The political landscape in Mumbai is abuzz with activity as the race for the Mayor's post intensifies. Following the significant victory of the Mahayuti alliance, comprising the BJP and Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena, in the BMC elections, it was widely anticipated that a BJP candidate would secure the mayoral position. However, recent developments, including Shinde's Shiv Sena lodging its corporators in a hotel and the unexpected entry of the Congress into the race, have added a new layer of intrigue to the situation, while the Congress is now reportedly formulating a strategy with Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT) to thwart the BJP's mayoral ambitions.
Shinde Faction Corporators Housed in Hotel
In a move that has fueled speculation, Eknath Shinde's faction of Shiv Sena has housed its newly elected corporators in a luxurious hotel in Mumbai. According to senior party leaders, this arrangement is intended to allow the corporators to "refresh" themselves after the demanding election period and to provide them with "training. " However, political observers suggest that the primary reason could be to prevent any potential defections or political maneuvering, thereby deepening the mystery surrounding the Mumbai Mayor's selection. This action gains further significance in light of Uddhav Thackeray's earlier statements.
Congress Enters the Fray with a Counter-Plan
The mayoral race has become even more captivating with the entry of the Congress party. Congress leader Naseem Khan explicitly stated that his party would make every possible effort to prevent the BJP from securing the Mayor's post, while emphasizing that "everything is possible in politics," Khan indicated that all options are on the table to counter the BJP. He also suggested that Eknath Shinde's decision to house his corporators in a hotel stems from fear. Khan further hinted at good relations with various parties, including Shiv Sena (UBT), and ongoing discussions, pointing towards a potential alliance in the near future.
Uddhav Thackeray's Statement Adds to Speculation
Immediately after the BMC election results were declared, Uddhav Thackeray made a statement suggesting that if "God wills," he could still become the Mayor. This declaration Importantly intensified political activity and indicated that Shiv Sena (UBT) wasn't out of the mayoral race. The news of a potential alliance with the Congress further strengthens Thackeray's position, suggesting that the path to the Mayor's office might not be straightforward for the BJP. The combined efforts of Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) could present a formidable challenge.
Maharashtra Congress Reviews Election Performance
The Maharashtra Congress recently held a crucial review meeting to discuss the results of the municipal corporation elections. The meeting focused extensively on the outcomes in areas where the party's performance didn't meet expectations. A significant point of discussion was the "AIMIM factor," with particular concern expressed over the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen's impressive performance in the Marathwada region. Party leaders also deliberated on strategies to win the trust of voters across all sections, which will be vital for their future political endeavors.
BMC Election Results at a Glance
In the vote count conducted on Friday, the alliance of BJP and Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena secured a clear majority in the 227-member BMC. The BJP won 89 seats, while Shinde's Shiv Sena secured 29 seats, bringing the Mahayuti's total to 118, while on the other side, Shiv Sena (UBT) won 65 seats, and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) secured 6 seats. The Congress, which contested in alliance with Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi, won 24 seats. The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) secured 8 seats, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) got 3, the Samajwadi Party (SP) won 2, and NCP (SP) managed only 1 seat. Despite these results, the ongoing tussle for the Mayor's post has made Mumbai politics even more exciting.
