Ward committees play a crucial role in shaping hyperlocal governance in Mumbai, often serving as the first interface between corporators and residents on neighbourhood-level issues. (Express Photo by Akash Patil)A fortnight after electing chairpersons of its statutory committees, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is set to hold elections for chairpersons of its 17 ward committees on March 6 and 9. Wednesday marked the final day for filing nominations for the posts.Ward committees which function as key local decision-making bodies for civic works such as sanitation, road repairs and drainage projects comprise elected corporators from the wards falling under their jurisdiction. Each committee elects its chairperson from among its members, with the party or alliance commanding a majority in the panel typically securing the post.In the recently concluded BMC elections, the ruling Mahayuti alliance won 118 of the 227 seats, positioning it to secure a majority in most ward committees. Based on the current party strength, Mahayuti is expected to clinch chairperson posts in 10 committees — eight likely to go to the BJP and two to the Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction).The opposition is projected to secure the remaining posts, with Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Congress likely to bag two chairpersonships each, while the MNS and AIMIM are poised to get one each. A keen contest is expected in the committee covering S (Kanjurmarg, Bhandup) and T (Mulund) wards, where Mahayuti and opposition members are tied at 10 corporators each.The composition of ward committees is determined by a fixed proportional formula based on each party’s overall strength in the civic body, giving larger parties greater representation.Also Read | Mumbai’s flyovers nearly double in cost , two projects see 90%+ escalationFor instance, the C and D ward committee (Kalbadevi, Bhuleshwar, Malabar Hill, Grant Road) has nine members—seven from the BJP and one each from Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Shinde-led Sena—making it a near-certain gain for the BJP.Similarly, the K South and K North (Andheri East, Vile Parle), K West (Andheri West), P South (Goregaon), R South (Kandivali), R North and R Central (Dahisar, Borivali), M West (Chembur) and N (Ghatkopar) committees are expected to elect BJP chairpersons.Story continues below this adThe Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) is likely to secure F South and F North (Lalbaug, Sion, Antop Hill) and L ward (Kurla, Chandivali).The Shiv Sena (UBT) is poised to win G South (Worli, Parel)—where it holds six of seven seats—as well as H East and H West (Bandra East and West).In the A, B and E ward committee (Colaba, Churchgate, Dongri, Byculla), the opposition has the edge with 12 corporators—four each from the BJP and Congress, two from Sena (UBT), and one each from the Shinde Sena and Samajwadi Party—making a Congress chairperson likely. The P East and P North (Malad) panel is also expected to go to the Congress.The G North committee (Dadar, Mahim, Matunga) is set to elect an MNS chairperson.Story continues below this adSignificantly, the M East (Govandi, Mankhurd) committee is likely to see a chairperson from the AIMIM for the first time in the BMC’s history. The party, led by Asaduddin Owaisi, holds eight of the 15 seats in the panel, with the remaining seats split between the Shiv Sena, BJP and Sena (UBT).Ward committees play a crucial role in shaping hyperlocal governance in Mumbai, often serving as the first interface between corporators and residents on neighbourhood-level issues. With political equations sharply defined after the civic polls, the upcoming elections are expected to reinforce the Mahayuti’s dominance in the civic body while giving the opposition pockets of influence across select wards.Pratip Acharya is a seasoned journalist based in Mumbai reporting for The Indian Express. With a career spanning over a decade, his work demonstrates strong Expertise and Authority in critical urban issues, civic affairs, and electoral politics across Eastern and Western India. Expertise & Authority Current Role: Journalist, The Indian Express (IE), reporting from Mumbai. Core Authority: Pratip's reporting focuses sharply on local democracy and development, specializing in: Urban Governance and Civic Affairs: Providing in-depth analysis of municipal decision-making, city planning, and local infrastructure, essential for informed urban reporting. City Politics and Environment: Covering the political dynamics of Mumbai and surrounding areas, alongside critical environmental challenges impacting the metro region. Electoral Coverage (High-Stakes Experience): He has extensive experience in high-stakes political reporting, having covered major elections, establishing his Trustworthiness in political analysis: National: Lok Sabha elections in 2014 and 2019. State: West Bengal Assembly elections in 2016 and Maharashtra Assembly elections in 2019. Major Assignments (Ground Reporting): Pratip demonstrated commitment during crises by conducting ground reporting throughout the Covid-19 pandemic since its breakout in 2020, offering first-hand accounts and analysis of the public health crisis. Experience Extensive Experience: Starting his career in 2014, Pratip has built his foundation across multiple prominent English dailies: Started at The Times of India in Kolkata (2014). Relocated to Mumbai (2016) and worked with The Free Press Journal and Hindustan Times before joining The Indian Express. Pratip Acharya's diverse experience across major publications, coupled with his specialized focus on the intricate details of urban governance and a track record of covering major electoral and health crises, establishes him as a trusted and authoritative source for news from India's critical metropolitan centres. ... 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