Mahayuti Scores Big Win in Maharashtra, But Mayor Posts Spark Dispute Between Shinde and Fadnavis Factions

Mumbai, Maharashtra: The ruling Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra secured a resounding victory in recent municipal elections. However, disputes over key positions, especially mayoral posts, have emerged in several civic bodies, including Mumbai, Thane, Kalyan-Dombivli, and Ulhasnagar. While Eknath Shinde’s faction of Shiv Sena demands the mayor’s position in Mumbai, the BJP insists on placing its candidates in key posts across its strongholds.

In Mumbai, the Shinde camp is lobbying for the mayor and standing committee chairman positions, but BJP needs Shiv Sena’s support to achieve a majority in the municipal corporation, holding 114 seats. In contrast, Thane presents a different scenario: Shiv Sena commands its own majority and BJP leaders, including Niranjan Davkhare, have signaled that they expect to share important posts with Shiv Sena, warning they may not cooperate if their “share of power” is ignored.

Shiv Sena’s Existential Concerns
The tussle over mayoral and other key posts has reignited fears within Shiv Sena that the BJP, once a junior ally, is now growing stronger and could threaten the party’s existence. This echoes the 2019 political scenario, when Uddhav Thackeray distanced Shiv Sena from the BJP and formed a government with Congress-NCP—a move that lasted only until Eknath Shinde’s faction split the party.

Equilibrium in Ulhasnagar
In Ulhasnagar, the BJP and Shinde Sena contested separately, resulting in a near-equal split: BJP won 37 seats, while Shiv Sena secured 36. To retain control, Shinde’s faction has approached two councillors from the Vanchit Bahujan Party for support.

Third Partner Sought in Kalyan-Dombivli
In Kalyan-Dombivli, the BJP won 50 seats and Shinde Sena 53, despite contesting as allies. Shiv Sena now seeks to install its own mayor and is reportedly in talks with 11 councillors from Shiv Sena (UBT) to support a party-switching strategy.

The post-election negotiations highlight the delicate balancing act between the BJP and Shinde Sena, reflecting the ongoing realignment of power within Maharashtra’s Mahayuti alliance.