The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections are finally set to take place in Mumbai this Thursday. As political parties compete for control, a new trend has emerged: the number of independent candidates has declined significantly compared to the previous civic polls.
A research study conducted after the 2017 civic polls by Sanjay Patil revealed the trend. His research report, 'Contesting Municipal Elections: Motivations and Strategy', under the guidance of Mumbai University professor Surendra Jondhale, says that since 2012, there has been a decline in the number of independent candidates.
In the 2012 BMC elections, the independents accounted for 40.97 per cent of all contestants. While the figure declined to 30.67 in 2017. However, Patil noted that there has been a slight rise in the 2026 elections as the figure became 32.8 per cent.
Why is there a decline in independent candidates?
The civic polls have become extremely competitive, requiring huge financial and organisational resources. Since most candidates are managed by political parties, the financial aspect is taken care of. "Elections today demand huge resources, which genuine independents often lack," Patil told Hindustan Times.
Now, the independent candidates mainly fall under the rebel category, who seek party tickets but contest as independents after being denied a ticket. Aspirants who fail to secure tickets from any party and those fielded strategically by political parties also contest the polls as independents.
BJP leaders, including Divya Dhole from Versova (ward 60), Nehal Amar Shah from Matunga (ward 177), and Janhvi Rane from Abhyudaya Nagar (ward 205), are contesting the polls as independents as they were denied tickets. Sena (UBT) leader (Sewri ward 202) is contesting polls as a rebel in this year's polls.
The elections held after a gap of nine years are also a significant factor to be noted. Revolts within the parties occurred due to this.
Patil stressed that the high cost of campaigning remains a key deterrent for independents.
The polls is to be held across 227 wards, with 1,700 candidates in the fray. The Mahayuti and Maha Vikas Aghadi are battling for control in several corporations, while the Opposition alliance is also hoping to put up a spirited fight.