NCP (SP) Corporator Ajit Raorane Aligns with Shinde Sena Ahead of BMC Mayoral Vote
In a strategic move just days before the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elects its mayor, Ajit Raorane, the sole corporator from the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP), has declared his support for the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. This decision significantly strengthens the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance's position in the 227-member civic body, setting the stage for a high-stakes contest scheduled for February 11.
Raorane's Decision Driven by Development Funding
Ajit Raorane, who represents Ward 43 in Malad, met with Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde earlier this week and subsequently announced his backing for the Shiv Sena in the BMC. Raorane emphasized that his move is aimed at securing adequate funds for the development of his constituency. "I have joined hands with Shiv Sena to ensure that I get sufficient funds for the development of my area. Eknath Shinde has assured me that there will be no shortage of funds. That is why I have extended my support to Shiv Sena in the BMC," he stated.
He clarified that he is not leaving the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) and will "always remain with Sharad Pawar", but added that he had to "compromise" to secure funds and maintain influence for his ward's benefit. This development comes as nominations for the mayor's post are set to be accepted, with the election looming on February 11.
Political Landscape and Seat Distribution in BMC
Following the recent BMC elections, the seat distribution among parties is as follows:
- BJP: 89 seats
- Shiv Sena (Shinde faction): 29 seats
- Shiv Sena (UBT): 65 seats
- Congress: 24 seats
- AIMIM: 8 seats
- MNS: 6 seats
- NCP (Ajit Pawar faction): 3 seats
- Samajwadi Party: 2 seats
- NCP (SP): 1 seat (held by Ajit Raorane)
With Raorane's support, the Mahayuti bloc, which already includes the BJP, Shinde Sena, and Ajit Pawar's NCP, has consolidated its numerical advantage. However, the mayoral election is expected to be contested, as the Shiv Sena (UBT) plans to field a candidate and rally the Congress under the united Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) front.
Opposition Strategy and Upcoming Challenges
A senior Sena (UBT) functionary revealed that the party aims to mobilize over 100 votes in the House to challenge the BJP-led Mahayuti. "The Sena (UBT) will not back the BJP in any way. The party may field a mayoral candidate and ask all like-minded parties to vote against the BJP. So far, we are only seeing what is playing out between the Eknath Shinde-led Sena and the BJP. The opposition has over 100 corporators. The Mahayuti's majority is thin. We will show the strength of the opposition," the functionary asserted.
Currently, there are 108 opposition corporators in the 227-member House, with the Shiv Sena (UBT) being the second-largest party after the BJP. In preparation for the election, a meeting of senior Sena (UBT) leaders was held at Matoshree, the Thackeray family residence, to discuss potential mayoral candidates. The party has also issued a whip directing all its corporators to remain in Mumbai until February 11.
Additionally, the Sena (UBT) is in contact with the Congress, urging it to vote for its candidate as part of a unified MVA front. Looking ahead, the appointment of standing committee members is scheduled for February 16-17, adding another layer to the ongoing political maneuvers in Mumbai's civic governance.
