Civic Polls Countdown Begins In Maharashtra, But Alliances Still A Work In Progress | Elections News

Final alliance announcements and last-minute adjustments are expected to shape the electoral narrative. (PTI)

With the nomination process beginning on Tuesday, the political temperature in Maharashtra has risen sharply ahead of the 2026 Municipal Corporation elections. Polls will be held simultaneously for 29 civic bodies across the state, setting the stage for what is expected to be a closely fought contest. Nominations will be accepted until December 30, followed by scrutiny on December 31. Candidates can withdraw their papers till January 2, while the final list of candidates along with election symbols will be published on January 3. Voting is scheduled for January 15, with counting and results to be declared the very next day on January 16.

Despite the tight schedule and just 23 days left for polling, political clarity on alliances remains elusive. Neither the ruling Mahayuti nor the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi has made a comprehensive, official announcement on seat-sharing arrangements. This uncertainty has kept party cadres and aspirants on edge, particularly in key urban centres where margins are expected to be narrow and local equations crucial.

In Mumbai and several other major cities, indications suggest that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde are likely to contest together. However, Pune could witness a straight contest between the BJP and the Nationalist Congress Party led by Ajit Pawar faction, making it one of the most keenly watched battlegrounds. Thane district, which has the highest number of municipal corporations at six, remains a sensitive zone. Here, negotiations between the BJP and the Shinde-led Shiv Sena are still marked by tension, with both sides pushing hard for favourable seat distribution.

On the opposition side, attention is firmly on the proposed alliance between the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena. Talks between Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray are said to be in the final stages, though an official announcement is still awaited. Sources indicate that a long-pending deadlock over three wards in Sewri has been resolved, with two seats going to the Thackeray-led Sena and one to the MNS. However, negotiations remain tense in areas like Bhandup’s Ward No. 114, where both parties are keen to field candidates.

Adding further context to the unfolding political scenario, party leaders across formations are now racing against time to firm up candidate lists and manage internal dissent. In several municipal corporations, hopefuls have already begun filing nominations as independents, keeping their options open amid uncertainty over official party tickets. Senior leaders are expected to step in over the next few days to prevent rebellion and ensure damage control at the local level. Meanwhile, election machinery has swung into action, with the State Election Commission directing district administrations to ensure smooth conduct of polls amid heightened political activity. With urban issues such as infrastructure, water supply, transport and redevelopment dominating voter concerns, parties are aware that alliance arithmetic alone may not be enough, and credible local faces could prove decisive on polling day.

As the nomination window opens, the coming days will be crucial. Final alliance announcements and last-minute adjustments are expected to shape the electoral narrative, even as voters prepare for a decisive round of civic polls across Maharashtra.