Situations in Mumbai not easy for BJP; 'Resort politics' returns in BMC; Eknath Shinde shifts councillors

MUMBAI: The BJP has come to power in the Brihanmumbai Corporation (BMC), ending the 28-year rule of the undivided Shiv Sena, but things are not going to be easy for the lotus party, according to reports. The BJP's failure to secure a majority on its own in the elections is what caused Asia's largest corporation to plunge into political uncertainty. The BJP-Shinde faction-led Mahayuti alliance won 117 seats in the 227-ward BMC. The BJP won 88 and the Shiv Sena (Shinde) 29 seats. Although 114 seats are enough for an absolute majority, the BJP suffered a setback when the Shinde faction staked claim to the mayor's post. It is not possible for the BJP to come to power without the support of the Shinde faction.

The Shinde faction councillors are demanding that the mayor of Mumbai should be from the Shiv Sena (Shinde) because it is the tradition of Balasaheb (Bal Thackeray). In this situation, as part of an effort to keep their party members together, the Shinde faction has shifted the councillors to a luxury hotel in Bandra on Saturday. Information is being received from party leaders that the councillors will be taken to the Taj Lands End in the afternoon.

However, some leaders have clarified that the councilors were shifted to the hotel to ensure unity in the party and not as part of the bargain. Meanwhile, there are indications that the Shinde faction shifted the councillors to the hotel in a situation where the Uddhav Thackeray faction is planning to make moves to maintain power in the Mumbai Corporation.