Historic Numbers, Muted Mood: BJP Reassesses Strategy After BMC Results

Mumbai: BJP had created a record of becoming the largest party by winning 89 seats in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. This was the best performance of any single party since 2002. Despite this, there was no celebratory atmosphere within the party. The state leadership found the results to be lower than expected and internally it was considered “far short of target”. The big strategy that the party had made regarding Mumbai could not be completely successful.

Why is BJP not happy even after a record victory?

According to party sources, the aim was not just to become number one, but to gain a clear lead by winning more than 110 seats. The leadership was confident that this time close to half the figure could be reached. But after the results came out, it became clear that the party lagged far behind its own set standards.

Did the politics of seat sharing spoil the mathematics?

Before finalizing the alliance with Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena, BJP was preparing to contest more than 150 seats. After talks, Shinde faction got 91 seats, and the BJP got 137 seats. After this, the party reduced the target to 110 seats, but ultimately stopping at 89 proved to be a big setback for the leadership.

Where did the mistake happen at the ground level in Mumbai?

Senior party leaders say that lack of coordination was clearly visible in the city unit. There was also dissatisfaction regarding the selection of candidates. A leader admitted that before the elections, the party had about 93 existing councilors including the councilors from other parties, but that number could not be maintained. Many workers, angry at not getting tickets, also showed laxity in the campaign.

Has the issue of 'Marathi identity' become overshadowed?

Raj and Uddhav Thackeray strongly raised the issue of Marathi identity and “Save Mumbai” in the last round of elections. The Shivaji Park rally and attacks on corporate houses changed the atmosphere. BJP strategists believe that this narrative could not be answered in time, due to which the traditional Marathi voter was lost.

What was the response of the leadership?

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has expressed displeasure to the Mumbai unit over the results. However, publicly he defended the performance of the alliance and said that Mahayuti had won more than 100 seats and lost by very small margins in many places. He also said that the Uddhav Thackeray group benefited the most in this entire equation.

What will be the further strategy?

Within BJP this is being seen more as a warning than a victory. The party is now talking about strengthening the organization, building better coordination with allies and preparing more effective strategies on local issues, so that next time the picture in Mumbai will be different.