Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has become active regarding the mayor’s election in Mumbai. The election of Mumbai Mayor has historically been the center of Shiv Sena’s political identity, as the divided Shiv Sena had maintained its dominance on this post for the last 25 years.
Mumbai: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has clearly indicated in his first statements regarding the election of Mumbai Mayor that this time the Mayor of Mumbai will be from Mahayuti (Shiv Sena-BJP alliance). Shinde said this during NDTV Marathi’s ‘Ajeya Maharashtra’ conference, when he was asked whether Shiv Sena would be able to retain this post. Shinde did not name any party, but he reiterated that the responsibility of the post of Mayor of Mumbai will remain with Mahayuti and it will be given twice.
Political scenario of Mumbai Mayor elections
The post of Mumbai Mayor has historically been the political identity of Shiv Sena. The divided Shiv Sena had maintained its hold on the post of Mumbai Mayor for 25 years. But the possible political reunion of the Thackeray family before the BMC elections has given a new direction to the debate on ‘Hindutva versus Marathi priority’ in the city.
According to sources, BJP has given permission to Shinde’s Shiv Sena to take over the post of Mayor in Mira-Bhayandar and Thane, but there will be no compromise in the case of Mumbai Mayor. This time the main contest is likely to be between BJP’s Hindutva agenda and the ‘Marathi first’ principle of the Thackeray family. Shinde is being seen as a ally of BJP rather than maintaining Shiv Sena’s traditional dominance in the city.
Shinde’s message and development agenda
Asked about the possible reunion of the Thackeray family, Shinde said that all parties have the right to form alliances, but the agenda of the Grand Alliance is clear – development and welfare schemes. He also said that he is following the ideological legacy of Balasaheb Thackeray. There is tension and political discussion going on between Shindeni Shiv Sena and BJP regarding the election of Mayor in Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Shinde group workers have had an intense discussion with BJP state president Ravindra Chavan regarding uncontrolled buying and selling and other local issues.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has recently clarified that the alliance between BJP and Shinde group will continue till 2029. He said that continuous efforts are being made to make BJP ‘self-reliant’. This statement indicates that both the parties will cooperate with each other in the upcoming elections and local political matters.
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