Raut Claims Shinde Faction Also Opposes BJP Mayor in Mumbai
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut made a significant statement on Sunday. He claimed that Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and his leaders are against having a BJP mayor in Mumbai. This remark comes as the mayoral race intensifies in the city.
Political Tensions Rise Over Mayor Post
The BJP emerged as the single largest party in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) with 89 seats. The Shinde-led Shiv Sena secured 29 seats. Together, they pushed the ruling Mahayuti alliance past the halfway mark in the 227-member house.
Despite this numerical advantage, Raut insisted the contest remains unsettled. He highlighted the slim margin of majority. "There is a difference of just four," Raut said. "No matter how big a majority looks on paper, it is always unstable."
Raut emphasized that the desire for a Shiv Sena mayor extends beyond his own faction. "It is not just our position. But even people with Eknath Shinde do not want a BJP mayor in Mumbai," he stated. "These are Shiv Sainiks. They do not want a BJP mayor."
Hotel Move Sparks Questions and Criticism
Soon after the election results, Shinde moved his party's 29 corporators to a luxury hotel in Mumbai. Leaders from the Shinde camp described this as a precautionary step. They aimed to prevent poaching attempts during negotiations for the mayor's post.
Raut questioned this move sharply. He suggested it reflected insecurity within the alliance. "If the Mahayuti was confident that its mayor would be elected smoothly, there would be no need to keep 29 corporators confined in a hotel," he argued.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader raised concerns about governance. "If corporators have to be hidden like this, what does it say about governance?" Raut asked. He claimed that keeping elected representatives under watch raises questions about law and order in Maharashtra.
Behind-the-Scenes Discussions and Alliances
Raut revealed that communication channels remain open despite the tensions. He mentioned that party chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray have spoken recently. According to Raut, Uddhav Thackeray also believes the mayor should come from Shiv Sena.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader indicated that opposition parties are closely monitoring developments. Several political options are reportedly under discussion. Raut clarified that his party has not formally staked a claim to the mayor's post. However, he did not rule out the possibility.
Symbolic Importance of Mumbai Mayor Position
The mayor's post in Mumbai carries strong symbolic value for both Shiv Sena factions. The undivided Shiv Sena controlled the BMC for over two decades. For Shinde, securing the mayor's position would reinforce his claim as the leader of the "real" Shiv Sena.
For the BJP, winning the post would represent a major breakthrough in Mumbai's civic politics. The Shiv Sena (UBT), along with allies including the MNS and Sharad Pawar-led NCP faction, secured 72 seats in the BMC.
Political Reactions and Counter-Arguments
Senior BJP leader and former Union Minister Narayan Rane responded to Raut's remarks. He accused Raut of making vague references to behind-the-scenes discussions. Rane also commented on Uddhav Thackeray's recent statement about installing a Shiv Sena (UBT) mayor.
"Has Uddhav Thackeray started relying on god now?" Rane asked. "He has never folded his hands in front of God before. Will the mayor descend from the sky? Just look at the numbers. How will such a huge gap be bridged?"
Raut also targeted Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who is currently in Davos. "He goes to Davos often, but we do not see investments on the ground," Raut said. "Most of the investment seems to be in elections, from municipal bodies to Parliament."
The political maneuvering continues as Mumbai awaits the final decision on its next mayor.
