MUMBAI, India — The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the governing civic body of Mumbai, has operated without a mayor for nearly four years, a situation that has raised questions about governance and accountability in one of India’s largest cities. The absence of a mayor stems from a series of delayed elections, which have left the BMC functioning under the supervision of a municipal commissioner and a caretaker administration.
The BMC, which is responsible for the city’s infrastructure, public health, and urban planning, has been without a mayor since February 2020. The last mayor, from the Shiv Sena party, completed their term, but subsequent elections have been postponed multiple times due to political disputes and legal challenges. The most recent delay was attributed to a Supreme Court ruling regarding the delimitation of wards, which is a process that involves redrawing the boundaries of electoral districts to ensure fair representation.
The implications of operating without a mayor are significant. The mayor traditionally plays a crucial role in setting the agenda for the BMC, representing the city in various forums, and leading the council in decision-making. Without a mayor, the BMC has relied heavily on the municipal commissioner, an appointed bureaucrat, to manage day-to-day operations. Critics argue that this arrangement has led to a lack of political accountability and diminished public engagement in local governance.
The BMC’s situation is not unique to Mumbai; it reflects broader issues within Maharashtra’s political landscape. The state has experienced a tumultuous political environment, particularly following the split of the Shiv Sena party in 2022, which resulted in a power struggle between factions. This internal conflict has contributed to the delay in local body elections across the state, including in Mumbai.
In the absence of a mayor, the BMC has continued to function, albeit with challenges. The municipal commissioner, currently I.S. Chahal, has been tasked with overseeing essential services such as waste management, water supply, and urban development projects. However, the lack of a mayor has led to concerns about the effectiveness of governance, as decisions may lack the political backing that a mayor would typically provide.
The BMC’s operations during this period have included several key initiatives. The corporation has focused on infrastructure development, including road repairs and public transportation improvements. Additionally, the BMC has been involved in managing the COVID-19 pandemic response, which included vaccination drives and public health campaigns. However, the absence of a mayor has meant that these initiatives have often been viewed through a bureaucratic lens rather than a politically driven one.
The delay in elections has also sparked public discontent. Citizens have expressed frustration over the lack of representation and the inability to hold elected officials accountable. Local activists and opposition parties have called for immediate elections, arguing that the democratic process must be restored to ensure that the voices of Mumbai’s residents are heard.
As of December 2025, the Maharashtra government has announced that elections for the BMC will be held in early 2026, following the completion of the delimitation process. This announcement has been met with cautious optimism from various stakeholders, who hope that the return of elected officials will reinvigorate local governance and restore public trust in the BMC.
The implications of these upcoming elections extend beyond the BMC itself. They are seen as a litmus test for the political landscape in Maharashtra, particularly for the ruling coalition and opposition parties. The outcome of the elections could influence the balance of power in the state assembly and shape future governance strategies.
In conclusion, the BMC’s operation without a mayor for nearly four years highlights significant challenges in local governance and the importance of timely elections in a democratic society. As Mumbai prepares for its upcoming elections, the focus will be on restoring political accountability and ensuring that the needs of its residents are prioritized in the decision-making process. The situation serves as a reminder of the critical role that local governance plays in the lives of citizens and the necessity of maintaining democratic processes at all levels of government.
