Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has asked all newly elected Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) corporators in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections to move to a luxury hotel in Mumbai as negotiations over the formation of power gather pace. The 29 corporators elected on the Shinde Sena ticket have been directed to report to the Taj Lands End hotel in Bandra by Wednesday afternoon and remain there for the next few days.
Senior leaders said the move was aimed at giving the corporators a break after an intense election campaign, while also holding orientation sessions during their stay. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray fuelled speculation by saying his party could still secure the mayor’s post “if God is willing.”
"It's my dream to install a Shiv Sena (UBT) mayor in Mumbai, and if God is willing, this dream will be realised," he said, according to Times Now report.
Reacting to the remark, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said whether Thackeray meant him or “the God above” by “Dev,” adding that destiny had already decided in favour of a Mahayuti mayor.
What Do BMC Election Numbers Say?
The alliance of the BJP and the Shinde-led Sena won a clear majority in the 227-member Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation on Friday, securing 89 and 29 seats, respectively. The Sena (UBT) won 65 seats.
What’s happening In Mumbai?
1. Tight numbers in BMC: In the 227-member Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, the majority mark is 114, making the race for control extremely close.
2. Ruling alliance just ahead: The BJP has won 89 seats and the Eknath Shinde–led Shiv Sena 29, taking the Mahayuti tally to 118, only four seats above the majority line.
3. Risk of instability: With such a narrow margin, even minor shifts or defections could alter the balance of power in the civic body.
4. UBT’s defiant stand: Despite losing dominance, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray said it remains his “dream” to have a UBT mayor in Mumbai.
5. Hints at political twist: Thackeray made a cryptic remark suggesting his party could still secure the mayor’s post, though he did not explain how.
What Is The Process Of Selecting Mayor?
The Urban Development Department decides the reservation category for the mayor’s post through a lottery.
Eligible candidates then file their nominations for the position.
Elected corporators of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation vote in a special assembly.
The candidate securing a majority, or more than half of the total corporators, is elected mayor.
In the absence of a clear majority, alliances become key, and chances of splits or defections remain.