Shiv Sena to Participate in BMC Elections as a Key Member of Mahayuti Alliance

The Shiv Sena plans to contest the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections as part of Maharashtra's ruling Mahayuti alliance. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde confirmed this on Thursday. Speaking after a meeting with former BMC corporators, party MLAs, MPs, and other officials, Shinde emphasised the need for Mahayuti to control Mumbai's civic body to ensure the city remains a powerhouse.

Shinde stated that the elections will be contested as a Mahayuti alliance across all 227 civic wards. The alliance includes the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP. This announcement is significant as the rival Shiv Sena UBT, part of the opposition MVA, has hinted at possibly contesting the BMC polls independently. Shinde highlighted various developmental initiatives undertaken by the Mahayuti government in Mumbai.

Development Initiatives and Political Strategy

Shinde outlined efforts made by his government to improve Mumbai's infrastructure. These include road concretisation projects aimed at eliminating potholes and extensive cleaning drives. He also mentioned advancements in the health sector. The work done during Mahayuti's first term from June 30, 2022, to December 4, 2024, was reflected in their success in state assembly polls where they secured 22 out of 36 seats in Mumbai.

The Shiv Sena has historically controlled the BMC for 25 years until 2022. At a recent meeting, newly-elected MLAs discussed strategies to strengthen the party within the Mahayuti coalition. A focus was placed on grassroots efforts at the booth level and expanding membership across every civic ward. Party leaders believe that momentum from their November assembly poll success should be carried into the BMC elections.

Electoral Performance and Future Plans

In the recent assembly elections, Shiv Sena won six seats in Mumbai suburbs while its main rival, Shiv Sena UBT, secured ten seats. The previous BMC representatives' term ended in March 2022, and fresh elections have been pending for nearly three years now. A party MLA stressed the importance of strengthening organisational efforts in Mumbai to ensure success in upcoming polls.

The budget for BMC for the year 2024-25 is approximately Rs 60,000 crore, making it India's wealthiest civic body. Discussions also focused on strategies for these elections. The emphasis was on leveraging their assembly poll victories where Shiv Sena won 57 seats overall to gain an advantage in BMC elections.

Shinde criticised his rival Uddhav Thackeray of Shiv Sena UBT for not accomplishing necessary work during their time in power. He noted that under his leadership, significant steps have been taken towards Mumbai's development which were previously neglected.

The Shiv Sena aims to maintain its influence over Mumbai's civic administration through strategic alliances and developmental initiatives. By focusing on grassroots mobilisation and leveraging past electoral successes, they hope to secure a strong position in the upcoming BMC polls.