Eknath Shinde ready to run for BJP mayor in Mumbai? He said, "The mandate given to the Mahayuti..."

News Topical, Digital Desk : Following the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, the mayoral race in Mumbai has become increasingly intense. Meanwhile, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has clearly stated that the Shiv Sena will respect the mandate given to the BJP-led Mahayuti (grand alliance) in the BMC.  

Sources also said that the relocation of 29 elected Shiv Sena councillors to a five-star hotel in Mumbai is being unnecessarily blown out of proportion. In fact, these 29 newly elected councillors were relocated to the hotel after the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance secured a slim majority in the recent municipal elections.

'This was not discussed with the BJP leadership'

There is speculation that Shinde wants the BMC mayor's post for the Shiv Sena, at least for the first two and a half years, as this is the birth centenary year of the party's founder, the late Bal Thackeray. Shiv Sena sources say Shinde knows his party won't get the post and hasn't yet discussed the issue with the BJP leadership. However, he doesn't want to give the impression that he's backing down.

You will get a place in important committees!

A close aide of Deputy CM Eknath Shinde said, "Shiv Sainiks want the party to have its own mayor on the occasion of Balasaheb Thackeray's birth centenary. Although Shinde knows that the BJP will not accept the demand for a Shiv Sena mayor, there is no harm in a public discussion. Shinde cannot be seen as a leader who will back down. At least the party will get a place in some other important committees."

No intention to violate the mandate: Shinde

According to sources, Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde has categorically stated that he has no intention of violating the mandate given to the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance in Mumbai. He also stated that discussions about relocating 29 elected Shiv Sena councillors to a five-star hotel in Mumbai to prevent them from switching sides are unnecessary.

Sources said this is a training workshop for the newly elected members and an opportunity for Shinde to get acquainted with them and tell them what he expects from them.

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