A controversy has erupted within the ruling alliance after the draft ward structure for the long-pending Brihan Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections was released.

Objections have been raised, claiming that since the Urban Development Department is handled by the Deputy Chief Minister, the multi-member ward structure has been designed to benefit the Shiv Sena.

While Mumbai has retained 227 wards, some minor changes have been made. Earlier, the number of wards was increased to 236, but the government reduced it back to 227. In contrast to other municipal corporations where multi-member wards are common, no major changes were made in Mumbai’s structure.

However, disputes have arisen in cities like Thane, Navi Mumbai, and Pune. In Navi Mumbai, the ward structure is seen as favoring Shinde’s Shiv Sena, which has upset a long-time rival. It has been said that the issue will be discussed with the Chief Minister.

In Pune, criticism has been voiced over the ward setup. In Pimpri-Chinchwad too, a rivalry is brewing, making the ward structure a key issue there.

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There are growing signs of tension, with expectations that the situation will be used to challenge a rival. The responsibility of resolving these internal disputes within the alliance now falls on the Chief Minister.

Brihan Municipal Corporation

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is the civic body that governs the city of Mumbai, India. Established in 1888, it is one of the wealthiest municipal corporations in the country and is responsible for the city’s civic infrastructure and administration. Its iconic headquarters, located in South Mumbai, is a historic Gothic-revival building completed in 1893.

Mumbai

Mumbai is a major port city on India’s west coast and the financial capital of the country. Historically a collection of seven islands, it was developed by the British East India Company and later became a hub for commerce and the Indian film industry, Bollywood.

Thane

Thane is a historic city in Maharashtra, India, located on the northeastern side of Mumbai. Its history dates back to the ancient era, as it was mentioned in the works of the Greek geographer Ptolemy and was an important port and trading center during the rule of the Silhara dynasty and later the Portuguese. Today, it is a major residential and commercial suburb of Mumbai, known for its lakes and growing urban landscape.

Navi Mumbai

Navi Mumbai (New Mumbai) is a planned satellite city of Mumbai, officially established in 1972 to ease population density and provide a systematic urban environment. It was developed from scratch by the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) on the mainland across Thane Creek. Today, it is a major modern residential and commercial hub, known for its organized sectors and urban planning.

Pune

Pune is a major city in the Indian state of Maharashtra, historically serving as the cultural and political capital of the Maratha Empire in the 17th and 18th centuries. It is renowned for its educational institutions, rich history, and as a center for classical music and arts. The city is also home to important landmarks like the Aga Khan Palace, where Mahatma Gandhi was imprisoned during the Indian independence movement.

Pimpri-Chinchwad

Pimpri-Chinchwad is a major industrial city and part of the Pune Metropolitan Region in Maharashtra, India. Historically a collection of villages, it grew rapidly in the latter half of the 20th century to become a hub for automobile, engineering, and pharmaceutical manufacturing. It is now officially known as the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation and is a key economic center.

Shiv Sena

Shiv Sena is a right-wing Marathi ethnocentric regional political party and organization in India, founded in 1966 by political cartoonist Bal Thackeray. It emerged from a movement advocating for the rights and employment opportunities for the native Marathi-speaking “sons of the soil” in the state of Maharashtra. Over its history, it has grown into a major political force, forming governments in Maharashtra and aligning itself with Hindu nationalist causes.