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Mumbai: The political corridors of Maharashtra are buzzing with speculation as Sanjay Raut, a key leader of the Shiv Sena (UBT), delivered a stinging prediction on Tuesday. Raut predicted that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is set to install its own Mayor in Mumbai, effectively snubbing its ally, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.
Despite the BJP-Sena alliance securing a victory in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections nearly two weeks ago, the city’s top post remains a bone of contention.
The "Sulking" Ally
Speaking to the press, Raut claimed that while the Shinde faction is "sulking" over the prospect of losing the Mayor’s chair, they are powerless to change the outcome. "They ( BJP) will have their Mayor in Mumbai," Raut asserted. He suggested further that Shinde’s party would be given minor secondary posts after discussions with the BJP’s central leadership.
This comes as a significant blow to the Shinde-led Sena, whose leaders have argued that the Mayor should come from their ranks to honour the 2026 birth centenary of the late Bal Thackeray, the founder of the undivided Shiv Sena.
The numbers game
The January 15 BMC elections resulted in a fractured mandate for the 227-ward body, though the BJP emerged as the clear heavyweight. The BJP emerged as a major party with 89 seats, Shiv Sena (UBT) 65 seats, Shiv Sena (Shinde) 29 seats, Congress: 24 seats and MNS 6 seats.
With no single party reaching the majority mark, the alliance dynamics are crucial, but the BJP’s 89 seats give it a dominant hand over Shinde’s 29.
The lottery and the "Marathi-Hindu" strategy
All eyes are now on the Urban Development Department at Mantralaya, where a lottery draw made the post reserved for "General" and a woman.
Meanwhile, the BJP has reportedly drafted a strict three-point checklist for its candidates.
Loyalty first: The candidate must be an original BJP member (no recent defectors).
Civic expertise: Must have deep knowledge of the BMC’s complex administrative rules.
The identity factor: The party is seeking a "Marathi-Hindu" face with a "clean image" to appeal to the city’s core electorate.
The frontrunners for the post
The BJP has a deep bench of 49 female corporators. Leading the race for the post of mayor are major faces in the party who are meeting the parameters set by the party's high command.
Alka Kerkar: A four-term veteran from Bandra West and former Deputy Mayor with vast administrative experience.
Rajshree Shirwadkar: A three-term corporator from Sion and a former member of the powerful Standing Committee.
Tejasvee Ghosalkar: A tactical powerhouse from Dahisar who recently defected from the UBT faction to win by over 10,000 votes.
Ritu Tawde: A two-time corporator from Ghatkopar and a popular Maratha face.
Yogita Sunil Koli: A two-term corporator from Malad known for securing decisive victories.
