Following the conclusion of civic elections earlier this week, the process of allotting party offices within the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation headquarters has been formally initiated by the civic administration. The allocation has been carried out on the basis of the numerical strength of political parties in the newly elected municipal House, marking the return of elected representatives to the administrative corridors of the civic body after nearly two years.
It has been confirmed that the Bharatiya Janata Party, having emerged as the single largest party with 89 seats, was the first to take possession of its allotted office. The space retained by the party is the same office it occupied during the 2017–2022 tenure and is located in the southern corridor of the old BMC building. The office is equipped with multiple work areas, a private cabin, a conference room, and a large meeting hall. Possession of the premises was formally taken following a religious ceremony attended by newly elected corporators and party workers.
Party offices inside the BMC headquarters had remained closed after the expiry of the elected body’s term in 2022. However, it was noted that the BJP office had been temporarily reopened last year when facilities were set up by the State Election Commission during preparations for the January civic polls. The continuity of usage was cited as one of the factors contributing to the party retaining the same office.
Adjacent office space has been earmarked for the two factions of the Shiv Sena. The premises, traditionally occupied by the undivided Shiv Sena for nearly two decades, are among the largest party offices within the civic headquarters. Civic officials stated that the large hall within the space would be divided to accommodate both factions, with each being allotted a private meeting room and a conference room. The Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction has emerged as the second-largest party with 65 seats, while the Eknath Shinde faction has secured 29 seats.
The Indian National Congress, which won 24 seats in the elections, has opted to continue functioning from its earlier office. It was stated that this decision was influenced by the presence of important documents already stored in the space and considerations related to safety, particularly for women corporators. Refurbishment work at the allotted premises is currently underway, and possession is expected to be taken next month.
In a significant development, the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen is set to receive an independent office within the BMC headquarters for the first time after securing eight seats and one nominated corporator. A small office on the ground floor of the old building is reportedly being prepared for the party. The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, which won six seats, is also expected to be allotted a separate but smaller office.