After Parliamentary Defections, Uddhav Sena Faces Threat of Corporator Exodus in Mumbai BMC

Political attention in Maharashtra is increasingly shifting from Parliament to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), as speculation grows over possible defections from the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) to the Eknath Shinde-led faction. The discussion gained momentum after Shiv Sena leader Kiran Landge claimed that several corporators and former corporators from the UBT camp were in contact with the Shinde-led party, though no evidence was provided to support the assertion.

According to Landge, discussions were underway with 30 to 42 corporators at different stages. The Uddhav Thackeray faction has strongly rejected these claims, accusing its political rivals of attempting to create a perception of an inevitable exodus. Party leaders have maintained that the organisation remains united despite continuing political challenges following the 2022 split in the Shiv Sena.

In the current BMC, Shiv Sena (UBT) holds 64 corporators, making it the second-largest bloc after the BJP, which has 89 corporators. The Shinde-led Shiv Sena occupies the third position with 29 corporators. Any significant shift in these numbers could alter the political dynamics of Mumbai's civic body, long regarded as the organisational and political stronghold of the undivided Shiv Sena.

Also Read: Internal Divide In Shiv Sena UBT Could Deliver Significant Advantage To BJP

The phrase "Operation Tiger" gained prominence after six Shiv Sena (UBT) Members of Parliament switched allegiance to the Shinde faction. Leaders close to Shinde projected the development as evidence of growing support for the ruling alliance, while the Thackeray camp alleged that attempts were being made to engineer defections through inducements, threats and coercion, allegations that have intensified the political confrontation between the two factions.

Adding to the speculation, BJP leader and BMC House Leader Ganesh Khankar recently claimed that several Shiv Sena (UBT) corporators were uncertain about their political future and had established contact with leaders from the ruling alliance. However, he declined to disclose any names or provide details. Responding to these claims, senior Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Kishori Pednekar said the party was aware of such outreach efforts but insisted that any departures would have little impact on the organisation or its support base.

The debate comes at a crucial time following the 2026 BMC elections, where the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance strengthened its position in Mumbai's civic politics. While the ruling alliance believes more leaders may join its fold, the Thackeray faction maintains that reports of large-scale defections are exaggerated. Whether the political battle that began in Parliament extends to the BMC remains uncertain, but the municipal corporation is emerging as the next major arena in Maharashtra's evolving political landscape.

Also Read: Sanjay Raut Alleges Rs 15 Crore Being Paid To Lure Shiv Sena MPs Away