Shiv Sena's New Corporators Stay at Bandra Hotel for Orientation, Leaders Deny Confinement
On Monday, a group of policemen and security personnel stood guard outside the Taj Land's End hotel along Carter Road in Bandra, Mumbai. The Shinde-led Shiv Sena has placed its 29 newly elected corporators there. Party leaders insist this is for orientation lessons on the functioning of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). They deny any fear of poaching by rival parties.
High Tea and Hotel Stay for Corporators
By Monday evening, the corporators entered their third day at the hotel. They enjoyed high tea at the open-air cafeteria along with some MLAs. Unlike previous instances of alleged confinement during political horse-trading, their phones remained active and were not confiscated. This detail highlights a more relaxed atmosphere.
Party leaders like Dilip Lande, Rahul Shewale, Dinesh Shinde, Amey Ghole, Sheetal Mhatre, and Trushna Vishwasrao mingled with first-time corporators. They sat in small groups, fostering a sense of camaraderie. The scene blended the salty aroma of the sea with fragrant perfumes. Live music from a piano, a crooner, and a bagpiper filled the hotel lobby, creating a festive environment.
Leaders Emphasize Training and Guidance
Rahul Shewale spoke to the press about the arrangements. He stated, "We will head to Konkan Bhavan tomorrow morning. As for the mayoral choice, we cannot cite a name until the reservation lottery is conducted on January 22." Shewale firmly denied any confinement, asserting, "There is no question of confinement. We have the numbers."
He explained the purpose of the stay. "Now we are gathering the documents of newly elected councillors and training them to represent their constituencies. Eknath Shinde also felicitated the new corporators here Sunday night. This is an exercise in 'margdarshan' (guidance). We have the numbers and are participating in seminars and training programmes."
Confidence in Mahayuti's Majority
Another senior leader expressed confidence in the Mahayuti alliance's position. He said, "The lottery is the determinant. After that, the bosses will field the number game. But the mayor will surely be from the Mahayuti." He detailed the numbers, "We already have 89 (BJP) plus 29 (Shiv Sena), which is 118. That is two more than the requisite majority. And more corporators are likely to join our fold. Let the opposition dream on. Sanjay Raut (Shiv Sena UBT spokesperson) can say anything he wishes."
When asked about the expenses, Shewale clarified, "The party is footing the bill. This is routine. It has been done in previous assembly and Lok Sabha elections too." Several corporators echoed this sentiment, denying confinement and expressing optimism. One common refrain was, "We are looking forward to installing our Mahayuti mayor."
The stay at Taj Land's End continues as the Shiv Sena prepares its new corporators for their roles in the BMC. The party maintains a focus on training and guidance ahead of the crucial mayoral selection process.
