The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) 2026  elections marked a significant setback for the Thackeray cousins, Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray, despite their much-anticipated political reunion. While the alliance was expected to consolidate Marathi votes and challenge the ruling dispensation, the results told a different story. From stalled infrastructure projects and civic mismanagement to a weak, late-starting campaign strategy, multiple factors contributed to their inability to connect with Mumbaikars. This explainer breaks down the key reasons why the Thackeray cousins failed to win the BMC elections 2026.

… and why the Thackeray cousins didn’t

1 Metro: Uddhav Thackeray and his son Aaditya have been accused of putting hurdles in the Metro project, resulting in delays and missing deadlines.