Who will be Mumbai’s next Mayor? Uddhav says Shinde camp ‘scared’ as hotel politics begins

Mumbai: The battle for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Mayor’s post has intensified after the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena shifted its newly elected corporators to a luxury hotel in Bandra, triggering sharp political reactions from Uddhav Thackeray.

Calling the move a sign of fear, Thackeray said the ruling alliance was worried about internal defections and possible poaching.

“Those who had once abandoned a party can do it again,” Thackeray said, referring to the 2022 split in the Shiv Sena.

BJP-Shinde alliance wins majority in BMC polls

The BJP-Shinde Sena alliance secured a clear majority in the 227-member BMC, with the BJP winning 89 seats and the Shinde faction 29 seats. The Shiv Sena (UBT) emerged as the second-largest party with 65 seats.

A senior leader from the Shinde camp said corporators were moved to the hotel to “refresh” after a hectic election season, while another functionary said they would undergo “orientation” and stay there for a few days.

‘If God wills, Shiv Sena (UBT) will get Mayor’: Uddhav

Speaking to party workers earlier, Thackeray said it was his dream to install a Shiv Sena (UBT) Mayor in Mumbai.

“Returning to power is our dream, and with God’s will, it will be fulfilled,” he said, adding that the BJP had failed to finish off his party despite ruling the BMC for 25 years.

Reacting to the comment, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis joked, “What does 'Deva' mean? Me or God? Because I am also called Deva (Deva Bhau)”, before adding that the “Mahayuti alliance” would form the next civic body leadership.

Opposition claims numbers still in play

Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut said the opposition still has strength in the civic body.

“We can topple them from the chair anytime, but we respect democracy,” he said.

In the elections, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) won six seats, Congress-VBA alliance 24, AIMIM eight, NCP three, Samajwadi Party two, and NCP (SP) one.