23 Shiv Sena Mayors: Uddhav Team Challenges Shinde Over BMC Mayor Post
Uddhav Sena dares Shinde to keep Shiv Sena's 23-mayor Mumbai tradition alive.
Mumbai’s political landscape is once again in the spotlight after the results of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections threw up a dramatic scenario. While the BJP secured its best-ever tally with 89 seats, the Shinde-led Shiv Sena captured 29, leaving the majority comfortably within the NDA’s grasp. The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) suffered a setback but has now issued a sharp challenge over the selection of Mumbai’s next mayor.
The Shinde camp, which has been allied with the BJP since toppling the Uddhav Thackeray-led Maha Vikas Aghadi government in 2022, has reportedly moved its corporators to a five-star hotel in Mumbai. Political analysts say this “resort politics” move is intended to prevent any unexpected defections that could jeopardize the NDA’s control of the BMC, even though the alliance holds 118 seats, above the majority mark of 114.
Opposition parties, including Shiv Sena (UBT), MNS, and factions of NCP, collectively hold 72 seats, with Congress, AIMIM, and Samajwadi Party adding another 34. While forming an opposition majority is unlikely, Team Shinde is reportedly cautious, fearing any last-minute political horse-trading. Analysts suggest the real tension lies not just with the opposition but also within the NDA itself, particularly over who will claim the mayoral post.
Also Read: Raj Thackeray Claims "Ink Mark Vanishes With Sanitizer" After Voting in BMC Elections
The BMC mayor’s position holds symbolic importance for Shinde, who lost the Chief Minister post after the 2024 Maharashtra elections and aims to cement his claim over Bal Thackeray’s legacy. BJP leaders, including Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, are said to be weighing their options, as installing a BJP mayor could sideline Shinde, creating intra-alliance friction.
Uddhav Thackeray’s camp, meanwhile, has thrown down the gauntlet in its Saamana editorial, questioning whether the tradition of Marathi mayors will continue. “Shiv Sena has given 23 Marathi mayors to Mumbai. Will this tradition continue now?” the editorial asked, framing the upcoming decision as both a political and cultural battle for the city.
The coming weeks are expected to be politically charged as Mumbai awaits the final decision on the mayoral post. Uddhav Thackeray has expressed his desire to see a Shiv Sena (UBT) mayor installed, while Fadnavis has hinted that the NDA will ultimately decide the outcome, suggesting that the battle for Mumbai’s civic leadership is far from over.
Also Read: Mumbai Gears Up for BMC Polls as Election Material Distribution Begins
