Mumbai's political landscape heats up as the battle for the mayor's post intensifies. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut makes bold claims about the ongoing tussle.
Raut's Allegations of Captivity and Opposition
Sanjay Raut spoke to reporters on Sunday with striking accusations. He stated that corporators from Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena faction do not want a BJP mayor in Mumbai. Raut emphasized that many people from the alliance are in touch with his party.
The MP made serious claims about the treatment of these corporators. He alleged that Shinde has turned the Taj Hotel into a jail. According to Raut, twenty-five to twenty-nine people are being held captive there out of fear.
"They fear kidnapping, threats, or harm," Raut explained. He demanded their immediate release from what he called unlawful detention.
The Intensifying Mayor Battle
The BJP-Shinde-led Shiv Sena alliance holds a majority in the 227-member Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. However, uncertainty clouds the mayor selection process.
Past trends show that parties with clear majorities usually claim the post. Yet it is not mandatory for the single largest party to get it. This ambiguity fuels the current political maneuvering.
Election Results and Power Dynamics
The recent election produced specific seat distributions. The BJP secured 89 seats while the Shinde-led Sena won 29. Shiv Sena (UBT) captured 65 seats. Outgoing mayor Kishori Pednekar, from Shiv Sena, also won reelection.
On Saturday, the Shinde-led Sena moved its newly elected corporators to a Mumbai hotel. This action prompted widespread speculation about its purpose.
Official Explanations and Demands
Party leaders offered explanations for the hotel move. They said it helps corporators refresh after elections and undergo orientation. Eknath Shinde felicitated the corporators at the location.
Corporator Amey Ghole provided additional details. He stated the deputy chief minister would brief them on several important matters. These include the city's development plan, manifesto implementation, and a five-year roadmap.
Sena functionaries revealed their party's demands in power-sharing talks. They want the first 2.5-year mayoral term as part of any agreement. Their argument centers on seat numbers.
The BJP lacks enough seats to appoint a mayor independently, they claim. Therefore, the post must be shared between alliance partners. The Sena also seeks proportional sharing of key committee positions.
Mumbai watches closely as these political negotiations unfold. The mayor's position represents significant influence over India's financial capital. All parties recognize the stakes involved in this high-profile contest.
