The Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai, also known as Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), is considered one of the largest and most influential local self-governments not only in India but also in Asia. Established in 1865, the importance of BMC is always highlighted due to its administration, financial capacity, and impact on governance. BMC is one of the richest municipal corporations in the country. With an impressive budget of approximately 74,000 crore rupees presented annually, BMC is directly compared to some small states. BMC has more funds available than the annual budgets of states like Goa, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh, which demonstrates the financial strength of this municipal corporation.
BMC is included among the local bodies that collect the most taxes in the country. The main and stable source of the corporation's income is 'property tax'. BMC receives significant revenue from this tax levied on residential, commercial, and industrial properties. In addition, the corporation also earns income from water charges, drainage fees, licenses, construction fees, advertisement tax, and various services. With this immense financial strength, BMC fulfills the responsibility of essential services such as roads, water supply, sewage systems, health services, education, public transport, and disaster management in Mumbai city. Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, the role played by BMC became a topic of discussion at the national level.
Who will control the power of the BMC, which manages the administration of Mumbai, the financial capital, holds immense political significance. The Mumbai municipal election is not just a local self-government election but a factor affecting the politics of the state and the country. Against the backdrop of changing political equations today, who comes to power in the BMC will determine the speed, policies, and direction of Mumbai's future development and administration. Therefore, the Mumbai municipality is called the largest and most influential municipality in India.