Following the announcement of results for 29 municipal corporations, the Shiv Sena expressed dissatisfaction with the BJP. While the BJP emerged victorious in 23 out of 29 cities, losing the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has sparked a contentious exchange of words. The BJP-led Mahayuti securing over 116 seats, guaranteeing a BJP Mayor for Mumbai, led to accusations against Chief Minister Eknath Shinde for allegedly betraying the Marathi community.
Senior leader and MP Sanjay Raut launched a strong verbal attack on Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde, likening him to the historical figure ‘Jaichand,’ known for betrayal in Indian history. Raut criticized Shinde, stating that if he had not betrayed, the BJP could not have achieved a Mayor in Mumbai even after multiple attempts. He drew parallels to historical events to emphasize his point.
Raut highlighted the significant opposition presence, noting that the BJP-Shinde alliance holds a narrow majority. He mentioned the strength of the opposition, including Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS, and their determination to resist any moves by the ruling coalition. The loss of the Mayoralty was described as a moment of sorrow for Maharashtra and the people of Mumbai.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) demonstrated its resolve to continue the battle by sharing an image of founder Balasaheb Thackeray on social media with a defiant message. The BJP-Mahayuti’s victory marks the end of the Thackeray family’s three-decade rule over the BMC, India’s wealthiest civic body. Despite the setback, the Shiv Sena (UBT) faction plans to leverage the “regional pride” narrative to strengthen its support base ahead of the 2029 Assembly elections.
By framing the BJP’s triumph as a corporate “takeover” of Mumbai by external forces with the help of local “traitors,” the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena aims to rally its supporters. As the BJP prepares for the Mayoral inauguration, the Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS are anticipated to collaborate closely in the opposition ranks.
