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MNS Suffers Major Setback in Civic Polls, Fails to Win Double Digits in Mumbai

The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has suffered a severe electoral setback in the recent municipal corporation elections. The party failed to win a significant number of seats in the crucial Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, falling far short of its past performances. Its influence has also waned dramatically in other key urban centers like Pune, Nashik, and Thane. Analysts attribute the poor showing to a failed vote-transfer pact with the Shiv Sena and the party's core issues being co-opted by larger rivals.

Key Points: MNS Loses Ground in Maharashtra Civic Elections

  • MNS fails to reach double digits in BMC
  • Loses ground in 22 of 29 civic bodies
  • Thackeray reunion fails to transfer votes
  • Party marginalized in former stronghold Nashik
2 min read

Setback for MNS as it loses ground in 22 civic bodies, fails to reach double-digits in Mumbai

Raj Thackeray's MNS faces a severe electoral setback, failing to reach double digits in Mumbai's BMC and losing influence in 22 civic bodies.

"failed to make a significant impact across the state - analysis"

Mumbai, Jan 16

The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, led by Raj Thackeray, has faced a severe electoral setback in the municipal corporation elections. Despite a high-profile "Thackeray Reunion" campaign and a strategic alliance with the Shiv Sena, the party has failed to make a significant impact across the state.

According to the latest results and trends, the MNS has struggled to retain its influence in urban pockets that were once considered its strongholds. The party has suffered defeats or failed to secure a meaningful presence in 22 of the 29 municipal corporations that went to the polls.

In the high-stakes Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the MNS has failed to reach double digits. Early tallies indicate the party has secured only a handful of seats, falling significantly short of its 2017 and 2012 benchmarks.

Analysts suggest that the tactical alliance between the Thackeray brothers (Uddhav and Raj) failed to result in a seamless transfer of votes. While the Marathi vote consolidated in some wards, it was not enough to counter the Mahayuti (BJP-Shinde Sena) wave. Beyond Mumbai, the party's performance in key cities like Pune, Nashik and Thane has been described as underwhelming.

In Nashik -- where the MNS once held the Mayor's post -- the party has been pushed to the margins, with most seats being split between the BJP and the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction). Political observers note that this result puts a major question mark on the future trajectory of the MNS.

The party's traditional "Marathi Manoos" and "aggressive Hindutva" plank appears to have been absorbed by the two Shiv Sena factions and the BJP.

Having been out of power in major civic bodies for a decade, the party faced significant challenges in matching the high-decibel campaigns of the ruling Mahayuti alliance.

While Raj Thackeray has yet to make an official statement on the final results, party insiders suggest a "deep internal review" is likely.

Senior MNS leaders have hinted at a legal challenge regarding the "marker pen" controversy, alleging that the voting process in several close-contest wards was compromised.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Very disappointing. I had hopes from the Thackeray reunion. But it seems voters want clear leadership and a development agenda, not just emotional appeals. The marker pen issue needs a proper investigation though! 🖊️
A
Aman W
Nashik results are the real shocker. From having the Mayor to being marginalised... that's a steep fall. It shows local governance matters more than big names. BMC was always a tough fight, but losing ground everywhere else is a clear message.
S
Sarah B
As an observer, the MNS campaign felt loud but hollow. Where was the concrete plan for Mumbai's infrastructure, waste management, or flooding? Aggressive politics without administrative vision doesn't work in civic polls. Respectfully, they need to build from the ground up.
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Vikram M
The BJP-Shinde Sena machinery was just too strong. MNS couldn't match their resources or grassroots network. Also, the Marathi vote is no longer a monolith. People are looking at performance, not just sentiment. Tough days ahead for Raj Saheb.
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Kavya N
Maybe it's for the best. We need parties that focus on real issues like roads, water, and schools for *all* Mumbaikars, not just divisive politics. Hope this result leads to more constructive opposition. 🤞

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