Two days after BJP corporator Ritu Tawde was elected unopposed as the Mayor of Mumbai, Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray criticized the new administration, calling it a “dark day” for the city. Thackeray alleged that the ruling party would prioritize industrial interests over those of Marathi people and facilitate land acquisitions by major businesses.
Thackeray’s party, through its mouthpiece Saamana, accused the BJP of securing power by dividing Marathi voters and spending exorbitant amounts to ensure a BJP Mayor. The editorial claimed that if Shiv Sena had control, they would have prevented the alleged exploitation of Mumbai. The editorial also criticized Mayor Ritu Tawade’s promises, questioning her ability to make the city pothole-free and corruption-free.
According to the Thackeray camp, the BJP Mayor’s agenda includes deporting Bangladeshi and Rohingya Muslims, despite the Modi government approving a substantial grant for Bangladeshi aid. The editorial highlighted the irony of seeking to deport Bangladeshi residents when the government has allocated funds for their assistance. The Shiv Sena further accused contractors linked to the “Gujarat lobby” of corruption during the administrator’s rule in Mumbai.
The editorial emphasized the need to expose corruption in the municipal treasury and suggested that the Mayor should address this issue. It also pointed out the significance of the nearly 100 opposition corporators in the municipal hall and the responsibility of protecting Mumbai’s Marathi identity. The editorial warned that those who have gained control with external support will face consequences in the future.
Reflecting on the historical shift in power, the Thackeray camp questioned why it took 42 years for a BJP corporator to become the Mayor of Mumbai. It raised concerns about the means through which the BJP secured the post and the division among Marathi people. The editorial highlighted the uniqueness of the Mumbai Mayor’s post and the implications of the recent election.
