Congress Announces Solo Campaign for Mumbai BMC Elections Amid Alliance Tensions

The Congress has announced plans to field candidates across all 227 wards of the Brihanmumbai Corporation, signaling a solo campaign strategy.

Mumbai:

Following Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve's criticism regarding alliance approaches and seat-sharing delays, the Congress party has pivoted strategically. The party officially declared its intention to contest the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections independently, planning to field candidates in every one of the 227 wards.

This significant announcement came during the Mumbai Congress' "Lakshya 2026" one-day workshop held in Malad today. Political observers interpret this move as a direct response to the Sena leader's pointed remarks made just 24 hours prior.

Congress Launches Independent Campaign

AICC General Secretary and Maharashtra in-charge Ramesh Chennithala addressed party workers, emphasizing that the BMC campaign would utilize their full organizational resources. He encouraged cadres to maintain the same confidence displayed during the Lok Sabha elections and warned that those holding organizational positions without contributing would face consequences. Chennithala stressed the importance of strengthening booth-level structures and increasing engagement with younger voters.

Mumbai Congress president and MP Varsha Gaikwad launched a direct critique of the BJP-led Mahayuti coalition, which has been managing the BMC for three years without elected officials.

She claimed there has been a dramatic increase in corruption—alleging that fixed deposits worth Rs 6,000 crore have been depleted and valuable land parcels allocated to select individuals at minimal prices.

Gaikwad stated that the Congress has exposed numerous civic irregularities and will continue addressing issues including water supply problems, traffic congestion, pollution, road potholes, and misappropriation of public funds. She also criticized delays in supplementary voter list releases, urging stronger monitoring at booth levels.

Danve's Critical Comments Preceded Congress Decision

On Friday, one day before the Congress workshop in Malad, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve delivered pointed criticism following the party's defeat in Bihar.

Danve stated that the Congress's pattern of demanding larger shares during seat negotiations ultimately undermines coalitions. "When they base allocations on winnability calculations and take a bigger share, it results in more significant defeats, harming the alliance," he remarked.

He further noted that delays in finalizing seat-sharing arrangements—as witnessed in both Maharashtra and Bihar—damaged the Opposition's electoral prospects.

"The mistake made in Maharashtra has been repeated in Bihar. Congress needs to alter this approach," Danve emphasized.

Responses to Congress's Solo Strategy

Maharashtra minister Ashish Shelar questioned the Congress's confidence, arguing that contesting independently requires substantially more political strength than the party currently possesses. "To fight alone requires courage," he commented.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis similarly downplayed the potential impact of the Congress strategy.

"Whether the Opposition contests together or separately is inconsequential. Mumbai's citizens trust the Mahayuti coalition. They have already decided to elect a Mahayuti mayor," he stated.