Resort Politics Ahead of Mumbai Mayor Election: Is Shinde’s Move Raising BJP’s Tensions?
Mumbai: Political activity has intensified over the post of Mayor in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Despite the Mahayuti alliance securing a simple majority in the civic polls, the name of the mayor and the power-sharing formula are yet to be finalised. In the midst of this uncertainty, a strategic move by the Shiv Sena led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has reportedly added to the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) unease.
According to sources, the Shinde faction has proposed a two-and-a-half-year power-sharing arrangement for the mayoral post. However, the Mumbai BJP president has denied any formal discussions on such a proposal, stating that no decision on sharing the term has been taken so far. The BJP has reiterated that coordination between Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Chief Minister Eknath Shinde remains strong, and that the mayor will be elected from within the Mahayuti alliance.
BJP the Largest Party, Shinde Camp Holds the Key
In the BMC elections, the BJP emerged as the single largest party with 89 councillors, while the Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde secured 29 seats. Although the BJP enjoys numerical superiority, the Shinde faction appears to be in a decisive position when it comes to forming the majority. This is why every political move by the Shinde camp is being closely watched.
Reports suggest that the BJP is keen to hold the mayoral election during Balasaheb Thackeray’s birth centenary year. However, the final call is expected to be taken by the party’s top leadership, as discussions among alliance partners in Maharashtra are still ongoing.
Hotel Politics Fuels Speculation
Political temperatures rose further after the Shinde faction shifted its 29 newly elected councillors to a luxury hotel following the announcement of the BMC results. The move is being seen both as a precaution against possible poaching and as a show of strength. It has once again brought the term “resort politics” into the spotlight.
Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) MP Sanjay Raut also took a swipe at the development, hinting at behind-the-scenes manoeuvring. The UBT camp has described the situation as a sign of power struggle and instability within the ruling alliance.
Uddhav Thackeray’s Jibe, Fadnavis’ Retort
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray remarked on Saturday that if “Dev” so wishes, even his party could get the mayor’s post. He further claimed that the Shinde faction was apprehensive about the possible poaching of its councillors by its ally, the BJP.
Responding to the comment in a lighter vein, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis quipped, “By ‘Dev’, do you mean me or God above?” He added, “I am also called Dev, so I was just asking.” Fadnavis went on to say, “God has already decided that the mayor will be from the Mahayuti alliance.”
What Lies Ahead?
For now, the suspense over Mumbai’s mayoral post continues. While the BJP is pressing its claim based on numerical strength, the Shinde-led Shiv Sena is leveraging its pivotal position to exert pressure. Amid resort politics, sharp political barbs and intense internal negotiations within the alliance, all eyes are now on the BJP high command, whose decision will ultimately determine who occupies Mumbai’s coveted mayoral chair.