The Republican Party of India (Athawale faction) has announced its own list of candidates for the upcoming 2026 Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, marking a significant political development ahead of the civic polls. The party’s decision to go solo comes amid growing tensions within the Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra.
Fallout Over Seat-Sharing Triggers Solo Contest
RPI chief and Union minister Ramdas Athawale expressed strong displeasure after the party was excluded from the seat-sharing arrangement finalised between the BJP and the Shiv Sena (Shinde group). Athawale termed the exclusion a betrayal of trust, stating that prior discussions on seat allocation were not honoured by alliance partners. With the nomination deadline approaching rapidly, the party decided not to wait further and opted to contest the Mumbai civic elections independently.
Focus on Ambedkarite Support Base in Mumbai
The RPI Athawale group has strategically chosen to contest in wards where it believes it has strong grassroots support, particularly among the Ambedkarite community. Party leaders indicated that the decision reflects confidence in their traditional voter base and an effort to strengthen the party’s independent political identity in Mumbai’s local governance.
Thirty-Nine Candidates Fielded Across Mumbai Wards
The party has fielded a total of 39 candidates across various municipal wards in Mumbai. Among the prominent names announced are Sneha Siddharth Kasare from Ward 186, Robinson Maran Nayagam from Ward 188, Bapusaheb Yohan Kale from Ward 181, Sachinbhai Mohite from Ward 200, Diksha Gaikwad from Ward 152, Jyoti Jekte from Ward 155, Nilima Mankar from Ward 198, Vinodkumar Sahu from Ward 223 and Radha Ashok Yadav from Ward 39. Several other candidates have also been nominated, taking the total to thirty-nine.
Political Signals Ahead of Civic Polls
The independent move by the RPI Athawale faction is being viewed as an important signal ahead of the high-stakes BMC elections. Political observers believe the decision could impact vote-sharing equations in select wards, especially those with a sizable Dalit and Ambedkarite electorate. As campaigning gathers momentum, the party is expected to project itself as a voice of social justice and local representation outside the dominant alliance framework.
Mumbai Civic Elections Set for Intense Contest
With major parties and alliances preparing for a fierce electoral battle, the entry of RPI as an independent contender adds another layer of complexity to the Mumbai civic polls. The coming weeks are likely to see sharper political exchanges, as smaller allies reassess their positions and voters weigh multiple options in one of India’s most closely watched municipal elections.
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