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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.

Your Vote, Your Future: Choosing the Path to a Stronger United Maharashtra

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As you vote today, ask yourself: What are we voting for? Voting is more than a civic duty; it shapes the future of our nation and state. The choices we make today will define tomorrow’s priorities, policies, and leadership.


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Maharashtra, much like India, is a land of rich diversity. But our true strength lies in our ability to unite across differences—culture, language, or religion. When you vote, choose leadership that embraces this diversity, fosters inclusivity, and promotes social justice. A governance model that respects every community while binding us together with shared values and common goals will ensure that no one is left behind in our journey toward progress.


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The future of Maharashtra is not just about lofty promises—it is about actionable, transformative change. The idea of a better Maharashtra lies in F.U.T.U.R.E., a forward-thinking vision that prioritises all-round development, propelling the state into a new era of growth and prosperity:


F = Future of Work: We must equip our youth with the skills and opportunities to succeed in the global economy. Vote for a Maharashtra that fosters innovation, entrepreneurship, and the future of work, ensuring our youth are well prepared for the challenges ahead.


U = Universal Development of Urban & Rural Maharashtra: Growth must be shared between urban and rural areas, with no community left behind. Vote for policies that ensure equitable development across the state—where prosperity reaches every corner, from the heart of Mumbai to the farthest villages of Maharashtra.


T = Better Transport: Vote for a state where mobility is seamless and infrastructure bridges gaps and creates opportunities. A well-connected Maharashtra is a Maharashtra on the move—economically, socially, and culturally.


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R = Empowering Rural Maharashtra: Vote for a rural Maharashtra that grows alongside its urban counterparts. Rural Maharashtra is the backbone of our economy. Policies must empower farmers, entrepreneurs, and workers with the resources, education, and technology to thrive in a competitive world.


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Celebrate Democracy

Elections celebrate democracy where every voice matters and every vote counts. This is your chance to play an active role in determining the future of Maharashtra. The larger the voter turnout, the stronger the mandate. Your vote is a tool of empowerment, a call to action for those in leadership to work for the people.


(The author is Publicity Secretary, ABVP in Mumbai. Views personal.)

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