
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) 2026 elections marked a significant setback for the Thackeray cousins, Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray, despite their much-anticipated political reunion. While the alliance was expected to consolidate Marathi votes and challenge the ruling dispensation, the results told a different story. From stalled infrastructure projects and civic mismanagement to a weak, late-starting campaign strategy, multiple factors contributed to their inability to connect with Mumbaikars. This explainer breaks down the key reasons why the Thackeray cousins failed to win the BMC elections 2026.
… and why the Thackeray cousins didn’t
1 Metro: Uddhav Thackeray and his son Aaditya have been accused of putting hurdles in the Metro project, resulting in delays and missing deadlines.
2 Roads: In the past years of rule by the undivided Shiv Sena, Mumbai faced numerous problems, including pothole-ridden roads and broken pavements.
3 Flyover and bridges: Bridges and flyovers were in poor condition and not maintained as they should have been. Shiv Sena did start the work on many bridges, but could not expedite the process as per citizens’ expectations.
4 Railways: Shiv Sena (UBT), despite having several MPs, failed to take up certain issues with the Central government and get the necessary push for bringing ease in the transport mode commonly known as the lifeline of Mumbai.
5 Strategy: The Thackeray cousins officially announced their alliance only on December 24, 2024. Tickets were distributed just a day before the nomination-filing deadline. Both leaders held only one rally each in Mumbai, Nashik, and Thane, and visited select local offices in Mumbai. Ideally, they should have toured the grass-roots units when they came together to energise the rank and file. Their campaign lacked conviction and often appeared half-hearted. Instead of adopting an inclusive approach, the Thackeray cousins focused primarily on linguistic issues, assuming that Marathi votes would be enough to win. They paid little attention to the real problems faced by Mumbaikars, which weakened their appeal.
BMC Election 2026 Results: Parties and the number of winning candidates
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