Shiv Sena Relocates Corporators to Hotel During BMC Negotiations
Shiv Sena leaders have taken a significant step in Mumbai's political landscape. They moved their elected corporators to a five-star hotel in the city on Saturday. This action has sparked considerable discussion within political circles across Maharashtra.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis addressed the situation directly. He stated there is absolutely no question of horse trading or poaching occurring. Fadnavis suggested the move might simply be for coordination purposes, similar to BJP meetings.
BJP Emerges as Largest Party in BMC but Lacks Majority
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation election results have created a complex scenario. The BJP secured eighty-nine seats in the 227-member House, making it the largest single party. However, this falls short of the required majority mark of 114 seats needed to form the civic government independently.
The Shiv Sena, led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, won twenty-nine crucial seats. This number makes their support essential for any stable administration in Mumbai's civic body. Without the Sena's backing, forming a functional BMC government would prove extremely difficult according to party functionaries.
A senior Sena leader explained the hotel relocation decision. He called it a precautionary measure to maintain group unity while ongoing discussions with alliance partners continue. Talks are reportedly focusing on power-sharing arrangements, including the important mayor's post and control of the Standing Committee which manages civic finances.
Shinde Sena Holds Strong Position in Thane Municipal Corporation
The political dynamics shift dramatically in Thane. Here, the Shinde-led Shiv Sena achieved a commanding victory, securing seventy-five of the 131 seats. This clear majority allows them to form the Thane civic government entirely on their own strength.
The BJP won twenty-eight seats in Thane and has indicated it may choose to sit in the Opposition if not offered a meaningful role in administration. BJP MLA Sanjay Kelkar stated the party would make its decision based on how power is shared. He emphasized that sitting in Opposition remains a viable option if proper respect isn't given within the civic setup.
BJP leader Niranjan Davkhare reinforced this position. He said the party wouldn't hesitate to play an effective Opposition role if necessary, fulfilling responsibilities to their voters and ensuring proper administrative functioning.
Close Contest in Kalyan-Dombivli and Clear BJP Win in Navi Mumbai
Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation presents another tight race. The Shinde Sena won fifty-two seats in the 122-member House, just one seat more than the BJP's fifty-one. With neither party reaching the majority threshold, negotiations are actively continuing.
BJP leaders in the region argue their near-equal strength should grant them opportunity to attempt government formation. Meanwhile, Navi Mumbai delivered a decisive outcome where the BJP secured a clear majority and will form the civic government independently.
At the state level, the BJP-led alliance has demonstrated strong performance overall, winning control of twenty-five out of Maharashtra's twenty-nine municipal corporations. However, the specific results in Mumbai and surrounding cities within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region have created distinct local challenges for the alliance partners.
Official BMC figures reveal interesting voter patterns. The BJP secured the highest vote share in the Mumbai election, while the Shinde Sena's vote share remained considerably lower. Despite this, the Sena's strategic seat count has positioned them at the very center of government formation discussions, making their twenty-nine corporators crucial players in determining Mumbai's civic leadership.
