Mahayuti Set to Win BMC Elections, Says Deputy CM Eknath Shinde
Eknath Shinde predicts decisive Mahayuti win as BMC polls near.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde expressed strong confidence in the Mahayuti alliance's victory in the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections. Speaking at a campaign rally in Borivali on Tuesday for candidate Suvarna, a vegetable vendor and party worker, Shinde highlighted her nomination as evidence of the alliance's commitment to inclusive representation. He stated that only Mahayuti provides opportunities for grassroots karyakartas from humble backgrounds to contest elections and serve the public.
Shinde described the large turnout and visible enthusiasm among voters at the Borivali event, reinforcing his assertion that Mahayuti's triumph is assured. He emphasised Suvarna's background as a vegetable vendor, underscoring that her selection demonstrates the coalition's ability to empower ordinary workers. Shinde expressed certainty that she would win the seat and work effectively for the area's development.
The remarks came amid heightened political rhetoric on the final day of campaigning before the January 15 polling for 29 municipal corporations, including BMC, Pune, and Pimpri-Chinchwad, with vote counting set for January 16. Shinde's confident prediction contrasts with ongoing criticisms from opposition leaders targeting the ruling alliance's strategies and leadership.
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Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut sharply criticised Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis over his recent comments questioning the Thackeray family's contributions to the Marathi 'manus'. Raut dismissed Fadnavis's remarks as an attack on Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray, asserting that the Thackeray family remains unafraid and capable of defending itself. He accused the BJP of endangering Marathi identity and relying on improper electoral practices.
Raut claimed that Bal Thackeray had significantly strengthened the BJP in Maharashtra, without which the party would have lacked prominence in the state. He described the current contest as a direct fight between Shiv Sena (UBT) and the BJP, rejecting allegations against his party while highlighting longstanding concerns over the "son of the soil" issue that has persisted for six decades in Maharashtra politics.
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