Shinde Relocates BMC Corporators to Bandra Hotel as Mayor Contest Heats Up
Eknath Shinde has moved the newly elected corporators to a luxury hotel in Bandra on Saturday. This action follows the sweeping victory for the BJP-Shiv Sena Mahayuti alliance in the BMC elections. The race for Mumbai's next mayor is now intensifying quickly.
Party Leaders Explain the Hotel Shift
A senior Shiv Sena leader stated the corporators needed to refresh after a hectic election season. The leader did not specify exactly how long they would stay at the hotel. Another party functionary added that the move aims to orient the newly elected members. According to this source, the corporators will remain housed in the hotel for just a couple of days.
Shinde Sena Eyes Mayor's Post in Rich Municipal Corporation
Sources indicate the Shinde Sena will likely stake claim to the Mayor's position. This demand connects to the centenary year of Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray. January 23 marks his 100th birth anniversary, adding symbolic weight to the claim.
The undivided Shiv Sena previously controlled the BMC for the longest period. The party split into two factions back in 2022. In the latest civic polls, the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance emerged as the single largest bloc. They defeated the Thackeray brothers decisively.
Official figures show the BJP won 89 seats in the election. Its alliance partner, the Shinde Sena, secured 29 seats. After the Mahayuti's victory in most civic bodies, the Chief Minister said the alliance would form Mayors in 25 of the 29 municipal corporations.
Discussions on Mayor Post Await Clarity on Reservations
Discussions about the Mayor's post cannot begin in any of the 29 municipalities yet. They must wait for clarity on reservations for each municipality's Mayor position. This procedural step remains a key hurdle before any appointments.
Fadnavis Asserts Collective Decision-Making
Deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis addressed the situation earlier today. He stated the decision on the Mayor's post would be taken collectively. The group includes him, deputy CM Eknath Shinde, and other party leaders.
Fadnavis clarified the matter firmly. He said, "There is no dispute whatsoever on this." His statement aims to project unity within the alliance as they navigate the post-election landscape.
