Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Jan 17: The announcement of results for elections to 29 municipal corporations has ignited sharp political sparring in Maharashtra, with the Shiv Sena (UBT) launching a blistering offensive against the BJP. Although the BJP’s lotus symbol has triumphed in 23 of the 29 civic bodies, it is the outcome in Mumbai’s Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) that has become the epicentre of controversy.

With the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance crossing the majority threshold of 116-plus seats in the BMC, paving the way for a BJP Mayor in Mumbai, the Uddhav Thackeray faction has accused chief minister Eknath Shinde of betraying the interests of the Marathi community.

Senior Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and MP Sanjay Raut led the attack, delivering a scathing critique of deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde. Raut likened Shinde to “Jaichand,” a historical figure synonymous with treachery in Indian folklore, accusing him of enabling the BJP’s rise in Mumbai.

According to Raut, the BJP could never have captured the BMC without Shinde’s rebellion. Drawing historical parallels, he compared the current political moment to an episode at Shaniwar Wada, when the Maratha flag was lowered and the British Union Jack was raised, symbolising the entry of the East India Company. Raut alleged that Shinde and his allies were following in the footsteps of those who had facilitated foreign domination in the past.

Raut also underscored that the Opposition remains a significant force within the BMC. He pointed out that nearly 110 corporators from the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) sit on the Opposition benches, warning that the ruling alliance would face stiff resistance. The loss of the mayor’s post, he said, was not just a political setback but a moment of anguish for Maharashtra and Mumbai alike.

Reinforcing its combative stance, the Shiv Sena (UBT) shared an image of party founder Balasaheb Thackeray on social media, accompanied by a message asserting that the struggle was far from over and would continue until the Marathi Manoos received due respect.

The BMC results mark the end of the Thackeray family’s three-decade-long dominance over India’s wealthiest civic body, a significant milestone for the BJP-led alliance.

Despite the defeat, the Shiv Sena (UBT) is expected to lean heavily on the plank of regional pride to rebuild and mobilise its support base in the run-up to the 2029 Maharashtra Assembly elections.

By invoking historical references such as the East India Company and figures like Balaji Pant, the Uddhav Thackeray-led camp is attempting to portray the BJP’s victory as an external takeover of Mumbai, allegedly facilitated by internal defectors. As the BJP prepares to assume control of the Mayor’s office, the Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS are likely to coordinate closely to mount a united and aggressive Opposition within the BMC.