Sat Jan 17 10:49:58 UTC 2026: ### Headline: Resort Politics Returns to Mumbai as Shinde’s Sena Eyes BMC Mayor Post
The Story:
A day after the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena has moved its elected representatives to a five-star hotel in Mumbai. This move comes as the BJP-Sena combine secured a majority in the BMC, ending the Thackeray’s 25-year reign. Sources suggest the resort stay is both a precaution against potential poaching by opposition parties, who need only eight more members to reach the majority, and a strategic maneuver to strengthen Shinde Sena’s bargaining position with the BJP for the coveted Mayor’s post.
The BJP-Sena alliance comfortably surpassed the majority mark of 114 in the 227-ward BMC, but no single party holds a majority independently, leading to complex coalition dynamics. The opposition, including Shiv Sena (UBT), MNS, NCP (SP), Congress, AIMIM, and Samajwadi Party, collectively hold a significant number of wards, raising concerns about potential efforts to destabilize the ruling alliance.
Key Points:
* Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena has moved its elected representatives to a five-star hotel post-BMC elections.
* The BJP-Sena alliance secured a majority in the BMC with 118 seats (BJP with 89, Shinde Sena with 29), surpassing the majority mark of 114.
* The opposition, comprised of Shiv Sena (UBT) with 65 wards, MNS with 6, NCP (SP) with 1, Congress with 24, AIMIM with 8, and Samajwadi Party with 2, collectively holds 106 wards.
* Sources indicate the move is aimed at preventing poaching of corporators and increasing bargaining power with the BJP for the Mayor’s post.
* The Shiv Sena (Shinde) is under pressure from within to secure the Mayor’s post, traditionally held by the united Sena.
Key Takeaways:
* The BJP-Sena alliance’s victory in the BMC elections has ushered in a new era in Mumbai’s civic politics, ending the Thackeray’s long-standing dominance.
* The possibility of political maneuvering, including potential poaching and coalition shifts, remains a significant factor in the BMC’s power dynamics.
* The Shinde Sena’s strategic moves reflect internal pressures and a desire to leverage its kingmaker position to secure key posts within the BMC.
* The opposition’s potential to unite and challenge the BJP-led alliance highlights the fragility of the current political landscape.
* The struggle for the Mayor’s post underscores the high stakes involved in controlling Mumbai’s richest civic body.
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