Mahayuti Alliance Negotiates Mumbai Mayor Post Amid BMC Election Aftermath

Following the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, the ruling Mahayuti alliance, comprising the BJP and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, secured a narrow majority with 118 seats. The BJP won 89 seats, while Shinde's faction claimed 29. Intense negotiations are underway over the Mumbai mayoral post, with Shinde's Shiv Sena seeking the position for at least the first year, citing Bal Thackeray's birth centenary. To prevent defections, Shinde moved his corporators to a hotel for orientation and loyalty formalities. Opposition Shiv Sena (UBT) and allies hold 106 seats and may consider strategic moves like walkouts. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's return from Davos is awaited for final decisions amid ongoing political maneuvering and speculation of alliance talks involving Uddhav Thackeray and Fadnavis.