Despite majority in BMC, uncertainty over the post of Mumbai Mayor
Digital Desk, New Delhi. Even after the alliance of BJP and Eknath Shinde faction Shiv Sena got a clear majority in the 227-seat council of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), there is uncertainty over the chair of the next mayor of the city.
Although according to the rules, it is not mandatory for the largest party to get the post of Mayor, but history is witness that the parties with majority often occupy this post.
BJP won 89 seats, Shinde faction's Shiv Sena secured 29 seats, while Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT) emerged as the second largest party with 65 seats. Previous mayor Kishori Pednekar, who was from Shiv Sena, has won her seat this time too.
Strong stance of Shiv Sena (UBT)
Amidst all this, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has adopted an aggressive attitude. He targeted Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and alleged that his group is scared of BJP.
Addressing the newly elected councilors in Matoshree, Uddhav said, 'BJP may claim that Shiv Sena has ended on paper, but it has failed to end it on the ground and despite adopting all methods, it cannot buy loyalty.'
Demand for power sharing
On Saturday, Shinde faction's Shiv Sena transferred its newly elected councilors to a luxurious hotel in Mumbai, further intensifying the political stir. Party leaders say that this step has been taken to overcome election fatigue.
Shinde congratulated the councilors, while Councilor Amey Ghol said that the Deputy Chief Minister will discuss the city's development plans, implementation of the manifesto and five-year roadmap.
Shiv Sena officials claimed that the party will stake claim to the mayor's post for the first 2.5 years under the power sharing formula, as the BJP does not have the seat to appoint a mayor alone. He has also sought distribution of posts of major committees including the chairmanship of the Standing Committee.
Amidst all this, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has completely rejected the rumors of changing sides. He said that Mahayuti will become the mayor by consensus in Mumbai.
Eknath Shinde, I and other leaders of both the parties will meet and together decide who will be the Mayor of Mumbai and for how long? There will be no differences. Everything will go smoothly. Together, we will run Mumbai efficiently.
Taking a dig at Uddhav's comment that 'Dev' (God) helped Shiv Sena (UBT), Fadnavis said that he too is called 'Deva' and God above has decided that Mahayuti will be the mayor.
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut said that the opposition has enough numbers to challenge the ruling party, but they will respect democracy.
According to Municipal Corporation sources, the mayor election may be held on January 28, 2026, when a special meeting will be called by the Municipal Secretary and Commissioner. The election will be done by voting of councilors in the House.
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