‘Anything can happen in Mumbai politics’, Sanjay Raut’s big claim; Will Uddhav’s Shiv Sena ‘play’ amid the ongoing conflict between BJP and Shinde?

Mumbai Mayor race: Mumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) After the election results, the politics of Maharashtra is once again on the boil. Mahayuti (BJP + Shinde Shiv Sena) and Uddhav Thackeray faction (Shiv Sena-UBT) are face to face for the post of Mayor of the country’s richest municipal corporation. The question is not just about power, but about political symbolism, Balasaheb Thackeray’s legacy and hold on Mumbai.

The numbers game: who has how much power?

• Total wards in BMC: 227
• Majority figure: 114

Mahayuti (BJP + Shinde Shiv Sena)

• BJP: 89
• Shiv Sena (Shinde): 29
• Total: 118 (clear majority)

Shiv Sena (UBT) + Ally (Claim)

• UBT: 65
• MNS: 6
• Congress + VBA: 24
• AIMIM: 8
• SP: 2
• NCP (Ajit faction): 3
• NCP (Sharad Faction): 1

Sanjay Raut Claims that he has 108 seats. That means 6 less than the majority. This is where the controversy begins.

Shinde said – Shiv Sena should be mayor on Balasaheb’s birth centenary.

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde says that the birth centenary year of Balasaheb Thackeray is starting from January 23. Shiv Sainiks feel that becoming the Mayor of Shiv Sena would be a true tribute to him. Shinde said that wherever Mahayuti has contested elections together, the mayor will also be from Mahayuti. He completely rejected the possibility of any new political equation with the Uddhav Thackeray group. There is talk in political circles that Shinde wants the post of mayor for the first two and a half years. However, the final decision will be taken with the consent of BJP.

Why in councilor hotel? ‘Workshop’ or ‘Fear’?

After BMC results, 29 councilors of Shinde group were shifted to luxury hotel. Shinde faction argues that this is just an orientation workshop. The procedures and rules of the Municipal Corporation are being explained to the councilors. Along with this, they are being saved from horse trading. At the same time, the Uddhav group alleges that the councilors have been hidden due to fear of BJP. Shinde is afraid of his own people breaking up. People can be locked in hotels, but not minds.

Sanjay Raut’s ‘Wait & Watch’ formula

Sanjay Raut claims that the contest is not as easy as it seems. It is a fight of 118 vs 108. There is a shortage of only 6 seats. He said that anything can happen in Mumbai politics. Many councilors do not want a BJP mayor.

Sanjay Nirupam’s counterattack

Shiv Sena (Shinde) leader Sanjay Nirupam clearly said that the next mayor of Mumbai will be from Mahayuti only. The public rejected the 27 years of corruption of UBT. He said that there is no need for opposition votes to elect the mayor. It is necessary to complete the reservation lottery process before the mayor elections.

Mahayuti has the lead in figures, but the Uddhav group is hoping for a political miracle. The decision on the post of Mayor depends on reservation, internal consent and final voting. At present it is clear that the post of Mayor of Mumbai is not just an administrative post but has become the biggest trophy of Maharashtra politics. BMC’s budget is more than ₹74,000 crore.