Sena moves corporators to hotel: Numbers game in Mumbai as BJP wins big in BMC, but team Shinde stronger in Thane
BJP leader and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said there is “no question of horse trading or poaching” even as Shiv Sena leaders said they were taking precautions as discussions were underway.
In the BMC, the BJP has emerged as the largest party with 89 seats in the 227-member House. The Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde has won 29 seats, making its support necessary for government formation. (File photo)
The results of the municipal corporation elections in Mumbai and other cities like Thane and Kalyan-Dombivli have led to tough negotiations and manoeuvring between the BJP and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, as both parties work through different power situations across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).
On Saturday, the Sena started moving its elected representatives in Mumbai to a five-star hotel in the city, raising eyebrows in political circles.
In the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the BJP has emerged as the largest party with 89 seats in the 227-member House. However, it is short of the majority mark of 114 needed to form the civic government.
The Shiv Sena, led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, has won 29 seats, making its support necessary for government formation. Leaders have indicated that without the Sena, “it would be difficult to form a stable civic administration” and a party functionary indicated that discussions are hence likely on the sharing of power, including the mayor’s post and control of the Standing Committee, which handles the civic body’s finances.
On moving its elected representatives to a hotel in Mumbai, a Sena leader said, “This is a precautionary step to keep the group together while talks with alliance partners continue.”
Speaking about the situation, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated, “There is no question of horse trading or poaching… I think they (Shinde) must have called all the corporators in a hotel as we have called all the corporators for a meeting.”
Shinde Sena to call shots in Thane
The situation is different in the Thane Municipal Corporation, where the Shinde Sena has won 75 of the 131 seats and can form the civic government on its own. The BJP, which won 28 seats, has said that it may choose to sit in the Opposition if it is not given a meaningful role in the civic administration.
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BJP MLA Sanjay Kelkar said the party would take a call based on how power is shared. “If we do not get proper respect in the civic setup, we will have to think differently. Sitting in the Opposition is also an option,” he said.
BJP leader Niranjan Davkhare SL said the party would not shy away from playing the role of an effective Opposition if required. “We have responsibilities towards the people who voted for us. If needed, we can sit in the Opposition and ensure that the administration functions properly,” he said.
Close results in Kalyan-Dombivli
In the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation, the result has been very close. The Shinde Sena has won 52 seats in the 122-member House, just one more than the BJP’s 51. As no party has crossed the majority mark, talks are continuing.
BJP leaders in the area have said the party should be allowed to try forming the government, given its near-equal strength.
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In contrast, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation has delivered a clear result. The BJP has secured a majority and is set to form the civic government on its own.
At the state level, the BJP-led alliance has won control of 25 of Maharashtra’s 29 municipal corporations. However, the developments in Mumbai and nearby cities show that local results have created new challenges within the alliance.
Official BMC figures show that the BJP secured the highest vote share in the election, while the Shinde Sena’s vote share was much lower. Even so, the Sena’s seat count has placed it at the centre of the government formation process.
Vallabh Ozarkar is a Senior Correspondent with The Indian Express' Mumbai bureau, recognized as an authoritative and deeply knowledgeable voice on the politics, governance, and infrastructure of Maharashtra. With more than nine years of experience in major news organizations, his reporting delivers high standards of Expertise and Trustworthiness.
Expertise & Authority
Current Role: Senior Correspondent, The Indian Express, Mumbai bureau.
Geographical Specialization: Provides exclusive and detailed coverage of Maharashtra politics and governance, operating at the epicenter of the state's decision-making in Mumbai.
Core Authority: His reporting demonstrates deep Expertise across critical and often complex state matters, including:
Political Dynamics: In-depth analysis of the ruling coalition (Mahayuti) and opposition (MVA), internal party conflicts, and crucial election updates, including local body polls and municipal corporation tussles.
Governance & Policy: Focused coverage on significant state policies, such as the overhaul of Mumbai's 'pagdi system' (rent control for old buildings) and social welfare schemes (e.g., Ladki Bahin Yojana accountability).
Infrastructure & Development: Reports on major urban and regional infrastructure projects, including the Mumbai Water Metro, Uttan-Virar Sea Link, and Thane Metro development.
Administrative Oversight: Follows legislative actions, cabinet decisions, and reports on issues of accountability and alleged fraud within state departments.
Experience
Current Role: His role at The Indian Express—a leading national daily—validates the credibility and standard of his reporting.
Career Foundation: Prior to The Indian Express, Vallabh contributed to other major metropolitan news outlets, including the Mumbai Mirror and DNA - Daily News & Analysis, providing a solid foundation in rigorous urban and political journalism.
Evidence of Impact: His work consistently breaks down complex political developments and administrative failures, such as exposing discrepancies in government welfare schemes, cementing his reputation as a trusted source for ground-level, impactful news from Maharashtra.
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