The race for control of India's richest municipal corporation, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), is seeing a pronounced trend of political nepotism. With the nomination process concluding on Tuesday, December 31, 2025, a new generation from established political families is set to make its electoral debut in the polls scheduled for January 15.
A Legacy of Tickets: Sena and Congress Bet on Family Names
The Shiv Sena, under Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's faction, has fielded Deepti Waikar, daughter of MP Ravindra Waikar. She will contest from Ward No. 73 in Andheri East, a seat previously held by the undivided Sena's Pravin Shinde. Ravindra Waikar's political journey includes four terms as a corporator from 1992 to 2012, an MLA stint from Jogeshwari in 2009, and his recent election as MP from Mumbai North West in 2024.
Meanwhile, the Congress party is heavily relying on the family network of MLA Aslam Shaikh from Malad. The party has issued tickets to three of his relatives. His son, Haider, will contest from Ward No. 34, while his sister, Qamar Jahan Siddique, will run from Ward No. 33. Furthermore, Shaikh's son-in-law, Saif Ahad Khan, has been nominated from Ward No. 62 in Andheri West. This constituency, with a significant minority population, is considered a Congress stronghold.
The Congress's dynastic push extends further. It has given a ticket to Aamir, son of former state minister Aarif Naseem Khan, from Ward No. 162 in Kurla. Additionally, the party nominated Sufiyan, son of former corporator Mohsin Haider, from Ward No. 65, and Haider's wife, Meher, from the adjacent Ward No. 66.
BJP's Contrasting Strategy: Denying Tickets to Kin
In a notable departure from its rivals, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has denied tickets to several candidates from political families. This list includes Vinod Shelar (brother of minister Ashish Shelar), Ankita Chaudhary (daughter of MLA Manisha Chaudhary), Deepak Thakur (son of MLA Vidya Thakur), Nitesh Singh (son of MLC Rajhans Singh), and Kran Girkar (daughter of former MLC Vijay Girkar).
Political Calculus: Captive Voters and Legacy Building
Political observers see this trend as a calculated strategy. Surendra Jondhale, a noted political analyst, explained that fielding family members helps politicians leverage their existing captive voter base. Voters often find it easier to identify with a known political heir than a fresh face, increasing the party's chances of retaining the seat.
"Politicians are also aspirational. They want to keep their political legacy alive by promoting their own family members, effectively leveraging the established voter connection," Jondhale stated. However, party officials defend the decisions. A senior Congress member claimed tickets were distributed based on political merit and acumen, following a screening committee process that interviewed all aspirants.
The elections for all 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra, including the crucial BMC, will be held on January 15, 2025. The counting of votes is scheduled for the following day, January 16, which will determine whether the bet on political dynasties pays off for the contesting parties.
