MUMBAI: In the days leading up to the nomination deadline for the BMC polls, the frenzy for tickets was unmistakable. From political heavyweights pushing family members into the fray, to grassroots karyakartas staking their claim, and recent turncoats seeking immediate political rehabilitation, every party saw intense pressure to accommodate aspirants.The numbers reflect this scramble. For the 227 seats on offer, 2,516 candidates filed nomination forms, of which 2,122—nearly 84% of the total—were filed on the final day, December 30, clearly pointing at both the high stakes and last-minute negotiations that defined this election cycle.
TOI spoke to senior politicians, election analysts and political researchers to understand what is driving candidates to the contest beyond sheer political ambition.
Sanjay Patil, research assistant, department of civics and politics, University of Mumbai; who authored a report ‘Contesting municipal elections-Motivations & Strategies (A Study of BMC election 2012 And 2017),’ points to a convergence of political and economic factors driving the unprecedented scramble for tickets this time.“Municipal elections in Mumbai are taking place after a gap of nine years, which makes them crucial entry points into formal politics for many aspirants,” Patil said. “Additionally, splits within major political parties such as the Shiv Sena and NCP have sharply expanded political ambition, with more factions and claimants seeking space.”Patil added that Mumbai’s evolving political economy has further fuelled the rush. “Over the past two decades, redevelopment and cluster development have significantly altered the city’s power structure. Control over municipal decision-making offers access to policy, resources and influence, making the civic body an attractive platform for those looking to advance both political and personal agendas,” he said.His research also revealed a gender dynamic. According to Patil, several male politicians strategically marry women with Other Backward Class (OBC) certificates to enable their wives to contest from reserved wards. “Even today, it remains difficult for women to break into the electoral fray independently,” he said. “Reservation offers them an entry point, but it also compels them to prepare, perform and prove themselves at the same electoral level once elected.”Other analysts pointed out that several heavyweight politicians have secured tickets for family members as a way of safeguarding and extending their political legacy. The latest round of ticket distribution, they said, clearly reflects a preference across parties for keeping power concentrated within political families.“Across party lines, the message is clear: leaders want their homes to remain power centres,” said political analyst Surendra Jondhale. “Fielding family members is a way of ensuring continued representation and influence within the municipal corporation.”Jondhale added that holding an elected position also brings an informal layer of protection and access. “Corporators are in constant touch with multiple power centres—from the police and wardlevel municipal machinery to, in some cases, city-level authorities. For prominent corporators, this access significantly strengthens their political leverage,” he said.A senior BJP leader said the party’s strong electoral performance in recent years has further fuelled the rush to contest civic polls, with many aspirants viewing this as the most opportune moment to enter the fray.“Our strike rate in successive elections has been exceptionally high, which has encouraged not just party workers but also leaders from other parties to join us with the expectation of securing a ticket,” the leader said.He added that ticket distribution, however, was far from automatic. “The party conducted internal surveys and sought detailed feedback from core committee members at multiple levels before finalising candidates. Those who failed to perform in the previous election were denied tickets this time,” the leader said, underscoring the BJP’s emphasis on winnability and performance.
