Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed certainty in MahaYuti’s success in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, affirming that the next mayor of Mumbai will be a Marathi and a Hindu. Fadnavis dismissed criticisms suggesting the BJP lacks Marathi support, citing victories in three consecutive elections as evidence of Marathi voter backing. He asserted the BJP’s position as the leading party, emphasizing that both Marathi and non-Marathi citizens are valued voters.
Fadnavis took a swipe at the alliance between Raj and Uddhav Thackeray, humorously claiming credit for their unity, albeit too late to impact the polls. He contended that had the brothers united earlier, the election outcomes would have differed, highlighting a decrease in their combined vote share. Fadnavis suggested that the alliance has caused more confusion than strength among their grassroots workers.
Addressing Mumbai’s cultural essence, Fadnavis stressed the preservation of traditions amidst evolving demographics, particularly emphasizing the importance of maintaining events like Ganeshotsav. He reiterated the commitment to a Mayor from MahaYuti, underscoring the individual’s Hindu and Marathi identity. The upcoming elections witness a transformed political landscape, with the MNS and Shiv Sena forming an alliance supported by the NCP, while the Mahayuti comprises the BJP and Shiv Sena, and the NCP contests independently alongside the Congress-Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi partnership.
