Mahayuti Poised for Civic Majority, Will Lead Mumbai and Maharashtra’s Municipal Bodies: Eknath Shinde

Thane, Jan 2026 : Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde on Friday asserted that the Shiv Sena–BJP-led Mahayuti alliance is on the brink of securing a decisive majority in the ongoing municipal elections across the state. Addressing a press conference, Shinde expressed strong confidence that Mahayuti-backed mayors would soon be installed in several key municipal corporations, including the prestigious Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

Shinde said the alliance has made substantial gains across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), particularly in Thane, Kalyan-Dombivli and adjoining urban pockets. He confirmed that the Shiv Sena has already secured a clear majority in the Thane Municipal Corporation, while the Mahayuti is just short of the required numbers in Mumbai. “The Mahayuti will definitely have its Mayor in Mumbai. We are only inches away from a full majority and will form governments in multiple municipal corporations across Maharashtra,” he said.

Taking a sharp dig at the opposition, Shinde remarked that voters had decisively rejected emotional politics and baseless allegations in favour of a clear development-oriented mandate. “Despite repeated attempts to mislead people through emotional appeals and corruption narratives, citizens have chosen growth and development. Those who opposed progress have been rejected. Development has emerged as the only real brand accepted by the people,” he asserted.

Commenting on the performance of the opposition Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction), Shinde noted that while the UBT faction contested more than 150 seats and managed to win around 60, the overall public verdict remained firmly in favour of the Mahayuti’s development agenda. He said the results clearly reflected public trust in stable governance and infrastructure-led growth.

Highlighting future plans, Shinde emphasised the importance of what he described as a “Triple Engine Government” — with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Centre, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis leading the state, and the Mahayuti in control of key civic bodies like the BMC. According to him, this alignment would accelerate Mumbai’s transformation and significantly contribute to India’s ambition of becoming a USD 5 trillion economy. “Our goal is to make Mumbai a world-class international city,” he said.

The Deputy Chief Minister outlined a series of infrastructure initiatives aimed at improving urban life. He said that major roads in Mumbai would be concretised by May next year to ensure a pothole-free city. Seven new Sewage Treatment Plants are being constructed to address pollution and improve sanitation. Rapid progress is also being made on Metro Lines 2 and 3, while Pod Taxis are being explored as an innovative urban transport solution.

Shinde further highlighted major connectivity projects such as the Thane–Saket–Gaimukh–Frontran route, the Goregaon–Mulund Link Road and the Borivali Tunnel, all of which are expected to ease traffic congestion and improve east-west connectivity in the city.

Beyond infrastructure, he reiterated that the Mahayuti remains focused on healthcare, cleanliness and redevelopment. He pointed to the upgradation of ‘Balasaheb Thackeray Aapla Dawakhana’ clinics and the fast-tracking of redevelopment projects for dilapidated buildings and slum areas. “Our aim is not merely to secure the Mayor’s chair but to transform the lives of Mumbaikars. We want people who were forced to leave Mumbai due to poor living conditions to return,” Shinde said.

He concluded by thanking voters, especially women beneficiaries under welfare schemes, affectionately referring to them as “Ladki Bahin”, for playing a decisive role in strengthening the Mahayuti’s mandate.