Addressing a Mahayuti rally in Worli, Mumbai, Shinde said Mumbai had been “looted for years” and accused previous administrations of neglecting development. “Only during elections do some people remember Marathi Manoos. Mumbai needs development, not emotional politics,” he said, adding that the next mayor of Mumbai would be Marathi.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis echoed Shinde’s remarks, asserting that the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance would ensure Mumbai’s next mayor is both Marathi and Hindu. Fadnavis also said the government would take strict action against illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators allegedly residing in the city. He emphasized that the alliance’s focus was on governance and infrastructure rather than rhetoric.
The political rhetoric comes ahead of voting for 29 municipal corporations across Maharashtra, scheduled for January 15, with results to be declared on January 16. The BMC election, in particular, is being closely watched due to the civic body’s massive annual budget of ₹74,000 crore, making it Asia’s richest municipal corporation.
Shinde also highlighted the state government’s welfare initiatives, citing the Ladki Bahin Yojana, under which eligible women receive ₹1,500 per month. He claimed that leaders who earlier criticized the scheme were now promising similar benefits.
Fadnavis, meanwhile, outlined development plans for Mumbai, including the expansion of a 450-kilometre metro network, 150 kilometres of which are already operational. He also announced a proposed ₹17,000 crore environmental budget aimed at making Mumbai the country’s most eco-friendly metropolis. He reiterated the government’s commitment to providing housing for all residents, including slum dwellers.
The political climate has been further complicated by internal friction within the ruling Mahayuti alliance. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar recently responded sharply to criticism from BJP leaders over candidate selection, underscoring underlying tensions ahead of the civic polls.
The BJP has already secured 44 unopposed wins in municipal elections across the state, while Shinde’s Shiv Sena has won 22 seats unopposed. Opposition leaders, including those from MNS and Shiv Sena (UBT), have alleged pressure tactics and questioned the fairness of uncontested victories.
With direct contests expected in 32 BMC wards between the Mahayuti and the Shiv Sena (UBT)-MNS alliance, the upcoming elections are widely seen as a crucial test of political credibility and control over Mumbai’s civic governance.
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