Who will be the mayor of Mumbai? Will the Shinde faction play a power-sharing game? Despite the majority, the suspense remains.

News Topical, Digital Desk : Even after the BJP and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena alliance secured a clear majority in the 227-seat Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) council, uncertainty looms over the next mayor of the city.

Although the rules do not mandate the largest party to win the mayoral post, history shows that parties with majority often occupy the post.

The BJP won 89 seats, the Shinde-led Shiv Sena secured 29, while the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) emerged as the second-largest party with 65. The previous mayor, Kishori Pednekar, also from the Shiv Sena, won her seat this time.

Shiv Sena (UBT) takes a tough stand

Amid all this, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has adopted an aggressive stance. He targeted Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, alleging that his faction is scared of the BJP.

Addressing the newly elected councillors at Matoshree, Uddhav said, 'BJP may claim that Shiv Sena is finished on paper, but it has failed to finish it on the ground and cannot buy loyalty despite adopting all means.'

Demand for power sharing

On Saturday, the Shinde-led Shiv Sena shifted its newly elected councillors to a luxury hotel in Mumbai, sparking further political turmoil. Party leaders say the move was taken to ward off election fatigue.

Shinde congratulated the councillors, while councillor Ame Ghol said that the Deputy Chief Minister will discuss the city's development plans, implementation of the manifesto and the five-year roadmap.

Shiv Sena officials claimed the party would contest the mayoral position for the first 2.5 years under the power-sharing formula, as the BJP lacks the seat to appoint a mayor on its own. They also demanded division of key committee positions, including the chairmanship of the Standing Committee.

No differences: Fadnavis

Amidst all this, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has completely dismissed rumors of a switch in party lines. He said that the Mahayuti (grand alliance) will elect a mayor in Mumbai by consensus.

"Eknath Shinde, I, and other leaders from both parties will meet and decide together who will be the mayor of Mumbai and for how long. There will be no disagreement. Everything will run smoothly. Together, we will run Mumbai efficiently."

Taking a dig at Uddhav's comment that 'Dev' (God) will help Shiv Sena (UBT), Fadnavis said that he is also called 'Deva' and the God above has decided that the Mahayuti will have the mayor.

Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut said that the opposition has enough numbers to challenge the ruling party, but they will respect democracy.

According to municipal corporation sources, the mayoral election is expected to take place on January 28, 2026, when a special meeting will be called by the city secretary and commissioner. The election will be conducted by a vote of councilors in the House.

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