Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena has relocated its 29 corporators to a five-star hotel in Mumbai to safeguard them from potential poaching ahead of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Mayor election. Despite the BJP-led alliance having a slight majority in the BMC poll results, Shiv Sena leader Thackeray hinted at a possible power shift.
Thackeray expressed the party’s aspiration for their Mayor to be appointed, suggesting a potential change in leadership. The Shiv Sena-UBT secured 65 seats, with additional seats won by other parties like Congress, MNS, NCP, and Samajwadi Party. The BJP, leading the Mahayuti alliance, aims to claim the Mayoral post with Shiv Sena’s support.
Thackeray’s remarks come ahead of discussions between BJP and Shiv Sena on their joint strategy for the Mayoral election. The parties, collectively surpassing the halfway mark in the 227-member BMC, are likely to negotiate the sharing of the Mayor’s term. The election is anticipated by the end of January, before the BMC Commissioner presents the annual budget.
Thackeray criticized the Mahayuti alliance’s tactics and alleged misuse of power to secure victory, emphasizing the loyalty of Shiv Sena’s core workers. He warned against compromising Mumbai’s interests to corporate entities, asserting that such actions would not be forgiven by the Marathi people.
