Mumbai Mayor Election Heats Up as Shiv Sena (UBT) Plans to Field Candidate
The upcoming election for the Mayor of Mumbai, scheduled for February 11, is set to be a contested affair rather than an unopposed one. The Shiv Sena (UBT) has indicated its intention to field a candidate for the prestigious post, aiming to consolidate opposition votes against the ruling BJP-led Mahayuti alliance.
Opposition Strategy and Vote Calculations
A senior functionary from Shiv Sena (UBT) revealed that the party is actively working to gather over 100 votes from the opposition bloc in the 227-member Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) house. Currently, the opposition collectively holds 108 corporators, with Shiv Sena (UBT) being the second-largest party after the BJP, boasting 65 corporators. The Congress, with 24 corporators, is seen as a crucial ally in this effort.
In a strategic move, Shiv Sena (UBT) has issued a whip to all its BMC corporators, instructing them to remain in Mumbai until the Mayor's election concludes. This underscores the party's commitment to ensuring maximum participation and discipline among its members during this critical political event.
Unity Call to Congress and MVA Solidarity
The Shiv Sena (UBT) is making a concerted appeal to the Congress to vote for its candidate, framing it as a step towards reinforcing the unity of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition. A party functionary emphasized, "We are in touch with the Congress and have asked them to vote for our candidate as a united MVA." This move is part of a broader strategy to demonstrate the strength of the opposition, especially given the thin majority of the Mahayuti alliance in the BMC.
The functionary further stated, "Sena (UBT) will not back the BJP in any way. The party may field a Mayor's candidate and ask all like-minded parties to vote against the BJP." This highlights the party's firm stance against any collaboration with the BJP, positioning itself as a key player in the opposition's efforts to challenge the ruling coalition.
Internal Discussions and Candidate Selection
To fine-tune its strategy, senior Shiv Sena (UBT) functionaries convened a meeting at Matoshree, the Thackeray family residence, on Thursday. During this gathering, potential candidates for the Mayor's post were discussed, indicating the party's serious preparations for the upcoming election. The meeting underscores the importance Shiv Sena (UBT) places on this electoral battle and its desire to present a strong candidate.
Strong Rhetoric from Shiv Sena (UBT) Leaders
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut expressed strong opposition to the prospect of a BJP Mayor in Mumbai, describing it as a "black day" for the city. He argued, "A BJP Mayor in Mumbai with the help of Shinde's Sena will be unfortunate. This will be a sad day, black day for the Marathi Manoos and Maharashtra... It will be a black day for the martyrs and the Marathi people."
Raut further criticized the BJP, alleging that the party is working towards "breaking away Mumbai" and compromising its identity. He claimed, "BJP has done the work of finishing the existence and identity of Mumbai. In the future, Mumbai will be given to the industrialists." These comments reflect the deep-seated political tensions and the emotive language being used in the lead-up to the election.
Mahayuti's Power-Sharing Agreement
On the other side of the political divide, functionaries from the Shinde-led Shiv Sena have confirmed that a power-sharing formula has been finalized between the BJP and their party. According to this agreement, the BJP will retain the Mayor's post and the Standing Committee Chairperson's position. In return, the Shinde Sena will secure key roles, including the Chairperson of the Improvements, Health, and BEST committees, as well as the Deputy Mayor's post.
This arrangement highlights the strategic alliances within the Mahayuti coalition, aimed at maintaining stability and distributing responsibilities among its constituents. It sets the stage for a closely watched election, where both the opposition and ruling blocs are mobilizing their resources and support bases.
As Mumbai prepares for the Mayor's election on February 11, the political landscape is marked by intense negotiations, rhetorical exchanges, and a clear divide between the opposition MVA and the ruling Mahayuti. The outcome will not only determine the city's leadership but also signal the broader political dynamics in Maharashtra.
