WHAT THE BMC VERDICT MEANS

The results show that while Shiv Sena barely retained hold on its citadel, BJP had an impressive showing. The Congress, on the other hand, faced a near wipeout

1citadel Sena’s three decade hold on its

Mumbai has now weakened with ally Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) winning almost as many seats as the former in the country’s richest civic body. The Sena’s hold over the Marathi manoos vote bank is also slipping with BJP emerging as its big contender.

2 BJP’s score in Mumbai and a clear lead in seven other cities shows that it has captured the urban mandate in Maharashtra. The party has consolidated its 2014 assembly win and gained across all civic bodies. It also pocketed big wins in district councils polls that govern rural areas

3 The BJP’s win has come at the cost of the Congress followed by the Sena in Mumbai. On the whole, BJP has eaten into Congress space in all big cities where the latter now stands near decimated. Congress’ internal rivalries, poor discipline and organisational mess is at the root of its defeat in Mumbai

4 Demonetisation was not a factor in these polls with the country’s financial capital, most of the big cities and even rural areas not punishing the BJP for the decision. Maratha reservation, the other big issue that rocked Maharashtra last year, also did not have an impact in the polls

5 With BJP’s impressive performance, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis — who helmed his party’s campaigns — has consolidated his position in BJP as well as the state polity. BJP’s showing in the poll will give Fadnavis an upper hand with Sena chief Thackeray. The victory will also mean stability for his govt