While the political atmosphere over the mayoral post in Mumbai Municipal Corporation is heating up, Shiv Sena (Thackeray faction) MP Sanjay Raut has made sensational allegations while strongly criticizing the Mahayuti. Claiming that the internal conflict within the Mahayuti over the mayoral race is becoming evident, Raut said, “Under no circumstances will the Shinde faction's mayor be elected.”
While targeting BJP and the Shinde faction, Sanjay Raut said, “Who will become the mayor in Mumbai is being decided in Delhi, not in Mumbai.” His statement has raised questions about the decision-making process of the ruling party. He also accused that decisions are being imposed from outside, ignoring the mandate of Mumbaikars. Commenting on the tension within the grand alliance, Raut said, “Eknath Shinde and Amit Shah are trying to ensure that Devendra Fadnavis does not become the mayor.” This statement has once again brought the internal differences between BJP and the Shinde faction to the forefront.
These statements indicate that the power struggle within the grand alliance is intensifying. While criticizing the BJP, Raut used aggressive language. “If a BJP mayor sits in Mumbai, this city will drown in a sea of sorrow,” he said, sharply criticizing the BJP's leadership and policies. He accused that a BJP mayor would harm Mumbai's political and cultural traditions. Referring to the long-standing tradition of the Shiv Sena in the Mumbai Municipal Corporation, Raut said, “For many consecutive years, the Shiv Sena had a mayor in the Mumbai Municipal Corporation. This tradition will not be easily broken.” He also claimed that the mandate of Mumbaikars is in favor of the Shiv Sena.
Even with a clear majority in the grand alliance, the tug-of-war over the mayor's post is not just a power struggle, but a battle of egos, said Raut. Currently, with a difference of four to five corporators, major political developments could occur in the coming days, he also indicated. Overall, due to Sanjay Raut's statements, the contest for the mayor's post in the Mumbai Municipal Corporation has intensified further. The entire state of Maharashtra is keenly watching what decision is made at the senior level in the coming days.