Resort politics has made a comeback in Mumbai after the BJP’s strongest-ever performance in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, even as the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) reels from a major setback in its traditional stronghold. With the results out, the political spotlight has shifted to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde.
The BJP emerged as the single largest party with 89 seats in the 227-member civic body, while the Shinde-led Shiv Sena secured 29 wards. Together, the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance crosses the majority mark of 114 with 118 seats. Ajit Pawar’s NCP, which won three seats, is expected to back the ruling Mahayuti.
On the Opposition benches, the Sena (UBT) won 65 seats, the Congress 24, MNS six, AIMIM eight, NCP (Sharad Pawar) one, and the Samajwadi Party two taking the combined tally to 106, still eight short of a majority. Though a united Opposition remains unlikely, the narrow gap has fuelled fears of defections.
Against this backdrop, the Shinde camp shifted its corporators to a luxury hotel, triggering intense speculation. While officially seen as a move to prevent horse-trading, political circles suggest the real tension may be within the ruling alliance itself over the mayor’s post.
The BJP is keen to install its own mayor to underline its dominance, while Shinde is under pressure to retain the post, long held by the Sena, to protect Bal Thackeray’s legacy. Having already given up the chief minister’s chair after last year’s Assembly polls, losing the BMC mayoralty would be another symbolic blow for Shinde.
Sensing an opening, the Sena (UBT) fired a challenge through its mouthpiece Saamana, reminding that “Shiv Sena has given Mumbai 23 Marathi mayors” and asking whether the tradition would continue. Declaring that “the real politics is yet to unfold”, the editorial hinted that the mayoral battle could still reshape Mumbai’s power equation.
