Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Jan 9: Several prominent candidates contesting the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections 2026, including former Mumbai mayor Kishori Pednekar, have reported a substantial increase in their assets over the past seven years, according to affidavits submitted to the State Election Commission.
As many as 1,700 candidates are in the fray for the 227 wards of the BMC, with polling scheduled for January 15. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and former mayor Kishori Pednekar, contesting from Lower Parel’s ward number 199, has declared assets worth Rs 5.26 crore, marking a steep 226 per cent increase from Rs 1.61 crore in 2017. Her affidavit shows immovable assets worth Rs 4.69 crore and movable assets amounting to Rs 57 lakh. Pednekar served as Mumbai mayor between 2019 and 2022.
Political activity has intensified across Maharashtra as campaigning for civic body elections gathers pace. Major parties including the BJP, Shiv Sena and Congress are actively mobilising workers, finalising strategies and trading sharp allegations.
In a significant political development, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray announced that he would share the stage with Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray at a joint election rally in Thane on January 12.
Meanwhile, preparations are underway to ensure smooth conduct of polling, with the Election Commission finalising logistics and security arrangements. Counting of votes will take place on January 16.
In another major development, 12 suspended Congress councillors from the Ambernath municipal council joined the BJP on Thursday in the presence of state BJP chief Ravindra Chavan. This came a day after Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that the BJP would not enter into an alliance with the Congress in Ambernath.
The Nationalist Congress Party has released its manifesto for the BMC polls, promising inclusive development, transparent governance and major infrastructure upgrades to transform Mumbai into a global city. The party has pledged to construct 500 km of new roads over the next five years, strengthen bridges and flyovers, introduce AI-based traffic management systems and create new economic hubs across key parts of the city.
The Mumbai Congress has also unveiled its manifesto, focusing on improving air quality and introducing a universal health card to provide free medicines to residents.
Voting for the BMC elections will be held on January 15 from 7.30 am to 5.30 pm across all 227 wards. The civic polls will also cover elections to 20 other municipal corporations across Maharashtra, making it one of the largest local body election exercises in the state.