Will the Congress Party Succeed in the Upcoming BMC Elections?
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Synopsis
As the BMC elections draw near, the Congress party expresses unwavering confidence in its performance. With a focus on development and a commitment to addressing citizens' concerns, can they win the trust of voters and secure a significant victory? Explore their manifesto and the sentiments driving this political shift.
Key Takeaways
- Congress expresses confidence in upcoming BMC elections.
- Focus on welfare with a detailed manifesto.
- Public sentiment shifting towards the Congress.
- Key issues include clean water and permanent jobs.
- Polling day is set for January 15, 2026.
Mumbai, Jan 12 (NationPress) As the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections approach, the Congress party has expressed a strong sense of optimism regarding its performance, asserting that it anticipates a favorable outcome in the forthcoming civic elections.
This statement follows the release of the Mumbai Congress's manifesto for the BMC Elections 2026 on January 6.
The manifesto outlines various welfare and development initiatives, such as measures to enhance the city’s air quality and the implementation of universal health cards, which would offer residents free medications.
Congress leader Udit Raj told IANS that public sentiment is shifting towards the Congress as people grow disillusioned with politics rooted in religious division.
“The public desires the Congress. This is my personal observation, and I am assured that the results will be promising. Conducting elections on communal lines is an outdated strategy of the BJP and Shiv Sena,” he remarked.
He further indicated that the social landscape of Maharashtra has evolved.
“Today, the population is diverse. The crucial question is what benefits they receive in return. If the BMC fails to deliver clean drinking water and quality roads, and if thousands of workers remain in temporary positions, then people will seek alternatives. That’s why I believe the Congress will excel this time,” Raj stated.
Another Congress figure, Sachin Sawant, mirrored these sentiments, emphasizing the party’s commitment to development over divisive politics.
“We have established our slogan, ‘Vivaad nahi, Vikas chahiye’. The Congress is advocating for development, while others incite conflicts based on religion, caste, and regional language. We do not anticipate any constructive contributions from them,” he conveyed to IANS.
Maharashtra will hold elections for its BMC corporators on January 15. A total of 1,729 candidates are vying for votes across 227 wards, with results for this affluent civic body set to be revealed on January 16.
The Maharashtra government has announced a public holiday for the polling day, as simultaneous elections for 29 municipal corporations, including the BMC, are taking place statewide.
The previous BMC elections occurred in 2017, and the corporation's term concluded on March 7, 2022. Since then, the civic body has been managed by an appointed administrator. The official election process commenced with notifications issued in December 2025.
The State Election Commission disclosed on December 15, 2025, that voting would proceed in a single phase on January 15, 2026, from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm. More than 1.03 crore voters are eligible to participate across all 227 wards under the Model Code of Conduct.
Point of View
The Congress party's emphasis on development over religious or caste-based politics is a critical shift in Maharashtra's electoral dynamics. As voters increasingly seek accountability and results from their civic bodies, the Congress appears to be positioning itself as a viable alternative amidst growing public discontent with traditional political narratives.
NationPress
13/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key promises in the Congress manifesto?
The Congress manifesto outlines several initiatives, including improving air quality and providing universal health cards for free medications.
When are the BMC elections scheduled?
The BMC elections are scheduled for January 15, 2026.
How many candidates are contesting the BMC elections?
A total of 1,729 candidates are contesting across 227 wards.
What is the significance of the Congress party's slogan?
The slogan ‘Vivaad nahi, Vikas chahiye’ emphasizes a focus on development rather than divisive politics.
Why is the public holiday declared on polling day?
A public holiday has been declared to facilitate voting, as elections for multiple municipal corporations are taking place.
