Rival Shiv Senas Clash for Mumbai’s Ganesh Mandal Support

As the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections loom, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT) are locked in a fierce contest to win over Mumbai’s 8,000 registered and 14,000 unregistered Ganesh mandals, vital socio-political hubs for voter mobilization. The Shinde faction claims growing support due to “unprecedented” financial aid for Ganesh Chaturthi, while Thackeray accuses them of buying loyalty, asserting, “We have the blessings of Ganpati Bappa.”

Historically dominated by the undivided Shiv Sena since its 1966 founding under Bal Thackeray, mandals have been key to grassroots politics, with workers acting as election foot soldiers. Political analyst Abhay Deshpande notes their reliance on donations from corporators and legislators, making them pivotal in campaigns. A Sena (UBT) functionary from Lalbaug-Parel admitted that Shinde’s faction, backed by over 50 defected corporators, has swayed some mandals with increased funding and logistical support, like pandal permissions.

However, Sena (UBT) insists traditional loyalty persists, with a functionary stating, “Money doesn’t always buy loyalty.” Shinde’s camp counters that their help desk, established four months ago, has drawn numerous mandals seeking aid. Chief Minister Shinde plans to visit pandals in Mumbai and Thane, reinforcing his outreach.

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The 2017 BMC elections saw Shiv Sena win 84 seats and BJP 82, short of the 114-seat majority. Congress secured 31, NCP 9, MNS 7, AIMIM 3, Samajwadi Party 6, and others 5. With the 2025 polls approaching, mandal support could tip the scales. Social media on X, including posts from @NationalHerald, highlights the intensifying Sena rivalry, with users like @MumbaiPulse noting the cultural-political stakes.

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