Maharashtra’s Civic Polls 2026: BJP Dominates as Key Cities Elect New Leadership After Delays

After more than three years of governance by state-appointed administrators, Maharashtra’s major municipalities finally elected their citizen representatives in the highly anticipated 2026 local body polls. This electoral exercise, covering 29 municipal corporations, was cleared by the Supreme Court in late November 2025, which mandated the completion of the election process by January 31, 2026. The path to these polls was fraught with persistent delays since 2022, primarily due to complex legal disputes concerning OBC quotas, compounded by the lingering effects of the pandemic and various court proceedings, as reported by Loksatta.

The polling schedule, which commenced with nomination processes in December 2025, culminated in voting on January 15, 2026, with results announced swiftly on January 16. These elections were not merely a return to democratic representation; they also marked the first major electoral contest since the significant splits within the Shiv Sena in 2022 and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in 2023. This reshaped political landscape added an extra layer of intrigue and unpredictability to the outcomes. Campaign rhetoric largely centered on pressing civic issues, including water supply, road infrastructure, public transportation, urban cleanliness, and overall urban development, matters that directly impact the daily lives of millions.

BJP Emerges as Single Largest Party Statewide Amidst Shifting Alliances

Across Maharashtra’s 29 municipal corporations, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerged as the undisputed single largest party, securing a dominant 1,372 seats out of 2,784 declared results. This resounding victory underscores the party’s widespread appeal and organizational strength within the state. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his pride and gratitude, stating, “I am very proud of every NDA Karyakarta who worked tirelessly among people across Maharashtra. They talked about our alliance’s track record, highlighted our vision for the coming times and also effectively countered the lies of the Opposition.” The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) also made notable gains, winning 114 seats statewide, a testament to its galvanized workers and focused door-to-door campaigns, as highlighted by its leader Shareque Naqshbandi to PTI.

The results indicated a significant deepening of the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) bond with the people of Maharashtra, according to PM Modi. Exit polls conducted by My Axis India for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) had predicted a strong showing for the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance, forecasting 131-151 seats with approximately 42% of the vote. While the full BMC results were still pending for some areas, early trends indicated the Mahayuti alliance leading in 25 wards, suggesting the predictions were largely on track, reinforcing the narrative of a consolidated mandate.

Dhule and Nashik: BJP’s Stronghold and Contested Victories

In Dhule, the Municipal Corporation elections, which saw a 56.03% voter turnout, indicated the BJP’s strong performance. While initially not securing a clear majority on its own, the party won most of the seats, edging closer to forming the government, as reported by Loksatta. The 2017 elections for Dhule’s 74 seats across 19 wards had previously seen the BJP clinch 50 seats, demonstrating a consistent voter base. However, the 2026 polls presented some closely contested battles. In a significant upset in Ward 17, Dheeraj Kaltri of the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) defeated Sheetalkumar Navale, the former chairperson of the Standing Committee from the BJP, by a margin of 633 votes. This specific ward result showcased the competitive nature of the local contests despite the broader BJP wave.

Nashik Municipal Corporation, with its 31 wards and 122 seats, also witnessed the BJP heading towards a clear majority. Early results and trends indicated the BJP winning a substantial 64 seats, positioning it to hoist its flag once again in the corporation. Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena also achieved significant success, leading in 41 seats. Ward 7 of Nashik provided a glimpse into the individual contests, with BJP’s Suresh Patil and Himagauri Adke securing victories, while Shiv Sena (Shinde faction)’s Ajay Boraste won his group with a considerable lead. The city had previously been led by a succession of mayors from BJP, MNS, and Shiv Sena, with Ranjana Popat Bhansi (BJP) and Satish Laxmanrao Kulkarni (BJP) holding the mayoral post consecutively before the administrative rule.

Jalgaon and Malegaon: Alliance Power and Emerging Players

Jalgaon Municipal Corporation saw the Mahayuti alliance achieve a decisive lead and a clear majority, winning 69 out of 75 seats. Within this alliance, the BJP secured 45 seats, Shinde’s Shiv Sena took 22, and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP group won all five of its contested seats. This outcome effectively paved the way for the Mahayuti to form power in the Municipal Corporation, as detailed by Lok Satta. Despite the Mahayuti’s dominance, the Thackeray camp (MVA) managed to secure some important victories, including Akshay Vanzari, Ibrahim Patel, Jarinabi Razveer Raha, and Hinabi Shakir Khan in Ward 17, and Asin Khatik in Ward 6, indicating pockets of strong opposition. The Jalgaon elections were not without controversy, as an independent candidate, Piyush Patil, reported a fake voting attempt at the RR Vidyalaya polling booth in Ward 5 (A), which was investigated by officials.

Meanwhile, in Malegaon Municipal Corporation, the Indian Secular Largest Assembly of Maharashtra (ISLAM) party emerged as the single largest outfit, securing 35 out of 84 seats. The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) placed second with 21 seats, showcasing a significant presence in this region. The election in Malegaon, which saw a 46.08% turnout for 73 contested seats (one seat was decided unopposed), had officials anticipating clear results by early afternoon, with counting taking place at four polling centers. These results highlight the rise of regional and identity-based parties in specific urban pockets, challenging the dominance of traditional national parties.

The 2026 Maharashtra municipal elections represent a critical juncture, not only restoring local democratic bodies after a prolonged hiatus but also significantly reshaping the state’s political landscape. The BJP’s statewide sweep, coupled with the Mahayuti’s strong performance in key corporations like Jalgaon and Nashik, underscores a clear consolidation of power by the ruling alliance. Simultaneously, the emergence of parties like ISLAM and the notable gains by AIMIM highlight the evolving dynamics of local politics, where specific regional and community-focused agendas can carve out significant electoral success, challenging the established order in crucial urban centers.