top of page

By:

Abhijit Mulye

21 August 2024 at 11:29:11 am

Shinde dilutes demand

Likely to be content with Deputy Mayor’s post in Mumbai Mumbai: In a decisive shift that redraws the power dynamics of Maharashtra’s urban politics, the standoff over the prestigious Mumbai Mayor’s post has ended with a strategic compromise. Following days of resort politics and intense backroom negotiations, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena has reportedly diluted its demand for the top job in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), settling instead for the Deputy Mayor’s post. This...

Shinde dilutes demand

Likely to be content with Deputy Mayor’s post in Mumbai Mumbai: In a decisive shift that redraws the power dynamics of Maharashtra’s urban politics, the standoff over the prestigious Mumbai Mayor’s post has ended with a strategic compromise. Following days of resort politics and intense backroom negotiations, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena has reportedly diluted its demand for the top job in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), settling instead for the Deputy Mayor’s post. This development, confirmed by high-ranking party insiders, follows the realization that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) effectively ceded its claims on the Kalyan-Dombivali Municipal Corporation (KDMC) to protect the alliance, facilitating a “Mumbai for BJP, Kalyan for Shinde” power-sharing formula. The compromise marks a complete role reversal between the BJP and the Shiv Sena. Both the political parties were in alliance with each other for over 25 years before 2017 civic polls. Back then the BJP used to get the post of Deputy Mayor while the Shiv Sena always enjoyed the mayor’s position. In 2017 a surging BJP (82 seats) had paused its aggression to support the undivided Shiv Sena (84 seats), preferring to be out of power in the Corporation to keep the saffron alliance intact. Today, the numbers dictate a different reality. In the recently concluded elections BJP emerged as the single largest party in Mumbai with 89 seats, while the Shinde faction secured 29. Although the Shinde faction acted as the “kingmaker”—pushing the alliance past the majority mark of 114—the sheer numerical gap made their claim to the mayor’s post untenable in the long run. KDMC Factor The catalyst for this truce lies 40 kilometers north of Mumbai in Kalyan-Dombivali, a region considered the impregnable fortress of Eknath Shinde and his son, MP Shrikant Shinde. While the BJP performed exceptionally well in KDMC, winning 50 seats compared to the Shinde faction’s 53, the lotter for the reservation of mayor’s post in KDMC turned the tables decisively in favor of Shiv Sena there. In the lottery, the KDMC mayor’ post went to be reserved for the Scheduled Tribe candidate. The BJP doesn’t have any such candidate among elected corporatros in KDMC. This cleared the way for Shiv Sena. Also, the Shiv Sena tied hands with the MNS in the corporation effectively weakening the Shiv Sena (UBT)’s alliance with them. Party insiders suggest that once it became clear the BJP would not pursue the KDMC Mayor’s chair—effectively acknowledging it as Shinde’s fiefdom—he agreed to scale down his demands in the capital. “We have practically no hope of installing a BJP Mayor in Kalyan-Dombivali without shattering the alliance locally,” a Mumbai BJP secretary admitted and added, “Letting the KDMC become Shinde’s home turf is the price for securing the Mumbai Mayor’s bungalow for a BJP corporator for the first time in history.” The formal elections for the Mayoral posts are scheduled for later this month. While the opposition Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA)—led by the Shiv Sena (UBT)—has vowed to field candidates, the arithmetic heavily favors the ruling alliance. For Eknath Shinde, accepting the Deputy Mayor’s post in Mumbai is a tactical retreat. It allows him to consolidate his power in the MMR belt (Thane and Kalyan) while remaining a partner in Mumbai’s governance. For the BJP, this is a crowning moment; after playing second fiddle in the BMC for decades, they are poised to finally install their own “First Citizen” of Mumbai.

The Rebel In The Family

Updated: Nov 7, 2024

Dhananjay Munde

As Agriculture Minister, Dhananjay Munde has taken several decisions for the benefit of the agriculture and the farmers in the state over the past year and now it as if he is getting ready to assume the larger role of saviour of farmers after the Assembly elections.


Born on July 15, 1975, in Parli, Beed, he is the nephew of the late Gopinath Munde, a BJP veteran. While following his uncle’s footsteps his political career began initially with the ABVP and later in the form of his association with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), where he served as the President of the Youth Wing (BJYM). He was being looked at as the political heir apparent of his uncle. However, when he realised that his cousin sister Pankaja Munde was being promoted in the politics by his uncle, he parted ways and switched allegiance to the NCP, where he found his political footing and rose through the ranks.


In the 2019 Maharashtra Legislative Assembly elections, Dhananjay won the Parli constituency, defeating Pankaja. This victory was significant as it marked a shift in the political landscape of the region, traditionally dominated by the BJP. His win was attributed to his grassroots connect and his ability to address local issues effectively.


Dhananjay’s leadership style is characterized by his ability to connect with the masses and his commitment to addressing their concerns. He is known for his extensive tours of his constituency, where he interacts directly with the people, listens to their grievances, and works towards resolving their issues. His down-to-earth image and dedication to public service have earned him a loyal following.


Despite his achievements, Dhananjay’s political career has not been without controversies. In January 2021, he faced a rape allegation, which was later withdrawn. He refuted the allegations and continued to focus on his political responsibilities. This episode demonstrated his resilience and determination to uphold his integrity.


In this election, Dhananjay is expected to play a double role as an elder brother after his reunion with Pankaja and a trusted lieutenant of NCP chief Ajit Pawar. The NCP’s poll success in Marathwada largely depends upon how Dhananjay mobilises the cadre. He knows the pulse of the people. However, the caste equation is not in his favour. Being an OBC he is likely to face a stiff opposition from the Maratha community. If he could sail through his party Dhananjay would emerge as a force to be reckon with. If he fails, he might choose to return to the BJP for a better prospectus.

Comments

bottom of page