Mumbai Turns Away from Thackeray Brothers: What Went Wrong and Why BJP Gained More

Mumbai: Mumbai, which once came to a halt on a single gesture from Balasaheb Thackeray, had this time rejected both Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray. Before the BMC elections, both the brothers had decided to forget their years of resentment and come together. Stages were shared, photographs were taken together, and an attempt was made to convey the message that the Thackeray family is united again. But despite all the efforts, the Thackeray rule, which had been going on for more than 25 years, ended, and the power of BMC went into the hands of BJP.

Why is BMC's power so important?

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, formed in 1865, is not just a municipal body but the richest urban institution in the country. Its annual budget is more than Rs 74 thousand crore, which is bigger than the budget of many states. Shiv Sena was in control of it since 1985, but this election demolished that fort.

What was the attitude of the Uddhav group after the defeat?

The reaction of Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders after the results was shocking. MP Sanjay Raut described Eknath Shinde as “Jaichand” on social media and alleged that if he had not rebelled, BJP would never have been able to make him the mayor of Mumbai. On the other hand, there was an atmosphere of celebration in the BJP camp. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis credited the victory to the workers and Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked the people of Mumbai and called it a victory of good governance.

Why did the situation change after Lok Sabha?

Uddhav Thackeray's faction had a good performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. This led him to believe that this victory was the result of his personal popularity. This confidence proved to be a heavy burden for him later on. As the assembly elections approached, he started distancing himself from Congress and Sharad Pawar, due to which the alliance weakened and suffered electoral losses.

Why did the alliance with Raj Thackeray not work?

After the defeat in the assembly elections, Uddhav Thackeray joined hands with Raj Thackeray to show strength in Mumbai. They felt that this would bring Marathi votes completely in their favor. But this did not happen. The votes were divided, and the BJP alliance got direct benefit. Even the voters did not understand the changing political line of the Thackeray brothers.

How costly was the confusion of ideology?

Uddhav Thackeray once left Hindutva and adopted secular politics, then separated from the same alliance. Raj Thackeray also kept adopting a new stand in every election. This confusion not only alienated the staunch Hindu voters but also weakened the issue of Marathi identity.

What does this victory mean for BJP?

This election put an end to many experiments in Maharashtra politics. The Thackeray brothers' duo failed, the Pawar family's reconciliation also failed to make an impact and the Shinde group lagged behind the BJP. BJP took lead in 29 municipalities of the state and Congress weakened further. It is clear that this result has decided the direction of politics for the coming years.