Mumbai, Jan 19 (IANS) Following the declaration of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) election results, a hidden power struggle has surfaced within the Mahayuti alliance.

Despite securing a collective majority, a rift over the prestigious mayoral post has emerged between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena, prompting both parties to adopt defensive strategies.

As a precautionary measure, the Mumbai BJP leadership on Monday issued a “stay put” order to its 89 corporators.

The party has strictly directed all its representatives not to leave Mumbai for the next 10 days.

Corporators have been informed that in the event of an absolute emergency requiring travel outside the city, prior written permission must be obtained from senior party leaders.

In the recently concluded elections, the BJP emerged as the single largest party with 89 corporators.

Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena, which contested 90 seats, managed to win only 29.

However, the BJP remains short of the magic number required to control the BMC independently, making the support of Shinde’s 29 corporators critical for forming the government.

Leveraging their “kingmaker” position, Shinde Sena corporators have raised a firm demand for the Mayor’s post.

Citing the birth centenary year of the late Balasaheb Thackeray, the party argues that a Shiv Sainik should lead the city during this milestone year.

To safeguard his flock and prevent potential “poaching” or internal splits, Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena chief leader Eknath Shinde moved all 29 newly elected corporators to a city hotel immediately following the results.

They have remained stationed there under strict vigil, signalling the start of “hotel politics” in the capital.

The political climate is expected to reach a boiling point by January 22, when the lottery for the mayoral post reservation is scheduled to take place.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is currently in Davos for the World Economic Forum and is expected to return to Mumbai on January 24.

A final decision on the mayoral candidate and the power-sharing formula between the two allies is likely to be finalised only after his return.

As both parties dig in their heels, the next 72 hours will be crucial in determining who will ultimately wear the mayoral crown in India’s richest municipal corporation.

Observers suggest that the political atmosphere in Mumbai is tense as both alliance partners manoeuvre for dominance in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, leading to speculation about whether the alliance remains stable or if “poaching” of corporators is a legitimate threat.

–IANS

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