MNS chief Raj Thackeray, following the recent Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) election results, adopted a defiant stance, urging his newly elected corporators to transform municipal houses into 'battlegrounds'. He called for a strong opposition against what he termed the 'rule of money power' and policies perceived as detrimental to Marathi interests. This declaration came after the MNS recorded a performance below expectations in the high-stakes civic polls. The Mahayuti alliance, comprising the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, achieved a significant victory, ending the undivided Shiv Sena's long-standing dominance in Mumbai's civic body. The MNS secured six seats in the BMC elections, results of which were declared around January 16-17, 2026. Thackeray congratulated MNS and Shiv Sena corporators, noting the elections were challenging and a 'battle between the power of wealth and power' against 'Shiv Shakti'. He emphasized that while the party faced a setback, they are not discouraged and will continue their fight for Marathi people, language, identity, and a prosperous Maharashtra. This political development underscores the ongoing power dynamics in Maharashtra's civic governance following the municipal elections.