Rise of Family Politics in Mumbai's BMC Elections

The upcoming BMC elections in Mumbai have highlighted a significant trend towards family-oriented politics, with over 43 politicians securing nominations for their relatives. This shift raises questions about the influence of political dynasties in local governance. Key figures from various parties, including BJP, Congress, and Shiv Sena, are fielding family members, prompting discussions on meritocracy and the future of urban governance. As the campaign heats up, the prominence of these candidates is becoming a defining characteristic of the electoral landscape.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 2, 2026, 11:29 IST

Family Politics Takes Center Stage in BMC Elections

The upcoming elections for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) have witnessed a notable surge in family-oriented politics. With the nomination process closing for the elections scheduled on January 15, it has become evident that at least 43 politicians have secured tickets for their family members, raising new concerns about the growing influence of political dynasties in civic governance.

Political Dynasties and Ticket Distribution

In Mumbai, the allocation of tickets based on familial ties has been extensive in this election cycle. A minimum of 43 leaders have nominated their close relatives, including children, spouses, siblings, and other family members. Notable figures include BJP MLA Rahul Narwekar, who has secured three tickets for his family, Congress MLA Aslam Sheikh, also with three tickets, and former NCP MLA Nawab Malik, who falls into the same category.

Candidates from Political Families

Shiv Sena Shinde Faction

MP Ravindra Waikar's daughter, Deepti Waikar, is contesting from Ward 73 in Andheri East. Ravindra Waikar has previously served four terms as a BMC corporator, later becoming an MLA and now an MP.

MLA Dilip Lande has secured a ticket for his wife, Sheila Lande, from Ward 163.

Ashok Patil, the MLA from Bhandup, has his son, Rupesh Patil, contesting from Ward 113.

Senior leader and MLA Sada Sarvankar has secured tickets for his son, Samadhan, from Ward 194, and his daughter, Priya, from Ward 191.

BJP Candidates

Among the three tickets linked to Rahul Narwekar's family are his brother, Makrand Narwekar, contesting from Ward 226, his sister-in-law, Harshita Narwekar, from Ward 227, and his cousin, Dr. Gauravi Shivalkar, also from Ward 227.

Former MP Kirit Somaiya's son, Neel Somaiya, has already won unopposed from Mulund Ward 107, as the opposition candidate's nomination was rejected due to technical issues. BJP leader Praveen Darekar's brother, Prakash Darekar, is contesting from Ward 3.

Amit Satam, the BJP Mumbai president, has his brother-in-law contesting from Ward 68.

Congress Candidates

Congress has also nominated several family members of senior leaders.

Aslam Sheikh, the MLA from Malad, has secured tickets for his son, Haider Sheikh, from Ward 34, his sister, Kamar Jahan Siddiqui, from Ward 33, and his son-in-law, Saif Ahmed Khan, from Ward 62 in Andheri West.

Former minister Arif Naseem Khan's son, Amir Khan, is contesting from Ward 162 in Kurla.

Mohsin Haider's son, Sufiyan Haider, is running from Ward 65, while his wife, Mehr Haider, is contesting from Ward 66.

Former MP Chandrakant Handoore's daughter, Pragati, has been given a ticket from Ward 140.

Shiv Sena Uddhav Thackeray Faction

Current MLA Sanjay Dina Patil's daughter, Rajul, is contesting from Ward 114.

Former minister Sunil Prabhu's son, Ankit, is running from Ward 54.

MLA Manoj Jamsutkar's wife, Sonam, has been given a ticket from Ward 210.

Changing Dynamics in BJP

The BJP has long positioned itself against dynastic politics, but in this election, it has softened its stance in several instances. Relatives of leaders like Rahul Narwekar have been granted tickets, while some others were denied. Those who did not receive tickets include the brother of Minister Ashish Shelar, the daughter of MLA Manisha Chaudhary, the son of MLA Vidya Thakur, the son of MLC Rajhans Singh, and the daughter of former MLC Vijay Girkar.

Conclusion

As the election campaign intensifies, the prominence of family-based candidates has emerged as a defining feature of the BMC elections, sparking debates about merit, internal democracy, and the future direction of urban local governance.