Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has become active regarding the Mumbai mayoral election. The Mumbai Mayor election has historically been the center of Shiv Sena's political identity, as the divided Shiv Sena maintained its dominance over this post for the past 25 years.
Mumbai: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, in his initial statements regarding the Mumbai mayoral election, has clearly indicated that this time the Mayor of Mumbai will be from the Mahayuti (Shiv Sena-BJP alliance). Shinde stated this during the NDTV Marathi's 'Ajeya Maharashtra' conference, when asked if Shiv Sena would be able to retain the post. Shinde did not name any party, but reiterated that the responsibility of the Mumbai Mayor's post will be with the Mahayuti and will be given twice.
Political Landscape of the Mumbai Mayoral Election
The post of Mumbai Mayor has historically been Shiv Sena's political identity. The divided Shiv Sena maintained its hold on the Mumbai Mayor's post for 25 years. However, the potential political reunion of the Thackeray family before the BMC elections has given a new direction to the debate of 'Hindutva versus Marathi priority' in the city.
According to sources, the BJP has allowed Shinde's Shiv Sena to hold the mayoral post in Mira-Bhayandar and Thane, but there will be no compromise in the case of the Mumbai Mayor. This time, the main contest is likely to be between the BJP's Hindutva agenda and the Thackeray family's 'Marathi First' principle. Shinde is being seen as playing a supporting role to the BJP, rather than maintaining Shiv Sena's traditional dominance in the city.
Shinde's Message and Development Agenda
When asked about the potential reunion of the Thackeray family, Shinde said that all parties have the right to form alliances, but the Mahayuti's agenda is clear: development and welfare schemes. He also said that they are following the ideological legacy of Balasaheb Thackeray. There is ongoing tension and political debate between Shinde's Shiv Sena and the BJP regarding the mayoral election in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Workers of the Shinde faction have had heated discussions with BJP state president Ravindra Chavan regarding uncontrolled buying and selling and other local issues.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis recently clarified that the alliance between the BJP and the Shinde faction will remain intact until 2029. He said that continuous efforts are being made to make the BJP 'self-reliant'. This statement indicates that both parties will remain allies in upcoming elections and local political matters.
