Mumbai is gearing up for a high-stakes civic battle as the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Elections 2026 approach. Voting will take place on January 15, 2026, bringing India’s richest municipal body back to the ballot after nearly a decade. With 227 wards up for grabs, major political parties and independents have entered a fierce contest that could reshape the city’s power structure.
This election stands out not only for its political significance but also for changing trends among candidates, including a sharp fall in the total number of contestants and a dramatic rise in the declared assets of several prominent leaders.
Fewer Candidates, Bigger Stakes in BMC Election 2026
The number of candidates contesting the BMC elections in 2026 has dropped sharply compared to the previous polls. According to available data, the overall candidate count has fallen by over 25 per cent from the 2017 civic elections. Back then, 2,275 candidates were in the fray, including 1,190 men, 1,084 women, and one transgender candidate.
Despite fewer contenders, political competition has intensified, as control of the BMC remains crucial for influence over Mumbai’s massive civic budget and infrastructure decisions.
Rising Assets of Top BMC Candidates
One striking trend in the 2026 elections is the surge in declared assets by several high-profile candidates.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and former Mumbai mayor Kishori Pednekar, contesting again, has declared assets worth Rs 5.26 crore, a massive jump from Rs 1.61 crore in 2017.
Former deputy mayor and businessman Babubhai Bhavanji has reported assets worth Rs 31.44 crore, compared to just Rs 8.23 lakh during the last civic polls.
Meanwhile, Geeta Gawli, daughter of former MLA Arun Gawali and a strong presence in south-central Mumbai, has declared Rs 7.26 crore in assets, including significant immovable property, as she seeks another term.
BMC Elections 2026: 5 Big Candidates and Their Seats
Kishori Pednekar (Shiv Sena – UBT)
Associated with: Ward 193 – Khar-Santacruz
Former Mumbai Mayor and a prominent face in civic politics.
Tejasvee Ghosalkar (BJP)
Expected seat: Ward 179 – Bandra West
Named in the BJP’s first candidate list.
Ravi Raja (BJP)
Expected seat: Ward 205 – Goregaon West
Senior BJP leader with previous BMC experience.
Harshwardhan Sapkal (Congress)
Linked to: Ward 214 – Andheri East
Represents the Congress–MVA challenge in the suburbs.
Rahul Shewale camp nominee (Shiv Sena – Shinde faction)
Expected seat: Ward 224 – Mulund West
Key Mahayuti contest in North-East Mumbai.
Why BMC Elections 2026 Matter
The BMC controls one of the largest municipal budgets in Asia, making these elections critical not just for Mumbai but for Maharashtra’s wider political landscape. The outcome will influence infrastructure projects, public health systems, and urban development for years to come.
As campaigning enters its final phase, all eyes remain on these 5 key candidates and the wards that could decide who runs Mumbai next.
