January 13, 2026: As Mumbai prepares to vote in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections, BJP city president and MLA Ameet Satam has expressed confidence that the Mahayuti alliance will secure the mayor’s post. With the civic polls just a day away, the focus is on control of India’s richest municipal body, which has an annual budget of about Rs 75,000 crore. While the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena are contesting amid political pressure, the BJP has intensified its campaign, projecting infrastructure development, security and an anti-corruption plank.
Satam, who has toured constituencies across Mumbai, said public sentiment, particularly among young voters, reflects approval of changes witnessed over the past decade. “There is a strong sentiment among the people, particularly among youngsters, that the city has witnessed a decisive transformation over the last 11 years,” he said, pointing to projects such as Atal Setu, Metro corridors, the Coastal Road, CCTV surveillance and redevelopment initiatives. He also referred to what he described as public dissatisfaction with the BMC’s past record, alleging corruption and inefficiency over 25 years.
Outlining the party’s priorities, Satam said, “Our agenda is enhanced security, speedy development and corruption-free governance.” He argued that Mumbai’s civic body currently suffers from a credibility gap, adding that voters expect the BJP-led alliance to address issues such as potholes, garbage and administrative inefficiency.
Responding to claims by Sena (UBT) and MNS leaders about threats to the Marathi manoos, Satam said redevelopment projects were aimed at retaining Marathi families in the city. “Already, 1,000 Marathi families have got their homes, and 14,000 homes are under construction,” he said, citing projects such as Worli BDD chawl and Abhyuday Nagar.
On divisive rhetoric, Satam criticised attempts to polarise voters. “He is trying to create a divide in society for political gains,” he said, referring to recent remarks by Raj Thackeray. Addressing concerns over illegal immigration, Satam claimed authorities had deported over 1,000 illegal immigrants and would use technology to strengthen enforcement.
On leadership within the alliance, he said, “It really doesn’t matter which party the mayor will be from. The next mayor of Mumbai will be from the Mahayuti, a Mumbaikar and a Marathi.”
