Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena Seeks Mumbai Mayor Post for First Year, BJP Locks In Corporators

Mumbai: After the results of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, the tussle within the Mahayuti alliance regarding the post of mayor in Mumbai has come to the fore. According to sources, the Eknath Shinde led Shiv Sena has clearly said that it should get the post of mayor for the first year. Continuous talks are going on within the alliance regarding this demand.

Why is Shiv Sena insisting on the post of first-year mayor?

Shiv Sena says that January 23 is the birth centenary of party founder Bal Thackeray. The party believes that on this occasion the leadership of the post of mayor should be with Shiv Sena. According to the leaders, this step will be like paying respect to the political legacy of Balasaheb. Shiv Sena is considering this not only as emotional but also as an important political message related to its identity and tradition.

What was the formula of Shiv Sena earlier?

Initially Shiv Sena had suggested dividing the entire tenure of the mayor's post equally. The party wanted the five-year term should be divided between BJP and Shiv Sena for two and a half years each. But during the talks it became clear that BJP did not agree with this proposal.

What does Shiv Sena want now by reducing the demand?

According to sources, after this Shiv Sena changed its stand. Now the party is seeking the post of mayor only for the first year. Shiv Sena has also said that after this, BJP can hold the post of mayor for the remaining four years.

What did Shiv Sena remind BJP in the conversation?

Sources reveal that Shiv Sena has cited the old cooperation in the alliance. The party says that it did not leave BJP during the difficult political phase at the Center and in Maharashtra. On this basis, Shiv Sena is justifying its demand.

What strict steps did Mumbai BJP take?

In view of the possible dates of the Mayor elections, Mumbai BJP has instructed all its newly elected corporators not to go out of the city for the next ten days. The party has said that in case of any emergency, it will be necessary to inform senior leaders before the journey.

Why did BJP need to issue this instruction?

Party sources say that the process of mayor election can be completed in eight to ten days. In such a situation, BJP wants to avoid any kind of absence or political uncertainty. This decision has been taken to ensure the presence of all corporators.

How strong is Mahayuti's position in BMC?

In the 227-member BMC, BJP has 89 corporators, and Shiv Sena has 29 corporators. Together they reach the figure of 118, which is four more than the majority. If three members of Ajit Pawar's faction of the NCP are added, this number increases further.

When will the political picture become clear next?

According to sources, a final decision regarding the post of mayor may be taken in the coming few days. At present, efforts are going on to create a consensus within the Mahayuti alliance and everyone's eyes are on Mumbai politics.